Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Aging Baby Boomers And Obesity Epidemic Driving Increase In Arthritis Cases鈥擬any Of Which Are Undiagnosed
It may start as a stiff knee, soreness in the hips, or swelling in the fingers that makes it hard to hold a coffee cup. The joint disease arthritis is on the rise in the U.S., driven largely by the aging of the baby-boom generation and the obesity epidemic. But while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 54 million adults have been told by a doctor they have the condition, new research suggests a much higher prevalence鈥攅specially in the 45-64 age group鈥攖otaling more than 91 million adults. (Landro, 4/22)
Clare Tuke never considered herself athletic. But when thinning bones from osteoporosis led to a series of vertebral fractures, she searched the Web for a remedy鈥攁nd found a local scientist-run clinic proposing a regimen of strenuous weight training. At first the idea of lifting heavy barbells was 鈥渁bsolutely terrifying鈥 given her fragile bones, says Mrs. Tuke, a 54-year-old nurse from Brisbane, Australia. But a year after beginning a twice-a-week routine, Mrs. Tuke says a recent scan shows her bone density is 鈥済oing in the right direction,鈥 and she loves how much stronger she feels in daily tasks, such as opening jars. (Johannes, 4/22)
If it is Monday, you鈥檒l find Phil Diamond in New York teaching photography to seniors. On Tuesdays he鈥檚 coaching small-business owners through a nonprofit. Other days, he helps in a photography class, mentors teens, visits homebound seniors and volunteers at a Harlem jazz museum. Mr. Diamond, 73, worked six days a week in the bridal-gown business before retiring in 2009. He sees the 15 to 20 hours he now volunteers each week as necessary. 鈥淵ou have to interact with people,鈥 he says, 鈥渙r your brain really dries up.鈥 (Gallegos, 4/22)
Filmed over 10 years, a "60 Minutes" report this weekend shows in startling detail the progression that Alzheimer's disease takes on a patient. CBS medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook began interviewing Mike and Carol Daly of Staten Island, New York, in 2008, shortly after Carol learned of her diagnosis. She was mildly forgetful but functional, although upset at how it had affected her ability to cook, or enjoy books and movies. (4/19)