Category Archives: Health

Buckle up: Navigating the noise around routine vaccination

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Katelyn Jetelina Thanks to Barb W. The arguments against routine vaccination are already escalating. Just last week, it was unearthed that a prominent lawyer on the RFK Jr. transition team questioned the safety of the polio vaccine, and the long-debunked measles-autism … Continue reading →

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UW Medicine – Masking Policy Update

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M. Ed note: We are now in “virus season.” The UW has triggered a masking requirement because of the risk over the next three to four months. This requirement is triggered whenever any of the three most … Continue reading →

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1 million+ patients lose coverage as insurers, hospitals drop Medicare Advantage

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Jim deMaine

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Libby and Andrew Potter usually ignore the avalanche of Medicare Advantage ads that land in the mailbox at their home in Huntsville, Alabama, each fall as Medicare’s open enrollment period begins. Libby, a retired middle school librarian, … Continue reading →

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Trump, health, science, and the next 4 years

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Jim deMaine

The Lancet (thanks to Ed M.) Donald Trump’s decisive re-election as US President on Nov 5 puts many aspects of health and science in a deeply concerning position. Although there is broader alarm about his openly authoritarian intentions, his imminent … Continue reading →

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“Never Words” that should not be used by clinicians

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: How should we talk to each other when there is serious life-threatening illness. This article is for clinicians, but how about talking to a fellow resident or loved one? What is your approach? Please comment. A new article in Mayo Clinic … Continue reading →

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The all-female mobile health team working against the odds in Afghanistan

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Jim deMaine

From the International Rescue Committee in August 2022 (after the Taliban took over in 2021) Despite countless hurdles, all-women teams of medical doctors are braving long distances and treacherous terrain to bring health care to the remotest villages in Afghanistan, … Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Shop for Medicare, and 2025 Brings Big Changes

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Jim deMaine

By Mark Miller in the NYT Americans on Medicare will see big, and welcome, changes next year. The program’s prescription drug insurance will be much stronger — and easier to understand — as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of … Continue reading →

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An Idaho health department isn’t allowed to give COVID-19 vaccines anymore. Experts say it’s a first

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Jim deMaine

By  DEVI SHASTRI AP News (Thanks to Ed M.) A regional public health department in Idaho is no longer providing COVID-19 vaccines to residents in six counties after a narrow decision by its board. Southwest District Health appears to be the first in … Continue reading →

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The Best Light Therapy Lamp

Posted on November 2, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: In these dark days of winter with the very short days, sleep disruption and seasonal affective disorders are fairly common. So I break out my happy light and have it on the breakfast table for 30 minutes. Placebo … Continue reading →

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Can’t Sleep? Try This Proven Alternative to Medication.

Posted on November 2, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is considered the most effective treatment for people who continually struggle to fall or stay asleep. By Christina Caron in the NYT About one in four adults in the United States develops symptoms of insomnia … Continue reading →

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CDC recommends second dose of COVID-19 vaccine for certain populations

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Jim deMaine

CDC now recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for two groups: The second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended six months after the first dose. These groups remain at higher risk of severe COVID-19, and these … Continue reading →

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Physician Altruism and Spending, Hospital Admissions, and Emergency Department Visits

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Rick B. Ed note: I don’t doubt that patients have a much better experience with an altruistic medical provider who offers listening, time and doesn’t feel economic pressure as they advocate for your care. The practical problem–how can … Continue reading →

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Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Virginia Mason has sent out this information which I found useful. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans or standalone Medicare Prescription Drug plans (PDP), are often showing significant changes in benefits … Continue reading →

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How long can you stand on one foot? The answer may predict your fall risk.

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Jim deMaine

“If you can’t stand on your leg for five seconds, you’re at risk of falls,” said Kenton Kaufman, the senior author of the Mayo Clinic study. By Teddy Amenabar in the Washington Post (thanks to Tim and Tony) How long you … Continue reading →

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Resistance to Public Health, No Longer Fringe, Gains Foothold in G.O.P. Politics

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Jim deMaine

The merger of the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald J. Trump campaigns puts the so-called medical freedom movement on the cusp of real power in Washington, with a new slogan: “Make America Healthy Again.” By Sheryl Gay Stolberg in the … Continue reading →

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Resources for discussing and documenting end of life choices

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Here’s the handout from the recent presentation (which was recorded). The hyperlinks are “clickable” to check out the various resources. In the near future you’ll receive more information in your inboxes about the survey conducted by the Health … Continue reading →

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Trump’s Pardons Crooks Who Stole 1.58 Billion

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mike C. Judith Negron, the former owner of a Miami-area mental health company who was sentenced in 2011 to 35 years in prison for her role in filing $205 million in fraudulent Medicare claims and ordered to pay more than $87 million in restitution. … Continue reading →

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Contraceptive pill available over the counter for more women in NSW after ‘huge success’ of trial

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Jim deMaine

from The Guardian – Thanks to Pam P. No requirement to go to GP for new prescription for pill, as long as it has been taken for at least two years More women in New South Wales will have easier access to … Continue reading →

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A frightening decline

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Letter in the NYT – thanks to Mike C. At a town hall event in Michigan on Friday, Donald Trump was asked what actions he would take to keep autoworkers’ jobs in America. Here is part of Mr Trump’s answer verbatim: … Continue reading →

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Preventing firearm suicide deaths

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Jim deMaine

In this powerful video, Julie Richards, PhD, discusses her work to prevent firearm suicide deaths and how it is being implemented at Kaiser Permanente Washington.  Richard’s work is funded in part by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and … Continue reading →

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Nasal Flu Vaccine Is Approved for At-Home Use

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim deMaine

The F.D.A. authorized AstraZeneca’s treatment to be given outside a health care setting, although it will still need a prescription. By Christina Jewett in the NYT (thanks to Pam P.) The Food and Drug Administration on Friday authorized at-home use of … Continue reading →

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The Medical Establishment Closes Ranks, and Patients Feel the Effects

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: It’s so hard to give up our established beliefs, even when hard evidence disproves them. I was taught in medical school that, “The questions don’t change, but every few years the answers do.” It’s sad and frustrating when … Continue reading →

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Working definition of long COVID

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Please see the full article here.

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What Exactly Is Long Covid? — ITT Episode 37

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Published September 11, 2024 in the New England Journal of Medicine Ed note: This discussion below may help those afflicted with long COVID to understand the confusing array of symptoms they may have. I hope this lengthy article may prove worthwhile … Continue reading →

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Does everyone *really* need routine vaccinations?

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Your questions on Hep B, HPV, rubella, measles, and U.S. universal vaccinations Ed note: If you’re like me, you’ve had young relatives ask you, “Why so many shots?” Vaccines are a modern marvel, but young people haven’t seen (thankfully) the … Continue reading →

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