Archive for community health
A nimbler way to track alcohol use: mining Twitter and Google searches
Large, survey-based studies are a slow, expensive way to collect rigorous public health data. New research, focusing on alcohol use, shows that mining Twitter and online searches could enable public health professionals to get immediate, localized insights, spot emerging trends, and even measure the effects of interventions. “Online user-generated data are fluid and nimble — ... Read More about A nimbler way to track alcohol use: mining Twitter and Google searches
Is your teen depressed? Seven tips for parents
Dr. Oscar Bukstein provides 7 tips to help parents recognize depression in teenagers and find them appropriate and successful treatment.
The business case for addressing disparities in asthma
The Community Asthma Initiative (CAI) at Boston Children’s Hospital has been improving the health and quality of life of children with asthma for more than a decade — and now there’s exciting new evidence about the financial benefits of doing so. CAI works to address the disproportionately high rate of asthma in children from mostly ... Read More about The business case for addressing disparities in asthma
Predicting and preventing asthma exacerbations in children
Some pediatric primary care providers in Massachusetts have a powerful new way to identify and prevent uncontrolled asthma in children. The Medical Home Asthma Program (MAP), modeled after the Community Asthma Initiative (CAI), is offered to practices in the Pediatric Physician’s Organization at Children’s (PPOC). MAP helps providers leverage electronic tools to identify at-risk children ... Read More about Predicting and preventing asthma exacerbations in children
Charting a new course in primary care for patients with asthma
Primary care providers at Boston Children’s Primary Care at Longwood have found that their innovative, personalized approach to treating asthma has improved outcomes for children. Providers recognized that families coping with a child’s asthma needed more guidance than they could get at an annual check-up or sick visit, says Faye Holder-Niles, MD, MPH, a pediatrician ... Read More about Charting a new course in primary care for patients with asthma
A lifeline for families with asthma
Nilda Gabin knows how terrifying it is to rush to the hospital with a child who is having trouble breathing — fortunately, that hasn’t happened to her in two years. “The scariest part is to see your child struggling to breathe and you can’t do anything to help them at home,” says Nilda, who recalls ... Read More about A lifeline for families with asthma
Collaboration for Community Health helps families thrive
Justin’s mom grabs him a fast food dinner because the nearest supermarket is two bus rides away. Mia is afraid to play outside because there was a recent shooting in her neighborhood. Janelle’s parents have trouble covering all their expenses each month and are worried the family will be evicted from their apartment. These scenarios ... Read More about Collaboration for Community Health helps families thrive
Martha Eliot Health Center: Teaching youth to be community leaders
When the students of the Mildred C. Hailey Youth Community Leadership Institute at Martha Eliot Health Center learned they were going to be painting a mural, they were initially intimidated. “Some were thinking ‘I can’t draw!’ or ‘I don’t know if I can do this,” says Alysha Noel, community resource coordinator at Martha Eliot and co-facilitator of ... Read More about Martha Eliot Health Center: Teaching youth to be community leaders
Teens teach other teens healthy habits in Waltham
Learning how to eat healthier. Finding more time for physical activity. Coping with challenges and setbacks. These are all skills that teens need to learn … but from whom? The Waltham Boys & Girls Club believes it has hit on an answer: other teens. A grant from Boston Children’s Collaboration for Community Health will fund a campaign in which ... Read More about Teens teach other teens healthy habits in Waltham
Startup uses Uber to get patients to their medical appointments
Getting to the doctor will soon get easier for some struggling patients. Boston Children’s Hospital has joined forces with the ride-hailing service Uber to pilot a non-emergency medical transportation platform. The online, HIPAA-compliant tool, called Circulation, connects with health care information systems, enabling hospitals to schedule Uber rides for patients. The pilot will serve Boston Children’s, Mercy Health ... Read More about Startup uses Uber to get patients to their medical appointments