LocalHealthGuide - Part 173

August 5, 2019 Drugs

How drugmakers use their generics to stifle competition

Of the ways drug companies protect sales as patents expire by changing doses, adding ingredients, but authorized generics is by far the most profitable tactic.

Washington state has 2nd lowest infant mortality rate in US

Washington state has second lowest infant mortality rate, 3.88/1000 live births; Massachusetts, at 3.66/1000, lowest – National rate 5.9.

August 2, 2019 Biotechnology / Drugs / Health Costs

Infusion Treatments For Low Iron Can Deplete Patients’ Wallets

Physicians profit handsomely from infusions. And they are paid based on the prescribed drug’s average price giving them an incentive to pick the most expensive.

Olympia Washington State Capitol Panorama

August 1, 2019 Abortion / Women's Health

State rejects Trump Title X abortion gag rule

“We will not allow any woman in Washington to be denied full and accurate information about her medical care,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

August 1, 2019 Seniors

Tech could help with the shortage of caregivers for seniors

For maximal benefit, technology must be responsive to new generations of older adults who are aging in place.

August 1, 2019 Seniors / Surgery

The Talk Seniors Need To Have With Doctors Before Surgery

Older patients have different priorities than younger ones. More than longevity, they value remaining independent and having quality time with loved ones

July 31, 2019 Addiction / Opioids

Opioid study shows which counties are at high-risk

Study identified 412 counties are at least twice as likely to be at high risk for opioid overdose deaths and to lack providers who can deliver medications to treat opioid use disorder.

July 31, 2019 Allergies

Kids should get dirty, but how dirty?

Let your kids play outside, get dirty, try new foods and be exposed to a variety of things. Have them go outside recess time in school as much as possible.

July 31, 2019 Hospitals

Christian Hospital Dials Back Aggressive Debt Collection

Memphis non-profit hospital will raise the minimum wage it pays employees and stop suing them for unpaid medical debts.

July 31, 2019 Genetics / Seniors

Genetic-Testing Scam Targets Seniors

Scores of older Americans who have been targeted in a scam that uses DNA tests to defraud Medicare or steal personal information.

July 31, 2019 Health Policy

This Indiana Clinic Has Patient-Care Stats Worth Bragging About

Maple City Clinic has graphs comparing its performance to that of other clinics across the state. The other clinics are getting their butts kicked.

July 30, 2019 Hepatitis / Public Health

New King County hepatitis A case matches previous case

There have been eleven other hepatitis A cases in King County residents so far in 2019. In comparison, there were fourteen cases in all of 2018.

July 30, 2019 Hepatitis

Washington health officials declare hepatitis A outbreak in multiple counties.

The outbreak includes 13 confirmed cases: nine in Spokane County, two in King County, one in Snohomish County and one in Pend Oreille County.

July 30, 2019 Prostate Cancer / Prostate Cancer

Proton therapy for prostate cancer: does the evidence support the hype?

While proton therapy has been shown to be effective for prostate cancer, no consistent advantage has been seen for either long-term survival or quality of life.

July 30, 2019 Fitness

In The Battle Of The Fitness Trackers, The Most Steps Might Not Win

Studies show that 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve sleep, and help reduce weight gain