Stressful Life Events Increase Diabetes Risk.
According to a new study that involved almost 8,000 middle-aged adults, there is a relationship between an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the total number of major stressful events an individual encounters in his or her lifetime. Examples of stressful life events include the death of a spouse or child, divorce, marital…
Read MoreNutritional Deficiencies in Early Life May Affect Dementia Risk.
Past research has identified a relationship between short adult leg length and the quality of nutrition in early life. In a study that included over 13,000 seniors from East Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, researchers found an association between short leg length and dementia risk. This finding suggests that poor nutrition in childhood may…
Read MoreWhat to Ask If You Have Breast Cancer…
When receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, it is important to prepare a list of questions for your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends inquiring about the following: the type and size of the breast cancer; if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere; what stage is the cancer; how curable is the…
Read MoreMusculoskeletal Disease Among Children Is an Economic Burden in the US.
According to a new report, more than 19 million children and adolescents in the United States (US) received treatment in medical centers, private medical practices, and hospitals for musculoskeletal-related conditions or injuries in 2012 at a total cost of about $7.6 billion. The report also found that musculoskeletal conditions account for 5.4% of hospital charges…
Read MoreExercise Reduces Recurrent Fall Risk.
New research suggests that engaging in regular physical activity can protect seniors from falls. In this study, investigators found that older adults who exercise are 39% less likely to experience recurrent falls than their more sedentary peers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, March 2018
Read MoreEven If You Eat Healthy Foods, Salt Can Increase Your Blood Pressure.
An analysis of the dietary intake and urine samples of more than 4,000 adults revealed that a diet rich fruits and vegetables fails to counter the hypertensive effects of consuming too much salt. Study author Dr. Queenie Chan writes, “We currently have a global epidemic of high salt intake—and high blood pressure. This research shows…
Read MoreRisk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In this study, researchers compared the health history of 8,760 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 26,280 children without ASD. They found the following risk factors associated with ASD: maternal mental illness, epilepsy, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, infection, or asthma; assisted fertility; hyperemesis, younger maternal age; labor complications; low birth weight; infant…
Read MoreADHD and Smoking…
Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who become smokers tend to try their first cigarette at a younger age than their peers without ADHD. Additionally, the data show that smokers with ADHD smoke more cigarettes per day and have a more difficult time quitting. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, March 2018
Read MoreKeep Cholesterol in Check.
Because blood sugar and blood pressure can influence cholesterol levels, the American Diabetes Association recommends the following: if you smoke, quit; lose excess weight; exercise daily; and eat a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. American Diabetes Association, March 2018
Read MoreNeck Pain Common with Migraines.
According to a new study that monitored the status of 391 migraine patients for 18 months, 42.5% of participants experienced neck pain in conjunction with migraine episodes. In a third of these patients, neck pain triggered their migraine and the rest reported that neck pain manifested once their headache was underway. The authors of the…
Read More