Health News

The Re-admission Dilemma
Certain regions of the U.S. suffer from high hospital readmission rates. Interestingly, that elevated number may have less to do with poor care or more severe illnesses.
Don't Catch a Cold After Heart Surgery
Prior to heart surgery, many patients are concerned that there could be complications such as infection from the deep incision. Pneumonia is actually the most common serious infection after a cardiac operation.
Statin Not a One Trick Pony
Ever since the lovable Dorothy Hamill skated into a commercial promoting atorvastatin (Lipitor) in the early 2000s, the drug has been known for its remarkable abilities to lower cholesterol.
A Plume of Hope for Oil Spill Victims
Picking up the pieces for Gulf Coast residents has been no small feat. In early 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill leaked nearly 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, possibly causing a public health crisis.
Worse Outcomes for Patients at Isolated Rural Hospitals
Patients at smaller, rural hospitals may not be getting the same quality of care as some of the larger hospitals inside major cities. A study indicates patients at these less accessible hospitals have a greater chance of dying from serious illnesses such as congestive heart failure.
Sneaky and Sudden Killer
Some health problems can come out of nowhere, even under the watchful eye of a doctor. Hospital patients can be suddenly hit by a complication that seems separate from the reason they were put in the hospital in the first place.
Come On back and See Us Real Soon
Hospital readmission rates for elderly black patients are greater than those of white patients, according to a new study.