Exercise for older adults; feds support reproductive rights; life ends but the mail goes on – Morning Medical Update

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Exercise and aging

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has opened a public comment period on a draft recommendation for exercise to prevent falls among older adults, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults in the United States. The public comment period will last until Jan. 8, 2024.

AG asserts reproductive rights

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke about government efforts to protect reproductive rights. “Over the past 18 months, the Justice Department has been working to defend the reproductive freedoms that are protected by federal law,” Garland said. The work follows the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the legal landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade. (Incidentally, Garland’s statement includes comments about a former ambassador arrested for spying for Cuba).

Dead letter office

Health problems are finished for patients who are deceased, but mail is not. A substantial number of patients continue receiving letters, telephone calls and portal messages from their health care providers even after they die, according to a new study.