Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Internal Medicine for July 2018. 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.
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Abstract/Full Text
Flu Vaccine Cuts Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly elderly patients, who receive the influenza vaccine have significantly lower morbidity and mortality, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
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FDA Warns of the Dangers of ‘Vaginal Rejuvenation’
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite their growing popularity, there’s no evidence that so-called “vaginal rejuvenation” procedures are either safe or effective, according to a statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
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One in Four Older Adults With Diabetes Uses Alternative Meds
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 25 percent of older U.S. adults with diabetes use some type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a research letter published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Demonstrating Clinical Use Will Speed Genomic Screening
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Introduction of genomic screening (GS) into routine health care is dependent on demonstration of clinical utility, which will be quicker with use of more data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 31 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Rapid Improvement of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Anakinra
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 31 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, doctors describe the case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who experienced rapid clinical improvements with use of anakinra, the recombinant form of the endogenous antagonist for the interleukin-1 receptor.
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Better Care Quality Needed for Universal Health Coverage
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In order to achieve universal health coverage, stakeholders must focus on the quality of health services, including provision of effective, safe, timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient health services, according to a report published by the World Health Organization.
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Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.
Abstract/Full Text
Infective Endocarditis More Common with Valve Issues
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE) than the general population, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Few Health Differences for Trans, Cisgender Veterans
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Transgender U.S. veterans have few health differences compared with cisgender veterans, although the odds of having at least one disability are higher for transgender veterans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Health Coverage Interruptions Common in Adults With T1DM
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Interruptions in private health insurance coverage are common among U.S. adults with type 1 diabetes and are associated with an increase in glycated hemoglobin and in use of acute care services, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Young Cancer Survivors Have High Risk of Endocrine Diseases
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have a 73 percent higher risk of endocrine diseases, according to a study published online June 29 in JAMA Network Open.
Tool Improves Identification of Undiagnosed Hypertension
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of billing and clinical data can help to identify undiagnosed hypertension, according to research published in the July 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Cross-Continuum Communication Beneficial After Discharge
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cross-continuum communication after hospital discharge can improve patient outcomes and overall health, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
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CDC: Homicides by Firearm on the Rise in the United States
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gun murders are on the rise in the United States and are the most common type of murder, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.
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World Hepatitis Day
PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients younger than 60 years who have had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke thought to be secondary to patent foramen ovale (PFO), who are open to all treatment options, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy is recommended over antiplatelet therapy alone, according to a clinical practice guideline published online July 25 in The BMJ.
Risk of Heart Failure Up in ALVSD Patients With Diabetes
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ALVSD), those with diabetes have increased risk of heart failure development and hospitalization, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Readmission Rate 19.2 Percent After Acute Exacerbation of COPD
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of 30-day index readmissions after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is 19.2 percent, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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New Model IDs Factors Tied to Muslim Youth Radicalization
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A psychological and social model provides insight into factors and triggers for radicalization among European youth recruited into Islam, according to a review published in the August issue of European Psychiatry.
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FDA: Whey Powder Behind Recent Salmonella-Linked Recalls
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritz and Goldfish crackers, Swiss Rolls — they’ve all been tied to possible Salmonella contamination through a common ingredient, dry whey powder, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Drop in Osteoporosis Treatment Initiation After Hip Fracture
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In recent years there have been low rates of osteoporosis treatment initiation after a hip fracture, according to research published in the July 20 issue of JAMA Network Open.
July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Abstract/Full Text
World Hepatitis Day
Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Abstract/Full Text
Use of 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.
Canada Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis C Virus Infection
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A guideline published in the June 4 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Abstract/Full Text
Editorial
World Hepatitis Day
CDC: Salmonella-Tainted Melon Outbreak Appears to Be Over
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to melons and fruit salad mixes appears to be over, say officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FDA Outbreak Update
CDC Final Update
Reducing Computers in Rounds May Cut Communication Barriers
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the number of computers on wheels in a surgical intensive care unit can reduce barriers to communication during patient presentations, according to a research letter published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
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Late-Life Blood Pressure Tied to Higher Number of Brain Infarcts
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher average late-life blood pressure (BP) is associated with an increased number of brain infarcts, according to a study published online July 11 in Neurology.
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Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Abstract/Full Text
Guidance Provided for Reporting Foodborne Illness
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for health care professionals on reporting foodborne illnesses.
Steroid Abuse Put 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder in the Hospital
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 23 in BMJ Case Reports, doctors present the case of an amateur weight-lifter who developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy after using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
WHO Targets for Chronic Hepatitis B Will Be Cost-Effective
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Meeting World Health Organization (WHO) targets for chronic hepatitis B by 2030 will be cost-effective, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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World Hepatitis Day
WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Over
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is over, according to the World Health Organization.
One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Abstract/Full Text
World Hepatitis Day
Many U.S. Adults View Marijuana Use Positively
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most U.S. adults believe that marijuana has at least one benefit, according to a study published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Escitalopram Cuts MACE Risk in Depressed Patients With ACS
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with depression following recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), escitalopram results in lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) versus placebo, according to a study published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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HerbList App Launched to Provide Information on Herbal Products
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has announced the launch of an app for easy access to research-based information on the safety and effectiveness of herbal products.
NIH Press Release
Herbs at a Glance
Modifiable Midlife Risk Factors Linked to Late-Onset Epilepsy
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Potentially modifiable risk factors in midlife are associated with the risk of developing late-onset epilepsy, according to a study published online July 23 in JAMA Neurology.
Majority of Those in Residential Care Have Advance Directives
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than three-quarters of those living in residential care facilities have an advance directive, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Diabetes Diagnosis May Impact Health Behaviors of Family
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Partners of people with newly diagnosed diabetes have small but significant differences in health-related behavioral changes compared with partners of people without diabetes, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
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Reduced Cognitive Function for Students During Heat Waves
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive function deficits resulting from indoor thermal conditions during heat waves affect university students, according to a study published online July 10 in PLOS Medicine.
Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Salmonella Spurs Recall of Swiss Rolls, Bread
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Salmonella contamination has led to the recall of rolls and bread made by Flowers Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Nitrogen Dioxide Doesn’t Impact Benefit of Exercise on MI
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nitrogen dioxide does not affect the benefits of physical activity on the incidence or recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published online July 18 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Sulfonylureas As 2nd-Line T2DM Therapy Tied to Higher Event Risk
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sulfonylureas as second-line drugs for type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and hypoglycemic events compared with remaining on metformin monotherapy or adding to metformin therapy, according to a study published online July 18 in The BMJ.
Infection Prevention Staffing Needs May Be Underestimated
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A comprehensive assessment of health care organization composition and structure is necessary before determining infection preventionist (IP) staffing needs, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Reproductive, Hormonal Factors Tied to Knee OA in Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Female reproductive and hormonal factors are associated with incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
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Alcohol, Tobacco Consumption Tied to Cancer Mortality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Alcohol consumption per capita is positively associated with overall cancer mortality among older men and women over a 20-year period, according to a study published online July 13 in JAMA Network Open.
Monthly Vitamin D Supplement May Not Cut Cancer Risk
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation may not prevent the risk of cancer among adults aged 50 to 84 years, according to a study published online July 19 in JAMA Oncology.
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Salmonella Spurs Recall of Ritz Crackers
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of Ritz Crackers products are being recalled due to possible Salmonella risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings
MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Portable Sleep Monitoring Accurate in Heart Failure Patients
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure, portable sleep monitoring with respiratory polygraphy can accurately diagnose sleep apnea, according to a study published in the July issue of CHEST.
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FDA Warns Against Risks of Contaminated Synthetic Cannabis
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Users of synthetic marijuana products and health care providers should be aware of the risk of bleeding associated with contamination of synthetic cannabinoid products with brodifacoum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Intermittent Energy Restriction Effectively Cuts HbA1c in T2DM
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, intermittent energy restriction is comparable to continuous energy restriction for reduction of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), according to a study published online July 20 in JAMA Network Open.
Few HIV Tests Given to Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in South
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few HIV tests in the southern United States are provided for black men who have sex with men (MSM) even though they account for a substantial percentage of new diagnoses, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Poor Outcomes for Prefrail/Frail at Risk of Malnutrition
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prefrail/frail seniors at risk of malnutrition have poor health outcomes and increased mortality, according to a study published online July 13 in JAMA Network Open.
Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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CDC: More People With High Cholesterol Taking Medications
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There has been a substantial increase in the percentage of patients with high cholesterol over age 60 years taking lipid-lowering medications from 2005 to 2016, but such increases have not been seen among younger patients with high cholesterol, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Greening Vacant Land Improves Neighborhood Mental Health
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fixing up blighted physical environments, particularly in resource-limited urban settings, may improve the mental health of residents living nearby, according to a study published in the July issue of JAMA Network Open.
Bayer Stops U.S. Sale of Essure Birth Control Implant
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Amid lawsuits and plummeting sales for its Essure birth control device, Bayer announced Friday that it would cease U.S. sales of the product by the end of 2018.
FDA Press Announcement
Bayer Press Release
Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Availability of Generic Antivirals for Hepatitis B Increasing
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Availability of generic antivirals for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published online July 12 in PLOS ONE.
Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Molecular Autopsy May Shed Light on Sudden Death in Young
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ultrarare, nonsynonymous variants are seen in 64 percent of victims of sudden unexplained death in the young (SUDY), with 10 of the 27 variants considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of Circulation.
FDA Proposes New Rule on Food Labeling in Vending Machines
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new rule proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that the type size on packaged foods sold in vending machines be at least 1.5 times the size of the net weight declaration on the front of the package.
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Empagliflozin Doesn’t Up Risk of Bone Fractures
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Empagliflozin does not increase the risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 15 in Diabetes Care.
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Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
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Salmonella Outbreak in 26 States Linked to Raw Turkey Products
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 90 people in 26 states has been linked to a variety of raw turkey products, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
FDA Recalls Drugs Containing Active Ingredient Valsartan
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several drug products containing the active ingredient valsartan, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, are being recalled due to an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine, that has been found in the recalled products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Liver Disease-Related Deaths Up Sharply From 1999 to 2016
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Liver disease-related deaths, particularly due to cirrhosis, have been increasing in the United States since 2009, according to a study published online July 18 in The BMJ.
Atopic Dermatitis Places Heavy Burden on Patients
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Atopic dermatitis (AD) dramatically impacts the quality of life of patients, according to a study published online July 16 in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Characteristics of Severe Hypoglycemia Identified in T2DM
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, characteristics of those with severe hypoglycemia include having a prior diagnosis of non-severe hypoglycemia and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <6 percent, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Ten Questions Screen Helps ID Disability in HIV+ Children
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Ten Questions (TQ) screen is an effective way to screen HIV-positive children for neurodevelopmental problems in resource-poor areas, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS ONE.
Both High and Low Uric Acid Levels Tied to Higher Mortality
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Both high and low uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of dying, according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
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Variations in Practice Patterns Seen in Patients Treated for COPD
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are significant variations in practice patterns and resource utilization in patients treated by teaching staff for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), compared to non-teaching staff, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
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Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open.
Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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Overall Cancer Mortality Rates Decreasing for Men and Women
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer incidence rates have decreased among men but remained stable among women, while cancer death rates are decreasing for both men and women, according to a report published in the July 1 issue of Cancer.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that’s sickened 21 people in five states has been linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Food Safety Alert
Australian Researchers Develop First Blood Test for Melanoma
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The first blood test to detect melanoma skin cancer in its early stages has been created, according to a study published in the July 17 issue of Oncotarget.
CDC: ‘Tips’ Campaign Has Helped a Number of Smokers Quit
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The ongoing Tips from Former Smokers (Tips) campaign, which features stories of former smokers living with smoking-related diseases and disabilities, has had a considerable impact, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Impact of the Campaign
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Risk of Cochlear Disorders Up With History of Migraine
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of cochlear disorders, especially tinnitus, is increased among patients with a history of migraine, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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Mobility Plan Can Neutralize the Harms of Bedrest in the Hospital
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Having a mobility plan can prevent the functional decline associated with lack of mobility among hospitalized patients, according to a study published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Testosterone Prescribing Down Since 2013
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The percentage of U.S. men receiving testosterone prescriptions decreased from 2013 through 2016, according to a research letter published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Risk of CRC, Non-CRC Death Up With Positive Fecal Hb Test
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with a positive fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) test result have an increased risk of dying from colorectal cancer (CRC) and non-CRC causes, according to a study published online July 16 in Gut.
Basal Insulin Analogues Similar for Glucose Lowering
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Basal insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not substantially differ in their glucose-lowering effect, according to a review published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.
Evidence of Clinical Inertia in Management of T2DM
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level expected to trigger treatment intensification often have treatment inappropriately delayed, according to a research letter published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
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Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.
Multiple Factors to Consider When Selecting NSAID for Arthritis
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Factors to be considered when choosing the correct nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for arthritis include effectiveness, concurrent health conditions, and frequency of use, according to a blog post published by the Arthritis Foundation.
Immediate Monitoring With ECG Patch Ups A-Fib Diagnosis Rate
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Immediate monitoring with a self-applied wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch results in a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis among individuals at high risk, according to a study published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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FDA: Illnesses Tied to Fresh Crab Meat Imported From Venezuela
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 12 reported cases of people in the United States becoming sick after eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.
E. Coli Found in Water at Tennessee Ziplining Facility
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health officials say they found Escherichia coli in water at a ziplining facility in Tennessee that has been linked to an outbreak affecting at least 500 people.
Harms Reporting Limited in Trials of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics do not report harms-related data and/or safety results, according to a review published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Fake FDA Warning Letters Being Sent to Consumers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Criminals are sending fake U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letters to people who tried to buy medicines online or over the phone. The agency notes that it does not typically send warning letters to individuals, and this appears to be an extortion scam.
eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor/Pharmacist Relationship
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics.
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Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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PM2.5 Contributes to Burden of Diabetes Mellitus Globally
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (PM2.5) makes a substantial contribution to the burden of diabetes, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Planetary Health.
Fish Pedicure Causes Woman to Lose Toenails
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A woman lost several toenails after a fish pedicure, according to a case report published online July 3 in JAMA Dermatology.
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100 Now Sickened by Salmonella-Tainted Honey Smacks Cereal
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One hundred people across 33 states have now fallen ill with Salmonella after eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Press Release
Jury Awards $4.62B in Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A jury says Johnson & Johnson must pay $4.62 billion to 22 women who allege they developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower brand talcum powder as part of their daily feminine hygiene routine.
More Information – AP News
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Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics.
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11.2% of U.S. Adults Aged ≥45 Report Subjective Mental Decline
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 11 percent of adults aged ≥45 years in the United States report subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according to research published in the July 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Eyeglass Use Among Elderly
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are sociodemographic disparities in eyeglass use by age, race/ethnicity, education level, and income, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Two Regimens Fail to Stop Declines in β-Cell Function
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Neither glargine followed by metformin nor metformin alone halts the progressive deterioration of β-cell function in youth with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or recently-diagnosed type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 25 in Diabetes Care.
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Higher Vitamin D Levels May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher levels of vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer, according to a study published online June 15 in PLOS ONE.
Blacks Have Elevated HTN Risk Through Age 55 Years
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Blacks have considerably increased risk for hypertension than whites through age 55 years, regardless of blood pressure levels through young adulthood, according to a study published online July 11 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Many Non-Emergency Medicine Trained Physicians in ER Care
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The emergency medicine workforce comprises many non-emergency medicine trained physicians, according to a study recently published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
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Cutting Insurance Eligibility Ups Peds Hospitalization Cost Burden
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing public insurance (Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program) income eligibility limits would result in large numbers of newly ineligible pediatric hospitalizations, according to a study published online July 9 in Pediatrics.
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AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.
Mosaic HIV-1 Vaccine Induces Responses in Humans, Monkeys
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A mosaic adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26)-based HIV-1 vaccine induces immune responses in humans and rhesus monkeys, according to a study published online July 6 in The Lancet.
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2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open.
Patient Experience Officers Can Play Key Role in Medical Offices
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient experience officer is an increasingly important new role in physician practices, according to an article recently published in Physicians Practice.
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Asthma, Uncontrolled Asthma Associated With Risk of A-Fib
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a correlation for asthma and lack of asthma control with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online July 11 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Women Often Unaware of Their Hospital’s Religious Affiliation
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women of reproductive age are often unaware of their hospital’s religious affiliation, according to a study recently published in Contraception.
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Mothers’ Healthy Lifestyle Tied to Drop in Offspring Obesity
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adherence to a healthy lifestyle among mothers during their offspring’s childhood is associated with reduced risk of childhood obesity, according to a study published online July 4 in The BMJ.
Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Taking Multivitamins/Minerals Doesn’t Improve CVD Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplementation seems not to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, according to a review published online July 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Metformin Tied to Acidosis Risk at eGFR <30mL/min/1.73 m²
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Metformin use is associated with an increased risk of acidosis at estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30mL/min/1.73 m², according to a study published in the July issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
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USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for ABI for PAD Screen in Asymptomatic
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) with the ankle branchial index (ABI) in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Final Recommendation
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FDA Requires Safety Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened current warnings in the prescribing information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing significant decreases in blood glucose as well as mental health side effects.
Press Release
Safety Announcement
USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Nontraditional CVD Risk Factors
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of adding nontraditional risk factors to traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis for a final recommendation statement published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Final Recommendation
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Apixaban Is Safest Direct Oral Anticoagulant Versus Warfarin
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Apixaban seems to be the safest direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) compared with warfarin, according to a study published July 4 in The BMJ.
Universal Screening Best Strategy for Hepatitis C in France
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Universal screening is the most effective strategy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in France, according to a study published online July 1 in the Journal of Hepatology.
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EHR Tools Improve Medication Reconciliation in Hypertension
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of electronic health record (EHR) tools in isolation improves medication reconciliation but does not improve systolic blood pressure among patients with hypertension, according to a study published online July 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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CDC: Nearly One-Third of Injury Deaths Occur at Home
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Just under one-third of deaths from all causes of injury occur in the person’s home, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 6 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
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Misleading Popular Videos Impact Attitudes About Tobacco
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Misleading portrayals of tobacco’s health consequences in popular YouTube videos can increase positivity toward featured products including hookahs and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.
U.S. Surgeon General Urges More Americans to Carry Naloxone
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory urging increased availability of the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone earlier this year, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
HHS News Release
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Programs Can Lower Diabetes Distress in Adults With T1DM
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Both education/behavioral and emotion-focused approaches can effectively reduce diabetes distress (DD) among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), according to a study published online July 5 in Diabetes Care.
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HCV-Infected Kidney Transplant More Efficient in HCV-Infected
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with end-stage renal disease, transplant of an HCV-infected kidney followed by treatment is more cost-effective than transplant of an HCV-uninfected kidney, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Transfeminine Persons Have Increased VTE Incidence
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Transfeminine individuals have increased rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with cisgender men and cisgender women, with more pronounced differences for those initiating hormone therapy, according to research published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Any Opioid Use Tied to Involvement in Criminal Justice System
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Any opioid use is associated with involvement in the criminal justice system in the past year, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.
High Financial Burden Up With ASCVD in Low-Income Families
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Low-income families that include a member with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have increased odds of high financial burden and catastrophic financial burden, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Cardiology.
Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.
High Rates of Salmonella Contamination ID’d in Kratom
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
CDC: Wildfire Smoke Poses Health Risks
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Wildfire activity continues to increase throughout the western states, as well as in Alaska, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, but there are steps those living in wild fire areas can take to minimize smoke exposure.
CDC Recommendations
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Red Cross Issues Nationwide Call for Blood Donations
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following a blood shortage triggered by the Fourth of July holiday week, the American Red Cross has called for donations of all blood types, but especially type O.
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Budesonide With Saline Solution Helpful for Rhinosinusitis
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The addition of budesonide to a saline nasal lavage for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis provides clinically meaningful benefits, according to a study published online June 7 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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High-Risk APOL1 Not Tied to CVD, Stroke in Older Black Women
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal African-American women, high-risk APOL1 genotype seems not to be associated with coronary heart disease, stroke, or mortality, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Cardiology.
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Sleep Apnea Linked to Changes in the Brain in Older Adults
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with changes to the structure of the brain that are seen in the early stages of dementia, according to a study published online July 5 in the European Respiratory Journal.
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UV Protection Methods Low in Individuals With Skin of Color
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many individuals with skin of color do not know that they need comprehensive photoprotection to prevent skin cancer and photoaging, according to an article published in Dermatology Times.
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Obesity Paradox Seen in T2DM Modified by Smoking Status
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoking status heavily modifies the obesity paradox observed in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online July 3 in Diabetes Care.
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Higher Visceral Fat Ratio Seen With Recurring Urolithiasis
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recurrent stone-forming patients have high visceral fat ratios compared to first-time stone-forming patients, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Urology.
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Mammography Use Tied to Other Preventive Tests in Older Women
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women enrolled in Medicare who undergo screening mammography seem to have increased awareness and use of other preventive screening measures, according to a study published online June 5 in Radiology.
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Risk-Stratified Breast Cancer Screening Ups Cost-Effectiveness
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Risk-stratified breast screening improves the cost-effectiveness of screening, according to a study published online July 5 in JAMA Oncology.
Tick-Caused Meat Allergy on the Rise in the United States
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Red meat allergy caused by a bite from the lone star tick appears to be on the rise in the United States, a researcher says.
IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Skin Cancer Risk Higher in Military Personnel
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is an increased risk for skin cancer among U.S. active duty service members and veterans, according to a review published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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PCPs Often Not Meeting Needs of Seniors With Chronic Conditions
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most primary care physicians (PCPs) report being unable to adequately address the needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions, according to a report published by Quest Diagnostics.
Disordered Eating Behaviors Up for Overweight Young Adults
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Young adults at a weight status classified as overweight or obese have increased prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), according to a study published online June 11 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Health Gains, Cost Savings Projected for Sodium Goals
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Substantial health gains and cost savings could be achieved with implementation and achievement of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sodium reformulation targets, according to a study recently published in PLOS Medicine.
Travel Costs Are Considerable Part of T2DM Follow-Up Costs
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), travel costs relating to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) screening constitute a substantial cost item, and self-monitoring can reduce costs, according to a study published in the July issue of the International Journal of Medical Informatics.
NIH Warns of Increased Risk of Heat-Related Illness for Seniors
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults are at significantly increased risk of heat-related illnesses, which can include heat stroke, heat edema, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion, according to the National Institutes of Health.
WHO Calls for Renewed Effort to Combat Chronic Disease
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The World Health Organization (WHO) Independent High-Level Commission has proposed six recommendations to address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to a report published online June 1 in The Lancet.
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Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Patient Complaints Mainly About Rudeness, Rushing, Reproach
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding patients’ complaints about practice can be instructive for physicians, according to an article published June 6 in Physicians Practice.
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Anticonvulsants Seem to Be Ineffective for Low Back Pain
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticonvulsant drugs are ineffective for chronic low back pain and can cause harm, despite a recent increase in prescribing, according to a review published online July 3 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Viruses ID’d As Most Common Cause of Meningitis in U.K. Adults
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Viruses are the most commonly identified cause of meningitis among U.K. adults, according to a study published online June 29 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Patients Comfortable With Doctors Having Tattoos, Piercings
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do not appear to mind if doctors have tattoos or piercings, according to a study published online July 2 in the Emergency Medicine Journal.
1996 to 2013 Saw Large Increase in Diabetes Spending
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2013, $101 billion was spent in the United States on diabetes, almost a three-fold increase since 1996, according to a study published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
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Marriage May Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Marital status may influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and prognosis after CVD, according to a review published online June 19 in Heart.
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22.9 Percent of U.S. Adults Meet Aerobic, Strength Activity Goals
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2010 to 2015, 22.9 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 to 64 met the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities during leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), according to a study published in the June 28 issue of the National Health Statistics Reports.
High Patient Burden With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with moderate/severe atopic dermatitis (AD) have higher patient-reported burden than those with mild AD, regardless of disease control, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Dermatology.
U.K. Campaign Hasn’t Aided Patient Presentations for TIA, Minor CVA
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) public education campaign in the United Kingdom has not improved the response to transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, according to a study published online July 2 in JAMA Neurology.
HPV Cervical CA Screening Cuts Odds of Later CIN3+ Diagnosis
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The use of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing versus cytology results in reduced likelihood of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) at 48 months, according to a study published in the July 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Vegetable Trays Tainted With Cyclospora Put Seven in Hospital
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Federal, state, and local health officials are investigating a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte 6 oz and 12 oz vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip that were sold at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and 28 oz vegetable trays that were distributed to Illinois and Indiana. The company has recalled the products.
FDA Recall Notice
CDC Outbreak Report
AMA Urges Caution With Use of Wire-Bristle BBQ Grill Brushes
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) states that caution should be exercised with use of wire-bristle grill brushes due to the potential health and safety risks associated with bristles that may break off and adhere to the grill or cooked food.
Smoking Marijuana May Be Tied to Cough, Sputum Production
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Smoking marijuana seems to be associated with increased risk of cough, sputum production, and wheezing, according to a review published online July 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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CVD Risk Up With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in their first pregnancy have increased rates of chronic hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, according to a study published online July 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Working >45 Hours Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk in Women
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women, working 45 hours or more per week is associated with increased risk of diabetes, according to a study published online July 2 in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
Effective Marketing Methods Offered for Primary Care Doctors
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Marketing is important for physicians, and effective methods include internet marketing, speaking engagements, and print materials, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
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AMA Adopts Policy to Cut Sugar Sweetened Drink Consumption
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — At the annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA), a policy was adopted to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a way to reduce the amount of sugar that Americans consume.
Coffee Drinking Found to Lower Risk of All-Cause Mortality
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Increased coffee intake may be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet, according to a study published online July 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Irrigation Water Likely Cause of Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tainted irrigation water is likely to blame for a 36-state Escherichia coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce that sickened 200 people and caused five deaths, U.S. health officials say.
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Pembrolizumab Not Better Than PTX for Advanced Gastric Cancer
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with previously treated advanced gastric cancer or gastro-esophageal junction cancer, pembrolizumab does not result in a significant improvement in overall survival compared with paclitaxel, according to a study published online June 4 in The Lancet.
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Pediatric Hospitalization for Gun Injuries Higher in Urban Areas
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Urban areas have higher overall pediatric hospitalization rates for firearm injuries, with the highest rates for urban 15- to 19-year-olds, according to a study published online July 2 in Pediatrics.
Use of Palliative Care, Oxygen Therapy Increasing for COPD
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of formal palliative care services and long-term oxygen therapy has increased but remains low, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Patient Engagement in Asthma Treatment Plans May Improve Quality of Life
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults with asthma and a greater desire for involvement in decision making have higher asthma-related quality of life, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Socioeconomic Factors Linked to Hearing Aid Access, Use
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Socioeconomic factors may hinder individuals’ ability to obtain and use hearing aids, according to a study published online May 21 in The Gerontologist.
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Conservative Management Up for Low-Risk Prostate CA in Veterans
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among U.S. veterans with low-risk prostate cancer, use of conservative management increased from 2005 to 2015, according to a research letter published online June 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Intensive Management Program Benefits High-Risk Patients
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk patients, use of an intensive management program is associated with greater receipt of outpatient care with no increase in total costs, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Ethics of Genealogy Data Use for Solving Crimes Discussed
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of online genealogy data for solving crimes raises complex ethical issues, according to an article published online May 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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