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Research finds e-cigarette flavorings are harmful to vascular system
Dr. Denise A. Valenti Medical & Allied HealthcareThere is ever-increasing evidence that the harm from electronic cigarettes far exceeds the benefits of their use as an aid to stop smoking nicotine cigarettes. The latest adverse health effects reported are to the delicate tissues of the vascular system from the use of flavorings in e-cigarettes. The new study looked at how nine different flavors impacted vascular endothelial cell function.
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Negative pressure wound therapy for lower leg fractures might be ineffective
Lynn Hetzler Medical & Allied HealthcareCompared with standard dressings, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) does not improve 12-month outcomes in patients with open leg fractures, according to a new study published in JAMA. Since they break the skin, open fractures have a higher risk of healing-related complications. Infection rates can be as high as 27 percent in severe open leg fractures, for example. NPWT is a new type of postoperative dressing that creates a vacuum, removing the blood and fluid accumulating inside a wound.
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The effects of loneliness on our hearts
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareIt is well-known that our hearts often respond to our emotional state. For example, broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a recently recognized heart problem. Symptoms of broken heart syndrome can look like those of a heart attack. But a broken heart may not be the only emotional stressor that affects our hearts. Loneliness may also be bad for the heart and may even lead to premature death.
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Tips to boost your energy in the morning
Lisa Mulcahy Sports & FitnessImagine tackling your workload with enthusiasm, energy, speed and accuracy every single morning (without downing five cups of coffee). Sounds like the impossible dream, right? It's actually easy to achieve. Research has found that the key to maximizing your a.m. performance as soon as you get to work is to simply make a few easy, enjoyable adjustments to your routine. Not only will you actually enjoy making these changes, you'll effortlessly boost your mental and physical stamina.
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Automated robotic device draws blood, performs analysis
Lynn Hetzler Medical & Allied HealthcareResearchers from Rutgers have developed an automated blood drawing and testing device that promises quick results. Speeding up blood testing could potentially improve hospital workflow and allow practitioners to spend more time treating patients. The research team published a description of their fully automated device online in the journal TECHNOLOGY. "This device represents the holy grail in blood testing technology," said Martin L. Yarmush, senior author of the study, in a press release.
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Research shows that physicians could be better served by EHRs
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationSixty-three percent of physicians say electronic health records (EHRs) have led to improved patient care, and 66 percent are at least somewhat satisfied with their current systems. However, a large portion see room for improvement, translating to 59 percent who think EHRs need a complete overhaul; 40 percent who think there are more challenges with EHRs than benefits; and only 18 percent saying they are "very satisfied" with their current systems, a new report by Stanford Medicine points out.
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ADA appeals to Congress to expand HSA/FSA flexibility for 2019
Tammy Hinojos Oral & Dental HealthcareThe American Dental Association has a strong advocacy wing, whose primary role is to influence public policies affecting the practice of dentistry and the oral health of the American public. In a recent letter directed to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, the ADA asked Congress to increase the limits of health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for the coming year. The hope is that consumers will be more likely to use their tax-advantaged savings toward dental services if their plans are less limited.
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Help your doctors and nurses work better together
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationA great hospital administrator is always looking for ways to improve patient care and satisfaction. One very important component toward achieving that goal is properly integrating the collaboration between doctors and nurses — but unfortunately, this key relationship is rarely optimized. How can you encourage your doctors and nurses to work in tandem more closely and effectively to help your patients achieve better outcomes? Try these research-proven strategies.
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Reducing the need for corticosteroids in treating severe asthma
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareSevere asthma includes up to 20 percent of asthma patients who have frequent and severe symptoms despite aggressive therapy with anti-inflammatory and other controller medications. Current treatments for severe asthma often include high doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to control exacerbations. Reducing the need for corticosteroids with alternative treatments is preferable because these medications are associated with serious side effects from prolonged use, including multi-organ toxicities and immunosuppression.
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Parts of Obamacare deemed unconstitutional by DOJ
Joan Spitrey Healthcare AdministrationEver since the 2010 Affordable Care Act went into effect, it has been entrenched in court battles. One controversial provision in the law was that if Americans chose not to get health insurance, they faced a potential penalty. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Congress' ability to fine those who did not get health insurance as it deemed the financial penalty basically a tax. However, on June 7, the Justice Department said that the requirement for people to have insurance — the individual mandate — was unconstitutional.
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