Women using Fosamax are nearly twice as likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a chronic irregular heartbeat. The study found that maintaining a healthy body weight may help protect against this condition.
A recent study by researchers found that household photoelectric alarms are more likely to remain functional after installation, with only 5% not working nine months later. In contrast, ionization alarms had a 20% failure rate during the same period, often due to nuisance alarms caused by cooking.
Researchers found that Group Health patients who regularly used their SilverSneakers benefit experienced significantly fewer inpatient admissions and lower total health care costs. Regular physical activity can help prevent falls, heart attacks, and diabetes complications.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.
A nationwide study found that diagnostic mammogram accuracy depends on the radiologist reading it, with varying sensitivity and false-positive rates. Radiologists based at academic medical centers or spending most time on breast imaging performed more accurately.
Researchers found that statin treatment may curb Alzheimer's brain changes, with a study comparing brain scans of people who took statins to those who did not. The study, published in Neurology, included 110 Group Health members aged 65-79 and provided the first direct evidence of statin's potential protective effect on the brain.
A study by the Cancer Research Network found that regular post-therapy surveillance lowers the rate of death from breast cancer in older women. The researchers examined nearly 2,000 patients age 65 and older with stage I and II breast cancer and found that annual mammograms can decrease death rates.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that suicide attempts decreased during the first month of treatment for depression, regardless of medication or therapy type. Patients who received antidepressant prescriptions from psychiatrists were more likely to attempt suicide than those who received them from primary care doctors.
Research from Group Health finds a link between low libido during menopause and disrupted sleep patterns. Women experiencing reduced sexual desire are also more likely to report poor sleep quality and depression symptoms.
A new study by Group Health researchers found that phone-based therapy can lead to long-term positive effects on depression symptoms. Patients who received telephone psychotherapy soon after starting antidepressant medication showed strong positive effects at 18 months, with 77 percent reporting improved depression symptoms.
Women with a history of abuse by intimate partners have significantly higher health care costs and utilization than those without such a history. The study found that annual total health care costs were 19% higher in women with a history of IPV, with increased primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription refills.
A study by Group Health researchers found that black cohosh did not relieve hot flashes among women going through menopause. In contrast, hormone therapy significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes. The researchers concluded that herbal supplements like black cohosh have little potential as an alternative to hormone therapy.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute shows that computer-assisted detection (CAD) technology improves mammographic specificity by 3%, allowing 30 women to avoid further evaluation. However, CAD does not affect overall sensitivity and may lead to deferral of radiologists' own judgment.
A study by Group Health found that panic episodes in diabetic patients are linked to poorer health outcomes, including higher blood sugar levels and greater disability. The researchers also discovered that half of the patients with panic also had major depression.
Regular follow-up is essential during antidepressant treatment due to individual variability in response, according to Dr. Greg Simon. The author suggests maintaining a connection between patients and providers to address potential concerns and provide support.
A new model developed by scientists from Group Health and seven other health care organizations finds that breast density is a significant predictor of breast cancer risk, with women having highly dense breasts facing nearly four times the risk as those with fat-filled breasts. The study analyzed data from over 1 million women and iden...
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong link between obesity and mood disorders, particularly among Caucasian Americans and those with more education. The study revealed that an obese person is about 25% more likely to have depression or anxiety disorders.
Research at Group Health Research Institute found that participants with higher physical function were three times less likely to develop dementia. Regular exercise may help stave off dementia by improving and maintaining physical conditioning, say researchers.
A study by Group Health researchers found that intimate partner violence (IPV) affects nearly half of women, with recent IPV having a particularly devastating impact on their physical and mental health. The study also revealed that IPV is an equal-opportunity problem, affecting women from all walks of life.
A study of 372 children found that ibuprofen and acetaminophen were ineffective in preventing local reactions to the DTaP vaccine, which can cause swelling and discomfort. The researchers suggest alternative approaches, such as using a lower antigen content vaccine, may be more effective in reducing reaction rates.
A six-year study of 1,740 Group Health members found that regular exercise reduced the risk of developing dementia by 30-40%. Exercise may improve brain function by boosting blood flow to areas used for memory, according to lead investigator Eric B. Larson.
A long-term population-based study found that adults do not experience an increased risk of suicidal behavior after starting antidepressants. The study analyzed over 65,000 patients and discovered a significant decline in suicide attempts following treatment initiation.
A Group Health study found that yoga was more effective than traditional exercise and education for treating back pain. After 12-26 weeks, patients in the yoga group showed significant improvements in daily activities, back-related function, and pain levels.
Experts from Group Health Research Institute outline five principles for making informed decisions on drug coverage, prioritizing true experiments, real health outcomes, and full ranges of alternatives. These evidence-based guidelines aim to protect patients and promote cost-effectiveness.
A new study reveals that E.coli bacteremia affects up to 53,000 non-institutionalized seniors each year, with a significant risk of septic shock and death. Researchers suggest developing a vaccine could save many lives, but currently, there is no similar vaccine available.
A new study has found that teenaged women who stop using Depo-Provera experience significant gains in bone density compared to those still taking the contraceptive. The research suggests that continuous use of Depo-Provera leads to a loss of bone mass, which appears to be reversible once the drug is discontinued.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute has identified key risk factors for kidney infections in women under 50. The research found that frequent sexual intercourse, recent urinary tract infections, new sex partners, family history of UTIs, and spermicide use are associated with a higher risk of kidney infection.