Author: healthadmin
Black neighborhoods in Hartford, which have historically faced discriminatory redlining policies, are most likely to be contaminated with high levels of lead in the soil, according to a new study from the University of Vermont.These neighborhoods (Clay Arsenal, Downtown Hartford, and Sheldon-Charter Oak) were rated as “least desirable” by the Federal Housing Authority in the 1930s, receiving the lowest “D” grade and marked in red on the city’s historic redlining map. Banks often denied mortgages to people living in red-light areas or charged higher interest rates, even if the borrower was able to repay the loan.”The most important parameter in…
Employees in the healthcare industry are moving beyond emergency coverage to a “more purposeful” workforce strategy across their organizations, according to a new report from Definitive Healthcare. Using a proprietary algorithm based on claims activity and affiliation data, the data analytics firm estimated that the number of locum tenens professionals has increased by more than 23% since 2022. Definitive’s 2026 Providers: Industry Pulse report draws insights from proprietary data and analysis, as well as third-party research, to identify four key workforce shifts across industries. The report aims to give leaders and organizations “a deeper understanding of the current state of…
David Engblom, professor of neurobiology at Linköping University in Sweden, has been awarded the 2026 Onker Adam Prize for outstanding research at Linköping University Faculty of Medicine. He studies the brain’s role in making you feel sick in various medical conditions. Think about how you felt the last time you had a cold or flu. Have you been feeling a little depressed, avoiding interacting with others, and feeling diffusely unwell? Perhaps. This type of depression is caused by inflammation in the body activating the immune system, and can also occur in lifelong conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel…
A new study of lung cancer screening participants finds that low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) tests are generally well tolerated physically and mentally, but experiences vary by socio-economic group. Low-income groups and safety net participants faced greater test-related burdens and increased discomfort and anxiety due to factors such as insurance and employment status. The survey results are: Journal of the American College of Radiologya paper published by Elsevier, highlights opportunities to improve fairness in review. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and early detection of lung cancer saves lives. In the real world,…
A recent experiment revealed that hormones related to social bonding lead heterosexual men to collaborate more often with female partners in computerized games, regardless of whether the women are presented in sexual terms. The researchers discovered that this hormone specifically encourages men to forgive betrayal under certain conditions, revealing the biological basis of social and mating behavior. These results were published in Psychoneuroendocrinology. Society is highly saturated with sexual images, prompting psychologists to investigate how emphasizing a person’s sexual nature changes social perceptions. Sexual objectification often leads to sexual objectification. This cognitive shift occurs when individuals reduce to the status…
Bob covers medical expenses, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His story delves into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and what executives actually earn. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob at Signal at bobjherman.09.Americans are seeing doctors, undergoing hospital procedures, and filling prescriptions more often than economists and budget experts expected. Weight loss drugs, in particular, have morphed into their own specialized spending category, pushing budgets across the country to their limits. New data shows that the health system has become a larger share of the economy as a result…
A new study published June 24, 2026 in an open access journal finds that different digital communication tools are differentially associated with mental health among older Canadians. PLOS Global Public Health By Hossam Ali Hassan et al. of York University, Canada. Seniors are considered the fastest growing group on the internet, with 83% of Canadian seniors participating in online activities in 2022. Internet use is associated with reduced feelings of social isolation and loneliness. However, the literature also presents mixed findings regarding the impact of digital communication tools on the mental health of older adults, with some studies suggesting that…
Many people experience weight fluctuations throughout their lives, and so-called yo-yo dieting has long been considered a health risk. In some cases, it is even more harmful than remaining overweight. For example, it is associated with negative health effects such as increased fat mass, decreased muscle mass, decreased metabolic rate, and increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But a careful evaluation of the research does not provide strong evidence that these negative effects are due to yo-yo dieting per se, or that yo-yo dieting is more harmful than persistent overweight, said Phaidon Magkos, a…
Life insurance has grown significantly in recent years, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic, with half of Americans now insured. While life insurance has traditionally been viewed as a death benefit, providing financial security to families after the death of a loved one, parts of the industry are expanding into health benefits for the living. This reflects a surge in demand, with industry group LIMRA saying one-third of consumers are interested in free mental health and wellness services that come with life insurance. Almost a quarter are also interested in gym memberships, health coaching and diet plans. John Hancock…
A Karolinska Institutet pilot study shows that immunotherapy may be able to accelerate egg maturation in women with autoimmune POI (premature ovarian insufficiency), which usually leads to infertility. After treatment, 3 out of 10 women gave birth to healthy babies. Just over 3 percent of women worldwide are affected by premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI, a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. POI can have a variety of underlying causes, involving both autoimmune mechanisms and other factors such as genetics. This condition leads to a significant reduction in fertility. In the current study, researchers…