Regular Tai Chi sessions improve physical function and reduce knee OA pain in elderly patients. The study found significant decreases in pain and improved physical function, depression, and overall health in those practicing Tai Chi.
A comprehensive review of flu seasons past reveals that pregnant women are at significant risk for serious flu-related illnesses and complications, which far surpass the risks associated with injectable vaccines. The study confirms existing CDC recommendations for prioritizing pregnant women in flu vaccination.
A new study found that depressed pregnant women have a stronger biological reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine than those with lower depression levels, suggesting immune system dysfunction. This immune dysregulation could affect symptom severity among infected women, highlighting the importance of flu vaccination during pregnancy.
The CWRU Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods aims to foster partnerships within urban neighborhoods to develop effective strategies in preventing chronic disease. The center will collaborate with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community organizations to address environmental and lifestyle issues that contribute t...
A new Harvard study reveals that uninsured adults with diabetes or high cholesterol are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated. The researchers found significant gaps in care for these conditions, with the uninsured being more likely to experience poor blood pressure control and inadequate treatment.
A CDC investigation found that contaminated pre-filled heparin and saline syringes from a single company led to 162 S. marcescens bloodstream infections in nine states. The company failed to comply with FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices, leading to the voluntary recall of affected syringes.
The American Academy of Neurology and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring H1N1 vaccine safety for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neurologists are urged to report any new cases following vaccination, as a precautionary measure due to the association between GBS and previous pandemic vaccines.
A study found that typhoid fever cases in the US are often associated with international travel to the Indian subcontinent and are increasingly resistant to common treatments. The majority of cases were linked to travelers who visited friends or family, highlighting the need for improved vaccination coverage and prevention measures.
Researchers identified differing perceptions of cognitive health among ethnically, culturally, and geographically diverse groups. Despite similarities in physical, mental, and social activity influences, groups varied in opinions on specific activities, nutrition, and genetics.
A study found correlations between video-game playing and health risks in adults, with female players reporting greater depression and male players having higher BMI. The study suggests a need for further research on how to use digital opportunities to promote health and prevent disease.
A recent study found that pregnant women with H1N1 flu are at increased risk of severe disease and complications, highlighting the need for prompt antiviral treatment. The study suggests that vaccination should also be prioritized for pregnant women once available, in line with US guidelines.
A study in Medical Decision Making found that a large-scale anthrax attack would overwhelm hospital resources even with an effective public health response due to expected delays. Researchers developed best practices guidelines for modeling disaster responses, including striking the right balance between simplicity and complexity.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medical School researchers highlights the importance of quick detection and treatment in defense against anthrax attacks. Delays beyond three days could overwhelm hospitals with critically ill people, necessitating powerful antibiotic treatments.
The US military's influenza monitoring system has made notable contributions to global control through collaboration with CDC, FDA, and WHO. The Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (DoD-GEIS) program provides six objectives relevant to influenza, including laboratory-based surveillance and ...
A team from MIT and the CDC discovered that the new H1N1 strain's surface protein binds to human receptors less effectively than other flu viruses. This restricted binding along with a genetic variation in an H1N1 polymerase enzyme explains why the virus has not spread as efficiently as seasonal flu.
A study by the CDC found that only 33.9% of adults with asthma received the flu vaccine in 2007, compared to 54.7% for those without asthma. The study also revealed a significant race/ethnicity gap in vaccination rates among non-Hispanic whites.
Michigan State University is part of the largest epidemiological study on autism, collecting and analyzing data from nearly 3,000 families to identify factors that may put children at risk for the disease. The study will also explore physical and behavioral characteristics, health conditions, and risk factors associated with autism.
Researchers compared TV show crimes to real homicides and found significant differences in portrayal of alcohol use, relationships, and racial representation. The study highlights the need for accurate public health messages, as media influences individual health behaviors and perceptions.
The InDevR FluChip has been shown to detect and distinguish swine-origin H1N1 from human influenza viruses with high accuracy. The assay's robust performance is attributed to its targeted M-gene sequence, which codes for the virus' matrix proteins.
Progress has been made in vaccinating low-income children on schedule, with significant increases in timely vaccination coverage for varicella and hepatitis B vaccines. However, disparities between low- and high-income children remain, particularly for the DTaP-DTP vaccine.
Research at Washington University in St. Louis found that the average age of autism diagnosis is nearly six years old, three to four years after possible diagnosis. Early diagnosis is often linked to more severe cognitive impairment and is less common for females and minority groups.
The FluChip technology has been licensed by InDevR to detect the deadly flu virus. The test can distinguish between human H1N1 viruses and the new swine H1N1 subtype, a crucial gap in current diagnostics. This new tool has the potential to greatly enhance influenza surveillance and track the virus.
A CDC analysis reveals that a multifaceted MRSA prevention program employing positive deviance techniques triggered significant reductions in MRSA incidence, ranging from 26 to 62 percent. The hospitals also saw a decline in methicillin-resistant infections, demonstrating progress in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs.
A new study reveals that people at high risk of stroke are less aware of the five warning signs, including sudden weakness, vision disturbance, and confusion. Researchers found significant disparities in knowledge among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns.
A new letter in JAMA contests an earlier study's associations between bisphenol A and various health issues, citing statistical limitations. The authors conclude that the findings could be due to chance rather than real health concerns.
A study published in JAMA found that MRSA central line-associated BSIs declined significantly in all six adult ICU types and remained stable in pediatric ICUs from 2001-2007. The decline is attributed to improved adherence to prevention guidelines, better care practices, and reduced transmission between patients.
A recent CDC study reveals a steady decline in intensive care unit catheter-associated MRSA bloodstream infections since 2001. SHEA President Mark Rupp emphasizes the need to focus on preventing infections caused by multiple organisms rather than just one, such as MRSA.
A new study reveals that the majority of US states have laws consistent with or neutral toward the CDC's revised HIV testing guidelines. Despite concerns about opt-out screening, the study finds protections for patient autonomy are not required by state laws in many cases.
Researchers found that local climate moderates the relationship between temperature, precipitation and dengue incidence. Climate patterns affect mosquito reproduction and virus development.
A study by the University of Minnesota and CDC found that 43% of active-duty military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking, leading to approximately 30 million episodes annually. This behavior is strongly associated with health and social problems, including job performance issues and alcohol-impaired driving.
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a special issue of Health Promotion Practice on evaluating sexual violence prevention programs. Four CDC-supported empowerment evaluation programs are highlighted, demonstrating the effectiveness of putting program s...
Mammography utilization in the US declined slightly between 2000 and 2006, with 34 states showing a decrease, according to a CDC study. The decline ranged from -0.3% to -5.3%, with no clear pattern among states by region, age, income or population density.
UCSF's Positive Choice: Interactive Video Doctor and Healthy Living interventions have been selected by the CDC for their effectiveness in reducing HIV risk behaviors. These programs address crucial aspects of living with HIV, including stress and coping, transmission risk behaviors, and adherence to medication regimens.
A study by Emory University School of Medicine and CDC found childhood trauma increases CFS risk six-fold, with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms further exacerbating the risk. Low cortisol levels are also associated with childhood trauma, suggesting they may be a marker for CFS risk rather than a symptom
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for enhanced infection control practices to prevent viral hepatitis outbreaks. Researchers also stress the importance of proper antibiotic treatment for health care-associated pneumonia, highlighting its more serious nature compared to community-acquired pneumonia.
A new survey of 4,000 American adults reveals that fewer than one-third have been vaccinated against the flu, citing misperceptions and lack of time as main reasons. The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to encourage greater use of influenza vaccines through December.
A year-long study found that long-term use of a macrolide antibiotic reduced COPD exacerbations by 35% in patients with moderate to severe disease. The treatment also decreased the severity and duration of exacerbations, but its benefits are offset by concerns about growing antibiotic resistance.
A recent study found that HPV vaccination can reduce the incidence of HPV-caused cancers, particularly oral and anal cancers, which are rising in incidence. Researchers propose a simple oral screening test using 'swish and spit' rinses to detect high-risk infections.
Research by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that flu vaccines are effective in protecting children from respiratory viruses, even during years with poor vaccine matches. Vaccination is crucial for preventing illnesses, as it can prevent up to 2,250 hospitalizations and 270,000 to 650,000 doctor visits.
A CDC-funded study found that vaccinating new mothers and family members against influenza before a newborn leaves the hospital significantly boosts immunization rates. The 'cocooning effect' also protects unprotected children from the flu, which can be life-threatening to infants.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that rapid HIV testing in the Emergency Department increased diagnoses by 56%, particularly among African American patients. The test provided results in just 20 minutes and helped identify high-risk individuals, who were more likely to modify their behavior and reduce transmission.
The UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is leading a nationwide program in pharmacogenomics, providing educational resources to over 100,000 healthcare professionals. The goal is to increase awareness of pharmacogenomic testing and its implications for personalized medicine.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a low-cost, high-resolution imaging system that can be attached to a helicopter to create detailed pictures of devastated areas. The system enables accurate population estimates and demographic analysis, helping aid organizations plan for health and humanitarian services.
Clemson University researcher John R. Saylor has received a $700,000 CDC grant to investigate methods for reducing harmful particulate levels in coal mines. The goal is to lower the incidence of black lung disease and its affiliated ailments by lowering coal-mine dust exposure.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that obese adults with asthma are nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized for their condition. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that obese people with asthma have significantly worse asthma control and lower quality of life.
A new study confirms Pycnogenol's effectiveness in reducing knee osteoarthritis symptoms, with a 20.9% improvement rate and significant reductions in pain and joint stiffness. After treatment cessation, the joints showed no relapse, suggesting a potential lasting effect on joint health.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that adverse reactions to antibiotics cause an estimated 142,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States. The majority of these reactions are allergic, with over 80% being related to penicillins and other antibiotics.
Respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold and pneumonia, were the primary diagnoses for travelers in China. Dog bites were also a significant concern, with 400 reported cases over 10 years, leading to rabies vaccination needs. Travelers can minimize risks by planning ahead, using common sense, and taking necessary vaccinations.
A recent analysis of US births reveals that babies born preterm are more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study found that very preterm babies were five times more likely to suffer from such defects, with central nervous system and cardiovascular issues being the most common.
A new analysis of nearly 7 million US live births found that babies born preterm were more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study also showed that very preterm babies, those born between 24-31 weeks gestation, were five times more likely to have a birth defect.
The study found that Mayo Clinic's intensive care unit (ICU) pneumonia prevention rate is similar to the national average, but lower for trauma ICUs. The most common pathogen causing VAP was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic treatment.
Scientists from NASA, CDC, and University of Alabama are using public health projects that utilize NASA satellite data on air quality, climate, vegetation, and flooding to explore possible linkages with diseases like lung disease, stroke rates, and asthma.
A recent study found that US mothers are less likely to vaccinate their youngest daughters against human papillomavirus virus (HPV), even though the vaccine is recommended for girls aged 11 and 12. The researchers identified key factors associated with intention to vaccinate, including beliefs about HPV vaccination and perceived benefits.
Rachel L. Stricof, a leading expert in infection prevention, has been recognized with the prestigious Carole DeMille Achievement Award for her dedication to improving health and patient safety. With over 30 years of experience, she has established innovative reporting systems and collaborated with policymakers to reduce HAI rates.
Researchers report a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease rates in all age groups post-PCV7 introduction. Disease caused by non-PCV7 serotypes, especially 19A, is emerging and accounts for nearly all IPD cases.
The proportion of foodborne outbreaks linked to leafy green consumption has substantially increased over the past 35 years, despite a rise in leafy green consumption. Per capita availability of leafy greens was found to be a significant factor in this correlation.
The Regenstrief Institute has received a $2.6 million contract from the CDC to develop public health informatics solutions for infectious disease outbreaks. Researchers will build on their existing work in health information exchange and biosurveillance to address anthrax, plague, and other public health hazards.
A University of Houston professor found a new side effect of lead exposure: obesity in male mice born to mothers exposed to varying levels of lead. The study suggests that the link may be related to testosterone or other hormones, and highlights the need for lower acceptable lead exposure rates for pregnant women and children.
Researchers at Brown University have created a 10-minute animated video explaining rapid tests for HIV, aiming to educate patients and healthcare providers. The video's effectiveness was tested in pilot trials, showing that it can improve comprehension of rapid HIV testing fundamentals.
A new Cornell University study found that even small amounts of lead in children's blood are associated with reduced IQ scores. The study examined the effect of lead exposure on cognitive function in children with BLLs below the CDC standard, and found an adverse effect on nonverbal IQ scores.