Researchers have developed a new computational tool that will help artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to screen patients with blinding retinal diseases – a discovery that may speed diagnosis and treatment. The findings, by researchers at Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health and University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with… Continue reading Artificial Intelligence Can Help with Diagnosis of Critical Eye Diseases
Author: Jane Farrell
Long-Term Acute Care Facilities Not Always the Best Choice
For older adults recovering from hospitalization for a severe, complex illness, there may be other, less expensive options besides long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities, researchers say. Only about half of older adults are transferred to LTACs for reasons related to the severity or complexity of their illnesses. For the other half, hospital preferences and regional… Continue reading Long-Term Acute Care Facilities Not Always the Best Choice
Microneedling: Experienced Hands Can Improve the Face
When it comes to microneedling, not all treatments are created equal, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. At-home devices won’t provide the same effects as an in-office treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. “Microneedling that delivers significant, long-lasting results is a medical treatment,” says board-certified dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, a professor of dermatology at… Continue reading Microneedling: Experienced Hands Can Improve the Face
Bone Density Test for Older Women Is Cost Effective
Screening for fracture risk in older post-menopausal women is cost-effective, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. The analysis examined results from a large randomized controlled trial. Screening, using the FRAX fracture risk calculator in addition to bone density measurements, was highly cost-effective when compared with usual management, with… Continue reading Bone Density Test for Older Women Is Cost Effective
Dietary Sodium’s Impact May Not Be Offset by Other Aspects of A Diet
An international study suggests other aspects of the diet may not offset the harmful effect of sodium on blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension, also reaffirms the need for widespread sodium reduction in the food supply. Researchers reviewed data on sodium intake and intake of 80 nutrients, such as… Continue reading Dietary Sodium’s Impact May Not Be Offset by Other Aspects of A Diet
Try Some Tai Chi
With roots in 12th-century China, tai chi is a form of moving meditation that can help both your body and mind. You may have seen practitioners in parks in your town or in movies, gathered in small groups, following along in a sort of slow motion martial arts training. You can do as few as… Continue reading Try Some Tai Chi
Money Problems and Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s disease often have problems managing their money. In fact, money problems may be one of the first noticeable signs of the disease. Here, the experts from the National Institute on Aging tell you how to recognize, and handle, this problem. Early on, a person with Alzheimer’s may be able to perform basic… Continue reading Money Problems and Alzheimer’s
Messages About Healthy Lifestyle Changes Need to Focus on Hope as Well as Fear
We all know about the need for healthy lifestyle choices, but fear of negative consequences may not be sufficient to change our behavior, researchers say. “With health messages, it’s not enough just to tell people, or merely educate them, you need to motivate them, and emotions are really good motivators,” said Jessica Myrick, associate professor… Continue reading Messages About Healthy Lifestyle Changes Need to Focus on Hope as Well as Fear
Vaccines to Get if You’re Over 50
Do you think that immunizations are strictly kid stuff? Think again: While you likely got plenty of “shots” as a child, you need more after age 50. Advancing age can render you more susceptible to certain illnesses, making it necessary to get inoculated against them. In other cases, the immunity gained from a long-ago vaccine… Continue reading Vaccines to Get if You’re Over 50
Widely Used Catheter Device May Harm Some Patients
A widely used intravenous device may in fact be harming some patients, a study shows. The study, by researchers from the University of Michigan, examines the risk of a tiny device called a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter). In just a decade, the university said in a news release, the PICC has become the “go-to… Continue reading Widely Used Catheter Device May Harm Some Patients
Why Self-Compassion is A Better Motivator than Self-Criticism
Many of us can be quite tough on ourselves, believing it is necessary to grow, improve, or simply execute our lengthy to-do lists. But research suggests that self-criticism can lead to lowered self-worth, anxiety, and depression. The good news is there is another way. Self-compassion, recognizing a difficult moment or situation, and treating yourself with… Continue reading Why Self-Compassion is A Better Motivator than Self-Criticism
Can Your Cardio Device Be Hacked?
Medical devices, including cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, could be at risk for hacking. In a paper published in February 2018 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Cardiology’s Electrophysiology Council examines the potential risk to patients and outlines how to improve cybersecurity in these devices. Cybersecurity in the medical… Continue reading Can Your Cardio Device Be Hacked?
Family Involvement in Patient Care Reduces Hospital Readmission Rates
A program that allows family members of hospitalized patients to assist in their care improved healing and reduced readmission rates, according to researchers from a Utah health-care system. The voluntary program, Partners in Healing, provides chances for family members to learn about, and help, with basic care for their loved ones – and that, in… Continue reading Family Involvement in Patient Care Reduces Hospital Readmission Rates
Progress, but Far from Perfection, on Avoiding Risky Sedatives in Older Adults
Although it’s widely known that the medications known as benzodiazepines present particular risks for people over 65, a sizable percentage of adults in that group still have a prescription for one, according to new research from three countries that have made a special effort to reduce their use. These medicines help many people sleep, or… Continue reading Progress, but Far from Perfection, on Avoiding Risky Sedatives in Older Adults
Living with Type 2 Diabetes? Be Sure to Add These Specialists to Your Health-Care Team
Diabetes is a complicated condition. It doesn’t just affect your blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity; it affects every part of your body, from your mind to your stomach to your toes. And to stay as healthy as possible, you need to keep all those important parts in good working order. For that reason, people… Continue reading Living with Type 2 Diabetes? Be Sure to Add These Specialists to Your Health-Care Team
A Safer Version of Vaginal Mesh
Scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK have developed a material that could be used as an alternative to the current vaginal mesh material, polypropylene. The use of these current meshes has led to severe complications for millions of women across the world. The research was published in the Journal of Neurology and… Continue reading A Safer Version of Vaginal Mesh
3 Signs It’s Time to Seek Alternative Treatments for Overly Medicated Kids
Parents of children suffering from ADD, ADHD or other brain-based disorders can grow frustrated and even desperate as they seek to stem the difficulties they and their children face daily. Often, medicating the children becomes not just a last resort, but a first resort. Parents will try whatever they can to help their child, and… Continue reading 3 Signs It’s Time to Seek Alternative Treatments for Overly Medicated Kids
Divorce Do’s and Dont’s
Editor’s note: There is no prescribed path to ending a marriage. There are many paths, and they can be grueling, or they can be civil. Sally Boyle, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, has years of professional (and personal) experience in guiding people through divorce. She’s learned firsthand that you can – and… Continue reading Divorce Do’s and Dont’s