Health Lab

Taking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A wellness expert offers guidance on how to protect your psychological and emotional well-being during the pandemic. In the midst of managing a situat...

Missing Milestones: Helping Teens During Social Distancing | Michigan Medicine

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic could be particularly challenging for adolescents and teens who thrive on social connections and m...

Staying Healthy While Sheltering in Place | Michigan Medicine

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As many look for ways to stay calm in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, a Michigan Medicine dietitian shares some helpful strategies f...

Research Continues, But No Proven Therapies to Prevent or Treat COVID-19 Yet | Michigan Medicine

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are no therapies proven to prevent or treat COVID-19 yet, but providers can help address symptoms while they continue researching new ideas.For ...

Helpful Tips for GI Issues Caused by COVID-19 Stress | Michigan Medicine

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The gastrointestinal system may be a victim of COVID-19 stress. Here, experts help to navigate those tummy troubles. That stomachache you feel with ea...

Digestive Symptoms a Presenting Factor of COVID-19? | Michigan Medicine

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist discusses the latest GI-related research from Wuhan, China. A recent study conducted in Wuhan, China, and ...

A New Approach to Prenatal Care During COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A multidisciplinary team at Michigan Medicine has unveiled a new clinical approach to prenatal care for low risk pregnancies to help limit exposure to...

Modeling How Quickly COVID-19 Can Spread | Michigan Medicine

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) advances around the world, a growing number of researchers are using computational models to estimate this sp...

Donate Blood Now if You Can to Help Fight COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Canceled blood drives across the country have driven the supply critically low, but demand is high and donor centers have new safety measures in place...

Tips for Parenting While Homebound Due to the Spread of Coronavirus | Michigan Medicine

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the coronavirus keeps families homebound, a childhood development expert shares ways to have productive days together. Due to the spread of COVID-1...

Ways to Help Yourself and Others Who May be Hit Hardest by COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The news about coronavirus may leave some people feeling helpless, like there’s nothing to do but wait for the worst. But that’s not true. In fact...

Essential Components of Hospital COVID-19 Preparedness | Michigan Medicine

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As coronavirus continues its spread across the United States, hospitals are bracing for the influx of patients who will need care for the most serious...

They See The Masks Too. Talking to Kids About COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

They see the masks too. A pediatric psychologist offers five tips for parents on how to talk about the pandemic with their children.Schools are closin...

Practical Things You Can Do to Prepare for COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of uncertainty still surrounds the evolving coronavirus outbreak. A Michigan Medicine expert offers nine practical things you can do to prepare ...

How Can We Flatten the Curve for COVID-19?

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

History shows that taking strong steps now to slow the spread of coronavirus will help communities and individuals. Cruises and flights canceled. Coll...

Radiologists Team Up to Examine the Appearance of COVID-19 in CT Scans | Michigan Medicine

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Michigan Medicine radiologist teams up with a counterpart in China to examine the appearance of COVID-19 in CT scans. While COVID-19, previously kno...

Hereditary Genetic Testing Impacts Breast Cancer Treatment

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A new study finds breast cancer patients with an inherited genetic mutation don’t always get treatment that follows guidelines. For more information...

Improving Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Across the Globe

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To reach patients in need, one doctor develops a training program to improve testing and care available for those with the genetic dise...

What You Should Know About The Novel Coronavirus Outbreak | Michigan Medicine

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In an unprecedented effort to control the spread of a new virus, the Chinese government has closed off the city of Wuhan, restricting the movements of...

Children Frequently Receive Unnecessary Medical

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 9 publicly insured and 1 in 11 privately insured children received low-value care in 2014, researchers find. For more information about this stor...

New Baby Costs

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite an ACA mandate that large, employer-based health plans cover maternity care, some are shouldering more of the expenses tied to having a baby. ...

Opioid Overdose Risk Factors Same for Teens, Adults

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Older teens may have similar risk factors for prescription opioid overdose as adults, a new study suggests. For more information about this story visi...

Workplace Depression

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One in five Americans experience symptoms of depression during their lifetime. And yet, a distinct stigma still exists around the topic, especial...

Life-Threatening Pregnancy Complications

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Women in rural communities experience higher rates of life-threatening complications during or after childbirth than mothers in urban cities, a new st...

Annual Over Biennial Mammograms

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How often should women get a mammogram? A new study makes a case for getting screened every year instead of every other year.Women diagnosed with brea...

The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screenings Doesn’t Decrease With Age | Michigan Medicine

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Despite the fact that half of cervical cancers are diagnosed after age 49, participation in preventive screening steadily declines between ages 45 and...

Preventing Food Poisoning | Michigan Medicine

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

About 48 million people fall victim to the unpleasant illness each year. Follow these 6 steps to keep unwanted germs out of your food.For more informa...

A New Algorithm For Studying Sleep | Michigan Medicine

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

So far, wearables have held promise, but not results, when it comes to research or to patient care. Companies don’t share how they score sleep, nor ...

Bladder Problems Can Be Worse For Patients With Parkinson's | Michigan Medicine

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Many people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease experience urinary tract issues. A Michigan Medicine urologist discusses treatment options fo...

Easing Joint Pain | Michigan Medicine

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Weight loss can do more than reduce joint pain in people who are overweight, a new study has found. Other big health improvements can happen, too. For...

Intermittent Fasting: How Does it Work? | Michigan Medicine

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This eating pattern, which features cycles of fasting and eating, is making headlines as research confirms it’s not only what you eat, but...

What Your Microbiome Has To Do With Iron Absorption | Michigan Medicine

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The body’s resident bacteria play a major role in divvying out iron—a fact that could be used to treat iron-related disorders.Iron plays a critica...

Michigan Medicaid Expansion Helping Patients with Chronic Conditions | Michigan Medicine

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly one in three low-income people who enrolled in Michigan’s expanded Medicaid program discovered they had a chronic illness that had never been...

How Bad Bacteria Overtake the Gut Microbiome in Crohn’s Disease | Michigan Medicine

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most common forms of IBD, called Crohn’s disease, is characterized by inflammation within the digestive tract and can lead to severe diar...

FDA & Breast Implant Safety | Michigan Medicine

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What you need to know about new breast implant recommendations from the FDA. For more information about this story visit https://healthblog.uofmhealth...

Talk Therapy vs. Medication | Michigan Medicine

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New cost-effectiveness analysis comparing antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy over five years suggests new patients should have more acce...

CBD and Pain | Michigan Medicine

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

People looking for a safer pain reliever are turning to cannabis-derived CBD. Michigan Medicine experts weigh in on what’s currently known about the...

Digital Play Versus Free Play | Michigan Medicine

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Digital play versus free play: As more kids grow up with a seemingly endless menu of virtual activities offered through digital media, child developme...

The Challenge of Meeting Organ Donation Needs | Michigan Medicine

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Organ donation must increase to meet the current need of patients awaiting transplants. A “presumed consent” organ donor model could help.For more...

Essential Questions Before a Playdate | Michigan Medicine

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A Mott pediatrician advises parents to follow this checklist before sending their child to another family’s home to help everyone feel safe and comf...

Facts About Psoriasis | Michigan Medicine

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem with no cure, but here’s what experts, and especially sufferers, want you to understand about the condition.For ...

Reducing Opioids Through Conversations | Michigan Medicine

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Involving patients in pain management decisions significantly decreased opioid prescriptions without compromising pain control. For more information a...

Pathologists Seeing Patients? | Michigan Medicine

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Speaking directly with a pathologist could help patients better understand their diagnosis and feel empowered, a survey of patient sentiment finds. Fo...

Osteoporosis Research Could Help Develop More Effective Treatments

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers identified two novel genes that affect bone-formation cells relevant to fractures and osteoporosis; understanding these genes could lead t...

New Diagnostic Method Could Help Infants Avoid Invasive Tests

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Long hospital stays and invasive medical tests help identify serious bacterial infections in infants, but a U-M expert says there may be a more effici...

Study Offers Hope for Patients with Lichen Planus | Michigan Medicine

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It’s often difficult to manage patients with this skin inflammation, but new research identifies a target that existing medications are able to addr...

Genetic Origin of Severe Developmental Eye Condition Identified | Michigan Medicine

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Those with a rare genetic condition called nanophthalmos have abnormally small eyes whose internal structures – including the size of the lens – a...

A Healthy Sex Life After Prostate Cancer | Michigan Medicine

05 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a perception that surgery to treat prostate cancer will spell the end of a man’s sex life. And while that often used to be the case, survi...

High Blood Pressure and Cold Meds | Michigan Medicine

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Decongestants can pose a dangerous risk to people with hypertension. Try these other steps to safely treat a cold or allergies. For more on this story...

Handling a Picky Eater | Michigan Medicine

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows parental reactions to picky eating can have long-term effects, for better or worse. For more on this story visit: https:/...

How Pets Help with Health Issues | Michigan Medicine

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two-thirds of all pet owners say that having an animal helps them stay physically active. But for some older adults, time commitment, cost and al...

Fat Shaming Won’t Solve Obesity, But Science Might | Michigan Medicine

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Science is with James Corden. Fat shaming shouldn’t make a comeback, and it won’t solve the nation’s obesity epidemic. Michigan M...

What All Parents Should Consider Before Letting Teens Ride with Teens | Michigan Medicine

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

More than half of parents in the national C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health believe their teen has been in an unsaf...

Mastitis: What You Should Know | Michigan Medicine

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Being a new parent comes with a multitude of worries, including ones about breastfeeding or getting your baby to successfully latch. In an effort...

New Technique Could Help Identify Early Stages of COPD | Michigan Medicine

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory disease of the small airways in the lungs, affects 16 million Americans and is the fourt...

Who’s Minding the Children? | Michigan Medicine

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For oncologists in the beginning of their career, scientific conferences present an opportunity for them to network, share their research, gain new kn...

Collaboration on CHD Research Helps Improve Patient Care | Michigan Medicine

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Academic research has long been characterized by silos and protective instincts. A new crop of fresh-thinking physician scientists are turning that mo...

Pancreatic Cancer Drug Clinical Trial Shows Promise | Michigan Medicine

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An early clinical trial at U-M finds that a Wee1 inhibitor, combined with radiation and gemcitabine, is safe and potentially effective in pancreatic c...

Are timeouts bad for kids? | Michigan Medicine

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new study suggests that despite sometimes getting a bad rap in the news, the common disciplinary strategy isn’t linked to harmful effects in child...

Making the Invisible Visible | Michigan Medicine

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new approach to RNA sequencing reveals thousands of previously inaccessible RNA fragments in blood plasma that might serve as disease- and organ-spe...

Acupressure Could Provide Relief For Back Pain

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study found that people with chronic lower back pain who performed self-administered acupressure experienced improvement in pain and fatigue ...

Old Drugs in Your Medicine Cabinet? Here’s What to Do with Them | Michigan Medicine

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

They’re haunting the back of your medicine cabinet like the Ghosts of Illnesses Past.Pain pills your doctor prescribed years ago after that operatio...

Investigating Risks from Vaping | Michigan Medicine

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Vaping and e-cigarettes have gained quick popularity among teens, but an expert warns they won’t mitigate health risks and that they could...

Hearing Aids Linked to Lower Risk of Dementia, Depression and Falls | Michigan Medicine

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Older adults who get a hearing aid for a newly diagnosed hearing loss have a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia, depression or anxiety&n...

Systematic Underrepresentation of Women in STEM | Michigan Medicine

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new paper out today finds that while women are entering the medical field at equal numbers to men, they are not being promoted or recruited to senio...

Many Older Adults Aren’t Fully Prepared for Emergency Situations, Poll Finds | Michigan Medicine

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Most people over 50 say they’re ready for natural disasters and emergency situations, but a new national poll shows that many haven’t taken k...

Preparing Your Teen To Manage Their Own Health Care | Michigan Medicine

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Before your teen begins their freshman year of college, the University of Michigan’s Chief Health Officer recommends covering these key areas with y...

Managing Pain After An Ankle Sprain | Michigan Medicine

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new research report shows an increase in patients being prescribed opioids after experiencing an ankle sprain. The Michigan Medicine authors urge fe...

Stronger Policies Could Help Support Breastfeeding Physicians | Michigan Medicine

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pediatricians are often among the biggest advocates for mothers who want to breastfeed – whether a patient’s mom would like to continue nursing fo...

An Experiment in Expansion: How U-M Turned Vacant into Vibrant | Michigan Medicine

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It could have remained empty for years. Instead, the former pharmaceutical research campus has found new life as a thriving hub of innovation. For mor...

Heart Attack Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Get Fewer Treatments | Michigan Medicine

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A new study finds people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which lies on the continuum of cognitive decline between normal cognition and demen...

Mom’s Voice May Help Babies Sleep Better in the NICU | Michigan Medicine

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Babies who spend their first days or weeks of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit may not sleep as soundly as those who go home.Now, researchers ...

Fear of the Doctor in Children | Michigan Medicine

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Children’s reactions during routine checkups can vary widely based on age and temperament. While some little ones remain calm, others are so distres...

Should Doctors Accept Unvaccinated Children as Patients? | MIchigan Medicine

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Four in 10 parents say they are very or somewhat likely to move their child to a different provider if their doctor sees families who refuse all child...

New Drug Shows Encouraging Survival Results for Pancreatic Cancer

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An early clinical trial at U-M finds that a Wee1 inhibitor, combined with radiation and gemcitabine, is safe and potentially effective in pancreatic c...

6 in 10 Kids Receive Opioids After Tonsillectomy | Michigan Medicine

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sixty percent of privately insured children undergoing tonsil removal received opioids –with average prescriptions lasting about six to 10 days – ...

Intermittent Fasting: Is it Right for You? | Michigan Medicine

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This eating pattern, which features cycles of fasting and eating, is making headlines as research confirms it’s not only what you eat, but...

New Moms and Painkiller Use | Michigan Medicine

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Examination of post-birth pain care patterns over time finds declines in opioid prescribing, but opportunities for more non-opioid-based care. For mor...

Heat Stroke and Student-Athletes | MIchigan Medicine

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common health threats for athletes, especially if activities take place outside. For more on this pos...

Cancer Driver is Fast, Furious and Loud | Michigan Medicine

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A newly defined cancer gene combines The Fast and the Furious with TV's Fast N' Loud to drive more than a third of prostate cancers.  Hosted on A...

How Pets Help with Health Issues | Michigan Medicine

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two-thirds of all pet owners say that having an animal helps them stay physically active. But for some older adults, time commitment, cost and al...

Tackling Torn Tendons | Michigan Medicine

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be at risk for torn tendons, and rates of injury seem to be on the rise. For more on this topic visit: http...

High Blood Pressure and Cold Meds | Michigan Medicine

14 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Decongestants can pose a dangerous risk to people with hypertension. Try these other steps to safely treat a cold or allergies. For more on this story...

Stark Divides in Opioid Addiction Treatment | Michigan Medicine

13 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thirty-five times more white patients than patients of color receive buprenorphine, and three-quarters of prescriptions go to those who pay cash or ha...

Melatonin Supplements | Michigan Medicine

14 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A Michigan Medicine expert explains what we know and don’t know about the hormone supplement that’s growing in popularity. For more on this story ...

School Night Bedtime Tips | Michigan Medicine

11 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A few more hours of shut-eye can make a big difference for kids, especially during back-to-school season. For more information on this story visit:&nb...

Handling a Picky Eater | Michigan Medicine

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows parental reactions to picky eating can have long-term effects, for better or worse. For more on this story visit: https:/...

Cancer Treatment and Heart Disease | Michigan Medicine

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some cancer medications can also pose dangerous cardiovascular risks. Trained specialists can help patients find the safest treatment and monitor for ...

Misconceptions About Concussions | Michigan Medicine

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A potential concussion brings questions and sometimes confusion. A Michigan Medicine sports neurologist debunks several myths about the injury.To lear...

Easing Joint Pain | Michigan Medicine

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Weight loss can do more than reduce joint pain in people who are overweight, a new study has found. Other big health improvements can happen, too. For...

Measles | Michigan Medicine

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A disease the federal government declared “eliminated” nearly two decades ago is surfacing again. Here’s why — and what to do: https://healthb...

Opioid-Related Suicides and Drug Overdoses | Michigan Medicine

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Turning the tide demands improvements to pain care, mental health care and medication-assisted opioid addiction care, U-M researchers say in a new rep...

Cannabis + Driving | Michigan Medicine

14 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New study finds worrisome statistics around medical cannabis users operating vehicles. For more on this topic visit: https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/ro...

Fear of the Doctor in Children | Michigan Medicine

20 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Children’s reactions during routine checkups can vary widely based on age and temperament. While some little ones remain calm, others are so distres...

Chronic Pain Strategies | Michigan Medicine

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

U-M research suggests coping techniques can help patients lead fuller lives — with or without complete pain relief. For more on this topic visit: ht...

Cancer Genetics | Michigan Medicine

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Learning about cancer diagnoses of extended family — and the details of their conditions — is a conversation everyone should have. For more inform...

The Flu Shot Can Protect Your Heart | Michigan Medicine

12 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A flu vaccine can shield you, and those you love, from the virus’ potentially life-threatening effects — including heart attack. For more on this ...

Ponytail Headache Syndrome | Michigan Medicine

06 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a medical explanation for the discomfort some people feel with their hair up. A headache specialist shares who’s at risk and how to cope.F...

Binge-Watching and Sleep | Michigan Medicine

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us are guilty of streaming countless episodes of a favorite show in one sitting. But the habit can wreak havoc on sleep, research shows. To le...

Identifying Arthritis Risk in Psoriasis Patients | Michigan Medicine

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Treatment planning for a painful and potentially disabling condition could be made easier with a new model for assessing genetic risk in people with p...