The Michigan Medicine blog recap

A weekly roundup of articles from both the Michigan Health and Michigan Health Lab blogs, which cover stories on breaking news and research, health tips and wellness that you won’t want to miss.

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Clashing Meds Can Put Older Adults at Risk, But Many Don’t Check with a Pharmacist

Two in 10 patients take five or more prescription drugs, but a new poll finds most people over 50 haven’t connected with a pharmacist about mixing. Read more

Antibiotics Could Replace or Delay Surgery for Appendicitis in Adults

Michigan Medicine participated in a large clinical trial which found that, in many cases, appendicitis can be safely and effectively treated with antibiotics instead of surgery. Read more

Preparing Adolescents With Epilepsy to Manage Care through Adulthood

Clinicians at Michigan Medicine have developed a tool to help prepare young adults in taking ownership of their disease. Read more

A Researcher Reflects on Progress Fighting Hepatitis C – and a Path Forward

She not only witnessed the devastation caused by the virus, but also contributed towards developing a cure. Read more

Big Costs for Small Patients with Rare Diseases, Study Finds

Only about one in every 170 children take them, but “orphan drugs” accounted for 1 in every 15 private insurance dollars spent on children’s health care, according to a new study. Read more

Students Share Medical School Details You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Five students share personal insights with prospective students during a livestream Q&A. Watch the video

Researcher’s Unique Focus on Medical Education Earns Honor

In a Q&A with the Michigan Health Lab blog, John Burkhardt, M.D., Ph.D., talks about receiving the Fulbright Scholar award. Read more

What Do Teens and Young Adults Need to Get Through the Pandemic? Survey Gives Insights

New data provides important insights on the pandemic’s effects on teenagers and suggests ways to help them in the months ahead. Read more

A New Tongue, a New Baby and a New Approach to Treatment

Morgan Evans thought she’d have to choose between her unborn baby and treating her aggressive tongue cancer. Her team thought otherwise. Read more

Should You Do Self Breast Exams?

An advanced practice nurse tackles the who, why and when of breast self-exams. Read more

“It’s Important to See the Patient as a Person”

Connecting with her care team made all the difference – even if they were college football rivals. Read more