Rotator Cuff Tears how effective is surgery?

The rotator cuff (RC) is comprised of four muscle-tendon units, which stabilize the humeral head within the shoulder joint and aid in powering the movement of the upper extremity. RC tears refer to a partial or full discontinuation of one or more of the muscles or tendons and may occur as a result of traumatic injury or degeneration over a period of years. The incidence of RC tears is related to increasing age; 54 percent of patients over the age of 60 years have a partial or complete RC tear compared with only 4 percent of adults under 40 years of age. Although not a life threatening condition, RC tears may cause significant pain, weakness, and limitation of motion. Both non-operative and operative treatments are used in an attempt to relieve pain and restore movement and function of the shoulder.

Read the report Comparative effectiveness of nonoperative and operative treatments for rotator cuff tears

Additional information can be found in Health and Wellness Resource Center- Rotator Cuff Injuries  

Questions and answers : Are people living with HIV or AIDS protected by the ADA?

Are people living with HIV or AIDS protected by the ADA? Yes.  Persons with HIV, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, have physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities or major bodily functions and are, therefore, protected by the law. Read more in  Questions and answers : the Americans with Disabilities Act and persons with HIV/AIDS.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS visit AIDS and HIV Hot Topic

How is Avian Flu Transmitted to Humans?

So far, most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chickens, ducks, and turkeys) or contact with surfaces soiled with discharges from their mouths, beaks, or with feces. Other possible means of infection include consuming raw or undercooked poultry or poultry products and inhaling contaminated poultry particles (e.g., this could occur during butchering). Read more about Avian flu.

For additional information on other types of flu view Flu and Other Seasonal Ailments – Hot Topic

 

Which ventilation system is the best for your home?

In an effort to improve housing options in Las Vegas, the Clark County Community Resources Division (CCCRD) performs substantial renovations to foreclosed homes. After dramatic energy, aesthetic, and health and safety improvements are made, homes are rented or sold to qualified residents. This report describes the evaluation and selection of ventilation systems for these homes. Ventilation is clearly a key component in an efficient, healthy home. When improving the energy performance of homes—often with increased envelope tightness and insulation—selecting ventilation systems is not always straightforward. The ideal ventilation system should be reliable, address indoor environmental quality concerns appropriately, be affordable and practical to install, consume little energy, and be relatively easy to maintain. To learn more read: Evaluating ventilation systems for existing homes.

Resources for additional information:

Hot Topic – Consumer Information

 

 

Teenagers and Sex

Between  2006–2010, about 43% of never-married female teenagers (4.4 million), and about 42% of never-married male teenagers (4.5 million) have had sexual intercourse at least once. These levels of sexual experience have not changed significantly from 2002. Seventy-eight percent of females and 85% of males used a method of contraception at first sex according to 2006–2010 data, with the condom remaining the most popular method. Teenagers’ contraceptive use has changed little since 2002, with a few exceptions: there was an increase among males in the use of condoms alone and in the use of a condom combined with a partner’s hormonal contraceptive; and there was a significant increase in the percentage of female teenagers who used hormonal methods other than a birth-control pill, such as injectables and the contraceptive patch, at first sex.

Read more about the study – Teenagers in the United States : sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing, 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth.

Teens may want to learn more by using the Hot Topic – Teen Health.