Emergency Archives

40% higher HIV infection estimate in US

HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) reported that higher HIV infection estimate in US shows need for routine screening, more funding for care. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected soon to increase the estimate of new HIV infections in the United States by 40 percent. This highlights the need to make HIV testing a routine part of medical care and provide better funding to care for those who test positive, according to the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA).

Women more likely to ignore heart attack warnings

Many of the women did not know that symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, upper abdominal discomfort that seemed like indigestion and unusual fatigue could signal a heart problem. – Many women under age 55 aren’t seeking timely treatment for heart attack because they expect the warning signs and their reaction to follow a Hollywood script – tightening in the chest, shortness of breath, clutching the chest while dropping to one knee.

Pregnant women should use seatbelt

Pregnant women should buckle up every single time they?re in a vehicle. Proper seatbelt use by pregnant women would save 200 fetuses a year. – Proper seatbelt use by pregnant women would save 200 fetuses a year, University of Michigan study finds. This new study could have a profound effect on fetal deaths and injuries caused by car crashes.

Patients choice may destabilise health services, says BMA, UK

Patients deserve real choice when making decisions about their treatment, but exercising that choice may destabilise existing services, the UK BMA warns. – Patients deserve real choice when making decisions about their treatment, but exercising that choice may destabilise existing services, the UK BMA warns as the UK Department of Health announces changes to provision of elective hospital care from 1st April 2008 in England.

HIV AIDS organisations to highlight progress and lessons learned

HIV/AIDS implementers from around the world will gather in Kampala, Uganda, from June 3-7 for the 2008 HIV/AIDS Implementers? Meeting. – HIV/AIDS implementers from around the world will gather in Kampala, Uganda, from June 3-7 for the 2008 HIV/AIDS Implementers’ Meeting. Recognizing the rapid expansion of HIV/AIDS programs worldwide, the focus of this year’s meeting is building the capacity of local prevention, treatment, and care programs; enhancing quality; and promoting coordination among partners.

Snoring linked to cardiovascular disease

Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased health care utilization – Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased health care utilization, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.

Tougher action needed on alcohol misuse

British Medical Association lobbied for higher taxes on alcohol, an end to happy hours. – A new hard-hitting report ‘Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic’ launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) calls on governments to show leadership and implement a full range of effective control policies that will reduce the burden of alcohol misuse.

Higher formaldehyde exposure in travel trailers, mobile homes

CDC releases results of formaldehyde level tests; FEMA to expedite relocation of residents from temporary housing units. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released preliminary results from recent testing that found higher than typical indoor exposure levels of formaldehyde in travel trailers and mobile homes used as emergency housing in the Gulf Coast Region.

Back pain expenses and disability rising

In US, self-reported back and neck problems accounted for a large proportion of health care expenditures. These spine-related expenditures have increased substantially from 1997 to 2005, without evidence of corresponding improvement in self-assessed health status. – Although expenses related to back and neck problems have increased substantially in the last decade in US, outcomes such as functional disability and work limitations do not appear to be improving, revealed by researchers.

Update on Avian Influenza in West Bengal, India

No suspected human cases of Avian Influenza have been detected in any of the affected Districts. – No suspected human cases of Avian Influenza have been detected in any of the affected districts in West Bengal, in India. Number of affected districts (14 districts) remains the same. In these districts, 48 blocks and five municipalities are involved.

FDA updates guidance to seafood processors after recent ciguatera poisoning

FDA advises seafood processors about ciguatera fish poisoning in the Northern Gulf of Mexico near the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to seafood processors, advising them of recent illnesses linked to consuming fish carrying the ciguatera toxin, which has led to cases of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in consumers.

Chronic drinking can lead to pneumonia after surgery

Consistent alcohol consumption can impair immunity functions following surgery. Study authors recommend that patients considering surgery control their drinking habits, and also be very honest with their doctors about their drinking habits, prior to surgery. – People who drink often have immune-function problems following surgery. For example, patients who consume alcohol long-term have a two- to five-fold greater chance of post-operation infection complications. A new rodent study has found that chronic consumption ? in this case, the equivalent of prolonged moderate drinking ? can result in a more severe form of pneumonia following surgery.