Factoid Farm     Little Bits of information for you to ponder...     Factoid The highest paid executives of 10 of the largest for-profit health plans in the United States each made an average of $11.7 million in salary last year. Each of the executives of the for-profit health plans also had stock options worth an average of $68 million in addition to their salary. This information was made available by Reuters Health 6/21/01.     Factoid Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of visits to physician's offices. This includes new problems and return visits to physicians in office based practice. It includes musculoskeletal injuries as well as non-traumatic conditions. Respiratory problems are the second most common conditions causing patients to visit physicians in office based practice.     Factoid In a report issued by the National Institute of Mental Health 6/29/01, a study has been launched of women ages 21 to 45 who are suffering from major depression to find out whether low bone mass is related to depression or stress hormones such as Cortisol. The studies will include psychological evaluation, bone mineral testing, and measurements of stress hormones. Published research already available from many sources indicates a strong association between depression and osteoporosis. This literature suggests that depression may be a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. The NIMH study hopes to, in its way, shed light on this very important problem.     Factoid Forteo is Eli Lilly's new parathyroid hormone injection for the treatment of Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The Food and Drug Administration is considering it, as the first hormonal treatment for the formation of bone in patients with Osteoporosis. Forteo is still in clinical trials and has not yet been released for general use in the treatment of Osteoporosis.     Factoid A recent study found that women were nearly three times more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while they were ovulating than during other points in their menstrual cycle. This pattern emerged only among women not on birth control pills. The findings suggest that oral contraception may provide some measure of protection from the injury. 65 women with ACL injuries were studied at the University of Michigan. The lead author of the study, Edward M. Wojtys, M.D. said that the findings did not suggest that birth control pills offer a way to prevent ACL injuries.     Factoid Recent studies indicate that you should not blame the drug if a popular antibiotic makes you break out in a rash. The cause is probably in your genes. A medical geneticist at the University of Michigan says that genes determine how susceptible we are to drugs. Tendencies vary by race and ethnic background. To complicate matters further, small genetic mutations called polymorphisms occur. Some genes effect drug metabolizing enzymes; another increases or decreases sensitivity to drugs. Polymorphisms can also be the reason for sensitivities to food, susceptibility to asthma, and an inability to metabolize certain drugs such as Codeine.     Factoid Two million cases of domestic violence are reported annually with enormous impact on not only the family and community, but also hospital emergency departments. The leading cause of injury to women is partner abuse and statistics have indicated that 22 to 35% of women visiting emergency rooms are seen for that purpose. More than 50% of men who commit violent acts against their partner also abuse their children. The problem of domestic violence seems to be increasing and is not only a social issue, but a growing medical concern in emergency rooms everywhere.