Health Care


Live from AIHce: Keynoter Calls for Safer Chemicals

Michael P. Wilson, associate director for Integrative Sciences at UC Berkeley's Center for Green Chemistry, observed that while the United States continues to lead the world in areas of occupational safety and health, the European Union has decidedly taken the global lead in chemicals policy initiatives with its adoption of REACH.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 225 million malaria cases occur worldwide annually, resulting in about 781,000 deaths.

Study: Mosquito Gut Bacteria Can Block Malaria Infection

In a new study, scientists found that among the various types of bacteria in the mosquito gut, a type of bacteria that occurs in some but not all mosquitoes effectively blocked infection with a malaria-causing parasite.

This photo of an infected child is included in the WHO slide set on the diagnosis of smallpox.

Ministers Weighing Destruction of Final Smallpox Stocks

It is on the agenda for the 64th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 16-24.

WHO: Many Countries Hit by Health Threats from Infectious, Chronic Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases such heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer now make up two-thirds of all deaths globally, due to the population aging and the spread of risk factors associated with globalization and urbanization.

Training, Video Target HAIs

HHS released the "Partnering to Heal: Teaming Up Against Healthcare-Associated Infections," an interactive computer-based video-simulation training program on May 13.

NIOSH, OSHA Release Heat Stress Prevention Fact Sheet

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.

Taking Painkillers Increases Risk of Death to Heart Attack Patients: Study

Researchers found the use of NSAIDs was associated with a 45 percent increased risk of death or recurrent heart attack within as little as one week of treatment, and a 55 percent increased risk if treatment extended to three months.

CDC: Annual Estimated Cost of Vehicle Crash-Related Deaths is $41 Billion

Motor vehicle crash-related deaths in the United States resulted in an estimated $41 billion in medical and work loss costs in a year. Half of this cost ($20.4 billion) was in 10 states, the report says.



Nine people have reported ill after consuming raw or lightly steamed oysters.

Florida Oysters Linked to Cholera Outbreak: FDA

Nine people have reported ill after consuming raw or lightly steamed oysters that were harvested from Area 1642 of Apalachicola Bay, Fla.

FDA Approves First Test to Detect MRSA, MSSA

The KeyPath MRSA/MSSA Blood Culture Test determines whether bacteria growing in a patient’s positive blood culture sample are MRSA or MSSA within about five hours after any bacterial growth is first detected in the sample.

Engineering Students Develop Solar-Powered Autoclave

The device would be used to sterilize medical instruments in parts of the world without reliable electricity.

CDC: Asthma Rates Keep Rising

Asthma diagnoses increased among all demographic groups between 2001 and 2009, though a higher percentage of children reported having asthma than adults.

$26 Billion Cost to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: AHA

The study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, estimated what the lead author calls "a huge economic burden" for the nation.

Red Cross Updates CPR/AED Program

The 5.5-hour program is intended for those with a duty to act, such as emergency responders, health care personnel, and lifeguards.

Facility Faces $72,000 Fine after Worker's Needlestick Injury

Twelve serious health violations include failing to offer the hepatitis B vaccination to a caregiver with occupational exposure to blood within 10 working days of initial assignment and train employees in the hazards of chemicals present in their workspaces.

AFL-CIO Report: 4,340 Workers Killed on the Job in 2009

In 2009, Montana led the country with the highest rate of worker fatalities, with Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska following close behind. The lowest fatality rates were reported in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

CMS already has a similar but less extensive mandate to offer flu vaccinations in place.

CMS Extending Flu Vaccination Requirement

Its proposed vaccination standard covers both annual and pandemic flu and would affect Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals of all types.

N.Y. Apartment Complex Cited for Exposing Workers to Raw Sewage, Asbestos

"Our inspections found maintenance workers exposed to a variety of health and safety hazards while performing their duties, including stripping paint, removing drywall, and clearing basements of raw sewage that had backed up during heavy rains," said Kay Gee, OSHA's Manhattan area director.

Experts to Discuss Combustible Dust Regulation at OSHA Forum

Discussions will include identifying regulatory options that can minimize the costs to small- and medium-sized businesses of reducing or preventing combustible dust hazards, while protecting workers from these hazards.

Being Tall, Obese May Significantly Increase Risk of Blood Clots

“In tall people the blood must be pumped a longer distance by the calf-muscle pump, which may cause reduced flow in the legs and thereby raise the risk of clotting,” said Sigrid K. Braekkan, Ph.D., senior study author.

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