Since a landmark study suggested that the risks of hormone therapy outweigh the benefits, women—and their physicians—have wondered how to safely treat symptoms of menopause. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) is a large, long-term study aimed at collecting data to help women understand and prevent serious conditions more likely to afflict post-menopausal women like heart … Continued

Excellent medical care is the dream of every parent with a desperately ill child.  At North Carolina Children’s Hospital, medical care became a nightmare for parents and their children with complicated cardiac conditions. New York Times Investigation University of North Carolina Cardiothoracic Unit In May of this year, The New York Times published a disturbing … Continued

New research confirms what some studies have suggested—that steroid injections timed within a month of rotator cuff surgery could increase risk of infection for patients. The shoulder joint offers a greater range of flexibility than any other joint in the body.  From injury, overuse, or age, shoulder pain is a frequent symptom for many people.  … Continued

Responding to safety concerns, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned manufacturers from selling surgical mesh used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Approximately 50 percent of women over age 50 experience symptoms of pelvic organic prolapse.  Age, menopause, and childbearing contribute to a weakening of pelvic muscles that hold the bladder, uterus, … Continued

If your child, family member, or partner suffers a blow to the head but they have no concussion symptoms—did they get off lucky?  A study from Boston University (BU) supports a developing discussion about pathology caused by brain trauma—not by concussions. For professional athletes, risk of neurological impairment at early, mid, or late life is … Continued

A recent study found that even inactive ingredients in prescription or over-the-counter medications may have unpleasant or serious side effects. Published in Science Translational Medicine, a joint research effort from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital determined that virtually all pills and capsules contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic … Continued

Though not common, pregnancy can put some women at greater risk of severe or fatal stroke. Stroke occurs when blood vessels are blocked or broken.  An ischemic stroke occurs when fatty plaque or a clot blocks a blood vessel.  The blockage deprives brain tissue of oxygen-rich blood.  Without oxygen, brain cells quickly die, sometimes causing … Continued