Domestic Abuse and the Pandemic
With hundreds of millions of Americans sheltering at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the odds and fear of domestic abuse are rising. The leader of a noted shelter and counseling program discusses the increase.
Misinterpreting Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression (previously known as postpartum depression) is seldom brought up by a new mother, so healthcare providers must screen for it carefully. However, sometimes they err on the side of caution in efforts to prevent the mother from harming herself or her baby. Experts discuss the balancing act.
Medical Notes: Week of April 5, 2020
Experts say most people infected with Covid-19 under age 60 will have symptoms much like a cold or the flu, and it’s no reason to panic. Then, we’ve heard the advice a thousand times to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and stop touching your face... That last point may be the hardest. Then, a study shows that being “a real man” builds “toxic masculinity” …
Kidney Disease and High Blood Pressure
Most people who have kidney disease are not aware of it. In fact, nearly half of people with severe kidney disease don’t know it. Kidney disease is often silent, and one of its main risk factors, high blood pressure, is silent as well. The head of the NIH’s kidney research organization discusses this major public health issue and what people should look for …
Healthcare for Children in Poverty
Poor children often can’t access healthcare or other needs in spite of decades of efforts. A pediatrician who has established clinics for the poor discusses the problem.
Genes and High Cholesterol
More than 100 million Americans have high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. Most people think of their diets as the main cause, but genetics also play a role in both good and bad ways. A noted expert discusses how scientists are harnessing cholesterol genes to lower the risk of heart attacks.
Medical Notes: Week of December 29, 2019
The last three flu seasons have been bad, but there’s a chance this year could be even worse. Then, sleeping too much can be a risk factor for stroke. Plus, more than 30 million people in the United States think they’re allergic to penicillin when they’re not. And finally, if you’re scheduled for surgery, ask your doctor what kind of music she listens to in …
Workplace Bullies (2019)
Some bullies never grow up, and just keep on bullying. Experts describe where and how it most often occurs, what workplace bullies are seeking, who they target, why it continues, and what needs to happen to stop it.
The Risks of Egg Donation
Some agencies estimate that 50,000 children have been born in the US using donor eggs. But egg donation (or sale, as some insist) is not regulated, and while short term risks are known, few donors have been followed for years. Long term risks are not well understood. Experts discuss what we know… and what we don’t.
Medical Notes: Week of November 17, 2019
A three-drug combination that effectively targets Cystic Fibrosis. Then, a study shows that 13 percent of people over age 50 have pills left over from their last prescription. Then, a study that shows that having PTSD nearly doubles a person’s risk of infections. And finally...a study suggests that smaller brain size comes first before heavy alcohol use.
Suicide Survivors
For those left behind when a loved one dies of suicide, recovery can be difficult. Stigma, guilt, and blame are exceptionally common. They need more support, but often get less, and their own risk of suicide is elevated. Experts—one a suicide survivor herself—discuss the difficulties and ways survivors can cope.
Medical Notes: Week of November 10, 2019
The largest study of its kind is strengthening the link between football and the brain disorder CTE. Then, a new study in the journal Radiology shows that complications due to cortisone shots are much more common than previously thought. Finally, another study is proving that dog owners live longer.
