High blood pressure plus COVID doubles risk of hospital stay: study
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 25, 2022
Even after three COVID-19 vaccine doses, high blood pressure more than doubles the risk for hospitalization with an omicron variant infection, researchers report.
First biosimilar approved by FDA to treat common eye degeneration in elders
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 21, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a less expensive copy of the blockbuster drug Lucentis for treating age-related (wet) macular degeneration and several other eye conditions.
FDA panel recommends second J&J coronavirus vaccine dose for adult recipients
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 18, 2021
Independent experts have unanimously agreed that a full second dose of the drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine be offered to adults aged 18 years and older at least two months after receipt of the first...
Strong clinical workforce protects against functional decline in nursing homes, review finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 17, 2022
“Dramatic” yearly functional decline up to 51% among nursing home residents may be alleviated by a strong workforce and the onsite presence of geriatricians, a new study finds.
Tuberculosis vaccine linked to 20 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s in study
By
Alicia Lasek
May 21, 2023
An older tuberculosis vaccine also used as a cancer therapy has now been linked to a 20% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The oldest recipients appear to derive the most benefit,...
Survey: Over half of U.S. nurses attribute burnout to understaffing
By
Alicia Lasek
May 12, 2023
Respondents linked this issue to feelings of overwork, with 71% saying that understaffing is the key reason for poor mental health.
Lawmakers seek to bolster Medicare, Medicaid mental health coverage
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 07, 2022
Senators cited constituent concerns about so-called ghost networks — listings of physicians who are unavailable to provide care.
New VA program to target 30K veterans for improved cholesterol care
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 28, 2023
U.S. veterans with cardiovascular disease and stubborn high cholesterol are the focus of a new program that aims to lower their risk of recurrent heart attack or stroke.
Stroke survivors double functional improvement rate with vagus nerve stimulation: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 27, 2021
Vagus nerve stimulation during post-stroke rehabilitation can significantly boost the improvement rate of arm and hand function, a new study finds.
Panel on non-invasive ventilation seeks to simplify ‘maze’ of regulation for device coverage
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 20, 2021
Recommendations aimed at expediting CMS coverage determinations for non-invasive ventilation devices could help ensure that LTCF residents and others get quick access to lifesaving treatments.