An umbrella review that included six systematic reviews and six meta reviews concluded that the risk of suicide among cancer patients is 1.5-1.7 times higher than the general population, with an even greater risk in the first year following diagnosis. Journal of Affective Disorders, December 2021

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways of about 10% of children and 7-8% of adults. A recent study found that individuals with asthma have up to a three-times increased risk for anxiety and depression compared with the general population. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, October 2021

According to a new report, confusion over labeling may have led bakers in Missouri and Rhode Island in 2018-19 to use non-edible luster dust to add sparkle to their cake decorations, which contained potentially harmful levels of copper, lead, and other metals. Emergency physician Dr. Robert Glatter writes, “From a public health standpoint, clear and…

Among a group of 18,013 type 2 diabetics, researchers observed that participants with at least five of the following seven risk factors had nearly a 15-times increased risk for stroke: smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of stroke, obesity, short sleep duration (less than six hours a night), or long sleep duration (over eight hours a…

Questionnaires completed by 4,155 young and middle-aged adults revealed that 25% had delayed or skipped care due to administrative tasks such as obtaining information from an insurance company or provider, resolving issues with billing, or seeking preauthorizations for care. Health Services Research, September 2021

Questionnaires completed by over 600 students from two universities revealed that 20% had misused a prescription stimulant with the goal of improving academic performance. Journal of American College Health, September 2021

A recent study concluded that a third of Americans taking blood pressure medication do not have their blood pressure under control. Interestingly, women in their 70s and 80s were 29% and 64%, respectively, more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure than men. However, in the 20s, 30s, and 40s age groups, men were 59%,…

During an eight-year study that included 17,515 middle aged and older adults, researchers observed that participants who worked non-traditional hours had a 19% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Acta Diabetologica, December 2021

Researchers tested the magnetic field output of common smartphones and smart watches at varying distances from implanted heart devices and discovered that in close proximity (less than 6 inches), the magnetic fields of these devices were strong enough to potentially interfere with implanted defibrillators and pacemakers. Based on the findings, study author Dr. Seth Seidman…

Using data from Israel’s National Stroke Registry, researchers report that ischemic stroke patients with diabetes are less likely to survive one year than stroke survivors without a history of diabetes. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications, October 2021