Government Shutdown and the Affect on Healthcare: Update
Government Shutdown and the Affect on Healthcare Written by Cassie Klenke Why is there a Government Shutdown? The government shutdown occurred because congress was unable to pass a new government funding law prior to the previous funding law (short-term spending law) expiring. The main conflict between the Democrats and Republicans is about immigration. More specifically, […]
World Antibiotic Awareness Week
World Antibiotic Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19): The Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance “This year’s theme: Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.” (WHO) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is known as infections that no longer respond to drug treatments. For the most part, AMR can happen one of two ways. The first way is […]
Essure risks assessed by FDA
Risks assessed by FDA Essure is undergoing a new, mandatory FDA clinical trial to evaluate the possible risks associated with implantable birth control. The FDA Approved Essure in 2002. Essure is a permanent form of birth control. In short, flexible coils insert through the cervix and vagina into the fallopian tubes. Scar tissue forms […]
Health insurance marketplace success
Health insurance marketplace success The health insurance marketplace insured 12.7 million Americans during the third open enrollment season. The three-month open enrollment period began in November and ended January 31. “Open Enrollment for 2016 is over and we are happy to report it was a success,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia […]
Zika spreads to U.S.
Zika Virus Spreads to U.S. Zika, a mosquito-born virus, has been reported in U.S. residents. According to the National Institutes for Allergies and Infectious Diseases, there are currently 20 cases, all travelers returning from infected countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has issued a level 2 travel alert which calls for enhanced precautions. […]
Cough syrup recall
Cold syrup manufactured by the Perrigo Company were voluntarily recalled due to incorrect markings on the dosing cups. The cough syrup was sold under the following store brands: -H.E.B. -CVS -Rite-Aid -Kroger -Dollar General -Sunmark -Topcare -GoodSense -Care One There have been no reports of serious side effects as a result of the incorrect markings. […]
Zika virus in Puerto Rico
The Zika virus has been found in a Puerto Rican resident that has not traveled, meaning the virus was contracted on the island. The Zika virus originated in the Zika forest of Uganda. The virus spreads through an infected Ardes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are also known to spread dengue fever and chikungunya viruses. […]
PrEP reduces HIV risk
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), if used daily, reduces the risk of HIV infections to those who are in high risk due to sexual activity and drug use. People at high risk for HIV infection include: 1 in 4 sexually active gay and bisexual adult men without HIV who: -Have an HIV-positive partner, or -Have multiple partners, […]
Chemotherapy may lead to infections
Cancer and chemotherapy are likely to damage the immune system of the patient by reducing the number of white blood cells that fight off infections. This is called neutropenia. An infection in a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. According the to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every […]
AquAdvantage salmon approved by FDA
The AquAdvantage salmon is the first genetically altered food animal approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The altered genetic material helps the AquAdvantage salmon grow twice as fast while consuming 10 percent less food. The FDA says AquAdvantage is just as safe and healthy as other salmon available. However, some researchers […]
ADHD medication side effects
Medication designed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes sleep problems in some children, according to research reviews. The review, published in the online journal Pediatrics, found that children given stimulant medications for ADHD sometimes developed problems falling asleep and staying asleep. Children who took medication during the day, slept an average of 20 minutes less compared to […]
Ebola resurfaces in Liberia
Ebola resurfaces as three cases were confirmed only two months after Liberia was declared Ebola-free. The announcement was made when blood samples from a patient admitted in a hospital tested positive for Ebola. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Liberia was Ebola-free in September. Two high-risk contacts also tested positive. All three patients are undergoing care at an Ebola […]