Women have a lower healthy blood pressure range than men, cardiologists find
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 19, 2021
The upper limit of systolic blood pressure is 110 mm Hg in women compared to 120 mm Hg in men, physician-researchers say. It’s a distinction not reflected in clinical guidelines.
U.S., Canada ‘not that different’ in LTC staff response to pandemic work conditions: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 19, 2021
“We talk about how great Canada’s healthcare system is vis-à-vis that of the United States … but we are not that different when it comes to long-term care,” the researchers say.
Residents may be more open to deprescribing when suggested by physician
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 19, 2021
Among 300 geriatric inpatients, outpatients and nursing home residents, 33% said they would like to try stopping one of their medications on their own. And a greater number — 87% — said they would...
Clinical briefs for Friday, Feb. 19
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Feb 19, 2021
U.S. life expectancy falls in 2020, with ‘stunning’ dip amongst minorities … Walking patterns ‘strongly’ forecast type of cognitive decline, researchers say … Inflammation in spinal cord fluid...
Are we there yet? Vaccination success won’t ease need for LTC vigilance, observers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
The need for stepped-up infection control measures likely will remain a necessity for the foreseeable future, say industry observers and stakeholders.
LTC hip-fracture rates rise where fracture-linked drug prescriptions abound
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
Substantial regional variations exist for fracture-associated drug prescriptions — and hip fracture rates — in long-term care facility residents, researchers say.
Pulse oximeters may be inaccurate in patients with darker skin, CDC cautions
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
Uncertainty about device efficacy highlights the importance of assessing symptoms beyond blood oxygen levels when treating COVID-19 patients, the agency says.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Feb. 18
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
No need for high-intensity strength training in knee osteoarthritis, study finds … Seniors see long-term sleep improvement with exercise intervention … Feds say J&J low on coronavirus vaccine doses...
Vaccinations tied to drop in nursing home infections; states want greater role in pharmacy allocations
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 17, 2021
Nursing homes experienced a 48% decline in new resident cases three weeks after their first onsite vaccine clinic. That’s compared with a 21% decline among unvaccinated nursing homes located in the...
Healthcare workers less hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 17, 2021
Fewer healthcare workers say they’ll refuse a COVID-19 shot now than they did in December, investigators have found. And hesitant respondents explained what might change their minds.