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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Bones, Joints & Muscles
How often should women have bone tests?
A study of nearly 5,000 women suggests that women with healthy bone density on their first bone desity test might safely wait 15 years before getting tested again.
Baby boomers trigger jump in knee replacement surgeries
Whether it’s music, lifestyles, or a refuse-to-age outlook, Baby Boomers think of themselves as trailblazers. Now, that generation born between 1946 and 1964 can claim credit for another “first”—a dramatic increase in knee replacement surgeries.
Yoga no better than stretching for back pain, Group Health study finds
“We expected back pain to ease more with yoga than with stretching, so our findings surprised us.”
Online Video: Breakthroughs in Spine Surgery
Learn about care and recovery from complicated spinal cord injuries–from vertebroplasty to disc replacement– from national and UW experts
‘Ankle phone calls’ could save trips to the ER
Lower leg strains and sprains accounted for more than 30 percent of emergency room visits, but most are relatively minor and don’t require an ER visit.
Health writer braves Canadian health system — and survives!
“Although comparing costs and bills is tricky, by any measure my evening in the Canadian emergency department was a good deal.”
Picking a treatment for a rotator cuff tear
Tears in the rotator cuff are not a huge health setback. But they can limit movement and cause serious pain. There are several ways to treat rotator cuff tears, including surgery and non-surgical treatments. You’ll want to understand your options before you make a decision.
Possible fracture risk with osteoporosis drugs–FDA
Concerns include bisphosphonate drugs such as Actonel, Actonel with Calcium, Atelvia, Boniva, Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, and their generic forms.
Torn ACL? Exercise as good as surgery–study
Aggressive surgical approach no better than rehab-oriented path for recovery from knee injuries involving anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, study finds.
Low back pain is no reason to stay in bed
“Normal daily activity seems to be the best way for patients with low-back pain to get better,” says study author.
Drug maker recalls Tylenol arthritis product
Reports of musty odor associated with nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
What’s the best treatment for you?
“In health care, one size does not fit all, and treatments that are good for one patient aren’t necessarily good, or even safe, for you,” writes Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. To try to find out which treatments are best for which patients, Clancy’s agency has been [...]
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