Texas Standard For December 24, 2018

There are ripple effects when a rural hospital shuts down. Its health care professionals often leave the community, and so do the pharmacists. All of it can lead to health care deserts. But it’s not just physical health care that’s problematic in rural communities. Texas is also facing an enormous shortage of psychiatrists, especially outside of the big cities. It’s not all bad news, though. The state is also home to some great innovators, and we’ll introduce you to some of them. All that and more on this special “Spotlight on Health” edition of the Texas Standard.

By Texas StandardDecember 24, 2018 11:00 am

Demographic Shifts And Inadequate Cost Reimbursements Spell Trouble For Rural Hospitals

At least 18 hospitals serving rural Texas communities have closed since 2013. More are in trouble.

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How A Texas Physician Uses Magnets To Make Surgery Less Invasive

Dr. Jeffrey Cadeddu got the idea to use magnets in laparoscopic surgery after seeing kids in the 1990s with magnetic faux piercings.

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Playing The Harmonica Helps Lung Disease Patients Breathe Easier

After 12 weeks, members of the Harmaniacs, who are part of a pilot program for COPD patients, reported improved quality of life.

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How Adult Survivors Of Childhood Trauma Forge Their Own Paths To Recovery

More people are aware of toxic stress in children – but adults who’ve been living with the effects of adverse childhood experiences have had to navigate a system that isn’t well equipped for them.

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More Texans Are Filing For Nonmedical Vaccine Exemptions

“We’ve got now schools – and some schools in Texas where 20, 30, even 40 percent of kids are not getting vaccinated.”

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The Latest Flu Drug Is The Product Of A 40-Year-Old Discovery

The Food and Drug Administration just approved Xofluza, which targets the unique way influenza initiates infection.

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Recognizing The ‘Inner Lives’ Of Doctors Can Make For Better Patient Care

Psychologist and author of “Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors” says patients expect a lot of physicians these days because medicine is so advanced, but it would help everyone to remember doctors’ humanity.

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DNA, Diabetes And Family Destiny

Being of Hispanic origin is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Being of Mexican descent increases that risk further.

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