Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Family Practice for February 2015. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
AMA: Key Steps for Minimizing Liability Risk in Telemedicine
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Key steps should be taken to minimize the potential risk of liability resulting from use of telemedicine, according to an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Oral Bisphosphonate Use Tied to Lower Endometrial Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women, oral bisphosphonate use is associated with a reduction in the risk of endometrial cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
No Response to Statin May Mean More Rapid Atheroma Progression
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Twenty percent of people with coronary artery disease experience little or no reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from statin treatment, according to research published online Feb. 26 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Distinct Immune Changes Seen in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Sx
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) appears to be linked to specific changes in a person’s immune system, particularly increased amounts of chemical messengers that regulate immune responses, researchers report. The new study was published online Feb. 27 in Science Advances.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Dr. Craig Spencer Speaks Out About His Ebola Experience
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many U.S. politicians and media outlets hyped the threat of U.S. cases of Ebola last year, according to a newly written personal account by Craig Spencer, M.D., M.P.H., the last American Ebola patient treated in the United States. He also believes that officials and the media unnecessarily maligned those who were risking their lives to combat the West African epidemic.
Full Text
Screening for DM at Dental Visit May Be Effective Strategy
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The dentist’s office may be a good place to screen people for diabetes, according to new research published online Feb. 25 in the American Journal of Public Health.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stress Ups Risk of Peptic Ulcer Regardless of H. Pylori Status
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Psychological stress correlates with increased risk of peptic ulcer, with similar effects associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers unrelated to either H. pylori or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to a study published in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Circadian Clock Has Significant Impact on Allergic Reaction
FRIDAY, Feb. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The circadian clock seems to have a significant impact on allergic reaction, according to a review published online Feb. 17 in Allergy.
Home Walking Program Improves Erectile Function After MI
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with recent acute myocardial infarction, a home-based walking program is associated with a reduction in reported erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a study published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Abdominal Obesity Ups Risk of Hip Fracture
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Abdominal obesity is associated with increased risk of hip fracture, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Longer Needles Recommended for Epinephrine Autoinjectors
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Given the increasing epidemic of obesity, epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs) for anaphylaxis require longer needles to ensure intramuscular injection, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Allergy.
CBT, Sertraline Insufficient in Diabetes and Depression
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes and depression, improvements in depression are seen with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or sertraline, with a significant advantage for sertraline, but glycemic control remains unchanged with both treatments, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Struggle With Routine Tasks Predicts Adverse CHF Outcomes
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Heart failure patients who struggle to perform daily tasks are at increased risk for hospitalization and death, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Circulation: Heart Failure.
Benefits/Risks Seen in Pregnancy Post Bariatric Surgery
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — After undergoing weight-loss surgery, women are significantly less prone to diabetes during pregnancy but twice as likely to deliver smaller-than-normal infants, according to a study published in the Feb. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Use of Injected Opioid Tied to HIV Outbreak in Indiana
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Addicts’ use of a powerful painkiller is driving a large HIV outbreak in Indiana, according to health officials.
Health Highlights: Feb. 26, 2015
CDC: In U.S., Half Million C. Difficile Infections in 2011
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost half a million Americans were infected with the bacteria Clostridium difficile in 2011, and 29,000 died within a month of diagnosis, U.S. health officials say. The report is published in the Feb. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Incidence of Viral Pneumonia Up in Young Children
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Young children are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill with pneumonia — but unlike in years past, the cause is usually a respiratory virus, according to a study published in the Feb. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Sleeping More Than Eight Hours a Night May Up Stroke Risk
THURSDAY, Feb. 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults who sleep more than eight hours a night may face a higher risk of stroke, a new analysis suggests. The study was published online Feb. 25 in Neurology.
Water Fluoridation Linked to Hypothyroidism in Britain
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A British study has found a correlation between the amount of fluoride in public drinking water and a rise in incidence of hypothyroidism. The findings were published online Feb. 24 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Shorter Hospital Stay Tied to Higher Mortality Post-Hip Fx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Older patients with a broken hip are more likely to die after the fracture if they’re discharged from the hospital early, according to a study published Feb. 24 in The BMJ.
~4 Percent Increase in Primary Care Visits Expected With ACA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The greater number of Americans with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act will lead to only a slight increase in the use of medical services, and the health system can cope with the added demand, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund.
Essential Role for Pediatricians in Care of Sexual Exploitation Victims
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians have a role to play in identification and treatment of victims of child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), according to a clinical report published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
Review: More Whole Grains, Less Coronary Heart Disease
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Higher dietary intake of whole grains may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a meta-analysis published in the March 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Younger Women Hesitate to Raise ‘False Alarm’ in MI
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Younger women may ignore early warning signs of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a new study reveals. The finding could help explain why younger women have higher rates of death from AMI than men in their age group. The study was published online Feb. 24 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Characteristics of Tuberculosis Source Cases Identified
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In 26 U.S. tuberculosis outbreaks the initial source case-patients had long incubation periods and were characterized by substance abuse, incarceration, and homelessness, according to a study published in the March issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Disease.
Full Text
Suicide Deemed Public Health Concern in Genitourinary Cancers
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Suicide is a public health concern for patients with genitourinary cancer, especially bladder cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Cancer.
Remote Patient Monitoring Sector Increasing Rapidly
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The remote patient monitoring sector is growing rapidly and could have a considerable impact on health care, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Even Short Term Use of NSAID With Anticoagulant Ill Advised
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may raise the risk for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and/or serious bleeding among MI survivors taking prescription anticoagulants, with no safe window period, according to new research. Bleeding risk rose even within the first three days of NSAID use, the team noted in a study published in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Bouts of Intense Anger Greatly Up Heart Attack Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intense anger or anxiety greatly increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), according to a new study published online Feb. 23 in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care.
CDC: Use of Long-Acting Birth Control on Rise in U.S.
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The use of long-acting birth control methods such as intrauterine devices or contraceptive implants jumped five-fold between 2002 and 2011, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics as a February data brief.
Water Used to Mix Baby Formula Plays Role in Arsenic Level
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The water used to mix baby formula plays the biggest role in whether formula-fed babies are exposed to increased levels of arsenic, according to a new study. The findings were reported online Feb. 23 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Centralized Reminder System Could Increase Vaccination Rates
TUESDAY, Feb. 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A centralized statewide reminder system for immunizations may be a more reliable way to increase overall vaccination rates than reminders from a doctor’s office, according to a report published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Frequent Sauna Use Linked to Heart Health Benefits in Men
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who use saunas frequently may be less likely to die from heart disease, according to research published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Dishwasher Use May Increase Risk of Allergies in Children
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hand washing dishes instead of using a machine to wash dishes may reduce children’s risk of developing allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema, according to a new study. The findings were published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
Undiagnosed/Untreated HIV Implicated in Most New Cases
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Undiagnosed and untreated people with HIV may be responsible for more than nine out of 10 new infections, according to research published online Feb. 23 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
New AAP Diet Recommendations Stress ‘Whole Food’ Diet
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the importance of introducing children to a wide variety of whole foods — from fruits and vegetables, to whole grains and nuts, to fish and low-fat dairy. And to do that, parents need to make the foods palatable, according to the authors of a policy statement published online Feb. 23 in Pediatrics.
High Fracture Risk Could Indicate Periodontal Disease Too
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Postmenopausal women who are at high risk for fractures may also be at increased risk for gum disease, according to a study published in the January issue of Menopause.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC Investigating Newly Discovered Tick-Borne Virus
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An otherwise healthy man in Kansas became infected with a newly discovered type of virus after he was bitten by ticks, and he died of a related illness 11 days later, health official reported Friday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team noted that the newly identified virus is a novel member of the genus Thogotovirus, which has been linked to transmission by ticks and mosquitoes in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Full Text
Chikungunya Virus Infection Can Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus causes joint pain and swelling similar to rheumatoid arthritis, which can make diagnosis difficult, according to research published online Jan. 20 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
No Temporal Change in Incidence of Amniotic Fluid Embolism
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of and risk factors for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) have not changed over time, according to a study published online Feb. 12 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Variation in Clinical Practice Guidelines for Febrile Infants
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Emergency department clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations contribute to observed practice variation in febrile infants, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Noncancer Pain Patients Commonly Use Benzodiazepines
MONDAY, Feb. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) patients who use benzodiazepines (BZDs) daily frequently have multiple comorbid mental health conditions and higher rates of emergency health care use, according to a study published in the February issue of Pain Medicine.
Patterns of Childhood Growth May Trigger Type 2 Diabetes
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Certain trajectories of body mass index (BMI) during childhood may increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) later in life, according to research published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Patients Say Cost Matters Greatly in Choosing Doctor
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number one determining factor for selecting a doctor is whether the physician is in-network, according to a report published by Vitals.
Measles Can Lead to Ophthalmic Complications
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In the midst of the current resurgence of measles across the United States, ophthalmologists are warning that even before the telltale skin rash appears, the infection typically shows up in the eyes. In rare cases, measles can trigger long-term vision problems and even blindness.
FDA: People With Peanut Allergy Should Avoid Cumin Products
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A huge recall of products that contain cumin spice possibly contaminated with peanut has been ongoing in the United States since December, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning people with peanut allergy to avoid cumin and all products that contain cumin.
Americans Living Longer Post-Cancer, but Disparities Remain
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Survival rates are improving for many people with cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, liver, and colon or rectum, especially for those diagnosed at younger ages, according to research published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Fast-Replicating HIV Strains Damage Immune System Earlier
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fast-replicating strains of HIV damage the immune system in the very early stages of infection, resulting in quicker disease progression, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Ebola Transmitted Via Cough Possible, Not Likely
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Based on prior evidence, health workers dealing with Ebola primarily have worried about disease transmission from a patient’s blood, vomit, and feces, all of which contain high levels of virus as symptoms progress, but health care workers also might need to worry about a patient’s cough, authors speculate online Feb. 19 in mBio.
CDC: Increase in Hypothermia Deaths Over Past Decade
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More people are dying from hypothermia in the United States, according to research published in the Feb. 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text
Researchers Question Benefits of Treadmill Desks
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new study may dampen some of the enthusiasm about treadmill desks. Researchers found that the desks are expensive, challenging to incorporate into an office setting, and may do little to boost meaningful activity levels. Findings from the study were published recently in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Better Informed Women Less Likely to Want Mammogram
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Educating women about the possibility of overdiagnosis from mammography screening may make some of them less likely to get the test, new research suggests. The study was published online Feb. 17 in The Lancet.
Lack of Sleep Tied to Increased Levels of Free Fatty Acids
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research helps explain why getting too little sleep might boost diabetes risk. The study was published online Feb. 19 in Diabetologia.
Full Text
Phthalates in First Trimester May Affect Male Fertility
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — When expectant mothers are exposed to phthalates during the first trimester, their male offspring may have a greater risk of infertility later in life, a new study suggests. The report was published online Feb. 18 in Human Reproduction.
HealthDay/Harris Poll: Americans Still Divided Over ACA
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act remains one of the most significant — and controversial — achievements of President Barack Obama’s presidency. And Americans remain deeply divided over the health-care reform law that was signed by Obama five years ago, a HealthDay/Harris Poll released Thursday found.
Unhealthy Outpacing Healthy Eating in Most World Regions
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although people around the world are eating more healthy foods, that positive trend has been outpaced by a rising consumption of unhealthy foods, according to research published in the March issue of The Lancet Global Health.
Breast Milk Consumption Trending Among Body Builders
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some bodybuilders are drinking human breast milk in the mistaken belief it will give a boost to their muscles.
Health Highlights: Feb. 18, 2015
Propranolol Effective for Infantile Hemangioma
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Propranolol (Inderal) appears to be effective in treating infantile hemangiomas, according to research published in the Feb. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Household Movement Benefits Elderly With Mobility Issues
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults with physical impairments, simply reducing sedentary time benefits heart health, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Varicella Zoster Linked to Giant Cell Arteritis
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research links the varicella zoster virus to giant cell arteritis. The study was published online Feb. 18 in Neurology.
‘Remission’ Replaces ‘Functional Cure’ in HIV Case
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All babies born with HIV should receive the same rapid medical response as the young Mississippi girl born with the virus who suffered a disappointing relapse last July, despite the fact that the virus later reappeared, according to a letter published in the Feb. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text
Doctors, Pharmacists Least Likely Health Pros to Divorce
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Doctors appear less likely to get divorced than most other health care professionals, according to research published online Feb. 18 in The BMJ.
Full Text
Editorial subscription or payment may be required)
Fear of Discrimination Keeps Many LGBT Med Students Silent
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fear of discrimination is a major reason why about one-third of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) medical students stay “in the closet,” new research finds. The study was published online Feb. 16 in Academic Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Research Finds No Cancer Link With Pimecrolimus
THURSDAY, Feb. 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream used to treat eczema in children does not appear to increase the risk of cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in JAMA Dermatology.
New Sleep Guidelines Issued by National Sleep Foundation
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the youngest and oldest, the National Sleep Foundation has new guidelines on what constitutes a good night’s rest. The new guidelines were developed by a panel of 12 experts who examined the findings of 320 studies, and were published online in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation.
Fatigue, Distraction Play Role in Risk of Low Back Pain
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Significant risk factors for low back pain include fatigue, manual labor involving awkward positions, and being distracted during an activity, according to research findings reported online Feb. 9 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Few Doctors Would Consider Euthanasia in Psychiatric Disease
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Few physicians would find euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (EAS) conceivable for patients with psychiatric disease, dementia, or those who are “tired of living,” according to a study from the Netherlands published online Feb. 18 in the Journal of Medical Ethics.
Article Emphasizes Importance of Apology in Medical Error
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Apology laws, which prohibit certain statements or expressions of sympathy by a physician from being admissible in a lawsuit, are unnecessary if physicians understand the importance of saying sorry and offering accountability after an error, according to an article published Feb. 4 in Medical Economics.
Full Text
Cancer Survivors Need Healthful Lifestyle Advice
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Clinical interventions should be implemented to help cancer survivors make lifestyle behavior changes, according to research published online Feb. 13 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Many Women Not Receiving Recommended Radiation Tx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many American women with locally-advanced breast cancer do not receive recommended radiation therapy after mastectomy, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Post-Electrophysiology Mortality Usually Not Related to Procedure
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Half of major complications within 30 days of electrophysiology (EP) procedures occur after discharge, but the majority of deaths are not directly related to the procedure, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
Varenicline May Help Smokers Not Yet Ready to Quit
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Varenicline (Chantix) can boost the likelihood that cigarette smokers who aren’t ready to stop cold turkey will cut down gradually, a new study suggests. The research appears in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Data Lacking to Support Childhood Naps Above Age 2
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children over 2 years old who nap during the day tend to go to bed later and get less sleep than those who give up napping, according to research findings published online Feb. 17 in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
CDC: Biggest Rise in Recent Measles Cases in Illinois
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States has reached 141 patients in 17 states and the District of Columbia, federal health officials reported Tuesday.
Cardiovascular Health Calculators Overestimate Actual Risk
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Four of five widely used formulas may overestimate people’s risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by as much as 154 percent in some cases, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. That includes the most recently developed risk calculator, unveiled alongside new treatment guidelines in 2013 by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA).
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Increasing Dietary Fiber Leads to Other Healthy Changes
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A simple high-fiber diet can provide health benefits while being easier to stick with than a diet calling for multiple changes in eating habits, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Young Adult Sore Throat Could Be Due to F. Necrophorum
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fusobacterium necrophorum is responsible for one in five sore throats in young adults, a new study suggests. The report was published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Rates of Injury From Chiropractic Care Assessed in Older Adults
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older Medicare beneficiaries with a neuromusculoskeletal complaint, the risk of injury is lower after an office visit for chiropractic spinal manipulation versus evaluation by a primary care physician, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of Spine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Moderate Exercise Twice Weekly Lowers CV Risk in Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Even a few bouts of moderate exercise each week can cut a middle-aged woman’s odds for coronary heart disease (CHD), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and stroke, according to new research, and exercising more frequently or strenuously may not provide greater reductions in cardiovascular risk. The findings were published online Feb. 16 in Circulation.
Observation Increasingly Used in Younger Men With Prostate CA
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Observation is increasingly being used among men with low-risk prostate cancer who are young and healthy enough for treatment, according to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of Urology.
Contraceptive Patch, Implant Not Tied to Endothelial Activation
TUESDAY, Feb. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cutaneous and subdermal hormonal contraceptives do not induce endothelial activation after four months of use, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
High Deductible Plans Factor Into Physician-Patient Relationship
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In an environment where patients are increasingly aware of the costs of health care, physicians need to be prepared to address these issues with their patients, according to an article published Feb. 4 in Medical Economics.
Full Text
Medical Journals Should Not Be Swayed by Fear of Libel Lawsuits
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fear of corporate defamation lawsuits should not prevent medical journals from investigating corporate products, according to a perspective piece published online Feb. 16 in Pediatrics.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Certain Macrolides Linked With Higher Risk of Pyloric Stenosis
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research supports previous findings that erythromycin can increase the risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The research also indicates that azithromycin is associated with a higher risk of IHPS when given to infants under 6 weeks old. The findings were published online Feb. 16 in the Pediatrics.
Mindfulness Program Helps Seniors Sleep Better
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness meditation may help older adults get a better night’s sleep, according to a study published online Feb. 16 in the JAMA Internal Medicine.
Hot Flashes Linger Long After Final Menses in Many Women
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of women experience menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats for seven years or more, according to research published online Feb. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
At Least 4 to 5 Percent Weight Loss Needed to Cut Diabetes Risk
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For Japanese men with visceral fat accumulation and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) of 5.6 to 6.4 percent, minimization of the risk of diabetes requires a minimum of 4 to 5 percent weight loss, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
More Rapid Refeeding Protocol Seems Safe in Anorexia Nervosa
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Refeeding patients with anorexia nervosa to achieve more rapid weight gain can be safe and effective in a hospital-based protocol, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Many Adults Maintain Adequate Vitamin D With Minimal UVR
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many adults maintain adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels even in periods of minimal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Milk Protein Detected in Some ‘Cow’s Milk-Free’ Baked Goods
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some bakery products sold as free of cow’s milk may not be safe for those with milk allergies because they still contain milk protein, according to research published online Feb. 4 in Allergy.
Use of Nondrug, Nonsurgical Options Low in Hip, Knee OA
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Usage of nondrug, nonoperative interventions in community-dwelling individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is low, according to research published in the February issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Antipsychotic Rx Often Relates to Non-Approved Indications
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with dementia living in nursing homes, the provider’s rationale for use of antipsychotic drug therapy frequently relates to indications for which these drugs are not approved, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Various Strategies Used by Patients With HIV, Chronic Pain
MONDAY, Feb. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with HIV and chronic pain, various pain self-management strategies are employed, including physical activity, cognitive and spiritual strategies, and substance use, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Pain Medicine.
Patients Tend to Prefer Formal Physician Attire
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients often prefer physicians with formal attire and white coats, according to a systematic review published online Jan. 19 in BMJ Open.
Picky Eating Usually Transient Among Preschool Children
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Picky eating is usually a transient behavior in early childhood, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Limited Evidence on Management of Dyslipidemia in HIV
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A detailed guide has been presented for clinicians who manage dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients. The guide, based on and extrapolated from guidelines for the general population, has been published online Feb. 4 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Osteoporosis-Treated Adults Have Elevated Risk of Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women and men below age 70 who are treated for osteoporosis have an excess mortality risk, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Varies With Criteria Applied
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of fibromyalgia varies with the different sets of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria, according to a study published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Latino Physician Shortage Has Worsened Since 1980
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 1980 to 2010 the Latino physician shortage worsened, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in Academic Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
HRT Use, Even Short Term, Tied to Higher Risk of Ovarian CA
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women who use hormone therapy after menopause — even for just a few years — may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to new research. The meta-analysis was published online Feb. 12 in The Lancet.
ASCO Endorses ACS Guideline for Prostate CA Survivor Care
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has endorsed the American Cancer Society (ACS) Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines, according to a report published online Feb. 9 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Exposure to Gas, Dust, Fumes Ups Risk of Mite Sensitization
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Occupational exposure to gas, dust, and fumes (GDF) increases the risk of mite sensitization, and is associated with asthma and wheeze in those who are mite-sensitized, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in Allergy.
Kidney Failure Risk in CKD Up With High-Acid, Meat-Rich Diet
FRIDAY, Feb. 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients struggling with chronic kidney disease who routinely consume meat-rich, highly-acidic diets may boost their risk for kidney failure, according to research published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Maternal Smoking Linked to Shorter Fetal Telomere Length
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal exposure to tobacco is associated with shorter fetal telomere length, according to research published in the February issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Deaths Due to Smoking Underestimated in U.S.
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 480,000 Americans die of smoking-related causes each year, but that figure may be closer to 540,000, researchers from the American Cancer Society report. The findings were published in the Feb. 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
MetS Prevalent Among Seniors at Risk of Mobility Disability
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults at high risk of mobility disability, metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent, according to a study published online Jan. 30 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Mammography Rates Down Since 2009 USPSTF Guidelines
THURSDAY, Feb. 12, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Since the publication of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for mammography in 2009, there has been a decrease in mammography rates among white, Hispanic, and Asian women, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Up for Children With T1DM
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, especially in the six months after diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Diabetes Care.
Human Breast Milk Effective for Infants With Atopic Dermatitis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For infants with atopic dermatitis, topical application of human breast milk has the same efficacy as hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Seven Tips Help Doctors Prepare for Meaningful Use Audits
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Given that physicians are chosen for meaningful use (MU) audits at random, the best way to prepare is for a physician to assume they will be audited, according to an article published Jan. 28 in Medical Economics.
Hepatitis B Screening Endorsed Pre-Immunosuppressive Tx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — All patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapies should undergo routine screening for active or prior hepatitis B viral infection, according to research published in the February issue of Hepatology.
AMA: Use American Heart Month to Focus on Patients’ BP
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — As part of American Heart Month, physicians are encouraged to focus on patients’ blood pressure, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
Low Childhood Vitamin D Levels May Up Adult CVD Risk
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults who had low vitamin D levels as children and teens may be more likely to have atherosclerosis, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Health Benefits of Moderate Drinking May Be Overestimated
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A review of 52,891 British people found little to no health benefit linked to alcohol consumption, once the results were adjusted for a range of personal, social, economic, and lifestyle factors. The findings were published Feb. 10 in The BMJ.
ICDs May Provide Little Benefit When Implanted Over Age 70
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may not benefit all patients to the same degree, as their effectiveness seems to diminish somewhat with the advancing age of the patient, according to a review published online Feb. 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality Outcomes.
Americans’ Complementary Health Approaches Changing
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Yoga is increasingly popular among U.S. adults and children, two new government surveys reveal. Both surveys, which were published Feb. 10 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), looked at the overall use of alternative or complementary medicine among Americans.
Report – Adults
Report – Children
Naps Counteract Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Brief daytime naps might protect against the harmful health effects of a poor night’s sleep, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Iron Supplements Speed Blood Donation Recovery
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose iron supplements speed blood donors’ recovery of iron and hemoglobin, new research shows. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)-funded study was published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
BP Meds Benefit Diabetes Patients, Even Without HTN
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new analysis indicates that people with type 2 diabetes are less likely to suffer myocardial infarctions, strokes, or early mortality when they take blood pressure medications — even if they don’t actually have hypertension. The study was published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
IOM Proposes New Criteria, Name for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic fatigue syndrome, a debilitating illness affecting up to 2.5 million Americans, may soon get a new name and set of diagnostic criteria.
Mercury From Seafood Tied to Higher Levels of Autoantibodies
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The mercury found in some seafood may be linked to autoimmune disorders among women of childbearing age, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Mental Stress Adversely Affects MI Recovery in Younger Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In younger people with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stress may lead to a worse recovery and this may be of particular concern among women, a new study suggests. The report was published online Feb. 9 in Circulation.
Research Misconduct ID’d by FDA Often Unreported in Literature
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A review of U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspection reports between 1998 and 2013 revealed 57 clinical trials in which regulators had uncovered violations serious enough to earn the agency’s most severe classification — “official action indicated,” or OAI. The findings were published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Lung-RADS Criteria Can Reduce False-Positive Result Rate
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of the American College of Radiology Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) classification system for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce the false-positive result rate but also decreases sensitivity, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Multidisciplinary Approach Successful in Chronic Back Pain
TUESDAY, Feb. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medication combined with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program can decrease disability and improve mental health in low back pain patients over several years, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Oxytocin in Labor Not Linked With Later ADHD in Child
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Augmentation of labor with the medication oxytocin does not seem to raise the risk of having a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
HPV Vaccination Does Not Seem to Promote Unsafe Sex in Teens
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) does not appear to increase unsafe sexual practices among teen girls, according to a new study published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Eight Clinical Signs of Impending Death Identified
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they have identified eight specific physical signs that strongly indicate impending death in patients with advanced cancer. The findings have been reported online Feb. 9 in Cancer.
Advantages of Shorter Resident Shifts Found Lacking
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Shorter shifts for medical residents don’t appear to be making any big improvements in doctors’ fatigue levels or in patient care, new research shows. The study was published online Feb. 9 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Confidence Not Accurate Measure of Prescribing Competence
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For medical students, self-reported confidence in prescribing only weakly correlates with actual competence, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
AMA Provides Key Messages for Patients About Vaccination
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should be prepared for questions about the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA has offered advice for answering patient questions on vaccination.
Some Angiotensin Receptor Blockers More Potent Than Others
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Different angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have distinct potencies for suppressing adrenal β-arrestin1 (βarr1)-dependent post-myocardial infarction (MI) hyperaldosteronism, according to a letter published in the Dec. 30 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Elevated Risk of Psychiatric Dx in Adults Born Very Premature
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — People who were born very preterm may be at higher risk of anxiety disorders and certain other mental health issues, even into their 30s, a new study suggests. The findings, published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics, give a picture of how preemies fare as they move through adulthood.
Residential Program Cuts CVD Risk Factors in Obese Youth
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Extremely obese adolescents in an intensive 10-month residential treatment program lost more weight than their counterparts, and appeared to reverse endothelial dysfunction that could lead to atherosclerosis, according to a new study published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
Review: Some Nonpharmacologic Tx Effective in Peds GI Disorders
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Certain nonpharmacologic treatments are effective in pediatric abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs), according to a review published online Feb. 9 in Pediatrics.
Case Series Addresses Spine Tumors in Pregnancy
MONDAY, Feb. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For most pregnant patients with benign spine tumors, surgery can be postponed until after delivery, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of Spine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Soy Food, Isoflavone Intake Not Linked to Endometrial Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Soy food/isoflavone intake is not associated with endometrial cancer risk in Japanese women, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Motivational Interviewing Can Help Reach Nonadherent Patients
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Motivational interviewing can be a useful approach for reaching noncompliant patients, according to an article published Jan. 22 in Medical Economics.
Implant, Hormonal IUD Effective Beyond FDA-Approved Duration
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The contraceptive implant and the 52-mg hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) seem to be effective beyond the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved duration, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stress in America: Financial Worries Top the List
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Financial worries served as a significant source of stress for 64 percent of adults in 2014, ranking higher than three other major sources of stress: work (60 percent), family responsibilities (47 percent), and health concerns (46 percent), according to a report released Feb. 4, titled Stress in America: Paying With Our Health.
Mortality Risk of T1DM Higher for Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Women with type 1 diabetes have a nearly 40 percent greater risk of dying from any cause and more than double the risk of dying from heart disease than men with type 1 diabetes, according to a report published online Feb. 5 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
U.S. Lyme Disease Costs Could Exceed $1 Billion Annually
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — With an estimated 240,000 to 440,000 new cases of Lyme disease diagnosed every year, the illness costs the U.S. health care system between $712 million and $1.3 billion annually, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in PLOS ONE.
Full Text
High Coffee Intake Linked With Lower Risk of Endometrial Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — High versus low intake of coffee is associated with a reduced risk for endometrial cancer, according to a new study published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Measles Diagnosis for Five Infants at Illinois Day Care
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The number of measles cases in the United States continues to climb, with Illinois health officials saying five infants who attend a suburban Chicago day care center are infected.
Occupation, Work Hours Linked to Workers’ Risk for Neck Pain
FRIDAY, Feb. 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Occupation and work hours are associated with increased workers’ risk for neck pain, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of Spine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
ABFM: No Change to Maintenance of Certification Requirements
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In response to the announcement of changes to the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) has announced that it will not be making changes to the requirements for maintaining certification at this time.
Prompt, Aggressive BP Management Encouraged
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with systolic blood pressure higher than 150 mm Hg face increased risks without aggressive drug treatment started within a month and a half, according to research findings published Feb. 5 in The BMJ.
Full Text
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked With Earlier Surgical Menopause
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Menstrual abnormalities, endometriosis, pelvic pain, hysterectomy, and early/surgical menopause are all associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to research published online Feb. 2 in Menopause.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC: HIV-Related Mortality Disparities Persisting for Blacks
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of HIV-related mortality is still highest among blacks, and over half of all newly identified HIV-positive persons are black, according to two reports published in the Feb. 6 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text – Siddiqi
Full Text – Seth
Perspective on Dr. Davidson: ‘Be Like Mike’
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The tragic shooting of surgeon Michael Davidson can be used as an opportunity to find meaning in tragedy, according to a perspective piece published online Feb. 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text
Contraception Info Given With Isotretinoin Rx Ups Safe Use
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say giving birth control information to women visiting dermatology clinics can help promote the safe use of isotretinoin. The study was published online Feb. 4 in JAMA Dermatology.
Smartphone Accessory Could Help Detect HIV, Syphilis
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone accessory that can detect HIV and syphilis has been developed by Columbia University researchers. The findings were published in the Feb. 4 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Early Rehab Doesn’t Increase Adverse Events Post-CABG
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Early enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation does not increase major adverse event rates among patients who recently underwent open heart surgery, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Low Adherence to Daily HIV Prophylaxis in High-Risk Women
THURSDAY, Feb. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a population of predominantly young, unmarried women in sub-Saharan Africa, daily adherence to oral or vaginal tenofovir-based formulations was low, and no regimen significantly reduced the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. The study was published in the Feb. 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
One in Three Prefer Earlier Death to Daily Pill
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One out of three adults would sooner face a shorter life span than take a daily pill to prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a new Internet survey published online Feb. 3 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Flu Vaccination Rates for Nursing Home Staff Too Low
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only about one in two U.S. nursing home workers receive an annual flu vaccination, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
AICR: Awareness of Key Cancer Risk Factors Alarmingly Low
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer than half of Americans are aware that some major lifestyle factors can affect their cancer risk, and many people worry about cancer-causing claims that aren’t backed by scientific evidence, according to a survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The survey results were released Wednesday to coincide with World Cancer Day.
Healthy Diet Independently Tied to Lower Risk of COPD
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A healthy diet might reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), new research suggests. The study was published Feb. 3 in The BMJ.
Full Text
Debunking Contraception Myths to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — If more women had access to modern birth control methods and used them correctly, there would be 15 million fewer unwanted pregnancies in low- and middle-income nations each year, according to a study published online Feb. 3 in Human Reproduction.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Down But Still Too High
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Although fewer Americans are smoking and more communities have smoke-free laws, 58 million nonsmokers are still being exposed to secondhand smoke, U.S. health officials said Tuesday. Findings from the new study were published in the Feb. 3 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text
Review: Hormonal Rx Not Indicated As Acne Monotherapy
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hormonal therapy is recommended for treatment of acne in patients who do not respond to standard therapies, according to a review published online Jan. 27 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Tips Provided for Transitional Care Management Code Usage
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In an article published Dec. 18 in Medical Economics, information is provided on transitional care management (TCM) codes and how to implement a process to use these codes.
‘Battlefield’ Blood Transfusion Deemed More Beneficial
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A blood transfusion containing equal parts plasma, platelets, and red blood cells is the most effective treatment for someone who is in immediate danger of exsanguination, compared to a blood mix containing a larger amount of red blood cells, according to research published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Younger Patients With Diabetes More Often Skipping Visits
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — One in every five young American adults with diabetes hasn’t seen a doctor in the past six months, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Two Pneumococcal Vaccines Advised for Seniors
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adults 65 and older need two pneumococcal vaccines to better protect them from sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia, according to a revised vaccination schedule from the 2015 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The new recommendations were published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Work-Related Asthma Underdiagnosed
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only 15 percent of working adults with asthma discuss with their doctor how their jobs might affect their breathing, even though nearly half have asthma that is possibly work-related, according to a study published in the February issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The researchers also found that doctors often don’t bring up the topic with patients.
New Guidelines Issued for Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For the one in six Americans with allergic rhinitis, new treatment guidelines have been issued by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. The recommendations for those ages 2 and up appear in the February issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Too Many Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients on IV Fluids
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Potentially harmful intravenous (IV) fluids are being given to too many patients with severe heart failure, according to a new study published in the Feb. 1 issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Pregnancy Outcomes Similar for Adult, Child Kidney Transplant
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pregnancy outcomes are similar for women who have received a kidney transplant, whether they were a child or an adult when they got their transplant, according to a new study published in the February issue of JAMA Pediatrics.
Many Americans Suffering in Final Year of Life
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For a growing number of Americans, the final year of life is marked by pain, depression, and other distressing symptoms, according to a study published in the Feb. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
A Little Jogging Goes a Long Way
TUESDAY, Feb. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A little jogging is good for your health, researchers say, but too much might not be. The findings were published in the Feb. 10 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Non-Pharmacological Options Efficacious in Treating Delirium
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Non-pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of delirium are available and beneficial, according to a review published online Feb. 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Patient Engagement Can Cut Costs, Improve Outcomes
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patient engagement initiatives can decrease costs without sacrificing quality care, according to an article published Jan. 22 in Medical Economics.
Spironolactone + TMP-SMX May Up Risk of Sudden Death
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking spironolactone alongside the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can cause blood potassium to rise to potentially life-threatening levels, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Medicaid Expansion Tops Savings Versus Marketplace
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid expansion is associated with greater reductions in out-of-pocket spending for previously uninsured low-income adults than Marketplace exchange coverage with premium tax credits and generous benefits, according to a report published in the January issue of Health Affairs.
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Left Ventricular Mass
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (DT) is tied to decreased left ventricular (LV) mass, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Medication Issues Behind One in 12 Pediatric ER Visits
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — At one Canadian children’s hospital, medication-related problems accounted for one in 12 emergency department visits over a year. And about two-thirds of those incidents were preventable, the researchers concluded. The findings have been published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
Patients With Psoriasis Less Likely to Be Physically Active
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with psoriasis are less likely to engage in physical activity, especially those with more severe disease, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Dermatology.
Few Newborns Have Early Well-Child Visit
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only 15 percent of newborns with an estimated gestational age of ≥34 weeks have a well-child visit (WCV) within the recommended time frame, and these visits correlate with a reduction in the rate of readmissions, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
Maternal Depression Up at Four Years Postpartum
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Maternal depression is more common at four years postpartum than at any point during the first 12 months postpartum, and is more likely among women with only one child at four years postpartum, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Estrogen May Lessen Cognitive Effects of Lead Exposure
MONDAY, Feb. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Estrogen and estradiol may help protect against lead’s harmful effects on the frontal areas of the brain, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Environmental Health.
Copyright © 2015 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
