Public Health | Penn Today

Medicaid expansions linked to slower rises in overdose deaths

A recent study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine contradicts the idea that state expansions of Medicaid leads to more illicit use of prescription opioids.

Digital resources could help narrow sexual health equity gap for Puerto Rican adolescents

A study from Penn Nursing shows results of a web-based intervention in Puerto Rico that is designed to increase sexual risk communication between parents and adolescents.

Football concussion rates plummet after one simple rule change, study shows

Penn researchers have found that adjusting the kickoff line by 5-yards prevented players from getting up to “full speed,” dramatically reducing the likelihood of a concussion-inducing tackle. “It’s a real public health success story,” said Douglas Wiebe of the Perelman School of Medicine.

Doctor: Soda tax is working

Paul Mather of the Perelman School of Medicine penned an op-ed in favor of Philadelphia’s tax on sugary drinks. Mather cited two studies on the tax’s effects: one that found that stores are now carrying more bottled water and a second that found a 22 percent reduction in sugar consumption by children.

Powerful antibodies suppress HIV for months, could simplify treatment

Katharine Bar of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on developments in the field of virological research. “This is a really exciting advance,” said Bar.

New Jersey Officials blame high lead levels in Bordentown on old homes, skewed testing

Rich Pepino of the School of Arts and Sciences discussed an increase in awareness of lead levels in New Jersey. “I’m not sure that [the increased awareness] lowers any risk for people receiving that water,” said Pepino. “Since lead has an accumulative effect, you would worry about young children may have had this exposure over time.”

Hospitals prepare for future disasters to prevent shortages of life-saving drugs

Fallout from previous hurricanes has made hospital staff more aware of the risks natural disasters bring, and are proactive in anticipating drug shortages and supplies.

Flu vaccination rates in clinics drop as day progresses, but ‘nudges’ give them a boost

A new study shows that nudges prompting staff to create templates for vaccine orders increases flu vaccination rates.

Desperate GOP twists Obama phrase into political attack line

PIK Professor Ezekiel Emanuel discussed the debate surrounding changes to the U.S. health care system. “Unlike a single-payer plan that forces people into a government system, Medicare-for-all offers lots of choices,” said Emanuel.

Analyzing roadside dust to identify potential health concerns

Reto Gieré is working with collaborators across the world to identify an overlooked but significant factor in traffic-related air pollution: Tiny bits of tires, brake pads, and road materials that become suspended in the air when vehicles pass over.

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