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 more likely they’d require surgery to…

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 thirst was not associated with hydration status in this group, suggesting caregivers need…

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 who watched TV for three to four hours per…

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 eleven months before their healthcare provider decided the medicine was not effective. Dr. Katy Burris, a…

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 on obesity-related health services. Currently, Medicaid pays about 10% of the annual cost…

Taking extra calcium may not help aging bones after all. An analysis of more than 100 previous investigations suggests that guidelines advising seniors to consume 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium a day are misplaced. Researcher Dr. Mark Bolland adds, “We’ve gathered all the clinical studies of calcium supplements and dietary calcium intake for both…

The seasonal migration of some bird species may allow ticks to hitch a ride from Central and South America to the United States. Researchers found that 3% of migratory birds carried so-called neotropical ticks, which means birds likely bring more than 19 million neotropical ticks to the United States every spring. Fortunately, there is no…

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report nearly 121 million episodes of alcohol-impaired driving occur in the United States (US) each year. According to their data, nearly all (85%) incidents of drunk driving involve individuals who had been binge drinking. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 2015

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 increased by 18% in women and 11% in men. Lead researcher Dr. Emelie…

A new report finds that some teens are using electronic cigarettes to vaporize cannabis instead of nicotine. These adolescents are replacing nicotine solution in their e-cigarettes with cannabis products such as hash oil, dried cannabis, and wax infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the active ingredient in cannabis. The researchers conclude, “These findings raise concerns about…