Endometriosis is a potentially painful condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. A review of findings from 39 studies revealed an association between endometriosis and an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth. Journal of Clinical Medicine,…

Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for several cancers, and a recent study that analyzed information from the United States Cancer Statistics database estimates that alcohol may be the primary driver of 4.8% of cancer cases and 3.2% of cancer deaths, or about 75,000 cases and 19,000 deaths per year in the United States.…

Researchers report that the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased over the last 40 years, with the rate increasing fastest among patients under the age of 50. Additionally, the research team reports that younger esophageal cancer patients were more likely to be diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the cancer and their survival rates…

Past research has shown that air pollution can increase one’s risk for heart and lung disease. Now, an analysis of data concerning over 47,000 adults suggests that increased exposure to fine particulate matter is also associated with an elevated risk for chronic kidney disease. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, December 2020

Researchers collected data on over 27,000 dementia patients and found that those prescribed a high dosage of strong sleeping medications such as zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone (so-called “Z-drugs”) had an elevated risk for a stroke, serious fall, and fracture, especially hip fracture. Study author Dr. Chris Fox notes, “This research shows us that higher-dose Zdrugs should…

Following a review of data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, researchers report that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were 2.5 times more likely to have temporomandibular disorders (TMD) than individuals without a history of OSA. The findings suggest that OSA may be a risk factor for TMD, and patients presenting for…

Among a group of 142 female university students, researchers identified an association between low dietary zinc intake and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, short sleep duration, and daytime dysfunction. Biological Trace Element Research, August 2020

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns not to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain methanol or wood alcohol, as they can be toxic if absorbed through the skin leading to nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, blindness, seizures, coma, nervous system damage, and even death. The FDA is working to prevent these products from entering…

A study that monitored the health of more than 4,000 participants found that unhealthy high-density lipoprotein (the “good” cholesterol) levels at age 8 may signal that an individual is at an elevated risk for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis by age 25. Diabetes Care, June 2020

An analysis of data collected from nearly 72,000 families revealed that children with hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities have a significantly elevated risk for asthma. Study co-author Dr. George Delclos writes, “These results support advising pediatricians to screen for asthma in children with disabilities, so that interventions can be started sooner.” JAMA Network…