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March 2009

'Observation' Classifications For Patients Rising As Medicare, Private Insurers Enforce Stricter Criteria For Hospital Admissions. The number of patients treated at hospitals that are classified as "observation" patients is increasing as Medicare and private insurers establish stricter criteria for hospital admissions each year. As a result, some patients are surprised by charges that are not covered because they were not classified as inpatients and therefore did not qualify for coverage. Medical News Today. 03/10/09.

The happiness-health connection. Want to improve your health? Start by focusing on the things that bring you happiness. There is some scientific evidence that positive emotions can help make your life longer and healthier. Tips and Tricks. Harvard HEALTHbeat. 03/24/09. (Also see: Emotional Adjustment)

Arthritis sufferers benefit from the healing powers of yoga. As an increasing amount of research points to the health benefits of physical activity for those with rheumatic conditions, one type of exercise in particular seems to be growing in popularity is yoga. Gerri Grant. Canada Healthcare Newsletter. Hospital News. Mar 2009. (Also see: Arthritis, Alternative Therapies and Pain Management)

Plavix, heartburn drugs combined raise heart risk. People who suffer a heart attack nearly double the risk of having another if they are taking the widely used blood thinner Plavix together with a heartburn drug like Prilosec. Will Dunham. Reuters. 03/03/09. (Also see: Reflux Treatments)

The Science & Art Project Presents 'The Art of Diagnosis' March 26. Artist Brydie Ragan has several ideas for general research related to the use of art for diagnosis and scientific research, and seeks to collaborate with a scientist or scientists to examine the artwork of Paul Klee for clues that might lead to a cure for systemic sclerosis, because he died of the disease. Ragan has a personal interest in the quest: her sister also suffers from the same disease. Media Newswire. 03/18/09. (Also see: History of Scleroderma)

Raynaud's Syndrome and Raynaud's Phenomenon. The primary form (Syndrome) occurs by itself, is not related to other diseases or conditions, and has no known cause. In contrast, the secondary form (Phenomenon) has the potential for serious complications and may be caused by another disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. Dr. Rob Danoff. MSN Health and Fitness. (Also see: Raynaud's)

'The cold snap left my feet dead. Raynaud's should be taken seriously because although in some people the condition may be mild, once it starts to interfere with one's daily life and activities it is important to check with a general practitioner that there is no underlying condition". Jane Elliott. BBC News. 02/07/09. (Also see: Raynaud's Patient Stories)

Love Handles Put The Squeeze On Lungs. A new study has found that a high waist circumference is strongly associated with decreased lung function independent of smoking history, sex, body mass index (BMI) and other complicating factors. Medical News Today. 03/07/09. (Also see: Pulmonary Involvement)

New Prognostic Indicator For Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). There may be a new way to predict mortality in patients with (IPF), a devastating disease that slowly petrifies the lungs. Most patients live only three years after diagnosis on average; however, some remain stable for many years, while for others, the disease progresses more rapidly. Medical News Today. 02/22/09. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis)

Study: Pollyanna Will Outlive Everyone. If a chipper person in your life is annoying you, maybe you should brace yourself for that person outliving you in the long haul. L. Cox. ABC News. 03/06/09. (Also see: Attitude)

Rare Disorders Facing Mistrust And Lack Of Understanding. People who have been diagnosed with rare disorders often encounter mistrust and a lack of sympathy in their meetings with the support system. Since they themselves know a good deal about the treatment, measures to be taken, risks and consequences of their diagnoses, they expect to be listened to and respected. But when they meet health service personnel, they find it difficult to get through to them. Lisbet Grut. Medical News Today. 06 Mar 2009. (Also see: Physician and Patient Relationships)

An Angry Heart Can Lead To Sudden Death, Yale Researchers Find. Consider the latest research from Yale School of Medicine researchers that links changes brought on by anger or other strong emotions to future arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrests. Medical News Today 02/25/09. (Also see: Cardiac Involvement)

Magnetic Device Studied As Treatment For Heartburn And Acid Reflux. For those seeking a non-prescription alternative, a magnetic device, currently being evaluated at UC San Diego Medical Center, may provide a long-term solution. Medical News Today. 02/24/09. (Also see: Reflux (Heartburn) and GERD)