WASHINGTON, DC—“The whole idea is to look at diabetes as the enemy. Instead of just attacking the enemy from one end, you want to attack the enemy from all sides. Surround the enemy.”

BETHESDA, MD—For years now, physicians have been imploring the nation to get more exercise. Pointing to research showing great benefits in overall health and in combating chronic disease, researchers have also been pressing employers to include exercise and nutrition programs into the workplace.

WASHINGTON, DC—A joint project between Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has made a positive difference in diabetes care for military patients, dependents, and retirees, according to Maj Brian Allenbrand, an endocrinology flight commander at WHMC.

WASHINGTON, DC—At the age of 19, Marvelyn Brown, a college student, was sick in the hospital when she was confronted with the news that she was HIV positive.

WASHINGTON, DC—Research into women’s healthcare has improved over the last 20 years, but still lags in several key areas, according to an IoM report released last month.

WASHINGTON, DC—Nurses should be playing a stronger role in the nation’s healthcare systems, and should be among the leaders in the redesigning of care in the United States, according to an IoM report released last month.

WASHINGTON, DC—A Senate committee criticized IHS officials for serious mismanagement issues as well as poor performance by some employees in its Aberdeen Area at a hearing held in September.

WASHINGTON, DC—The CDC is recommending for the first time that all Americans six months and older get vaccinated for the flu. CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, explained at a news conference last month that the universal influenza vaccine recommendation was made because the flu can be serious even in healthy people.

Clevidipine for Vasoreactivity Evaluation of the Pulmonary Arterial Bed (CARVE)

Purpose: The CARVE study assesses the effect of Clevidipine, an ultra-short acting vasoselective calcium antagonist, on pulmonary vascular resistance and its utility for pulmonary vasoreactivity testing during right heart catheterization of patients with pulmonary hypertension.

New Technology Allows Better Communication During Surgery

A new computerized, operating room control system called OR•Control, designed to allow better communication between clinical staff and also allow family members and friends to follow the progress of their loved ones through surgery, was recently introduced at the Michael DeBakey VAMC in Houston.