A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced the risk of infection among NHS hospital workers in England during the second wave. The research showed that without vaccination, staff absence could have been 69% higher and infections peaked in late December 2020.
The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.
The NHS is facing a critical crisis due to the failure to recognize the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Weekly admissions for COVID-19 have averaged over 9,000, with elective activity 10% below pre-pandemic levels.
Research on Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy found that it was associated with larger reductions in consumption among heavier drinkers, but not among women or those who tend to drink less heavily. Consumption actually increased among the heaviest drinking men following MUP introduction.
Research suggests that overly restrictive salt intake may worsen outcomes for people with a common form of heart failure, particularly in younger individuals and those of black and other ethnicities. The study found that participants who consumed more salt had a lower risk of hospital admission for heart failure.
The WHO advises against the use of colchicine and fluvoxamine for treating non-severe COVID-19, citing insufficient evidence and potential harms. No recommendation is made for these drugs in patients with severe or critical illness.
A recent study published by The BMJ confirms previous reports that myocarditis is rare but cases are highest among young males shortly after a second dose of mRNA vaccine, especially Moderna. The risk of myocarditis or pericarditis might be lower when the second dose is given more than 30 days after the first dose.
A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.
Thousands of people with long covid are traveling abroad for expensive, unproven treatments like apheresis and anti-clotting therapy. Experts question the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, citing inadequate consent forms and lack of evidence.
A study found that rates of serious complications associated with shoulder surgery are low, but one in 26 patients need further surgery within a year. The effectiveness of some shoulder procedures is doubtful at best, according to experts.
A study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database found that married individuals had better survival prospects than divorced or widowed people. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict 3-5 year survivals, with marital status being one of several independent prognostic factors.
A case report highlights the dangers of excessive vitamin D intake, with symptoms including abdominal pain, leg cramps, and kidney abnormalities. Doctors warn that hypervitaminosis D is on the rise and can lead to serious health problems if not taken safely.
A pooled data analysis of available research found that ADHD drugs may successfully treat key aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Noradrenergic drugs, which target the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, showed a small but significant positive effect on overall cognition and a large positive effect on apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A review of 18 studies suggests that long distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in indoor settings, particularly with poor ventilation. The evidence supports the role of mitigation measures, such as adequate ventilation, to prevent transmission.
A study finds that regulatory agencies are heavily influenced by industry money, leading to concerns about their independence. Experts call for structural changes and a watchdog agency to restore regulators' ability to make unbiased decisions.
Research finds that cannabis users have a significantly higher risk of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for any cause. However, the study did not find a significant link between cannabis use and respiratory health issues. The authors conclude that further research is needed to confirm their findings.
A recent study published in Open Heart found that heart failure is discussed less frequently in public discourse than conditions like cancer and dementia, with 'heart failure' mentioned just 0.28 times per million words in UK parliamentary debates between 1945 and early 2021.
A large analysis of reproductive health data has found a significant association between infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth with an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal stroke in women. Women who experienced recurrent miscarriages or stillbirths were at higher risk of stroke, particularly those with a history of infertility.
Researchers used wearable activity trackers and AI to identify indicative physiological changes in people with COVID-19, detecting infections up to 2 days before symptoms began. The study found that the algorithm was effective in identifying positive cases, but its accuracy needs further improvement.
A balance test that measures an individual's ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds can predict mortality risk in middle-aged and older adults. Researchers found that those who failed the test had a significantly higher risk of death from any cause within the next decade, with an absolute difference of nearly 13%.
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
A study found that intense training schedules are associated with a heightened risk of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers. Skiers with high-performance levels and intense training hours were more likely to develop non-allergic asthma, which was linked to airway damage caused by cold air.
A pooled data analysis reveals that 14.5% of the global population may have had tick-borne Lyme disease, with higher prevalence in men aged 50+, rural areas, and Central and Western Europe. The study suggests that improvements to antibody detection methods could enhance public health response policies.
Children using trampoline centers are at a higher risk of serious injuries and hospital admissions compared to those using trampolines at home. Mandatory safety standards for trampoline centers are urgently required, highlighting the need for public awareness and evidence-based safety measures.
Healthcare accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with inhaled anaesthetics contributing significantly. Doctors advocate for a regulatory framework for mandatory reporting and accountability to reduce healthcare's substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published by The BMJ found a significant widening gap in death rates between US counties that voted for Democratic and Republican candidates. Between 2001 and 2019, mortality rates decreased by 22% in Democratic counties but only 11% in Republican counties, with the gap increasing sixfold.
Experts advise against routine prostate cancer tests for asymptomatic men due to the test's limited ability to prevent deaths and potential for overdiagnosis. Instead, they recommend using a 'risk checker' tool to explore options with a doctor, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidance on PSA testing.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.
Leading ethicists argue that mandatory flu vaccination for healthcare staff is ethically justified due to the risks of nosocomial infections and staff shortages. In contrast, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate is considered unethical due to the low risk of serious illness among younger staff and concerns over coercion.
A global black market for COVID-19 antiviral drugs is emerging, putting patients' health in jeopardy due to unequal distribution and substandard products. The investigation found that patients are buying pills online without medical supervision, increasing the risk of birth defects and viral resistance.
The number of violent incidents recorded by police forces at UK general practices has almost doubled in the past five years, with 182 reported assaults resulting in injury last year. Malicious communications and stalking have also increased significantly, highlighting a growing issue of abuse against GPs and their staff.
A review of scientific evidence concludes that diet has little impact on the progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While a healthy diet brings other health benefits, the impact on these diseases is small and not clinically meaningful.
A new 'climate cardiology' specialty is needed to tackle the growing links between climate change and cardiovascular health. Experts warn that the healthcare sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ provides a comprehensive understanding of the adverse outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. The study found that women with gestational diabetes had increased odds of caesarean section, preterm delivery, and infant complications.
A large Japanese trial found that daily vitamin D supplements had no clinically meaningful effect on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of the condition. However, results suggested a potential benefit for those with insufficient insulin secretion, warranting further research.
Research found that e-cigarette users spent more on healthcare services, including hospital stays, ER visits, and doctor appointments. The study estimated $15.1 billion in annual healthcare expenditures attributable to e-cigarette use in the US.
A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.
A large study found that vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decrease in the likelihood of long Covid symptoms. Receiving a first and second vaccine dose was linked to a sustained reduction in long Covid symptoms, especially those severe enough to limit daily activities.
The WHO Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy does not specifically preclude donations from the alcohol industry, allowing for case-by-case acceptance. However, critics argue that this lack of transparency and safeguards against corporate influence poses a risk to the agency's integrity and public health goals.
Researchers have trained sniffer dogs to detect SARS-CoV-2 in airport passengers with high accuracy, comparable to PCR swab tests. The dogs' performance was found to be robust across various scenarios, including low prevalence populations, suggesting their potential for widespread use in screening.
Exercise strengthens bones, reduces fracture risk, and improves posture in people with osteoporosis. A consensus statement recommends a balanced routine of muscle strengthening exercises on 2-3 days and moderate impact activities on most days.
A combination of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises alongside personalized nutritional counselling reduced mobility disability by 22% over three years. The intervention also improved physical performance and reduced muscle loss in older adults.
Private companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Imperial College London have carried out high-risk breaches, handling sensitive patient data outside of agreed contracts. NHS Digital's audits show that many organisations have failed to protect patient confidentiality, with no consequences for those who breach agreements.
A study of 21,083 adults found that coffee consumption is associated with raised cholesterol levels, with brewing methods such as espresso showing the widest gender difference. Drinking 3-5 daily cups of espresso was linked to increased serum total cholesterol, particularly among men.
A study published in The BMJ finds substantial differences in heart attack care across six high-income countries, including low use of blood vessel procedures in England and Netherlands, and high death rates in the US and Taiwan. This research highlights areas for improvement in these nations.
The BMJ recommends offering additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to adults at high heart disease risk, particularly those with 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dl. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are recommended for the high and very high risk group, but not for those in the low risk category.
Overdose death toll has more than quintupled among American Indian and Alaska Native communities between 1999 and 2019, with opioid-related deaths increasing steeply. The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomic factors and racial discrimination to tackle substance use disorders.
Firearm injuries and associated healthcare costs are highest in the poorer South, but federal state programmes cover only a third of these expenses. The researchers argue that this is tantamount to an 'anti-poor policy'.
A large US study found that counties with high vaccination coverage had a more than 80% reduction in death rates from COVID-19 compared to largely unvaccinated counties. The study, based on data from over 30 million cases and 400,000 deaths, suggests that increasing vaccination coverage can reduce COVID-19 related mortality and cases.