Research & Policy

Ted Bosworth from Family Practice News covered a recent collaboration between the Hampton VA Medical Center and the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Art Therapy Program that represents the first of its kind: a randomized trial that examines art therapy treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the VA.

Novartis today announced the launch of Novartis Access, a portfolio of 15 medicines to treat chronic diseases in low- and low-middle-income countries. The portfolio addresses cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and breast cancer and will be offered to governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other public-sector healthcare providers for USD 1 per treatment, per month.

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today issued its 2014 global corporate responsibility report, which provides an overview of its priorities, programs and performance in the areas of Access to Health, Environmental Sustainability, Employees and Ethics & Transparency.

Food matters. The nutritional value and appeal of their food makes a difference to the scientists on the International Space Station. That point was made during a panel discussion “Is Food the Cure?” by Vickie Kloeris, Manager, International Space Station Food System, NASA Johnson Space Center. She was joined by Dr. Frédéric Saldmann, Cardiologist, Nutritionist and Writer, and Lawrence A. Soler, President and CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America. They were among the speakers that I was privileged to hear at Sodexo’s inaugural Quality of Life Conference.

With food allergies on the rise, and 15 million Americans allergic to one or more foods, chances are good that someone you work with, go to school with or are friends with will have a food allergy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affects between 4 and 6 percent of young people in the U. S. Allergic reactions can be life threatening and have far-reaching effects on the individual and their families, as well as the school, college or university they attend.

The Novartis Foundation and its partners will highlight progress towards transforming the health of the poorest populations at the 9th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health (ECTMIH) held in Basel from September 6 – 10. Updates on nine Novartis Foundation-sponsored healthcare delivery models and disease elimination programs in low- and middle-income countries will be showcased in scientific sessions and sponsored-symposia.