This week, our helpful health care links focus on a variety of topics — an update on new Ebola quarantine guidelines and a breakthrough in medical research with the approval of a new Meningitis vaccine. We also included an informative article from NPR about some important things to consider before undergoing surgery. All are worth your time. And, as always, if you ever come across a healthcare story that you think merits more attention, please send it our way!

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Obama Defends U.S. Ebola Guidelines, Backs American Volunteers in Africa (Reuters)

President Obama stated that the adopted policies in the U.S. shouldn’t discourage those who wish to fight the West African Ebola outbreak. Instead they should be applauded, and, when they return, authorities can work with them to make sure they are monitored prudently when they return.

Patients Do Better After Surgery If They Do ‘Prerehab’ First (NPR)

Patients are encouraged to participate in a rehabilitation program after a surgery, but research is showing that beginning that plan pror to the procedure could speed up recovery.

First Vaccine for Deadly Form of Meningitis Approved in the U.S. (The Washington Post) 

The FDA approved a vaccine for one of the five forms of the deadly disease bacterial meningitis.

Arsenic in Gluten-Free Food: How Worried Should You Be? (NPR)

For those who suffer from Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, rice-based foods and flours tend to be a popular solution for a wheat-free diet. However, trace elements of arsenic have been found in many of these foods.

Petition Drive To Limit Hospital Charges Gets OK From State (Crain’s Detroit Business)

The Board of State Canvassers in Michigan approved a petition drive to limit what hospitals can charge the uninsured and underinsured.

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