Nearly half of all American adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, claims a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers say that up to 14% of adults had either diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in 2011-2012, and approximately 38% had diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes. Journal of the American…

The onset of cold weather may actually pose health risks for some individuals with a heart condition. A new study found colder weather can increase the risk of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation by as much as 20% when compared with their risk during the warmer months. Atrial fibrillation is a common condition in…

While high school athletes may be getting the message that cigarettes are bad for their health, it appears many don’t see the dangers involved with smokeless tobacco. Between 2001 and 2013, high school athletes use of chew, moist snuff, or dip increased 10% to 11%, while no change was noted among non-athletes. According to their…

Regular exposure to automobile air pollution can increase an individual’s risk for lung cancer. Researchers examined data collected from 36 studies regarding professional drivers and found that occupational exposure to air pollution can increase lung cancer risk by 27% and the risk of dying from the disease by 14%. Thoracic Cancer, May 2015

Septic Tanks May Allow Human Waste into Nearby Waterways. A new study suggests that septic tanks don’t prevent fecal bacteria from seeping into nearby rivers and lakes. Researchers analyzed 64 river systems and found bacterial concentrations were highest where there were higher numbers of septic systems in the watershed area. Previously, experts thought soil worked…

Nicotine in E-Cigarettes Poses Danger to Kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes has led to an increase in cases of nicotine poisoning by young children. Experts say that a nicotine overdose can cause anxiety, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or even death. To keep…

Bigger Families Mean More Sickness. Being part of a big family boosts the risk of passing on viral infections that cause colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. In a recent study, researchers found viral infections were present in childless households an average of three to four weeks a year. In homes with one child, viral…

Children May Be Affected By Early Antibiotic Use. According to the findings of a new animal study, multiple courses of antibiotics during early childhood can lead to weight gain, increased bone growth, and altered gut flora. The researchers write that their findings highlight the potential negative impact repeated antibiotic exposure in early life may have…

National Program to Address Sepsis Is Needed! Sepsis is a condition that occurs when an infection enters the bloodstream, resulting in an inflammatory response throughout the body. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center report that during a two-year period in California, 240,198 patients were readmitted to hospitals for sepsis (almost as…

Smoking’s Cost on Society Is Falling! After adjusting for inflation, the total cost of smoking (healthcare, lost productivity from illness, and lost productivity from premature mortality) in the State of California has fallen 13% since 1999. Experts suggest the state’s early adoption of tobacco control strategies has contributed to both the lower number of present…