Preventive Care
Flu Shot May Help Diabetes Patients Avoid Hospitalization, Death
Patients with type 2 diabetes who get the flu shot may have a reduced risk for hospitalization related to cardiovascular or respiratory issues, recent research suggests.
Meningitis B Vaccine Shows Disappointing Immune Response
The protection and immunity rate for serogroup B meningococcal vaccine Bexsero (4CMenB) may be lower than expected, recent research results suggest.
Evidence Not Sufficient for Routine Skin Cancer Screening
The US Preventive Services Task Force has determined that there isn’t enough evidence to conclusively state that routine full-body skin cancer screenings by a clinician are safe or effective.
10 Easy Ways to Prevent Stroke
A recent study identified 10 risk factors that seem to account for 90% of strokes.
HPV Vaccine May Reduce Abnormal Pap Results for Young Women
Young women who get all 3 doses of the human papillomavirus vaccine have fewer cervical cell anomalies in the future, recent study results found.
Many STD-Negative Patients Receive Unnecessary Antibiotics
More than three-quarters of patients given antibiotics to treat a suspected sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea or chlamydia don’t actually test positively for the disease.
Exercise Proven Safe, Beneficial in Pregnant Women
Although many expectant mothers may be hesitant to exercise, clinicians can assuage their concerns by educating them about the benefits of doing so.
Antihypertensives Overused Among Older Patients with Low Blood Pressure
Clinicians should remain mindful of any potentially inappropriate antihypertensive medications taken by their elderly patients.
Sleep-Deprived Children More Likely to Become Obese
Children who fail to get a full night's sleep are at increased risk for obesity, a recent investigation revealed.
Nonmedical Opioid Use Has Doubled Over a Decade
The percentage of Americans who have used opioids for nonmedical reasons has more than doubled over the course of a decade.
Diet Improvements Primarily Seen Among White Americans
White, middle-class, and upper-class Americans tend to receive the best nutrition, new study results suggest.
Physical Activity in Midlife May Prevent Stroke Later
Exercise in midlife can ward off stroke independent of other risk factors, according to a recent study.
Aspirin Overprescribed for Afib Patients Who Should Receive Anticoagulants
Retail clinicians should make sure to check prescribing guidelines when treating patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those who are at high risk for stroke.
Blood Pressure Drugs Protect Peritoneal Dialysis Patients from Heart Attack, Stroke
A pair of blood pressure medication classes can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with end-stage renal disease who require peritoneal dialysis.
Single Moms More Likely to Have a Stroke
Clinicians should pay particular attention to single working moms, as they’re more likely to have a stroke than their married counterparts.
Tinnitus May Put Teens at Risk for Permanent Hearing Damage
In the last year, nearly one-third of adolescents experienced ringing or buzzing in their ears that lasted more than 5 minutes, a recent report found.
Flu Shot May Help Prevent Hospitalization, Dementia in Heart Failure Patients
Patients with heart failure should know that getting a flu shot could lower their risk of being hospitalized and developing dementia.
Controlling Caloric Intake Can Lead to Better Sleep and Sex
Cutting calories doesn’t only help obese adults improve their quality of life, recent study results found.
2 Critical Strategies to Prevent Diabetes
Health care providers looking to strengthen their diabetes prevention efforts must point out 2 essential strategies when counseling patients.
Migraines May Increase CVD Risk in Women
Women with migraines face a 50% greater risk of developing major cardiovascular disease, recent study results suggest.
Longer Commutes May Contribute to Unhealthy Weight
The convenience that cars afford to commuters may actually weigh heavy on public health.
Chickenpox Is A Seasonal Disease, Google Searches Suggest
A review of Google searches revealed that there may be a peak season for chickenpox
Maternal Smoking Linked with More Behavioral Health Risks
Pregnant women who have yet to quit smoking may now have another reason to do so.
Perceived Discrimination May Reduce Flu Vaccination Rates Among Minority Populations
Patients who belong to racial or ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive an annual flu shot, possibly because of perceived discrimination.
All Women of Childbearing Age Should Take Daily Folic Acid Supplement
Any woman capable of becoming pregnant should consider taking a daily supplement of folic acid.
3 Lesser-Known Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is known to help patients lose weight and manage cholesterol, but many patients may be unaware of the other benefits of being physically active.
Should Asymptomatic Patients Be Screened for Celiac?
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants working in retail clinics may not need to recommend celiac disease screening for patients lacking symptoms, including those at increased risk.
Potential Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial
Although no malaria vaccine is currently available, an experimental one has potential to protect patients against the deadly infection.
New Gardasil Vaccine Reduces HPV-Related Cancer Incidence
The new 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be able to reduce a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.
How Retail Clinicians Can Ensure HPV Vaccine Series Completion
The 3-dose human papillomavirus vaccine series is recommended for all children aged 11 years and older, but miscommunication between health care providers and patients is preventing series completion for many.