2021 in Review: Health News
In case you missed them the first time, take a look back through some of 2021’s patient care and public health stories from the CUIMC Newsroom and other medical center sites:
Statins Could Benefit Millions of Young Adults with High Cholesterol
![man putting a pill into his mouth](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=L1rckoqw 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=9wkzW0CJ 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=MHxcyGZ7 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=tjFf098U 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=kDgXzcyf 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=9rbDCRIQ 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=O1wD9z4_ 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=1PLjhUbG 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=-3I3b-51 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1286863005_man_taking_pill.jpg?itok=FeZMFaem 1600w)
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The use of statins to reduce cholesterol is recommended for only a small fraction of young adults who have extremely high levels of LDL cholesterol. A study by VP&S researchers suggests that statins would provide lifetime health benefits for adults under 40 with less severely elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, preventing or delaying many heart attacks and strokes. It would also be cost-effective, particularly for young adult men. Read more.
Ketamine Rapidly Improves Cognitive Function, Making People in Suicidal Crisis Less Likely to Harm Themselves
VP&S researchers found that a single dose of ketamine not only reduced the severity of depression in people with suicide ideation, many of whom had not responded to other antidepressants, but also made them feel safer and less likely to harm themselves. Ketamine also improved neurocognitive skills such as thinking and reasoning. Read more.
Columbia Unveils New Mobile Clinic for Community Dental Care
![Columbia University mobile dental clinic](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=agdRijm3 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=ZaFlAJZC 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=1SBIXNlM 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=Xc8Ad_Zb 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=-2Jcqqii 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=Mk5Ej_Kw 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=JIIyD5j9 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=_ilBVBsJ 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=kFqctYYZ 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/dentalvan-1600px-wide.jpg?itok=SOPl1b9Z 1600w)
Eileen Barroso / Columbia University
The College of Dental Medicine unveiled its new mobile dental center, which will travel to Head Start centers, schools, senior centers, and other partner sites in CDM’s Community DentCare Network. The clinic will deliver health screenings and low-cost dental care primarily to patients in Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, and the South Bronx. Read more.
Just How Harmful Is Social Media?
Social media platforms are important sources of socialization and relationship-building for many young people, but they also can facilitate bullying and exclusion, promote unrealistic expectations about body image, and encourage risk-taking behaviors. In a Q&A, experts from VP&S and the Mailman School of Public Health shared their insights into social media’s effect on the mental health of young people and adults and suggest everyone should consider periodic social media vacations. Read more.
![sad-looking girl looking at smart phone](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=B4OIzsi_ 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=chB6H1YL 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=aJSF9XWR 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=SmQdIvzd 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=AxOw9faw 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=_6hr8kvl 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=YS7GkMD6 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=ygeUWxS4 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=pJ5qhrTe 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/socialmediaharmful_mailman-1500x632.jpg?itok=WHXFDapU 1500w)
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Colon Cancer Screening at 45: What You Should Know
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, and American Society of Colorectal Surgery now recommend that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45 rather than 50. A VP&S surgeon explains why the change was made and what you need to know. Read more.
Five Years of Caring for Washington Heights
![group photo of members of Columbia Nursing's faculty practice](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=isqbv764 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=Bh5Aq05d 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=-KbwQUMW 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=DQHAgqn9 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=wI8J9Aeq 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=2QhlVpcI 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=QHYwGn9t 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=xIwtGzXW 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=eHCPgkdA 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/columbia-nurse-practitioner_5th.png?itok=gpWQrCay 1600w)
In September, Columbia Nursing’s faculty practice, the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, celebrated five years of serving the Washington Heights community. In that time, the group has recorded nearly 42,000 patient visits and 1,500 house calls. The group’s services include on-site mental health services and a full range of primary care services for sexual and gender minority individuals. Because the group had piloted telehealth in April 2019, all of the practice’s NPs were experienced in providing remote care when COVID hit. In 2020, the group also served as a cough and fever clinic for COVID-19 patients. Read more.
Columbia Establishes Treatment Center and Clinical Trials Network for Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases
The Cohen Center for Health and Recovery from Tick-Borne Diseases is the first in New York City to offer dedicated treatment for people with Lyme and related diseases. The center also has a national clinical trials network that will focus on identifying more effective treatments for patients with Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Read more.
Experimental Gene Therapy Reverses Sickle Cell Disease for Years
![red blood cells, including sickled cell, as seen through a microscope](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=uqv5nNld 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=RzDpG6KT 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=-XDzhYvW 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=4NQ-HRHO 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=TPxdbEFr 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=hAD7_wqt 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=SrNONi9l 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=WycMvBWo 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=1UUmc1vC 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/sickle_cell_nih_janicehaneycarr.jpg?itok=P7iEsCXw 1600w)
NIH/Janice Haney Carr
A study of an investigational gene therapy for sickle cell disease has found that a single dose restored blood cells to their normal shape and eliminated the most serious complication of the disease for at least three years in some patients. Four patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian participated in the multicenter study, the first to report such long-term outcomes of a sickle cell gene therapy. Read more.
Study Questions Widely Used Race-Based Formula to Define Lung Disease
New results from a long-term epidemiologic study reveal that one of the oldest racially based diagnostic formulas in medicine is no better than a race-neutral equation, suggesting the formula used to diagnose lung disease should be changed. Because the formula includes racial adjustments in defining normal lung function, Black people may be less likely to be treated with medications for COPD or diagnosed with other serious lung disorders compared to white people. Read more.
New Weight Loss Drug Approved by FDA: Is It Right for You?
People who are trying to lose weight have a new option: A medication called semaglutide received FDA approval earlier this summer. In this Q&A, a VP&S weight loss expert explains how the drug works and who may benefit from it. Read more.
Columbia Primary Care Removes Barriers to Improve Mental Health
![woman with sad expression with a therapist](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=-c7beMJZ 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=m1HV-HtD 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=IxbPR9kT 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=3Q5fRno1 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=smgyCzGa 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=TPg3absV 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=wmcNyOPs 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=A3Emg__- 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=zwnr_s-g 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/gettyimages-1214460611_depression.jpeg?itok=UQLZcjjC 1600w)
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A new program at ColumbiaDoctors embeds behavioral health specialists alongside primary care providers to care for patients’ mental health needs. The program launched in November at all ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care locations to care for patients with depression. Expansion into other behavioral health needs, such as anxiety, substance use disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is planned for the future. Read more.
Columbia University Selected as Rare Disease Center of Excellence
Columbia University Irving Medical Center with NewYork-Presbyterian has been named a Center of Excellence by the National Organization for Rare Disorders and joins a national network dedicated to improving treatment and care for people with rare diseases. Columbia was chosen as a Center of Excellence because it has experts across multiple specialties to meet the needs of patients with rare diseases and has a wide range of clinical, patient education, and research programs for people living with rare diseases. Read more.
Smarter Radiation Therapy Enhances Personalized Care for Cancer Patients
![](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_200/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=fcnvDSWU 200w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_260/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=xGJLmPAg 260w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_320/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=c4zlTGYn 320w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_400/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=VN8deVZ3 400w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_520/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=4gzAqs9H 520w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_640/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=hF7PDtwi 640w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_800/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=AYUGQoSC 800w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1040/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=FDyT1YOy 1040w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1280/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=Tb-jd0dJ 1280w, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/styles/cola_media_1600/public/media/images/2021-12/adaptiveradiationtherapy_rsz_211a8237.jpg?itok=cVonfzWa 1600w)
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
The latest advance in radiation therapy—using artificial intelligence to adjust treatments as needed without delay—is now available for select cancer patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian. The new advance solves a long-standing issue in radiation oncology: the difficulty of adapting treatment to anatomical changes in the patient or the tumor that can occur during the many weeks of therapy. Read more.