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GW researchers examine increased ER reimbursements after ACA insurance coverage expansions

Researchers at George Washington University found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse more for patients gaining Medicaid or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act. On average, uninsured patients who will be eligible for Medicaid would receive 17% higher reimbursement per visit, while those becomin...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 29, 2013

Living the good life, longer

A new study by Harvard researchers found that Americans can look forward to over two extra years of healthy life compared to the past. The study analyzed data from multiple government-sponsored health surveys and found improvements in overall health, with reduced symptoms of disease and increased vitality.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 12, 2013

Escape from poverty helps explain diabetes epidemic in the American South

A study suggests that rapid economic growth between 1950 and 1980 may have contributed to the high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the American South. The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis proposes that children who grow up in poverty are unprepared biologically to manage the abundance of processed foods and sedentary lifestyle associate...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 5, 2013

Study helps explain growing education gap in mortality among US white women

A new study explains the widening mortality gap among US white women, attributing it to increasing economic circumstances and health behaviors, particularly employment status and smoking habits. The research highlights the importance of implementing work-family policies to address obstacles faced by low-educated women.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMay 30, 2013

'I care about nature, but ...'

A study by Technische Universität München found that entrepreneurs who prioritize their business goals over environmental concerns do so unconsciously, despite having strong values. Entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy and a challenging business climate were more likely to disengage from pro-environmental values.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Alcohol industry attempts to influence alcohol policy

A study by UK experts found that the alcohol industry submitted policies in line with their interests, ignoring evidence-based approaches. The authors warn of conflicts between commercial and public interests, potentially compromising population health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2013

Study reveals austerity's harmful impact on health in Greece

Researchers studied data on economic and social conditions, utilization of health services, and health outcomes in Greece. They found that key public health indicators declined during the recession and austerity policies, leading to increased suicide and homicide mortality rates, mental disorders, substance abuse, and infectious diseases.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 18, 2013

Studying the health of same-sex couples

A national study found same-sex couples who cohabitate have poorer health than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite potential benefits from marriage such as partner insurance and social support. The research may suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage could positively impact the health of these individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2013

Unplanned hospitalization more likely in people with several illnesses, mental health conditions

A study of over 180,000 people in Scotland found that those with multiple chronic health conditions and mental illness had significantly higher rates of unplanned hospital admissions. The risk was further increased among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, highlighting the need for better coordinated care and prioritization of ...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 19, 2013

Disease burden links ecology to economic growth

A new study links vector-borne diseases to economic development across the globe, finding that these diseases have a substantial effect on income between tropical and temperate countries. The study's results suggest that infectious diseases can undermine economic growth similarly to crime or government corruption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 27, 2012