Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A new analysis found that expanding Medicaid eligibility to more people improved patient outcomes, prevention measures, and screening access. The study suggests that increasing health insurance coverage results in better health outcomes for those with heart disease.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.
A nationwide Danish study found that both men and women with migraine have a similarly increased risk of ischemic stroke. Women with migraine may also have a slightly higher risk of heart attack and hemorrhagic stroke compared to men and the general population.
A large-scale study found that women who used combined contraceptive pills were at a greater risk of developing depression than those who did not. The risk was particularly high for teenage users, who had a 130% higher incidence of symptoms of depression.
A new metric, space syntax walkability index, is proposed to address limitations in linking cardio-metabolic risk factors to the built environment. The study found that walkability in urban areas is linked to cardio-metabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and obesity.
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Care of the Athletic Heart conference found that only 50% of athletes surveyed reported knowing what sudden cardiac arrest is or being concerned about it during play. The researchers identified 46 cases of sports-related cardiac arrests between 1984 and 2022 involving CPR, with ...
Researchers in Austria found that one in three patients with Type 2 diabetes stopped treatment and monitoring for at least a year, resulting in higher mortality rates. This group had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those who regularly accessed care.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
NUTRITION 2023 will feature research announcements, expert discussions on emerging topics like artificial intelligence and precision nutrition. The meeting will also focus on adolescent nutrient deficiencies and their long-term consequences on health.
Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi receives the award for her leadership in developing a patent-free open-source vaccine for COVID-19, which has been adopted globally and distributed over 100 million doses.
Research shows higher physical activity levels can lower type 2 diabetes risk in people with high genetic risk. Regular exercise, especially moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities, was associated with a 74% lower risk of developing the condition.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
UofL researchers, led by Jun Yan, will investigate the causes of immune system overresponse in COVID-19 patients, leading to severe lung disease and death. They aim to develop methods to predict, prevent or control this response with potential treatments for other conditions.
A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.
A study of 1,979 women found that healthy sleep prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic may protect against post-COVID condition. Researchers suggest interventions on sleep health could prevent or alleviate long COVID symptoms.
Repetitive manual dexterity training for 12 weeks improves executive function and boosts cognitive load patterns in older adults. Daily training has a positive correlation with active blood hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.
Researchers have developed new methods to analyze dry-coated drug particles using 3D Raman mapping, which can effectively slow down dissolution rates. Another study introduces a novel technique for detecting complex traditional Chinese medicines, preventing adulteration and counterfeiting.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
A recent study from Amsterdam UMC suggests that being overly restrictive in blood transfusion policies may not always be the best approach. Researchers found that patients with severe thrombocytopenia actually experience less bleeding if they receive a platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement.
A new AI framework developed by Danish researchers significantly improves the accuracy of early stroke identification by human emergency call handlers. The study found that the AI framework achieved a recall of 63.0% and precision of 24.9%, compared to 52.7% and 17.1% for human handlers, respectively.
A new weight loss tool called PATHWEIGH was developed to address clinician barriers in providing patient care that addresses weight. The tool has shown early success and has been implemented in a health system's primary care clinics, improving weight management efforts among patients with obesity.
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature links continuity of the doctor-patient relationship to reduced healthcare costs and increased appropriate care utilization. The study found that interpersonal continuity remains significantly associated with lower healthcare costs and more effective care usage across various studies.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that US high school students who experience violence at school are more likely to carry weapons. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants and found that nearly half of males who experienced violence carried a weapon, as did nearly a third of fema...
A study by WVU researchers highlights the need for improved mental health programs for first responders, citing increased stress and stigma. The study recommends linking responders with culturally competent clinicians, establishing centralized organizations, and expanding research efforts to address these issues.
A University of Gothenburg study found that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity had smaller hemorrhages upon arrival at the hospital. Physically active patients experienced 50% less bleeding volume compared to inactive ones.
A growing number of people worldwide will be affected by low back pain by 2050, with Australia facing a nearly 50% increase. The study highlights the need for effective prevention and management strategies to address this growing burden.
A study of nearly 67,200 postmenopausal women found that the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was inadequate for identifying osteoporotic fracture risk across racial/ethnic categories. However, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) was excellent for detecting osteoporosis within each category.
A decision analytical model found that increased uptake of bivalent booster vaccination among eligible age groups decreased pediatric hospitalizations and school absenteeism. The benefits of booster campaigns for children may be substantial, suggesting a focus on younger populations is crucial.
Dr. John H. Bushweller's team at UVA Cancer Center is developing novel drugs to block abnormal proteins that cause pediatric leukemia. The new approach aims to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.
Researchers identified novel genetic associations between AD and modifiable risk factors, including high HDL cholesterol concentrations and systolic blood pressure. These findings may inspire new drug targets and improved prevention strategies for AD.
A recent French study reveals lesbian and bisexual women have worse cardiovascular health scores than heterosexual women, while gay and bisexual men tend to have better scores. Rural-residing sexual minority men also experience poorer cardiovascular health compared to heterosexual men.
Athletes from less affluent countries face significant barriers in preventing injuries due to lack of health education and medical expertise. A new study reveals stark inequalities in support resources between international competitors.
Researchers have developed a new instrument to thoroughly characterize the optical properties of specialized eyeglass lenses used to slow myopia progression. The study's findings provide valuable information on how these lenses interact with eye elongation and shed light on their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Physicians are urging primary care teams to use data-driven approaches to prevent and mitigate climate-related health issues, dubbed "precision ecologic medicine". This approach combines patient-specific data with climate-related information to predict and support vulnerable patients.
A new interactive online Fragility Fracture Decision Aid can help clinicians and patients visualize their individual risk of fracture. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends a "risk assessment–first" screening process for women 65 years and older, centered around shared decision-making with primary care providers.
A specialized weight loss program for Deaf people, designed and led by Deaf individuals, resulted in significant weight loss among participants. The Deaf Weight Wise program focused on lifestyle changes, social support, and cultural relevance, leading to a higher retention rate and better outcomes compared to mainstream programs.
A study of 1,340 women with high-risk breast cancer found that strongest collective adherence to lifestyle recommendations was associated with significant reductions in disease recurrence and mortality. Education strategies to help patients adhere to cancer prevention recommendations are warranted.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough discovery about the role of microglia in seizure disorders. The study suggests that enhancing microglial activity could be a promising approach to preventing and managing seizures, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
The USPSTF recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations at increased risk, including those born in or former residents of high-prevalence countries and congregate settings. Estimated prevalence is about 5.0% in the US, with up to 13 million persons affected.
A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.
More than half of stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment within a year, with 1 in 3 at risk for dementia. Early screening and comprehensive care are advised to support stroke survivors with cognitive impairment.
Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that lower grip strength and slower timed-up-and-go tests were significant risk factors for presenting with dementia. The study suggests that incorporating muscle function tests into dementia screening could help identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from primary prevention programs.
A randomized clinical trial found that community health workers in early childhood well-child care teams improved receipt of preventive care services compared to usual care. The intervention resulted in better outcomes for Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the potential benefits of team-based approaches to healthcare.
A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
Researchers found that CUDC-907 selectively induces apoptosis in cells driven to senesce by p53 expression. The compound showed senolytic properties in different models of stress-induced senescence, depending on its inhibitory effects on HDACs and PI3K.
A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.
A new study finds that an estimated 6.5 million Californians are concerned about a friend or family member who may harm themselves or others due to substance misuse, history of violence, or firearm access. The survey shows that 85% of respondents who knew someone at risk took actions to reduce the risk, but few addressed firearm access.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts strokes more accurately than current systems, using data available at hospital arrival. The model achieved high precision and sensitivity, outperforming existing scales.
A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.
The 18th Key Symposium on Healthy Ageing and Longevity takes place in Okinawa, bringing together world experts to discuss the latest research on blue zones. The symposium aims to promote both longevity and healthy ageing to reduce age-related diseases and healthcare burden.
A global study published in Cochrane Reviews found that consuming cranberry products reduces the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter. The review also showed benefits for children and people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions, with minimal side effects reported.