How to protect against the rare viral threat
An outbreak of a pox virus, not typically found in Europe and North America, has many on alert. Infectious disease and public health specialists have raised an alarm as cases of monkeypox have spread throughout Europe and the United States. Monkeypox is a member of the orthopox family of viruses, related to smallpox virus, which […]
Opioid prescriptions significantly higher for patients with lifelong disabilities
It’s the largest study to examine opioid prescription patterns for adults living with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. A Michigan Medicine study finds that people with two pediatric-onset neurodevelopmental disorders are prescribed opioids at significantly higher rates than those without the conditions, raising concerns over substance use disorders, overdose and mental health issues. Researchers analyzed […]
Intuition and expertise lead to heart surgery at the right time
One woman’s bicuspid valve was replaced, and aortic aneurysm repaired, after a period of doctor-led “watchful waiting.” Carol and her husband, Matt. Credit: Carol Lafferty Carol Lafferty may have spent Christmas 2020 in a hospital bed, but she’s definitely “back in the game” and looking forward to a life of retirement and relaxation. The 61-year-old […]
Pulse oximeters missed low oxygen levels in more Black veterans than white veterans
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, research from the University of Michigan uncovered inaccuracy in readings based on race when using pulse oximeters, finger-tip devices used to determine how much oxygen is present in the blood in patients in respiratory failure. This work was followed by other studies from around the world finding the same inaccuracy […]
What the pelvic floor can tell health care providers about how to treat chronic pelvic pain
Patients with less tender pelvic floor muscles might benefit more from physical therapy while those with widespread pelvic floor pain may need systemic treatments as well to address their pain. Among patients with chronic pelvic pain and urinary issues, those with intense soreness throughout their pelvic floors are more likely to experience pain that is […]
Older mice with flu helped with nanoparticle therapy
Findings could eventually translate to therapeutics to improve outcomes from respiratory illness in people. Older people are at increased risk from acute respiratory viral infections including SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and influenza virus. There is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutics to improve outcomes during acute respiratory viral infections with aging. In […]
Study of pre-teens yields surprises about alcohol, tobacco and marijuana
Even at age 9 or 10, as many as 10% of children are curious about using substances, and many parents haven’t made specific rules or say kids’ access at home would be easy. They may only be in 4th or 5th grade, but 1 in 10 pre-teen children already say they’re curious about using alcohol […]
The smell of food blocks life extending effect of a restricted Diet. These drugs may unblock it
A study in worms provides new clues about the role of serotonin and dopamine in aging. It’s common knowledge that a healthy diet is to key to a healthy life. And while many people go on specialized diets to trim down or improve their overall health, researchers interested in aging have been actively studying the […]
Winning by default: Tonsillectomy study shows power of pre-set opioid Rx size
Young patients had same pain control, but took home far less opioid medication, after standard prescription size in hospital computer system was lowered based on evidence of actual use. A small tweak to hospitals’ prescribing systems might make a big difference in reducing risk from leftover opioid pain medication, while still making sure surgery patients […]
10 mental health awareness tips for older teens and young adults
Summer can be especially turbulent for high school graduates and others in their late teens and early 20s. Whether preparing for higher education, starting a new job, or joining the military, teens are entering or navigating a new stage of life, which comes with intense emotions and feelings, often increasing the risk for mental health concerns. […]