Not Enough Sleep = Increased Stroke Risk??

According to a recent study, getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night may increase one's risk of stroke and heart disease by 15% and 48% respectively. Read the full article here:
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/09/late-nights-early-mornings-a-ticking-time-bomb-for-health/

And go to bed a little earlier tonight:)

Yikes! Stroke Rates Increasing for Young Adult Males

According to a study recently released by the CDC, rate of stroke for males younger than 34 years old is sharply increasing, while rates for older men and women are declining. The study, purely epidemiological in nature, does not identify potential reasons for the increase, though researchers postulated that increased obesity, lifestyles and use of illegal drugs may be, in part, responsible. Read the rest of the story at this link:

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=649766

New Ruling in Health Care Reform, Again

Yesterday, a federal judge in Florida ruled that requiring all US citizens to have health insurance is unconstitutional. Thus far, the so-called "individual mandate" has been ruled on in four separate Federal courts -- 2 upheld, 2 have declared it unconstitutional. All four rulings are being appealled. However, the most recent ruling went one step further to say that not only is the individual mandate unconstitutional, it is inextricably linked to the rest of the bill and therefore the entire health care reform bill must be overturned. Obviously, this is not the last word on the topic, so stay tuned for more! Please read or listen to the story linked below.


http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/01/31/133380005/federal-judge-in-florida-rules-health-overhaul-violates-constitution?ft=1&f=103537970

Is US Healthcare the Best?

Top Stories in Health Care for 2010

The start of a new year always brings lists upon lists of the top stories of every category for the previous year. According to Time, the top health care stories for 2010 include new information about how existing HIV treatment drugs may protect against infection, creating synthetic bacterial cells, a possible blood test for Alzheimer's, and more! Read about each innovation at the following link: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2034529,00.html

As we continue to see incredible medical breakthroughs, one must also remember, none of this only happens in a lab.. . .each innovation will have significant impact on individuals, families, communities and socieity as a whole. How we prepare for and deal with that impact is vitally important!

Things are Looking Better

According to a recent study, hospitals are doing better in treating certain diseases and conditions. The study found that the recent focus on quality improvements have been effective in changing hospital practices to ensure that standards of care are being met in a more uniform fashion. Thus, the good news is that focusing on the issues of error and quality is starting to have a great effect! Read more here:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5haPS-JKQrNLfoy9yfDsX75YlpFLgD9ID7MO80

The Cost of Dementia

A study released today has identified that the worldwide cost of caring for individuals with dementia is over $600 billion!!! The report further predicts that the number of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia will likely triple by 2050. Interestingly, richer nations were noted to have about 46% of all dementia cases, but these same richer nations account for 89% of money spent on dementia. Read more about the report at this link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68K0HL20100921