Diabetes and osteoarthritis (OA) commonly occur together, but it’s unknown if diabetes increases the risk for OA or if they just happen to share common risk factors. In this study, researchers reviewed data from 40 published studies and found little … [Read more...]
Health Alert
ER Visits for Opioid Overdoses Continue to Increase
According to a new government report, emergency room visits for opioid overdoses in the United States increased about 30% between July 2016 and September 2017. Acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Anne Schuchat … [Read more...]
Extra Body Fat Increases Risk of Breast Cancer
Older women who have extra body fat may face a greater risk of breast cancer, even when their weight falls within the normal range. An analysis of data concerning 3,460 women, aged 50 to 79, showed that those with higher body fat levels had up to … [Read more...]
Another Reason to Quit Smoking…
According to a new study, smokers who abstain from tobacco products following a hospital stay are 30% more likely to report good health and 19% less likely to experience psychological distress during the following six months. Preventative Medicine, … [Read more...]
Is Noise a Risk Factor for Heart Disease?
Everyday loud noises from traffic, construction, and raucous workplaces may increase one’s risk for heart disease. A review of data from past studies found that both people and animals exposed to frequent, loud noises had a greater risk for heart … [Read more...]
Colonoscopy May Raise the Risk of Appendicitis
Though colonoscopies are vital for detecting and removing cancer in the colon or large intestine, a review of the medical histories of nearly 393,000 veterans found that patients who underwent a colonoscopy had a 400% increased risk for appendicitis … [Read more...]
Hearing Loss May Lead to Other Problems
After reviewing health data concerning 3,777 older adults for 25 years, a team of French scientists reports that seniors with self-reported hearing loss have an increased risk of disability, depression, and dementia. However, the investigators did … [Read more...]
A Widely-Used Painkiller May Reduce Male Fertility
In a new study involving 31 men, researchers found that those who took 1,200 mg of ibuprofen each day for 14 days experienced a short-term drop in their testosterone levels, which has been associated with lower fertility. Proceedings of the National … [Read more...]
Asthma in America Costs Billions
Based on an analysis of medical expenses and costs associated with work and school absences and deaths between 2008 and 2013, federal health officials say that the economic cost of asthma in the United States is almost $82 billion per year. However, … [Read more...]
Common NSAID May Lead to Reduced Fertility of Offspring
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is commonly taken by pregnant women to help relieve pain, but a new study suggests that this medication may lead to reduced fertility among female offspring. Investigators found that rodents given paracetamol … [Read more...]
Noisy Commutes Pose Dangers
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to noise at 114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. In a new study, researchers explored the impact of noise exposure among commuters who used subways, trams, buses, and … [Read more...]
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Alzheimer’s Risk
Poor vitamin D levels have been linked to a number of negative health outcomes. Now, a new study indicates that seniors with deficient vitamin D levels may have an elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study used data from the French Three-City … [Read more...]
Opioid-Linked Fatal Car Crashes on the Rise
The number of drivers killed in car crashes under the influence of prescription painkillers has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In this study, researchers focused on male drivers who died within one hour of a motor vehicle crash and … [Read more...]
Opioid Overdoses and Deaths Rising in US Hospitals
A review of data concerning nearly 23 million adult hospital admissions that occurred between 2009 and 2015 revealed a 34% increase in opioid overdose-related ICU admissions during this time. Furthermore, the average cost of care per ICU overdose … [Read more...]