Sitting in front of the television has been proven over and over again to increase the risk of obesity. With the introduction of smartphones, tablets and videogames, children are finding other way to spend their off time in front of a screen. While obesity rates continue to rise, researchers have conducted a study on the risk of obesity effecting children who spend their time in front of these new screens.

To help support research on treatment methods for various conditions, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has given nearly $42 million to fund 19 studies focused on various patient-centered topics.

As the opioid crisis continues, consequences for the children of users are beginning to come to light.

A devastating dirt bike accident left Brian Gomez with a spinal cord injury and impaired movement in his limbs. Physicians and scientists at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have developed and implanted a spinal stimulator in the 28-year-old that has increased hand strength and movement. 

With the new Snapchat Spectacles, Shafi Ahmed, MD, PhD, was able to broadcast a hernia repair surgery to the social networking app. His utilization of the app opens the door to what physicians can do to integrate further into the social media space.

Among patients who have been taking prescription opioids for more than two months, one-third said they are addicted or psychically dependent on them. Also, 60 percent of users said their physician offered no advice on how or when to stop taking the drugs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported only 40 percent of Americans have received this season’s flu vaccine. It’s about the same coverage as the prior season—but well behind the agency’s target of 70 percent.

Orbita, providers of software for a home healthcare systems, has developed Voice Experience Designer, a smart voice-powered home health system for physicians and patients.