Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.
UCF researchers are developing a wearable, wireless health monitor to track physiological response to heat stress in firefighters. The device aims to identify correlations between heat stress and skin thermal activity for the first time, providing insight into the link between heat stress and serious medical issues.
A recent study of 5,034 youth ages 5 to 19 who died by suicide from 2015 to 2016 found a significant association between county-level mental health professional shortages and increased suicide rates. The findings suggest that addressing workforce shortages may be crucial for preventing youth suicides.
Scientists at Texas A&M University found that transplanting intestinal epithelial stem cells can repair the gut and reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function after a stroke. The study suggests that targeting gut health may be key to developing more effective stroke therapies.
A survey of community-living people with spinal cord injury revealed lower-than-recommended healthcare utilization rates for primary care, dental, and optical services. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury-related factors contributed to disparities in healthcare access.
A study of 3,110 US counties found that residential segregation is associated with increased cancer mortality. The findings highlight opportunities for targeted cancer prevention and control efforts at the county level.
A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...
An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.
The DocMapper.ca platform provides an interactive map listing physicians' names, contact info, and language skills in the Ottawa and Renfrew County area. Available in English and French, it lists over 50 languages, addressing a significant language barrier for patients seeking family care.
A large South Korean cohort study found a five-fold increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for adults with persistent hematuria. Associations were stronger in men compared to women.
Researchers developed a new device, MAGENTA, that prevents and supports muscle atrophy recovery. The device stimulates muscles to stretch and contract, triggering key molecular pathways for growth. It has potential applications in treating various diseases such as ALS and MS.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates the economic burden of acute firearm injuries at a Level I Trauma Center in New Orleans, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million over four years. The study highlights the significant financial impact of gun violence on healthcare systems and society.
A three-year research project led by Aston University aims to prevent epileptic seizures in children. The team will explore how epilepsy becomes established in the brain and test new drugs using living tissue samples.
The American Heart Association statement highlights telehealth's benefits in managing cardiovascular disease, including cost-effectiveness and improved rehabilitation. However, challenges like access to broadband internet and privacy security concerns hinder widespread adoption.
A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.
Research recognizes significant association between unhealthy behaviors and conditions like obesity, diabetes, smoking, leading to poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Experts emphasize promoting healthy lifestyles to combat syndemics, particularly impacting underserved communities.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a promising drug candidate, TYK2 inhibitor, for preventing type 1 diabetes. The study found that inhibiting TYK2 expression reduces the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, but may also reduce beta cell production in earlier stages.
Researchers mapped out variations in vaccine distribution policies among 29 countries, highlighting differing priorities such as age, comorbidities, and occupation. The study suggests that vaccination schedules differ from resource allocation strategies in healthcare, reflecting diverse moral judgments underlying each approach.
Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.
Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...
A significant increase in COVID-19 pandemic-related demand for adolescent eating disorder (ED) care was observed, outstripping available resources. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced ED prevention strategies and improved workforce and program capacity to address this growing concern.
A new comprehensive guideline, C-CHANGE, offers 83 actionable recommendations to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults. The updated resource incorporates new or revised recommendations from 11 guideline groups, addressing key risk factors such as dietary habits, smoking, and physical activity.
A large contact tracing investigation found no secondary cases of monkeypox, informing estimates of exposure risk and postexposure prophylaxis recommendations. The framework's ease of application and cross-setting use has important applications for future infection prevention efforts.
A new study found that ultraprocessed foods contributed to 57,000 premature deaths in Brazil in 2019. The study estimated the impact of reducing UPF intake and suggested that limiting consumption could prevent approximately 5,900 to 29,300 premature deaths annually.
A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
A new medication, pemafibrate, lowered triglyceride levels among adults with Type 2 diabetes, but did not decrease their cardiovascular risk. The study found that lowering triglyceride levels may not protect against cardiovascular disease in people with Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study has found that simple tests can accurately predict the risk of secondary disease in hepatitis C patients after treatment. Non-invasive tests such as liver stiffness measurement and platelet count have been shown to be effective in identifying patients at high risk of developing portal hypertension.
A new study found that only 12% of middle-aged adults are willing to participate in dementia prevention drug trials, citing concerns over the risks involved. The study suggests prioritizing those with a family history or perceived personal risk for dementia and communicating about trial safety could increase participation.
Dr. David Kass, a Johns Hopkins professor, has advanced understanding of heart disease and its treatments through pioneering clinical studies and molecular research. His work has led to the development of new therapies for heart failure, obesity, muscular dystrophy, and potentially immunotherapy for cancer.
Dr. Volpp's research on behavioral economics and health incentives has significantly advanced understanding of cardiovascular outcomes, leading to changes in benefit design and program offerings. He is also the founder of Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.
Dr. Lisa A. Cooper, a leading researcher on health disparities and communication methods, receives the prestigious award for her work advancing cardiovascular understanding. Her research has significantly influenced patient care and healthcare professional-patient interactions.
Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, a top stroke neurologist, has advanced understanding of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through his research on race-related stroke risk. He is recognized for his work in creating targeted stroke prevention programs.
Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele has made significant contributions to understanding stroke prevention and improving post-stroke outcomes, especially in Africa. His research has identified genetic variables associated with increased stroke risk and explored the effectiveness of mobile health-based technology in reducing regional disparities.
A study of 9,303 US adults found that people with cardiovascular disease were less likely to use wearable devices, highlighting disparities in access and use. The research emphasizes the need to ensure equitable access to wearables to benefit high-risk populations.
Survival rates for in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest events have increased significantly between 2000 and 2021. Children with a history of cardiovascular disease showed slower improvement in survival rates compared to those without a history of CVD.
Research found social vulnerabilities such as poverty and minority status linked to increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 19 million pregnancies in US counties from 2016-2020 and found that four leading cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with some social vulnerability.
Researchers found a longer PR interval and prolonged QT duration in genetically modified pig hearts after transplantation into humans, indicating signs of electrical disease. The study provides a foundation for future research to better understand xenotransplantation's effects on the heart's electrical system.
A new daily anti-clotting pill, edoxaban, shows promise in preventing bleeding and clotting instances rare in children with heart conditions. The study's findings indicate edoxaban is a viable alternative to current treatments, eliminating injections and reducing frequent blood tests.
A study of over 1.3 million young Asian American adults hospitalized for atrial fibrillation found a significant increase in obesity and other modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. Young adults with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were almost three times more likely to be hospitalized for atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that knockdown of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) suppresses SASP and improves age-related skin phenotypes. This suggests a potential candidate for the development of new skin rejuvenation therapies.
Researchers evaluated 116 adults' diets and found most underestimated their own diet quality, with a significant gap between self-assessment and objective measurements. The study suggests that people trying to lose weight or health professionals should provide concrete information on improving diet quality.
FAU's nurse-led mobile health unit will provide technology-assisted, culturally aligned health promotion, disease prevention, and primary care services in underserved communities. The project targets high-risk populations with limited access to healthcare.
A one-year lifestyle intervention with a digital app and group counselling improved diet quality, reduced abdominal obesity and insulin resistance among 2907 Finnish adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that commitment to lifestyle counselling supports positive changes.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.
Dr. Eldrin F. Lewis, a clinician scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2022 Clinical Research Prize by the American Heart Association. His work focuses on improving quality of life and care delivery models for patients with heart failure through point-of-care initiatives.
Dr. Paul Muntner receives the 2022 Joseph A. Vita Award for his work on identifying cardiovascular disease risk factors and improving hypertension prevention and treatment. He is recognized for his studies on environmental factors, blood pressure measurements, and African American adults.
Dr. Ivor Benjamin is recognized for his decades-long commitment to cardiovascular science, with a focus on proteostatic networks, stem cell biology, and redox homeostasis. He has led numerous initiatives to expand biomedical research and patient care, aiming to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare equity.
Dr. Bibbins-Domingo's research focuses on racial disparities in cardiovascular disease prevention, incidence, and outcomes. She explores long-term effects of early and poorly treated high blood pressure and develops strategies to prevent and manage CVD.
A 6-month randomized clinical trial found that a low-carbohydrate diet intervention resulted in larger reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to usual diet among adults with elevated untreated HbA1c. The study suggests that this dietary approach may be useful for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Mike Weisfeldt, a renowned cardiologist, will receive the American Heart Association's Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award for his efforts to increase diversity in cardiology and promote inclusivity. The award recognizes his leadership in recruiting underrepresented groups and fostering an equity-first approach in medicine.
A global study of over 28,000 people found that lowering blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The researchers analyzed five double-blind placebo-controlled trials and discovered a broad linear relationship between blood pressure reduction and lower dementia risk.
A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.
Researchers suggest new criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by loss of muscle mass and force, with lower cutoff points leading to improved prediction of mortality risk. The study found that raising handgrip strength thresholds can detect the onset of sarcopenia earlier and more accurately.
A long-term study on infants and young children with increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes found that metabolic changes occur much earlier than previously assumed. Blood sugar levels were found to be higher in children who developed autoimmunity, suggesting a potential indicator for islet cell dysfunction.
A pilot study found that a firearm safety program may not reach all parents equitably, with disparities affecting girls and some racial and ethnic minorities. The program aims to reduce suicide deaths by securely storing firearms.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that women, the elderly, those in rural areas, and those living in poverty are less likely to own a mobile phone, thereby excluding them from accessing mobile health (mHealth) services. The study highlights the need for digital transformation across Africa to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
Researchers discovered that stillbirth can be inherited and tends to be passed down through male members of the family, particularly on the father's side. This trend was identified in a large study analyzing health histories of families over multiple generations.
A new study found that timely treatment of depression can reduce the risk of dementia by about 30% in certain patient groups. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 350,000 participants and found that depression elevated the risk of dementia by 51%, but treatment reduced this risk. Those with increasing ...
A randomized clinical trial found that targeted health-focused advertisements reduced vaping initiation among US adolescents. The study also showed a decrease in cigarette smoking behaviors among participants.