Researchers seek to discover how interactive video games can be designed to improve physical activity, prevention behaviors and self-management of chronic conditions The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced more than $1.85 million in grants for research that will offer unprecedented insight into how digital games can improve players’ health behaviors and outcomes. With funding [...]
Reported Asthma in 9/11 Responders 2X Greater Than General Population Responders to the 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks, who were exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants following the 9/11 disaster, suffer from asthma at a rate more than twice that of the general US population, according to new research presented at CHEST [...]
Trends in Reducing Heart Disease Risk Are Headed in Wrong Direction Recent research indicates that despite decades of progress, fewer Americans are now considered “low risk” for heart disease compared to years past. Adding fuel to the fire, a new study is making headlines with the alarming statistic that 7 in 10 obese teens already [...]
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) released a new report that finds only five states have published a strategic climate change plan that includes a public health response. This includes planning for health challenges and emergencies expected to develop from natural disasters, pollution, and infectious diseases as temperatures and sea levels rise. The Health Problems Heat [...]
New Atlas Project to Deepen Scientific Understanding of Malignant Brain Tumors; Opens the Door for Improved Patient Care and Treatment Options A major collaborative research project focused on mapping the gene activity in brain tumors was launched, The goal of the research, known as the Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project (GAP), is to unlock the secrets [...]
Parents Unaware that Integrative Treatment May Reduce their Child’s Dependence on Drugs and Improve Quality of Life A new nationwide survey released today reveals that just 12 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 have spoken to their child’s doctor about complementary and integrative approaches to medicine, yet nearly 90 percent say [...]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 37 states in the U.S. now report widespread influenza activity – and nearly all influenza cases reported to the health authority are 2009 H1N1, also known as swine flu. However, with the release of a 2009 H1N1 vaccine this week, parents have a new preventative [...]
Introducing or expanding wellness programs also an expected change for 2010 As employees flip through their open enrollment packets, they may notice substantial changes to their medical plan for 2010, from increases to employee contributions to introducing a wellness program, according to the 2009 Benefits & Talent Survey by Aon Consulting, the human capital consulting [...]
New Survey Also Gives Clear View on Eye Allergy Problems this Season The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announced the 2009 Fall Allergy Capitals(TM) rankings. The annual research project ranks the fall’s 100 most challenging cities for people with fall allergies. The top five cities this year are: McAllen, TX (1); Wichita, KS [...]
Americans urged to get to know their pharmacist A medication list can provide emergency medical personnel with lifesaving information and help prevent the nearly 1.5 million(1) people harmed by medication-related errors every year. But, a recent consumer survey commissioned by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and conducted by Harris Interactive revealed that while a large [...]