Archive: In Brief

Mice Study Shows Patch Works as Well as Needles for Vaccinations
Cheree Cleghorn | July 20, 2010

Few kids step up bravely when it is time for school shots. Many adults aren’t too happy about vaccinations, either. Maybe the needle can go, based on the results of a mouse study. Patches also have other pluses, says the full Science News story.

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Vaginal Gel for Women “Markedly” Cut Risk of HIV Infection
Cheree Cleghorn | July 19, 2010

The Washington Post
“For the first time a vaginal gel that a woman can use during sexual intercourse has been shown to markedly cut the risk of becoming infected with the virus that causes AIDS.”
Source: Washington Post, July 19,2010

Topics: In Brief

Medicare Fraud Bust Is a New Kind of Bust, Federal Officials Say
Cheree Cleghorn | July 17, 2010

Although legitimate institutions worry about Medicare billing accuracy every day, there are other providers who work to milk the payment system.
These providers or services often have been small enough to fly under Medicare’s radar.
That just changed. It is safe to expect this to be the beginning of more busts.
AP
…”Authorities said busts carried out this week [...]

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“Concerned About Avandia? Here Are Other Options,” Says CNN
Cheree Cleghorn | July 15, 2010

CNN
Source: CNN, July 15, 2010

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What’s There for You? Q and A on Health Care Law’s New Preventive Services
Cheree Cleghorn | July 14, 2010

This Q and A feature from The Los Angeles Times explains how the new health care law’s free preventive care program will work.
Can you like free? Read all about it.
Can you like bipartisan support? Yes, it actually happened.
The Los Angeles Times
“Clarifying a much-anticipated new benefit in the new healthcare law, the Obama administration on [...]

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Quality of Death Ratings from The Economist
Cheree Cleghorn | July 14, 2010

If it can be measured, this newspaper will measure it.
Britain leads the way with its emphasis on hospice and related end-of-life care practices. It rates almost a perfect 8.
The U.S. is second.It is not even close to Britain, however, with a score better than 6-plus.
Check out the chart with the link below.
The Economist
“CUSTOMER-satisfaction surveys are, [...]

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Dengue Fever Update from CDC
Cheree Cleghorn | July 14, 2010

(Ed. Note: Read about Dengue Fever at Mayo Clinic.com)
Medpage Today
“An estimated 5% of residents in Key West, Fla. — more than 1,000 people — show evidence of infection with dengue fever, according to a report from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.”
…”We’re concerned that if dengue gains [...]

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On Monday, Vets Will Have Simpler Way to See if They Qualify for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cheree Cleghorn | July 7, 2010

A new rule will benefit veterans of all wars who can show evidence they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The New York Times
“The government is preparing to issue new rules that will make it substantially easier for veterans who have been found to have post-traumatic stress disorder to receive disability benefits, a change that [...]

Topics: In Brief, News

Yet Another Way to Calculate Obesity…Measure Neck
Cheree Cleghorn | July 7, 2010

CNN
…”A study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics suggests another simple, straightforward measurement could be used to supplement the BMI: neck circumference.
“A wide neck circumference is associated with obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes and hypertension, according to research. Neck circumference has been explored in studies for potential obesity [...]

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Chronic Pain Can Be Devastating and Hard to Cure
Cheree Cleghorn | July 5, 2010

Los Angeles Times
“Millions of Americans suffer from a hurting that doesn’t go away. The consequences can be devastating.”
Source: Los Angeles Times, July 5, 2010

Topics: In Brief