Health Lab

Putting Omicron in context | Michigan Medicine

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An expert discusses what the latest coronavirus mutations could mean. Please note that this blog article was published on December 1, 2021, and since ...

Resources for helping students cope with trauma after a school shooting | Michigan Medicine

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Traumatic news, plus the stress of a pandemic and upcoming holidays, make this a critical time for young people and their parents and school staff. As...

New research casts light on possible cause behind long COVID | Michigan Medicine

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the millions of people who survived COVID-19 infection only to experience lingering symptoms, referred to colloquially as long COVID, much remains...

Data supports what surgeons performing gender-affirming mastectomies see in clinic | Michigan Medicine

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Surgeons who perform gender-affirming mastectomies know that they help patients. A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers provides data to show ex...

COVID antibodies may reduce reinfection, but vaccines can provide additional protection | Michigan Medicine

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A Michigan Medicine study found that most patients with mild COVID-19 infections produce antibodies that persist and protect them from reinfection for...

The importance of training providers in inclusive care for transgender patients | Michigan Medicine

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Halley Crissman, M.D., M.P.H., first became a medical student at the University of Michigan, she saw the school’s non-discrimination policy on ...

Could the next therapy for COVID-19 already be at your local pharmacy? | Michigan Medicine

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers worldwide have been looking for ways to treat COVID-19. And while the COVID-19 vaccines represent the...

Health and financial impacts for patients after short hospitalizations for COVID | Michigan Medicine

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Even a relatively short hospital stay for COVID-19 can result in long-term health and financial impacts for patients, according to early results from ...

Mask guidance during delta | Michigan Medicine

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Experts are recommending wearing masks again, even for those vaccinated against COVID-19. Here’s why. For the full text, visit the blog article page...

Cannabis and sports | Michigan Medicine

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson’s medal-winning hopes were dashed when she tested positive for THC, the main intoxicating compound found...

Understanding Achilles Injuries | Michigan Medicine

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During June of 2021, as many Americans started spending more time outside, physicians at Michigan Medicine diagnosed more Achilles ruptures than they ...

Pregnancy Care Recommendations Change for First Time Since 1930 | Michigan Medicine

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time in almost a century, experts release new pregnancy care recommendations that focus on tailoring care to individual patients.For the...

Eating disorders in teens spike during the pandemic

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One hospital reports significant increase in medical admissions among adolescents with existing or newly developed eating disorders during pandemic. F...

Putting the Delta Variant in Context | Michigan Medicine

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Delta variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible and can cause breakthrough infections even in vaccinated people, but what does it mean practically...

‘Medicine Is The Ultimate Team Sport’ | Michigan Medicine

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re sharing a conversation that our Medical School’s Director of Admissions Carol Teener had recently with Dr. Deborah Berman. Dr. Berman ...

11 Things to Know About Masks Right Now | Michigan Medicine

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NOTE: This recording was recorded in May, when the article first published. Check the CDC's website for the most current updates.No matter where you f...

Data Shows Parents Vaccinated During Pregnancy Help Protect Newborns from COVID | Michigan Medicine

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While babies can’t receive the COVID vaccine themselves, they may still benefit from vaccine antibodies that pass through the placenta or breastmilk...

The Details and Differences of Pregnancy Specialists | Michigan Medicine

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

While selecting nursery colors and baby names may be among your first thoughts after discovering you’re pregnant, there’s another important choice...

More People Are Turning to CBD to Manage Fibromyalgia Pain | Michigan Medicine

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The cannabis-derived substance provides fewer side effects, with less potential for abuse.For the full blog post text, visit: https://labblog.uofmheal...

Is the Idea of a Maskless World Giving You Anxiety? | Michigan Medicine

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Experts weigh in on how best to adapt to new mask-related policies.For the full blog post text, visit: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prev...

45 is the New 50 for Colorectal Cancer Screening | Michigan Medicine

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the recommended age of colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45. Colorectal cancer cases have ri...

Who Can Ask if You've Had the COVID Vaccine? | Michigan Medicine

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why a false controversy about vaccine privacy and “passports” threatens to prolong the pandemic.For the full blog post text, visit: https://health...

A One Year Online Degree in Learning Health Systems? Yes, It Can Be Done. | Michigan Medicine

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For the full text blog post, visit: https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/med-u/a-new-online-masters-degree-changing-gameLearn more about the HILS-Online gra...

Do You Need to Be Tested Before Surgery?

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A wealth of evidence suggests these tests are often unnecessary, costly, and can lead to adverse effects. For more information about this story,...

A Natural Alternative to Opioids? | Michigan Medicine

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A study in cells and mice finds a compound that works with fewer side effects than opioids.For the full text of this story, visit: https://labblog.uof...

Men and the HPV Vaccine

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

But they should: A cancer found in the throat is now the leading cancer caused by HPV, and 80% of those diagnosed are men.For more information about t...

Smoking and Surgery

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Almost a quarter of those undergoing common surgical procedures also smoke.For more information about this story, visit https://labblog.uofmhealth.org...

Ovarian Cancer and End-of-Life Care

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Clinical guidelines have encouraged the integration of palliative care, yet medicine lags far behind its goals for ovarian cancer, especially for peop...

Getting Back to Work After Injury

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A study finds almost 60% of adult patients who needed to be hospitalized for injuries eventually go back to work. Yet they’re more likely to be phys...

COVID-19 and Mammograms

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Swollen lymph nodes, a possible side effect of the vaccine, could raise unnecessary concerns if they appear on your screening exam. An expert explains...

Highlighting Health Barriers for Middle Eastern and North African People | Michigan Medicine

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Southeast Michigan’s Middle Eastern and North African population face significant barriers to achieving optimal health.For more, visit https://michm...

Helping Create Treatment Guidelines for COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A Michigan Medicine team’s online guidelines have been viewed more than 30,000 times by providers in 150 countries since the beginning of the pandem...

MIS-C: What Do We Know So Far About This COVID-Related Pediatric Condition? | Michigan Medicine

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly every state has reported cases of a rare, but potentially life-threatening, COVID-related inflammatory illness affecting children.For the full ...

How to Best Manage Crohn’s Disease | Michigan Medicine

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Two gastroenterologists weigh in on the most effective evidence-based ways to treat the complex disease. For the full article, please visit: http...

Does It Matter Which COVID Vaccine You Get? | Michigan Medicine

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – with more COVID vaccines available, does it matter which one you get? An expert on COVID variants disc...

Flu Shots May Have Benefits When It Comes To COVID Infection | Michigan Medicine

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A new study finds encouraging associations between flu shots and less severe COVID infections.For the full article, please visit: https://labblog.uofm...

What Happens After the COVID-19 Vaccine, Minute by Minute

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An immunologist explains how the vaccine trains your immune system to fight the coronavirus. ‘For more information about this story visit https://he...

Poll Finds More Teens Protesting Racism | Michigan Medicine

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The majority of parents support teen’s involvement with demonstrations about racism and police reform, but some may need to expand conversations in ...

Navigating Physical and Mental Health During the Holidays and COVID | Michigan Medicine

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As cold weather approaches, a gastrointestinal psychologist shares best practices for navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic.For more informatio...

The Latest Treatments for COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An infectious disease expert discusses the latest treatments for COVID-19.For more information about this story visit: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.o...

Transgender Americans May Seek Alternative Ways to Get Gender-Affirming Hormones Due to Insurance Barriers | Michigan Medicine

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A study finds that an estimated 170,000 people who are transgender in the United States may access hormones from friends, online or other non-licensed...

Is it a Cold, the Flu or COVID? | Michigan Medicine

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You wake up one morning feeling under the weather. While in previous years you may have chalked up a sore throat or body aches to a run-of-the-mill co...

Placenta Issues | Michigan Medicine

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Problems with her placenta inspired physician Courtney Townsel to specialize in helping others understand the high risk pregnancy conditions that impa...

Early Signs of Psychosis | Michigan Medicine

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing, hearing or perceiving things that aren’t really there may seem like something to hide, but seeking help early can make a big difference. For...

Safe Holiday Season During the COVID-19

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Experts advise on how to celebrate without putting yourself, and your loved ones, at risk. For more information about this story visit https://he...

Patient Coping Strategies | Michigan Medicine

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A social worker shares coping strategies to help patients deal with the stress of health challenges. For more information about this story visit ...

Tips to Improve Your Sleep While Working From Home | Michigan Medicine

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For those able to work remotely, experts say it’s a good time to address your sleep habits to improve your health.For more information about this st...

Planning a Safer Halloween in 2020 | Michigan Medicine

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Try these modifications to help keep the Halloween spirit alive.For more information about this story visit: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childre...

The Curve is Fattening, Not Flattening | Michigan Medicine

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Now that we know more about the coronavirus, this is the time to stay the course to prevent infections and buy time until vaccines are ready, expert s...

How Bad Bacteria Get Past Gut Microbiome Defenses | Michigan Medicine

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How E coli. and other illness-causing bugs get past the microbiome’s defenses.For more information about this story visit: https://labblog.uofmhealt...

How to Keep COVID-19 From Invading Your “Pod”

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For many Americans, life in the time of COVID-19 means forming “pods” – small groups of people who agree to share child care and education respo...

Schools, Kids & COVID | Michigan Medicine

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As schools prepare for fall, a small study suggests that young children may carry coronavirus at high levels – but that doesn’t prove they’re co...

PPIs, GERD and Psychological Distress | Michigan Medicine

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A research scientist and his team examine the relationship between proton pump inhibitors, endoscopy, esophageal conditions and psychological distress...

The Frontline Workers Behind the Scenes | Michigan Medicine

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When people think about forensic pathology, images of crime shows where an investigator sets out to determine a murder victim’s cause of death often...

What We Know, and Don't Know, About COVID-19 Reinfection

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to have COVID-19 more than once within a short period of time? Two recent reports, one out of Hong Kong and one in a patient in Reno, N...

4 Mask Myths That Put You at Risk | Michigan Medicine

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve heard it time and again: One of the easiest and most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 is by wearing face masks. That’s true w...

Connecting from the ICU During COVID | Michigan Medicine

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lessons from early peak state of Michigan could inform hospitals in other areas. Four months ago, Michigan glowed red on COVID-19 maps. Hundreds of pa...

Testing the Efficacy of Convalescent Plasma in Treating COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How researchers, doctors and recovered patients are joining efforts to see if one of the oldest pandemic treatments really works.For more information ...

Inflammation, Blood Sugar and COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After preliminary observations of 200 COVID-19 patients with severe hyperglycemia, a Michigan Medicine team is shedding light in a new Diabetes&n...

BioArtography and the Image of COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You've seen it—a large spherical mass with protruding red spikes plastered across the television and the internet. It's an image that has become all...

How Can Ride Sharing & Food Delivery Tech Help Pre-Hospital Communications? | Michigan Medicine

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apps like Uber or Lyft can find you easily for a ride to the airport. So why is getting help to get to a hospital in an emergency so much more complic...

Parents Vary in Their Support for Risk Reduction Measures as Schools Reopen | Michigan Medicine

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Parents in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois varied in their support for risk-reduction measures like random COVID-19 testing and face mask requirements. Th...

Mind & Body Recovery After COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Providers find patients hospitalized from COVID-19 need physical and cognitive rehabilitation care to aid in their recovery from the virus’ damaging...

Tocilizumab Associated With Lower Death Risk in COVID Patients on Ventilators | Michigan Medicine

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Patients who received single intravenous dose of tocilizumab were also more likely to leave the hospital or be off a ventilator within a month, despit...

The Relationship Between Light Exposure and Human Health | Michigan Medicine

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Increased light exposure can have positive and negative effects on your health — depending on the time of day. In the age of working from home due t...

COVID-19 Has Changed Everything, Including Applying for Medical Residency | Michigan Medicine

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A doctor and fourth-year medical student propose improvements to the residency application process during COVID-19 and beyond. During this academic ye...

Academic Medicine, The Gender Gap & COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new study finds that fewer women were first authors on COVID-19-related research papers published in the first half of this year. The difference was...

TSWS: Working Toward Health Equity | Michigan Medicine

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The United Asian American Medical Student Association unveils a social media campaign designed to amplify diverse voices in support of diversity, equi...

Can You Travel Safely During COVID? | Michigan Medicine

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As lockdown restrictions ease up around the country, health experts share their input on travel and how to make vacationing as safe as possible. The n...

Caring for Someone With COVID-19 at Home | Michigan Medicine

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tips for helping a family member or roommate cope with coronavirus (COVID-19) effects, while protecting yourself and others.For more information about...

Why You Should Wear a Mask, and How to Wear it Properly | Michigan Medicine

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Properly wearing a mask or cloth face covering can help keep you safe while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. As cases of COVID-19 begin to spike agai...

When a Curve that Needs to Flatten Spikes | Michigan Medicine

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pandemic historians who showed the power of efforts to ‘flatten the curve’ say it will take all-out effort by individuals, industry and elected of...

Tips for Helping Kids Sleep Well During Stressful Times | Michigan Medicine

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Without an alarm clock set for school, sleep routines are anything but routine right now in many homes. A sleep psychologist shares what parents shoul...

The Mental Strain of Being on the Front Line | Michigan Medicine

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The mental health toll of caring for COVID-19 patients will need long-lasting attention, as it adds to already demanding professions. An outpouring of...

Determining Fact from Fiction During a Pandemic | Michigan Medicine

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As coronavirus research comes at us fast, key things to remember as you read and share the latest news. Sometimes it feels like trying to drink from a...

Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Community | Michigan Medicine

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Members of Michigan Medicine’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee discuss resources for the LGBTQ+ community. June is Pride Month, a time to honor the impact...

Advancements in HGH Therapy for ACL Injury | Michigan Medicine

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new study finds the use of HGH treatment in patients that have undergone ACL reconstructive surgery may prevent the loss of muscle strengt...

10 Research Studies on Health Disparities Between Black and White Americans | Michigan Medicine

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A roundup of 10 studies highlighting the health disparities between black and white Americans. The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence...

5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of COVID-19 Over the Summer and Beyond | Michigan Medicine

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While case counts in some areas are going down, COVID-19 is still out there. How do you safely kick off the unofficial start of the summer during a pa...

COVID-19 Innovations: New Vent-Splitter Offers Tailored Pressure for Multiple Patients | Michigan Medicine

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

3D printing fuels U-M efforts to rapidly increase ventilator capacity while providing each patient on vent support with individually tailored gas pres...

Increased Access to Transgender and Non-Binary Health Care During COVID and Beyond | Michigan Medicine

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Michigan Medicine experts highlight how their teams have increased access to transgender care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.For more informa...

Studying the Genes Behind COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers look to the genes behind COVID-19 for early answers. Viruses may seem like cunning villains, purposefully mutating to increasingly deadlie...

COVID Cost | Michigan Medicine

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rapid shifts removed out-of-pocket costs that could keep people from getting coronavirus care. That trend may continue.For more information about this...

Pandemic May Have Increased Food Insecurity for Aging Population | Michigan Medicine

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Food insecurity disparities by age, health status, race, ethnicity and education seen in National Poll on Healthy Aging; pandemic may have worsened th...

Help Scientists Study Sars-CoV-2 and COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A quick guide to volunteering to help researchers understand the virus, the disease and its effects on people and society. For more information about ...

Living With a Mental Health Condition in a Pandemic | Michigan Medicine

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Practical tips and online support can help people with depression, anxiety and other conditions cope. Living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorde...

Resources to Support Children with Autism During COVID-19 Pandemic | Michigan Medicine

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For children with autism spectrum disorder, who thrive on routines and predictability, the everyday disruptions and uncertainty from the pandemic may ...

How ECMO Could Help COVID-19 Patients | Michigan Medicine

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ventilators have gotten a lot of attention in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. But hundreds of hospitals around the world have another, less public...

COVID-Related Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) | Michigan Medicine

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The novel coronavirus still affects a very small number of children, but new reports describe serious symptoms in some pediatric cases in parts of the...

Disproportionate Death Rate During COVID Shows Persistent Racial Inequities and the Need to Address Them | Michigan Medicine

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A startling and disproportionate death rate among black Americans around the country from COVID-19 is revealing persistent inequities and the need for...

Going From Nurse to Patient During a Pandemic | Michigan Medicine

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A pediatric intensive care nurse survived COVID-19 in part due to the excellent treatment she received from her peers. This National Nurses Week, she ...

Nursing Home Preparedness During Pandemics | Michigan Medicine

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Survey of Michigan nursing homes at start of coronavirus suggests great improvement since just before the H1N1 pandemic.For more information about t...

Pregnancy in the Time of COVID | Michigan Medicine

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does COVID-19 impact pregnant people differently? Should pregnant people take extra precautions? More research is needed to better understand how the ...

Preventing a Second Peak in the Curve for COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

History shows the dangers of relaxing restrictions too soon in a pandemic. Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could...

MEDIC Works to Help Colleagues Take On COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A collaborative for emergency departments across the state of Michigan is working to help its colleagues through various aspects of the COVID-19 pande...

"Drafted" for COVID-19: Resources for Doctors Providing Care Outside Their Norm | Michigan Medicine

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As more and more hospitals across the U.S. admit patients with COVID-19, a Michigan team offers advice for doctors “drafted" for duties outside...

Seeking Innovative Solutions to Treat COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a helmet solution to provide support for COVID-19 patients, protect health care workers and...

Preventing Pediatric Injury During COVID and Beyond | Michigan Medicine

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being cooped up at home due to social distancing could put kids at higher risk of getting hurt. An expert offers tips for avoiding emergency room visi...

Diabetes Management in the Time of COVID | Michigan Medicine

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An endocrinologist with diabetes shares guidance on how to manage the condition during the pandemic. Uncertainty surrounding the novel coronaviru...

Living With Lupus During the COVID-19 Drug Debate | Michigan Medicine

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A patient with lupus weighs in on the COVID drug debate. Brian Joseph is no stranger to death. But life as a funeral director and a person living with...