Physical activity may delay cognitive decline and improve executive function, memory, and verbal fluency in older adults, according to a meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open. The study reviewed 104 studies involving over 340,000 participants to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and cognitive outcomes. Results showed that physical activity was associated with a decreased…
Following COVID-19, Accenture and a team of companies collaborated to create solutions to help Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) prepare for future public health challenges. Rachel Oldham, a manager at Accenture, will discuss the team’s work at the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition in Orlando. The session will cover the background, best practices,…
The cyberattack on Change Healthcare has affected medical practices, causing delays in billing and leaving providers struggling to cover expenses. Attempts are being made to restore electronic payment systems, but solutions are slow, and many are resorting to paper claims. The attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare system to hackers, prompting calls for increased…
In a Healio Video Perspective from Retina 2024, Dr. Lejla Vajzovic discusses advancements in gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at a conference in Hawaii. Several companies are currently conducting trials to evaluate different gene therapy delivery options for AMD, including subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal approaches. Dr. Vajzovic expresses excitement about the progress…
STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage discussion on challenging topics. The article discusses the CDC’s new Covid isolation guidance, highlighting ongoing risks and the prevalence of long Covid. It criticizes the policy for focusing on self-interest rather than viral load and suggests measures to reduce spread….
The target of 10,000 steps a day originated from a successful Japanese marketing campaign in the mid-1960s by a company called Yamasa. The campaign capitalized on the popularity of the Tokyo Olympics by introducing the world’s first step counter called a manop-kei, translating to “10,000 step meter.” This target has since been widely adopted as…
The first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, will soon be available in major retailers without the need for a prescription. Manufactured by Perrigo, Opill contains only one hormone, progestin, making it safer than combination pills. The pill works by preventing pregnancy in multiple ways, such as inhibiting sperm entry and ovulation. While it will offer…
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions globally, caused by the body’s inability to produce or utilize insulin. Effective disease management is crucial to prevent long-term complications like heart disease. A study in Portugal assessed T2D knowledge in insulin-treated and non-treated patients, finding varying levels of understanding. While many knew about nutrition and…
The tween years, ages 8-12, bring on physical changes like puberty, independence, and a shift towards peers as primary influences. As parents, it’s crucial to maintain communication and provide structure and guidance while allowing for independence. Unhealthy peer pressure, body image issues, and romantic interests may arise, so it’s essential to approach these topics with…
A phase 2 study presented at the Conference on Retrovirus and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Denver showed that a once-daily oral combination therapy for HIV consisting of bictegravir plus lenacapavir is more effective than complex regimens. The study involved 128 participants who had been on a stable baseline regimen for six months before screening, with…
