Public Health

doctor listening to patient's hearbeat with stethoscope in hospital bed

Racial disparities in sudden cardiac death rates cannot be explained by known risk factors

Despite controlling for factors including income, smoking, and cholesterol levels, black patients remain at high risk.

Black people more likely to die of sudden cardiac arrest, but why?

Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine have found that the black people were more than twice as likely as white people to die of sudden cardiac arrest. Lead author Rajat Deo said that “a combination of awareness, education, and resource allocation may help reduce the burden of sudden cardiac death in a city like Philadelphia.”

sick child in bed with adult hand on forehead

Staying alert to the rare but real risks of acute flaccid myelitis

Sarah Hopkins, a pediatric neurologist at the Perelman School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has seen an increase in cases of the paralyzing condition this year. She explains what parents and pediatricians should watch for.

Cell phones pose plenty of risks, but none of them are cancer

Reviewing the results of a study exploring the relationship between cell phones and cancer, Kenneth Foster of the School of Engineering and Applied Science remains unconvinced of potential dangers. “Health agencies are saying that if there’s something there, it’s probably so small that there’s not likely to be a large effect on the population,” Foster said.

Cluster of cocaine-fentanyl overdoses in Philadelphia underscores the need for action

Recent outbreaks prompt Penn physicians to call for more coordinated rapid responses with front-line providers, health departments, and poison centers.

old photo album in the lap of an elderly person

Breaking the cycle of despair for people with dementia

A new book dissects the challenge of living with the disease for individuals who have it, and for their caregivers.

Campus Conversation to explore wellness in an atmosphere of hate

“A Campus Conversation on Hate and its Aftermath: How to Preserve One’s Wellness in Challenging Times” is being held on Monday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Houston Hall.

Penn alumnus and staff member named TIAA Difference Maker

The two-time Penn alumnus and staff member at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships has been selected as a TIAA Difference Maker 100 honoree for his efforts to improve nutrition for the young people of West Philadelphia.

young child getting a vaccine shot in the arm

Revisiting the rate of medical exemptions following California vaccine bill

The proportion of California kindergarten students who received all required vaccines at the start of school increased a year after the state eliminated nonmedical vaccine exemptions for school entry—but not without problems.

woman with cell phone clicking on an image of a heartbeat

Two apps target cancer risk in marginalized populations

The tech-based mobile health interventions from Nursing’s Anne Teitelman focus on preventive health actions, including the HPV vaccine.

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