A significant number of patients use the internet as a source of medical information, with over 25% using it in the last year. Physicians should initiate dialogue early on concerning where patients should look for accurate, comprehensive and understandable online health information.
A new obesity treatment program has resulted in sustained weight loss for six years by developing two fundamental internal skills: self-nurturing and effective limit setting. Participants lost an average of 13 pounds in the first 12 weeks and continued to lose weight after treatment ended.
The National Science Board will convene an open session on October 19, 2020, at the National Science Foundation. The agenda includes swearing-in of new members, review of minutes from August 2000, and discussion of NSF planning issues such as the Mathematics Initiative and stipends.
The Fogarty International Center is funding five initial awards and three planning grants to support training programs in research ethics, teaching, and clinical trial design in developing countries. The program aims to enhance international bioethics guidelines and practices.
A study by researchers compared colonoscopy to fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer. The findings show that colonoscopy is the most cost-effective option, reducing death rates at relatively low costs by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at early stages.
A study found that 57,000 Canadian families struggle with hunger due to lack of funds for food. Parents often sacrifice their health to provide for their children, highlighting the need for improved social safety nets.
Researchers found that pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, reduces debilitating complications in Parkinson's patients. However, it may not control disease symptoms as well as levodopa, which carries more side effects.
A review of patients treated with NIPPV found mortality rates were 28.6% higher in the clinical setting compared to randomized trials. The authors recommend developing practice guidelines to optimize NIPPV use. Dr. Sheldon Magder comments on the limitations of relying heavily on randomized trial findings in clinical settings.
A mathematical model suggests that one-time colonoscopy at age 55 can significantly reduce colorectal cancer mortality. The study found that this strategy is cost-effective and can achieve up to 50% reduction in CRC mortality, depending on compliance.
The environment plays a significant role in cancer development, with occupational factors and environmental pollution attributed to 5-7% of cancer deaths. Dr. Richard Clapp reviews the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer, emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and physician screening for hazardous exposures.
A prospective study of 10,786 Italian women found a 40% lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women with the C-2 estrogen metabolism pathway, which produces less active by-products. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity and a low-fat diet high in cruciferous vegetables may shift estrogen metabolism from high-risk to low-risk.
A Yale University study found that premature infants have smaller brains than full-term babies, with significant differences in brain volume and cortical regions. The study's findings suggest a link between prematurity, brain development, and cognitive outcomes.
Researchers developed a new technique that can target aerosol particles to smaller, harder-to-reach airways in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The method uses fine particles and varying inhalation rates to direct the spray to different areas of the lungs.
A new study reveals nearly 12 million American women aged 15-44 are uninsured, with ethnic minorities facing greater gaps in coverage. State disparities also exist, with some states having up to 30% of women without insurance.