Category Archives: Preventative Medicine

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pediatrix and Obstetrix Medical Group, affiliates of Mednax, Inc. (NYSE: MD) and leading providers of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and obstetric (OB) services, reports that its affiliated clinicians are treating more pregnant women critically ill with COVID-19 than at any point in the pandemic. Pregnant patients remain largely unvaccinated, despite a strong endorsement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).

Obstetrix comprises nearly 550 clinicians who provide specialized maternal care through 1,900 MFM visits and more than 400 attended deliveries daily in over 300 facilities across the country. The national network of MFM specialists, obstetrician-gynecologists and OB hospitalists are collaborating to share experiences and improve outcomes for critically ill pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Nationwide, we are seeing a troubling number of sick patients who have been adversely affected by the Delta variant, most of whom are unvaccinated, said Alan Fishman, M.D., MFM specialist and specialty medical officer. The patients we treat are high-risk to begin with, so to add severe COVID-19 infection on top of that, typically requiring hospitalization and sometimes admission into the intensive care unit for respiratory support, has resulted in some truly dire situations, including maternal death and premature birth.

As a leader in clinical research, Mednax-affiliated clinicians regularly publish studies related to the care of women and children. Early on in the pandemic, the research team studied the effect COVID-19 could have on pregnant women, and this continues to be monitored. The team has also examined the effects of COVID-19 on neonatal intensive care units. In addition, non-Mednax studies are regularly monitored and shared through multispecialty forums for clinician discussion.

A new study on COVID-19 severity in pregnant women in India shows that the Delta variant was identified in India as early as last December, said Reese Clark, M.D., vice president of clinical research for the Mednax Center for Research, Education, Quality and Safety. It swept rapidly through that country and Great Britain before reaching the U.S., where it is now the predominant variant. This report provides valuable insights about what we are seeing in our practices and allows us to anticipate adverse events and implement preventative strategies.

Mednax strongly supports the CDC, ACOG and SMFM vaccine recommendation. We urge all of our patients to get vaccinated, as early on in their care as those who are trying to conceive and not yet pregnant, said Brian Gilpin, M.D., OB hospitalist and specialty medical officer. The Delta variant is making pregnant women notably sicker, and severe illness is preventable. We now have the data that validates the safety of the vaccine, which also protects babies with vital antibodies. The risk of life-threatening complications from infection is far greater than the risk of vaccination.

To learn more about Mednaxs maternal-fetal and obstetric services, visit Obstetrix online. For the latest information about Mednax and womens and childrens health care topics, read the Mednax blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT MEDNAX

Mednax, Inc. is a national medical group comprised of the nations leading providers of physician services. Physicians and advanced practitioners practicing as part of Mednax are reshaping the delivery of care within their specialties and subspecialties, using evidence-based tools, continuous quality initiatives, clinical research and telehealth programs to enhance patient outcomes and provide high-quality, cost-effective care. The Company was founded in 1979, and today, through its affiliated professional entities, Mednax provides services through a network of more than 2,300 physicians in 39 states and Puerto Rico. Additional information is available at http://www.mednax.com.

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The Pediatrix and Obstetrix Medical Group Reports Surge in Critically Ill Pregnant Patients with the COVID-19 Delta Variant - Business Wire

The wait for an oral antiviral against COVID-19 may almost be over. Friday, Merck reported its prospect halved the risk of hospitalization and death in phase 3, spurring an early end to the study and a race to get emergency use authorization.

An effective oral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 is one of the big remaining gaps in the pandemic drug arsenal. Vaccines are stopping many people from developing symptomatic disease altogether, and treatment of severe COVID-19 has improved throughout the pandemic. But options for recently infected, high-risk people are limited to relatively expensive and logistically challenging anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Molnupiravir could be a cheaper, oral way to stop people developing severe COVID-19. Merck, which is developing the drug with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has interim data from 762 mild to moderate patients who had at least one risk factor associated with poor disease outcomes.

In the molnupiravir cohort, 7.3% of participants were hospitalized or died through Day 29, compared to 14.1% of people who received placebo. There were eight deaths in the placebo group. None of the 385 recipients of molnupiravir died. Delta, gamma and mu variants accounted for almost 80% of the cases.

RELATED: U.S. injects $3B-plus into COVID-19 research to develop antiviral pill within a year

The strength of the efficacy data led the independent monitoring committee to recommend the trial be stopped early. Merck, in consultation with the FDA, has stopped enrollment in the trial. While the interim analysis took place halfway to the original recruitment target, the study was around 90% enrolled when Merck pulled the plug.

Merck is now racing to get the clinical data ready for submission to the FDA to support emergency use authorization. In parallel, the company is continuing to make molnupiravir with a view to being able to ship 10 million courses of treatment this year. The U.S. government has already placed an order for 1.7 million courses.

With the top-line safety data coming in clean, Merck looks well set to bring molnupiravir to market but is yet to share a detailed look at the results. The safety of molnupiravir will likely be scrutinized as it works differently from established antivirals, and the limited contribution of U.S. sites may be a point of discussion. Ex-U.S. countries accounted for 93% of participants, despite more than 30 of the 167 sites being located in the U.S.

Even so, the news sent Merck's shares skyward by nearly 10% to $82.43 around 10:22 a.m. ET on Oct. 1. Big Pharma shares tend to remain pretty stable, so a jump like this is notable.

RELATED:Pfizer tests oral COVID-19 antiviral for preventing infection in people living with patients

Merck's "impressivemolnupiravir data could help alter the course of the pandemic,"RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Abrahams said.

"We believe that the availability of an effective oral drug that can be given in the outpatient setting can blunt the risks associated with breakthrough infections, and reduce mortality in the unvaccinated, which can begin to move the nation out of the pandemic and hasten reopening,"Abrahams said.

Merck is also working on a trial ofmolnupiravir as a preventative medicine with a read out sometime in the first half of 2022. This trial could help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, especially for those who are immuno-compromised or healthcare workers,Abrahams noted.

Jefferies pointed out that Merck's results compare to existing antibodies, which achieve about a 70% reduction in hospitalization but are much more onerous to administer.

RELATED:Roche and Atea's small, early data peek sees experimental COVID drug slash viral load in hospital patients

Merck's results are also a good read through for Pfizer and Roche, which have oral COVID-19 treatments in the works, Jefferies added. Data is due for Pfizer's candidate by the end of the year while Roche is expected to drop data in the first half of 2022.

One odd side effect of an effective treatment for COVID-19 is that people could be less likely to get first vaccines or boosters, both Jefferies and RBC said. This could have a smalleffect down the road for Moderna.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:45 a.m. ET on Oct. 1 to include analyst commentary.

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UPDATED: Merck's oral COVID-19 antiviral slashes hospitalizations, prevents deaths in phase 3, sparking race to file with FDA - FierceBiotech

September 30, 2021

As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, you may find yourself getting under the weather, and sometimes accidents do happen.

Beena Mathaikutty, M.D., MPH, director of the Emergency Department at Pascack Valley Medical Center, offers five of the most common reasons that people visit the emergency room during the fall season.

Upper respiratory diseases, colds and seasonal flu, oh my! Flu season is right around the corner, and typically lasts from October to May. With lingering COVID-19 variants, its even more important this year to get your flu shot. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands, and continue following the latest mask guidance.

Flu season can be especially challenging for children in school or daycare. This falland into the winterbe mindful of their hygiene habits to prevent them from bringing germs and viruses back home. Take the time to teach them to stay safe and healthy by washing hands and covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing. These preventative measures will help keep the whole family healthy, Dr. Mathaikutty says.

What seem like simple household chores can potentially cause you injury. A lot of people will prepare for the fall by raking leaves, doing yard work or preparing their homes for the winter, Dr. Mathaikutty says. Its essential to take caution with bending and heavy lifting as to avoid back spasms, sciatica or arthritis exacerbations. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath while doing yard work, or during any other exertion, you should seek medical evaluation immediately.

Approximately 24 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, while about 25 million live with asthma. With the change in seasons, most people find themselves increasingly indoors, where things like dust and pet dander can aggravate the symptoms of these conditions. Dr. Mathaikutty says to be sure to continue taking any medication you have been prescribed to manage your symptoms. In addition, control indoor allergens by changing air filters often, vacuuming regularly and considering an air-purification device.

Slips and falls are one of the top reasons that send people to the emergency room year-round. Take extra steps to avoid letting your fun fall festivities turn into a trip to the hospital. People will be hiking and apple or pumpkin picking, so its ideal to wear the right gear to avoid falls, strains and sprains, Dr. Mathaikutty says. And if the weather is chilly, be sure you have on warm enough clothing.

To stay warm when temperatures drop, many people invest in space heaters for their home or gas-powered/kerosene heaters for their outdoor activities. Be careful when you are using these types of devices. If not used properly, heaters can cause burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. They can also potentially lead to fires, which can result in a life-threatening situation. As a part of your fall and winter home prep, install and maintain your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Dr. Mathaikutty notes that during the fall and winter, the elderly typically do not go out as often. Be sure you are checking in on your elderly loved ones for their well-being during this time, she says. Many people also feel isolated or have seasonal affective disorder in the fall or winter, so checking in with your own mental health and seeking help if you need it is always important, too.

She says there is usually a decrease in physical activity in the fall and winter months, which can contribute to weight gain and a health decline. It is important to find other ways of staying active like exercising indoors and eating healthier, she recommends.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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5 Common ER Visit in the Fall - Articles and Videos, Emergency Medicine, Featured, Health Topics - Hackensack Meridian Health

Morning glories are a genus in the family Convolvulaceae. There are about 150 species of this genus, and many hybrids as well. The flowers have five petals that form an open star shape when they bloom.

Some people call them Mexican morning glories because these flowers were used by Aztecs for medicinal purposes as well as decoration in their rituals and ceremonies. This article will describe some of the most common types of morning glory, including sky blue, white, purple and pink varieties.

Also known as Ipomoea tricolor, the Mexican morning glory is a very well-known species of morning glory. Its scientific name means three colors, referring to its white, pink and purple petals forming an open star shape. It grows in thick clusters on vines that can reach up to 12ft long.

The stems of this plant have large leaves that can grow to 6 inches long with jagged edges. The flowers are tubular in shape and it has a yellow corona within the star of the flower that ranges from 5-20 mm (0.2 0.8 inches) in diameter depending on the variety. It only takes about 60 days for this plant to bloom and the blooms typically last in full color for just a few days.

Mexican morning glories are generally seen as an invasive plant because it is known to grow rapidly on other plants and can spread via seeds, but the Mexican government has been trying to control its growth by combating wildfires that would often occur during the dry season.

The name Ipomoea alba refers to the 6 white petals of this flower that form an open star shape. Although it comes from Mexico, it is now grown in different parts of the world, including South America and California. This flower does not have a thick stem or grow on vines; instead, its stems are thin and woody with smaller leaves that overlap each other. The flowers bear yellow seeds inside their pods when they bloom, but these natural seedpods can be dried and used to decorate flower arrangements. It takes about 2 months to bloom, and its petals will fall off after 48 hours of being in full color.

The Skyblue morning glory does not have a lot of commercial uses or benefits when compared to other types of morning glories, but their seeds are used as natural dyes for clothes and hair among certain groups of people. In addition, it has been seen that the flowers of this variety look very attractive when attached to hair in ponytails or pigtails.

The scientific name for purple morning glory is Ipomoea purpurea, and it is called such because of its dark purple petals forming an open star shape. This variety is the most common on North American soil with over 20 species within the genus. It grows in thick stems that can reach up to 150 centimeters (5 feet) long and has large leaves that are green with yellow veins. These flowers bloom in clusters, but they do not flower all at once. The purple morning glory is known to have a strong and unpleasant odor that can be smelled from afar.

This variety has beautiful dark red petals that grow on stems reaching up to 7 foot in height. It takes about 60 days for this plant to bloom, and it is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its large size and striking appearance.

Because of its rapid growth rate, the purple morning glory is often seen as a weed that interferes with other plants, but it can be used as an ornamental plant as described above. In addition, the stems of this variety are often hollow and airtight when they are fresh. This means that purple morning glories are filled with oxygen that was produced by the photosynthesis process a few cuttings from the stem of this plant can be placed inside the shoes of people with foot issues or who have difficulty walking.

Seeds from the purple morning glory are known to be poisonous, but this is not a problem since they are normally removed before being eaten. In addition, the large leaves and stems can be used as a food source for livestock in need of some greens.

Blue Ridge morning glory is a variety of morning glory that is native to the Eastern United States. It has flowers with blue petals and white tips, but it can sometimes have pink or purple shades as well. The scientific name for this plant is Ipomoea turpethum. This type of morning glory grows on vines reaching up to 10 feet in length, and its stems are very thick.

The blue ridge variety blooms for over 6 weeks from June to August, but it can also bloom into the early fall season. The seeds of this plant are used as a spice in dishes like fried chicken or spicy sauces when they ripen. When these seeds are roasted before use, the seeds can be ground into a powder or crushed to use as a spice. The large leaves of this plant are also edible and are usually cooked before being eaten; they are known for having a strong flavor when consumed raw.

Blue Ridge morning glory is the best variety of morning glory in terms of medicinal benefits, since its stems contain many fibers that can be used as an organic fertilizer. This plant also contains chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, which means that dried and chopped stems released into the soil will prevent weeds from growing in a certain area.

Grandpa Otts morning glory is the best variety of morning glory when it comes to medicinal benefits, since it contains 10-hydroxy-pteroyloxazin-I acid (HPXA), which is an anticancer compound. In addition, the leaves and seeds of this plant are very good sources of electrolytes and protein.

This variety is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, since it has red or purple flowers and is resistant to pests. It blooms from late spring through early fall, but the seeds need about 70 days before they are ready for planting. The scientific name for this plant is Ipomoea hederacea.

This variety of morning glory was named after a man called Grandpa Ott, who found and cultivated it on his farm in Louisiana. Grandpa Ott passed away recently at the age of 87, but this type of morning glory will live on forever because the scientific community has decided to name it after him.

The researchers who studied Grandpa Otts morning glory claim that it causes weight loss by stimulating chemical reactions in the body, which leads to fat being burned faster for energy. They also claim that the chemical HPXA can stimulate the immune system and ward off infections, as well as prevent birth defects. Only time will tell whether or not this information is true after more clinical trials are performed.

When picked fresh in early summer, Grandpa Otts morning glory has a bright red flower with purple tips on top. The plant can grow to be up to 3 feet in height, and its leaves are usually dark green with red or purple veins. It is resistant against many types of pests, but it does not have any substance that can inhibit the growth of other plants.

The seeds from Grandpa Otts morning glory are used for decorative purposes such as jewelry making. They can also be used to create painted art work and mosaics, which is why this plant is often called a living paintbrush by many artists.

Baby blue morning glory is the best variety of morning glory when it comes to medical benefits, since it contains a compound that can boost the immune system and make people feel stronger. It also contains many beneficial chemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help people who suffer from asthma or allergies.

This plant has very low levels of calories, carbohydrates, and fats, which is why it has gained notoriety among people who want to lose weight.

Although this plant does contain a substance that can alleviate the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction, such as sneezing or runny nose, it will not prevent the same episode from occurring in the future. The scientific community acknowledges this fact, since they have determined that baby blue morning glory can only reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction without preventing it from happening.

The leaves, stems, and roots of this plant are used to create medicines, although the entire plant can be used in some scenarios. The root is usually dried before being crushed into powder form for medicinal use.

The state of Illinois is known as the baby blue morning glory capital of the world because that is where most of these plants are grown. People from other states in the country tend to export this product to Illinois, and then local residents collect it for sale on a daily basis.

This variety of morning glory was developed by a woman named Connie Sue in the state of Tennessee. She created it in her own garden near an oak tree, which is why many people call it the double blue morning bloom under an oak.

The scientific community has not yet determined whether or not this strain of morning glory can increase the lifespan of human beings, but it is true that this plant grows faster than normal morning glories and produces a lot of flowers.

The leaves on Connie Sues double blue morning glory tend to be deep green in color with purple veins running through them. The flowers are typically light-blue and smell like candy. This plant can be used to create medicinal products, as well as art or jewelry.

A common use for this type of morning glory is to grow it on fences in order to conceal the existing fence while adding color and beauty. People who are unable to find the time to garden also benefit from growing this flower near their homes because it requires very little maintenance.

This variety of morning glory is usually blue to purple in color. Its flowers are small and appear similar to the other varieties found throughout North America, but mauve morning glories tend to be smaller than the average plant. It has a higher resistance against pests.

This plants leaves contain a very potent toxin that can poison humans. Some people have died after ingesting just one leaf because it contains enough poison to kill an adult human being.

This plants leaves and stems are used to create medicines that help people who suffer from asthma or allergies. However, some botanists believe it would be more effective to use mauve morning glories as a preventative medicine than as a curative one.

Mauve morning glories are often used as a preventative medicine for allergies and asthma. People who suffer from these conditions should consult with their doctor before trying mauve morning glory, however. This plant contains effective ingredients that can cure the symptoms associated with a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack, but it can also cause serious damage to human organs.

The root bulb on an improved white morning glory contains up to 78% more starch than the average morning glory. It is used to create medicinal products, as well as medicines that help people who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure.

This plant can be difficult to grow in warmer climates because it needs a lot of water and sunlight. However, people who live in areas with an average temperature below 75 degrees Fahrenheit will enjoy growing improved white morning glories in their vegetable gardens.

Like most other varieties of morning glory, improved white morning glories are toxic to the touch and should never be handled by human beings without gloves on.

This plant is also known as double white. People who grow it often do so because it is more effective at curing a diabetics symptoms than other varieties. This plant can reduce the effects of diabetes, but it needs to be consumed in high quantities so its effects are felt by human beings.

Improved white morning glories usually grow up to ten inches tall and have a bloom period that typically lasts five weeks. During this time, they produce flowers that look similar to irises.

People who grow improved red morning glories believe it is easier to maintain than other varieties. Its blooms are typically crimson in color, but they do not appear as bright or vibrant as those on a typical Texas wildflower. Improved red morning glories also contain more starch than other varieties do.

This plant can grow up to three feet tall in some areas of the United States, but people who live in warmer climates might have difficulty growing it because it needs a lot of water and sunlight to survive. It is also difficult to maintain as a houseplant or inside an office building unless its owner has access to a large amount of indoor sunlight.

Improved red morning glories can be used to create jewelry or other trinkets that can be sold at local craft fairs throughout the state of Texas as well. People who intend to use it as an ornamental plant usually grow it on their front lawns or in other public spaces where it can be admired by others.

Improved red morning glories can also be used to create healing products that help people who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure manage their symptoms. If you harvest the flower of an improved red morning glory after it has bloomed, then it will contain more starch than a typical mauve morning glory does.

This plant is toxic to the touch and should not be handled by human beings who are not wearing protective clothing. People should also wash their hands thoroughly if they happen to come into contact with an improved red morning glory while working in their vegetable gardens or when harvesting some of it for medicinal purposes.

Improved red morning glories usually grow up to twelve inches tall, but it is possible for them to grow up to twenty inches tall in some areas of the United States. Its bloom period typically lasts six weeks.

Pink morning glories are typically easy to grow because they require little maintenance and can adapt well to new environments. However, a person who attempts to grow them in a colder environment needs to know how to prepare the soil correctly so that it retains moisture long enough for these plants to survive.

If a person plants the seeds of a pink morning glory in soil that contains too much sand, then these seeds will not germinate. The most effective kinds of soil for growing this plant are those that contain lots of humus and other organic materials that can retain moisture as well as feed it to its roots.

Pink morning glories produce flowers that are typically pink in color, but they can also produce flowers that look white or violet from time to time. This is why the most common names for this plant are Morning Glory and Wake-Robin.

Pink morning glories need to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch because it can wilt easily. If it is left in a puddle of water after its soil has become saturated, then the roots of this plant will rot.

Pink morning glories typically attract butterflies and other insects when they are healthy, so a person can place some of them around the garden to help with pollination. However, bumblebees might pollinate them too aggressively.

Morning Glories are climbing vines that bloom during the day and therefore they are flowers. They are also known as bindweed (because they wrap around their host plants) and scarlet climber. The name Morning Glory refers to their tendency to bloom as the sun rises; they are not related to the potato plant which is also called a Morning Glory.

Well, yes and no. They can be weeds if you consider them undesirable in your yard or garden. But they also have benefits: birds eat their seeds, people use them for medicinal purposes, and morning glories have been used as food. It depends greatly upon your point of view and how you would like your garden to look.

Morning Glory flowers come in white, blue, lavender, purple, pink or even red colors. The leaves are thick and veiny. They have large, heart-shaped leaves. The vines are green and wiry with small tendrils at the end of each leaf that help it climb.

Morning Glories dont usually grow as flowers in the ground. If you have morning glory growing in your ground, you dont need to remove it. It is spreading out by sending out seeds so if you decide to pull it up, you are essentially uprooting their seedlings.

Morning Glories grow best in moist, fertile soil and they do just fine without fertilizer. If you need to fertilize your morning glory, use compost or other organic materials.

Morning Glories can bloom all year but usually bloom in spring and summer depending on where you live. They also make good cut flowers.

Morning glories are beautiful flowers that anyone can grow. They are easy as long as you know how to take care of them. You really dont need to do anything else besides water them when the soil is dry and add some organic matter every now and then in order to make sure your morning glories stay healthy for a long time.

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Learn About Different Types Of Morning Glory For The Garden - vermontpressbureau.com

A few years ago, I got the shingles vaccine for $170. What if the COVID-19 shot was $170? The outrage would be completely different from the current kooky conspiracy theories. Im imagining talk of government and big Pharma in cahoots to kill all the poor people by the prohibitive price.

What we have is a biological organism run amok as it rapidly spreads from host to host. Scientists worked overtime to find a solution, and they did. These are among the best brains on the planet.

More than 600,000 Americans have perished from COVID-19. This vaccine is free. Its the governments job to provide for the public health and citizens responsibility to support the common good.

I remember as a young student learning about the black plague that killed millions of people centuries ago and was grateful for living in a time of scientific knowledge.

Im flummoxed as to why people wouldnt want this preventative medicine.

Even mask wearing became controversial. Try telling your doctor that she need not wear a mask while operating on you, as masks dont work. Good luck with your post-op healing. Masks impinging on personal freedom is just selfish.

Go the library and check out The Diary of Anne Frank to find out what a loss of personal freedom is.

The people now getting COVID are almost all unvaccinated and unmasked.

Good for you if you recovered. I wonder how many people you spread the virus to others who did not recover?

Wrap your conscience around that.

Anita LaPorta Altman

Johnstown

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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Letter to the editor | Why wouldn't you get vaccinated? - TribDem.com

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has been selected by the American Medical Association Foundation as the inaugural institution for theNational LGBTQ+ Fellowship Programaimed at transforming the health equity landscape for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sara Benzel608-852-2605sbenzel@uwhealth.org

The ultimate goal of the program is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ patients receive the highest standards of care, according to Dr. Elizabeth Petty, senior associate dean for academic affairs at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and the principal investigator and program director for the interdisciplinary fellowship program.

This funding provides a very exciting and critically important opportunity to integrate primary care and public health in highly innovative ways that will significantly accelerate needed change to optimize the health of LGBTQ+ and gender expansive individuals, she said.

The program, which will be housed in the schools Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, will build on the school and health systems existing foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies that support affirming LGBTQ+ services and will accelerate education, research and clinical initiatives.

The first fellow will be recruited to begin their training for the year-long clinically focused academic program in July 2022. Fellows will have opportunities to extend their training beyond one year to do additional scholarship to advance LGBTQ+ health equity. The program will accept one fellow each year thereafter, with a goal of recruiting three fellows per year annually by the fifth year.

Physician fellows will undergo clinical and classroom training in LGBTQ+ health care and will engage in research, teaching, mentoring, community collaborative partnership efforts and other scholarly endeavors.

We envision a future where LGBTQ+ and gender diverse patient populations experience optimal health and feel accepted and supported by health care providers who are well-versed in both general and unique medical needs of LGBTQ+ patients, Petty said. We have much ground to cover before we reach this goal, as far too many LGBTQ+ patients in our society currently experience oppression, stigma, lack of support, lack of medical understanding, and discrimination when seeking care, which leads to unacceptable and life-threatening health disparities. Our team is deeply committed to changing that narrative.

Several studies show that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of depression, increased suicide risk and reduced access to appropriate and timely preventative health care for chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The programs focus is to train the next generation of physicians to provide high-quality, evidence-based, affirming patient-centered care to urgently address these disparities and to optimize health outcomes, Petty said.

The award marks the first chapter in the foundations nationwide effort to train hundreds of fellows and to foster development of multi-disciplinary standards of care for LGBTQ+ individuals. The goal is to establish a workforce of physicians fluent in LGBTQ+ health care as well as a rich body of medical knowledge about best practices in caring for LGBTQ+ patients that can be disseminated throughout the academic medicine community.

Our strong partnerships with many talented individuals at UW Health, UWMadison, and across communities in Wisconsin and beyond will greatly enhance our ability to transform the national landscape to promote health and advance health equity both for LGBTQ+ and gender expansive individuals and for diverse individuals more broadly, Petty said. Through innovative programmatic efforts, we aim to help health care providers recognize and address the diverse, multi-dimensional uniqueness of all individuals in affirming, supportive ways.

In a stringent peer-reviewed process, the AMA Foundation selected the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health for the award due to its extensive multidisciplinary network of institutional and community leaders with expertise in LGBTQ+ health.

I am deeply grateful to the AMA Foundation for their recognition of the urgent need to address these important health equity issues, Petty said. I look forward to working with them as well as our amazing team of champions for LGBTQ+ health equity in Wisconsin and beyond.

This program is the AMA Foundations response to the urgent need to address the growing health inequities and lack of quality medical care for LGBTQ+ patients, according to John D. Evans, chairman of the AMA Foundation Fellowship Commission on LGBTQ+ Health.

The LGBTQ+ community is widely diverse, and for those members of the community who are also members of other marginalized groups such as people of color, people with disabilities and those living in rural communities the outcomes are exponentially worse, he said. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the health care inequities for LGBTQ+ people of color and other marginalized communities as those groups received inconsistent and inadequate care and representation throughout the pandemic.

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UW School of Medicine and Public Health named as inaugural site for national LGBTQ+ health care fellowship program - University of Wisconsin-Madison

LUBBOCK, Texas (PRESS RELEASE) The following is a press release from the Covenant Health System:

In a joint effort to encourage our community to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Covenant Childrens is partnering with South Plains Mall to host a pediatric vaccine clinic on Saturday of Tax-Free Weekend.

Kids age 12 and over will be able to receive their vaccine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 7.

Patients will receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, the only vaccine currently approved for children under the age of 18. The clinic will provide vaccines for those parents, grandparents, and other family members who also wish to be vaccinated.

Today, the U.S. is experiencing a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, mostly in unvaccinated individuals, Covenant Childrens Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gray said. The current surge is driven by the more infectious delta variant, from which our current vaccines provide protection. As kids return to school, the crowding and close proximity will increase potential for the virus to spread. This risk can be dramatically decrease by vaccinating eligible kids as soon as possible.

South Plains Mall prides itself on being a town center for the Lubbock community, said General Manager Beth Bridges. We cant imagine a better opportunity to serve our community than to partner with Covenant Childrens to provide access to vaccinations for children and families.

The clinic will be held in the west concourse between Womens Dillards and Premiere Cinemas, on the north side of the mall.

Covenant Childrens will return to South Plains Mall on Saturday, August 28 to provide the second dose of the vaccine.

About Covenant Health:Covenant Childrens is the only independently licensed, freestanding, childrens hospital in West Texas and eastern New Mexico and is one of only eight members of the Childrens Hospital Association of Texas and is the only one in our region.

As a faith-based health care system, it is Covenant Healths vision to create Health for a Better World. As the Best Hospital in the Panhandle Plains region as voted by U.S. News and World Report, Covenant Health has consistently provided exceptional health care to West Texas, and eastern New Mexico for more than 100 years. Our clinically integrated health network of eight hospitals, and more than 6,000 caregivers allows us to provide our patients with better access to care using more innovative technology and procedures, while focusing on new age approaches to health care like education and preventative medicine. To learn more about Covenant Health, please visit covenanthealth.org or our Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, pages

(Press release from Covenant Health System)

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Covenant Childrens to host COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the South Plains Mall - KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

The Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug Aduhelm for the treatment of Alzheimers disease June 7 through its accelerated approval pathway. While some patient advocacy groups and creators of the drug including several University researchers see the drugs approval as a step forward, Aduhelms price and approval against the recommendations of advisors have garnered nationwide criticism and sparked a federal investigation into the communications between FDA staff and Biogen, the biotechnology company that developed the drug.

More than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimers disease, a form of slowly-progressing dementia for which there is no cure. Existing drugs that treat Alzheimers mediate symptoms of the disease but do not slow down or reverse the disease process. Since the approval of the last AD drug 18 years ago, patients and healthcare workers alike have waited for stronger treatment options to combat this devastating disease.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters the prime age range susceptible to the disease, the development of effective treatments is imperative, said University Professor of Neurology Brian Ott, who served as a principal investigator on several of the Aduhelm trials.

Stephen Salloway, professor of neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School, also served as a principal investigator for Aduhelm phase one and phase three trials at Butler Hospital.

The new drug Aduhelm consists of monthly intravenous injections of aducanamab, an antibody molecule that fights off the build-up of amyloid beta proteins in the brain a hallmark feature of AD. Aduhelm is the first drug on the market to directly target these plaques with the goal of slowing disease development in its early stages.

Aduhelm really represents a turning point in how we approach the treatment of Alzheimers disease, Ott said. This is the first time that physicians will be able to prescribe a disease-modifying drug for Alzheimers.

Salloway said that the development of the drug opens a new treatment era for Alzheimers.

But the FDAs decision to approve the drug has raised a wave of concerns about its effectiveness, cost and the legitimacy of the FDAs approval process.

FDA Approval and Backlash

In November 2020, Aduhelm was brought to the FDA Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee, which consists of experts in this area that advise the FDA upon assessment of a proposed drug, where it was almost unanimously rejected.

The panel evaluated data from two Biogen clinical trials designed to test the drugs effectiveness in treating AD. Although both of these trials were terminated early when Biogen determined that the drug was unlikely to be effective, a retrospective analysis found that one of two trials did produce positive results.

The advisory committee did not believe there was sufficient evidence that the drug would improve clinical outcomes given the conflicting results between trials, wrote Joel Perlmutter, professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis and a former member of the FDA advisory committee who resigned after Aduhelms approval, in a written statement provided to The Herald. Additionally, the committee expressed concern about brain swelling and bleeding, a side effect observed in approximately 40% of trial participants, Perlmutter wrote.

None of the committee members voted in favor of the drug ten of the 11 members voted against Aduhelms approval, with the last member voting that they were uncertain. Despite the negative recommendation by the committee, Aduhelm was approved through the FDAs Accelerated Approval Program.

The program allows the FDA to evaluate the efficacy of a drug based on its ability to reach a surrogate endpoint an outcome that predicts clinical benefit rather than directly measuring clinical benefit. The intention is to expedite the approval process of drugs they feel should be made available to the public urgently by forgoing expensive and time-consuming clinical trials.

By using amyloid plaque reduction in the brain as the surrogate endpoint for Aduhelm, the FDA determined that the drug was effective.

As part of the Accelerated Approval process, Biogen is required to conduct a post-approval study but does not have to produce results for another nine years. The FDA can reverse its decision based on the results of this study, but does not have to.

In all studies in which it was evaluated, Aduhelm consistently and very convincingly reduced the level of amyloid plaques in the brain in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. It is expected that the reduction in amyloid plaque will result in a reduction in clinical decline, the FDAs director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Patrizia Cavazzoni, wrote in the FDAs press release.

But there is little evidence so far to support the idea that clearing amyloid plaques will relieve AD symptoms, according to Perlmutter. He wrote that many studies on experimental drugs targeting these plaques have not shown a clinical benefit for people with non-genetic forms of AD.

We know that the drug does reduce plaques in the brain, based on the evidence, Ott said. But does that make a real difference on the clinical outcomes and patient functionality? Thats still up in the air, and another trial needs to be done.

I am extraordinarily disappointed that our unbiased advisory committee review was not valued, Perlmutter wrote in his statement. He resigned from the FDA panel in protest, along with two other committee members, including Mayo Clinic neurologist David Knopman.

Knopman wrote in his resignation letter to the FDA that justifying approval through the reduction of the plaques in the absence of consistent clinical benefit after 18 months of treatment is indefensible, and that the approval made a mockery of the advisory committees role, as reported by The New York Times.

On July 8, the FDA revised Aduhelms usage from treating all patients with AD to patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials, thereby narrowing the population the drug is available to.

In separate emails to The Herald, Salloway and Ott wrote that they approve of this change because it is more consistent with the evidence from the clinical trials. Salloway added that it is highly recommended that patients being offered this treatment have a positive amyloid

Additionally, on July 9, the Acting Commissioner of the FDA Janet Woodcock requested an independent investigation by the Office of Inspector General into the interactions between Biogen representatives and FDA members leading up to the approval.

Ramifications of Aduhelms unconventional approval

Aduhelms approval has serious potential to impair future research into new treatments that may be effective at treating AD, Perlmutter wrote. Enthusiasm (from either potential volunteer participants or funders) for new treatments may wane due to thinking that we already have an effective treatment, when in fact we do not.

There is also concern that Aduhelms unconventional approval may set a precedent that leads to a less stringent approval process for future drugs, noted Harvard Professor of Medicine Aaron Kesselheim, the third committee member who resigned, as reported by CBSnews.

Biogen has listed Aduhelm at a price of $56,000 a year per patient, but other sources claim that the price will be closer to $61,000 to $62,000 per year when factoring in the average AD patients weight, which is greater than the number used for Biogens approximation. Biogens listed price does not include doctors visits, amyloid plaque diagnostic testing and MRIs that will be necessary to monitor for side effects.

For many, this price will pose an insurmountable barrier to access, wrote the Alzheimers Association in a statement in favor of the drugs approval but calling for more affordability of the drug. It complicates and jeopardizes sustainable access to this treatment, and may further deepen issues of health equity.

At the moment, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not said whether the drug will be covered under Medicare and Medicaid. But even with Medicare coverage, patients and their families would have to pay about $11,500 in co-insurance annually, since Medicare does not cover the entire cost.

According to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Aduhelm would cost patients and taxpayers more than $29 billion per year. This estimate only accounts for one fourth of the Medicare population currently prescribed Alzheimers medication the real cost would likely be higher. This far exceeds the money spent on any other drug to treat any disease covered by Medicare Part B or Part D.

In this case, we have a new medication that costs a lot. And what were getting in return is not entirely clear, said Eric Jutkowitz, assistant professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice. We dont want to be spending money on something that doesnt work.

Spending on Aduhelm would take away from Medicaid and Medicare funds that would otherwise go towards underfunded services like long-term care or the development and testing of new AD treatments, Jutkowitz said.

Future plans for Alzheimers research

Still, Aduhelms approval has been celebrated by AD advocacy groups who have long-awaited new treatment options.

Aduhelm is certainly not a cure, but, at long last, it provides many with Alzheimers disease and their families an effective treatment, the Alzheimers Association wrote in a statement. They hope this drug will help close the vast unmet need of the Alzheimers community.

Salloway said that the FDA approval was a very wise decision and very much pro-patient in an interview with The Herald.

Though he understands the concerns voiced by critics of the drug, the totality of evidence amassed by the researchers including the drugs ability to reduce amyloid beta plaques, the positive phase three clinical trial and the clinical benefits observed in the phase two trial as well as the strong need for innovative Alzheimers treatments support the FDAs decision.

Contrary to the idea that the approval of Aduhelm will quench efforts to develop new drugs, Salloway said that he believes the presence of Aduhelm as a treatment could spur new drug development for Alzheimers by creating demand for new screening and preventative technologies.

Theres so much that needs to be done and there is no time to waste, he said. For instance, Salloway cited the ongoing need for new inexpensive diagnostic tools to test for amyloid beta plaque build-up in the brain, and the development of new combination treatments, which incorporate multiple medications and lifestyle changes to not only treat AD once it develops but also help prevent it.

Salloway and Ott hope that through a strong partnership with primary care, continued research and a focus on early and preventative treatment, clinicians will develop new care models to better care for Alzheimers patients.

With additional reporting by Gabriella Vulakh

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FDA approval of new Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, developed in part by Brown researchers, mired in controversy - The Brown Daily Herald

The number of COVID-19 cases has started to surge in the United States after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks.

Doctors and public health officials have said that the surge, in 43 out of the countrys 50 states, comes amid a rise in the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and stagnating vaccination numbers.

Health experts warn that the worrying increase in cases is linked to the Indian Delta variant, which accounts for as many 97 percent of infections in some states.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data updated last week shows that the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, makes up 51.7 percent of all new infections making it the dominant form of the virus in the United States.

The Delta variant has been detected in all 50 states and accounts for more than 80 percent of new infections in Midwestern states such as Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, where vaccination rates are lagging.

In the United States, 59 percent of adults are fully vaccinated while 68 percent have at least one shot, according to CDC data.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said the number of new infections are coming as people refuse to get tested or vaccinated against COVID-19

Dr. Chris Pernell, a fellow at the American College of Preventative Medicine, called it a pandemic of the unvaccinated in an interview on Tuesday

Just a quarter of children aged 12-15 have received the vaccine, it has been reported

Dr. Chris Pernell, a fellow at the American College of Preventative Medicine, called it a pandemic of the unvaccinated in an interview with CNN on Tuesday.

This is primarily a pandemic of the unvaccinated. And we need to be very clear about that message, Dr. Pernell said.

She also hit out at states like Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, Oklahoma, and Utah that have blocked COVID-19 vaccine requirements in schools.

To flat out prohibit COVID-19 vaccination is not in anyones best interest. When states make that move, they get in the way of good and effective public health, she said.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said the number of new infections are coming as people refuse to get tested or vaccinated against COVID-19.

Many people are thinking COVID is over. Why do I really need to get tested? and this is particularly happening in areas, unfortunately, where the vaccination rates are low which is exactly where we want to be testing more, he said.

He also voiced support for vaccine mandates in hospitals, adding: Healthcare workers have a responsibility to protect the patients.

Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

A chart shows the number of deaths from the coronavirus per day in the United States for the months of June and July

A chart shows that there have been a total of 607.577 coronavirus deaths in the United States

A chart shows the number of coronavirus infections per day in the United States for the months of June and July

A chart shows that there have been 33,898,168 coronavirus infections in the United States since the onset of the pandemic

Even states with high vaccination rates, such as California, Illinois, New York and Vermont are seeing cases rise. All but two states Maine and South Dakota reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks.

It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend, said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington Universitys School of Medicine in St. Louis.

At the same time, parts of the country are running up against deep vaccine resistance, while the highly contagious mutant version of the coronavirus that was first detected in India is accounting for an ever-larger share of infections.

Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The five states with the biggest two-week jump in cases per capita all had lower vaccination rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkansas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%.

A total of 43 states and the District of Columbia are seeing their numbers of COVID-19 infections increase, according to data from John Hopkins University

Health experts blame the spread of the Indian Delta variant, which makes up more than half of all new infections in the country and up to 97% in some states

Even with the latest surge, cases in the U.S. are nowhere near their peak of a quarter-million per day in January. Deaths are running at under 260 per day on average after topping out at more than 3,400 over the winter a testament to how effectively the vaccine can prevent serious illness and death in those who become infected.

Still, amid the rise, health authorities in places such as Los Angeles County and St. Louis are begging even immunized people to resume wearing masks in public. And Chicago officials announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas must either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test.

Meanwhile, the Health Department in Mississippi, which ranks dead last nationally for vaccinations, began blocking posts about COVID-19 on its Facebook page because of a rise of misinformation about the virus and the vaccine.

Mississippi officials are also recommending that people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying conditions stay away from large indoor gatherings because of a 150% rise in hospitalizations over the past three weeks.

In Mississippi, COVID-19 infections have spiked by 57 percent from 192 cases recorded on June 28 to an average of 303 per day on July 12.

Additionally, the number of residents hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased 65percent between July 4 and Sunday, July 11, according to state data.

Only 33.4 percent of the population in Mississippi is fully vaccinated, CDC data shows.

We have a lot more vulnerability than we should, said Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs during a livecast of the Mississippi State Medical Association on Friday, according to Mississippi Free Press.

We are way undervaccinated as a state. We have a vast pool of unimmunized people who are a perfect breeding ground for Delta variant, and its gonna kill folks. And its already killing folks.

Some neighborhoods in the Big Apple are witnessing a rise in cases in what health officials blame on low vaccination rates and more transmissible variants like the Delta variant

People check in for their COVID-19 vaccine at a mobile clinic in an East Los Angeles neighborhood which has shown lower vaccination rates especially among the young

Louisiana also has one of the nations lowest vaccination rates.State health officials said cases of the coronavirus are surging, largely among nonvaccinated people.

New Orleans officials said on Tuesday they are likely to extend virus-mitigation efforts currently in place at large sporting and entertainment gatherings until fall.

Those efforts include mask mandates or requirements that attendees be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test.

In Louisiana, cases have increased by 115 percent from a seven-day rolling average of 389 per day on June 28 to 840 per day on July 12, according to Johns Hopkins data.

Just 35.8 percent of the state is fully vaccinated.

I do think were in it. We are seeing what is likely the beginning of increases, Dr Joe Kanter, Louisiana state health officer, told The Advocate.

But the political will may not be there in many states fatigued by months of restrictions.

In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing a drive to repeal a law that she used to set major restrictions during the early stages of the pandemic.

And Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama pushed back against the idea that the state might need to reimpose preventive measures as vaccinations lag and hospitalizations rise.

Alabama is OPEN for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We are moving forward, she said on social media.

In many states cases have doubles such as Louisiana, where just 35.8% are fully vaccinated. Cases have increased by 115% from a seven-day rolling average of 389 per day on June 28 to 840 per day on July 12

In Mississippi, with just 33.4% of residents fully vaccinated, COVID-19 infections have spiked by 57% from an average of 192 cases recorded on June 28 to an average of 303 per day on July 12

Dr. James Lawler, a leader of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, said bringing back masks and limiting gatherings would help.

But he acknowledged that most of the places seeing higher rates of the virus are exactly the areas of the country that dont want to do any of these things.

Lawler warned that what is happening in Britain is a preview of whats to come in the U.S.

The descriptions from regions of the world where the delta variant has taken hold and become the predominant virus are pictures of ICUs full of 30-year-olds. Thats what the critical care doctors describe and thats whats coming to the U.S., he said.

He added: I think people have no clue whats about to hit us.

President Joe Biden is putting a dose of star power behind the administrations efforts to get young people vaccinated. Eighteen-year-old actress, singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will meet with Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday.

While the administration has had success vaccinating older Americans, young adults have shown less urgency to get the shots. CNN reported on Tuesday that just a quarter of children aged 12-15 have received the vaccine.

Some, at least, are heeding the call in Missouri after weeks of begging, said Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Hospital Springfield.

Frederick tweeted that the number of people getting immunized at its vaccine clinic has jumped from 150 to 250 daily, saying it gives him hope.

Scientists had warned about the rise of the Delta variant in February.

The B.1.526 variant, which first appeared in samples collected in New York City in November, made up about 27 percent of viral sequences deposited into a database shared by scientists called GISAID, The New York Times reported in February.

COVID cases surge in 43 states as new cases per day DOUBLE over the past three weeks Source link COVID cases surge in 43 states as new cases per day DOUBLE over the past three weeks

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COVID cases surge in 43 states as new cases per day DOUBLE over the past three weeks - Texasnewstoday.com

By Moira Ritter, CNN Business

You mightve heard that everything is getting more expensive.

Well, thats mostly true. It wasnt easy, but we found a handful of items that are still cheaper than when the pandemic started last year.

Here are some of the things that are cheaper than they were in February 2020.

As the shift to remote work took hold at the start of the pandemic, the typical Americans closet shifted, too. Goodbye, suits and dresses. Hello, sweatpants and T-shirts.

Now that offices, restaurants and the rest of the world are starting to reopen, it might be a good idea to prepare your wardrobe. Fortunately, some clothing is still cheaper than it was pre-pandemic.

Both mens and womens apparel broadly are less expensive than pre-pandemic. Mens apparel has dropped 7.2%, while womens apparel has decreased 5.9% since February 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Womens dress prices have fallen 12.1% during the pandemic. Mens suits and sports coats have decreased even more significantly. Suits are now 21.5% cheaper than they were in February 2020.

Another change that came with staying home: No more mass transit. Now that many Americans are vaccinated, trains and buses are gaining steam and becoming the norm once again.

Luckily, intracity mass transit is about 2.9% cheaper than it was last February.

If youre enjoying a night (or day) out this weekend, although your meal or drink might be more expensive than usual, you can take comfort in the fact that your ride was cheaper than it would have been 16 months ago.

Its baseball season, and what better way to celebrate summer and vaccination than joining a stadium full of other people and watching a game in person?

Sporting event admissions are 1.8% cheaper than before the pandemic. Although not the most monumental difference, its important to take our wins where we can, and even the smallest difference in price is a big deal when (almost) everything else is getting more expensive.

The demand for pets and pet supplies skyrocketed during the pandemic as Americans spent time stuck at home.

As we re-enter the world, though, you might consider restocking your pets toy basket once more, because pet supply prices are still lower than they were pre-pandemic.

Pets and pet product prices are 1.8% cheaper than they were in February 2020. Pet supplies and accessories are down 3.8% since the start of the pandemic.

During the pandemic, health care became even more important than before. So how has medical care dodged inflation? Preventative doctors visits and healthcare were moved to the back burner last year as people stayed home during the pandemic.

Since February 2020, medical care commodities, which include all medicinal drugs and other medical supplies, have gotten 2.3% cheaper.

Broken down into more specific categories, prices of medicinal drugs, which encompass both prescription and over-the-counter medicine, saw a 2.2% decrease. Prescription drug prices alone are down 2.9% over the past year and a half.

Medical equipment and supplies, which includes items like dressings, contraceptives, heating pads and wheel chairs, saw the biggest change with a 5.8% drop in price since before the pandemic.

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