_ Pricier Rx If Docs Get Free Drug Samples By article At least for dermatologists, access to free drug samples from Big Pharma representatives means costlier prescription for patients. That’s the finding of Stanford University Medical Center researchers who published the results of their study April 16th in JAMA Dermatology.
_ Mobile Tools Boost Smoking Cessation Counseling By article Smartphones and tablets may hold the key to getting more clinicians to screen patients for tobacco use and advise smokers on how to quit. Even though tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., clinicians often don't ask about smoking during patient exams.
Breast Cancer Breast Reconstruction: Making the Decision By Jane Farrell article Every woman who has a mastectomy is then faced with another choice: whether to have breast reconstruction – surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast. There are other choices, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI): to wear a breast form, or padding, or to do nothing.
A Sharp Drop in Deaths From Colon Cancer By Jane Farrell article Colon cancer screenings have led to a 30 percent drop in cases for people aged 50 and older, the American Cancer Society reports. Death rates have also declined. The drop was measured over the last ten years. The researchers who conducted the study said the decrease was due to more people getting recommended screening tests. And even more deaths could be avoided if everyone got their screening tests on time.
_ The Personal Records You Need to Keep By Jane Farrell article We don’t like to think about suddenly becoming seriously sick or disabled. Yet it’s extremely helpful to review what you and others need to know if that happens. To have your “affairs in order” will help your family and caregivers as well as you yourself. The federal National Institute on Aging has a list that will help you and other family members be prepared for a sudden crisis. (And if you are caregiving yourself for a family member, it might be a good idea to tactfully bring up this subject.)
_ Your Right to Your Lab Reports By article As part of an ongoing effort to empower patients to be informed partners with their health care providers, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken action to give patients or a person designated by the patient a means of direct access to the patient’s completed laboratory test reports.
Frayed: Adventures on the ACA Trail By blog The following is a journal of my experience with the Affordable Care Act and specifically my application process with Covered California. In the spirit of “sometimes you just have to laugh” I have taken a humorous approach. However, the many problems of enrolling in a health care plan were frightening and filled with frustration. I know I am not alone with these thoughts and feelings.
Money Matters Hacking & ID Theft: Are You Next? By article By. Scott A. Merritt At least 110 million consumers were affected by the hack involving Target and Neiman Marcus and at least three other retailers. Whether or not millions more will have their identities manipulated and finances ruined within the coming months due to more breaches of security at other stores is anyone’s guess.
_ States' Restrictions on ACA Hampering Access By article The first study to gauge the impact of state restrictions on the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) indicates that community health centers across the country are engaged in an intensive effort to find and enroll eligible and uninsured patients and community residents.
_ How to Support Caregiving From Afar By Jane Farrell article Many people live far away from their family or friends who need help. If you donΓÇÖt live nearby, you can … Read More→
_ Depression and Older Adults By Jane Farrell article Feeling down every once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few … Read More→
_ Health Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What's Better for Your Loved One? By Jane Farrell article Hospice or palliative care? Many people think they are one and the same, but that is not exactly accurate. Each … Read More→
5 Ways Seniors Can Safeguard Against Cyber Criminals Stealing Their Identity By Jane Farrell article As the use of personal computers and cell phones has grown over the last two decades, identity theft has surged. … Read More→
Travel Traveling Safely Post-Pandemic By Jane Farrell article As the world opens up again to travelers, one of the first things folks have to consider is their health. … Read More→
_ 10 Common Mistakes Caregivers Make By Jane Farrell article The aging process can be difficult to process for both the aging parents and the adult children. Issues with acceptance … Read More→
_ Think Twice Before Your Tummy Tuck: The Abdomen is the Best Donor Site for Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction By Jane Farrell article Every year, hundreds of thousands of women undergo surgical procedures to reshape their abdomens. For many, diet and exercise cannot … Read More→
_ Men's Health Viagra and Alzheimer's By Jane Farrell article AlzheimerΓÇÖs disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is expected to affect 16 million Americans by 2050. … Read More→
_ Get The Most from Your Derm Appointment By Jane Farrell article Before making an appointment with a dermatologist, it is important to consider their level of training. Board-certified dermatologists have at … Read More→