A new study suggests that high blood sugar can cause stronger contractions of blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications in heart attack patients. Researcher Dr. Richard Rainbow explains, "This is the first study to show direct evidence of … [Read more...]
Health Alert
Increased Body Mass Linked to Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are also overweight or obese may be at an elevated risk for autonomic dysfunction when compared with PD patients with a healthy bodyweight. The autonomic nervous system is the portion of the … [Read more...]
Hyperactivity Increases Risk for Traumatic Dental Injury
Children with hyperactivity symptoms are more likely to sustain a traumatic dental injury (TDI). Researchers reviewed the medical records of 230 school children and found those whose parents reported signs of hyperactivity were 2.33 times more likely … [Read more...]
Too Many Teens Exposed to Secondhand Smoke
Nearly half of American teens who have never used tobacco are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke despite widespread laws banning smoking in public places. An analysis of data from over 18,000 middle school and high school students reveals that 48% … [Read more...]
At Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increases an individual's risk for heart disease. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic risk factors include the following: excess abdominal fat, increased … [Read more...]
The World Appears to Be a Safer Place
Since 1990, there has been a significant declining trend in the rates of death and disability due to injury. The reduction in injuries can be taken as good news, but 4.8 million deaths globally in 2013 is still a large number, and efforts to reduce … [Read more...]
Fewer Teens Using Cigarettes and Alcohol!
The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey finds cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption continues to decline among teens. Among 10th graders, researchers observed a 54.9% reduction in cigarette use in just the past five years. The rate of binge … [Read more...]
Coal Burning Pollution Very Damaging to Health
Using data gathered from 450,000 people in the United States, investigators found that particles from burning coal contribute five times more to the risk of death from heart disease than other air pollution particles of the same size. According to … [Read more...]
Obesity Linked to More Severe Bone and Joint Injuries
An analysis of data regarding 300 patients treated for multiple orthopedic injuries found that obesity complicates the treatment of broken bones and other major joint injuries. The authors of the analysis found that the more obese a patient was, the … [Read more...]
Dehydration is Common Among Frail Older Adults
Serum tests of 188 seniors living in a community setting showed 20% were dehydrated at the time their blood was drawn. Dehydration can be a serious problem among the frail elderly, as it can impair cognition and renal function. The researchers note … [Read more...]
Too Much TV Linked to Increased Risk of Death
Currently, 80% of adults in the United States watch at least 3.5 hours of television per day. This is alarming as a new study links the hours spent watching TV to increased risks for eight of the major causes of death. The study found older adults … [Read more...]
Many Patients with Acne Take Antibiotics Too Long
Patients with severe acne often remain on antibiotics for several months before they are transitioned to a potentially more effective treatment. A review of medical records of 137 patients found that on average, patients were kept on antibiotics for … [Read more...]
Severe Obesity Leads to Billions in Additional Healthcare Costs!
New research suggests that severe obesity is placing a huge financial strain on both the United States' Medicaid system as well as on the severely obese themselves. According to the study, $69 billion dollars is spent in the United States each year … [Read more...]
Taller People at Greater Risk of Cancer
The taller you are, the greater the risk you have of developing cancer. Investigators followed 5.5 million Swedish men and women for over 50 years and found that for every additional 10 cm (~3.4 inches) of height, the risk of developing cancer … [Read more...]