Author Archives: Laura Newman

At Last, Sexual Orientation Question is Added
To CDC’s Youth Risk Factor Behavior Survey

On the heels of LGBT Pride events last weekend, PatientPOV.org takes a look at efforts to include LGBT individuals in health services research, health planning, and systems of care. Efforts to reduce disparities did not end with the defeat of … Continue reading

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To CDC’s Youth Risk Factor Behavior Survey

7 Disruptive Ways to Celebrate Mothers’ Day

It’s about time that we looked at Mothers Day expansively and rocked the boat. Lots of positive vibes could be set in motion. Some of my thoughts: 1.     Press for action and donate to organizations devoted to preventing unnecessary maternal … Continue reading

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Dying From Dirt

Many years ago, when my father was working his way through psychiatric diagnoses, my mother-in-law, whom I’ll call “J,” said, “If I ever get like that, take me out back and shoot me.” She was kidding, of course, but not … Continue reading

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5 Fun Facts About the New York Health Insurance Marketplace AKA The New York State of Health

I had the pleasure of hearing Elizabeth R. Benjamin, MSPH, JD, Vice President, Health Initiatives, Community Service Society, of New York, at a presentation she gave on the new insurance marketplace for the New York Chapter of the Association of … Continue reading

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When You Read that Radiology Report, Are You Worried, Getting Unnecessarily Primed for More Consults and Tests?

A few years ago, I watched a relative poring over her father’s chest x-ray report hanging on every word. He was 89. Everything sounded scary and worthy of worry.  It’s bad enough when patients go for these tests, the machines … Continue reading

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Concussions in School Sports: Is Culture Change Possible?

About a month ago, I stumbled across a news story in the Chicago Tribune about Drew Williams, a Lane Tech High School football player collapsing unexpectedly on the football field during a game. Ever since, he has been in a … Continue reading

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Back Pain Treatment Trends Worth Reversing

It may just be the American way –pull out all the stops and try anything or everything at great expense when it comes to medical care. Today’s post takes up how well the United States is doing at providing back … Continue reading

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Cardiovascular Care and the Bush Effect

It’s too soon to tell whether former President George W. Bush’s stent to open his coronary artery will change how Americans receive cardiovascular care, but I certainly have my worries. If the argument to aggressively search for cardiac disease in … Continue reading

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How Safe are Electronic Cigarettes? Not Everyone Agrees.

My friend lit up her electronic cigarette during intermission when we were on line for a bathroom at a Broadway theater. People on the line looked at her disapprovingly. She responded quickly: “I am not smoking. It’s only water vapor.” … Continue reading

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The Smoking Wars: Menthol, Minors, and More Smoking Bans

In case you thought that the war against smoking was in our rear-view mirror, it’s not.  On Monday, I had a guest blog on Scientific American concerning electronic cigarettes, which provoked a lot of heat and discussion. I’ll put it … Continue reading

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