A study of 32,748 Dutch women found that menstrual symptoms cause significant lost productivity, with 33% of work time affected. Women are more likely to experience lost productivity due to symptoms than take time off entirely.
Research suggests that being a morning person is associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Sleeping longer than the recommended 7-8 hours may also increase the risk. The findings have implications for influencing sleep habits to improve health.
A large UK study found that middle and older adults who became more active had a lower risk of death, regardless of past activity levels. Meeting minimum public health recommendations could prevent nearly half of all-cause deaths linked to physical inactivity.
Research papers examine global cigarette consumption patterns and vaping among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of robust data reporting and effective tobacco control policies. Investments in low- and middle-income countries are crucial to combat industry attempts to delay public health policies.
Good heart and lung fitness in middle age is associated with a lower long-term risk of chronic lung disease (COPD). Physical activity boosts fitness may delay development, progression, and death from COPD. Studies have suggested that high physical activity levels are associated with reduced COPD risk.
Researchers found that eating two or more weekly servings of yogurt was associated with a lower risk of developing conventional adenomas and those highly likely to become cancerous. The observed associations were strongest for adenomas located in the colon rather than the rectum.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...
A study suggests that the current UK legislation favoring cancer patients for early release on compassionate grounds may be discriminatory. The data analysis found that only 48 out of 845 recorded deaths from natural causes in prison were successful, with all six prisoners having cancer.
A recent study has found that treatment with gabapentinoids, a group of drugs used for epilepsy and nerve pain, is associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour and other harms. The risks are strongest among 15 to 24 year-olds, prompting calls for review of treatment guidelines for young people.
A large US study found that increasing red meat intake is associated with a 10% higher risk of death. Swapping red meat for healthier options like fish, eggs, and whole grains may lower the risk of death, particularly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Verbal abuse is a significant occupational hazard for home care health workers, with one in four experiencing at least one incident in the preceding year. Cramped living conditions and dementia are major risk factors, while predictable working hours reduce the risk.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that persistent poverty affects nearly a fifth of UK children, leading to poorer mental, social, and behavioral development. Children experiencing poverty also face worse educational outcomes, employment prospects, and earning power into adulthood.
Research suggests that strobe lighting at electronic dance music festivals triples the risk of epileptic fits in susceptible individuals. Organisers are advised to issue warnings and provide preventive measures for those with photosensitive epilepsy.
Experts argue that compulsory vaccination can increase uptake, but others recommend improving services and infrastructure instead. The UK's measles vaccination rate is currently below the required 95% for herd immunity.
Two large European studies find positive associations between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Consuming highly processed foods was associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.
Despite NICE guidelines stating cataract surgery is cost-effective, NHS commissioners are restricting access to the procedure. Over 2,900 prior approval requests for cataract surgery were rejected in 2022, more than double the number two years ago.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals India's total health workforce density is estimated to be 29 per 10,000 population, but only 16 for trained workers. The study found an alarmingly large presence of unqualified health professionals, with 20% of doctors lacking required qualifications.
A study published in The BMJ found that lifestyle factors like weight, blood pressure, and smoking explain around 40% of the protective effect of education on heart disease risk. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors could lead to reductions in cases of heart disease, but more than half of the overall effect remains unexplained.
A recent analysis found that the UK drug industry donated over £57 million to patient organisations between 2012 and 2016. The majority of this funding was directed towards commercially high-profile conditions such as cancer and diabetes, with companies prioritising public involvement, research engagement, and advocacy.
Deaths from stroke in England decreased by 20% and 40% over the decade, mainly due to improved care, with most of this decline attributed to reduced case fatality. However, stroke rates among people under 55 years old increased, highlighting the need for strengthened prevention efforts in younger adults
A large observational study found that rapid weight change and cardiometabolic risk factors significantly increase dementia risk in older adults. Continuous weight control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are recommended for preventing dementia development.
A recent review of studies found that regulating intestinal microbiota through probiotics and non-probiotic interventions can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people. Probiotic supplements were only effective in about half of the studies, while non-probiotic interventions showed a 86% rate of effectiveness.
A review of 52 studies involving 13,000 elite athletes found stigma was the main barrier to seeking help, with poor understanding of mental illness, busy schedules, and gender stereotyping also playing a role. Coaches and sports governing bodies are key to changing the culture and promoting mental wellbeing.
The rate of bowel cancer is rising among adults aged 20-49 in Europe, with the youngest age group experiencing the fastest rise. Rates are higher in North America, Australia and China compared to older adults.
An investigation by The BMJ reveals that 25 Conservative MPs, including several leadership candidates, are connected to an organization part-funded by the tobacco industry. This has raised concerns about public health initiatives being put at risk under a new Tory leadership.
A large Dutch study found that transgender women using hormone treatment have an increased risk of breast cancer, while trans men have a lower risk. The absolute risk is still relatively low and sufficient for current screening guidelines.
Regular use of glucosamine supplements is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease events, including coronary heart disease and stroke. The study found a significant reduction in CVD events among glucosamine users, with stronger associations observed in smokers and those who mimic a low-carbohydrate diet.
A panel of international experts recommends against routine hormone treatment for adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, as it does not improve quality of life or symptoms. The guideline applies to most adults with the condition, except those trying to become pregnant or with severe symptoms.
A recent survey of 5000 adults in England found that nearly one in five people experienced harm due to others' drinking, including physical violence and emotional neglect. The study also revealed that younger age, certain ethnicities, and hazardous drinking habits were associated with a higher risk of experiencing harm.
A study of gay and bisexual men in Melbourne found that kissing, with or without sex, was associated with a higher risk of throat gonorrhoea. The researchers suggest that this may be an important route of transmission, potentially leading to new preventive options.
A large study found that fewer than half of men and women in Britain aged 16-44 have sex at least once a week. Declines in sexual activity were evident across all age groups for women, and for most age groups for men, with the largest declines among those aged 25 and over and those who are married or living together.
Newborns with Apgar scores of 7, 8, and 9 have a higher risk of infections, breathing problems, brain injury, low blood sugar levels, and death compared to those with a perfect score of 10. A small change in score from 10 to 9 at five or ten minutes after birth also increases the risk.
A Swedish study found that preterm and early term birth are strong risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease from childhood into mid-adulthood. Preterm birth interrupts kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons forming and an increased risk of high blood pressure and progressive kidney disease.
Top doctor David Nutt and mother of Alfie Dingley Hannah Deacon argue that many children are still not getting the treatment they need. Despite a law change in 2018, access to medical cannabis remains slow due to lack of training, fear of prescribing off licence, and difficulties obtaining supplies.
A study suggests that the proportion of UK adults on low incomes who face hunger has almost doubled since 2004, with those who are unemployed or disabled being most vulnerable. Nearly one-third of adults with children under 16 were food insecure in 2016.
A small study found that teenagers' fear of being seen while seeking sexual health advice online is a significant barrier to accessing reliable information. The researchers call for more sensitive and user-friendly digital content to address this issue.
A sharp rise in musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnoses has led to MSK conditions ranking as the second leading global cause of years lived with a disability. European countries top the international league table, and there is a significant link between MSK conditions and national economic output.
Achieving sugar reduction targets could lead to a 5.5% reduction in obese children and adults, as well as significant decreases in type 2 diabetes cases and NHS costs. However, the potential benefits may be lost if goals are not fully met.
Activists argue that pre-treatment mental health assessments of trans people are dehumanizing and unjustified, treating self-reports of gender dysphoria as if it were a mental illness. Informed consent should replace these assessments, respecting patients' autonomy and lived experience.
Researchers found that half of patients prescribed statins failed to achieve 'healthy' cholesterol levels within two years, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Patients who did not respond well had a 22% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who reached the target.
A small study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that doubles badminton players are at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injuries during matches. Protective eye wear is highly recommended for all competitors to prevent such injuries, which can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.
A study found that a resting heart rate of 75+ beats per minute in mid-life is associated with a doubling in the risk of an early death from all causes. Men in their 50s with increased heart rates are at heightened risk of developing heart disease over the next 11 years.
A Swedish study finds a strong link between stress-related disorders and cardiovascular disease, with a 64% higher risk among those with a stress related disorder compared to their unaffected sibling. The risk is highest during the first year after diagnosis, especially for heart failure and major blood clots.
Veterinary professionals have sounded the alarm on the first reported UK case of dog-to-dog transmission of leishmaniosis, a potentially fatal infection. The infection was passed from one dog to another through direct contact, highlighting the need for extra vigilance against its spread.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that many UK foods marketed to children have misleading health and nutrition claims, contributing to childhood obesity. The study called for stricter regulations on food labelling and product content to reduce the risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that routine HPV vaccination in Scotland led to a significant reduction in cervical disease among young women. Vaccinated women showed an 89% reduction in CIN grade 3 or worse, while unvaccinated women also experienced a decrease in disease, possibly due to herd protection.
Research published in Tobacco Control found that e-cigarette growth between 2011 and 2015 was not associated with the 'renormalisation' of smoking among teens. favourable perceptions of regular smoking also fell at a faster rate after e-cigarettes proliferated.
Research suggests that higher circulating SHBG levels are associated with a lower risk of asthma, particularly in women. The study found that higher SHBG levels were linked to around a 14% lower odds of asthma, although the exact mechanism is unclear.
Families of patients who died after medical errors argue that the term 'second victim' is incompatible with patient safety and accountability. They suggest abandoning this term as it reinforces an inward-gazing provider-centric approach to healthcare.
Thousands of migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy due to exploitation, with many facing poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of access to basic services. The doctors' call for action aims to address these issues and promote fair treatment for these vulnerable workers.