American journal of preventive medicine
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Prescription drugs are one of the fastest growing healthcare costs in the United States. However, the long-term influence of child abuse and related traumatic stressors on prescriptions for psychotropic medications in adults has not been described. This study assessed the relationship of eight adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to rates of prescriptions for psychotropic medications throughout adulthood. These ACEs included: abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), witnessing domestic violence, growing up with substance abusing, mentally ill, or criminal household members, and parental separation/divorce. ⋯ The strong relationship of the ACE Score to increased utilization of psychotropic medications underscores the contribution of childhood experience to the burden of adult mental illness. Moreover, the huge economic costs associated with the use of psychotropic medications provide additional incentive to address the high prevalence and consequences of childhood traumatic stressors.
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Ladder use is involved in many occupational and non-occupational activities. Falls from ladders can result in serious injury and affect people of all ages. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine nonfatal ladder-related injuries on a national level. ⋯ Given the 50% increase in ladder-related injuries during the study period, the relatively high likelihood of hospital admission, and the predominance of injuries in non-occupational settings, increased efforts are needed to prevent ladder-related injuries.
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Aspirin is effective for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, but its use has been suboptimal. ⋯ Aspirin use is low, even among patients at increased risk. Better provider-patient communication about aspirin prevention is associated with greater use, and should be a target for future interventions.