This year was filled with health news including new drugs and blood tests to the end of swine Flu. Here’s my top 10 health breakthroughs:
1. Swine Flu- There was a resurgence of H1N1 swine flu virus this year that infected 1,172 people in Egypt and killed 56 since October. The Swine flu cam in with a bang in 2009 and slowly faded to a low roar in 2010.
2. New Drug Shows Promise Against HIV- Antiretroviral drugs have turned the Aids epidemic around by lowering the risk of HIV infection. The drug, Truvada reduced the risk of HIV infection by 73% compared to placebo in a trial involving 2500 HIV negative, but high risk gay men in 6 countries. (www.time.com).
3. FDA Approves Gardasil for Anal Cancer- This vaccine is used to prevent cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, but now has expanded its protection (by 78%) in preventing anal cancer. It is now indicated for the prevention of anal cancer for men and women ages 9 to 26 years of age.
4. Doctor Shortage- OK kids,,,if you like science, you may want to consider med school. According to the American Medical Colleges, by 2015 the U.S. will be short about 63,000 primary care doctors and about 33,100 cardiologists, oncologists and emergency-medicine specialists (www.healthkey.com).
5. Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise- Prescription drugs are easy to get and more people are seeking treatment for prescription medication addiction.
6. Obesity- Obesity rates have increased in 28 states. This illness comes with a price. It accounts for 17% of all U.S. medical costs each year, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
7. Food and Product Recalls- This year, the U.S. had the biggest egg recall in history. Salmonella prompted the egg recall. Other recalls included Lipitor and over-the-counter Tylenol due to a musty odor.
8. Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease- A new blood test to help confirm a diagnosis of this degenerative illness early in the diseases progression which opens up the opportunity to prevent dementia and mental decline.
9. New Rules For CPR- For 50 years, ever since cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was first initiated in 1960, rescuers have been saving lives by combining mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with chest compressions. In 2010, new data showed that chest compressions alone were just as effective as traditional CPR in rescuing victims of cardiac arrest The new rules were updated by the American Heart Association (AHA).
10. Health Care Reform- President Barack Obama signed a new health care reform bill that became a reality in March 2010.
This bill outlines new benefits and rights for consumers and promises affordable health insurance for all Americans.
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