Spending time in nature may ease chronic pain; $174M Medicare genetic testing fraud; a record high in cannabis use among older adults – Morning Medical Update

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Nature may ease chronic back pain

A new study from the University of Plymouth finds that spending more time in nature offers social connection, distraction and tranquility for people living with chronic lower back pain. Participants described relief from anxiety and improved well-being, but also cited physical barriers — like uneven terrain and limited seating — that could limit access to some outdoor spaces. The study, published in The Journal of Pain, suggests adapting natural spaces to incorporate more accessible design features and exploring virtual reality (VR) as an alternative immersive experience for those unable to go outdoors.

Lab owner pleads guilty in $174M Medicare genetic testing fraud

A Missouri lab owner had pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing, aggressive telemarketing and kickback payments. Jamie P. McNamara, 49, admitted to using shell companies, false ownership records and sham telemedicine consults to bill Medicare over $174 million, receiving more than $55 million in reimbursements. Prosecutors say McNamara used bribes and illegal contracts to fuel the scam and later violated his pretrial release by fleeing and removing his ankle monitor. He faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.

Cannabis use nearly doubles among older Americans, study finds

Marijuana use among U.S. adults aged 65 and older had climbed to a record 7%, nearly doubling in two years, according to new research in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study, led by NYU and UC San Diego researchers, found the largest increases among older adults who are White, married, college-educated and higher income. Use also rose sharply among older women and those with chronic health conditions.