Despite improvements in air quality over the past three decades, a new study find that air pollution remains a major contributing factor for lung disease, heart attacks, and strokes that kill over 30,000 Americans each year. Lead researcher Dr. Majid Ezzati adds, “More stringent air pollution regulations in the [United States] have the potential to…

According to a new study, research is poorly funded for several common and/or deadly cancers, such as endometrial, liver and bile duct, cervical, ovarian, pancreatic, and lung cancer. Study author Dr. Suneel Kamath notes, “The goal of this study is not to divert funds away from cancers that are well-supported, but rather expand funding for…

An analysis of data concerning nearly 162,000 postmenopausal women found that women whose body fat collects in their mid-section have nearly twice the risk for heart disease or stroke as women whose body fat is mostly stored in their legs. Study author Dr. Qibin Qi writes, “Our findings suggest that postmenopausal women, despite having normal…

Type 2 diabetics have an increased risk for limited joint mobility (LJM) disorders of the upper extremities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Surveys completed by 245 nurse practitioners and 390 general practitioners revealed that more than half were unaware that LJM is a complication associated with diabetes mellitus. BMC…

An analysis of data gathered between 1971 and 2012 concerning more than 75,000 people found that failure to complete high school is associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Study author Dr. Rita Hamad adds, “Overall, people with more education may have reduced heart disease because they have higher incomes, allowing them to afford…

Researchers followed nearly 3,600 adults for nine years and found that those who watched TV four or more hours per day had a 50% higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and early death than participants who watched TV less than two hours a day. Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2019

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are often seen as a woman’s health issue, but a new study involving 173 middle-aged adults revealed that low bone mass in the hip was common in both sexes. The findings suggest that men should take steps to help ensure their bone health by eating a wellbalanced diet rich in calcium, getting…

A review of data concerning more than 5,700 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests revealed that men were more likely than women to receive resuscitation attempts by bystanders (74% versus 69%), even if a bystander saw the person collapse. European Heart Journal, May 2019

After reviewing nearly 170,000 dentist-written antibiotic prescriptions from 2011 to 2015, researchers concluded that 81% of scripts were unnecessary as the patients did not have a cardiac condition that warranted an antibiotic prescription as recommended by current medical guidelines. The Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry’s Dr. Susan Rowan notes, “Dental providers are very thoughtful when they…

Using data from six published studies concerning over 16,000 adults, researchers estimate that patients with epilepsy who experience either a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke may have up to double the risk for a subsequent stroke. Epilepsy & Behavior, June 2019