A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
A study of over 46,000 individuals found that lifestyle changes can significantly impact healthcare costs. The researchers identified 10 modifiable health risks that account for 25% of total annual expenditures, with stress-related problems being the costliest factor.
A new clinical score for managing upper respiratory tract infections with sore throat could substantially reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study found that using the score would have reduced antibiotics prescribed to culture-negative patients by 63.7% and overall antibiotics by 52.3%.
Children born prematurely are 3 to 4 times more likely to be educational underachievers than full-term children. Targeted educational intervention programs can help maximize their academic potential. The study controlled for age, race, maternal education, and foster-care placement.
In a two-year study, researchers at Northwestern University are using phytoremediation to reduce lead poisoning in Chicago's West Town community. They have planted different types of grasses and vegetation in 40 homes to test their effectiveness in removing lead from the soil.
A study found that only 18.5% of patients with fragility fractures received a proper osteoporosis diagnosis, and even fewer were treated accordingly. This gap in care represents a significant lost opportunity to build bone mass and reduce fracture risk among Canada's aging population.
Scientists have characterized gene mutations in families affected by pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare disorder that can lead to progressive loss of vision, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection and prenatal testing.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular garlic consumption reduces stomach cancer risk by half and colorectal cancer risk by two-thirds. The researchers pooled data from 22 studies worldwide to confirm the protective effect, but note that supplements may not be as effective.
A study of 3,299 US oncologists found that 22% supported physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients with unremitting pain, while 6.5% supported euthanasia. Hydrochlorothiazide was shown to preserve bone density at the hip and spine in healthy older adults.
INEEL researchers discovered a way to make rare earth magnets more powerful and durable by tweaking their formula. By adding extra elements, they improved the temperature resistance and magnetic field strength of the magnets.
A University of Michigan professor suggests that flu vaccines should be administered when available to prevent lost work days and reduce physician visits, even if not cost-effective for working adults. The vaccine may have a greater impact on the elderly, who are more prone to complications.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that injuries among rugby union players have almost doubled since the sport turned professional. Protective equipment worn by players is likely a contributing factor, according to the authors.
A study analyzing Ontario data found that immigration officials' referrals and region of origin are key determinants of tuberculosis risk. Immigrants from Vietnam had the highest incidence rate, emphasizing the importance of targeted prevention efforts to protect both migrant populations and native Canadians.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that most infertile men cope with their situation well, with no significant differences among three groups of men. The researchers found that fertile men reported higher stress levels compared to those with low or no sperm count or unexplained infertility.
A case study in British Journal of Sports Medicine reports a physical education teacher who suffered from permanent nerve damage after using a frozen chip ice pack for at least 40 minutes. The authors recommend applying ice packs with caution and limiting the application time to 30 minutes or less.