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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: Dr. Carolyn Clancy
Baby boomers trigger jump in knee replacement surgeries
Whether it’s music, lifestyles, or a refuse-to-age outlook, Baby Boomers think of themselves as trailblazers. Now, that generation born between 1946 and 1964 can claim credit for another “first”—a dramatic increase in knee replacement surgeries.
Patients should ask more questions about their care
Research shows that good communication can ensure safer care and better health outcomes. This is especially true for patients with diabetes and other chronic, or ongoing, conditions.
Guides to help women make informed treatment choices
What’s screening tests should a woman have? And what are the benefits and risks of different treatments? New guidebooks provide research-based advice.
Campaign urges Hispanics to talk with their doctor
Hispanics are less likely to see a doctor regularly than other ethnics groups. In fact, half of adult Hispanics reported that they did not see a doctor in 2008.
Creating a culture of safety can improve hospital care
Doctors, nurses, and other health care workers are learning that a positive safety culture can improve patient care. What does safety culture in a hospital look like? — Dr. Carolyn Clancy explains.
Health IT tools help improve care, cut costs
Electronic health records put your health data—medical history, medicines, allergies, test results, and more—all in one place. This saves you and your medical team time. It also reduces the chance of an error like getting a drug you’re allergic to.
What you can do to prevent a fall
More than one-third of adults over age 65 fall each year, and one-third of older adults who fall suffer moderate to serious injuries, including hip fractures and head trauma.
Focus on heart health
While you’re thinking of hearts this Valentine’s Day, do yourself—and your loved ones—a favor: focus on your own heart.
Picking a treatment for a rotator cuff tear
Tears in the rotator cuff are not a huge health setback. But they can limit movement and cause serious pain. There are several ways to treat rotator cuff tears, including surgery and non-surgical treatments. You’ll want to understand your options before you make a decision.
Don’t let your medicines end up harming you
Bad reactions to medications are on the rise:
Between 1997 and 2008, hospital admissions doubled among Americans aged 45 and older for medication and drug-related conditions.
These hospital admissions include the effects of prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as illegal drugs.
Common problems: confusion, delirium and agitation; narcotic overdose; and symptoms of drug withdrawal from legal and illegal drug use.
Quitting Smoking: You Can Do It
While quitting smoking is tough, you have a better chance of succeeding when you have help: smokers who get counseling, combined with medication and other support, have a much better chance of quitting and staying tobacco-free.
Tools to fight obesity
Obesity has become an epidemic, hurting people’s health and costing as much as $147 billion each year in the United States. What can you do?
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