Researchers found that switching from driving to walking, cycling, or public transport can lead to a significant reduction in BMI (0.32 kg/m2) over two years. The longer the commute, the stronger the association with weight loss.
A consultant cardiologist argues that private practice has direct adverse effects on the NHS, leading to increased waiting times and unnecessary tests. He believes doctors should not be allowed to work in both sectors due to conflicting priorities.
BMJ has opened its online resources, including The BMJ and BMJ Journals, decision support tools from BMJ Best Practice, and learning resources from BMJ Learning, to support doctors and healthcare institutions in Nepal. Free access is available for three months for anyone with an IP range originating in Nepal.
The BMJ urges the next Health Secretary to prioritize sustainable funding, collaboration, and transparent governance to secure the NHS's future. The service is stretched close to breaking point due to flat-line funding, aging population demands, and social care cuts.
The study found that reducing alcohol-fuelled car crashes in the US increased national income by $6.5 billion and created 215,000 jobs in 2010. The economic gains resulted from a substantial fall in road traffic collision since 1984-6.
A successful UK programme reducing salt content added to foods was derailed due to changes in the coalition government. Salt reduction led to a decrease in blood pressure and death from stroke and ischaemic heart disease.
A leading public health doctor argues that calorie counts should be mandatory on all alcoholic drinks to address obesity concerns. The Royal Society for Public Health supports this move, as a recent survey found that many consumers are unaware of the calorie content in common drinks.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children whose parents separate or divorce are more likely to experience psychosomatic problems. However, those living with both parents in a joint custody arrangement had fewer symptoms than peers living mostly or only with one parent.
Experts in British Journal of Sports Medicine say regular exercise is key to staving off serious disease, but calorie-laden diets generate more ill health than physical inactivity. The evidence suggests up to 40% of those within a normal weight range harbor harmful metabolic abnormalities.
Experts warn that the UK government's plan to fund and increase school rugby participation lacks injury data and prevention programs, putting children at risk. Injuries are common in rugby, with 12% of child players requiring hospitalization, and studies show that tackles are a major cause of injury.
A leading psychiatrist argues that depression is not caused by low serotonin levels and that effective treatments do not raise these levels. The serotonin reuptake inhibiting drug class, popularized in the late 1980s, was marketed despite lacking evidence of its effectiveness.
The millennium development goals have made remarkable progress in areas such as child mortality reduction and HIV prevention. However, significant shortfalls remain in other areas, including newborn death rates and undernutrition.
Research reveals that Dutch doctors are withholding treatment from a substantial proportion of elderly patients, driven by considerations of comfort and respect rather than ageism. Treatment was withheld in 37% of cases, with the oldest patients being more likely to have artificial feeding and fluids or antibiotics withdrawn.
A study published in BMJ Open found that UK doctors amass debts of over £80,000 by graduation, with women paying more interest despite earning less. The research suggests that women doctors repay more for initial debts below £50,000 due to longer debt periods and higher interest accrual.
Research finds 9/11 emergency medical services workers, especially those on the scene, are at high risk for physical and mental ailments. The study tracked 2281 NYC Fire Department workers over 12 years, finding nearly all health conditions analyzed were more prevalent among those who arrived earliest.
A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.
A recent study found that some e-cigarette flavors contain high levels of chemicals that exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants. The research analyzed 30 products and found that 13 contained flavoring chemicals totaling more than 1% by volume, with some levels reaching as high as 3% by weight.
Research suggests heroin assisted treatment can improve outcomes, reduce harm, and lower societal costs for a subgroup of patients who do not benefit from conventional treatments. This approach could provide savings that could be redirected to addiction prevention programs.
While some health apps have shown promise in improving weight loss and physical activity, others have yielded conflicting results. Iltifat Husain argues that doctors should recommend tested and validated apps to help people stay healthy. Des Spence cautions that many health apps are untested and may even cause anxiety and medical harm.
A study published in BMJ Open found that the UK's research funding for dementia and stroke is still too low, with cancer receiving nearly two-thirds of the £856 million allocated. The social care costs of dementia outweigh those of other conditions, highlighting the need for increased investment in these areas.
Research published in BMJ Open found that children with type 1 diabetes are almost five times more likely to be hospitalized compared to their peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 1577 Welsh children, also revealed that pre-schoolers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are most at risk of hospital admission.
Researchers have developed a new technology that accurately identifies high-risk changes in exhaled breath, indicating stomach cancer development. The nanoarray analysis method shows promise for non-invasive screening and monitoring of those at risk.
The Indian government's spending cuts will exacerbate inadequate health services, according to experts. The cuts will lead to delays in achieving universal access to healthcare and will persist huge shortfalls in healthcare staff and infrastructure.
Research finds that UK food banks are more likely to open in areas with high unemployment rates and greater central government welfare cuts. This is associated with a higher rate of people seeking emergency food assistance.
UK death rates for children's heart surgery have almost halved from 4.3% to 2.6% between 2000 and 2010, despite a rise in the number and complexity of cases. This shift suggests that more complex patients were taken on in later years.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that children whose parents regularly used bleach to clean the home had higher rates of respiratory and other infections. The risk of flu, tonsillitis, and any infection was significantly higher among these children, with risks of 20% and 35% respectively.
A new investigation by The BMJ reveals that NHS doctors could prescribe the affordable and effective sight loss drug Avastin for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. If allowed, this could release £102 million annually to reinvest in other frontline patient services.
Experts analyze data from a national survey to question the feasibility of party promises on accessing general practice. The analysis highlights that guarantees of appointments within 48 hours may be unrealistic, and recruiting 5,000 more GPs could prove challenging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found paracetamol to be ineffective in reducing pain intensity and improving disability or quality of life for patients with lower back pain. However, it provided small benefits in reducing pain and disability for osteoarthritis, while increasing the risk of liver function test abnormalities.
The FDA approves new antibiotics with minimal evidence of efficacy against antimicrobial resistance. Despite this, industry and medical societies claim the drugs address the issue, sparking concerns over safety and efficacy standards.
Researchers argue key assumptions in the report are simplistic and call for a revised approach. They question whether the pledge has been met, citing potential flaws in data and analysis.
Experts say research is needed to develop strategies to protect athletes from brain injury, citing a lack of long-term studies and unclear causes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to repeated blows to the head, but diagnosis requires autopsy and more research is needed to understand its development.
A new series of articles examines the association between air pollution and health, with studies finding links between short-term exposure and increased risks of stroke and anxiety. The research highlights the need for policy changes to reduce exposure in highly polluted regions.
The unregulated online market for human breast milk puts infants at risk due to lack of pasteurization and proper testing. Experts call for legal regulation and training for healthcare workers to ensure safe alternatives are offered to mothers struggling with breastfeeding.
Conscientiousness in childhood is a significant predictor of adult smoking behavior, accounting for 5% of the social gradient. Childhood conscientiousness emerges as a stronger predictor than adult conscientiousness.
India's TB epidemic is worsened by the failure of its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program to engage the private sector, argues Dr. Zarir Udwadia. The program needs to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all patients, regardless of sector, to control the spread of TB.
At least 30 dogs in England have died from a mysterious kidney disease, with evidence found in 15 breeds including English springer spaniel, Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel. The disease is believed to be Alabama rot, which causes skin lesions and kidney failure.
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
A review of evidence suggests a possible increase in mortality with no clear benefit when using the anti-clotting drug alteplase more than 3 hours after stroke. The current guidance is based on uncertain evidence, and researchers are urging for a re-evaluation of data to guide policy decisions.
Research suggests rosuvastatin's health benefits are weak and its side effects, such as increased diabetes risk, outweigh the advantages. The drug's approval was based on a study that may have overestimated treatment effects.
Researchers found that low stress resilience in adolescence increases heart disease risk, even with good physical fitness. The study of 237,980 men suggests that promoting both exercise and stress management could help prevent heart disease.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with a history of gout have a 24% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.7 million people and found this protective effect, possibly due to uric acid's antioxidant properties.
Researchers argue that aneurysm screening programs should be revised due to reduced benefits and increased harm in modern populations. The screenings are estimated to overdiagnose AAA cases by 176 out of every 10,000 men invited.
A UK survey found that people's willingness to accept overdetection in cancer screening varies greatly, depending on the level of benefit and perceived harms. The study revealed that up to 14% would accept overdetection in the entire population, with median acceptability ranging from 113 to 150 cases.
The debate surrounding breast cancer overdiagnosis has led to inconsistent estimates, with some suggesting up to 50% of diagnosed cancers may be overdiagnosed. Experts argue that achieving consensus is crucial for providing balanced and uncontested information to women.
A recent meta-analysis of 36 studies found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. Participants who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of clogged arteries and heart attacks.
Researchers found a consistent dose-response relationship between paracetamol and adverse events, including mortality, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal problems. This suggests that clinicians should reevaluate the drug's effectiveness and tolerability for certain conditions, particularly when analgesic benefit is uncertain.
Extending UK anti-smoking legislation to parks and squares aims to support healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. The proposal is based on evidence from successful smoking bans worldwide, which have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.
The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.