A groundbreaking clinical trial is examining the safety of hypothermia in elderly stroke patients, aiming to improve outcomes and prevent neurological damage. The study, led by top researchers, will enroll 400 patients at multiple US and European sites and investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic brain cooling.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 10.7% of U.S. children experienced a toothache in the previous six months. Toothache was most common among black and multiracial children, poor children, and those with special health care needs.
A UCLA-led consortium will compare two approaches to help heart failure patients transition from inpatient to outpatient care, aiming to reduce readmissions. The project aims to identify approaches that can improve quality and reduce cost of care across different communities.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that women who receive regular dental care have a lower risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third. The study used data from nearly 7,000 people ages 44-88 and ruled out self-selection bias using instrumental variables.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognizes 10 Community Health Leaders who have improved the lives of men, women, and children in underserved communities. The awardees receive $125,000 to support their ongoing work.
A study by UCLA researchers found nearly 25% of California kids have never seen a dentist, with disparities existing across race and insurance type. Children with private insurance had higher chances of visiting the dentist, while those on Medicaid or CHIP saw less frequent care.
A recent analysis found that 18% of US cancer survivors, equating to over two million individuals, did not receive necessary medical services in the previous year due to financial worries. Cancer survivors under 65 were 55% more likely to delay or forgo all types of medical care than their non-cancer peers.
A comprehensive survey of free clinics in the US found that they provide an estimated 3.1 million medical visits and nearly 300,000 dental visits annually, filling gaps in the health safety net for low-income patients.
A new study found that 18% of U.S. cancer survivors, or over two million individuals, are not getting one or more needed medical services because of financial worries. Cancer survivors under 65 were more likely to delay or forgo all types of medical care than their peers without a history of cancer.
An estimated 1.8 million individuals visit free clinics annually, providing a range of preventive and general medical care to 10% of the working-age adult uninsured population. Free clinics rely on charitable donations, civic groups, and corporations as primary funding sources.
The 2010 IADR/GSK Innovation in Oral Care Awards recognized three researchers for their innovative work on antimicrobial coatings, citrus-based treatments, and point-of-care diagnostic tools. These awards will support the development of new technologies to prevent and treat oral diseases.
A study found that almost three-quarters of homeless adults had at least one type of unmet health care need, with rates for specific services six to ten times higher than the general population. Uninsurance was a consistent predictor of inability to get needed care.
The March 2010 issue of Clinics in Perinatology focuses on Quality Improvement (QI) methodology and its application in neonatal and perinatal practice. QI leaders share their expertise on various topics, including QI methodologies, human factors, and quality-assurance procedures.
A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste is more effective at killing harmful germs in the mouth than regular fluoride toothpastes. This can help minimize cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
A recent report highlights significant disparities in healthcare for minority children in the US, including higher mortality rates, more prevalent diseases like HIV/AIDS and asthma, and limited access to quality care. The study calls for improved data collection methods and increased funding to address these inequities.
A new study finds that children are more likely to visit the dentist if their parents do too. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of over 6,100 households and found that 86% of children whose parents visited the dentist had also done so.
The US pediatric oral health report, published in Academic Pediatrics, emphasizes the need to improve outcomes and address disparities. The report presents key findings on the state of pediatric oral health in the US, including the prevalence of dental caries and access to care.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that low-income children who lack continuity with a regular health care provider are significantly more likely to have unmet health care needs. The study found that 79% of children without a usual source of care had an unmet need compared to 45% who reported having a usual source of care.
New guidelines for treating Lou Gehrig's disease recommend the use of riluzole, assisted-breathing devices and PEG feeding tubes to increase longevity and quality of life. Dr. John England and his team analyzed research findings to provide specific, evidence-based recommendations for ALS care.
Dr. Ashley, director of the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic, was recognized for her work to improve oral health through training programs and onsite dental care at local schools. Her efforts have transformed the oral health of an entire community, reducing tooth extractions among children.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced the 2009 recipients of its Community Health Leaders Award, honoring individuals who improved healthcare access for disadvantaged communities. The awardees worked on projects such as expanding dental care services and providing primary care to low-income individuals.
A study found that people who share personal information with salespeople, such as birthdays or birthplaces, tend to have better attitudes towards the service and purchase intentions. Conversely, those who isolate themselves from others are less responsive to shared similarities.
The article highlights the importance of sharing surgical knowledge between military and civilian surgeons to prepare for disasters. Canadian physician Dr. Vivian McAlister shares his experience working at a field hospital in Afghanistan and emphasizes the benefits of 'damage control resuscitation' techniques in saving lives.
Three researchers have been awarded $75,000 grants to develop novel treatments for periodontal diseases, including a peptide-based hydrogel for dentin-pulp complex regeneration and an optical coherence tomography device for non-invasive diagnosis. The awards aim to improve oral health worldwide through innovative technologies.
The new medical center will be a 289-bed facility featuring a children's hospital with urgent/emergency care, a women's hospital for cancer care, and adult cancer patients' hospital. The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during peak construction and boost local employment.
The UC Irvine Outreach Clinic offers free primary care, preventive medicine, laboratory testing, medication, and healthcare referral services to individuals with very low incomes. The clinic is the result of a decade-long effort by UCI students to address healthcare needs of underserved populations.
More than a million cancer survivors in the US are forgoing necessary medical care due to financial constraints. Minority groups, particularly Hispanics and African-Americans, face significant barriers to accessing affordable care, affecting dental care, prescription medication, and mental health services.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston launches the TEXAS program to promote geriatrics training for physicians. The four-year program has five components, including a medical school curriculum and elder abuse education seminars, aiming to improve care for frail elderly patients.
A new study challenges common perceptions about the uninsured and emergency departments, finding that people with insurance are more likely to contribute to ED overcrowding. The research reveals that caring for patients, insured and uninsured, in an ED is more expensive than treating the same complaint in a doctor's office.
A new UNC study finds that families with disabled children, regardless of income level, experience significant challenges with food, housing, and health issues. The study suggests expanding eligibility standards for federal programs to assist these families, including increasing income limits for food stamps and housing assistance.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a model for effective physician-patient communication that enhances quality of care while using time wisely. The model focuses on establishing rapport, understanding the patient's perspective, and reaching a mutual agreement on a plan, allowing physicians to be more efficient w...
Primary care physician dental referrals increased access to dentists for children with tooth decay, but utilization remained low. Factors such as child age, general dentist availability, and rural location influenced referral effectiveness.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher found that children in non-English-speaking households are more likely to be poor, overweight, and uninsured. They also experience barriers to healthcare access due to language gaps between caregivers and providers.
A special diabetes care package for UK residents of south Asian ethnic origin has delivered some benefits, including reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, improving glycaemic control remains a major challenge, and further measures are needed to address health inequalities in this population.
Collaboration between physicians and dentists is essential for improving the early detection and treatment of patients with osteoporosis. Oral health maintenance plays a vital role in managing osteoporosis, and healthcare professionals should discuss patient care decisions with the physician.
The International Association for Dental Research and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced the winners of the 2008 IADR/GSK Innovation in Oral Care Awards. Three researchers were recognized for their innovative work on reducing oral biofilm and targeting post-transcriptional signaling for periodontitis.
A new study published in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care shows that a psychiatric consultation team working closely with hospital staff led to the elimination of patient restraints for those with mental and developmental disabilities. The use of restraints was reduced through better communication, support, and staff training.
According to a study published in the General Dentistry journal, mouthguards can harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This can lead to life-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases. Proper mouthguard maintenance, including regular cleaning and storage, is crucial to prevent disease transmission.
The University of California - Los Angeles School of Dentistry has received a $1,876,920 NIH grant to develop an innovative tool for rapid and reliable assessments of the stress response to trauma as evidenced in saliva. This technology aims to unite healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive care to patients with facial trauma.
A University of Rochester investigation found that physician self-disclosures have no benefits and may disrupt patient information flow. Most physicians believed self-disclosure was a good idea for building relationships, but the study showed it was actually doctor-centered and beneficial to the physician, not the patient.
Tuberculosis screening in UK areas with high migrant populations can significantly increase active and latent form diagnoses, as well as BCG vaccination rates. Detection rates for both forms of the disease were found to be higher in practices with screening programmes compared to control groups.
A Mayo Clinic study found that using computerized reminders can increase mammography screening rates, with 64.3% of women in the intervention group getting a yearly mammogram compared to 55.3% in the control group. The program has expanded beyond mammograms to include other preventive services.
The ForsythKids program provides elementary school children with oral health education, dental exams, cleanings, and preventive care. After two rounds of treatment, there was virtually no new tooth decay among enrolled children. The program has already met and exceeded Healthy People 2010 goals in just three years.
Dr. Chester Douglass, a leading researcher in academic dentistry and policy development, has made significant contributions to the field of oral health. He is being recognized for his work on the epidemiology of dental diseases, including fluoride exposure and childhood dental caries.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that African-American children with private dental insurance and caregivers who have had preventive dental visits are more likely to see a dentist. The researchers also identified other determinants of dental care utilization among young, low-income children.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a supplemental therapy teaching pain coping and biofeedback skills can reduce jaw disorder pain and health-care costs. The therapy improved pain management and reduced doctor visits among study participants.
Researchers have developed an automated method to identify osteoporosis sufferers in routine dental x-rays, which could help diagnose the disease earlier. The software measures jaw cortex widths, alerting dentists to potential cases, with a success rate comparable to specialist consultants.
Two studies in Florida found that economic pressure from hospitals and insurance companies can negatively affect the quality of care for some people, particularly those in prison. Researchers suggest that standard protocols and decision support systems can help prevent bias and prioritizing in patient care.
A new screening program using digital cameras and the Internet effectively identifies early childhood dental caries (ECC) in 40% of toddlers. The program, developed by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers, uses photos taken by child care center health assistants to detect ECC before it becomes a painful problem.
Sixty-two percent of Hispanic adults were uninsured, with three-quarters having no health insurance due to low income. Uninsured rates for African Americans are also high, with one-third experiencing gaps in coverage during the year. These disparities affect access to care and confidence in managing health problems.
A study of 4,285 civil officers aged 40-59 years found that those with severe periodontitis incurred 21% higher total medical and dental costs compared to those without pathological pockets. Dental costs for men with severe periodontitis were two-fold higher than those without the condition.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) presented several awards and fellowships to recognize outstanding contributions in dental research. The IADR Honorary Membership was bestowed upon Robert V. Blanden, while the E.W. Borrow Memorial Award went to Poul Erik Petersen. Fellowships were also awarded to Janet D.C. Kan, ...
The IADR/GSK Oral Care Awards recognized three innovative research teams for their work on preventing cariogenic biofilm formation, treating aggressive periodontitis, and targeting IKK/NF-êB to improve oral health. The winning projects focus on developing alternative therapeutic pathways and products to combat tooth decay and periodont...
Disparities in health status persisted for one or more minority groups, with Asian Pacific Islanders facing inferior oral health and Native Americans experiencing hearing/vision problems. The study also found disparities in care, including lack of health insurance and communication issues with usual sources of care.
A school-based quality initiative improved asthma outcomes for children with severe asthma, increasing perfect care to 84% and asthma-related emergency room visits by 22%. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of community partnerships and evidence-based care in improving child health.
The study found that 34% of children living in FEMA-subsidized community settings have at least one diagnosed chronic medical condition, with high rates of asthma and behavioral problems. The survey also revealed difficulties in accessing mental health services, with nearly half of caregivers scoring at levels consistent with clinicall...
A recent study found that only 11% of seniors in Western New York have dental insurance, with financial need being a major barrier to receiving dental care. The study also showed significant disparities in access to dental care between urban and rural areas.
A study examining six years of data from the National Health Interview Survey found that SCHIP implementation increased the use of dental services by 49.5% and reduced unmet dental needs by 21.2% among low-income children. These effects resulted in a measurable improvement in access to dental care for the entire low-income population.
The US has over 400 vacant positions for family physicians in Health Centers, with rural areas hit hardest. Recent funding cuts and declining medical students in primary-care fields exacerbate the problem.
A state-wide report reveals that nearly two-thirds of Kansas respondents had medical debt, affecting all racial and ethnic groups. People drew on savings, borrowed from friends, or took out loans to pay off their bills, despite struggling to meet the financial burden.