Big data is changing the world, but it’s been slow in coming to healthcare. An expert in healthcare IT explains how that’s changing and what it could mean to treatment.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of February 16, 2020, including: Studies showing physical activity helps prevent obesity virtually from birth. Then, low doses of lithium may show promise in treating dementia. Also, about half of people recovering from a concussion have sleep problems. And finally, a study showing that maybe the two genders are becoming more equal.

Parents who have a mental illness known as factitious disorder may fake or induce illness in their children to get attention, sometimes taking kids to hundreds of medical visits and deceiving doctors into performing numerous procedures and surgeries. Experts and a parent who got his child out of an abusive situation discuss how the legal & medical system may fail kids, danger signs and the road to recovery.

Coronavirus has sickened tens of thousands in China and killed hundreds, but few cases have reached the US. Experts explain exactly what this Coronavirus is and the relative danger it poses compared to more familiar diseases such as influenza.

The gap between black and white uninsured rates has dropped by more than 4%; Study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows that only 2% of those who are considered high risk for drug overdose have filled a prescription for Naloxone. A new study shows radiation treatments could potentially all be done in less than one second using high-energy flash therapy. An American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine study shows that when we lose weight, we lose it everywhere even in the tongue.

Spouses of Alzheimer’s disease patients often struggle with depression while caregiving and are desperate for support. Some have started new relationships while their loved one is still alive but no longer recognizes them. Acceptance of such infidelity is highly individual. Experts and a woman involved in such a relationship discuss how it can benefit even the incapacitated spouse, as long as families find it acceptable.

Untold millions of people are afraid of needles. Most manage by looking the other way when they’re facing an injection, but many may avoid the doctor as a result of their fear. The problem is increasingly dangerous for the rising number of people with diabetes, who must inject themselves with insulin to survive. A needle-phobic woman and doctor who’s squeamish himself discuss.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of February 2, 2020, including: A vaccine against dementia could be in human trials within a couple of years. Computers are taking over a lot of functions… and reading mammograms may someday be one of them. And finally, just about everybody knows that the normal temperature of the human body is 98.6. except it’s not anymore.

Pre-medical students have typically majored in science, but some medical schools are finding that liberal arts and even music majors with no science background can do well. Some admissions officers and doctors believe they may even have advantages, given the importance of communications in the doctor-patient relationship. A musician-turned-med student, an admissions officer and a musical doctor explain.

Super Bowl party snacks are prime territory for contamination via cross contamination and being dropped on the floor. A scientist who has studied both phenomena discusses the truth (or lack of truth) in two old myths.