Intended to provide privacy, curtains between beds in hospitals may be providing a vector for infection as well. An article in the American Journal of Infection Control calls attention to the danger posed by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).  Seemingly harmless objects like chart markers—or even privacy curtains— may harbor dangerous bacteria. In a small pilot study, … Continued

Nine children have died as a result of a viral outbreak at a pediatric care and rehabilitation center in Haskell, New Jersey. Between September 26, 2018, and October 22, 2018, an adenovirus spread throughout the facility, particularly among residents of the pediatric ventilator unit.  Since then, nine children have died, while there have been 25 … Continued

A new study suggests many breast augmentation patients are undergoing elective plastic surgery without being fully informed about the procedure or possible complications. Breast augmentation is big business in the United States. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons cites 300,378 procedures in 2017 alone.  Yet many women are opting for the sometimes risky surgery by … Continued

New research sheds light on how drugs used to help patients in intensive care units (ICU) might actually lengthen recovery time after discharge from the hospital. Beyond their struggle for survival in an ICU, patients often face a long road to recovery when they return home.  A recent study published in the journal CHEST suggests … Continued

Gestational high-blood pressure, or pregnancy induced hypertension poses a threat to mom and baby during a pregnancy.  New research suggests that probiotics taken at specific intervals during pregnancy could lower the risk of premature birth. In recent years, science has turned its microscope to the millions upon millions of germs that live in and on … Continued