Why Are So Few COPD Patients Getting Vital Rehab Treatment?

THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 -- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains the fourth biggest killer in the United States. But only a fraction of the millions of people who could benefit from post-hospital rehab for COPD are doing so, new research shows.

COPD is a progressive, debilitating and incurable respiratory illness, often tied to smoking. Many patients require supplementary oxygen to live normal lives.

Major Injuries Take a Toll on Mental Health

MONDAY, Nov. 12, 2018 -- People who've suffered major traumatic injuries are at much greater risk for mental health problems and suicide, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 19,000 people in the Canadian province of Ontario who suffered serious injuries. Most of the injuries (89 percent) were accidental rather than intentional (for example, car crashes and falls).

Workers' Comp Often a Gateway to Opioid Abuse: Study

MONDAY, Oct. 29, 2018 -- Many injured workers turn to opioid painkillers for relief, and nearly 30 percent may still be taking them three months after their injury -- increasing the odds of addiction, a new study suggests.

"The increased likelihood of persistent opioid use among strain and sprain injuries is potentially concerning, particularly given the limited evidence to support opioid therapy for these injuries," said study lead author Nathan O'Hara. He's a research associate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's department of orthopedics, in Baltimore.

Sexual Assault Has Long-Term Mental, Physical Impact

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 3, 2018 -- Decades-old allegations of sexual assault have consumed the nation for the past two weeks, as the Senate, the FBI and the public wrestle with what it all may mean for both the U.S. Supreme Court and American society at large in the age of #MeToo.

The high-stakes debate is still unfolding. But now comes a new study that warns that sexual assault and harassment often take a significant long-term toll on a victim's mental and physical health, increasing the risk not only for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also high blood pressure and sleep loss.