Agent Orange exposure appears to be an independent risk factor for a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, although it remains unclear how Vietnam veterans exposed to the defoliant fare when it comes to metastasis or mortality.
Lower Risks of Adverse Effects in Older Adults With Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Receipt of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by older adults was associated with a lower risk of adverse events than the Pfizer-BioNTech version, according to a new study.
Oral Cancer Patients Have Higher Risk of Death From Other Causes
Patients with oral cancer have a higher risk of death from noncancer causes compared to their counterparts of the same age and sex, and this risk increases by stage, according to a recent study.
American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans Had Less Access to Mental Telehealthcare
The American Indian/Alaskan Native population has traditionally experienced more serious health issues and barriers to healthcare compared to those of other races or ethnicities.
Molnupiravir’s Benefit Limited for Severe COVID-19 Outcomes in Veterans
Molnupiravir, an antiviral medication that is used to treat COVID-19, is not associated with significant clinical benefits, such as preventing hospitalizations or death in veterans with COVID-19, according to a recent study.
Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab Found Effective in Immunocompromised Veterans
The risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality is much higher for immunocompromised patients, and, while vaccines have been highly successful at preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and decreasing the likelihood of severe disease in the general population, those who are immunocompromised still face a greater danger for breakthrough infections and persistent viral replication, according to a new study.
Sooner Is Better for Obscure GI Bleeding Evaluation
Small-bowel evaluation through video-capsule endoscopy (VCE) or double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is often necessary to determine the cause of overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OOGIB).
Anemia Raises Dementia Risk in Veterans With CKD
What is the role of anemia in risk of dementia in veterans with chronic kidney disease?
Multiple Myeloma Unusual in Younger Patients, Behaves Differently
Multiple myeloma (MM) is extremely unusual in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) younger than 45, and, when it does occur, often has some unusual features.
Historical Practice of Redlining Is Linked to Adverse Cardiovascular Events
The historical practice of redlining, where neighborhoods were graded based on racial and ethnic compositions, has left a lasting impact on the health of communities across the United States.
Significant Increase in Celiac Disease Found in Military Population
The incidence and prevalence of celiac disease increased significantly in the U.S.
JAK Inhibitors: Effective Oral Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease
A few months ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first JAK Inhibitor for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers.
Performance of Outsourced VA Disability Exams Continues to Raise Questions
Congress first granted VA the authority to contract veterans’ medical disability examinations (MDEs) out to non-VA medical staff in 1996. The goal of that original pilot program was to see whether doing so would speed up the exam process and get veterans their benefits sooner.
Eight Ways to Lengthen Life From a Recent Study of Veterans
Adopting eight healthy lifestyle habits by middle age can help substantially lengthen life, according to a new study of veterans.
Key Differences Found Between Veterans Who Most Use VA, Those Who Don’t
The largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., the VHA serves more than 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare program.
Despite Hiring at a Record Pace, VA Struggles to Meet PACT Act Demand
The 1-year anniversary occurred last month of the signing of the PACT Act—the sweeping legislation that expanded healthcare and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service.
House Subcommittee Chair Expressed Concerns About VA Contractor Conflicts
VA spends more than $3 billion annually on management consulting contracts, relying on those contractors to help run nearly every facet of its operation in VHA and VBA.
Total Alcohol Abstinence Not Necessary to Benefit From CBT for Insomnia
Patients seeking treatment for insomnia are urged to abstain from alcohol, which is known to disrupt sleep. Sleep disturbances often continue, however, even in those who are abstinent, which decreases the likelihood of treatment completion and increases the risk of relapse.
Surprises in Patterns of Healthcare Use Among Urban AIAN Population
While healthcare access and use is a subject of national concern and considerable study, such studies often have failed to capture of subtleties of the healthcare experience of the American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) population.
Antibiotic Prescribing High for Respiratory Infection Patients; HIV Not a Factor
Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections, a major public health concern, is high in both patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and doesn’t appear to be affected by HIV status, according to a recent study.
Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Risk of Bladder Cancer in Vietnam Veterans
U.S. veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange have a modestly increased risk of bladder cancer, according to a recent study, which also found that younger Vietnam veterans appeared to be in the most peril.
Program Miles Helped Create Teaches Veterans How to Process Emotions
Psychotherapy is never easy, especially for a veteran being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Being asked to recall and dissect the most traumatic moments in your life can be an arduous task for anyone.
Ketamine Appears to Be as Effective as ECT for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Ketamine was found to be noninferior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as therapy for treatment-resistant major depression without psychosis, according to a new study.
Impaired Mitochondrial Function, Not Inflammation, Appears to Be Cause of GWI
Future clinical interventions for Gulf War Illness should focus on impaired mitochondrial function, not inflammation, according to a new study.
Businesses, Nonprofits Join Forces to Help Reduce Veteran Suicide
“You are not in this fight alone.”
Dog Ownership Reduces Cardiovascular Risks in Many but Not All Veterans
Owning a dog reduces the rates of a range of cardiovascular and related diseases in veterans, according to a new study.
Alternative Measurement Finds Slightly Higher Veteran Suicide Rate Than General Population
By any measure, suicide rates for veterans are higher than the general U.S. population; how much higher, however, can vary greatly by how the comparison group is defined.
Statins Play a Role in Type 2 Diabetes Progression to Insulin Use
In patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) play a role in statin-related progression to insulin therapy, according to a recent study.
House Version of NDAA Sets Up Fight With Democrat-Controlled Senate
The House of Representatives passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a narrow margin and with multiple controversial amendments targeting abortion access and gender-affirming healthcare for servicemembers, as well as diversity and inclusion efforts in the military.
Dermatology Group Seeks Better Stevens-Johnson Severity Tool
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (EN) is a severe adverse mucocutaneous drug reaction with life-threatening implications, usually caused by drug reactions.
