New research that looked at long-term health data concerning nearly 6,600 adults suggests that obesity at midlife is associated with a 31% increased risk for dementia in old age. International Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020

An analysis of long-term data concerning over 68.5 million Medicare enrollees suggests that tightening air quality standards in the United States from 12 μg/m3 of fine particulate matter to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 10 μg/m3 could save over 140,000 lives over the following decade. Sciences Advances, June 2020

Individuals with a genetic predisposition for elevated low-density lipoprotein (the “bad” cholesterol) levels have traditionally been instructed to reduce their consumption of saturated fats to lower their risk for heart disease. However, a team of heart disease and diet experts reviewed dietary guidelines for those with familial hypercholesterolemia and failed to find any evidence supporting…

Using four decades of data concerning nearly 150 countries, researchers report that for every 1% increase in a nation’s per capita income, the obesity rate among men in the country rises 1.23%. PLOS ONE, May 2020

A review of findings from six published studies noted that people who frequently sing have a reduced risk for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, June 2020

An analysis of nearly 3 million pregnancy outcomes from women living within six miles of an oil or gas well revealed that living within less than a mile of these types of wells is associated with a 40% increased risk for low birth weight. Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2020

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol. Researchers report that individuals with this condition are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease before middle age; however, less than 10% of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia know they have it. American Heart Association, June 2020

Though further research is advised, the current literature suggests that playing a wind instrument can increase blood oxygenation and reduce the risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, May 2020

Examinations of 3,579 children and teens revealed that those who lived in a household in which one or more person smoked were two times more likely to have blood pressure in the hypertensive range than kids from nonsmoking homes. Preventative Medicine, May 2020

An analysis of health data concerning over two million adults found evidence that blood infections from anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium septicum may be associated with an increased risk for developing colon cancer in the near future. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should screen patients for colon cancer if they have recently been diagnosed…