Category: Health
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Let’s Talk About Physician Burnout
According to Medscape’s 2018 Annual Physician Lifestyle Report, Burnout and Depression Section, 42 percent of physicians surveyed have reported burnout symptoms in the last year. Fifteen percent of physicians admitted to experiencing either clinical or colloquial forms of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health reports 6.7 percent of all American adults suffered at least…
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New Alabama Mothers Encouraged to Complete PRAMS Survey
Why are some babies born healthy while others are not? The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) surveys new mothers about their pregnancy, delivery and their infant to find answers. PRAMS is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Mothers who receive surveys…
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ADPH Issues Synthetic Cannabinoids Alert
ADPH Issues Synthetic Cannabinoids Alert; Severe Bleeding a Dangerous Side Effect The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) cautions the public about the hazards of synthetic cannabinoids after the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) linked serious complications including death to their use. As of April 24, 2018, IDPH has received reports of 153 cases,…
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NIH’s All of Us Research Program Kicks Off in Birmingham on May 6
On May 6, the National Institutes of Health will open national enrollment for the All of Us Research Program, a momentous effort to advance individualized prevention, treatment and care for people of all backgrounds. People ages 18 and older, regardless of health status, will be able to enroll. The official launch date will be marked…
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Study: Flu May be Spread Just by Breathing
It is easier to spread the influenza virus than previously thought, according to a new University of Maryland-led study. People commonly believe that they can catch the flu by exposure to droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces. But, new information about flu transmission reveals that we may pass…
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ADPH to Hold Special Flu Shot Clinics
MONTGOMERY — With influenza activity levels continuing to increase across the state, including several deaths attributed to the deaths, the Alabama Department of Public Health is conducting free flu shot clinics for Alabama residents. The vaccine is available for both children and adults and there will be no charge for the vaccination during these Influenza Vaccination…
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Flu Outbreak Causes State of Public Health Emergency
An outbreak of the influenza virus has prompted Gov. Kay Ivey to issue a “State Public Health Emergency” for the state of Alabama. The virus poses a high threat of widespread exposure to an infectious agent that poses a risk of substantial harm to a large number of people, according to the proclamation issued by…
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Alabama Experiences Significant Influenza Activity this Season
Influenza activity levels are increasing across the State of Alabama. Several positive influenza specimens in northern Alabama have been identified in the previous three weeks. While the flu season is just getting started in much of the country, activity is already high in Alabama. Flu is a very contagious respiratory illness. Some of the symptoms…
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Alabama’s Infant Mortality Rate Increased in 2016
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health the state’s infant mortality rate of 9.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016 is the highest since 2008. This represents the deaths of 537 infants who did not reach 1 year of age. There were 59,090 live births in 2016. “Our infant mortality rate is…
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November is American Diabetes Month
November marks the annual observance of American Diabetes Month. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, this observance aims to focus our nation’s attention on the disease and the tens of millions of Americans affected by it. Judging by the numbers, it is imperative that individuals are informed about diabetes and the consequences associated with…