A recent survey of US adolescents found that most teens vape for flavorings rather than nicotine in e-cigarettes. The study suggests that efforts to curb vaping among teens focusing on nicotine may be ineffective and that alternative approaches may be more effective.
Doctors identify bagpipe lung as a potential hazard for wind instrument players due to fungal growth in moist interiors. A case report reveals a man's death from hypersensitivity pneumonitis linked to playing the bagpipes, highlighting the risk of contamination.
UK cardiovascular deaths plummeted by almost 70% over 30 years, but prevalence remained unchanged. Drug and surgical treatments on the rise, particularly among men.
A recent study published in Postgraduate Medical Journal found that female physicians in the US were reimbursed around $18,677.23 less than their male counterparts in 2012, with the largest gaps found in nephrology, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine.
A study found that 40 children needed medical treatment for injuries sustained at an indoor trampoline park over a six-month period. Most injuries were minor but highlighted the need for national design and safety standards to prevent further injuries.
A Swedish study of over 2 million children found that those born in spring had a higher risk of developing coeliac disease, especially before age 2. The risk was also higher among girls and in the south of the country where sunlight is more intense, suggesting possible links to viral infections and vitamin D.
A study found an association between Zika virus infection and arthrogryposis, a joint deformity condition at birth. Children with arthrogryposis and congenital Zika virus syndrome showed signs of brain calcification.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher total physical activity levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of five common chronic diseases. Most health gains occur at a level of 3000-4000 MET minutes a week, suggesting that current recommended minimum levels may not be sufficient to achieve larger reductions in risks.
Pokémon Go has been linked to increased physical activity and social connections, with players walking longer distances and interacting with strangers in public spaces. However, the game also carries risks, such as accidents and thefts, that have sparked concerns about its impact on mental health.
A large study of British adults found that volunteering in middle and older age is associated with good mental health, while no such link was seen before the age of 40. Volunteering at certain points of the life course may be more meaningful and have protective effects on health status.
A population-based study found that air pollution may shorten the survival of patients with lung cancer, especially those with early stage disease. The study tracked over 352,000 people with lung cancer and found that higher exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter was associated with shorter survival times.
A review suggests that acupuncture improves subtle memory loss before dementia development, with potential benefits when combined with drug treatment. However, more rigorous clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that official statistics on road traffic injuries in India are likely to be unreliable. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are underrepresented while vehicle occupants are overrepresented. Researchers urge policy makers to steer clear of government stats until the problem is fixed.
Researchers investigate how NHS England is hindering access to expensive hepatitis C treatments, citing NICE guidelines and company pricing as key factors. The study reveals a system of rationing and delayed treatment, prompting concerns over patient welfare and the role of drug companies' pricing strategies.
Severely obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery are at higher risk of fractures before and after surgery. The study suggests that guidelines should be followed on patient adherence to dietary supplements and physical activity to reduce fracture risk.
Researchers found that nearly all schools had at least one shop selling tobacco within a 100m radius, and marketing strategies targeting children were pervasive. Enforcement of the ban is needed to protect youth, and point-of-sale displays and advertising are urgently required in China.
A large study of nearly 21,000 people in Jilin Province found that being overweight or obese was associated with regular meat consumption, having ever been married, and getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was higher among older adults, particularly those aged 55-64 and 65-79.
According to research published in Injury Prevention, black Americans were more likely to be stopped and arrested than whites, yet no more likely to be injured or killed. The study found that excess death rates among blacks and youth reflect exposure to excessive police force.
Research published in Injury Prevention journal reveals that nearly three out of four cases of laundry pod detergent exposure were diagnosed with poisoning compared to contact dermatitis for other detergents. Children under 5 accounted for most of the cases, and hospital admissions were more common for pod exposures.
A study published in The BMJ found that supervised exercise therapy is as effective as arthroscopic surgery in improving thigh muscle strength and knee function in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Researchers recommend considering structured exercise therapy as a treatment option for this type of knee damage.
A study of 28,000 patients found that increased imaging after initial treatment for thyroid cancer did not lead to better survival rates, but rather more aggressive treatment for recurrence. The researchers emphasize the importance of curbing unnecessary imaging and tailoring care to individual patient risk.
Research suggests that home-cooked meals designed for infants and young children often exceed energy density and dietary fat recommendations, yet are cheaper than commercially available baby foods. The study found that commercial products met dietary recommendations on energy density more frequently than home-cooked meals.
A high dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish may help lower the risk of death from bowel cancer in patients diagnosed with the disease. Patients with a higher omega 3 intake were found to have a 41% lower risk of dying from their disease, according to researchers.
A review of evidence suggests that multivitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant women are unlikely to provide significant benefits, and may be an unnecessary expense. Folic acid and vitamin D supplements, available at a lower cost, are recommended instead.
Research suggests a small increase in alcohol duty may reduce violence-related emergency department visits by 6000 annually. Lower on-trade and off-trade prices are associated with higher attendance rates.
An expert argues that economic inequality and austerity, not immigration, are the root causes of worsening health and declining living standards in Britain. The UK's public spending cuts have led to a decrease in education and training funding, increasing student loans and debt.
The BMJ has released a series of infographics revealing UK doctors' payments from pharmaceutical companies, showing that those with the highest earnings are less likely to disclose payments. The database is seen as a step towards greater transparency and public accountability, but critics argue it is insufficient.
Research suggests that cigarette butts can leach metal contaminants into the marine environment and potentially harm local species. The study found varying levels of metals in cigarette butts at nine locations along the Persian Gulf, with significant changes not detected between assessments.
Trauma researchers emphasize the importance of increased funding to develop evidence-based interventions and enhance disaster preparedness. The US is experiencing a surge in mass casualty events, including natural disasters and gun violence incidents.
A study published in The BMJ found that less than 60% of premature babies born in 11 European countries received a package of four simple, widely available care measures known to improve survival. Receiving full evidence-based care was associated with improved survival rates.
Public health experts argue that NHS England should fund PrEP to prevent HIV transmission, comparable to vaccination services. Delays may result in avoidable mortality and increased NHS costs.
A woman was admitted to intensive care due to a rare infection believed to be transmitted by her Italian greyhound, while a teenage girl had pinworms in her appendix. A 26-year-old student also developed lead poisoning from taking Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Tampon manufacturers could dedicate a portion of their revenues to support public health programs preventing domestic and sexual violence, affecting over a billion women globally. Effective strategies have been identified but remain underfunded due to stigma.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that medical devices approved first in the EU have a higher rate of safety issues, while clinical trial results remain unpublished or unavailable up to five years after approval. Experts call for greater regulatory transparency to enable informed decisions about treatment.
A recent study found that a period of controversy over statin risks and benefits led to a temporary increase in people stopping their statin treatment in the UK. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that widespread media coverage may have impacted healthcare-related behavior.
European countries should not adopt Australia's immigration system, which perpetuates human rights abuses and torture in detention centers. The lack of transparency in the system is particularly concerning, with allegations of waterboarding, force-feeding, and restraints on asylum seekers surfaced.
Researchers propose reducing the threshold for pre-emptive surgery on women at high risk of ovarian cancer from 10% to 4%. This could add up to 43 extra days of life expectancy if hormone replacement therapy is taken. The procedure would be cost-effective and help compensate for the lack of a reliable test.
A new consensus statement on physical activity in schools and during leisure time reveals that exercise boosts kids' brain power and academic prowess. Regular physical activity improves heart health, metabolism, and develops life skills, boosting self-esteem and social inclusion.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A recent analysis found that approximately 43% of the UK population, around 28 million adults, suffer from chronic pain. The prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages, with older individuals being more likely to experience long-term pain. Women are also more likely to be affected by chronic pain than men.
A large observational study found that university-educated individuals are more likely to develop certain types of brain tumors, including gliomas and meningiomas. Men with higher education were 19% more likely to develop glioma, while women were 23% more likely.
A new study found that laws restricting alcohol sales in Texas counties are associated with higher rates of alcohol misuse and liver disease, as well as atrial fibrillation. In contrast, dry counties had lower rates of these conditions, suggesting a potential benefit to alcohol restrictions.
A systematic review of 45 studies found that higher whole grain consumption was associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality from various causes. The researchers recommend increasing whole grain intake to reduce chronic disease risk.
ADHD prescriptions in UK children increased over two decades but have levelled off since 2008. Treatment tends to last longer in the UK than in other countries.
The revised UK Eatwell Guide lacks an evidence base and has been formulated by those with industry ties. Dr Zoe Harcombe argues that a high carb-low fat approach has contributed to rising obesity and diabetes rates in the UK.
A recent US study found that white male physicians earn substantially more than black male physicians, even after adjusting for factors such as medical specialty and experience. Female physicians also face a pay gap, with lower incomes compared to their male counterparts.
Despite compelling evidence of PrEP's effectiveness, NHS England has yet to commission the treatment, leading to continued delays. The National Aids Trust is taking the matter to court for judicial review, citing discrimination against vulnerable groups.
Experts say women are underrepresented in sport and exercise research due to fears about drug trials and physiologic differences. This exclusion perpetuates a significant gap in understanding the impact of hormonal fluctuations on athletic performance.
Two studies found that a significant proportion of British adults, including older adults, have sex with new partners while traveling overseas. The research emphasizes the importance of providing safer sex information in pre-departure travelers' health advice to mitigate risks of sexually transmitted infections.
A large study published in The BMJ reveals that women with migraines are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Migraine has been consistently linked to an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association with cardiovascular disease and mortality.