Vital Signs

Parental support for first-generation college students

For incoming freshmen, attending college can feel like entering a maze. But for first-generation students, that maze can have added twists and turns, as they may not have a role model or rule book to follow when starting out as a first-year student. 

Overeating may double odds of memory loss in elderly

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has recently performed a study that suggests overeating may double the risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—also referred to as memory loss—for people over the age of 70.

Something to smile about

Something to smile about

A company famous for rolling back prices, Wal-Mart is now garnering attention for ramping up its philanthropic spending, as it recently donated $9.5 million toward promoting healthy eating.

Study finds black youth in California targeted by tobacco marketing

Academic researchers, funded by California's Tobacco Related Disease Research Program, found a greater number of menthol cigarette advertising at retailers near high schools with a high African American student population.

Researchers find childhood obesity linked to genetics

Childhood obesity is usually linked to overeating, fast food, and insufficient exercise. Now, researchers have found one more thing to add to the list.

Hospitals promise apologies

It is ethically right for doctors to report their medical mistakes, but they are often hesitant to do so in fear of lawsuits.

New autism research links maternal obesity to diagnosis

About one in 88 children are diagnosed with autism, but it is possible that 10% of affected children will outgrow their diagnosis by the time they are teenagers. April was National Autism Awareness Month, which put a start on new research regarding the causes of the disorder.

Nursing grads in California may get a rude awakening

According to a recent survey, over 40% of newly licensed RNs in California are without work. You may be thinking, "Isn't there a nursing shortage?" By all accounts, that is still the case.

PSA: Hospitals for Humanity looking for nurses

Hospitals For Humanity (HFH) is a registered nonprofit organization with 501(C) 3 status in the United States. The organization provides health care for people living in the least developed countries of the world.

Study finds gender and racial disparities exist in general surgery board certification

According to a report published in the May issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, results of a study found that women and minorities going through general surgery training are relatively underrepresented among general surgeons, particular those certified by the America

Cancer rates higher for lesbian, gay, and bisexual community

A study by the Boston University School of Public Health has found a need to create health programs specifically promoting the well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual cancer survivors. The research was lead by Ulrike Boehmer, associate professor of community health sciences.

Spike in maternal opiate use, infant withdrawal

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, and the University of Pittsburgh found maternal opiate use had increased nearly five-fold between 2000–2009.

Study finds more hospital-related infection due to burned-out nurses

Study finds more hospital-related infection due to burned-out nurses

Two kinds of hospital-acquired infections—catheter-associated urinary tract infections and surgical site infections—have been on the rise, according to a new study.

California hospital ER overcrowding affects area minorities

A University of California, San Francisco study found that California hospitals in areas with large minority populations are more likely to be overcrowded and divert ambulances, delaying timely emergency care.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Survival after Breast Cancer Remain Despite Similarities in Education, Socioeconomic Status

Racial/Ethnic Disparities

Disparities in survival after breast cancer persisted across racial/ethnic groups even after researchers adjusted for multiple demographics, such as patients’ education and the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood in which they lived, according to data presented at the Fifth

Soaring Diabetes Rates Across the US

Soaring diabetes rates across the US

Rates of diabetes in the United States have skyrocketed over the last two decades according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  In 1995, just three states—California, Louisiana, and Mississippi—had a diabetes prevalence rate of 6% or higher.

Minorities Most Likely to Have Aggressive Tumors, Less Likely to Get Radiation

Minorities Most Likely to Have Aggressive Tumor

Women with aggressive breast cancer were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy, but at the expense of completing locoregional radiation therapy, according to recently presented data.

New Nursing Documentary Premieres at ANCC National Magnet Conference

nursing documentary

“NURSES: If Florence Could See Us Now” made its debut at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference in Los Angeles on October 11, 2012.

Darker Skin Tones Slow Detection of Lyme Disease

A recent study finds that African Americans who contract Lyme disease are 10% more likely than Caucasians to exhibit symptoms such as neurological or heart problems, and they are 30% more likely to suffer from arthritis as a result of the disease.

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