Health Lab Articles

Health Lab

Surgeon’s Annual Mission Trip Brings New Smiles to Hundreds

A Michigan Medicine surgeon has spent 20 years helping kids in Colombia — with no sign of slowing down. The effort shows U-M’s commitment to global service, he says.
Health Lab

Regaining Lost Function with the Help of Video Games

See how the Michigan Medicine Inpatient Rehabilitation Computer Therapy Lab is using video games to help patients recover from strokes, spinal cord and head injuries.
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Kayak, Camp, Ski: Adaptive Sports Clinics Help Kids with Disabilities Get Active

A new program provides recreational outings for children with special needs, including cerebral palsy, paralysis and Down syndrome.
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Is It Aortic Stenosis or Old Age? Symptoms to Know

Learn about aortic stenosis, including signs and symptoms, causes and treatments options, including SAVR and TAVR, from Michigan Medicine.
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Glioblastoma 101: Michigan Neurosurgeon Explains the ‘Dreaded’ Diagnosis

Learn about glioblastoma, the deadly brain tumor Senator John McCain was diagnosed with, including what causes a glioblastoma, how it is treated and survival rates.
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'True Blood' Actor’s Death Spotlights Danger of Alcohol Withdrawal

Cutting out alcohol without medical guidance can be dangerous for chronic drinkers, as shown by the death of Nelsan Ellis. Learn more about safe withdrawal methods.
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4 Takeaways from ‘The Lancet’ Report on Alzheimer’s Disease Burden

An international commission states 1 in 3 dementia cases could be prevented by targeting risk factors from childhood onward. A Michigan Medicine expert explains more.
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Stay Safe at Summer Festivals with These Simple Tips

Summer fairs and festivals are in full swing. Two brothers with ties to such gatherings — one an artist, the other an emergency physician — offer tips to safely enjoy alfresco events.
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Reducing Overtreatment in Cancer Patients: When Is Active Surveillance Appropriate?

Learn when active surveillance of low risk thyroid, prostate and breast cancer, may be appropriate and whether this approach could reduce overtreatment.
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Prescription Tracking Tackles Misuse of Opioids and Other Drugs — But Results Vary

Read how Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PMDP) can help prescribers and pharmacists tackle the misuse of opioids and other drugs.
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Play Dates and Food Allergies: What Parents (and Hosts) Need to Know

Key tips to navigating children’s food allergies and intolerances when hosting playdates and other social engagements.
Health Lab

A Switch to Generic Eye Drugs Could Save Medicare Millions Annually

An analysis of Medicare Part D data reveals that a preference among eye care providers for name-brand medication has systemwide cost implications.
Health Lab

Why Primary Care Doctors Need to Rethink Chronic Pain Treatment

Primary care physicians play a key role in caring for patients with chronic pain. But many clinicians — and insurers — fail to emphasize the value of nonopioid alternatives.
Health Lab

New Technology Forges ‘Creative Paths’ to Open Completely Blocked Arteries

Opening severely blocked arteries can be a challenge with stents alone. New techniques are helping Michigan Medicine doctors complete the lifesaving procedure.
Health Lab

Why Are the Elderly More Likely to Catch Flu? Mouse Study Investigates

The elderly are more susceptible to viral lung infections. New research shows an immune cell in the lungs may help explain why.