Autoimmune diseases affect 15M in US, study finds | US military faces growing mental health challenges | Tricare West reservists receive incorrect insurance bills
A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that more than 15 million people in the US were diagnosed with autoimmune diseases from 2011 to 2022, with women nearly twice as likely to be affected as men. The research, using electronic health records from six health care systems, highlights rheumatoid arthritis as the most prevalent condition.
Where retail, technology & innovation intersect The Most Important Event in Retail
Shoptalk is the ultimate gathering of retail, where 10,000+ retail decision-makers converge to discover the future of retail. Get ready for three action-packed days that will expand your horizons and catapult your business forward. Get tickets.
The mental health of active-duty US military personnel is a growing concern, with diagnoses of mental health disorders rising by nearly 40% from 2019 to 2023, according to a Department of Defense report. The report highlights anxiety, depression and PTSD as the most common issues, with PTSD rates notably higher among female Servicemembers. Efforts are underway to promote help-seeking behaviors and reduce stigma. "Mental health is health, period. We must do more, at every level, to end the stigma against getting help. We all need counsel, community and connection. Reaching out is a sign of strength and resilience," said US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The TriWest Healthcare Alliance mistakenly sent letters informing military reservists in 26 states that they were enrolled in the Tricare Retired Reserve program and owed monthly premium payments ranging from $631 to $1,513 instead of the lower amounts for the Tricare Reserve program. TriWest sent corrections via email and will mail letters with the correct information and extended the deadline for Tricare Prime and Select enrollees to update their information.
The Cigna Group Foundation is committing $9 million over three years to 22 nonprofit organizations to support Veteran mental health and housing stability. This initiative focuses on underserved groups, including women Veterans and Veterans of color, by reducing evictions and connecting Veterans to financial assistance programs. The program aims to improve access to stable housing and mental health services, utilizing models like the VA's Housing First Model to expedite housing placement and reduce emergency room visits.
The CDC reports a surge in flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases across the US, with the South and West experiencing particularly high levels. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina notes that while the overall sickness levels are similar to prepandemic times, the flu is now the primary cause of hospitalizations, overtaking COVID-19. This shift marks a significant change from the past four years.
The "medical freedom" movement in the US, which has gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, is driven by growing distrust in health care institutions and the spread of misinformation, according to experts. This movement, which has become a political identity, advocates for access to unproven treatments and opposes certain public health measures. Experts note that this trend poses significant challenges to public health efforts.
A study of 7,493 Veterans with tuberculosis has identified risk factors for extrapulmonary TB, including non-Hispanic Black race, diabetes, HIV and severe kidney disease. The research, led by Veterans Affairs and published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, found that 19% of Veterans with lab-confirmed TB had extrapulmonary TB, with the pleural cavity being the most common site of infection. The study highlights the need for health care professionals to be aware of these risk factors for early diagnosis and treatment.
Annual Meeting Hotel Reservation: Our room block is nearing capacity. If you are unable to secure a room at the Gaylord, the properties listed on our Annual Meeting Page are near the Gaylord. Visit Our Site: Annual Meeting Hotel Information. Please note AMSUS does not have a room block or reduced rate at these properties. We also recommend Alexandria, Virginia, as an alternate location for lodging, as it is located approximately 5 miles from National Harbor.
In partnership with the Uniformed Services University, this Thought Leadership Forum will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of MSKI care within the Department of Defense (DoD), with a particular focus on bone stress injuries, women's health, mental health, and collaborations with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There will be discussion on the significant burden of MSKIs within the DoD across body regions, identify critical educational needs and research gaps, and explore opportunities to align, synchronize, and advance MSKI care across the DoD and during the transition to VA care.
This thought-provoking event will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Henry Jackson Foundation in Bethesda, Maryland. Check-in, a casual breakfast, and an opportunity to network will precede the event from 7:30 AM to 8 AM. Lunch will be provided from 12 PM to 1 PM. Learn More and Register Now!
.png)
