New gene tests for germs quickly reveal source of infections
Medical News
MedicineNet: Legalizing Medical Pot Won’t Ease Opioid Crisis: Study
HealthDay News) — Medical marijuana has been a beacon of hope in the opioid epidemic, with states legalizing weed in hopes that its use will cut down on fatal overdoses from painkiller use.
Now, a new study is throwing cold water on that notion.
There’s no association between medical marijuana laws and opioid overdose death rates, researchers report.
VA bans smoking, vaping at its hospitals
“Smoking and vaping will no longer be allowed at Veterans Affairs (VA) health care centers across the country starting in October, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Tuesday.
Historically, permitted designated smoking areas were available at VA facilities. The new policy will limit smoking of all kinds, including cigarettes and electronic vape pens.
In announcing the policy change, the VA cited growing evidence that smoke exposure causes significant medical risks. “
Race Affects Life Expectancy in Major U.S. Cities: WebMD
Race Affects Life Expectancy in Major U.S. Cities
Article: Opioid manufacturer Insys files for bankruptcy after $225m settlement
Opioid manufacturer Insys files for bankruptcy after $225m settlement
Article: ‘Jumping genes’ could help CRISPR replace disease-causing DNA, study finds
‘Jumping genes’ could help CRISPR replace disease-causing DNA, study finds
EurekaAlert!: Undetected diabetes linked to heart attack and gum disease
KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE
Undetected diabetes linked to heart attack and gum disease
“People with undetected glucose disorders run a higher risk of both myocardial infarction and periodontitis, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes Care by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The results demonstrate the need of greater collaboration between dentistry and healthcare, say the researchers, and possibly of screening for diabetes at dental clinics.”
The Washington Times: California to pay full health benefits for illegal immigrants
Rising demand for long-term home care signals looming crisis
Steven Ross Johnson
“Experts say the rising costs and demand for home healthcare services will make it less affordable for many older adults to pay for the services long term.
Richard Johnson, a senior fellow in the Income and Benefits Policy Center at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., said there are strong indicators the current methods for financing long-term care are leading to a crisis in the coming years that will make such services unaffordable for those most in need.”
MASSIVE SCI: Alternative medicine could treat our maladies, but we have to study it
Molecular Pharmacologu, University of Pittsburgh
Scientists are trained to question claims that are not supported by data. In the west, eastern traditional medicines have been largely criticized for their air of mysticism. However, we cannot debunk a field that is not well-studied. Alternative medicine can become an actual science if we implement rigorous research and strict regulatory policies. Ultimately, it can become successfully integrated into conventional therapy to improve health outcomes.
THN 