Sharon Smith

Five moving memoirs and five more outstanding nonfiction titles comprise this year's 10th annual list of my favorite health books, listed alphabetically by title below. For more great reads, feel free to browse my lists from 2023 ,  2022 ,  2021 , and  2015-2020 . Hope this list helps with your holiday shopping! ** 1.  Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks , by Caitlin Rivers 2. The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER , by Thomas Fisher 3. The Good Doctor: A Father, a Son, and the Evolution of Medical Ethics , by Barron Lerner 4. The Hospital: Life, Death, and Dollars in a Small American Town , by Brian Alexander 5. How Medicine Works and When It Doesn’t: Learning Who to Trust to Get and Stay Healthy , by F. Perry Wilson 6. On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service , by Anthony Fauci ...

A recent analysis suggested improved survival for women screened for breast cancer at ages 40-49, whereas draft guidelines state the harms could outweigh the benefits. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-screening-40-49-years-boost-breast-cancer-survival-2024a1000lri?src=rss

Attitudes towards age need to change, and fast — even among healthcare professionals. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/watch-attitude-there-ageism-healthcare-2024a1000lra?src=rss

Sleep-disordered breathing remains common after stroke, affecting 60% of patients and showing no decline in prevalence from 2010 to 2023, a new meta-analysis suggested. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/sleep-disordered-breathing-common-after-stroke-2024a1000loo?src=rss

The new guideline also recommends faster tapering to a lower dose of glucocorticoids and a longer duration of immunosuppressive treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/updated-lupus-nephritis-guideline-advises-first-line-triple-2024a1000lom?src=rss

Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, and homicide rate and less greenspace were all linked to a higher risk for mild cognitive impairment, a new study showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/community-factors-linked-increased-mci-risk-2024a1000lol?src=rss

In a US trial, a digital support tool was found to improve anticoagulation initiation modestly but not significantly, with limited adoption affecting its effectiveness. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/decision-support-tool-fails-boost-anticoagulation-initiation-2024a1000lll?src=rss

Inulin-propionate ester wasn't more effective than inulin in preventing weight gain over 12 months in young adults at risk for obesity, showed a clinical trial of the fiber-mimicking compound. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/study-rules-out-weight-control-effect-young-adults-2024a1000llm?src=rss

Manni Mohyuddin, MD, discusses his top multiple myeloma abstracts being presented at the upcoming American Society of Hematology annual meeting. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/ash-2024-myeloma-studies-my-top-10-picks-2024a1000llk?src=rss

Colorectal cancer screening rates among adults aged 45-49 years roughly tripled after the USPSTF recommended screening in this age group, but disparities by socioeconomic status and locality persist. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/crc-screening-uptake-rises-adults-aged-45-49-years-old-2024a1000lhu?src=rss

California health officials are urging people to steer clear of a specific batch of raw milk after tests found it may contain the bird flu virus. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/bird-flu-fears-spark-recall-raw-milk-california-2024a1000lho?src=rss

Knowledge-based planning models for radiation therapy across multiple cancer sites produced fully automated, consistent, high-quality, and clinically acceptable plans, new data show. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-planning-models-enhance-radiation-therapy-cancer-2024a1000lef?src=rss

A large study of three databases showed highest hospitalization among older adults with comorbidities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rsv-infections-take-toll-adults-2024a1000lec?src=rss

Danish startup company’s combined hand scanner and artificial intelligence analyzer perform similarly to human rheumatologists in determining joint severity. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-robot-ultrasound-scanning-system-found-be-good-2024a1000leb?src=rss

Several years ago, during the first Trump administration, I excoriated the then-nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services , orthopedic surgeon Tom Price, for his poor understanding of cancer screening. (Secretary Price was confirmed by the Senate, but ended up serving for less than 8 months and resigning abruptly after Politico discovered he had spent $1 million in taxpayer dollars flying on private jets and military aircraft .) President-elect Trump has stated that he plans to nominate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of HHS this time around. I don't know RFK Jr.'s views on cancer screening. News stories have focused on his beliefs about water fluoridation, unpasteurized ("raw") milk, and vaccine safety. Few HHS Secretaries have actually been medical doctors; Dr. Price was the first M.D. to hold the position in 24 years. The position has typically been filled by former Congresspeople, governors, and professional administrators. The majority of the depar...

Using an AI-driven algorithm could potentially address the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods by analyzing trends in electronic health records. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-tool-identifies-undiagnosed-early-stage-masld-2024a1000lba?src=rss

Anti-TNF therapy during the early stages of pregnancy was associated with a decrease in the risk for gestational diabetes among women with inflammatory bowel disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/anti-tnf-therapy-lowers-gestational-diabetes-risk-ibd-2024a1000lb8?src=rss

Depressive symptoms at baseline or follow-up were associated with a lower likelihood of achieving remission in patients with RA and in those with PsA. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/depression-impacts-remission-patients-rheumatoid-arthritis-2024a1000l80?src=rss

Higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods, such as carbonated drinks, processed meats, and sweet or savory packaged snacks, is associated with accelerated biological aging. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ultraprocessed-foods-linked-faster-biological-aging-2024a1000l7u?src=rss

A study found that GLP-1 RA use is linked to risks for retained gastric contents during single endoscopic procedures but not with combined upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/food-retention-glp-1s-may-vary-endoscopic-procedure-2024a1000l4k?src=rss

Hospitals around the country are conserving critical intravenous fluid supplies to cope with a shortage that may last months. KFF Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/iv-fluid-shortage-may-change-hospital-hydration-practices-2024a1000l4i?src=rss

More evidence emerges that robotic animals can help older adults with depression and isolation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/woof-woof-robotic-pets-boost-senior-well-being-2024a1000l4g?src=rss

Negotiations continue, but a changing political climate and a missed key deadline cast doubt over readiness for a World Health Assembly vote in May 2025. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-changing-world-agree-who-pandemic-treaty-2024a1000l17?src=rss

The combination of sacubitril and valsartan reduces the cardiotoxicity related to anthracycline chemotherapy drugs, according to the first randomized study of this approach. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/common-heart-failure-drugs-ease-heart-damage-during-chemo-2024a1000l14?src=rss

Muvalaplin shows promise in lowering lipoprotein(a) levels, which are genetically determined and confer cardiovascular risk and for which no approved therapies currently exist. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-pill-successfully-lowers-lp-levels-2024a1000l13?src=rss

But the European public gives high priority to other sectors strongly integrating health into their policymaking. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/health-security-scores-low-europeans-health-agendas-2024a1000kyh?src=rss

Overscreening and overtreatment of men with prostate cancer and limited life expectancy continue to be an ongoing issue in the era of active surveillance. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prostate-cancer-has-active-surveillance-solved-problem-2024a1000ky9?src=rss

A new study highlighted the need to monitor long-term variability in blood pressure and mean blood pressure alongside intraocular pressure to prevent visual field progression in patients with glaucoma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/blood-pressure-variability-linked-glaucoma-progression-2024a1000ky2?src=rss

Experts in Europe certainly think so, saying there’s a need for a Europe-wide effort that integrates data on children’s physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial exposures. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/whats-exposome-data-and-can-it-lead-healthier-kids-2024a1000kxy?src=rss

Substantial improvements in ultrasound technology and expanded use of it have necessitated an update of the 2012 recommendations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-guidance-clarifies-use-musculoskeletal-ultrasound-2024a1000kxe?src=rss

Dramatic study results point to the potential for a steroid-sparing option for patients with the underrecognized multiorgan condition. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/b-cell-depleting-drug-shows-benefit-igg-related-disease-2024a1000kxc?src=rss

For patients with diabetes, a systolic target of 120 mm Hg led to a significant reduction in CV events in BPROADS, mirroring results from SPRINT in patients without diabetes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/intense-blood-pressure-lowering-benefit-confirmed-diabetes-2024a1000kxa?src=rss

SUMMT has shown for the first time that a drug can reduce major heart failure clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction and obesity. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tirzepatide-reduces-heart-failure-events-hfpef-obesity-2024a1000kx5?src=rss

Building emotional resilience can help mitigate emotional responses. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-handle-negative-patient-review-2024a1000kx2?src=rss

Evidence-based smoking cessation treatment within 6 months of a cancer diagnosis yielded the largest survival benefit, according to a prospective cohort study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/survival-after-cancer-and-smoking-when-it-best-quit-2024a1000kud?src=rss

Socioeconomic and educational disparities significantly affect the access of women to cancer screening and care in Europe. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/not-all-women-get-same-cancer-care-2024a1000ku8?src=rss

In a cohort study in the United States, high rates of emergency department visits during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk for severe maternal morbidity at the time of birth. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/higher-emergency-care-use-during-pregnancy-associated-risk-2024a1000ku4?src=rss

A manufacturer-funded study found a significant decrease in annual total medical costs in patients with overweight/obesity and heart failure. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/semaglutide-2-4-mg-could-cut-medical-costs-some-2024a1000krb?src=rss

Persistent prenatal distress is associated with a significantly increased risk for epilepsy in offspring, new research showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prenatal-stress-tied-increased-risk-childhood-epilepsy-2024a1000kr7?src=rss

There was no meaningful protection from major cardiac events after MI, reported investigators of the multinational placebo-controlled trial that is challenging common clinical practice. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/no-hint-benefit-large-colchicine-trial-2024a1000ko4?src=rss

Cardiac arrest survivors with complete neurologic recovery had significantly higher 5-year survival rates than those with moderate or severe neurologic disabilities, found a study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/brain-recovery-discharge-predicts-survival-after-cardiac-2024a1000klb?src=rss

A multicenter study found that the timing of radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy did not significantly affect patients' long-term health-related quality-of-life outcomes. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-radiation-timing-affect-qol-after-prostate-surgery-2024a1000kko?src=rss

Low-dose oral minoxidil did not have a significant effect on blood pressure in patients being treated for alopecia, although it increased heart rate slightly, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/low-dose-oral-minoxidil-does-not-significantly-affect-bp-2024a1000kkl?src=rss

Poorly controlled blood pressure among key risk factors in rare but potentially lethal neck hematomas occurring after thyroidectomy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/precautions-needed-prevent-hematoma-after-thyroid-surgery-2024a1000kkg?src=rss

Despite encouraging trends in control of tobacco smoking, progress in reducing use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut products has stalled and should be prioritized, the cancer agency said. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/smokeless-tobacco-areca-nut-chewing-behind-1-3-oral-cancers-2024a1000kkf?src=rss

A digital twin can replicate a human patient and test every treatment path in minutes, predicting what will work best. Just how good are they? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/building-ai-army-digital-twins-fight-cancer-2024a1000khq?src=rss

Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/endometriosis-raises-rates-postpartum-depression-other-2024a1000khk?src=rss

Heat waves were associated with increased adverse events among individuals older than 65 years with both Medicare and Medicaid coverage; higher mortality rates were observed during heat wave days vs non–heat wave days. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/heat-waves-pose-significant-health-risks-dually-eligible-2024a1000khf?src=rss

Four states voted in yesterday's election on ballot measures to legalize or regulate marijuana (cannabis). As of this morning, it appears that Nebraska will legalize medical cannabis, while Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota rejected legalizing cannabis for recreational use. A recent study described trends in medical cannabis licensure in 38 states and Washington, DC, from 2020 to 2022. The overall number of enrolled patients increased from 3.1 to 4.1 million, but 13 of the 15 jurisdictions that have legalized recreational use saw decreased enrollment, likely because patients no longer needed a clinician’s authorization to legally purchase cannabis. (In my state of Pennsylvania, where recreational use remains illegal, the prevalence of patients using medical cannabis more than doubled from 236 to 549 per 10,000 people.) Of concern, the percentage of patient-reported qualifying conditions with “substantial or conclusive” evidence supporting benefits of cannabis, as according ...

Among 355 patients with HS included in the systematic review, about 22% had inflammatory eye disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hidradenitis-suppurativa-linked-inflammatory-eye-disease-2024a1000kev?src=rss

Phase 3 study on previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia showed sustained PFS with venetoclax-obinutuzumab. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/venetoclax-obinutuzumab-clls-new-power-duo-2024a1000ket?src=rss

A disease historically associated with malnourishment on sailing vessels may have a new, modern culprit: Bariatric surgery. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/scurvy-diagnosis-still-relevant-today-2024a1000kep?src=rss

A meta-analysis found no association between cardiovascular events and the commonly used gastric acid suppressants, despite a relatively higher rate of this adverse event in trials of reflux disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/no-link-between-ppi-use-and-risk-cardiovascular-events-2024a1000kbn?src=rss

Medscape Medical News spoke with the ACR’s Rebecca L. Manno, MD, on updates to this year’s program and some highlights at the upcoming meeting. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/acr-convergence-2024-preview-what-you-need-know-2024a1000kbj?src=rss

AI-assisted colonoscopy improved adenoma detection compared with routine colonoscopy, regardless of the endoscopist’s experience, technology system, or healthcare setting. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-assisted-colonoscopy-increases-adenoma-detection-rate-20-2024a1000kbd?src=rss

The new warning affects labels for drugs made with semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-updates-glp-1-label-pulmonary-aspiration-warning-2024a1000k84?src=rss

The FDA continues to approve new drugs and expand indications for others at a rapid pace. Here’s a summary of what happened last month. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/last-month-oncology-fda-cancer-news-roundup-2024a1000k5n?src=rss

Neurologists debate the data on familiar immunosuppressive agents. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/myasthenia-gravis-where-does-traditional-therapy-fit-2024a1000k2g?src=rss

According to the study’s lead author, the topic has not been explored previously. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hs-linked-increased-risk-eating-disorders-2024a1000k2b?src=rss

Independent advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday voted against recommending Lexicon Pharmaceuticals' add-on treatment to insulin therapy for... Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/fda-advisers-vote-against-lexicon-pharmas-add-drug-type-1-2024a1000k00?src=rss

Adopting year-round standard time could help people maintain healthier sleep-wake rhythms, says a University of Calgary professor. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/semiannual-time-changes-linked-accidents-heart-attacks-2024a1000jzk?src=rss