Oct. 22, 2013 A novel autism intervention program using theatre to teach reciprocal communication skills is improving social deficits in adolescents with the disorder that now affects an estimated one in 88 children, Vanderbilt University researchers released today in the journal Autism Research. The newly released study assessed the effectiveness of a two-week theatre camp on children with autism spectrum disorder and found significant improvements were made in social perception, social cognition and home living skills by the end of the camp. There were also positive changes in the participants' physiological stress and reductions in self-reported parental stress. Called SENSE Theatre, the Social Emotional Neuroscience & Endocrinology (SENSE) program evaluates the social functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Camp participants ages 8 to 17 years join with typically developing peers who are specially trained to serve as models for social interaction and communication, skills that are difficult for children with autism. The camp uses techniques such as role-play and improvisation and culminates in public performances of a play. "The findings show that treatment can be delivered in an unconventional setting, and children with autism can learn from unconventional 'interventionists' -- their typically developing peer," said lead author … Continue reading →

Newswise SEATTLE (Oct. 22, 2013) Virginia Mason Medical Center announced today it has been recognized by Healthgrades as one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, general surgery and critical care. Virginia Mason is also a recipient of the Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards for cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, general surgery, critical care and treatment of stroke, ranking it among the top 5 percent nationally for these services. This recognition by Healthgrades is a testament to the commitment of teams across Virginia Mason, and of our partners at Group Health, EvergreenHealth and Pacific Medical Centers, to provide the highest quality care for our patients, said Virginia Mason Chairman and CEO Gary S. Kaplan, MD. Everything we do is designed to benefit those individuals with whose care we are entrusted. Healthgrades, the leading online resource that helps consumers search, compare and connect with physicians and hospitals, evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions and identified the 100 best hospitals within each procedure. This is the third consecutive year Virginia Mason is ranked among Healthgrades 100 Best Hospitals for cardiac and gastrointestinal care, and the second straight year for pulmonary care, general surgery and … Continue reading →

Almost half of patients who need potentially life-saving stroke surgery do not get it quick enough despite guidelines being in place since 2008. A new report from the Royal College of Surgeons and the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland found 44% of people who need surgery of the neck arteries in order to prevent a stroke are not receiving it within the two week timeframe set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). While access is improving, the Nice guidelines have been in place since July 2008. Mediterranean Diet May Help Lower Risk Of A Stroke Heart Problems And Stroke Risk Reduces With Better Sleep A Government National Stroke Strategy published in 2007 set an even quicker timeframe - saying patients should only wait 48 hours from having symptoms to undergoing an operation. People who experience symptoms of a threatened stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - often called a "mini stroke" - have a temporary disruption in blood supply to part of the brain. They are at increased risk of a full stroke and those who have significant narrowing of the carotid artery are at high risk of having a more severe stroke, hence … Continue reading →