A large study found that conventional risk factors largely explain the links between loneliness and first-time heart disease/stroke, but social isolation remained an independent risk factor for death among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The study of nearly 480,000 people aged 40-69 found that social isolation was assoc...
A new trial suggests that tai chi is a viable alternative to aerobic exercise for managing chronic pain, particularly for those with fibromyalgia. The study found that participants who received tai chi showed significant improvements in symptoms compared to those who exercised aerobically.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, a type of diabetes drug, are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The study analyzed data from over 141,000 patients and found a 75% higher incidence rate compared to other antidiabetic drugs.
A study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found custom-made foot orthoses ineffective in treating plantar heel pain. Other conservative interventions, such as modified footwear and taping, showed similar results.
A study published in BMJ Open found that GP surgeries with GPs trained in complementary and alternative medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates. This reduction is associated with a decrease in some antibiotic resistance. The authors suggest exploring additional treatment strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study published in The BMJ found little evidence that national cancer policy initiatives since 2000 have improved short-term cancer survival in England. Despite steady improvements in overall cancer survival, socioeconomic inequalities in survival remain a major public health problem.
Weekly mortality figures show a 12.4% rise in extra deaths in England and Wales during the first seven weeks of 2018 compared to previous years. Experts argue that health chiefs are failing to investigate the cause of this trend, which cannot be explained by normal ageing or weather conditions.
The UK's low priority on children and young people's health threatens the country's economic growth and prosperity. Investing in child health can bring impressive returns, but current neglect may lead to reduced workforce participation and productivity.
A large European study found that women with larger families, particularly those with three children, experience an average of 4 fewer teeth than mothers with two children. Higher levels of educational attainment and age also contribute to a lower risk of tooth loss.
Research suggests iQOS's 'heat not burn' technology may release toxic chemicals when used improperly. The study found that thorough cleaning and proper use can increase the risk of charring and chemical release. Independent research has been lacking, highlighting the need for further safety testing.
A large study of Japanese adults found a significant association between higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk of overall cancer, including liver cancer. The researchers observed a reduced relative risk of around 20% for overall cancer and 30-50% for liver cancer.
Acupuncture may be a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain, with moderate benefit shown in a review of 20,827 patients. However, critics argue that the evidence is insufficient and that it can be linked to better quality of life compared to usual care. Doctors should consider a more flexible approach to guideline development.
A recent study published in The BMJ questioned the underlying evidence for current US cancer treatment guidelines. Researchers found that these guidelines often rely on low-quality or no evidence at all. The study highlights concerns about the justification of costly and toxic cancer drugs based on weak evidence.
The evidence for India's top-selling diabetes drug combinations falls short of WHO standards, potentially putting patients at risk. Only one trial assessed the balance between pros and cons, while 18 were sponsored by multinational corporations or conducted by pharmaceutical companies.
Research reveals geographical differences in lung cancer treatment rates in England significantly impact patient survival. If optimal treatment levels were achieved, approximately 800 additional years of life could be gained annually for patients.
A review of available evidence suggests that cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) may curb the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children and teens with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50% or more, and improving quality of life.
A large US trial found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of serrated polyps, which are less common than conventional polyps but have the same risk of developing into cancer. Women and smokers were at higher risk when exposed to calcium supplements.
A review of available evidence found that pregnant women can safely engage in up to 35 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise at air temperatures of up to 25°C and 45% relative humidity. They can also participate in hot baths or saunas for up to 20 minutes without reaching the recommended core temperature limit of 39°C.
Annual increase in firearm injury severity found from 1993 to 2014, reflecting hospitalization of more serious injuries and outpatient management of less serious ones. Non-fatal firearm injuries account for 70% of all firearm trauma injuries in the US.
Regular monitoring for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) is justified, as many moderate lesions regress spontaneously, especially in women under 30. After two years of active surveillance, half of the lesions have regressed, while one third persist and just over a fifth progress to CIN3 or worse.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that older men who engage in regular light intensity exercise have a lower risk of death. The researchers analyzed data from 1181 men aged 78 and found that each additional 30 minutes of light intensity activity was associated with a 17% reduction in mortality risk.
Research compares fictional patients in Grey's Anatomy with real-life traumas, finding death rates are 3 times higher and recovery times significantly shorter. The study suggests that TV dramas like Grey's Anatomy can skew public expectations of trauma care, potentially leading to lower patient satisfaction.
Thousands of appointments were cancelled during the 2016 junior doctor strikes in England, with effects greatest when emergency care was withdrawn. Admissions and A&E attendances also declined significantly, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems to mitigate staff shortages.
A large-scale study found a possible association between highly processed food intake and an increased risk of overall cancer, breast cancer, and lower risks of other types. The study suggests that rapid consumption of ultra-processed foods may drive a growing burden of cancer in the next decades.
A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.
Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.
Middle-aged white Americans and rural communities are disproportionately affected by the alarming drop in US life expectancy. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as social mobility decline, economic hardship, and distress over losing stability, highlighting the need for policymakers to address these conditions.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in weight status among children taking part in a school-based lifestyle and healthy eating program compared to those not participating. The study suggests that wider influences from families, communities, and the food industry may have a greater impact on childhood obesity t...
Most UK doctors (79%) and 80% of the public support legislation for assisted dying. A series of articles explores the debate around assisted dying, with personal accounts and expert opinions. The proposed legislation aims to provide safeguards for terminally ill patients who want to end their lives.
Researchers found that Love Island series 3 delivered 559 million tobacco 'impressions' to the UK population, including 47 million to children under 16. The study emphasizes the link between young people's exposure to on-screen tobacco imagery and starting to smoke.
A Swedish study found that nearly one-third of pugs have abnormal gait, associated with breathing problems, incontinence, and neurological disorders. The prevalence of gait abnormalities was higher than previously thought, suggesting a more significant health issue.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that people with anxious personalities are more likely to be bitten by dogs. The survey revealed nearly three times the actual number of dog bites as hospital records indicate, suggesting a higher risk for anxious individuals.
Exercising regularly before surgery for lung cancer halves the complication rate afterwards, with a 48% reduction in postoperative complications. Exercise also reduces the length of hospital stay by almost three days, according to a pooled analysis of 13 clinical trials involving 806 participants.
A study published in The BMJ reveals that chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, significantly increase cancer risk, accounting for over one-fifth of new cancer cases. Regular physical activity was found to reduce this risk by nearly 40%.
Research suggests that migraine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in both men and women. The study found a positive association between migraine and heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and irregular heart rate, particularly among women.
Experts argue that austerity policies are at the heart of rising homelessness in England, with serious health implications. The number of homeless people has increased significantly since 2010, with families and young people disproportionately affected.
NHS experts recommend ending the mandatory friends and family test, citing its lack of scientific evidence and burden on staff. The test has collected over 30 million pieces of feedback since 2013, but its implementation is complex and costly.
A recent study reveals substantial inequalities in cesarean births persisting across countries, with higher rates among the richest fifths indicating overuse. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted policies to ensure equitable access to caesarean sections and improve maternal and newborn health.
A trial by The BMJ found that simple breathing training with a physiotherapist before surgery halves the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. The researchers suggest this service could be considered for all patients awaiting upper abdominal surgery.
A review of evidence published in The BMJ found that smoking just one cigarette a day carries a higher risk of heart disease and stroke than expected. Smoking only a few cigarettes per day is associated with a significantly increased risk of these two major disorders, making it crucial for smokers to quit instead of cutting down.
Observational research suggests that probiotic intake during late pregnancy may lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth. A significant association was found between probiotic consumption and a 20% lower risk of pre-eclampsia, while an 11% lower risk was observed for premature birth during early pregnancy.
A sugar tax on soft drinks might increase alcohol consumption due to similar sugar content in many alcoholic beverages. Research suggests that a more nuanced approach to pricing across a range of beverages may be more effective than a single tax.
Research found a steady rise in eyelid squamous cell carcinoma cases in England over the past 15 years, with an annual increase of 2%. The risk doubles for every decade above age 60. Squamous cell cancer is the second most common skin malignancy and can cause disfigurement and functional problems if it spreads.
Researchers call for evidence-based reform to increase accessibility and reduce stigma around abortion services in the Isle of Man. Decriminalisation is essential to bring abortion out of the shadows and ensure accessible reproductive healthcare for all women.
A large observational study found that the duration of opioid treatment is more strongly associated with misuse than the dose. The researchers suggest that giving moderate to higher doses for shorter durations may be a more effective way to manage pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
Health experts debate the importance of asking patients about their sexual orientation to improve services for non-heterosexual patients. While some argue that it's necessary for fair healthcare, others believe it's an invasion of privacy and should be left up to individual judgement.
A young man ruptured his throat by trying to contain a forceful sneeze with a dangerous maneuver. Doctors advise against blocking both nostrils when sneezing due to risks of air bubbles in chest tissue and muscle perforation.
A study of over half a million men and women found that starting periods before age 12 increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Women who experienced early menopause, pregnancy complications, or hysterectomy were also at higher risk.
Research finds that insufficient nurse numbers are strongly linked to unfavorable views of hospital care. Increasing registered nurses on duty may boost patient satisfaction with quality of care.
A study of 47 GPs found that dysfunctional working relationships, unsupportive colleagues, and fear of complaints are significant stressors. GPs who felt isolated and unsupported reported burnout, depression, or anxiety.