Health Buzz: Hands-Only CPR and Other Health News

Hands-Only CPR Endorsed

The American Heart Association yesterday endorsed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation that only uses hands, rather than mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, when bystanders are faced with someone in cardiac arrest. Giving the combination of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and rapid chest compressions, the organization said, showed no advantage over performing the compressions alone.

The Heart Association hopes the new guidelines will help push strangers, who could be unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or unsure of the proper procedure, to step in to aid victims of cardiac arrest.

Universal Healthcare: Most Doctors Support It

Nearly two- thirds of doctors surveyed support establishing a national health care plan, according to an Indiana University School of Medicine study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The survey asked approximately 2,000 doctors for their opinions on universal health care. Thirty-two percent indicated that they opposed the plan. In 2002, only half of the doctors surveyed supported a national plan.

Caring for Your Aging Parents

Five Rhode Island families are the subject of a PBS documentary on the issues --both difficult and joyous--of taking care of aging parents. The program, which airs in some markets Wednesday, April 2, explores how parents and children often swap roles as parents grow older and increasingly more dependent on their adult children.

Are you taking care of ailing parents? Are you concerned that you may in the near future? Our special report covers 15 ways adults can help their elderly parents, including encouraging them to exercise, preparing the home, and working out finances.

Internet Addiction: A Mental Disorder?
In an editorial published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Jerald J. Block, M.D., suggests that Internet addiction be added to the files of mental disorders. He offers indications that computer usage may be a disorder, including excessive time online, withdrawal, and negative repercussions. What do you think? Tell us in the comment section below.