Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Emergency Medicine for July 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

Inpatient Volume Greater Driver of Ambulance Diversion

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An increase in inpatient volume is associated with a greater increase in diversion hours for ambulances when the volume increase occurs among inpatients versus emergency department visitors, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Odds of Death Up With Medium-, Large-Caliber Firearms

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a correlation for firearm caliber with likelihood of death from gunshot wounds, according to a study published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

High-Sensitivity Blood Test May Help Rule Out Intracranial Injury

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A combined test of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) assay results has high sensitivity for detection of intracranial injury among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to a study published online July 24 in The Lancet Neurology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors

MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

Better Care Quality Needed for Universal Health Coverage

MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In order to achieve universal health coverage, stakeholders must focus on the quality of health services, including provision of effective, safe, timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient health services, according to a report published by the World Health Organization.

More Information

Teen Boy Suffers Serious Burns After ‘Hot Water Challenge’

MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An Indianapolis teen suffered serious burns after his friends poured boiling hot water on him as part of fad called the “Hot Water Challenge.”

More Information

Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains

MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.

Abstract/Full Text

Fatal Child Drownings in Open Water Areas Are Increasing

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most fatal child drownings occur each year between May and August, the majority of which happen in lakes, rivers, oceans, and other types of open water, according to a report released by Safe Kids Worldwide.

More Information

CDC: Homicides by Firearm on the Rise in the United States

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gun murders are on the rise in the United States and are the most common type of murder, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Readmission Rate 19.2 Percent After Acute Exacerbation of COPD

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of 30-day index readmissions after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is 19.2 percent, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

2002 to 2014 Saw Hike in AMI Rate in Pregnancy, Puerperium

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurred in one of every 12,400 hospitalizations for those hospitalized during pregnancy and the puerperium, according to a study published online July 18 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

FDA: Whey Powder Behind Recent Salmonella-Linked Recalls

FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritz and Goldfish crackers, Swiss Rolls — they’ve all been tied to possible Salmonella contamination through a common ingredient, dry whey powder, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information

Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

Use of 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text

CDC: Salmonella-Tainted Melon Outbreak Appears to Be Over

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak linked to melons and fruit salad mixes appears to be over, say officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FDA Outbreak Update
CDC Final Update

Prehospital Plasma Cuts Mortality Risk in Hemorrhagic Shock

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prehospital administration of thawed plasma during air medical transport results in lower 30-day mortality compared with standard-care resuscitation in injured patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock, according to research published in the July 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Steroid Abuse Put 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder in the Hospital

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 23 in BMJ Case Reports, doctors present the case of an amateur weight-lifter who developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy after using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).

Abstract/Full Text

Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

Guidance Provided for Reporting Foodborne Illness

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for health care professionals on reporting foodborne illnesses.

More Information

Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings

WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids

TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies

TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

More Information

VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality

TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Salmonella Spurs Recall of Swiss Rolls, Bread

TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Salmonella contamination has led to the recall of rolls and bread made by Flowers Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information

Salmonella Spurs Recall of Ritz Crackers

MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of Ritz Crackers products are being recalled due to possible Salmonella risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information

Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings

MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment

MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

FDA Warns Against Risks of Contaminated Synthetic Cannabis

MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Users of synthetic marijuana products and health care providers should be aware of the risk of bleeding associated with contamination of synthetic cannabinoid products with brodifacoum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information

Few HIV Tests Given to Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in South

MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few HIV tests in the southern United States are provided for black men who have sex with men (MSM) even though they account for a substantial percentage of new diagnoses, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices

MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published online July 12 in PLOS ONE.

Abstract/Full Text

Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Salmonella Outbreak in 26 States Linked to Raw Turkey Products

THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 90 people in 26 states has been linked to a variety of raw turkey products, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

More Information

Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear

THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open.

Abstract/Full Text

Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off

WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

Abstract/Full Text

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad

WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella outbreak that’s sickened 21 people in five states has been linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

FDA Recall Notice
CDC Food Safety Alert

FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.

More Information

Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

Cataract Surgery May Cut Risk of Serious Car Accidents

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cataract surgery is associated with a modest decrease in the risk of the patient being in a serious traffic crash as the driver, according to a study published online June 28 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.

More Information

Brief Safety Plan Intervention in ER Can Cut Suicidal Behavior

TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) plus follow-up phone calls for suicidal patients presenting in the emergency department cuts suicidal behavior and increases the likelihood of outpatient mental health treatment over the next six months, according to a study published online July 11 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Abstract/Full Text

FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.

More Information

FDA: Illnesses Tied to Fresh Crab Meat Imported From Venezuela

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 12 reported cases of people in the United States becoming sick after eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

More Information

E. Coli Found in Water at Tennessee Ziplining Facility

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health officials say they found Escherichia coli in water at a ziplining facility in Tennessee that has been linked to an outbreak affecting at least 500 people.

More Information

Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Two-Thirds of Parents Report Their Child Has Had Headache

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of parents report that their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury, according to the results of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan.

More Information

Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Factors Identified That Affect Resuscitation Teams’ Success

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Successful resuscitation teams share common, core elements that are associated with better in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) outcomes, according to a study published online July 9 in Circulation.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor/Pharmacist Relationship

MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics.

Abstract/Full Text

100 Now Sickened by Salmonella-Tainted Honey Smacks Cereal

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One hundred people across 33 states have now fallen ill with Salmonella after eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FDA Recall Notice
CDC Press Release

Data Support FDA Restrictions on Child Cough and Cold Medicines

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New research supports expanded restrictions on opioid-containing cough and cold medications (CCMs) for children, according to a short communication published recently in Clinical Toxicology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics.

>Abstract/Full Text

Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlooking women in medicine can have far-reaching consequences, according to a perspective piece published in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

AAP: Lawnmowers Pose Serious Injury Risk to Children

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lawnmowers pose a serious risk of injury to children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which offers tips to keep children and adolescents safe this summer.

More Information

Many Non-Emergency Medicine Trained Physicians in ER Care

FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The emergency medicine workforce comprises many non-emergency medicine trained physicians, according to a study recently published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.

More Information

2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text

Basal Insulin Analogs Don’t Cut Hypoglycemia-Linked ER Visits

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of a basal insulin analog versus human neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is not associated with reduction in the risk of hypoglycemia-related emergency department visits or hospital admissions, according to a study published in the July 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Parental Incarceration Linked to Unhealthy Behaviors in Teens

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Parental incarceration (PI) is associated with lower health care use and unhealthy behaviors among adolescents and young adults, according to a study published online July 9 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Asthma, Uncontrolled Asthma Associated With Risk of A-Fib

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a correlation for asthma and lack of asthma control with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online July 11 in JAMA Cardiology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs

THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for ABI for PAD Screen in Asymptomatic

WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) with the ankle branchial index (ABI) in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Final Recommendation
Evidence Report
Editorial

FDA Requires Safety Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones

WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened current warnings in the prescribing information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing significant decreases in blood glucose as well as mental health side effects.

Press Release
Safety Announcement

USPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Nontraditional CVD Risk Factors

WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of adding nontraditional risk factors to traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis for a final recommendation statement published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Final Recommendation
Evidence Report
Editorial

CDC: Nearly One-Third of Injury Deaths Occur at Home

WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Just under one-third of deaths from all causes of injury occur in the person’s home, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 6 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics.

Abstract/Full Text

AMA Calls for Inclusive Family, Medical Leave Policies

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) calls for inclusive family and medical leave policies to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers who care for relatives, spouses, and partners.

More Information

U.S. Surgeon General Urges More Americans to Carry Naloxone

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory urging increased availability of the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone earlier this year, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

HHS News Release
Surgeon General’s Advisory

Pelvic Exam in ER Doesn’t Help Predict STI for Young Females

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pelvic examination does not increase the sensitivity or specificity for diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas over taking a history alone for young female patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, according to a study published online July 2 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Recent Years Have Seen U.S. Military Reinventing Trauma Care

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. military has reinvented trauma care, offering hope for changing approaches to health care, according to a blog post published online July 3 in Health Affairs.

Abstract/Full Text

Any Opioid Use Tied to Involvement in Criminal Justice System

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Any opioid use is associated with involvement in the criminal justice system in the past year, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text

Error Rate 7.4 Percent in Speech Recognition-Assisted Notes

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The error rate in speech recognition (SR)-assisted documentation is 7.4 percent, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text

High Rates of Salmonella Contamination ID’d in Kratom

MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More Information

CDC: Wildfire Smoke Poses Health Risks

MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Wildfire activity continues to increase throughout the western states, as well as in Alaska, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, but there are steps those living in wild fire areas can take to minimize smoke exposure.

CDC Recommendations
National Interagency Fire Center

Red Cross Issues Nationwide Call for Blood Donations

MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following a blood shortage triggered by the Fourth of July holiday week, the American Red Cross has called for donations of all blood types, but especially type O.

More Information

Higher Visceral Fat Ratio Seen With Recurring Urolithiasis

MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recurrent stone-forming patients have high visceral fat ratios compared to first-time stone-forming patients, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Urology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Tick-Caused Meat Allergy on the Rise in the United States

FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Red meat allergy caused by a bite from the lone star tick appears to be on the rise in the United States, a researcher says.

More Information

IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout

FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

More Information

Occupational Exposure Limits for Heat Stress Often Exceeded: CDC

FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, occupational exposure limits for heat stress are exceeded in most recorded cases of outdoor occupational heat-related illness, according to research published in the July 6 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Abstract/Full Text

Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).

News Release
More Information

Patient Complaints Mainly About Rudeness, Rushing, Reproach

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding patients’ complaints about practice can be instructive for physicians, according to an article published June 6 in Physicians Practice.

Abstract/Full Text

NIH Warns of Increased Risk of Heat-Related Illness for Seniors

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults are at significantly increased risk of heat-related illnesses, which can include heat stroke, heat edema, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion, according to the National Institutes of Health.

More Information

U.K. Campaign Hasn’t Aided Patient Presentations for TIA, Minor CVA

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) public education campaign in the United Kingdom has not improved the response to transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, according to a study published online July 2 in JAMA Neurology.

Abstract/Full Text

Anticonvulsants Seem to Be Ineffective for Low Back Pain

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticonvulsant drugs are ineffective for chronic low back pain and can cause harm, despite a recent increase in prescribing, according to a review published online July 3 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.

Abstract/Full Text

Patients Comfortable With Doctors Having Tattoos, Piercings

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do not appear to mind if doctors have tattoos or piercings, according to a study published online July 2 in the Emergency Medicine Journal.

Abstract/Full Text

1996 to 2013 Saw Large Increase in Diabetes Spending

THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2013, $101 billion was spent in the United States on diabetes, almost a three-fold increase since 1996, according to a study published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

AMA Urges Caution With Use of Wire-Bristle BBQ Grill Brushes

TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) states that caution should be exercised with use of wire-bristle grill brushes due to the potential health and safety risks associated with bristles that may break off and adhere to the grill or cooked food.

More Information

Vegetable Trays Tainted With Cyclospora Put Seven in Hospital

TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Federal, state, and local health officials are investigating a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte 6 oz and 12 oz vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip that were sold at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and 28 oz vegetable trays that were distributed to Illinois and Indiana. The company has recalled the products.

FDA Recall Notice
CDC Outbreak Report

American Academy of Pediatrics Warns Against Using Fireworks

TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a warning about fireworks safety.

AAP: Fireworks Safety Tips

Pediatric Hospitalization for Gun Injuries Higher in Urban Areas

MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Urban areas have higher overall pediatric hospitalization rates for firearm injuries, with the highest rates for urban 15- to 19-year-olds, according to a study published online July 2 in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Ophthalmologists Warn About Eye Injury Risk With Fireworks

MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — With the Fourth of July approaching, ophthalmologists are issuing a warning on the dangers of fireworks and the risk they pose for eye injuries.

More Information

Irrigation Water Likely Cause of Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak

MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tainted irrigation water is likely to blame for a 36-state Escherichia coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce that sickened 200 people and caused five deaths, U.S. health officials say.

More Information – AP News
More Information – FDA

Intensive Management Program Benefits High-Risk Patients

MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk patients, use of an intensive management program is associated with greater receipt of outpatient care with no increase in total costs, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2018 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
healthday

Author