MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cdc'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:48 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181747&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FNxPgYnIms28%2F Soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks have become a target in efforts to reduce obesity rates — even though studies suggest levying taxes on those beverages will have a fairly limited impact on the problem. Today the CDC published new stats on how much non-diet soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit drinks we actually consume. And like so many things, the answer depends on who you are. According to national survey data from 2005-2008, about half the population has one of these beverages on any given day. Gender matters — males over age 2 average 175 calories a day from them and females, 94 calories. Males drink significantly more sugary drinks across the board, except for the youngest kids (2- to 5-year-olds), where boys and girls take in about the same amount. Not surprisi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181747 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:16:10 +0100 5181747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169520&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F2YxfexmzmAo%2F Poison Protection?: Pharmacy-services provider PharMerica said it adopted a poison-pill provision to prevent unwanted takeover bids, Dow Jones Newswires reports. Earlier this week the company rejected a $15-per-share bid from Omnicare, saying it undervalued PharMerica and that regulatory risk was too high. Omnicare said it was still willing to talk with PharMerica about how to “allocate” risk that a deal would run into antitrust hurdles. Cracking Down on Papayas: The FDA has restricted papaya imports from Mexico after inspections showed more than 15%, from a host of different producers, were tainted, Reuters reports. Producers can have the fruit tested by independent labs to show they’re salmonella-free. After five consecutive clean shipments, producers may be exempted from ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169520 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:41:02 +0100 5169520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159832&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMZZz09zPr9Q%2F Despite strong endorsements from public health officials, teenage vaccination rates for the HPV vaccine are trailing the other two vaccines recommended for teens and pre-teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The two vaccines approved to combat the human papillomavirus are Gardasil, which is sold by Merck, and Cervarix, which is sold by GlaxoSmithKline. To be specific, coverage was 49 percent for one dose of HPV vaccine; 63 percent for MenACWY, which protects against meningococcal meningitis; and 69 percent for the TDP vaccine, which guards against tetanus, diptheria and pertussis. Meanwhile, coverage increases for Tdap and MenACWY vaccines grew 13.3 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively. For girls who received the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine, covera... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159832 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:25:02 +0100 5159832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139675&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FTcV1ZqFCbB0%2F By Timothy W. Martin More flu shots than ever will be produced for the upcoming influenza season, as public-health officials keep trying to spur more Americans — particularly health-care workers and pregnant women –  to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on a media teleconference today that it expects about 166 million flu shots to be produced this year, an increase from last season’s 157 million. Nearly half of children, 6 months to 17 years old, got flu shots last season, compared to 41% of all adults, the CDC estimated. The FDA said last month that it approved the formulation for the 2011-12 vaccine. It’ll protect against the same strains as last year, but even people who were vaccinated then still need this year’s iterati... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139675 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:03:14 +0100 5139675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125710&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fyuvnx5yNOGI%2F Did you know that bats are the primary source of human rabies in the U.S.? Neither did we, until today, when we heard not one, but two bits of bat/rabies related news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes the first reported death by rabies via a vampire bat in the U.S., in 2010. Before you resolve to stay indoors for the rest of your life, though, know that vampire bats aren’t found here (yet) — the transmission of the virus occurred in Mexico. Last summer, a 19-year-old migrant farm worker there was bitten on his left heel. He didn’t seek medical help. According to National Geographic, vampire bats usually stick to pigs, horses and cows but will occasionally go after humans. Ten days later, the man left for the U.S., and ended up on a sugarcane planta... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125710 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:11:49 +0100 5125710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125742&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fincreased-number-of-antidepressants-prescribed-to-patients-without-a-psychiatric-diagnosis%2F2011.08.12 Prescriptions for antidepressants given by nonpsychiatrists to patients without a specific psychiatric disorder increased more than 12% in 12 years, leading to the drug class becoming the third most commonly prescribed, a study found. A study in the August issue of Health Affairs reported that antidepressant prescriptions by doctors who didn’t record a specific psychiatric disorder increased from 59.5% of all prescriptions by nonpsychiatrists in 1996 to 72.7% in 2007. Researchers reviewed data on patients age eighteen or older from the 1996-2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, a national sample of more than 233,000 office-based visits. The proportion of antidepressants prescribed for patients without a psychiatric diagnosis... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125742 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5125742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118660&cid=t_92442_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2FMRfoqYuWLOo%2Fsecondhand-smoke-is-nothing-to-kid.html CDC: This 30-second TV ad features vignettes of children talking about when they're exposed to secondhand smoke. As the narrator points out, secondhand smoke is nothing to kid about. It can hurt lung growth and damage lung function in children. When smoking around your kids, it's like they're smoking. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Blog) Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118660 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:22:01 +0100 5118660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107515&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcould-twitter-be-used-to-predict-epidemics%2F2011.08.09 Do you remember when Google Flu Trends was announced to be able to track and predict flu outbreaks in US states based on the search queries focusing on flu symptoms? Do you remember when a study pointed out although it was interactive and neat but was not as useful as CDC national surveillance programs? Well, now Twitter is meant to fill this gap. If you ask me, it won’t. *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107515 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:43 +0100 5107515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103344&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstrokes-are-quite-common-in-pregnant-women-how-can-they-be-prevented%2F2011.08.05 According to CDC, there has been a 54 percent increase in the number of pregnant women who’ve had strokes in 1995 to 1996 and in 2005 to 2006. While this may surprise some researchers, it certainly would not surprise clinicians who take care of pregnant women who have risk factors such as obesity, chronic hypertension or a lack of prenatal care. Ten percent of strokes occur in the first trimester, 40 percent during the second trimester and more than fifty percent occur during the post partum period and after the patient has been discharged home. Hypertension was the cause of one-third of stroke victims during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Hypertension accounted for one-third of stroke cases during pregnancy and fifty percent in the post partum period. Many stroke... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103344 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:21 +0100 5103344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103345&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fbig-pharmas-share-in-the-consumer-price-index%2F This article will concentrate on No. 5, Medical Care, and, in particular, pharmaceuticals, which include vaccines that are tantamount to annuities for Big Pharma. But first we need to consider that some healthcare costs may not be included nor calculated in the CPI because parents often pay medical care costs for their autistic children that they receive from the alternative healthcare community, which may not be factored into statistical data. The two largest government health care programs, Medicare and Medicaid, purchased $877.2 billion of health care goods and services in 2009, accounting for 38.3 percent of total health care spending. (Martin et al. 2010). https://www.cms.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/downloads/dsm-09.pdf   Consumer Price Index If we compare 1960 healthcare costs ... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103345 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:43:41 +0100 5103345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096150&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FWGhuv_NZGgs%2F The autopsy isn’t dead, but it’s certainly on the decline. New government stats show that in 2007, an autopsy was performed for just 8.5% of deaths. That’s down from 19.3% in 1972. (The low was in 2003, with just 8.1% of deaths involving an autopsy.) An autopsy, as CSI and NCIS junkies know, is the medical examination of a deceased person. In suspected criminal cases, its value is obvious. (Was death caused by a blow from Col. Mustard’s pipe or a subsequent heart attack?) In the case of disease, autopsies can not only pinpoint the cause of death, but also reveal “clinically significant diagnoses that were missed before death,” as well as “generate more accurate vital statistics, provide pathological descriptions of new diseases, and offer powerful ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096150 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:20:23 +0100 5096150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096156&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F_jVNM16eMgA%2F Salmonella is the chief baddie of the food pathogen world, accounting for 35% of foodborne disease hospitalizations in the U.S. and 28% of related deaths each year. And now a particularly nasty, antibiotic-resistant type of the bacteria, Salmonella Heidelberg, has infected 77 people, killing one in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ground turkey is being investigated as the source, the CDC says. The cases were spread across 26 states (see the map below, with the number of cases per state as of Monday) and were reported between March 1 and August 1. Here’s the WSJ story. Health officials homed in on ground turkey because among the 51 people with available information, almost half reported eating it recently, as opposed to 11% of healthy peo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096156 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:05:57 +0100 5096156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096211&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F08%2F02%2Ftime-to-say-enough%2F There comes a time in everyone’s consciousness and life when one realizes that too many things are going off beam and that life is becoming more problematic day by day, especially now when it comes to our health, which probably is our most valued personal possession, and which seems to be undermined in various and sundry ways and fashions. Let’s examine some of the medical ‘fashions’ for starters, since most healthcare consumers think that those professionals wearing white coats topped with stethoscopes really know what they are talking about.  White Coats and Cigarettes First, and foremost, I’d like to remind everyone that MDs were proud to recommend Camels cigarettes as the brand most doctors preferred and smoked. Don’t believe me; check out this advertisement http://www.y... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096211 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:14:44 +0100 5096211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077688&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-pharmacogenomic-tests-help-to-improve-public-health%2F2011.07.29 Adverse drug events are a serious public health problem. Consider the following facts: an estimated 82% of American adults take at least one medication and 29% take five or more; 700,000 emergency department visits and 120,000 hospitalizations are due to adverse drug events annually; $3.5 billion is spent on extra medical costs of adverse drug events annually; at least 40% of costs associated with adverse drug events occurring outside hospitals can be prevented. How can genomics help? Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic variation as a factor in drug response, affecting both safety and effectiveness. The intended applications of pharmacogenomics research include identifying responders and non-responders to medications, avoiding adverse events, optimizing drug dose and avoiding unnece... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077688 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0100 5077688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069511&cid=t_92442_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FozgkpVS7Mt0%2Fshout-outs_26.html Center for Advancing Health (CFAH), Prepared Patient Forum, is the host for this week’s Grand Rounds. You can read this week’s virtual tour edition here (photo credit). Welcome to Better Health’s Grand Rounds Volume 7, Number 44! This is our second time hosting Grand Rounds and we’re excited about sharing the posts we received.  The theme of this week’s collection came from a recent Health Affairs blog post by CFAH president, Jessie Gruman, Patient Advocates: Flies In The Ointment Of Evidence-Based Care, which addresses a few of the many challenges of basing health care practices, policies, and decisions on evidence of effectiveness. ………. …………………………… Check out @globalsurgeon paper in July Bulletin of @AmCollSurgeons: Beyond Volunteerism �... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069511 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:40:50 +0100 5069511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062217&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FWHCDkTaW16s%2F For the Health Blog, the major trauma of the chickenpox was breaking out in itchy blisters mere weeks before the senior prom. But in rare cases, chicken pox can actually kill people, and new research shows how vaccination has helped curb the number of annual deaths from the disease. Writing online in the journal Pediatrics, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention track the number of annual deaths with varicella — the scientific name for chickenpox — since a vaccine was introduced in 1995. They report that between 1990 and 1994, an average of 105 people died each year directly due to varicella, and for an additional 40, it was listed as a contributing cause. Those deaths have declined over the years, with 14 people dying in 2007 directly due to varicella ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062217 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:23:12 +0100 5062217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050583&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-doctors-should-participate-in-the-debt-ceiling-debate%2F2011.07.20 Joe Scarborough reminds us that the divisions in American government are hardly new, paraphrasing Benjamin Franklin’s observation that “When you assemble a number of men, to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble . . . all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?” (This comes from a September 17, 1787 speech by Mr. Franklin to urge ratification of the U.S. Constitution, read on his behalf because he was too ill to deliver it in person. The Constitution was ratified the same day.) I suppose we should be encouraged that Congress’s prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests and selfish views are as American as apple pie,... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050583 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5050583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028127&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FrdrSs832HaA%2F Thumbs-Up, Conditionally: An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended the accelerated approval of brentuximab vodotin, an experimental lymphoma drug that Seattle Genetics wants to market under the brand name Adcetris, the WSJ reports. Accelerated approval requires further studies to be conducted after the drug is on the market; Seattle Genetics would prefer regular approval, which isn’t conditional. The FDA often, but not always, follows the advice of its outside committees. Fewer Butts: A report published by the CDC finds that Time Warner, Comcast and the Walt Disney Co. cut the number of tobacco scenes in movies rated G, PG or PG-13 by 96% between 2005 and 2010, the Associated Press reports. Those companies had established policies to reduce the prevalence of tobacco in their fil... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028127 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:06:21 +0100 5028127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028215&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-outlines-infection-prevention-in-outpatient-settings%2F2011.07.14 jQ(document).ready(function(){jQ('.bannerad').html("");jQ('#healthy_vision').parent().parent().parent().hide();});As healthcare professionals, we must recognize our responsibility to protect patients – care should not provide any avenue for the transmission of infections. By working together, we can ensure infection prevention practices are understood and followed by all, during every patient visit. Healthcare continues to transition to settings outside the hospital, and efforts to prevent infections must extend to all settings where patients receive care. Today, CDC is pleased to present the Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care. a summary guide of infection prevention recommendations for outpatient settings. Although these recommendat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028215 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:00:41 +0100 5028215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029203&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Ftracking-public-health-trends-twitter.html (Source: Pharma Marketing Blog) Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029203 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5029203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984446&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc-bloggers-join-the-better-health-team%2F2011.06.30 It is with great pleasure that I welcome our CDC colleagues to the Better Health blog team. Going forward, Better Health will feature content from the CDC blogs on a weekly basis, and our collaborative efforts will be highlighted on the CDC blog pages as appropriate. Better Health and the CDC share a common mission: to reach as many Americans as possible with scientifically accurate, trustworthy, and helpful medical information. As social media platforms (such as blogs, Twitter, and Facebook) become a gathering place for people seeking health information – it is important for experts to be able to provide content through these channels. The CDC’s relationship with Better Health is an excellent example of a public-private partnership that can magnify reach and relevance. By beco... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984446 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:00:47 +0100 4984446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975867&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-should-you-get-an-hiv-test-national-hiv-testing-day%2F2011.06.28 jQ(document).ready(function(){jQ('.bannerad').hide();jQ('#healthy_vision').parent().parent().parent().hide();});Note: Yesterday President Obama issued a statement on National HIV Testing Day Thirty years ago, at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there was no test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For many, there was only the long and worrisome wait for the signs of infection. Once those signs appeared, no treatment for the virus was available. I personally cared for many, many patients in this era, and I am thankful that those days are over. Today, HIV testing is accurate, widely available, and often free—and treatment can help people living with HIV enjoy long, healthy lives, especially when they get diagnosed early. The good news is that more people are being tested fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975867 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:40 +0100 4975867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968907&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgdMwJhmfSyI%2F At the end of 2009, Julie Gerberding stepped down as director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to become president of Merck’s vaccine division. The move came a period of tumult, given that vaccine sales had dropped 2 percent amid manufacturing woes and controversy over the safety and marketing of the Gardasil vaccine for HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. The challenges remain. The Merck vaccine division makes 14 of the 17 vaccines recommended by CDC for children and nine of the 10 recommended for adults. Nonetheless, Gerberding keeps a relatively low profile, but spoke earlier this week with Xconomy about innovation and funding for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (back story). An excerpt of their conversation is below. However, she does not addr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968907 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:47:08 +0100 4968907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952849&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-reports-that-salmonella-is-still-a-major-problem%2F2011.06.20 Salmonella food infections continue despite success reducing disease caused by other pathogens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Salmonella should be targeted because while infection rates have not declined significantly in more than a decade, they are one of the most common, the CDC reports in its latest Vital Signs. Contaminated food causes approximately 1,000 reported disease outbreaks and an estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Salmonella causes 1 million foodborne infections annually, incurring an estimated $365 million in direct medical costs. Salmonella infections in 2010 increased 10% from 2006-2008. The same prevention measures that reduced Escherichia coli infections to less than 1 case per 100,000 ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952849 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4952849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934094&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FGhEmquNH6U8%2F While Europe struggles with its E. coli outbreak, a new push is on to educate U.S. consumers about how to protect themselves from food-borne illness in their own kitchens, today’s Informed Patient column reports. The USDA plans to launch its first national multimedia campaign on food safety later this summer — at the peak of grilling and picnic season — with the help of the Ad Council. The foodsafety.gov website already offers safety tips online, and USDA has been using Twitter, Facebook, and even a new mobile app for its virtual expert, Ask Karen, to answer consumer questions about safely preparing food. But Elisabeth Hagen, USDA undersecretary for food safety, tells the Health Blog those efforts haven’t been effective enough. “People don’t seem to be getting these me... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934094 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:46:10 +0100 4934094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902384&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fsunday-news-round-up-if-this-is-may-edition%2F The local newspaper is covering genetic tests for breast cancer, privacy, gene tests patents, cost, and the fears some people have about getting tested. Iris Carmen at Jezebel has a piece, “The Fight For Abortion Access For Military Women,” that is really about barriers in the military that prevent women from reporting sexual assault, the institutional difficulties faced by women servicemembers who become pregnant, and their lack of access to abortion coverage and providers. Via the CDC’s National Prevention Intervention Network (@cdcnpin) Follow @CDCNPIN@CDCNPINCDC NPIN #30years ago today, @CDCMMWR reported on 1st cases of what became known as #AIDS. http://ow.ly/59vq3 about 23 hours ago via webReplyRetweetFavorite The link in the tweet goes to the actual June 5, 1... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902384 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:49:56 +0100 4902384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893383&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F_U6ga7wxmsE%2F The CDC is out with its wrap-up of the 2010-11 flu season and a look ahead at the next one. In its report, the agency says the FDA has recommended that the 2011-12 flu vaccine protect against the same strains as it did this year: H1N1 (aka the swine flu, a type of influenza A virus), another type of influenza A virus (H3N2) and a type of influenza B virus. Having no change in the vaccine components from one year to the next happens occasionally, Lyn Finelli, the CDC’s chief of influenza surveillance, tells the Health Blog. So can you skip the shot if you were vaccinated during the flu season that just passed? Sadly for the needle-phobic, no. “You definitely need to get it. The immunity conferred by the flu shot isn’t very long-lasting,” Finelli says. Since last year... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893383 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:30:08 +0100 4893383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872093&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffrom-the-cdc-top-ten-greatest-public-health-achievements%2F2011.05.27 The Center for Disease Control published the top ten public health achievements from 2001-2010, the first decade of the 21st century.  In no order they are: Vaccine-preventable Diseases – new vaccines for herpes zoster, pneumonia, HPV and rotavirus have saved thousands of lives  When you add in the older vaccines for diptheria, pertussus, tetanus and measles/mumps millions of lives have been saved around the world.  (I saw diptheria in Haiti and it is horrible) Tobacco Control- We have been battling tobacco since 1964 but there is finally progress with more states enacting smoke-free laws and raising cigarette taxes.  By 2010, the FDA banned flavored cigarettes and established restrictions on youth access.  We have a long way to go.  Smoking costs us all about $193 billion... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872093 Fri, 27 May 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4872093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872095&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkudos-to-the-cdc-for-creative-health-messaging-the-zombie-project%2F2011.05.26 This is good.  I knew the CDC was socially tuned-in but this came as a surprise:  Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse .  It’s every American’s guide to dealing with a zombie attack.  You come thinking zombies but take away principles for emergency preparedness.  Well done, CDC. The real take away for those of us looking under the hood: effective health messaging should be creative and fun.  While we’ll never be able to measure the true effectiveness of this approach in an emergency, expect the post’s massive traffic to convert important links on emergency preparedness.  Hopefully the CDC will release stats on the effectiveness of this campaign. I’d like to write more, but I’m goin’ to make my kit. *This blog post was originally published at 33 Charts* (Source... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872095 Thu, 26 May 2011 19:00:36 +0100 4872095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872099&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F05%2F26%2Faluminum-in-vaccines-where-are-the-safety-studies%2F Since the 1930s vaccine makers have been using aluminum as an adjuvant in vaccines. However, from what I’ve been able to gather over years of researching vaccines and vaccinations, there doesn’t seem to be studies determining aluminum safety issues. If such studies exist, I hereby request the U.S. CDC and FDA please publish them and supply me with a copy, as I’d love to ‘digest’ and dissect them. As a matter of fact, when Congressman Dan Burton held his vaccine-autism link hearings from 1999-2004, the question that FDA was asked repeatedly was, Where are your [safety] studies? The FDA’s reply was that they would be very expensive to do. One of the more compelling facts about aluminum is that it is a blood brain barrier neurotoxin as reported by W. Zheng in 2001 and Bioport Corp... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872099 Thu, 26 May 2011 11:00:55 +0100 4872099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847934&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FeU7GWEwcd6k%2F The CDC’s zombie apocalypse just won’t die. As the Health Blog told you here on Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided to spice up its tired old advice on preparing for hurricanes and other disasters with a “Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Guide.” That warning, posted Monday on a public health blog by Assistant Surgeon General Ali Khan, appears to have joined the world of the Undead. As of Friday afternoon, the CDC reported the post — advising people to stock up on food and water and first aid supplies to survive a zombie attack — had gotten nearly 1.2 million page views, compared to about 1,000 to 3,000 hits a CDC blog post usually gets over its entire lifespan of 10 days or so. Rear Admiral Khan’s zombie post is currently more popular ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847934 Fri, 20 May 2011 19:54:01 +0100 4847934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841418&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-Z4n3NnZ-EY%2F Uncle Sam wants YOU to be prepared for a zombie apocalypse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, known best for stamping out health threats like Ebola and E. coli, is now advising people how to prepare for a zombie invasion. A blog post by Assistant Surgeon General Ali Khan instructs readers to stock up on food and water, not to mention first aid supplies (“Although you’re a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane,” the agency says). And figure out “where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your door step,” the CDC’s post says. Okay, the agency really is just looking for a clever way to get people to heed its adv... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841418 Wed, 18 May 2011 21:40:14 +0100 4841418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847931&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F518111 The CDC has published information about preparing for an upcoming zombie apocalypse. The information can be found here and here on the CDC's website. Some of the pages are not currently loading due to overwhelming traffic. The CDC's entry begins with, "There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. That's right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens you'll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency." The CDC says you will need the following items should a zombie attack occur and it takes you a couple days to get to a zombie-free refugee camp. Here is the list (which is lacking in weapons, such as a baseball bat): Wate... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847931 Wed, 18 May 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4847931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841425&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fwp-nP3DQVT0%2F This study is important for patients,” the authors write. “Patients frequently believe that physicians are dismissive of their concerns and are not examining their skin closely enough, and therefore patients request that more testing be performed. This study found that biopsy results do not change a physician’s clinical diagnosis of delusional infestation.” Meantime, results from a study by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente on Morgellons, or “unexplained dermopathy,” as the CDC calls it, are due out in the next few months, the LAT says. Self magazine published an in-depth piece about Morgellons a few years back. Image: iStockphoto (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841425 Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 +0100 4841425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828840&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F513111 A new CDC study says most students are not drinking enough water. Most schools do not provide water at lunch. Students only have access to water fountains. Take a look: Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828840 Sat, 14 May 2011 02:00:00 +0100 4828840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803136&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsafe-injection-protocols-are-not-being-followed-by-clinicians%2F2011.05.10 Thanks to Laura Landro for shining light on unsafe injections in her WSJ blog, “Unsafe Injection Practices Persist Despite Education Efforts.” Landro writes: “A new push is underway to eliminate unsafe injection practices, which remain a persistent safety problem despite years of efforts to educate clinicians about the risks of re-using needles, syringes and drug vials. In the U.S., failure to follow safe practices in delivering intravenous medications and injections has resulted in more than 30 outbreaks of infectious disease including hepatitis C, and the notification of more than 125,000 patients about potential exposure just in the last decade, according to health-care purchasing alliance Premier Inc.” As a registered nurse this is unthinkable.  Learning to administer injectio... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803136 Tue, 10 May 2011 11:00:38 +0100 4803136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747615&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-natural-cedar-insecticide-may-be-too-expensive-to-produce%2F2011.04.24 It’s about TIME!!! I read this fascinating story on NPR here. An all-natural insect repellant called nootkatone found in Alaska yellow cedar trees and citrus fruits (like grapefruit) is being developed by the CDC. It is so safe for humans, it is even an FDA-approved food additive. Nootkatone is not only safe for humans and the environment, it is a highly effective insect repellant. In fact, it is not only a bug repellant, but an insecticide causing death to biting insects like mosquitoes within 15 seconds. Application of 2% nootkatone will also control ticks for up to 42 days at greater than 97 percent efficacy. It is non-greasy, dries very quickly, and it has a very pleasant, citrus-y grapefruit odor to it. Sounds too good to be true… But it is true! The only downside right no... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747615 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4747615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664181&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-brain-injury-guidelines-for-physicians-when-to-scan-a-concussion%2F2011.03.31 By Richard C. Hunt, MD, FACEP Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A 17 year-old athlete arrives on the sideline, at your office, or in the emergency department after hitting her head during a collision on the sports field and is complaining that she has a headache and “just doesn’t feel right.” Can she return to play? If not, when can she safely return to school, sports, and to her normal daily activities? Does she need immediate care, a Head CT or MRI, or just some time to rest? Do those questions sound familiar? Each year thousands of young athletes present at emergency departments and in the primary care setting with a suspected sports- and recreation-related concussion. And every day, health care professionals, like us, are challenged with identifying and appropriately man... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664181 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:00:04 +0100 4664181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636412&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FaKYCbl1mMy8%2F Returning Rights: Merck & Co. said it is returning the rights to the blood thinner betrixaban to Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc., according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Many other companies are developing similar drugs as a possible replacement for warfarin. Merck said it wanted to focus on other drugs in its pipeline. Portola says it plans to continue developing the drug. TB Cases Drop: The CDC says the number of tuberculosis cases in the U.S. dropped 3.9% last year, according to the Los Angeles Times. Only 11,181 cases of TB in the U.S. were reported last year, the lowest number ever. Type 2 Kids: The CDC says around 3,700 people under the age of 20 are now being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year. Health officials told Kaiser Health News and The Washington Post that t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636412 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:46:52 +0100 4636412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631483&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-americans-are-living-longer-than-ever%2F2011.03.24 The U.S. age-adjusted death rate fell for the tenth consecutive year, to an all-time low of 741 deaths per 100,000 people in 2009, 2.3% lower than 2008, according to preliminary 2009 death statistics released by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. The findings come from “Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2009,” which is based on death certificates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Life expectancy at birth increased to 78.2 years in 2009, up slightly from 78.0 years in 2008. Life expectancy was up two-tenths of a year for men (75.7 years) and up one-tenth of a year for women (80.6 years). Life expectancy for the U.S. white population increased by two-tenths of a year. Life expectancy for black men (70.9 years) and women (77.4 years) was... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631483 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4631483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615099&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsurvivorship-planning-may-be-the-key-to-beating-cancer%2F2011.03.20 I am a poster child for why everyone who has had cancer needs to work with their doctor(s) to develop and implement a survivorship plan. Two of my four cancer-related diagnoses were found during routine screenings.  Two of my cancer-related diagnoses and one serious heart condition were almost certainly due to late effects of cancer treatment when I was young. Each was a complete surprise to me, and while there is evidence that predicts most of these occurrences, not one of my doctors used this literature to shape a plan for my post-treatment care. I was on my own.  My fear of yet another recurrence led me over time to cobble together a motley collection of oncologists (one for each body part) and other specialists (cardiologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, and so forth) to watch ove... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615099 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:00:54 +0100 4615099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605562&cid=t_92442_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fdid-sleep-medicine-help-boost-us-life.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605562 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:14:00 +0100 4605562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600510&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FMq3xw2Dmvg8%2F Are Americans getting fatter? You’d think that would be a fairly straightforward question. But as a Perspective piece just published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports, one set of CDC data demonstrated a 1.1% increase in the prevalence of obesity between 2007 and 2009, while data from a separate CDC survey found the prevalence of obesity in women and kids was stable in the last decade and for men, hasn’t changed significantly since 2003. (Here’s a government calculator to see where you fall on the BMI continuum. Normal weight is between 18.5 and 24.9, overweight is from 25 to 29.9 and obese is 30 and up.) One explanation for the different snapshots is that one survey is based on self-reported height and weight while the other, based on a smaller population... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600510 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:48:54 +0100 4600510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592321&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fupdate-on-cdc-abortion-surveillance-data%2F Over at Our Bodies Our Blog, I have a link to the published 2007 abortion surveillance data for the U.S., and some highlights. Not too surprisingly for folks who follow this data over the years, there’s nothing particularly new or worth-hiding there. Filed under: Abortion, Access, Rights, & Choice (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592321 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:04:39 +0100 4592321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592401&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnearly-12-million-cancer-survivors-in-the-u-s%2F2011.03.14 The number of cancer survivors in the United States increased to 11.7 million in 2007, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Women survive more often, and survive longer, according to the report. There were 3 million cancer survivors in 1971 and 9.8 million in 2001. Researchers attributed longer survival to a growing aging population, early detection, improved diagnostic methods, more effective treatment and improved clinical follow-up after treatment. The study, “Cancer Survivors in the United States, 2007,” is published today in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. To determine the number of survivors, the authors analyze... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592401 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4592401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560230&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F4pqKIYVJPaI%2F Prevnar, the Pfizer vaccine that is under investigation in Japan, is widely used in U.S. children to prevent infection by a bacterium that causes pneumonia and meningitis. Infants routinely receive the shot, starting at two months of age and ending at 15 months, with a fourth dose. The goal of immunization is to prevent infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. About one in 20 people who contract pneumonia because of infection by S. pneumoniae die, according to the CDC; the death rate is about three in ten for those whose infection leads to meningitis. Like all medicines, the vaccine can cause side effects. About half of those who take the vaccine develop redness or pain near where the shot was given, and fewer than 1% develop more severe reactions, like fever or muscle aches,... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560230 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:26:26 +0100 4560230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560279&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2F3-easy-steps-parents-opinion-vaccines%2F Just like reading a label on products purchased at the grocery store, parents should read and understand what a pediatrician could be injecting into their child – before they vaccinate them. Often times parents are discouraged from looking deeper into the matter because some pediatricians act like playground bullies more than doctors. Below are 3 easy steps for any new parent to start their own investigation and form their own opinion on vaccines. Step 1 – What is in This Vaccine? New parents can find a summary of ingredients from official government sources. The Centers for Disease Control has a ‘Fact Sheet’ on vaccine ingredients (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm). Two links are available on this page for additional information: Vaccine ingredi... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560279 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:29:37 +0100 4560279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549536&cid=t_92442_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fcdc-more-than-1-in-3-americans-are.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549536 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:34:00 +0100 4549536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544934&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FEc6RX12gO2E%2F Sleep in a bed, not while you’re driving. The next time you’re angered by the sight of a driver speeding down the highway while talking on his cell phone, just think: it could be worse. He could be sleeping. Stats out from the CDC today show that 4.7% of Americans surveyed reported having nodded off or fully conked out while driving during the previous 30 days. The survey, conducted in 2009, covered 74,571 adults in 12 representative states. Almost 38% reported unintentionally falling asleep during at least one day in the previous 30. (As the report dryly points out, this can “result in … dismissal for workers,” among other problems.) The survey also found that 35% of respondents reported getting an average of less than seven hours of sleep within a 24-hour ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544934 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:04:17 +0100 4544934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544970&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-campaign-hasnt-slowed-inappropriate-antibiotic-use%2F2011.03.03 High rates of inappropriate antibiotic use continued despite a 15-year campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at Michigan physicians and consumers on the dangers of antibiotic overuse. The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) released an issue brief detailing overall antibiotic prescribing for adult Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) members. (The project is a non-profit partnership between the University of Michigan and BCBSM.) While antibiotic prescribing in adults decreased 9.3 percent from 2007 to 2009, it increased 4.5 percent for children during the same time period. The studies found significant differences in prescribing patterns between rural southeast Michigan and the rest of the state, particularly for children. Chi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544970 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4544970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540567&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-study-links-hpv-to-head-and-neck-cancers-in-men%2F2011.03.02 A new study finds that half of men in America are infected with the HPV virus. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the growing concern that the virus in men could be responsible for an increase in head and neck cancers. HPV Affects Half Of U.S. Men A study out [yesterday] in The Lancet by Moffitt Cancer Center researcher Anna Giuliano, Ph.D., and her colleagues finds that 50 percent of men ages 18 to 70 in Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. have genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).  HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer in women. It also causes warts and cancer of the genitals and anus in both men and women. Over the past several years, researchers have realized that the virus can also cause cancer of the head and neck. Aimee R. Kreimer, Ph.D., of the National Cancer Institute, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540567 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:34 +0100 4540567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536045&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FB3YU4wWpO24%2F Good news from the CDC: the number of central-line bloodstream infections in intensive-care patients dropped 58% to an estimated 18,000 in 2009 from 43,000 in 2001. Why is that important? Because someday you, too, may end up in the ICU with a tube in a chest or neck vein, and you really don’t want that tube to spark a blood infection. The death rate hovers between 12% and 25% for ICU patients when it does, according to the report. Also, because the drop saved an estimated $1.8 billion. CDC head Thomas Frieden credited the decrease in ICU infections to targeted efforts by public-health and other groups, including asking the basic question of whether a central line is really necessary. The next infection-prevention frontiers are non-ICU areas of the hospital, where an estimated 23,000 ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536045 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:45:09 +0100 4536045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532186&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FwC4Mu6Ya-Ys%2F   Here’s the trajectory of a communicable disease in an era of jet travel: A woman infected with measles travels from the U.K. into Dulles Airport in Virginia on Feb. 20. Two days later she flies from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Denver, where she transfers to another flight to Albuquerque. Now, according to the CDC, local and state health departments are trying to find people she might have exposed to measles during her travels. The unidentified 27-year-old woman wasn’t immunized against the disease, according to the Associated Press. If you think you might have been on her flight, or at the airport at the same time she was, and are experiencing symptoms including a fever or a blotchy rash, get thee to a doctor. According to the CDC, symptoms generally s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532186 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:21:50 +0100 4532186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501583&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftheres-still-time-for-a-flu-shot%2F2011.02.21 It’s not too late to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Influenza is about to enter its peak season in the United States. Now is the time to be vigilant in protecting against and preventing the spread of flu. Washing your hands, staying home from work or school, and covering your cough can be incredible steps. But the most effective way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated. If you haven’t had a flu shot, get one this week. Your child can be immunized if over six months of age, and remember that many children under age nine will need a second dose (booster shot). Find out how to determine if your child needs a second dose. 1o Things To Know About Influenza 1. Influenza peaks in February and March in the United States. Look at the CDC data that reflects ongoing in... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501583 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:00:38 +0100 4501583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489685&cid=t_92442_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E5%2F_D8_34_YDQg%2FzBkoSjLrWd0 (video). Renée M. Ned, PhD, MMSc discusses the benefits of cascade screening to identify familial hypercholesterolemia, a common genetic disorder that causes high levels of low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Blog) Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489685 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:35:00 +0100 4489685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489672&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fadult-vaccines-most-doctors-dont-stock-all-of-them%2F2011.02.17 Less than one in three primary care practices offer all 10 recommended adult vaccines, citing a variety of financial and logistical reasons. Researchers sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sampled 993 family physicians and 997 general internists. Of the respondents, 27 percent (31 percent of family practitioners and 20 percent of internists) stocked all 10. Results appear in the Feb. 17 issue of the journal Vaccine. The 10 vaccines were hepatitis A; hepatitis B; human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV); combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4); pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23); tetanus diphtheria (Td); combined tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap); varicella; and zoster. Of the responding practices, two percent plan... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489672 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4489672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482733&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FirbdR5UC7kg%2F Funding for a public health emergency preparedness program run by the CDC was cut by about $72 million below fiscal 2010 levels in the budget proposal. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482733 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:03:19 +0100 4482733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477689&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F0xGBNTX01A4%2F HHS is funded at $79.9 billion in discretionary spending. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477689 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:27:54 +0100 4477689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478161&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FE4YxlSrSI60%2F The use of language is a subtle art. Ask any regulator. And the regulators at the FDA have determined that Novartis was a bit too subtle, perhaps, in trying to promote its Fluvirin vaccine for the flu. The agency recently issued a warning letter that chastised the drugmaker for distributing a sales aid and print advertisement that were deemed misleading. Specifically, the promotional materials incorrectly characterized a published recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and implied the Novartis vaccine can be used in all age ranges covered by the ACIP recommendations, according to the FDA letter, which was issued on February 4. For the current flu season, the ACIP recommended annual vaccination including infants who ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478161 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:22:30 +0100 4478161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472951&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472951 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4472951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470410&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-still-incredible-edible-egg%2F2011.02.12 Enriched chicken feed may have resulted in eggs having less cholesterol and more Vitamin D than previously measured, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A large egg today has about 185 milligrams of cholesterol, down 14 percent from 215 milligrams in 2002, according to new research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, reports USA Today. Also, an egg today has 41 international units (IUs) of Vitamin D, up 64 percent from 25 IUs measured in 2002. (That’s still only about 7 percent of the 600 IUs recommended per day.) The agency regularly does nutrient checks on popular foods, this time analyzing eggs taken from store shelves in 12 locations around the country. The American Egg Board said in a press release that hen feed is made up mostly of corn, soyb... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470410 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4470410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438992&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F02%2F05%2Fin-us-blacks-carry-heaviest-hiv-burden%2F This blog post was authored by Monique Tula, VP of the HIV Health & Policy Institute here at AIDS Action Committee. Monique wrote this post in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is Monday, February 7, 2011.   Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released an online Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) newsletter. Timed a few days before the Feb. 7th National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), the issue includes three articles focusing on HIV/AIDS in the Black Community in the U.S. The articles highlight the extreme disparities in the rates of HIV/AIDS  among U.S. Blacks compared to Whites (and to a lesser extent, compared to Latino/as).   Here’s a couple of highlights: In 2006, estimates of new HIV infections (HIV incidence) a... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438992 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:43:24 +0100 4438992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438887&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmanaging-diabetes-in-real-time%2F2011.02.05 The cost of managing chronic diseases is the largest portion of healthcare expenditures in developed countries. For example, the prevalence of adult acquired diabetes has been rising in the United States, in concert with increasing rates obesity. The CDC has termed it an “epidemic,” especially in light of the massive costs incurred by the healthcare system due to diabetes. The deleterious health effects of many chronic conditions can be diminished by behavior modifications. While few would underestimate the difficulty of having patients lose weight or exercise more, good management of blood sugar in diabetes is both objectively measurable and strongly correlated with reduced end-organ damage. This is among the reasons why Research2Guidance has recently nominated diabetes as the conditi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438887 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:52 +0100 4438887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438878&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F04%2Fon-the-timing-of-cdc-abortion-data-publication%2F If the Obama administration were deliberately hiding abortion rate data in order to obscure the effects of his presidency or health reform legislation (as the National Review suggested) you’d think he would wait until it was time for data from *after he was actually elected* to be released. 2008 data? Before he was elected (mostly) or health care reform had been voted on? Unless you are positing the existence of time travel, that’s a serious flaw in logic. It’s not even truly accurate to characterize the annual reports as though they have nearly always been published in the November three years after the data year, for as long as the reports have been released, as RedState did in their “breaking” story. RedState avoided this truth by saying, “The Mortal... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438878 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:52:17 +0100 4438878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411675&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F01%2F28%2Fcdc-issues-interim-guidance-for-using-hiv-prevention-pill%2F The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have just released interim guidance on the use of HIV-fighting drugs for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP.  The idea behind PrEP is to give uninfected persons HIV medications – also called antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) – to keep them from becoming infected with the virus. CDC issued the new PrEP guidance in the wake of a major international study called iPrEx whose findings were released in November.  The study showed that taking a once-a-day ARV pill – combined with regular HIV testing, condom use, and other proven prevention methods – could safely reduce rates of HIV transmission among the study participants, which included both men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who have sex with men.  Although person... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411675 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:17:00 +0100 4411675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405750&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FdPn9TqLQ0nY%2F The FDA hasn't approved Truvada to prevent HIV infection, but because it's on the market it's expected people will use it as such. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405750 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:50:38 +0100 4405750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377568&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhead-lice-fda-approves-new-treatment%2F2011.01.20 Good news for parents, teachers, pediatricians, and others engaged in the ongoing battle against lice: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a new treatment for head lice in children age four and older. Called Natroba, it’s a liquid that is rubbed into the hair and allowed to sit for 10 minutes before being rinsed off. Natroba is a useful addition to the anti-lice arsenal, since some head lice have become resistant to permethrin and pyrethrins, the active ingredients in over-the-counter anti-lice products such as Nix and Rid. Head lice are tiny insects that go by the big name Pediculus humanus capitis. They thrive in the warm tangle of human hair, feeding off blood in the scalp and breeding with abandon. A female lays eggs called nits that she attaches to strands of hair.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377568 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:30:14 +0100 4377568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322507&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpain-contracts-do-they-threaten-the-doctor-patient-relationship%2F2011.01.07 Doctors today are wary about treating chronic pain. One of the main worries is precipitating fatal opioid overdoses. Indeed, according to the CDC, and reported by American Medical News, “fatal opioid overdoses tripled to nearly 14,000 from 1999 to 2006 … [and] emergency department visits involving opioids more than doubled to nearly 306,000 between 2004 and 2008.” Requiring chronic pain patients to sign pain contracts is a way to mitigate this risk. But how does that affect the doctor-patient relationship? Indeed, a contract is an adversarial tool. Essentially, it states that a patient must comply with a strict set of rules in order to receive medications, including where and how often they obtain controlled substances, and may involve random drug testing. Break the contract and the ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322507 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:00:11 +0100 4322507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318303&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FR5RWavCqETg%2F Some 28% of home health care patients, 65% of nursing home residents and 88% of discharged hospice patients had at least one advance directive on file. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318303 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:14:55 +0100 4318303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309581&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FVZOr1rMjLJE%2F In 2008, 85% of Americans reported that they always wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309581 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:20:14 +0100 4309581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302106&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fformer-nih-director-spins-trhough.html ConclusionsSo the revolving door just keeps spinning, its revolutions suggesting how closely tied together big government and big corporations have become in what is now the health care business.  Whatever the motivations of Doctors Zerhouni, von Eschenbach, and Geberding were, the message to every person in a leadership position in health care in the US government has to still be: you too can earn big corporate compensation soon after you leave here.  Who knows how much that siren song will lead current government leaders to avoid antagonizing the leaders of big health care corporations during their government "service."  That is, of course, not what we want them to be thinking about if government agencies ae to serve the people, not the CEOs of big corporati... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302106 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:15:00 +0100 4302106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300524&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fformer-nih-director-spins-trhough.html ConclusionsSo the revolving door just keeps spinning, its revolutions suggesting how closely tied together big government and big corporations have become in what is now the health care business.  Whatever the motivations of Doctors Zerhouni, von Eschenbach, and Geberding were, the message to every person in a leadership position in health care in the US government has to still be: you too can earn big corporate compensation soon after you leave here.  Who knows how much that siren song will lead current government leaders to avoid antagonizing the leaders of big health care corporations during their government "service."  That is, of course, not what we want them to be thinking about if government agencies ae to serve the people, not the CEOs of big corporati... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300524 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:15:00 +0100 4300524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281296&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FCAeEaaWOZU0%2F Medicare Investigation: The WSJ takes a look at a Florida doctor (dressed like a punk rocker) who took in $1.2 million from Medicare in 2008, much of it from a sophisticated form of physical therapy. The doctor hasn't been accused of wrongdoing. But last year he was placed on heightened watch and sold his business. But not until he got $2.6 million in payments between 2007 and 2009, according to a person familiar with the matter cited by the WSJ.... (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281296 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:07:04 +0100 4281296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272260&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F19%2Fsunday-news-round-up-4%2F First things first: the Senate voted on Saturday to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Hurray! The roll call vote for all of the Senators is here, reflecting the 65 votes for repeal and 35 votes against. The votes for repeal came almost exclusively from Democrats, with just eight Republicans voting yes. My own Senators, Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, were unsurprisingly among the Republicans who voted against repeal; I’m disappointed in them for voting their party and their prejudice to be on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of human rights and dignity. The repeal will not become active for at least 60 days; HRC has a Pathway to Final Repeal document [PDF] that explains the necessary next steps, and warns service members about the interim: The Human Rights Campaign i... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272260 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:00:59 +0100 4272260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266213&cid=t_92442_147_f&fid=39273&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2Fbw0MjE1fwq4%2Fnew-policy-by-ama-aims-to-help-guide.html 90% of Americans are searching online for health information, but until recently, what they found tended to be jumbled and lacked credibility. Times are changing though. Mashable reports that as the health care revolution changes, many doctors, nurses and medical professionals are taking their insights online and offering patients credible resources to improve their health knowledge online.Both the AMA and the CDC has recognized this, and released Best Practice documents for those professionals. A few of the Best Practices that caught our attention were:Using privacy settings to safeguard personal information and content to the fullest extent possible on social networking sites. Routinely monitoring their own Internet presence to ensure that the personal and professional information on the... ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266213 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0100 4266213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253137&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdecline-in-stroke-deaths-reinforces-brain-attack-prevention%2F2010.12.13 Stroke killed 2,000 fewer Americans in 2008 (the last year with complete numbers) than it did in 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday in its latest annual Deaths report. That dropped stroke from the third leading cause of death in the United States to the fourth. Good news? Yes and no. It’s always good news when fewer people die. The reduction suggests a payoff for efforts to prevent stroke and improve the way doctors treat it. Yet the drop from third to fourth place is due largely to an accounting change. The CDC reorganized another category, “chronic lower respiratory diseases” (mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema), to include complications of these diseases such as pneumonia. The change substantially increased the number of deaths in this c... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253137 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:25 +0100 4253137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249190&cid=t_92442_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fbeing-a-social-experiment-in-the-unavailability-of-cereal.aspx Thomas and I are both convinced that A. attends the Best Elementary School ever. This is because A. attends an elementary school that is willing to perform experiments on her. A week or so ago, A.'s CDC teacher informed me that she was wanting to perform...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249190 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:43:00 +0100 4249190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230162&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-new-superbug%2F2010.12.04 Scientists have discovered a new, highly-transmissible gene that could, quite easily in fact, open a frightening new front in the ongoing global war against superbugs. The antibiotic-resistant gene, NDM-1, was first identified in 2008 a Swedish patient that had received hospital care in New Delhi. NDM-1 produces an enzyme that allows bacteria to destroy most antibiotics. It exists on plasmids, which are pieces of genetic material that are easily shared between bacteria including E coli and other species that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and blood stream infections. NDM-1 probably evolved in parts of India where poor sanitation and overutilization of antibiotics provide a perfect environment for the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The gene has been identified i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230162 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:00:17 +0100 4230162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214381&cid=t_92442_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F11%2F30%2Fnovember-s-been-a-good-month.aspx A. brought her mid-term report card home last week. She's making all B's and C's, and she's actually making an A in Work Habits. It's really amazing the progress that A. has been making in school ever since she moved to the CDC classroom. There have been...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214381 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:35:00 +0100 4214381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214065&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FcgXquEgNh1E%2F The good news: 11.4 million more people have been tested than in 2006. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214065 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:42:12 +0100 4214065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197024&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fw0tCi7TLqYA%2F The next step is to assess these new tests outside of the research setting, with protocols for processing and handling blood. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197024 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:30:42 +0100 4197024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197025&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fb3eE47-wKF4%2F Also: radiation concerns over dental CT scanners; gap in oversight on medical device manufacturing; STD rates. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197025 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:42:57 +0100 4197025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183582&cid=t_92442_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Famerica-fails-in-eating-fruits-and-vegetables%2F By: Elizabeth Jarrard The National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance (NFVA) recently released a report that showed in an average day, only 6 percent of individuals consume the recommended amount of vegetables and 8 percent the recommended amount of fruit. The US’s report card didn’t look to great, and even received a couple Fs. The societal cost of NOT eating fruits and vegetables: $56.2 billion (grew 9% each year over last 5 years), growing health care cost of treating diet-related diseases To put this in perspective, eight of the states with the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption are also in the top 10 states with the highest obesity rates.  William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity said, “A diet high in fruits and... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183582 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:14:16 +0100 4183582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164641&cid=t_92442_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F11%2F13%2Fin-celebration-of-the-good-days.aspx While I was at work Friday afternoon, I received a phone call from A.'s teacher. Initially, I was concerned -- perhaps she'd fallen sick, perhaps she'd had another uncontrollable meltdown, perhaps there was some other crisis that would require my intervention...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164641 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 01:54:00 +0100 4164641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125008&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fvaccines-top-10-reasons-to-get-your-shots%2F2010.11.01 Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical intervention in history. They are incredibly safe and effective and are well-tolerated by most people. In the US, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) carefully reviews all reports of adverse reactions that could be associated with vaccines. Over decades of review, they have found that the rate of potential severe reactions is so low that they cannot even calculate a risk. There are many vaccines available for babies, children, and adults. Please check these vaccine schedules to make sure that you and your family are fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. (Or you can ask your doctor/nurse to review your vaccine needs with you in person.) Vaccines for ages 0-6 click here. Vaccines for ages 7-18 click here. Vac... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125008 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:00:32 +0100 4125008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121850&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fcdc-toolkit.jpg The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the newest “Health Communicator’s Social Media Toolkit.” From the CDC: A guide to using social media to improve reach of health messages, increase access to your content, further participation with audiences, and advance transparency to improve health communication efforts. The guide is truly fantastic, detailed, and comprehensive. *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121850 Sun, 31 Oct 2010 19:00:11 +0100 4121850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125202&cid=t_92442_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F10%2F30%2Fa-s-first-week-in-cdc.aspx A.'s first week in the full-time CDC classroom has been quite a success. Of course, we've all been warned that this may just be a "honeymoon period," that A. may just be excited to be out of the mainstream classroom she hated so much. I am, however, cautiously...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125202 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:46:00 +0100 4125202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118930&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fteen-pregnancy-decline-is-likely-as-low-as-it-will-go%2F2010.10.29 Teen pregnancy rates have declined, but likely bottomed out, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Teen births dropped by a third between 1990 to 2005, but rose again in 2006 and 2007. The latest figures for 2008 show a decline of 2.4 percent, to 41.5 pregnancies per 1,000 teenagers. Experts told My Health News Daily/MSNBC the dropping rates have bottomed out, and that new strategies are needed to deglamorize teen pregnancy. Teen birth rates were consistently highest in states across the South and Southwest, and lowest in the Northeast and upper Midwest. In 2008, state-specific teenage birth rates varied widely, from less than 25.0 per 1,000 15-19 year olds (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont), to more than 60.0 per 1,000 (Arkans... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118930 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4118930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119486&cid=t_92442_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F10%2F27%2Fone-step-back-two-steps-forward.aspx Sometimes, you have to take one step back in order to take two steps forward. At A.'s long-anticipated and much-needed IEP Meeting this past Friday, the team decided that A.'s behavior issues needed intense monitoring and guidance, the sort of attention...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119486 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:18:00 +0100 4119486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097890&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Ft3qcppc1LIs%2F A new study projects the diabetes rate in 2050 could be as high as 33%. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097890 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:40:00 +0100 4097890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097942&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprescriptions-on-the-rise-so-look-out-for-the-side-effects%2F2010.10.22 Eighty eight percent of Americans 60 years or older take at least one prescription drug and more than two-thirds of this age group take five or more, according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics. Spending for prescription drugs totaled $234.1 billion in 2008 — more than double what was spent in 1999. The National Center for Health Statistics excerpted elements of its National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to prepare the report: Other key findings include: – Over the last 10 years, the percentage of Americans who took at least one prescription drug in the past month increased from 44 percent to 48 percent. The use of two or more drugs increased from 25 percent to 31 percent. The use of five or more drugs increased from 6 percent to 11 percent.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097942 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4097942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055692&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FE54ZS9UwEqQ%2F Thomas Frieden and Francis Collins write in JAMA that "the basic ethical principle of respect for persons was flagrantly violated." (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055692 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:26:53 +0100 4055692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018139&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F202743%2F CDC Picks Its Battles: The director of the CDC names six “winnable battles.” (via MSNBC) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018139 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:52:00 +0100 4018139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999215&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F09%2F24%2Fbeyond-the-headlines-whats-going-on-with-hiv-and-gay-and-bisexual-men%2F The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a new report on HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on data from the 2008 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, the report shows that 19% of the 8,153 men surveyed are HIV-positive; 44% of these men were unaware of their HIV status when they participated in the study, which included filling out a questionnaire with a trained surveyor and receiving an HIV test. Surveys were conducted in the twenty-one metropolitan areas with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence nationwide, including Boston.  Before diving into the data, it’s important to note that early media coverage of this report has overstated the reach of its findings. Early stories ran with headlines such as, “One-in-Five Gay Men HIV-Positive”. In fact,... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999215 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:42:05 +0100 3999215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987008&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F20%2Frecent-obos-posts-on-maternal-deaths-breastfeeding-henrietta-lacks-cesarean-and-older-womens-health%2F Ha, that was a mouthful. Here are a few posts I’ve done recently at Our Bodies Our Blog that I’ve neglected to link up here: Quick Hit: WHO Releases New Report on Worldwide Maternal Deaths – The World Health Organization, with UNICEF, UNFPA and The World Bank, has released a new report on trends in global maternal mortality from 1990-2008. CDC Releases Breastfeeding Report Card: Initiation is Up, but Continuation is Stagnant – The CDC released a new breastfeeding report card, reporting that 3 out of 4 new mothers in the now U.S. start out breastfeeding, meeting the Healthy People 2010 national objective for breastfeeding initiation for the first time. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – report from my attending a talk by author Rebecca Skloot, and a bit ab... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987008 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:19:36 +0100 3987008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976481&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FJ28ZnoTRiVA%2F A survey finds that for most routine vaccines, coverage rates are close to or above the public health goal of 90%. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976481 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:21:14 +0100 3976481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976499&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchronic-fatigue-syndrome-plenty-of-speculation%2F2010.09.16 Humans love to find patterns in the world. Sometimes patterns exist, sometimes they are imaginary. Sometimes you can see a pattern that may be interesting and ignore its significance. As a resident I used to say that anyone who smokes three packs of cigarettes a day has to be schizophrenic. It was meant more as a joke when, in fact, it was later discovered that tobacco helps ameliorate the symptoms of schizophrenia. I need to pay more attention. Part of my job is to look for patterns as a key to the patients diagnosis. Diseases and pathogens tend to (more or less) cause reproducible signs and symptoms and looking for that pattern is often the most helpful clue towards finding the diagnosis. Of course things are never as easy as one would like, as you have to consider whether you are seeing... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976499 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3976499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969145&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F09%2F14%2Fjohanns-amendment-defeated-public-health-fund-safe-for-now%2F The Johanns Amendment to the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act just failed 46-52 in the US Senate. The Amendment would have used the newly created Public Health Fund to offset the cost of repealing an unrelated change in business tax reporting. Put simply, $11 billion dedicated to improving our nation’s preventative health care would have been squandered. AIDS Action Committee asked our Cyber Action activists to let Senator Scott Brown know that they wanted him to vote no on using the Public Health Fund for unrelated purposes. Senator Kerry had previously stated that he opposed the amendment, and did vote no. In the end, Senator Brown voted in favor of the amendment, but our voices were still heard loud and clear. Thank you for taking action. Brave senators beat back this attack ... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969145 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:46:50 +0100 3969145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976502&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F09%2F14%2Fvaccine-acceptance-statistics-for-2009%2F Catherine Frompovich Vactruth.com 09/14/2010 There’s an adage that goes something like this: You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time. Well, there just may be a report that bears out that contention, in my opinion. Recently I came across The Rand Corporation’s November 2009 report Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S., which I’d like to parse. First and foremost, I found it interesting that the Rand survey was “conducted under contract with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).” On the front page of that report this statement appears: The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the wor... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976502 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:30:50 +0100 3976502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954217&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FEkU13yn8qX0%2F Only 32.5% of us are eating the recommended amount of fruit and 26.3% of vegetables. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954217 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:17:42 +0100 3954217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946431&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F0uzJOLfrGyE%2F NIH head Francis Collins asked the NIAID's Anthony Fauci to head up a multi-center study to get to the bottom of the XMRV-CFS conundrum. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946431 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:10:07 +0100 3946431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942769&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FrX2cSRixO1A%2F The CDC also said 40% of nonsmokers show signs of secondhand smoke exposure. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942769 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:17:18 +0100 3942769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942791&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-safety-video-hand-hygiene-saves-lives%2F2010.09.07 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a patient safety video about the importance of handwashing for hospital patients and their healthcare providers. The instructional piece entitled “Hand Hygiene Saves Lives” is available for hospitals to offer their newly-admitted patients. I think everyone should watch and learn: Source: CDC-TV (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942791 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:57 +0100 3942791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933262&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJazH3xTlCO4%2F More than 48 percent of all Americans took at least one prescription drug each month in 2008, which amounts to a 10 percent increase over the previous decade, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the use of multiple prescription meds rose by 20 percent, while the use of five of more drugs increased by 70 percent. In fact, one out of every five Americans was using five or more drugs by 2008, and one out of every five children used at least one prescription med compared with nine out of 10 adults aged 60 and over. Children up to age 11 were using penicillin and drugs for asthma and allergies, while adolescents were taking meds for asthma, depression and ADD (please click on this link) to see the charts. Consequently, US spending for prescripti... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933262 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:41:00 +0100 3933262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915004&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbe-aware-of-heat-dangers-in-young-athletes%2F2010.08.29 With back-to-school time around the corner, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about the risk for heat-related illness in young athletes, especially football players, the Los Angeles Times reports. Coaches and parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, dehydration and other problems, and fluid replacement formulas should be used during practices and workouts, among other precautions, the LA Times said. *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915004 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3915004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907602&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-health-hive-is-it-ready-for-primetime%2F2010.08.26 Maybe not according to this report from the CDC. They studied Internet use with respect to adherence behavior and a number of health-related outcomes. It suggests that folks who diss the doc in favor of the Internet may not do as well as we think. This quote caught me: The data also revealed that personal determinants such as neuroticism (reflects anxiety and emotionality) and health-related poorer quality of life differentiated internet-instigated non-adherent respondents from their counterparts. More plainly put: If you trust your life to an anonymous guy on Twitter with the handle @YourHealthGuru, you might not do as well as if you partnered with a trained professional. Or perhaps I’m reading too much into the study. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907602 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:00:05 +0100 3907602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889053&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F196172%2F Got a Light? Over half of the top-grossing films of 2009 contained tobacco use, a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said. (via CNN) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889053 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:56:26 +0100 3889053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885325&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F1ajuirWHJJQ%2F Teen immunization rates increased last year for the three vaccines recommended for this age group, the CDC says. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885325 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:37:42 +0100 3885325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865268&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-cancer-society-only-a-fundraising-ad-right%2F2010.08.13 EDITOR’S NOTE: Following Gary Schwitzer’s HealthNewsReview.org August 11th blog post below entitled “American Cancer Society: ‘Only’ A Fundraising Ad, Right?”, the American Cancer Society pulled its “Screening Is Seeing” ad the next day. See Schwitzer’s follow-up post “Screening Is Seeing” Ad By American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) Is Pulled” and a related article by Mary Carmichael of Newsweek: ”The American Cancer Society’s Misleading New Ads.” Also see “Common Themes In The Alzheimer’s Test Stories And The Cancer Society Screening Ad” by Schwitzer. (ORIGINAL POST) American Cancer Society: “Only” A Fundraising Ad, Right? A well-intentioned ad campaig... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865268 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:32 +0100 3865268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858157&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbaby-boomers-are-bypassing-primary-care%2F2010.08.11 Office-based practices are focusing increasingly on patients 45 and older, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2008, those 45 and older accounted for 57 percent of all office visits, compared to 49 percent in 1998. Prescriptions, scans and time spent with the doctor also became increasingly concentrated on those middle aged and older, according to data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Also, physician visits increasingly concentrated on medical and surgical specialists and less on care provided by primary care practitioners for those ages 45 and older. Furthermore, for patients ages 65 and older, the percentage of visits to primary care specialists decreased from 62 percent to 45 percent from 1978 to 2008, while the percentage of visits ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858157 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3858157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946230&cid=t_92442_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fc-sI6kB7gM8%2F If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? EIS! In the early 1950s, Alexander Langmuir, an epidemiologist for the Communicable Disease Center (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, warned that pathogenic microbes could be used as agents of biological warfare. To counter the threat, he advised the federal government to establish a ready response team at CDC. This advice was prescient: when Korean hemorrhagic fever virus infected 25,000 American troops in June 1951, killing 3,000, funding was provided to establish the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). The two-year program trained young epidemiologists not only to look out for biological warfare, but to respond quickly to unintentional epidemics. Despite the success of EIS in producing the world’s disease detectives, th... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946230 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:02:20 +0100 3946230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3822885&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F192870%2F Nine States Over 30% Obese: A new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that nine states are reporting obesity levels of 30% or over. Ten years ago, no states had a 30% or more rate or obesity. (via Medical News Today) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3822885 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:00:53 +0100 3822885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816375&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fn6ZtAv_dzqo%2F The CDC's Bill Dietz suggests altitude is one reason Coloradans are thinner than the norm. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816375 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:14:46 +0100 3816375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798746&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F07%2F28%2Fuse-of-hiv-pill-for-prevention-appears-safe-in-early-tests%2F The recently ended 2010 International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Vienna, Austria, provided some very welcome news on the development of HIV prevention technologies.  AIDS Action’s Ashley Smith has already blogged about an important breakthrough in microbicide research. I also want to draw your attention to the promising – but still early – results of a study involving another prevention approach known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.  The idea behind PrEP is to give uninfected persons HIV medications to keep them from becoming infected with the virus.  At the IAC, researchers reported on a PrEP study involving nearly 400 gay and bisexual men from Boston, Atlanta, and San Francisco.   The study team, which included researchers from Fenway Health, found that once-daily dosing o... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798746 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:40:26 +0100 3798746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794756&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FAGdZLCJKZC8%2F Next year the vaccinations against seasonal flu and H1N1 will be combined. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794756 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:47:13 +0100 3794756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743505&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F11%2Fweekly-news-round-up-another-three-day-weekend-edition%2F I’m taking Monday off work. Because I have the terrific privilege of paid vacation days, and have enough of them that I’ve actually topped out and will not accrue more until I take some of them. First, a few of my recent posts at Our Bodies Our Blog that I’ve neglected to link up here: Quick Hit: Public Comment Open on Hospital Visitation Rule Change – public comments are being accepted until August 27 on a proposed rule change that would protect patients’ rights to choose and designate their own visitors during a hospital stay and make hospital visitation much easier for LGBTQI patients and their partners HealthCare.gov Provides Tools for Understanding Health Care Options – a bit about a new government website with information on the implementation of th... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743505 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:50:32 +0100 3743505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729876&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-study-shingles-vaccine-is-safe-and-effective%2F2010.07.06 Shingles (herpes zoster) is no fun. It usually begins with a couple of days of pain, then a painful rash breaks out and lasts a couple of weeks. The rash consists of blisters that eventually break open, crust over, and consolidate into an ugly plaque. It is localized to one side of the body and to a stripe of skin corresponding to the dermatomal distribution of a sensory nerve. Very rarely a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death. More commonly, patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the area where the rash was. The overall incidence of PHN is 20%; after the age of 60 this rises to 40%, and after age 70 it rises to 50%. It can be excruciatingly painful, resistant to treatment, and can last for years or eve... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729876 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:00:19 +0100 3729876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714187&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpreventive-health-tip-get-vaccinated-for-whooping-cough%2F2010.06.30 California recently declared an epidemic of whooping cough (pertussis) which resulted in the death of five infants under the age of 3 months. The pertussis vaccine, which is already given routinely to infants, is first given at 2 months of age, then 4 months and 6 months of age, with an additional booster at 15 to 18 months of age, and then again at 4 to 6 years old. The vaccines for Bortella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough, does not confer lifelong immunity. In other words, fully-vaccinated children who then become teenagers and then adults lose immunity, can acquire the infection and then spread it. Should babies acquire pertussis, as the public has discovered, it can be deadly. The persistent cough tires the baby, causes difficulty breathing, and can make them turn blue ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714187 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3714187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671695&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwho-and-h1n1-conflict-of-interest%2F2010.06.17 On June 11, 2009, Dr. Margaret Chan, the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), declared that the H1N1 flu that was then spreading around the world was an official pandemic. This triggered a series of built-in responses in many countries, including stockpiling anti-viral medications and preparing for a mass H1N1 vaccination program. At the time the flu was still in its “first wave” and the fear was that subsequent waves, as the virus swept around the world, would become more virulent and/or contagious –- similar to what happened in the 1918 pandemic. This did not happen. At least our worst fears were not realized. The H1N1 pandemic, while serious, simmered through the winter of 2009-2010, producing a less than average flu season, although with some worrisome differe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671695 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:00:41 +0100 3671695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648495&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-return-of-mumps%2F2010.06.10 I write this post with a great deal of trepidation. The last time I perused the Medical Voices website I found nine questions that needed answering. So I answered them. One of the consequences of that blog entry was the promise that Medical Voices was poised to “tear my arguments to shreds.” Tear to shreds! Such a painful metaphor. They specified that the shred tearing would be accomplished during a live debate, rather than a written response. While Dr. Gorski gave excellent reasons why such a debate is counterproductive, I am disinclined for more practical reasons. I am a slow thinker and a lousy debater and have never, ever, won a debate at home. If I cannot win pitted against my wife, what chance would I have against the combined might of the doctors and scientists at Medical Voices... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648495 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:00:03 +0100 3648495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644692&cid=t_92442_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fcdc-answers-health-questions-bp-oil-spill%2F The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted answers to FAQ about the possible health risks of the BP oil spill on its website. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644692 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:12:37 +0100 3644692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640936&cid=t_92442_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fcdc-risk-oil-spill-humans-public-buying%2F The Centers for Disease Control has issued a statement that the risk of human exposure to the oil and tar balls washing up on Gulf beaches from the BP Oil spill is very low, if not harmless. Judging by comments on blogs, many citizens from the region are just not trusting the authorities. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640936 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:59:02 +0100 3640936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635688&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F06%2Fweekly-news-round-up-glad-its-finally-june-edition%2F Over at Our Bodies Our Blog recently, I’ve posted on the CDC’s new guide to contraceptive use safety (with relevant parts linked for easy access, as the guide itself is kind of difficult to navigate), the Defense authorization that would repeal both “don’t ask don’t tell” and prohibitions against abortions in Department of Defense medical facilities, debate about over-the-counter genetic testing, a CDC working group’s outline of a plan to address infertility, and the FDA’s transparency initiative. And, hey! this year’s 2010 Women’s Health Heroes were also announced! Big thanks to everybody who submitted nominations and/or voted – go check out the winners and inductees. Some other things that caught my eye: The Women Delive... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635688 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:47:54 +0100 3635688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633445&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprescription-drugs-and-high-school-students%2F2010.06.06 A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in five U.S. high school students have taken a prescription drug that they didn’t get from their doctor. According to the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) that was released today from the CDC, the survey asked more than 16,000 high school students if they’ve ever taken a prescription drug such as Oxycontin, Percoset, Vicodin, Adderall, Ritalin and Xanax. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633445 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:16 +0100 3633445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629600&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-living-10-things-to-green-your-garden%2F How does your garden grow? Probably not green-ly enough. So check out our gallery of 10 things we found to help you cultivate your garden into a more eco-friendly oasis: Post from: BlissTree Eco-Friendly Living: 10 Things to Green Your Garden (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629600 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:24:40 +0100 3629600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573665&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F7lFO2ce__wI%2F Google Flu Trends has always emphasized its tracking of flu-like illness rather than cases of the virus confirmed by a lab. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573665 Mon, 17 May 2010 17:12:46 +0100 3573665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552210&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fjoin-eboost-and-susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-to-fight-breast-cancer-with-an-exclusive-offer%2F Have you or someone you know been touched by breast cancer? If so, EBOOST and Blisstree understand the long journey and challenges ahead. That’s why for every box of pink lemonade that EBOOST sells, they will donate a full $10 of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Together, we can give hope to millions of women and their families – and help wipe out this dreadful disease once and for all. The EBOOST Healthy Energy Drink contains a special blend of vitamins and minerals that activate the four vital elements of performance: ENERGY, IMMUNITY, RECOVERY, and FOCUS, delivering sustained energy that lasts. EBOOST has teamed up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to raise money for breast cancer awareness with an exclusive offer for Blisstree readers. A box of 20 EBOOST p... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552210 Mon, 10 May 2010 17:14:25 +0100 3552210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545429&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Ft6is2nsrqYo%2F E. coli has sickened at least 19 people in 3 states, leading to a recall of shredded romaine lettuce. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545429 Fri, 07 May 2010 20:56:51 +0100 3545429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529760&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FSfVeL2_4Li0%2F Rather than focusing on an individual prescription, the plan recommends changes for pretty much every aspect of our environment – building more parks and walking or bike lanes, boosting P.E. classes and promoting physical activity within the work force. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529760 Mon, 03 May 2010 19:15:24 +0100 3529760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505134&cid=t_92442_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJYBY4SIvTJ4%2F Last December, the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General released a report showing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was having a hard time gathering sufficient financial disclosure info from so-called Special Government Employees, or SGEs, who serve on CDC advisory committees. The HHS OIG reviewed info provided to 17 committees that met in 2007 and also found that many SGEs served on committees, even though potential conflicts weren’t disclosed. And so Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee who has spent the last few years probing conflicts of interest among government agencies, academic researchers and the pharmaceutical industry, has written a letter to the CDC noting that 41 percent of SGEs didn’t receive eth... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505134 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:20:12 +0100 3505134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483074&cid=t_92442_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2010%2F04%2F19%2Fget-the-411-its-std-awareness-month%2F The following post was written by Katie Boos, MPH, Multimedia and Public Information Programs Manager at AIDS Action Committee. Katie oversees STD 411, Maria Talks, AIDS Action’s Hotlines, and other media-based prevention programs. April is STD awareness month, a time when public health practitioners like me gear up to spread the word about STD prevention, testing, and treatment. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), or infections (STI) if you are using public health speak, have had a fascinating and disturbing social history, similar and yet different from HIV. And while we know more now about the science of STDs than ever before, discussions about them still contain judgmental and fear-based messages and are often wrapped up in morality wars around the topic of sex. So you can imag... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483074 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:37:38 +0100 3483074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479692&cid=t_92442_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2F3im3eD9S8cE%2Ffood_that_makes_you_sick_not_m.php It would be surprising if failure to fund local public health and neutering regulation would result in a decrease in foodborne illness. Alas, there is nothing surprising about CDC's latest report on incidence of foodborne illness in the US. They put the best face on it they could, pointing to a decrease in E. coli O157H7 cases, but they've seen that kind of progress in E. coli before only to slip back. In reality we aren't sure how much food poisoning occurs each year. Most of it is self-limited and never comes to the attention of medical or public health authorities. It never gets counted. More serious cases may or not be recognized as foodborne. CDC has a Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) within its Emerging Infections Program which conducts active surveillance in... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479692 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:24:01 +0100 3479692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471962&cid=t_92442_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FL-bB6dd8JyE%2F In our fast food, TV-obsessed nation, childhood obesity is a huge problem. Poor diet and lack of exercise has led to an epidemic among children in which childhood obesity has increased by three times over the past 30 years. One in three children are overweight or obese, and the country spends $150 billion each year to treat conditions related to obesity. Let’s face it – our kids are fat! Overweight Kid Being overweight as a child can lead to the development of high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, orthopedic problems, depression, and a number of other diseases and ailments. Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama has been leading a nationwide campaign called “Let’s Move”... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471962 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:34:39 +0100 3471962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467730&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FjI-p5ykZPGM%2F UnitedHealth Group and Walgreens say they’re teaming up with the YMCA on a program that will reimburse pharmacists and lifestyle coaches to help insured patients prevent and control diabetes. The program, which will be announced Wednesday at the CDC Diabetes Conference in Kansas City, Mo., will have two parts, says Tom Beauregard, executive vice president of UnitedHealth and executive director of the UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization. The prevention arm will use UnitedHealth claims data and other demographic information to flag people at risk of developing diabetes and invite them to a free, 16-session exercise and nutrition class at a local YMCA. They’ll have monthly follow-up after the class is over, and instructors will be paid bonuses if participants meet certai... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467730 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:03:24 +0100 3467730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460118&cid=t_92442_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F11%2Fsunday-news-round-up-back-online-edition%2F I’m finally back online at home! While I’ve been away, I’ve learned adult/child CPR/AED use and infant CPR, registered to be an organ donor, listened to a lot of classical music on the radio courtesy of the local public radio station, played a lot of Rummy and lost at Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit (as usual), had my first lunch at Swett’s, and read B is for Beer, Warbreaker, War Dances, The Lassa Ward and half of Middlemarch. Here are some things that transpired or were written with style in the interim. First, Our Bodies Ourselves is accepting nominations for the 2010 Women’s Health Heroes awards. Nominations are due by the end of this month, so make yours today! OBOS has also launched the Word by Word campaign, in which a donation to support the organi... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460118 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:02:34 +0100 3460118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3457886&cid=t_92442_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcdc-ups-ante-on-indoor-air-quality.html The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken a bold step when it comes to indoor air quality. Just recently, a new breakthrough policy was initiated that will be enforced at every CDC office throughout the United States, and I predict that this policy will be cited and referenced by others for years to come. Like a Supreme Court decision that informs future legal arguments---sometimes for generations---the CDC's courageous and long-overdue stance on indoor air quality may be a watershed moment for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Environmental Illness (EI). To read an excellent review of the policy and to access the CDC's pdf documents regarding the policy, please see this post on The Canary Report.The CDC's comprehensive policy bans all fragranced clean... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3457886 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:04:00 +0100 3457886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443671&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F4CthikFZjb8%2F A two-year climb in the rate for teenagers having babies ended in 2008, according to the latest government data that also confirmed the overall U.S. birth rate declined for the year. A report issued today by the CDC found the teen birth rate dropped 2% in 2008 and the rate for Hispanic teens hit a two-decade low. There had been declines in the birth rate for U.S. girls ages 15 to 19 between 1991 and 2005. Then increases in the birth rate among teens for the next two years had caused worry among public-health officials that the climb might be becoming permanent. “This is good news,” said Stephanie J. Ventura of the National Center for Health Statistics, told the Washington Post regarding the latest teen data. “It might come as a surprise because people were concerned the t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443671 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:57:00 +0100 3443671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429158&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FMTn04ez30vI%2F First the problem was getting enough vaccine to treat the first flu pandemic in decades. Now the problem is getting rid of millions of doses of the H1N1 vaccine before they go bad. An estimated 71.5 million of the 229 million doses of swine-flu vaccine bought by the U.S. have been put in vials and syringes and will have to be discarded if they aren’t used before their expiration date, the Washington Post reported this morning. That’s after 25 million doses bought by the U.S. are sent to poor countries, the paper said. Flu followers know that the latest pandemic hasn’t delivered the worst-case punch feared in the U.S. or in Europe, where governments also are trying to figure out how to unload unused vaccine supplies. Delivering the vaccine supplies was delayed by productio... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429158 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:32:37 +0100 3429158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420431&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FOKtZ53hbV7g%2F Despite mounting evidence of the health risks in unpasteurized milk, raw milk advocates continue to tout its alleged benefits, dismissing warnings about bacterial contaminants that can sicken or even kill adults and children, as I write in the Informed Patient column today. The situation bedevils public-health officials and food-safety experts. “We know raw milk is hazardous, but we don’t know what it is that drives people to consume it anyway,” says Jeffrey LeJeune, a microbiologist and researcher at the Food Animal Health Research Program at Ohio State University. Dr. LeJeune is conducting a study with funding from the USDA to learn more about how consumers make judgments about milk safety. “There are tacit webs of belief that drive behavior, and everyone acts in what they believe to... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420431 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:09:00 +0100 3420431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420432&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FpHJ3K4BlwmE%2F In the effort to try to delay and ultimately prevent Alzheimer’s disease, an important question needs to be answered: how to pay for the programs. Many strategies are now in the works. At CFIT, a nonprofit program, members pay $4,000 annually. Kenneth S. Kosik, the program’s founder, helped raise more than $1 million in private donations to defray costs and offer scholarships, according to an article in today’s WSJ. But other models are also being tried. The CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association, along with institutes that are part of the National Institutes of Health, created a public-health “road map’’ to cognitive health that would involve publicly funded programs. Read the report here. In another effort, a pilot program was launched in March by SCAN Health Plan Arizona and a ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420432 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:49:57 +0100 3420432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403978&cid=t_92442_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fcms-cdc-call-icd-9-and-icd-10-code-freeze The epic healthcare bill passed by the House on Sunday might not make the ICD-10 conversion any easier, but a more simple suggestion by CMS could help. CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, along with CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proposed that both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS code sets be frozen two years before the compliance deadline. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403978 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:09:55 +0100 3403978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374153&cid=t_92442_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FQbE-Z4QumMA%2Fcdc_today.php When Thomas Frieden took over as CDC Director less than a year ago, I didn't know what to think. A smart, frenetic and intense former CDC epidemiologist who was most recently head of the New York City Health Department, he hadn't made his reputation as a "people person." He was reputed to being a quick study who sized up the science and once convinced, implemented science-based policy with a vengeance. His occasional appearances as the public face of CDC during the swine flu pandemic last fall were not auspicious. He appeared arrogant and blew off reporters' questions if he didn't know the answer (and like all people in that position, he got asked a lot of questions which no one knew the answers to). But his predecessor, Julie Gerberding, wasn't a hard act to follow. Widely disliked by CDC... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374153 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:22:58 +0100 3374153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322336&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F1Gy1esjrQls%2F Hundreds of thousands of Americans usually stay home at some point during the winter battling fever, aches and pains — all the result of a normal flu season. But this flu season is clearly marching to a different drummer. The H1N1 swine flu came and mostly went and seasonal flu has barely come at all in the U.S., the WSJ says in a survey of the flu front this morning. It’s a puzzle why there isn’t more swine flu around, given how many people haven’t been infected or vaccinated, according to the experts. That said, another H1N1 wave may be in the wings and could come soon. “We’ve had peaks [of flu] as late as May, so we’re not out of the woods yet,” a CDC influenza official told the WSJ. But future outbreaks aren’t likely to be as large... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322336 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:16:59 +0100 3322336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298287&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fbtokc1ha_bc%2F Sepsis and pneumonia, two infections that can often be prevented with tight infection control practices in hospitals, killed 48,000 patients and added $8.1 billion to heath care costs in 2006 alone, according to a study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers analyzed 69 million discharge records from hospitals in 40 states between 1998 and 2006; the length of stay and mortality rates for the infections didn’t change substantially over time, the study found, and high infection rates persist. The news, principal investigator Ramanan Laxminarayan tells the Health Blog, is that the study for the first time links about half of all infection deaths directly to infections acquired in the hospital in the course of care. While the Centers for Disease Control and Preve... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298287 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:17:10 +0100 3298287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243802&cid=t_92442_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FFBF4ep1iHak%2Frandom_thoughts_on_cdcs_swine.php We still don't know if we are experiencing a lull in flu or the virus has burned itself out for the season, but it's as good a time as any to reflect a bit on where we've been and where we still need to go. Being otherwise occupied (I'm sure you are sick of hearing about my grant writing obsession but not half as sick as I am about having it!), I'll start with something relatively straightforward: how CDC did on the epidemiology and surveillance front. Historically this is the agency's strong suit and so it is expected they would have acquitted themselves well. And pretty much, they did. A lot of good epidemiology got done and the surveillance system more or less worked to provide important information. But this doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Read the rest of this post... |... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243802 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:06:16 +0100 3243802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171872&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F_kG7_ovj2bA%2F More than a third of U.S. adults are obese. But at least the climb in the country’s obesity rate seems to be slowing. Figures from the National Center for Health Statistics showed 34% of Americans age 20 and older were obese in 2007-08, according to a study of CDC data published in JAMA today. Add in people who are overweight and the total goes to 68%. Seventeen percent of children ages 2 through 19 were obese and 32% were overweight, another JAMA study said. Sounds grim. But CDC statisticians said the rapid obesity growth rates of the ‘80s and ‘90s were slowing for women and, more recently, for men as well. The obesity rate for men rose to 32% in 2007-08 from 27% in 1999-2000, but most of the increase was in the early years of that period. “I see this as relatively good news,&#... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171872 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:45:53 +0100 3171872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142507&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FST63RKILAaM%2F A bunch of European countries ordered too much swine flu vaccine, so after months of waiting around for the flu shots to show up, they now find themselves canceling orders. The French government had planned on using 94 million individual shots to give two doses of the swine-flu vaccine to most of the country’s 65 million people. But it said Monday that it was canceling 50 million orders as one shot has been found to be effective and swine-flu cases in France have been dropping sharply, according to Reuters and other news reports. France’s move follows similar steps this week by the Netherlands and last month by Germany, Spain and Switzerland, all of which could curb revenues for vaccine makers Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. The pharma companies face “signi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142507 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:16:21 +0100 3142507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126581&cid=t_92442_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FQNYrJPqU9eI%2F After months of standing in line trying for adequate shipments of the H1N1 vaccine, pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers with in-store clinics now are trying to make the most of an influx of supply now becoming more widely available. “Right now there’s probably more supply than demand,” Troyen A. Brennan, chief medical officer at drugstore chain CVS Caremark, told the WSJ this morning. CVS is offering the swine-flu vaccinations in 23 states, while Rite-Aid has them in 30 states and Wal-Mart in 48 states. Walgreens, the No. 1 pharmacy chain by number of stores, will have them available in 49 states by year end, the WSJ says. Of course, this ramp-up is happening while flu activity continues to decline in the U.S., according to the CDC. But the government push for pe... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126581 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:09:29 +0100 3126581