Health Matters

Physicians are Spending More Time with Their Patients

In an analysis that sampled nearly 50,000 visits by adults to their primary care physicians between 1997 and 2005, researchers found that physicians have actually been spending more time with their patients, contrary to the common perception. During this 9 year period, the length of the average visit actually increased about 15% from about 18 minutes to 21 minutes. Visit lengths for the commonest conditions – such as diabetes – increased even more. The study also found that counseling by physicians about medications – an important component of good chronic disease care – was generally not associated with longer visits, reinforcing previous recommendations to ensure that patients are prescribed appropriate medications. Further details are available at Archives of Internal Medicine.

Obesity is Linked to Heart Disease Risk

Abnormal heart enlargement is associated with risk for a potentially serious heart rhythm abnormality, atrial fibrillation, which can lead to stroke and death. A study of over 1200 men and women has concluded that besides aging, being obese was the strongest risk factor for abnormal heart enlargement, and almost twice the risk due to high blood pressure. Preventing obesity is essential to avoiding this heart abnormality, and obesity, given its increasing prevalence in the US and in other developed countries, may soon replace high blood pressure as the main risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Efforts to decrease obesity through workplace wellness programs can complement public health and other initiatives to get people to maintain a healthy weight. The results appear in the Nov. 17 Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

One in Nine Americans Report Never Getting Enough Sleep

A recent survey by the CDC found that 11% of American adults reported that there was not even a single day in the previous month when they got enough sleep. This alarming finding was found in data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which surveys more than 400,000 people throughout the US. Fewer than 1 in 3 - only 30% - said that they had gotten enough sleep every day within the past month. Chronic sleep problems have been recognized as an important contributor to poor productivity as well as injury at work, and are associated with many physical and mental health problems. Behavioral strategies and lifestyle management programs are available to address this problem and require greater emphasis. Learn more.

New Tip Sheet on Older Men's Health Released

Given the growth in the older adult population, there is a need to address their health and wellness needs with high quality, up-to-date, and useful information. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS), the leading professional organization representing nearly 7000 geriatric medicine professionals, has released a new Tip Sheet on Older Men’s Health. Per the AGS Press Release, “By doing such things as eating a healthy diet, following an exercise plan that's appropriate for them, maintaining a healthy weight, refraining from smoking, seeing their healthcare providers for check-ups and screening tests, and taking medications as recommended - men can boost their odds of living longer and healthier lives," says geriatrician and AGS member Barney Spivack, MD, Medical Director of LifeCare, Inc. in Shelton, Connecticut. Learn more.

Fall-Related Injuries -- A Common, Costly and Preventable Problem

According to just released data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, hospital emergency departments treated more than 2 million older adults in 2006 for broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and other injuries caused by falls. In addition to the impact that falls can have on the ability of older adults to function independently, as well as other adverse effects, treating these fall-related injuries cost hospitals $7 billion for emergency treatment and subsequent inpatient care. Because many falls (and their associated injuries) are avoidable, these figures should prompt health plans, communities, employers, health professionals, and the public to become more aware of proven approaches to decrease fall and injury risks. Learn more.

For Better Health, Continue Working

A study published this month in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that men and women who continue working after retirement – either part-time or full-time – enjoyed better health than did those who quit work. Because this study controlled for health before retirement, the study confirmed what has commonly been recommended for successful aging – that being active intellectually, physically, and socially keeps older adults healthy. Given the aging of the workforce, employers and health plans should focus their efforts on programming to continue to keep employees and members engaged, active, and healthy for years to come. Learn more.

Employees Will Be Paying More for Health Coverage in 2010

Continuing a trend, workers can expect premiums and out of pocket health care costs to rise by about 10% next year, according to recently reported data from a leading consulting group. Employees will be shouldering a higher proportion of total health care costs, as many employers are shifting from a co-pay arrangement to a co-insurance model, in which workers pay a percentage of their total medical expense. Health and wellness prevention is now more important than ever, and many more companies are offering financial incentive to workers for completion of health assessments, biometric screenings, or other workplace wellness initiatives. Employees need to fully understand their health insurance benefits and options. Learn more.

Much Room for Improvement Noted in Advanced Dementia Care

As the population ages, chronic conditions associated with age, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, will unfortunately continue to significantly increase, unless we can prevent the progressive decline associated with this illness, or - hopefully in the future - be able to cure it. There is now good data from a rigorous study which reports that in patients with advanced dementia, infections and eating problems should be expected, and that they may indicate that the end of life is near. This study also pointed out that realistic communication with family members regarding the poor prognosis associated with advanced dementia often does not occur, making it difficult for families to understand its terminal nature, and the goals of comfort care which are appropriate for those with advanced disease. The study points out the need for family caregiver education and support. Employers should consider eldercare support and other services in order to optimize workplace productivity. Learn more.

Another Benefit of the Mediterranean Diet... It May Help Prevent Depression

Eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes higher consumption of fruits, nuts, fish and vegetables, has been promoted because of its many health benefits. Now there is evidence from a Spanish study, reported in the recent issue of Archives of General Psychiatry which shows that those who had the highest adherence to this diet also were the least likely over their lifetime to develop depression. The link between dietary factors and depression is not clear but may relate to metabolic effects of specific foods within this diet. Learn more.

Longer Life and Less Disability Predicted

A new study exploring the impact of population aging concludes that half of the babies born in developed countries today will live to be 100. This estimate is based upon continuing trends in life expectancy and health, and with the assumption that mortality in people younger than 50 does not increase. A significant impact of population aging will be a redistribution on work across the life span with many more older adults continuing to be part of the workforce. More countries will be increasing the retirement age in order to deal with the economic consequences of population aging. Learn about additional predictions.