The Hidden Connection Between Smoking and Opioids

The Hidden Connection Between Smoking and Opioids

A new analysis highlights the connection between smoking and opioid use. Data from the AHRQ Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the National Health Interview Survey reveal that smokers are significantly more likely to use prescription opioids than non-smokers....
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: A Key Component to Preventive Healthcare | NEW Resources Available

Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: A Key Component to Preventive Healthcare | NEW Resources Available

An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a preventive visit designed to help patients update their medical providers about their current health status. During an AWV, a patient answers questions in a health risk assessment (HRA) to update their personalized prevention plan....
Join the Conversation: Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Falls in Older Adults

Join the Conversation: Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Falls in Older Adults

Falls threaten the safety and independence for older Americans and can create a heavy economic and personal burden. National Falls Prevention Awareness Week will be observed September 23 – 27, 2024. Throughout September we will work to bring attention to the issue of...
Vaccine Hesitancy | A Growing Public Health Concern

Vaccine Hesitancy | A Growing Public Health Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified vaccine hesitancy and refusal of vaccines as a significant global health challenge¹. To mitigate these issues, public health experts are increasingly focused on understanding the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy...
South Dakota Tobacco Control Program Webinar Series on Tobacco Cessation

South Dakota Tobacco Control Program Webinar Series on Tobacco Cessation

The South Dakota Tobacco Control Program is hosting a webinar series this fall on tobacco cessation. Additional information and registration links for each session are included below. Be sure to register and take part in these important conversations. Tobacco...
The Impact of Social Factors on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health

The Impact of Social Factors on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension remains a leading, yet preventable, cause of global mortality, claiming over 10 million lives annually. Despite its significant impact, blood pressure control rates remain alarmingly low. While high-income countries achieve approximately 50% control, this...
Influenza Significantly Increases Heart Attack Risk, Especially in Healthy People

Influenza Significantly Increases Heart Attack Risk, Especially in Healthy People

A new study has uncovered a startling connection between influenza and heart attacks. Researchers found that people who contract the flu face a significantly heightened risk of experiencing a heart attack, particularly within the first week of illness. Surprisingly,...
Surviving Sepsis: What Happens Afterwards?

Surviving Sepsis: What Happens Afterwards?

Most people who survive sepsis make a full recovery, but it can take time and may involve long-term physical and emotional effects. These effects are sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome, a condition that affects up to 50% of sepsis survivors. It’s important to...
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A Growing Threat to Our Elderly Patients

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A Growing Threat to Our Elderly Patients

A recent global study spanning 204 countries revealed a startling truth: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are on the rise.¹ This alarming trend is directly linked to increasing life expectancy as older individuals are significantly more susceptible to these infections....
Viruses Can Lead to Pneumonia: Prepare, Respond and Control

Viruses Can Lead to Pneumonia: Prepare, Respond and Control

Pneumonia is a leading cause of illness for the elderly population which includes residents that live within the long-term care setting. Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia (NHAP) is spread through contact with bacteria, viruses and fungi. These germs are present in...