How patient's unmet needs impact their health and health care

A study of patients seen at two primary care practices has identified specific unmet socioeconomic needs that can interfere with the quality of care patients receive. The paper also describes a pilot project designed to help patients receive assistance to meet those needs.

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Assuring health for India's people: A call to action by leading academics

Experts call for a radical transformation in the architecture of India's healthcare delivery system, if the country is to achieve the government's vision of assuring health for all.

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Recently approved heart drug poses potential risk to brain, eye, researcher warns

Patients with mild heart failure stand to benefit from a new drug that can halt the progression of their disease and reduce their risk of cardiovascular-related death. But the drug -- a tablet that combines the agents valsartan and sacubitril, sold under the trade name Entresto by drugmaker Novartis -- may be too good to be true, warns one expert.

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How bad does it hurt? New research helps children suffering from chronic pain conditions

Interdisciplinary research ultimately aims to help the medical profession better gauge and treat chronic pain such as arthritis in children. Based on face-to-face interviews with pediatric patients, the new study better captured the young patient's perspective of living with chronic pain.

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Lifestyle intervention helps women with gestational diabetes reach weight loss goals

A diabetes prevention program administered within the nation's largest, integrated health care system was effective in helping women with a history of gestational diabetes reach weight loss goals and increase physical activity following the birth of their children, according to a study.

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A Cup of Hot Herbal Tea for a Healthier Cold Season

The winter season can be very harsh and cause us to endure many respiratory problems and related complications, mainly, cold and flu. The flu also can cause certain health conditions, like diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, to become worse. The CDC affirms that getting a flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and your family from this serious disease. We still have no cure for colds or the flu. While some conventional medications can prevent the flu or shorten how long it lasts, others ease symptoms for a little while. Many natural remedies can give you short-term relief as well, and a few may help you get better. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate the nature of herbal teas, popular as home made remedies in all cultures, and discover what effects they may have on our health.

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New study finds nearly half of American Muslim doctors feel scrutinized on the job

In a U.S. national survey of 255 Muslim American physicians, researchers found that nearly half of respondents felt greater scrutiny at work compared to their peers. Nearly one in four said workplace religious discrimination had taken place sometimes -- or more -- often during their career. The same percentage of Muslim American physicians believe they have been passed over for career advancement due to their religion.

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Suicide gene therapy kills prostate tumor cells

Results from a long-term clinical trial conducted by cancer researchers show that combining radiation treatment with 'suicide gene therapy' provides a safe and effective one-two punch against the disease.

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Treatment associated with changes in brain activity in borderline personality disorder

According to newly published research, a specialized psychotherapy has been linked to changes in activation patterns in certain areas of the brain in patients with borderline personality disorder, suggesting its impact may go deeper than symptom change.

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Cooking for One: Everything You Need to Actually Make It Happen

There's nothing like getting psyched to try a new recipe only to realize it serves a small army. Rather than mess with ingredient modifications or give up and reach for a bowl of cereal, we've got a better suggestion: Dive into our collection of ridiculously tasty (and simple) single-serving recipes. We've also thrown in the ideal grocery list for one, kitchen tools worth knowing about, and a few outstanding cookbooks you'll actually use. Dining solo just got a whole lot easier.

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First patient registry launched for rare lung disease, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)

The first international patient registry has been launched for primary ciliary dyskinesia -- a rare lung disease causing long-term and recurring respiratory infections, with no approved treatments and no cure.

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Potential treatment for cirrhosis discovered by scientists

Cirrhosis is the main risk factor for liver cancer. The same target may be the key to preventing and treating this condition, suggests researchers at the conclusion of a recent study. Cirrhosis is among the top 20 causes of death from disease worldwide.

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See All the Ways Not Having Enough Sex Affects a Relationship

Saying you’re not having enough sex sounds needy. (Aren’t there bigger issues in this world than whether you’re getting hot and heavy on the reg?) To answer the cynical voice in your head: Yes, there are. But as this video shows, doing the deed is essential to healthy relationships. And a lack of sex is a major reason why couples break up.

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How to Deal With Depression in Your 20s

Scientists Have Made a More Pleasurable Condom (Thanks to Bill Gates)

The family planning aisle at your local pharmacy seems to have dozens of different options when it comes to condoms: ribbed, studded, warming, cooling, ultra-thin. But those are all just bells and whistles added on to a standard latex condom, which hasn’t changed much over the last century. That is, until researchers at Wollongong University in Australia developed hydrogel condoms, which are made from water and polymers.

They’re stronger and thinner than the latex variety and designed to feel more like human skin, rather than a barrier that could kill the mood. Brain scans showed that test subjects found the hydrogel more pleasing to the touch than latex. This pilot study is thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which hopes improvements can lead to increased condom usage, especially in areas of the world with high STI rates. Phase two of the trial should begin next year, so you'll have to wait a bit before these show up at your neighborhood drugstore.

(h/t Sydney Morning Herald)

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Five Things To Consider When Choosing Health Clubs

Are you thinking about joining a gym? Here are five things you should think about when shopping for health clubs.

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Three Ways Your Weight Loss Clinic Can Help You Shed the Pounds

Weight loss clinic programs are a great way to help dieters shed a few excess pounds. Some components of the programs include an assigned diet, exercise routine, and prescribed medication from a dietary professional.

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Guidelines for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee released

A new clinical practice guideline has been introduced for adults undergoing surgery to improve motion and relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. The guidelines focus on the surgical procedure most commonly performed for this condition, total knee replacement.

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Drugs prevent heart damage during breast cancer treatment, study shows

Heart medications prevent damage during chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer, a clinical trial shows. The research team is also investigating how to prevent heart complications in patients with other cancers, noting several other therapies have been linked to heart complications.

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Unhealthy choices cost company health care plans billions of dollars

One out of every four dollars employers pay for health care is tied to unhealthy lifestyle choices or conditions like smoking, stress and obesity, despite the fact that most large employers have workplace wellness programs.

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Weight Loss - No More a Big Deal With Weight Loss Tea

Losing weight is certainly not an easy job. There are several ways to lose body fat. However, in most of the cases, the person who wants to get rid of the unnecessary body fat goes hungry and spends thousands of bucks after useless fat loss methods. Weight loss teas available in the market can serve your need for losing weight without much ado.

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How to Lose Weight Without Frustration

The common hang ups on losing weight and different ways to work around them. Suggestions on ways to make weight loss better and successful.

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A Soothing Yoga Flow That Targets Your Core

Sometimes it's good to take things slow. Rather than running through every workout at a breakneck pace—sweating up a storm, panting, and generally exhausting yourself—moving in a leisurely way can help you focus on your breath and give your body a break.

That's the philosophy behind this week's Grokker video, a 30-minute yoga routine. It still provides a great workout—focusing on core strength, hip mobility, and overall flexibility—but you'll move in a slow, controlled fashion that'll leave you feeling relaxed (and stronger) by the end. And all you need is a mat and a little bit of room. Just press play on the video below when you're ready to start!

Interested in more short and effective at-home workouts? We have thousands waiting for you on Grokker, the one-stop shop online resource for wellness. Join Grokker today and get 14 days of FREE unlimited at-home workout classes.

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Eliminating Unwanted Perfume

We have all run into this situation, we get dressed for a special occasion and grab the first bottle of perfume on our vanity only to find out that it doesn't go with the outfit or the event. It seems that fragrances that we like the least linger the longest. These may be the ones that we try on as we pass the fragrance counter and the sales associate is so excited to have us try it on. Not only does the scent gives us a headache but also creates sickly feeling that rises up from the pit of our stomachs. At this point our main goal is to rid ourselves of this vile scent.

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Weight Loss For Women: 5 Things You Should Know

Weight loss for women is different to a man. These 5 important facts about weight loss for women will help get to a healthy body weight, become fit and burn fat.

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Water Pills And Weight Reduction

Around two thirds of the body is water by weight. This means that getting rid of a substantial amount of water may quickly decrease our body weight. Recognizing this, many people spotted a chance to employ diuretics as a temporary weight reduction system. Sadly, the weight reduction isn't genuine. Weight loss by reducing water weight results in dehydration. Once you surrender to the thirst you'll begin to experience when your system loses water, you'll get all that excess weight back again.

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What Sugar and Fat Have in Common - And Why You Should Care

Holiday indulgences can result in more than gaining a few extra pounds. Fatty sweet cookies, pies, and candy as well as excess calories and alcohol can lead to a spike in your triglycerides. Why should this concern you? It may be putting you at risk for heart disease. Read on and learn how to avoid it.

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The Worst Diet Tips Nutrition Experts Have Ever Heard

Greatist Workout of the Day: Friday, December 11th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Editors' note: We’ve loved sharing our Greatist Workout of the Day with you, but we think it’s time for an upgrade. That means that today's GWOD will be the last one published for now. Our team is convinced that fitting exercise into your busy schedule can be even easier than the GWOD graphics you’ve come to know.

While we’re busy brainstorming, you can always find a quick and effective bodyweight workout from the full collection at greatist.com/gwod.

Furious 10

Complete as many rounds of the following as safely possible in 10 minutes.

10 Burpees
10 Lunges
10 Box Jumps

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold light kettlebells or dumbbells in both hands on the lunges. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Do you really need that MRI?

Too many tests at the doctor's office could cost you more than just dollars. In addition to the huge hit to your wallet, there's also the potential harm of false positives, and just because a test has traditionally been done for a condition doesn't mean it's the best way to treat it. One expert is helping lead a national push to determine what neurologic tests or services are performed more than they should be.

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Basics About How to Lose Weight

You must have a lot of concerns when seeking to lose weight. One question lingering in your mind is about how to lose weight. That is very much in order because you need to be informed on the right ways to get your obese condition under control without hurting your health. You should not be among those people who don't care about their health as long as they get to lose weight. What is the point in losing weight through strenuous workouts and leave your body and muscles damaged?

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Is Fast Weight Loss Good?

Would you prefer losing weight fast or slowly? These are two options that you will have the freedom of choosing the one that best suits your satisfaction. A big number of people who are overweight are comfortable with losing their weight in a quick manner. They are happy to have the extra pounds shed off faster thus do anything possible to realize that. Interestingly, health experts recommend that people with weight problems take it easy.

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Tips About How to Lose Weight Fast

Very many people have shied away from taking up weight loss programs because they are tedious and take long to get results. One thing such people are not aware about is that there are many ways on how to lose weight fast. The speed matters a lot and you can have control over that. Whether you spend one day, one week, one month or one year in your weight loss program, you will have total control over how that burns out.

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How to Do a Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss

It is very easy losing weight on a low carb diet if you know how to balance foods. A low carb diet for weight loss will always be ideal for a person who is obese and keen to cut on extra weight. There are dangers that come with such a diet but only if you choose and combine your foods in the wrong way. Despite that, you should take heart for you to get maximum benefits from this diet.

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9 Questions That'll Make Awkward Small Talk Way Easier

Combined imaging modalities may change cancer management

PET/CT and whole-body MRI detect extraskeletal disease that may change the management of high-risk breast and prostate cancer patients, according to a recent study. In addition, the combined administration of F-18 sodium fluoride (NaF) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a single PET/CT scan showed significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than alternative methods for the detection of skeletal lesions.

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Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse

Children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at an increased risk for abuse before the age of two, according to researchers. The researchers found that compared to children without birth defects the risk of maltreatment in children with cleft lip and/or palate was increased by 40 percent and for children with spina bifida, the risk was increased by 58 percent.

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See Why Anxious People Also Tend to Be Smarter

Anxiety can cause you to feel panicky, confused, and unproductive. But this video from Science of Us explains that there’s an upside too: You tend to be more intelligent if you’re a worrier. So being a brainiac is a double-edged sword. Sure, you’ll have no trouble impressing co-workers with random trivia at the company holiday party, but all that brainpower means you might obsess over how you tripped and spilled wine all over your boss at last year's get-together.

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Nurse staffing, work environments affect survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

Patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest have low survival rates -- but why do some hospitals achieve higher survival than others? Higher nurse staffing levels and better working conditions may be part of the answer, reports a new study.

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Researchers report possibility of using unused human pancreata to build new organs

Researchers have been working for years to develop an artificial pancreas in the lab to help the millions of people with type 1 diabetes. But what if the answer is to 'recycle' the more than 300 human pancreata from organ donors that aren't currently being used?

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Mastectomy plus reconstruction has highest rate of complication, complication-related costs of guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer

Mastectomy and reconstruction have the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs, regardless of age, suggests a review of guideline-concordant treatment modalities for women with early stage breast cancer. It was also the most expensive treatment option in a younger patient population, according to the study.

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Key biological markers for psychotic disorders identified

A number of biological markers that make it possible to classify mental disorders with greater precision have been identified by new research. These findings may one day lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.

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Safer, faster heart scans in view

T1 mapping technique provides clearer imagery and could be used with a wider range of patients than current techniques as it does not require the rare earth heavy metal Gadolinium.

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Cancer patients' access to minimally invasive hysterectomies remains persistently limited

Wide racial and economic disparities have been found in access to minimally invasive hysterectomies for early uterine cancer in the United States.

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See Why Our Understanding of Hymens and Sex Is Totally Flawed

For something without much biological purpose, hymens sure are talked about a lot—whether in health class or Law and Order: SVU. And sadly, there’s still plenty of misinformation being spread. As this video explains, hymens are a stretchy membrane that surrounds part of the vagina. It’s not a barrier or a virginity detector—after all, virginity is a social construction. Click the play button for all the info you should’ve learned in sex ed.

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Imaging test detects aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers

A new imaging test has been developed that could enable doctors to identify more dangerous tumors before they spread around the body -- and tailor treatment accordingly. Researchers describe detailed development of magnetic resonance imaging technology to map areas of oxygen deprivation within tumors.

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Using 'big data' to fight flu

Thanks to 'big data', researchers have identified new molecules that are instrumental in the replication of the flu virus. If these host proteins are blocked, influenza viruses are unable to multiply as effectively. The international study therefore makes a significant contribution towards the development of new treatments and flu drugs.

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How to Deal When the Holidays Aren't Exactly Happy

I woke up alone on Christmas morning.

The silence in my apartment felt unnervingly loud as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. “‘What’s different about today anyway?” I asked myself. “It’s just another day. Christmas is an overhyped commercial holiday. Ha! Those poor suckers, swiping their credit cards at stores with those dumb plastic decorations on display. Oh, and it’s for kids. Seriously. There’s nothing to be sad about, is there? So just get up and make some tea. Shake it off.”

It was the first time in my life I was alone on Christmas day. I was 23. I was separated from my husband and living in Australia, away from my family in the U.K. I felt heavy that morning in 2005 for two reasons. First, I felt sorry for myself, for being alone (as reflected in my defensive inner dialogue). Second, I felt stupid for feeling sorry for myself. It’s no secret that many people in the world had it a lot harder than I did.

Whenever I’m feeling sorry for myself, I veer between “It’s OK to feel down for a while” and “Pull it the f*ck together.” Never have I swung so much between the two than during that holiday. And I know I’m not alone. The holidays are an emotional struggle for a lot of people.

This time of year we remember people we’ve lost, especially the older we get. We think about the people we love who live far away. Perhaps we rue what we cannot afford to do or what we can’t afford to give to others. We might think back on the entire year and feel we have not achieved what we’ve wanted to. It’s melancholic just acknowledging these truths as I write them!

Many of us pause to consider what’s going on in the world beyond our life and the lives of the people we know too, especially given such tragic, recent world events. Universally, it feels as if our hearts are heavy this season.

There’s nothing like the season’s festive messages of peace, love, and togetherness to really make us contemplate our existence, our relationships, and what really matters to us.

If you are struggling this year, take some solace in the fact that no one’s life is perfect. And no one’s Christmas is like the movies. The holiday strain doesn’t discriminate against anyone. It can be the most bittersweet, highly charged time of year (even though that’s the part that we don’t talk about).

If this holiday season is a struggle for you, these six things can help you feel a little better.

1. Accept it's tough.

There’s no sugarcoating it: Sometimes you will feel a little low. Even acknowledging this—that for a day or a few days you might be sad—is freeing. “This too shall pass,” as the old saying goes, is true. Within days you’ll be seeing “New Year, New You!” everywhere you look. Sigh. But take comfort in the fact that life presses on.

2. Do something nice for someone else.

The holiday season is ripe with opportunities to help others (find 41 of them here). It can be anything from volunteering at a local homeless shelter to sending an unexpected holiday card to the older lady down the block. A random act of kindness benefits the giver as much as the receiver (or more so, if you ask me). Or write a thank-you note to someone who helped you this year—a colleague, a teacher, a relative, the barista who serves your latte with a smile every morning (especially those Mondays when you really need it)—anyone.

3. Call an old friend.

Dial someone who's a positive influence in your life, who you know would be delighted to hear from you. You don’t need a reason. Just say, “Hey, this time of year got me thinking of you… How are you?” You’ll be amazed at how this can lift your mood.

4. Treat yourself.

That Christmas morning in Sydney, I went for lunch at my best friend’s family’s house and then bought Vogue—a real indulgence for my budget at the time. I took it to the beach with an iced latte (Christmas is in the summer in Australia). That glossy mag was my gift to myself.

You deserve a gift too. Small or big, the best gifts are the ones you give yourself when you need them most. Treating yourself is an important act of self-care.

5. Focus on what’s going right.

What are three cool things that have happened this year? No matter how troubled your year has been, there is always light when you look for it. Take a friend of mine, who has been ill and is going through a divorce. I pressed her to tell me three positive things that happened in 2015.

She said, “I got my beautiful dog, Georgie. I discovered Wayne Dyer’s books and online lectures. And I don’t care if it’s called the ‘divorce diet,’ but hey, I’ve lost 12 pounds—check out my butt!” We had a good laugh at the last one. There’s always some good. Always. And to quote Dyer, “When you change how you look at things, the things you look at change.”

6. Laugh.

When all else fails, watch a funny movie (not a holiday movie or anything with a sentimental ending). Nothing lifts your spirits and disrupts your negative mental chatter like some hilarity. Try something with Jim Carrey, Eddie Murphy, or Will Ferrell in it. It’s OK to veg out and be lazy this time of year—ask any sane human. Take a couple of hours and watch the silliest movie you know. Even some funny YouTube videos will do the trick.

The Bottom Line

Remember this: Christmas will be over as soon as it began. You will be back to the daily grind before you know it, and you’ll probably wish you enjoyed the break a little more. So relax and breathe into it, whether you’re alone like I was or surrounded by relatives that challenge you. (And if it’s the latter, try these strategies for coping.)

The year following that lonely holiday, I spent Christmas with my boyfriend (now husband) and his loving, welcoming, warm family. A lot can change in a year. And a new one is nearly here.

Susie Moore is a confidence coach in New York City. Sign up on her website for her free weekly wellness tips.

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Why Hoodia Gordonii Absolute Is A Great Weight Loss Supplement

Everyone wants to look their best. However, excessive weight can make you look older and affect your health too. For this reason, weight loss is a big concern for old and young alike all over the world. Nowadays, a lot of people are turning towards herbal supplements in order to lose fat in a safe and natural way. One such popular herb is Hoodia Gordonii, which is native to South Africa. There are many reasons why this particular herb is great for shedding pounds.

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Injections for Weight Reduction - Advantages and Negative Effects

Certain weight loss treatment centers provide Vitamin B-12 injections as an element of their weight loss plans. Proponents of Vitamin B-12 injections claim the injections provide you with additional energy and increase your metabolism, letting you get rid of undesirable weight. However, if you do not have a Vitamin B-12 insufficiency, vitamin B-12 injections are not prone to provide you with an energy increase.

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This Clever Contraption Makes Sitting up Straight Effortless

Ever wonder why you're always dealing with back, neck, or shoulder pain? Your posture is probably at least partially to blame. But it’s hard to remember to sit up straight when mom isn’t around and your seat seems designed to make you slump. (Why does that always feel like the comfiest way to sit?)

Luckily there’s an easy way to improve your posture: the BetterBack. The packaging is unassuming: It looks like a laptop case with cloth exterior and zipper. Unzip it and find a magical contraption inside, though admittedly one that looks like a huge rubber band.

When you’re sitting down, place the back pad against your lower back and the knee pads (you guessed it) around your knees. Then adjust the straps to your ideal posture. It’s basically a seat belt for sitting up straight, and it’s crazy how quickly we saw a difference. A few minutes into wearing the BetterBack, we felt so relaxed (everything was where it was supposed to be, not squished together). The craziest thing? After wearing it for a few hours, we noticed our posture got better even when we weren’t strapped in. And perhaps the best news of all: Greatist readers can get 20 percent off BetterBack by using the code GREATIST at checkout.

I Want This! $59.00

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Weight Loss - Will Going To Bed On An Empty Stomach Lead To Weight Loss?

With so many diet and weight-loss theories out there, it can be hard to differentiate between the techniques that are useful to you and the ones that are just a waste of time. The only way to know for sure is by trying them out yourself. What works for someone else might not function the same way for you, and vice versa. Trial and error is the name of the game. Once you find a method that works, stick with it.

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7 Breakfast Bowls to Get You Out of Bed

Greatist Workout of the Day: Thursday, December 10th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Squat, Sit, Dip

Complete 8 rounds of the following as fast as safely possible.

15 Air Squats
10 Bicycle Sit-Ups (per side)
5 Dips

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold a light kettlebell or dumbbell in front of your chest on the air squats. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Racial disparities found in major surgeries at quality-improvement hospitals

Considerable racial disparities exist in surgical outcomes for black and Hispanic patients undergoing major cancer and non-cancer surgeries in US hospitals, even among institutions that have already enrolled in a national surgical quality improvement initiative.Those findings contrast with prior investigations that suggest there has been an easing of racial disparities in American health care.

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The Best Foods to Fight Inflammation

Have Medicare and Medicaid Pay Cuts in 2015 Been a Huge Challenge for Physicians?

A string of pay cuts had to be contended to by physicians in 2015 leaving them struggling to manage electronic health records. Added to this are the woes related to new quality measures and countless changes in the reimbursement formulae of Medicaid and Medicare. There still are quite a few doctors who treat Medicare patients, although there has been a reduction of nearly 21.

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Face Beauty Tips: How To Deal With Wrinkles

Your face is indeed your window to the world. Stressed, excited, or happy - your face is giving you away. Know some ways on how your beauty can be enhanced.

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US capability for treating ebola outbreak appears sufficient but limited

The United States has sufficient capacity for treating another outbreak of the Ebola virus, but financial, staffing and resource challenges remain a hurdle for many hospitals and health systems attempting to maintain dedicated treatment centers for highly infectious diseases, according to new study.

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Less than half of US hospitals require flu shots for staff, despite risk to patients

Within weeks, flu will start spreading. Multiple national recommendations urge all healthcare workers to get the influenza vaccination, to reduce the chances they will pass the virus on to their patients. But a new study finds that more than half of hospitals still don't require this.

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Study points to barriers to biologic treatments for some patients with psoriasis

In the first known study to examine the prevalence and treatment of psoriasis in older Americans, experts have found that black patients receiving Medicare are less likely to receive biologic therapies -medications derived from human or animal cells or tissues -- for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis than white patients.

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Six potential biomarkers for bipolar I disorder identified

A series of proteins that could be diagnostic markers to identify bipolar I disorder have been identified by scientists. If this discovery sample can be validated through replication these markers may help as a diagnostic tool for psychiatrists treating mood disorders.

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Medical students in emergency departments and patient length of stay

An analysis of more than 1.3 million emergency department visits found an increase in patient length of stay of approximately five minutes associated with the presence of medical students in the emergency department, which was statistically significant but likely too small to be of clinical relevance, according to a study.

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Newly trained family physicians want to provide broader scope of practice

Graduating family medicine residents have indicated they intend to provide a broader scope of practice than that reported by current family physicians, including for prenatal care, inpatient care, nursing home care, home visits, and women's health procedures, according to a study.

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Here's Why Old People's Voices Sound Different Than Yours

Think of your grandma or grandpa. Do you hear their voice? It’s probably slow, melodic, and maybe even a little crackly. Chances are they didn’t always sound this way. This excellent story from Upvoted, a Reddit publication, explains that our voices don’t just change during puberty. They continue to shift over time—often men’s pitches get higher, while women’s lower by the time they can get a senior discount. Younger people’s voices tend to sound more animated in part because their vocal chords can move faster, and they have more vocal endurance, which might explain why you couldn’t be dragged off the phone as a teen. But the change isn't just physiological—turns out culture plays an important role as well.

Read the full story here

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How Bad Is It to Take a Xanax When You Can't Sleep?

It's the middle of the night, and you can't sleep. Time to choose your own adventure: 1. Toss and turn all night, thinking about all the sleep you aren't getting. 2. Drink some warm milk. 3. Pop a Xanax you got the last time you flew cross-country, and thank modern medicine for all it's good for.

If you're anything like us, when you go against doctors' orders (we can hear our M.D.'s voice in our head: "Only take one for anxiety before a flight"), you rationalize: It's not like this is going to kill me, right?

No, it's probably not, says Margo Farber, a pharmacist and the director of the Drug Information Services at the University of Michigan Health System. But while it might not be a life-threatening choice, it's definitely not the best option for most people today.

What Xanax Actually Does

Xanax is part of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, along with Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin. Doctors and psychiatrists usually prescribe them for anxiety, as they mimic the brain's GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter for a sedating effect, Farber says. This basically calms you down and can make you sleepy, which is why some people reach for it at night.

But that's kind of a roundabout way of doing things. In comparison, Farber says that the "Z drugs," or non-benzodiazepines, specifically made for sleep (think Lunesta, Sonata, Ambien) don't mimic GABA, but activate the receptor that GABA would normally trigger. Same endgame—glorious sleep—but they're faster acting and without many of the side effects.

And those side effects of benzodiazepines, ranging from temporary amnesia to grogginess to reduced motor function, are nothing to mess around with. Farber says people taking them adapt to their dosage, so they don't experience "the hangover effect" quite as strongly. But if you're only prescribed Xanax for occasional use and pop a one-off in the middle of the night—then you'll likely feel the effects in full force.

And they can persist from eight to 12 hours, meaning you may actually feel more tired in the morning than you would normally (irony at its worst). So if you take the Xanax at 2 a.m. and wake up at 7 a.m., you've still got seven more hours' worth of those side effects—bad news for getting to work on time, basically.

Plus, Xanax was made to treat anxiety. Say you're a nervous flier—when you take one before boarding, the medicine goes up against the chemicals surging in your body, reacting to them and counteracting some of the drug's effect, says Joseph M. Ojile, M.D., medical director and chief executive officer of the Clayton Sleep Institute. So if you take it when you’re actually calm and relaxed—for instance, about to go to bed—there's none of that counteraction, and the grogginess and potenial amnesia is going to hit you more severely.

Still, It's the Middle of the Night

Basically, yes, there are better options—namely, sleep medications and setting up your bedroom for sleep success (sorry, laptop). But if sleeplessness hits, and you have a Xanax left over, Ojije says it's fine to take one once or twice a week (if you haven't been drinking)—just try half your normal dosage first. The risks are dose-related, so if you take less medicine, you run a lower risk of that pesky hangover.

But definitely stick to just once or twice a week. Any more and you increase your chances of building tolerance, says John Mendelson, M.D., a internist who researches commonly abused drugs at California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute's Addiction and Pharmacology Research Laboratory. "Tolerance happens pretty easily—just taking it [every night] for a week or two, a very short period of time. Then once you're tolerant, the drug can have less of an effect," Mendelson says.

In that same vein, you'll also become dependent—meaning you need it to fall asleep, and may go through withdrawal symptoms, like rebound anxiety or insomnia, when you try to stop, Farber says.

The Takeaway

One Xanax (or even better, half of one) is fine to take once in a while, if you can't get to sleep and you have a leftover on hand. But don't expect to be firing on all cylinders the next morning, and keep in mind that there are way better options. Upping your sleep hygiene can help, as can prescription and OTC medicines—anything that makes it possible for you to go to bed relaxed and able to catch plenty of zzzs without turning into a zombie the next morning.

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New advances in cancer diagnosis

New technology could revolutionize how some cancers are diagnosed, suggests a new article. A high-tech computer system is able to read samples of human tissue and aid pathologists in the identification of minute changes in cells that can indicate cancer is present.

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Smoking in pregnancy 'affects boys' fitness in later life'

Mothers who smoke are putting more than their own health at risk, suggests a new study.

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Overtesting for diabetes patients reaps negative rewards

A national trend toward overtesting glycated hemoglobin levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes has been uncovered by a recent study. Overtesting causes redundancy and waste says the study team, adding unnecessary costs and time burden for patients and providers. In addition, excessive testing can result in overtreatment with hypoglycemic drugs, adding additional cost and potential health complications.

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New method allows scientists to screen natural products for antibiotics

Biologists have found that a method they developed to identify and characterize new antibiotics can be employed to screen natural products quickly for compounds capable of controlling antibiotic resistant bacteria.

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After menopause, vulvovaginal troubles are common and linked with other pelvic problems

After menopause, more than half of women may have vulvovaginal symptoms that have a big impact on their lifestyle, emotions, and sex life. What's more, the symptoms tend to travel with other pelvic troubles, such as prolapse and urinary and bowel problems. But many women aren't getting help, shows a study.

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6 Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Wonderful Benefits of Slimming Tea

A hot cup of tea is always refreshing. Most of us enjoy tea when tired or stressed out, but have you ever given a thought to get rid of the extra weight from the body by drinking a hot cup of slimming tea? Indeed, it sounds weird, but the fact is that you can actually lose weight by drinking 3-4 cups of tea in a day.

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Avoid Eating So Fast: Savor, Chew, and Limit Obesity

Sometimes it's exceptionally hard to eat slow and really chew and savor your food. Instead of taking the time to get the full satisfaction from your meal, you eat and eat and eat until there's absolutely nothing left, scarfing down your food and barely giving it any time in your mouth.

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Why Walking Is Terrible For Weight Loss, And How You Could Triple Fat Burning

Why is it that so many "experts", gadget/app makers and sneaker manufacturers are trying to get the public to walk more for weight loss? Don't get me wrong... Yes, walking is great for your health as well as helping to reduce stress but it is terrible for weight loss, especially when it comes to eliminating stubborn flab in those trouble areas. Read on to discover why and how you could super-charge your fat burning abilities.

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The Healthiest Pasta and Grain Mixes You Can Buy for a Quick Dinner

31 Ways You Can Use Sliders to Get a Full-Body Workout

Greatist Workout of the Day: Wednesday, December 9th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

The 7s Workout

Complete 7 rounds of the following as fast as safely possible.

7 Explosive Push-Ups
7 Lateral Burpees
7 V-Ups

Want to kick up the intensity? Just move faster. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Rapid molecular assay may help diagnose sepsis

Measuring the levels of RNA biomarkers in blood may help quickly differentiate sepsis from infection-negative systemic inflammation, according to new research. Scientists describe the discovery and validation of a molecular classifier consisting of 4 RNA transcripts (SeptiCyte Lab), which in several selected patient cohorts was able to diagnose sepsis more accurately than procalcitonin or clinical parameters, and more quickly than blood culture.

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The 4 Reasons Why Giving up Alcohol and Coffee Was Worth It

I haven't had a single drop of alcohol or coffee in exactly 15 months. A couple of my friends on Facebook and Twitter asked me to write about my experience, so here it is in a nutshell. With more than a year of no alcohol and coffee, I did notice some side effects.

More Money

After two months, I noticed that I had $1000 more in my bank account. Yes, that's a lot, but do the math, and you'll realize it's actually not that much. I live in New York. In order to spend $1000 on alcohol, I only have to spend $33 every day. Assume that I have two to three cocktails every other day (which are $10 each without tip), include some wine bottles every month to have at home, and I can easily spend $1000.

Some might consider this alcoholism, but trust me when I say that having one to two drinks every day in New York is more than normal. Also, going out for drinks means that the occasional dinner and snacks out also happens more frequently. You don't just drink. You get hungry and buy some food, and before you notice, you spend $1000.

Less Gossip

If there is one thing I noticed quite early, it's the lack of social interaction my new diet brought with it. Here is what happened: I didn't really go out anymore. It's exhausting to explain again and again why​ I didn't drink and to say "NO, one drink is not okay."

When people ask me to join them for drinks, I mostly default to "no" because I don't want to deal with gossip as a sober person. If I do go for drinks, I last maximum one hour because that's how long my attention span as a sober person lasts in a group of drunk people.

While I was never a party animal, not drinking alcohol made me go out even less. It's amazing to see the culture of drinking slowly fading away from your life. It made me realize how many friendships are actually based mostly on our drinking habits.

"Let's go for a drink" is so ingrained in our lives. Who says, "Hey, let's just meet up as sober people and talk about stuff"? Why would you do that? "Let's get a drink" needs no explanation. It's a thing. Everyone knows what happens next.

Better Sleep Quality

Removing alcohol from my diet increased my sleep quality drastically. You sure do fall asleep easier with one to two glasses of beer or wine, but the actual quality might suffer. Now I sleep better, and I wake up with more energy. Before my mornings were always ruined: Even if I only had two beers at night, I could feel it. (If you're in your early 20s, ignore this. It doesn't affect you yet.)

Less Panic, Less Stress

This might be something more personal and not relatable, but removing coffee from my diet helped me become more relaxed. Coffee always made me stressed out. It increased my chance of becoming anxious and also f*cked up my digestion. Not only does removing coffee and caffeine from my diet make more relaxed, I also poop like a king.

I love the smell and taste of coffee, so now an occasional decaf does the trick. I also drink tea—iced in the summer, regular in the winter. I found that "going for a coffee" turned out to be more of a social activity than the actual craving for coffee. Keep the social habit; replace coffee with something else.

Overall, I'm very happy about my decision and have no desire to start drinking again. I'm also not telling you to do the same. If you're happy with how things are going, don't change anything. I changed my habits out of curiosity, and I like how it turned out.

P.S.: Before someone asks: I do not smoke cigarettes. I also don't smoke weed. I also don't take any drugs whatsoever. (I have the Internet. That's addiction enough for me.)

Yours truly,
Tobias

This article was original published on Medium and reprinted with the author's permission. Tobias Van Schneider is the co-founder of Semplice, a new portfolio platform for designers, as well as the host of NTMY. Previously he served as the Design Lead at Spotify. If you enjoyed this article, sign up for his personal weekly email list to read more.

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Human trials suggest 'rescued' drug could be safer treatment for bipolar disorder

Ebselen, abandoned as a stroke treatment, has a successful first human trial as scientists aim to repurpose it as a treatment for bipolar disorder.

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Resisting the Weights

It happens everyday in gyms across America -- millions of women pass up the weight room in order to attend aerobics classes because they think this is "the answer" to getting toned and losing those unwanted inches. Although aerobics will burn many calories and can keep their heart and lungs well conditioned, it's not enough to change their body composition. What's the solution?

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One in four new doctors may be depressed, and their patients may suffer because of it

More than one in four doctors in the early stages of their careers has signs of depression, a comprehensive new study finds. And the grueling years of training for a medical career may deserve some of the blame. That's bad news not just for the young doctors themselves, but also for the patients they care for now and in the future.

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