Headlines in Health

February is American Heart Month. Did you know that heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States today? About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event.

In December 2009, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued new guidelines for the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected adults and adolescents. The DHHS guidelines, constructed by a panel of top HIV researchers, clinicians and community activists, are regularly updated based on new results from clinical trials and other studies. When they vote to revise guidelines or add new recommendations, panelists may designate their recommendation as “strong,” moderate” or “optional,” depending on how they interpret the strength of the data. Typically, two thirds of the panel must vote together in order to approve a new recommendation.

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Last month, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) published the results of an international research study researching infection rates in ICUs around the world.

When the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released its findings in November 2009 that most women don't need regular mammograms until they turn 50, public uproar and outrage followed.

H1N1 influenza activity continues to increase steadily in the United States and flu activity is now widespread in 46 states (FluView, October 2009). Nationwide, visits to doctors for suspected H1N1 influenza are higher now than what is usually seen at the peak of regular flu seasons.