It’s that time of the year. Time to get ready for the holidays and wrap-up 2022. Unfortunately, it’s also time for the flu. The Centers for Disease Control reported today that 7.5% of outpatient medical visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses. This may not seem like an alarming number but it’s as high as the peak of the 2017-18 flu season and exceeds any season since then.
There is good news – it’s not too late to get your flu shot! In fact, December 5-9 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, highlighting the importance of flu vaccinations.
Speaking of flu, have you ever wondered about the likely origins of the name influenza? According to historians, the name “influenza,” which is Italian for “influence,” originated in 15th century Italy from an epidemic attributed to “influence of the stars.” In medieval times, people thought that humans could fall under the influence of liquid flowing off of stars. Times have certainly changed!
This Weekend Reading series begins with News to Ponder with some of the latest healthcare stories hitting the headlines. Next, check out Wondering Why exploring the role of private equity in healthcare and transplant centers’ websites. In It’s a Wonder, you will find articles on gene therapy and other treatments. Last, but not least, check out Just Wondering and my personal favorite, The Fakelore of Food Origins!
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. News to Ponder
New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Positive Results but Side Effects. The drug from Eisai and Biogen slowed cognitive decline in study volunteers, but many had brain bleeds, swelling or other side effects (Wall Street Journal)
Few Americans Understand Alcohol’s Impact on Cancer Risk: Survey (HealthDay)
The Anti-Vaccine Documentary Died Suddenly Wants You to Feel, Not Think Clearly (McGill Univ. Office for Science and Society)
Twitter ends enforcement of COVID misinformation policy (Associated Press)
2. Wonder Why?
The Business of Clinical Trials Is Booming. Private Equity Has Taken Notice (Kaiser Health News)
How Hospice Became a For-Profit Hustle It began as a visionary notion—that patients could die with dignity at home (The New Yorker)
Most heart transplant centers’ websites get failing grade when it comes to clear, accessible information (Univ. of MI)
3. It’s a Wonder
A Gene Therapy for Hemophilia That Costs $3.5 Million Gets FDA Approval (HealthDay)
Biosimilar ‘skinny labels’ saved Medicare $1.5B, study shows (Becker’s Hospital Review)
FDA approves first fecal microbiome drug, setting stage for others (STAT News)
Should Older Seniors Risk Major Surgery? New Research Offers Guidance (Kaiser Health News)
4. Just Wondering
The Fakelore of Food Origins (JSTOR Daily)
Can’t Hear What Actors Are Saying on TV? It’s Not You. Probably there are things you can do to address audio issues introduced by the production process (Wall Street Journal)
Divers Accidentally Find a Piece of the Challenger Space Shuttle (Smithsonian Magazine)
‘Gaslighting’ Is Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year (Smithsonian Magazine)
Enjoy the weekend!
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
