Weekly News

Weekly news updates are currently posted on our homepages, weekly news pages and sent directly to your inbox to provide up-to-date information on what has been covered in the news regarding hepatitis C and complementary health & wellness in the previous week.

Hepatitis C News Update

Gene Activity Study May Lead to Better Therapies for Fibrosis of the Liver
“A research team carried out an animal study aimed at better understanding the scarring process (fibrosis) in diseased or injured livers. They examined gene activity in two different mouse models exhibiting varying degrees of liver disease severity, also capturing certain phases of spontaneous regression of the disease. At the same time, important indicators of disease severity, such as portal venous pressure, blood markers of liver injury, or the extent of liver fibrosis based on liver tissue samples, were recorded.”

Atea’s antiviral treatment combo works for 98% of HCV patients
“Atea Pharmaceuticals’ once-daily oral antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) — a combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir — successfully cleared HCV within four weeks in 98% of patients in a clinical study, according to new lead-in trial data. The combination antiviral treatment was generally safe and well tolerated, with mostly mild adverse events, according to Atea. No drug-related serious adverse events and no treatment discontinuations were reported. Because the four-week efficacy of 98% exceeded the protocol-defined efficacy criterion of 90% or greater, the study will now continue with up to another 220 participants. It will assess the safety and a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after starting the eight-week treatment regimen. It also will evaluate failure to suppress HCV load, sustained virologic response at 24 weeks, and viral resistance.”

Resources for 2024 National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
“This year, National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) is on Wednesday, March 20. On this day, we pause to recognize the impact of HIV among Native populations and highlight the critical work happening in communities around the country to engage Native people, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, in fully ending the HIV epidemic. NNHAAD supports the Indigenous HIV/AIDS Syndemic Strategy: Weaving Together the National HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Referred to as the Indigi-HAS, the National HIV/AIDS Program for IHS coordinated its release. The Strategy complements the existing National HIV/AIDS Strategy and includes additional specific topics important to Indigenous communities. It adopts a syndemic approach, addressing HIV, hepatitis C virus, and sexually transmitted infections in an integrated way.”

Perinatally Acquired HCV is Better Treated Sooner than Later
“Children treated for perinatally acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) at 3 years of age will live longer and with lower health care costs than those treated at 6 years of age or older, according to investigators who indicate that their analysis model is the first to project life expectancy with age at treatment.”

FACT SHEET: The President’s Budget Protects and Increases Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare
“The President and the Vice President believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The Administration’s actions to protect and expand Americans’ access to quality, affordable healthcare have made a positive difference for Americans’ well-being and wallets. The Administration continues to build on, strengthen, and protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—and now more Americans have health insurance than under any other President.”

My Choices News Update

Oregon needs to listen to its patients
“More than half of Oregonians are living with at least one chronic health condition. One in four adults has a disability, and around 20,000 people receive a cancer diagnosis each year. Right now, our state is making critical drug pricing decisions that could make it harder for these patients to access the care they need. And it’s doing so without even giving them a seat at the table.”

Grant to Support Liver Disease Drug Development, Potentially Reduce Animal Testing
“Liver disease researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSM) will use a $7.8 million federal grant to build a new drug discovery center, which will test whether using human cells can replace animals in determining if and how a new drug works.”

Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management Increasing in Popularity
“Complementary health approaches, like yoga or acupuncture, can be particularly appealing to patients seeking natural and non-invasive approaches to improve their health.”

Guidance on Use of Race, Ethnicity, and Geographic Origin as Proxies for Genetic Ancestry Groups in Biomedical Publications
“In March 2023, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released a consensus study report titled Using Population Descriptors in Genetics and Genomics Research.1 Sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health, the report is more than a discussion of the use of terminology; the authors of the NASEM report suggest a tectonic shift away from current models that use race, ethnicity, and geographic origin as proxies for genetic ancestry groups (ie, a set of individuals who share more similar genetic ancestries) in genetic and genomic science.”

Why Diet Matters for the Planet and Your Health
““The hottest year was even hotter than expected,” read a recent headline in Science. If, like me, you want to do more to stave off the worst, then cast a more critical eye on diet. What we eat has a major climate impact, because food production generates high levels of the greenhouse gases (GHG) that underlie climate change.”

Navigating nutrition facts and fads
“In a world of diet trends and conflicting nutrition information, it can feel like you are bombarded by tons of “solutions” for health improvement every day. The truth is there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to personal nutrition. Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor in the public health and sports medicine department at Missouri State University, brings over 20 years of health care experience to her role.”

Habitual Short Sleep Duration, Diet, and Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults
Question  Is there an association between adherence to healthy diet, sleep duration, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults?
Findings  This cohort study analyzing data from 247 867 adults in the UK Biobank found that individuals sleeping less than 6 hours daily had a notably higher risk of developing T2D compared with those with 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Despite the association between healthier diets and reduced T2D risk, the increased risk associated with short sleep duration persisted even among adults with healthy eating habits.
Meaning  These findings suggest that adopting a healthy diet may not reduce the risk of developing T2D among those with habitual short sleep duration.”

Women who do strength training live longer. How much is enough?
“Resistance training does more than help us build strong muscles. A new study finds women who do strength training exercises two to three days a week are more likely to live longer and have a lower risk of death from heart disease, compared to women who do none.”

Walking 5,000 Steps Three Times Per Week Could Add Three Years to Life Expectancy
“LONDON, March 12, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research published by Vitality and the London School of Economics shows that sustaining a healthy exercise habit of at least 5,000 steps three times per week for two years can add up to three years to an individual’s life expectancy and reduce their healthcare costs by up to 13%.”

Demographic, health, physical activity, and workplace factors are associated with lower healthy working life expectancy and life expectancy at age 50
“This study identified demographic, health, physical activity, and workplace factors associated with lower HWLE and life expectancy at age 50. Identifying the extent of the impact on healthy working life highlights these factors as targets and the potential to mitigate against premature work exit is encouraging to policy-makers seeking to extend working life as well as people with musculoskeletal and mental health conditions and their employers. The HWLE gaps suggest that interventions are needed to promote the health, wellbeing and work outcomes of subpopulations with long-term health conditions.”

Hepatitis C News Update

History of Injection Drug Use, HCV Linked to Persistent Immunological Changes After DAA Therapy
“Curative DAA therapy did not completely normalize immune activation and inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with a history of injection drug use and HCV infection.”

Home-testing kits for hepatitis C made available in England
“Self-testing kits for hepatitis C are being made available from the NHS in England from Saturday. The free, confidential service is designed to reach people who may not access other services or do not feel able to approach their GP.”

Health professionals push to reduce infections killing Missouri babies
“The bill would also require a third trimester test for HIV and hepatitis C and hepatitis B, which can cause liver damage in infants.”

By combining offices, we are working to ensure compassionate, empathetic, and efficient service
“Recent data show that while Arizona’s rate of HIV infection has gone up slightly from the previous year, the rate of death from complications from the disease has decreased. This positive trend is due to multiple prevention methods, but most prominently the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) improve outcomes at the highest rate. Access to medication is vital to reducing deaths due to this disease. This important prevention and education is done by our Preparedness team members in the newly formed Office of HIV and Hepatitis C Services.”

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2024, as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York
“WHEREAS, In the 1980s, treatment finally became available for  those suffering  with these disorders; unfortunately, the treatments gave rise to the scourge of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C from contaminated blood; as a result, over 10,000 people with bleeding disorders died, and  those  who survived lived profoundly altered lives; and”

The deleterious effects of sofosbuvir and ribavirin (antiviral drugs against hepatitis C virus) on different body systems in male albino rats regarding reproductive, hematological, biochemical, hepatic, and renal profiles and histopathological changes
“Sofosbuvir is one of the crucial drugs used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults and children with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis. It may be used alone or with other drugs. Ribavirin is an antiviral medication used to treat HCV infection. It is not effective when used alone and must be used in combination with other medications, such as sofosbuvir.”

Hepatitis C virus detection and management after implementation of universal screening in pregnancy.
“Accurately identifying cases of hepatitis C virus has important medical and public health consequences. In the setting of rising hepatitis C virus prevalence and highly effective treatment with direct-acting antivirals, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine guidelines recently changed to recommend universal screening for hepatitis C virus during pregnancy. However, there is little data on the influence of this policy change on case identification and management.”

Patient Perspectives on Solid Organ Transplantation From Donors With Hepatitis C Viremia to Recipients Without Hepatitis C Viremia.
“Organ transplantation from donors with hepatitis C viremia (HCV) to recipients without HCV (HCV D+/R-) has excellent medical outcomes. Less is known about the psychosocial impact and experiences of HCV D+/R- recipients, particularly outside of clinical trials.”

Beneficial Treatment for Early-Stage Hepatitis C and HIV Co-Infection
“Shortened treatments have shown promise in the early stages of hepatitis C (HCV), with a study on the 4-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) regimen presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), highlights a promising strategy for HCV elimination, particularly in HIV co-infected populations.”

Hepatitis C Treatment Can Improve Liver Function in People With Decompensated Cirrhosis
““The Punjab HCV Model demonstrates that recompensation of cirrhosis is achievable,” but these patients should still receive regular liver cancer surveillance, as their risk remains elevated, the researchers concluded. “Patients with cirrhosis should be followed up following virological cure for new decompensations and hepatocellular carcinoma, which should be integrated in public healthcare policy for HCV elimination,” they recommended.”

My Choices News Update

Revolutionary Study Unveils Exercise as a Key to Unlocking Better Sleep for All Ages
“In the hustle of our daily lives, where the glow of screens often replaces the setting sun, a groundbreaking study from the University of South Australia offers a beacon of hope. It suggests a simple yet profound solution to the widespread struggle for a good night’s sleep: more physical activity. Involving 1,168 children and 1,360 adults, primarily mothers, the research illuminates the profound impact of daily exercise on sleep quality, challenging the conventional wisdom that focuses on pre-bedtime rituals.”

Determinants and outcomes of health-promoting lifestyle among people with schizophrenia
“Healthy lifestyle is an important protective factor of developing cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the determinants of lifestyle and its contribution to metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) and its association with metabolic syndrome among people with schizophrenia.”

One in eight people are now living with obesity
“Geneva, March 1, 2024 — New study released by the Lancet shows that, in 2022, more than 1 billion people in the world are now living with obesity. Worldwide, obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and has quadrupled among children and adolescents (5 to 19 years of age). The data also show that 43% of adults were overweight in 2022.”

Belly fat linked to cognitive decline in people at risk for Alzheimer’s
“Researchers from Rutgers University say abdominal fat could impact brain health and cognition among people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that middle-aged males with a high Alzheimer’s risk who had higher amounts of pancreatic fat had lower cognition and brain volumes. Abdominal fat also affected Alzheimer’s risk among female participants, but less so compared to males.”

Researchers unveil innovative remote nutrition education for adolescents with intellectual disability
“Researchers have unveiled innovative strategies to promote healthy eating habits among adolescents with special needs. MaryAnn Demchak, Ph.D., BCBA-D., professor of special education at the University of Nevada, Reno and alumna Brianna Grumstrup, Ph.D., assistant professor of special education at the University of Maine, Farmington, conducted a study utilizing the System of Least Prompts (SLP) delivered remotely to provide nutrition education to high school students with an intellectual disability.”

Study reveals broader elements of personal recovery for individuals at risk of mental illness
“Definitions of what recovery means to people at risk of mental illness should extend beyond symptom remission into broader areas of life and wellbeing. According to researchers at the University of Birmingham, ‘personal recovery’ – defined as a person’s capacity to live a full meaningful life in a community of one’s choosing despite the limitations imposed by illness – can be experienced by people at risk of developing serious mental health problems.”

Yogurts can now make limited claim that they lower type 2 diabetes risk, FDA says
“In a decision nearly five years in the making, the US Food and Drug Administration has decided that yogurts can now make a limited claim that the food may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the federal agency concluded Friday. The decision marks the first-ever qualified health claim the federal agency has issued for yogurt.” BUT read more…

Living near pubs, bars and fast-food restaurants could be bad for heart health
“Closer proximity to and a higher number of ready-to-eat food outlets — particularly pubs, bars and fast-food restaurants — may be associated with a greater risk of developing heart failure, according to a study of half a million adults in the UK Biobank. The association between food environments and increased heart failure risk was stronger among people who did not have a college degree and those living in urban areas without access to facilities for physical activity such as gyms or fitness centers.”

Mindful Eating Aims to Change Your Relationship With Food
“March 1, 2024 – You may be familiar with the basic steps: Slow down, notice what you’re eating, and enjoy your food. But mindful eating can be more nuanced, and if done with intention over time, it can change your relationship with food and benefit your health, experts say.”

Floating Towards Wellness: The Rising Tide of Sensory Deprivation Tanks in Stress Reduction and Therapy
“In an era where the quest for tranquility often leads to crowded yoga classes and mindfulness apps, a seemingly unconventional method is making waves in the health and wellness industry. Sensory deprivation tanks, also known as float tanks, are offering individuals a unique escape into stillness and serenity. By minimizing external sensory input, these tanks are not just about floating; they’re about fostering a profound sense of peace and well-being.”

Video:

1 in 3 women are impacted by obesity, but treatments are often uncovered
“NEW YORK — One in three women are impacted by obesity, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The disease is associated with more than 200 different health conditions, but treatments are often not covered by insurance. The Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention is advocating for change with a new campaign.”

Hepatitis C News Update

Egypt Expands Global Health Influence: Delivers Hepatitis C Medication to Uzbekistan
“In a significant move towards combating hepatitis C globally, Egypt has delivered another batch of ‘Sofosbuvir-400mg’ medication to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a milestone in the countries’ health cooperation. This action underlines Egypt’s rising role in global health diplomacy and its commitment to supporting other nations in their fight against debilitating diseases.”

Bipartisan effort underway to eliminate Hepatitis C in U.S.
“WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – A recent surveillance report from HepVu found the U.S. lacks the necessary funding and resources to combat viral hepatitis. Now, Louisiana and Maryland Senators are working on legislation to fund treatment which could change some American’s lives.”

Many patients face barriers in accessing treatments for hepatitis C
“While highly effective treatments for hepatitis C are available worldwide, many people — especially those living in poorer countries — are not able to access these medications, according to a new study that highlights barriers to care for this liver disease.”

VA’s HCV elimination program ‘incredibly successful’
“Among 133,732 veterans with HCV, 80.1% initiated treatment and 91.6% achieved SVR. Younger veterans were less likely to initiate treatment and achieve SVR.”

It’s Official: More Than Half of State Medicaid Programs No Longer Require Prior Authorization for First-Time Hepatitis C Treatment
“Newly updated for 2024, state report cards herald the end of fibrosis restrictions while warning about needs for parity with managed care organizations and restrictive retreatment policies.”

Broad Access to Direct-Acting Antivirals Reduces HCV Reinfections in Patients With HIV
“Broad access to direct-acting antiviral therapy has reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus reinfection in patients with HIV; however, the relative contribution of reinfection to the total number primary and subsequent reinfections combined has increased.”

My Choices News Update

Understanding and Reducing Your Cancer Risk: Insights from Dr. Jon Ebbert
“February marks National Cancer Prevention Month, a time when we turn our collective focus towards the prevention strategies that can help us reduce the risk of cancer. A leading voice in this discussion is Dr. Jon Ebbert, the medical director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. Dr. Ebbert’s extensive research and expertise shed light on the significant role that lifestyle choices, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight, play in influencing cancer risk.”

A quarter of smokers quit within a year or two of menthol bans, researchers find
“Menthol cigarette bans are effective at getting people to quit smoking, new research finds. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that a menthol ban is a “top priority,” but public health advocates have accused the Biden administration of dragging its feet, and the ban has gotten caught up in election-year politics despite research showing clear health benefits.”

Is Housing Health Care? State Medicaid Programs Increasingly Say ‘Yes’
“States are plowing billions of dollars into a high-stakes health care experiment that’s exploding around the country: using scarce public health insurance money to provide housing for the poorest and sickest Americans.”

The Atlantic Diet: Why Eating Local, Whole Foods May Improve Your Health
“This trendy diet may help stave off chronic disease, but it’s one of many eating patterns that prioritize whole foods and richness.”

Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students: a longitudinal study on daily level
“Physical activity has been proven to be beneficial for physical and psychological health as well as for academic achievement. However, especially university students are insufficiently physically active because of difficulties in time management regarding study, work, and social demands. As they are at a crucial life stage, it is of interest how physical activity affects university students’ stress load and recovery as well as their academic performance.”

Sleep, Exercise, and Avoiding Cigarettes are Key to Reducing IBS Risk
“Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is linked to a decreased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These habits include not smoking, vigorous physical activity, and getting enough quality sleep. Experts said that not smoking may reduce inflammation, exercise can regulate bowel movements and sleep can boost immune function – all of which contribute to a healthy gut and minimizing IBS symptoms. To treat IBS, avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Also, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and practice good sleep hygiene.”

Mindfulness at work protects against stress and burnout
“A new study has revealed that employees who are more mindful in the digital workplace are better protected against stress, anxiety and overload. Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine analysed survey data from 142 employees. The results have been published today in PLOS ONE.”

Hepatitis C News Update

Hepatitis C virus antibody seropositivity is associated with albuminuria but not peripheral artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
“In conclusion, severely increased albuminuria, but not the ABI, showed a significant association with HCV Ab seropositivity in patients aged ≥ 50 years with type 2 DM.”

Providers May Be Overlooking Average-Risk Patients for HCV Screening
“Although the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends universal hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening for all individuals 18-79 years of age, findings from a recent study suggest providers may still be basing their recommendations on patient risk factors and overlooking screening in patients perceived to be at average-risk of infection.”

NAFLD, Viral Hepatitis Among Liver Diseases Associated With Risk of Incident Cataract
“Liver diseases and their comorbid conditions extend well beyond the liver – extrahepatic manifestations often present as a result of the metabolic alterations and immune-mediated inflammation associated with liver disease, although findings from a recent study are providing novel insight into the association between hepatic and ophthalmic diseases.”

Eliminating Hepatitis C
“What we understand about viruses has changed immensely over my 35 years as a nurse. I was taught that we couldn’t cure viruses because they change too rapidly—think of the flu—and the best we could do was immunize against some of them. During the course of my career, we have done so much better than that, and this gives me hope and excitement for the future.”

Overreporting of adherence to hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral therapy and sustained virologic response among people who inject drugs in the HERO study
“Self-reported adherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) among persons who inject drugs (PWID) is often an overreport of objectively measured adherence. The association of such overreporting with sustained virologic response (SVR) is understudied. This study among PWID aimed to determine a threshold of overreporting adherence that optimally predicts lower SVR rates, and to explore correlates of the optimal overreporting threshold.”

Lung Transplant With HCV-Viremic Organ Does Not Increase Rejection, Allograft Dysfunction
“Findings from a recent single-center study are highlighting the feasibility and success of using hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donor organs for lung transplantation, showing no increase in acute or chronic lung allograft rejection compared to HCV-negative donor organs.”

My Choices News Update

Redefining Cancer: A New Approach to Early Stage Diseases
“The understanding of disease biology for many cancer types has significantly advanced in recent years. However, this progress is not always mirrored in the way cancer is defined and treated. This can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, particularly in cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and low-grade prostate cancer, which pose minimal risks for mortality or diminished quality of life.”

Scientists Tame Shapeless Monster Behind 75% of Cancers
“Researchers at UC Riverside have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer treatment by developing a peptide that can control MYC, a key protein involved in the majority of human cancers. This innovation offers new hope for targeting cancer at a molecular level, paving the way for more effective treatments.”

Revolutionizing Recovery: Ottawa Study Unveils VR Mindfulness as a Beacon for Veterans
“In Ottawa, a revolutionary study by the University of Ottawa uncovers the transformative potential of VR mindfulness training for veterans grappling with substance use recovery. This immersive approach enhances mood, state mindfulness, and overall well-being, shedding light on promising therapeutic interventions for mental health.”

Tai chi reduces blood pressure better than aerobic exercise, study finds
“Tai chi, a traditional, slow-moving form of Chinese martial art, is known to increase flexibility and improve balance. Now, new research suggests it’s better than more vigorous aerobic exercises for lowering blood pressure in people with prehypertension.”

How Exercise Can Help Boost Your Memory
“Forgetting information. Losing focus. Having difficulty doing tasks you used to find easy, like following a recipe or running errands. Struggling to remember the word for that thing…”

Exercise unleashes anti-inflammatory power against autoimmune diseases
“In a recent study published in Journal of Sport and Health Science, a group of researchers evaluated the impact of exercise training on reducing inflammation in adolescents and adults with autoimmune diseases through a systematic review of studies published over two decades.”

Women may get more health benefits from regular exercise than men
“Men and women who exercise regularly are less likely to die prematurely of any cause, including a cardiovascular event, compared to those who are sedentary. Researchers also report that women see more pronounced benefits than men from regular exercise. They added that exercise routines should contain both aerobic exercise and strength training.”

How To Get Sculpted Arms Like Miley Cyrus
“Do you feel like your arms could do with a serious tune-up but can’t afford a personal trainer or gym fees? We share a celebrity-inspired workout you can carry out at home without the celebrity price tag.”

Monday Medical: How integrative medicine can improve your health
“The more physicians and patients explore the many ways integrative medicine can be used to promote health and healing, the more it has become an integral component of American health care. “Both physicians and patients just need to have an open mind,” said Dr. Nicole Cotter, a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “Every patient can benefit from integrative medicine, and every physician can benefit from introducing elements of it into treating patients. In fact, primary care physicians are probably doing it more than their patients realize. Many people aren’t familiar with the name ‘integrative medicine,’ even though they are likely using it in one form or another.” Surveys show that 40% of Americans participate in some type of integrative medicine. It combines traditional or conventional medical practices with complementary medicine modalities, so patients receive the best of both approaches.”

Hepatitis C News Update

HEPATITIS C VIRUS ELIMINATION: AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL
“Louisiana and Washington, states with significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics, public health policies, and health rankings, provide models for screening, surveillance, treatment, and funding for other jurisdictions pursuing hepatitis C elimination by 2030.”

Changes to the Substance Use Disorder Confidentiality Regulation: Implications for Stakeholders
“Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule intended to implement a 2020 modification to the federal substance use disorder (SUD) privacy statute. The final rule more closely aligns the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records regulations under 42 CFR Part 2 with the regulatory requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule.”

Global Access to Hepatitis C Treatments
“A study published in The Lancet discusses access to reimbursement for direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is globally uneven, with low and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing notably lower rates of reimbursement compared to high-income nations. DAAs for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection offer high response rates (>95%) and have simplified HCV treatment management, allowing non-specialist healthcare providers to treat patients without advanced liver disease. To align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objectives for the elimination of HCV, it is essential to support countries, especially LMICs, in enhancing access to DAA reimbursement and eliminating barriers to reimbursement, with a particular focus on removing restrictions related to the type of prescriber to guarantee universal access.”

‘All hands on deck’: GIs should continue to be part of viral hepatitis care team
“Primary care providers and other specialists often refer patients to gastroenterologists with any liver-related health concerns, as they are the first touch point for newly diagnosed patients or those living with chronic liver disease.”

WHO’s guidance for the treatment of hemophilia sparks controversy
“In the 1970s and ’80s, treating my von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B often involved a regimen that included fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Cryoprecipitate, a blood component derived from frozen plasma, contains vital clotting factors such as fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and factor XIII.”

NYS Test4HepC Campaign to Promote Hepatitis C Screening During Pregnancy
“Universal hepatitis C screening among pregnant people was identified in the New York State Hepatitis C Elimination Plan as a priority for moving the state towards hepatitis C elimination by 2030. Effective May 3, 2024, New York State’s hepatitis C testing legislation will require all health care providers attending a pregnant person to screen for hepatitis C during each pregnancy and document the result prominently in the medical record at or before the time of hospital admission for delivery.”

My Choices News Update

Georgia State University Researcher Examines State of Warning Labels on Cannabis, Tobacco and Opioid Medications
“ATLANTA — A growing number of states have legalized recreational marijuana use, but a lack of consistency in warning consumers of potential harms threatens public health. That’s one of many takeaways from a review article authored by a Georgia State University School of Public Health researcher and her colleagues that examines the impact of warning labels on tobacco, cannabis and prescription opioids. The article appears in the early online edition of the journal Annual Review of Public Health.”

Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness for Heart Health: Promoting Adherence to the DASH Diet and Beyond
“Recent studies have uncovered intriguing links between mindfulness training and improved adherence to the DASH diet, a diet plan renowned for its cardiovascular benefits. This notable finding emphasizes the potential of mindfulness as a tool for fostering healthier dietary habits, particularly among those battling hypertension. The research offers invaluable insights into the interplay between mindfulness and heart health, shedding new light on the possible advantages of mindfulness practices for managing high blood pressure. The message is clear: adopting a mindful approach to eating could hold the key to better heart health.”

Harnessing the Power of Diaphragmatic Breathing for Stress Relief and Better Health
“In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become pervasive issues affecting millions of people. While there are various coping mechanisms, one simple and effective method that often gets overlooked is diaphragmatic breathing. It’s a mindful breathing technique that can be practiced anytime, anywhere, and has been scientifically proven to lower stress and reduce feelings of anxiety.”

Study says long COVID makes exercise difficult, but a North Texas doctor says not impossible
“A recent study found long COVID can adversely affect your ability to exercise. And not just because of chronic fatigue. However, Dr. Salman Bhai, director of the neuromuscular center at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Dallas, told KERA’s Sam Baker that with help, an exercise routine is still possible with long COVID.”

You Probably Can’t ‘Exercise Away’ the Calories in Sodas: Study
“Key Takeaways: Working out won’t eliminate the risk to heart health posed by sugary drinks. People consuming sugary drinks more than twice a week had a higher risk of heart disease, regardless of their physical activity levels. Artificially sweetened beverages were not associated with heart risk”

Does Your Blood Type Affect Your Heart Health? Yes, but Here’s the Full Story
“Certain blood types are associated with health problems like blood clotting, but that’s just one piece of the heart health puzzle.”

We asked. You answered. Here are your secrets to healthy aging
“In the 1960s and ’70s, The 2,000 Year-Old Man, was popular a comedy routine performed by Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. Brooks played a 2,000 year-old man – apparently in terrific health – and Reiner, a modern man, would ask him questions, including if he’d share the secrets to his longevity. “The major thing is that I never ever touch fried food,” was Brooks’ response in one early recording. Also, “Never run for a bus; there will always be another,” and eat lots of nectarines. Not bad! Whether you’re 2,000 or 20, we’re all aging and we all have wisdom and experiences to share. That’s why NPR asked our listeners and readers to share their secrets to living a long and healthy life, as part of our new series, How to Thrive as You Age. To date we’ve received over 1,000 responses from readers and listeners ages 16 to 103.”

Weight-loss drugs aren’t a magic bullet. Lifestyle changes are key to lasting health
“The headlines are compelling, with phrases like, “The Obesity Revolution,” and “A new ‘miracle’ weight-loss drug really works.” The before-and-after pictures are inspiring. People who have struggled for decades to shed pounds are finally finding an effective strategy.”

Weekly News Update.
Caring Ambassadors Program provides 3 weekly news updates covering Lung Cancer News, Hepatitis C News, and My Choices© Update. Receive them delivered weekly to your inbox.