Surgery can be a daunting prospect at any age. Now, researchers say they’ve spotted two key factors upping the odds of a poor surgical outcome in seniors. Older adults who are either frail or suffering from dementia have high rates of death in the year following a major procedure, a new U.S. study finds. Researchers… read on > read on >
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AHA News: Protecting LGBTQ People From the Health Risks of Social Isolation
FRIDAY, Oct. 21, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — The ways Donald M. Bell and his Chicago neighbors connect with one another are as simple as they are significant. “We have certain rituals that pull certain clumps of people together,” said Bell, 73. Sometimes, it’s gathering to watch “Jeopardy!” in the community room of their… read on > read on >
Chickenpox Vaccine Has Nearly Erased Deaths, Hospitalizations From Virus in U.S.
New government data shows that the chickenpox vaccine has virtually eliminated deaths and severe cases of the virus in U.S. children and teens. In the analysis, released Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 97% fewer chickenpox cases among people under 20, along with 94% fewer hospitalizations and 99% fewer… read on > read on >
ERs Seeing Huge Rise in Cases of Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault are seeking treatment in U.S. emergency rooms in growing numbers, with University of Michigan (UM) researchers detecting a 15-fold increase between 2006 and 2019. Rapes and other forms of sexual assault occur every 68 seconds in the United States, and their number rose from 93,000 in 2006 to nearly 140,000 in… read on > read on >
Surgeon General Says ‘Toxic Workplaces’ Take Big Toll on Workers’ Health
Just about anyone who’s ever dealt with a toxic work environment can tell you about the toll it takes on your physical and mental health. Now, the U.S. government is backing that perception up with some evidence. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a report on Thursday that links low wages, discrimination, harassment, overwork and… read on > read on >
Even a Pasted-On Smile Can Lighten Your Mood
If you’re feeling a little low, smile anyway. That alone could shift your mood. This idea is known as the facial feedback hypothesis, and researchers set out to either prove or disprove the theory in a new global study, finding strong evidence that posed smiles can actually make a person happier. “The stretch of a… read on > read on >
Had a Stroke? Get These Professionals on Your Rehab Team
When someone has a stroke, many professionals come together to help the patient recover. The rehabilitation plan varies depending on which parts of the body were affected by the stroke and the type and severity of damage. Patients will have a team of physicians to guide and coordinate their long-term care. It often includes a… read on > read on >
Your Guide to Pain Relief After Knee, Hip Replacement
Getting a new knee or hip can be life-changing, but first you have to get through the recovery after surgery. Experts say a combination of the right medications and some other tips will make it easier. A mnemonic, or memory aide, that’s useful in this case is the word RICE. That stands for Rest, Ice,… read on > read on >
Cellular ‘Fix’ Treatment Shows Promise Against ALS in Small Study
Researchers have made early progress toward a new approach to treating the deadly brain disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): using patients’ own immune system T cells. ALS is a rare condition that kills nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movement. Over time, it robs people of their ability to move, talk,… read on > read on >
AHA News: Using Friendly Faces to Help Close Gaps on Vaccines and More
THURSDAY, Oct. 20, 2022 (American Heart Association News) — The coronavirus pandemic magnified health disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Some experts say using trusted community voices could help close gaps not only in vaccination rates but in overall health. Even before the pandemic, public health experts knew that people from historically underrepresented and underserved… read on > read on >