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New study on being medically prepared for natural disasters

Imagine having to evacuate your home quickly as 60 mph winds shatter your windows, water crawls under your front door and the electricity cuts leaving your house as dark as the inside of a coffee can. Would you be prepared? Now visualize being one of the 56 million Americans with a disability, such as wheelchair dependence, or one of the 133 million with a chronic disease, such as asthma.

11 Jan 2011

AFQ056 drug improves symptoms in Fragile X patients: Study

The first drug to treat the underlying disorder instead of the symptoms of Fragile X, the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, shows some promise according to a new study published in the January issue of Science Translational Medicine.

9 Jan 2011

Roundup: Calif. and health reform; Conn. mental health parity; Insurance premium increases in Iowa, Fla.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's proposed 11 percent health insurance premium increase is excessive, two experts have concluded. The company, which insures three-quarters of Iowans who buy their own policies, already raised premiums on those plans an average of 18 percent last spring. Wellmark sparked outcries when it announced in November that it wants to raise those rates again in order to keep up with rising prices and increased use of medical care (Leys, 1/7).

7 Jan 2011

Using TMV to control temperature of children's bath water can reduce risk of scalding: Researchers

Using a thermostatic mixer valve to control the maximum temperature of children's bath water can significantly reduce the temperature of hot bath water and should reduce the risk of scalding, according to researchers at The University of Nottingham.

6 Jan 2011

FDA awards supplemental approval to support efficacy of ACTEMRA in treating RA

Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration has extended the ACTEMRA (tocilizumab, RoACTEMRA in the European Union) label to include inhibition and slowing of structural joint damage, improvement of physical function, and achievement of major clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, when given in combination with methotrexate.

6 Jan 2011

CDS introduces new Diabetes DIC in the college curriculum

The College of Direct Support, an internet-based college for Direct Support Professionals and managed in partnership by Elsevier I MC Strategies and the University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center, has introduced its newest Disability Intensive Course into the CDS Curriculum - Diabetes.

5 Jan 2011

New research finds physicians are not following standard care guidelines for OA

New research found clinicians who care for patients with osteoarthritis are likely not following standard care guidelines that are based on current medical evidence.

5 Jan 2011

Clinicians rely upon analgesics and surgery; overlook exercise and weight loss for OA patients

New research found clinicians who care for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) are likely not following standard care guidelines that are based on current medical evidence. Researchers noted physicians were prescribing medications for pain and inflammation, or opting for surgical interventions rather than recommending weight loss plans or exercise programs to OA patients.

4 Jan 2011

Six new experts join National Biodefense Science Board

Six experts from outside the federal government will join the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB), a federal advisory committee which provides expert advice and guidance on preventing, preparing for, and responding to adverse health effects of public health emergencies to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The new members replace members whose 3-year terms expire Dec. 31.

4 Jan 2011

Fear of the fat promoted to curb obesity

The Australian Medical Association has recommended the use of graphic television advertisements in Victoria to warn people about the risks of eating fatty foods. Rising rates of obesity has prompted these extreme measures. The proposed ads in television and newspaper would cost $25 million and would show the effects of fat on the body’s internal organs. The AMA’s proposals are part of a submission calling for $63 million to fight obesity.

3 Jan 2011

Researchers to identify gene variants that cause ischemic stroke

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine are coordinating an international team of scientists working to identify genes or gene variants that may make a person more likely to have a particular type of stroke called an ischemic stroke.

30 Dec 2010

New study reports close association between obesity and fibromyalgia

Afflicting up to 5 percent of the U.S. population, mostly women, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and range of function problems. A new study in The Journal of Pain reports there is close association between obesity and disability in fibromyalgia patients.

29 Dec 2010

Texas doctor arrested in whistle-blowing case; Mass. judge dismisses hospital payment lawsuit against the state

Texas officials have filed criminal charges against a West Texas physician over accusations that they say he orchestrated against two nurses who had filed a complaint against him with the state medical board (Sack, 12/23).

24 Dec 2010

First Edition: December 23, 2010

Today's headlines include stories that look back and examine the role of the health overhaul in creating the 2010 political climate, as well as reports that look forward to what changes are in store for 2011.

23 Dec 2010

Minorities with MS may face risk of developing depressive symptoms

Multiple sclerosis can cause significant physical impairment, including fatigue, pain, muscle spasms, tremors and dizziness. For many with MS, the disease wreaks havoc with emotional well-being, too, and according to a new study, minorities might especially be at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

23 Dec 2010

Autism discrimination case at Perth Methodist college

A Perth girl’s school admitted to discriminating against an autistic pupil who was denied a trained aide. This made her lose nine months of schooling. Methodist Ladies College in Perth’s wealthy western suburbs in a first of its kind case in Australia was forced to apologise to parents Andrew and Mandy Mason after they took the school to the Federal Court and secured a settlement in their favour.

22 Dec 2010

Top ten advances in cardiovascular, stroke research in 2010

Research on reducing risks, improving medical treatment and improving lifestyle behaviors to fight the battle against heart disease and stroke are among the key scientific findings that make up this year's top cardiovascular and stroke research recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

22 Dec 2010

Military health: Philanthropy, not the Pentagon, leads to quality care for brain-injured soldiers

To see what cognitive therapy looked like, ProPublica and NPR spent several days with McKinney and fellow soldiers and veterans at Project Share, a charity to help brain-damaged soldiers. (This article is part of an ongoing investigation.) The program is based out of the Shepherd Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Atlanta, a nationally recognized hospital for head injuries (Miller and Zwerdling, 12/21).

22 Dec 2010

Genzyme provides information on peak sale of alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis

Genzyme Corporation today provided an extensive briefing on the market potential of alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis at an event for investors and analysts in New York.

21 Dec 2010

Biomet Biologics completes enrollment in Recover Kit clinical trial for chronic tennis elbow

Biomet, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of orthopedic and biotechnology products, announced today that its subsidiary, Biomet Biologics, LLC, has completed the required 230 subject enrollment for its Recover® Kit clinical trial. This clinical trial studies the use of the Recover® Kit device, which produces autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat chronic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

21 Dec 2010