A program of structured teamwork has helped to reduce surgery deaths at VA medical centers, researchers report. The program began in 2003. It changed the way surgical teams work together. Under the traditional system, surgeons were in charge and other team members not always encouraged to speak up. The new system included briefings before, during and after surgery. Before the procedure, team members went through a checklist to make sure everyone agreed on the procedure and other details. Patients said their names and what surgery they were getting. They listened to the briefing and could speak up if anything sounded wrong. In the first 74 VA hospitals to use the system, surgery deaths dropped 18% in 3 years, researchers reported. Death rates were lowest where people had the most teamwork training. The system now is in use at all VA centers.
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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called broken-heart syndrome, is a weakening of the left ventricle that is usually the result of severe stress. Its symptoms resemble those of a heart attack, and treatment is usually the same as that for heart failure.
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How much protein do I need every day? Does it matter what kind I eat?
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As we age, bones lose calcium and arteries accumulate calcium, which causes them to stiffen. But it’s still important to get enough calcium, which works with vitamin D in the body to keep bones strong.
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The Food and Drug Administration has established a toll-free number that consumers can use to report adverse side effects from medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and medical devices.
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With growing evidence that restricting sodium leads to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, it makes sense to make the effort to work on cutting salt from our eating habits.
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A study of lung cancer patients found that those who received early palliative care along with standard medical care lived longer and felt their quality of life was better than those receiving only standard medical care.
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People who have been taking antidepressants for some time may wish to stop taking them due to unpleasant side effects. This can be accomplished, but it is best to taper the dosage slowly and be aware of the potential for discontinuation symptoms.
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Frozen shoulder is caused by an injury or inflammation, which limits movement and causes the tissue around the joint to thicken and contract. Physical therapy will aim to restore flexibility to the joint capsule, then to strengthen it.
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Yoga’s combination of gentle exercise, stretching, focus on deep breathing, and the resulting greater mindfulness may be of particular benefit to people living with cardiovascular disease.
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