09/02/2010
The study finds that the majority of California adults are either overweight or obese, and that nearly 8% of adult residents have diabetes. Researchers noted that both obesity and diabetes rates have risen since 2001. HealthLeaders Media et al.
08/20/2010
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will provide up to $243 million to fund 14 "disease teams" that will try to set up clinical trials for treatments based on stem cell research. The research is expected to focus on cures for diseases, such as Alzheimer's and diabetes, and for spinal cord injuries. San Francisco Business Times.
08/19/2010
In its August edition of "Health Dialogues," KQED's "California Report" examined end-of-life care issues. The edition includes segments on end-of-life care planning, cultural influences, physician perspectives, insurance coverage and pediatric hospice services. KQED's "California Report."
08/19/2010
Eli Lilly has halted two late-stage clinical trials for its experimental Alzheimer's treatment semagacestat, after it worsened patients' symptoms and increased their risk for skin cancer. Semagacestat was designed to block an enzyme in the brain that prompts the formation of amyloid plaque, the buildup of which is widely believed to cause Alzheimer's. However, an interim analysis of the trials analyzing the drug's effectiveness in 2,600 patients showed that cognition and ability to execute daily tasks deteriorated more in participants taking the drug than in those taking a placebo. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.
08/19/2010
While demand for mental health care services has increased in California, the economic recession has hurt the budgets of not-for-profits that provide the services, according to a survey. Availability of mental health care services has dropped by up to 20%. "California Watch Blog."
08/18/2010
Cancer likely is the leading cause of death in the world and costs more in productivity and lost life than any other illness, according to an American Cancer Society report to be presented this week at the World Cancer Congress in China. The report found that cancer cost the world $895 billion in 2008, equivalent to about 1.5% of the world's entire gross domestic product. A number of advocacy groups have been urging health officials to devote more funding to combat noninfectious causes of death, including cancer. AP/Chicago Tribune.
08/17/2010
Although the state's Public Health Department no longer accepts new enrollees for its breast cancer detection program, it continues to stress the importance of getting screened. Officials say the program cannot screen women because of decreased funding. HealthyCal.
08/16/2010
Since 2005, obesity rates have fallen for white and Asian children and leveled off for Hispanic children, according to a study of 8.3 million California public school students published Sunday in the journal Pediatrics. The study also determined that black, Hispanic and American Indian girls were two to three times as likely to have a high body mass index as white girls. The researchers said that more interventions are necessary to help curb obesity among children of high-risk populations. Los Angeles Times.
08/16/2010
Community heart health programs reduced the risk of heart disease by 0.65% over a decade, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Participation in such programs could avert 650 heart attacks or strokes annually for every one million people, study lead author Mary Pennant said. Reuters.
08/11/2010
Health officials and experts are considering various strategies to deal with an expected surge in demand for health services as the population of older U.S. residents continues to grow. Many stakeholders are calling for increased efforts to recruit health workers with training in geriatric medicine. In addition, some experts are touting the benefits of telemedicine for helping older residents manage their health conditions. Washington Post.
08/11/2010
Stacy D'Andre, an oncologist at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, has established a pilot program designed to improve care for elderly patients with cancer. D'Andre's geriatric oncology clinic is collecting information on the effectiveness of the program, which provides patients and their families with nutrition evaluation, medication management and other services. Sacramento Bee.
08/10/2010
UC-Davis School of Medicine researchers have secured a $1 million grant from NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases to decrease obesity and Type 2 diabetes among Northern California's American Indian population. The work will be centered on the Round Valley Indian Tribes of Covelo, in Mendocino County, and areas served by Northern Valley Indian Health. Sacramento Bee.
08/09/2010
One in five U.S. residents reported skipping medical care for a recent ailment, with cost cited as a major factor, according to a new survey. The recession also has caused some Californians with cancer to change their medication habits. HealthLeaders Media, HealthDay/USA Today.
08/06/2010
Fremont-based Cancer Prevention Institute of California has secured a seven-year, $34.3 million contract with the National Cancer Institute to help support its operation of the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry. The registry tracks cancer-related data in nine San Francisco Bay Area counties and disseminates the data for other research purposes. San Francisco Business Times.
08/05/2010
Los Angeles County's mortality rate decreased significantly between 1998 and 2007, according to a report from the county Department of Public Health. The report also highlights health disparities among certain racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Los Angeles Times.