Voters believe next president will have huge influence on health care

As Americans went to the polls last week for Super Tuesday, many have healthcare issues on their minds, and high expectations for the next administration. The next president will be able to do something about U.S. healthcare costs, or at least that’s the belief of more than three-quarters of U.S. voters, says the report. Click here for more.

HealthGrades Releases Hospital Quality Study

Patients at the nation’s top-rated hospitals, as designated by the annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study, are 27 percent less likely to die than patients at all other hospitals, according to a study released by HealthGrades, an independent healthcare ratings organization. In addition, the study found that surgical patients had a 5 percent lower chance of complications if their surgery was performed at a top-ranking hospital. To view the survey, click here and scroll down to HealthGrade Research.

Health professionals advocate 10,000 steps a day goal

Walking 10,000 steps every day could be the key to a healthy lifestyle, according to U.S. health professionals. Experts say exercise programs with a focus on goals help motivate people, and one study found people who had a goal of walking 10,000 steps per day increased the number of steps they took by 27 percent. Click here for more.

Editor’s Note: If you have not joined this campaign, consider doing so! You will feel better!

Bridges of Excellence coalition pushes medical home concept

The Bridges of Excellence coalition is offering bonuses to doctors who create “medical homes” for patients that include taking such steps as following up on referrals, monitoring for chronic conditions, tracking tests and flagging abnormal results. The group estimates that quality improvements can save $250 to $300 per patient annually. Click here for more.

7,000 children per year sent to ED with cold-drug reaction

Adverse reactions to cold and cough drugs resulted in more than 7,000 emergency room visits involving children ages 2 to 5 in 2004 and 2005, a CDC report says. The research was released weeks after the FDA warned parents not to use the treatments in children younger than 2. Click here for more.

Editor’s Note: With flu season upon us, this article presents some valuable information.