Study Recommends Treatment Approaches for Diabetics W ith Heart Disease
Treating heart disease in people with diabetes is no simple matter. For diabetics whose heart disease is not severe, taking heart drugs rather than getting surgery (such as angioplasty or coronary bypass) is fine, Reuters reports. Those with severe heart disease, however, benefit most when they get bypass surgery early and may avoid a future heart attack, according to a study presented Sunday at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. Of the 2,368 total participants with type 2 diabetes, the study compared diabetics who received both heart medication and an artery-opening angioplasty procedure, in many cases with a stent, to diabetics who got medication only. The findings showed no difference between the two groups' rates of death, heart attack, or stroke after five years, Reuters reports.
Experts say the findings still don't answer questions about which treatment option, angioplasty versus bypass surgery, for example, is best for diabetic patients with coronary artery disease. Check out these top 10 cities where angioplasty far outpaces coronary bypass surgery. Past research has revealed very different practice patterns across the United States, suggesting that where you live has some effect on your treatment.
Get an Assist Toward Your Goal From a Healthcare Coach
A new breed of health professionals is training and cheerleading clients into a state of wellness. Health Dialog coaches, 85 percent of whom are registered nurses, provide healthcare coaching as a benefit through companies and insurance plans. They can be a source of guidance and practical information for clients on a regular basis by phone, E-mail, Instant Messenger, or cellphone texts.
Some experts think this kind of healthcare coaching might go a long way toward managing the system's ills, too, U.S. News's Sarah Baldauf reports. Approximately 75 percent of the total U.S. healthcare expense—more than $2 trillion in 2006—is attributable to chronic disease. Yet research has shown that just over half of people with chronic conditions actually get recommended preventive care. Guidance from health coaches may help keep people out of the hospital and reduce readmission rates, one expert says.
For more ways to ward off illnesses like breast cancer and live a healthful lifestyle, see U.S. News's guide to prevention. Here are ways to stop smoking that are secrets from successful quitters. And try these 7 tips on fighting off a cold.
4 Common Diarrhea Causes—and What to Do if You Get Sick
Second only to respiratory infections, acute episodes of diarrhea are the most common illness in the United States. The average adult endures such an episode of diarrhea about four times annually, and children will experience seven to 15 bouts by age 5, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. U.S. News's January Payne takes a look at several causes of diarrhea and explains what you can do about them.
Among the many causes of diarrhea are inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, and various viral or bacterial infections. A bad reaction to a medication can cause diarrhea, too. You should be evaluated by a doctor for any diarrhea episode that lasts longer than a few days. A doctor's attention is also needed if you see blood in your stool.
Consider these 7 common digestive problems and how to end them and how to head off Montezuma's revenge when traveling.
—Megan Johnson
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