Editor of Patient Care Online.
Sugary Beverage Consumption Linked to Abnormal Lipid Levels
Drinking 12 oz/day of sugary drinks a day can lower good cholesterol levels and increase triglyceride levels, according to a new prospective study.
NIH: First US Study of New COVID-19 Treatment Begins in Humans
The first clinical trial in the US to evaluate an experimental treatment for coronavirus disease in humans is now underway at the University of Nebraska.
First Oral Non-Statin LDL-C Lowering Drug Approved in 2 Decades
Bempedoic acid is the first oral, once-daily, non-statin cholesterol lowering medication to receive FDA approval since 2002.
Study: Improving Hand Hygiene in Airports May Slow Disease Spread
Increasing the prevalence of hand hygiene in all airports worldwide by just 10% could slow disease spread by nearly 24%, a recent study found.
AHA: Americans are Living Longer, But in Poor Health
Americans are living longer but not healthier, prompting the American Heart Association to release ambitious 2030 Impact Goals.
How to Avoid Exposure if Caring for a Patient with Coronavirus
Physicians may know how patients can reduce their risk of exposure to coronavirus, but what about their own risk? These CDC-recommended steps offer guidance.
7 Questions on US Benzodiazepine & Opioid Prescribing Trends
Sample: Approximately what percentage of physician office visits at which benzodiazepines were coprescribed with opioids were with a primary care provider?
Diabetes by the Numbers
Over 70% of US adults with diabetes have hypertension, 15.6% of these patients have an A1c value >9%, and more fast facts on diabetes risk factors and patient characteristics.
New Johns Hopkins Survey Finds Kratom May Have Low Abuse Potential
Of the 41% of kratom users who reported taking it for opioid withdrawal, 35% went >1 year without taking opioids or heroin.
Hypertension Prevalence Among Adults
From 2013-2016, about 46% of US adults had hypertension. Plus more highlights from the AHA's annual Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update.
FDA Approves First Drug for the Treatment of Peanut Allergy in Children
The first and only drug to treat peanut allergy recently received approval, giving the growing number of patients a new treatment option.
Opioid-Benzodiazepine Coprescribing Continues, Majority in Primary Care
Over half of coprescriptions were among general or family practice physicians and 40% among internal medicine physicians, a new CDC report suggests.
6 Questions on US Adult Obesity Prevalence
In 2018, 9 states reported an adult obesity prevalence of ≥35%. Find out more trends from the CDCs annual Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps.
8 Questions on Alcohol-related Mortality in the US
Sample: Approximately how many alcohol-related deaths were recorded between 1999-2017 among people aged ≥16 years?
Obesity Drug May Raise Cancer Risk, FDA Warns
The FDA is urging physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of the obesity drug, Belviq™ (lorcaserin), when deciding to start or continue treatment.
New Review Urges Screening for Cannabis Use in Heart Patients
A new review found >2 million US adults with heart disease have either used marijuana in the past or are current users.
Metformin Proves Effective in T2DM Prevention
When compared to standard diet and exercise, a new review found metformin more effective in type 2 diabetes prevention.
7 Questions on HPV Vaccination Trends in Young Adults
How many young adults in the US actually receive their recommended doses of HPV vaccine? Take this 7-question quiz on a new report to learn more about the trends.
New CDC Recommendations for Quality STD Care: Key Points for PCPs
This month, the CDC released new recommendations for providing quality STD care in primary care clinics. Get the key points in our quick slideshow.
HPV Vaccination Nearly Doubled in US Young Adults
More young adults in the US are getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus, rising almost 50% in 5 years, according to a new report.
10 New Drugs for Primary Care: Q4 2019
Two first-in-class migraine drugs, the first generic version of NuvaRing®, and 7 more fourth quarter FDA-approved drugs for primary care.
Influenza Cases Continue At or Above Baseline, says CDC FluView Report
Seasonal flu activity in the US significantly increased during the final week of 2019 and is expected to keep rising.
Stroke Risk Nearly Triples with Dual Vaping, Combustible Cigarette Use
A new study found a significant association between increased stroke risk and dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes-authors urging physicians to use results as a wake-up call.
First Oral CGRP Blocker FDA-Approved for Migraine in Adults
The FDA has approved the first oral CGRP receptor antagonist in pill form for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
8 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season
From healthy eating patterns to keeping that feast safe to eat, offer patients these 8 tips to kick off a healthier holiday season.
Managing EVALI Patients during Flu Season: 6 CDC Recommendations
These 6 recommendations from the CDC can aid physicians in differential diagnosis and treatment of EVALI and the flu.
Smoking in the USA: 11 Questions on the Latest Numbers
Sample: What tobacco product was most commonly used among US adults in 2018? E-cigarettes? Traditional cigarettes? Neither? The answer may surprise.
Alarming Number of Heart Disease Patients Skip Annual Flu Shot
Researchers of the new study being presented at the upcoming AHA 2019 Scientific Sessions highlight key inequalities related to disparities in the vaccination rates.
Depression Severity Strongly Linked to Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Disease
A new study being presented next week at AHA's 2019 Scientific Sessions found a strong link between depression and non-fatal heart disease.
Young Marijuana Users May be at Greater Risk for Stroke, Arrhythmia
Two studies to be presented at the upcoming AHA annual meeting found that young cannabis users are at greater risk for stroke and arrhythmia.