US Health Posts
The Year of OpenNotes
Have you ever wondered what your doctor is writing down about you during your visit? What do you think would happen if doctors shared visit notes with their patients?
Another Reason to Be Wary of Snakes: They Harbor a Deadly Brain-Swelling Virus
For years, scientists and public health officials couldn’t figure out how the deadly mosquito-borne Eastern Equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) survives the cold mosquito-killing winters in the Northeastern U.S. But a new study offers a missing piece to the puzzle: snakes. According to researchers who wrangled and tested snakes (mostly Cottonmouths) in the Tuskegee National Forest, the reptiles harbor the virus in their bodies throughout hibernation.
Protecting Privacy in Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole genome sequencing—which provides a map of a person’s entire genetic makeup—has huge potential for improving medical care. Yet, concerns about personal privacy and misuse of data from these tests could deter people from getting their genes sequenced and sharing their genetic information with researchers and clinicians. That’s why the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has undertaken a review of the privacy and data access issues that arise from whole genome sequencing.
Andy’s Aspen Adventure: The Live Blog
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act, two prominent journalists (Joe Klein and David Brooks) joined with two prominent former politicians (Republican Vin Weber and Democrat Tom Daschle) to give their respective takes. My three takeaways: (1) they agree on a lot, far more than their disagreements; (2) there was general agreement on the wisdom of the decision; and (3) the discussion had none of the vitriol and venom that has characterized every exchange I’ve seen between Democrats and Republicans since the President’s bill was first introduced.
Accessing Health Care as a Young Adult
More young adults have insurance coverage now than before the health care overhaul took effect--3.1 million more, according to a report by the Department of Health and Human Services showing that the proportion of insured adults ages 19 through 25 has increased to nearly 75 percent. That’s in large part thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which requires insurers to allow young adults to remain on their parents’ family plans until they turn 26.
Words Imitating Art
An animated video by the Center for American Progress shows the impact of of short animated videos to explain complex topics like the Affordable Care Act.
Patients Want Easier Access to Their Doctors’ Notes
Would easier access to doctors’ notes improve patient health? 1 in 5 respondents to a survey in this month’s Annals of Internal Medicine said easier access would likely provoke them to take better care of themselves.
Bedbugs’ Spread Fueled by Inbreeding, Treatment Resistance
To adapt a phrase, bed bugs don't die, they multiply. A single mated female can spawn many colonies and then mate with her offspring. The offspring can also mate with each other. That is, bed bugs can survive, and even thrive, by inbreeding.
Sugary Drinks’ Not-So-Sweet Effect on Kids & Teens
The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity's Sugary Drink FACTS report recommends that beverage companies develop and market child-friendly products with less added sugar; make ingredient information more easily accessible; stop targeting teens with marketing for sugary drinks or caffeinated products; and remove nutrition-related claims from high-sugar products.
Dental Checkup on Northern Virginia: It’s Not All Smiles
Northern Virginia is one of the wealthiest regions of the country, but it’s not all smiles along the Potomac. A significant portion of Northern Virginians have difficulty accessing needed dental care.
