Challenges and Opportunities for PCORI and CER
In a time of skyrocketing health care costs, both the private and public sectors struggle to balance economics with access to high quality health care. Evidence from comparative effectiveness research (CER) and “head-to-head” clinical trials is increasingly being used in health care treatment decision-making around the globe, but how will this affect access to quality care? More importantly, where will the public draw the line between cost and access?
This January as the snow flurries begin to fall, the risk of heart attack among older Americans may be on the rise. The onset of colder weather results in peaks in general practitioner visits, hospital admissions, and cardiovascular deaths among those age 65 and older. A study published online in the British Medical Journal reported each 1.8 degree Fahrenheit reduction in average daily temperature was associated with a cumulative 2% increase in risk of heart attack over a 28-day period, with the highest risk reported within two weeks of exposure to cold weather. Cold temperatures have been shown to raise blood pressure and protein levels that increase the risk for blood clots. In addition, strenuous activities such as snow shoveling are commonly performed as the temperature drops, which may attribute the increased risk of heart attack.
FDA Under Fire
Last month, the FDA published a long awaited report on biomedical innovation, their only course of defense in the recent onslaught against the agency. Historically, the FDA has played a significant role in the protection of our health, assuming sole responsibility for the approval of medical products, but it appears that congressional confidence in the agency is waning.
Is Alzheimer’s disease contagious?
Is Alzheimer’s disease contagious? Dozens of headlines ran earlier this month suggesting Alzheimer’s patients potential to infect others, but before quarantining forgetful friends and family, I advise further reading.
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Researchers from UCLA and the University of Pittsburgh have found more support for the benefits of exercise on dementia.
Organizing Your Health
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
No matter your health status, a health organizer is a simple yet very helpful tool to keep track of important health information, so you don’t have to search high and low every time you or your health care provider needs to know information related to your health.
Preventing Injuries at Home
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Seniors age 85 and older are five times more likely to die in a fire than those younger mostly because of physical impairments. In addition, falls in the home can cause fractures, which can lead to loss of independence and health complications. During home safety month seniors and their caregivers should take steps to create a safer home environment.
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Results from a new study show that a home-based occupational and physical therapy program extended the lives of those who received the therapy compared to those who did not.
