A recent study conducted by George Washington University found that 33 percent of seafood sold in six District restaurants was mislabeled. The DNA barcoding analysis revealed that the substitutions were mostly with closely related species or acceptable alternatives for menu listing.
Repeal of key ACA provisions and failure to renew critical funding streams would result in significant funding losses for community health centers. Nearly 80% of centers estimate financial losses exceeding 20%, with many at risk of laying off staff, cutting services, or shutting down clinical sites.
A study found that 25% of US children and 41% of adults consumed low-calorie sweeteners, a 200% increase for kids and 54% jump for adults. The likelihood of consumption increased with adult body mass index and often occurred at home.
A recent study found that people who engage in physical activity on weekends have significantly lower all-cause mortality rates compared to those who are inactive. The research suggests that even short periods of moderate-intensity exercise can have health benefits, especially for individuals with busy weekday schedules. Experts recomm...
Research shows the importance of healthy communities to population health, and tax-exempt hospitals are well-positioned to address these issues. The new report recommends that the IRS modify community benefit policies to encourage greater hospital involvement in activities aimed at improving social conditions.
The number of veterans served by community health centers has surged to over 305,000, up 43% in less than a decade. Most health centers now offer mental health services and substance abuse treatment, significantly improving care for this vulnerable population.
A recent study found that Medicaid policies requiring tobacco-cessation counseling actually decrease the use of anti-smoking medications among smokers, with a one-quarter to one-third reduction. This is due to barriers erected for smokers who want to quit.
A study found that household dust contains 45 potentially toxic chemicals, including phthalates, phenols, and flame retardants, which can be inhaled or ingested. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, developmental toxicity, and respiratory issues.
A recent study assesses the climate change vulnerability of cities across the US, finding that many city planners have yet to prepare for climate-related risks. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach, focusing on human health impacts and sector-specific strategies to address specific challenges in urban areas.
A landmark study suggests that culturally tailored weight-and-fitness interventions are effective in helping lesbian and bisexual women improve health behaviors. The study found that nearly 60% of participants increased their physical activity minutes by 20% and 95% achieved one or more health objectives.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that nearly 17 million women and children in 24 sub-Saharan African countries are responsible for hauling water long distances, taking over 30 minutes per trip. This task puts them at risk of health problems, spinal pain, and injury.
A study by George Washington University researchers found that people who ate more fast food had higher levels of phthalates in their urine, which have been linked to reproductive damage and infertility. The study also discovered that grain and meat items were significant contributors to phthalate exposure.
A new study finds that Medicaid programs provide inadequate help for smoking cessation, with 10% of smokers receiving anti-smoking medication. States vary in their efforts to support smokers, with some providing more access than others.
A new report finds that 5.8 million US children ages 5-17 have ADHD, up from 3.7 million in 2003, with a notable increase among girls. The study also reveals racial and ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis, particularly among Hispanic youth.
A study ranks six American cities on their preparedness for climate change, with Portland ranking number one. The research found that the political culture of a city plays a significant role in its ability to prepare for extreme weather events linked to climate change.
A new study found that teenage exposure to organochlorine pesticides may lead to defective sperm and fertility problems later in life. Researchers analyzed sperm and blood samples from 90 men living in an island community with high pesticide exposure.
Researchers at George Washington University Health Workforce Institute analyze data on US medical graduates and residency positions, finding a surplus of slots for the next decade. The study suggests that despite increased competition, US medical students will have ample training opportunities.
A new model for preventing and treating obesity in the United States has been proposed, integrating healthcare with community resources. The model centers on individual patients and family engagement, restructuring clinical services to address stigmatization and promoting behavioral changes.
A study published in AIDS and Behavior found that the D.C. needle exchange program prevented 70% of newly diagnosed HIV cases and saved an estimated $44 million over two years by reducing the need for costly treatment. The program also provided access to health services, including HIV testing and addiction treatment.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 47% of grocery store-bought meat products contained Klebsiella bacteria, with many strains resistant to antibiotics. This increase poses a significant risk to human health, particularly for urinary and blood infections.
A study found that vaginal douching is associated with higher levels of phthalate metabolites in urine, increasing the risk of health problems. Black women are at higher risk due to frequent douching usage.
The study found that nonprofit hospitals spent only a small fraction of their 'charity care and community benefit' on efforts aimed at improving the health of the communities they serve. In 2011, hospitals allocated less than 1% of total spending towards community health improvement.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.
Two legal experts argue that the proposed Medicaid block grant in the Patient CARE Act would be unconstitutional as it violates the Tenth Amendment. The block grant's fixed sum allocation and limited growth rate would coerce states into accepting a reduced financing structure, similar to the 2012 NFIB v. Sebelius ruling.
A new study published in The Lancet emphasizes the need for improved healthcare systems to combat the growing obesity crisis. The study suggests that current clinical delivery systems are poorly suited for preventing and managing obesity, and that health professionals lack the training and tools needed to treat this condition. The auth...
A new study found that public reporting of hospital quality data can exert downward pressure on actual prices paid for common procedures. The study suggests that insurance companies are paying closer attention to quality scores, which has helped slow price increases for bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions.
A new study finds that higher human exposure to cadmium can lead to significantly shorter telomeres, associated with cardiovascular disease and other diseases of old age. Cadmium exposure has been linked to premature aging of cells, kidney disease, and other health problems.
A study by researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health found that physicians trained in high-spending areas tend to practice more expensive medicine, even after completing residency. This can lead to higher healthcare costs for patients and contribute to the rising healthcare expenditure in the US.
Two Health Affairs papers expose gaps in health coverage for children and recommend solutions. The studies focus on the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit standard, which has resulted in a state-by-state patchwork of coverage with significant exclusions for children with developmental disabilities.
A new study identifies four fundamental tenets to creating fun in youth sports and 11 specific fun factors. Being a good sport was found to be the top factor, followed by trying hard and positive coaching.
A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that a text-messaging program helped over 11% of smokers quit smoking compared to just 5% of controls. The program provided personalized advice and reminders to help smokers stay on track with their quitting efforts.
Under the Affordable Care Act, an estimated 4 million people who have spent time in jail will gain access to continuous health care for conditions that increase the risk of recidivism. This could lead to reduced healthcare costs and a healthier community.
A single strain of Escherichia coli, known as H30-Rx, has become the main cause of bacterial infections worldwide, spreading from urinary tract to blood and causing lethal sepsis. The study's findings suggest that this superbug may be responsible for 1.5 million UTIs and tens of thousands of deaths annually in the US.
Researchers found that nearly 80% of nurse executives preferred or required BSNs for new hires, but only 25% required degree completion within a timeframe. Hospitals with residency programs also offered more training programs, suggesting a cultural value on employee development.
A recent study estimates the global death toll from the 2009 H1N1 outbreak to be up to 203,000 respiratory deaths, significantly higher than the World Health Organization's initial count of 18,449 laboratory-confirmed cases. The pandemic disproportionately affected younger people and certain regions, such as the Americas.
A recent study found that many popular anti-smoking smartphone apps lack basic strategies known to help smokers quit, including counseling and medication guidance. The researchers recommend using these apps with caution and instead suggest calling a quit-line for proven help on beating tobacco addiction.
A new analysis examines factors affecting integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers. Health centers were more likely to offer behavioral health services if they were larger or located in areas with more psychiatrists and psychologists per capita.
A recent study by George Washington University found that 20% of Medicare's graduate medical education (GME) funding goes to New York, while 29 states receive less than 1%. The study highlights the need for reform in the GME payment system to address imbalances in physician availability across the country.
Researchers found no evidence that state public health departments lose funding when merged with Medicaid programs. In fact, the study suggests that strong public health agencies can help save Medicaid money by preventing costly diseases.
A new study by George Washington University researchers finds no evidence that primary care physicians deliver less care to low-income and vulnerable patients. Despite critics' claims of substandard care, the study analyzed data from over 31,000 visits and found comparable care for all patients regardless of insurance status.
A new report by George Washington University researchers finds that many Medicaid beneficiaries lack access to essential preventive services. The study highlights gaps in coverage for critical services such as screening tests for colorectal cancer, high blood cholesterol, HIV infection, and diet counseling for obesity prevention.
A new pilot study found that watching an avatar model healthy weight loss behaviors could lead to significant weight loss for overweight women. After four weeks of treatment, the women in the study lost an average of 3.5 pounds.
Researchers found that short post-meal walks were as effective at reducing blood sugar over 24 hours as a 45-minute sustained walk. The most effective time for walking was after the evening meal, which helped curb high blood sugar levels that often last into the night and early morning.
A recent study found that only 25.2% of newly graduated physicians work as primary care doctors, with significant shortages in rural and underserved areas. The study's findings suggest that the current graduate medical education system is not meeting the nation's need for more primary care physicians.
A new analysis by researchers at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services suggests that removing conflict-of-interest restrictions for FDA advisory panels could weaken the agency's review system. The 2012 law loosened these restrictions, allowing more industry-affiliated experts to serve on panels.
A new study reveals a significant increase in US ICU admissions, rising from 2.79 million to 4.14 million over seven years, primarily due to an aging population. The study found that emergency department utilization of tests and services also increased, with CT and MRI tests provided on the way to the ICU jumping by 61%.