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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Author Archive: Becky Ham - HBNS
How to get you to take your medicine?
“Studies consistently show that up to half of patients do not take their medicines as prescribed.”
Community-wide programs to encourage exercise might fall short
Many programs have been launched to try to increase physical activity in communities. But do they work?
Side Effects: When silence isn’t golden
Almost any medical treatment can have unwanted side effects, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Here are some questions you should ask before you start.
Brain-boosting training no better than conversation for preserving memory
Trying to stave off senior moments with memory drills and similar brain-boosting activities? A new evidence review suggests that these specific training regimes are not any better than simple conversations at improving memory in older adults.
Talking about medical tests with your health care team
In a 2008 study of testing errors, researchers found that nearly three out of four patients involved in a testing error had their treatment delayed, or suffered additional pain, or had a worse health outcome as a result of the error.
How to talk about your symptoms
Science has provided many wonderful medications and tests, but the doctor’s decision to order a test or prescribe a medication most often depends on the information provided by the patient — Ohio State University PACE System
Roll up your sleeve: adult vaccinations
Vaccinations aren’t just for kids any more: there’s battery of adult vaccinations should be part of your health care routine.
What’re your chances?
We’re curious about our health risks, wondering about our susceptibility for everything from high cholesterol to a deadly inherited disease. What’s the best way to find out?
Prescription restrictions cut costs, but how does health fare?
Drug restriction policies that discourage use of expensive, new medicines cut costs, but more study needs to be done to see how they affect patient health, researchers say.
Hormonal contraceptives have mixed success among overweight women
Many researchers think that metabolic changes associated with obesity — in particular, the amount of body fat — could make hormonal birth control less effective.
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