A large study published in BMJ Open found that teens who spend more than 2 hours on screens after school are strongly linked to longer sleep onset latency and shorter sleep duration. The research suggests that screen time may replace sleeping time or interfere with sleep by stimulating the nervous system.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
Research on 224 professional fighters found smaller brain volumes and slower processing speeds associated with repeated head blows. Higher Fight Exposure Scores were linked to greater cognitive impairment and mental slowing.
A 20-year study found that over one-third of children in England are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among younger children appears to have stabilized, but this is not cause for complacency. The study's findings highlight the need for effective public health strategies and policies to address childhood obesity.
New research published in The BMJ finds that financial rewards motivate pregnant women to quit smoking. A study of 612 pregnant smokers showed that those offered shopping vouchers had a 69% quit rate compared to 23% in the control group.
Sexual offending treatment programs in prisons and hospitals have been shown to be ineffective in reducing recidivism rates, with most offenders releasing back into society posing the same level of risk as before treatment. Experts argue that only proven treatments should be used to rehabilitate offenders effectively.
A study found that both intentional and unintentional weight loss increase fracture risk, particularly hip fractures, contradicting the long-held belief that weight gain protects against fractures. Weight loss was also associated with a 65% increase in hip fractures.
The study found that up to 1% of UK children have coeliac disease blood markers, with diagnoses rising by 39% in boys and doubling in girls between 1993 and 2012. Children from less well-off backgrounds are half as likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
A new checklist from Australian doctors aims to prompt frank discussions about end-of-life care and minimize futile treatments. The CriSTAL tool assesses 29 predictors of death in elderly patients, helping healthcare professionals recognize the inevitability of death and provide more appropriate services.
Research found statins had greatest impact on affluent populations, widening health inequalities. A total of 20,400 lives were saved due to reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol between 2000-2007.
The BMJ reports on the widespread corruption in India's private medical colleges, where capitation fees of up to 10 million rupees are paid for admission. This leads to a decrease in government seats and an increase in inequity between rural and urban healthcare standards.
Research suggests that aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week may be unrealistic for some adults, particularly older individuals. Increasing daily physical activity by even small amounts can lead to significant health benefits, as shown in studies of moderate to vigorous exercise.
A UK hospital performed the world's first successful organ donation from a newborn, involving kidney and liver cell transplants. The donor was just over 3 kg at birth and had poor brain oxygenation, leading to her death; however, her parents agreed to donate her organs for other patients in need.
A common gut microbe may protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. The study found that women with MS who tested positive for Helicobacter pylori had lower disability scores than those who tested negative.
Joining a walking group improves lung power, physical functioning, and general fitness, with few side effects, according to an analysis of available evidence published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study found wide-ranging benefits for adults with various long-term conditions.
A recent survey of over 95,000 UK doctors found that those referred to the General Medical Council are most at risk of mental ill health. The study suggests that the process can lead to defensive medicine, causing harm to patients and increasing healthcare costs.
A new study published in The BMJ found that employees who work more than 48 hours per week are more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from 333,693 people across 14 countries and found a significant association between long working hours and increased risk of higher alcohol use.
Experts argue that widespread hepatitis C screening may not lead to net clinical benefit, citing potential harms and a lack of strong evidence. Many patients infected with hepatitis C will not develop end-stage liver disease, rendering unnecessary treatment.
A lack of regulation puts clinical physiologists at risk of causing harm to patients. Clinical physiologists must be properly regulated to ensure patient safety.
A small study found that UK trainee doctors still struggle to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Despite updated guidelines and training, many doctors lack basic knowledge of treating the condition, which causes breathing and circulatory problems.
A study analyzing over 90,000 patient records found that few UK family doctors are treating obesity and overweight patients appropriately. Lifestyle change is the most common weight management plan offered, but progress on weight loss is often not tracked after an intervention has been introduced.
The article highlights the lack of injury data in youth rugby, putting junior players at risk. Creative match scheduling and preseason training can help improve safety, but a comprehensive dataset is needed to set rational policies.
A UK study has found that some popular breathalyzers may not accurately detect alcohol levels, potentially putting drivers at risk. The study's findings suggest that even devices with high sensitivity rates may still provide false reassurance about a person's safety to drive.
Research reveals that half of US teen driver fatalities involve vehicles 11+ years old and lacking standard safety features. Parents are advised to prioritize safety over cost when purchasing a car for their teenager.
Researchers found that less than half of UK prescriptions for antipsychotics were issued for main licensed conditions, with many prescribed to older adults for anxiety and dementia. This misuse increases the risk of side effects in this age group.
Researchers calculate that lungs excrete 8.4kg of CO2 when 10kg of fat is fully oxidized, shedding unwanted pounds. By breathing, individuals can lose up to 200 grams of carbon daily, with exercise further increasing weight loss through increased metabolic rate.
A study analyzed 45 top-grossing children's cartoons and found that key characters were twice as likely to die as counterparts in adult films. Grisly deaths, such as shootings and stabbings, were common in these cartoons.
A team of Dutch researchers analyzed reported cases of Nintendo-related injuries and found a range of problems including seizures, incontinence, and tendonitis. Most issues are mild, but playing for extended periods or without breaks can lead to more severe health consequences.
A study found that current magazines, especially gossipy ones, are more prone to disappearance from waiting rooms. Non-gossipy magazines remained intact, and their loss was often linked to cost savings.
Researchers found that left-wing individuals spend more time engaging in vigorous physical activity and walking compared to political centrists. Meanwhile, those who don't reveal their political beliefs are the most physically inactive.
Westgate Medical Practice introduced a novel appointment system where patients can attend at designated times, reducing wait times and increasing patient satisfaction. The practice saw an improvement in work patterns for nursing staff and a significant increase in patients seeing their preferred doctor.
Researchers analyzed Darwin Award winners and found that 88.7% were male, supporting the idea that men are more prone to 'idiotic risk taking behaviour'. The study suggests males may engage in such risky actions as a rite of passage or for social esteem
The study suggests that music can have a calming effect on surgeons and theatre staff, improving communication and efficiency. The authors recommend specific songs, such as Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, to play in the operating theatre.
Researchers develop a propionate supplement that targets gut hormone release, leading to reduced food intake and fat distribution. The study shows significant weight loss and fat reduction in participants taking the supplement, with minimal side effects.
A study of nearly 15,000 middle-aged men and women found that those with the highest waist-to-hip ratio were twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death as those with a normal ratio. The risk was strongly associated with central obesity, particularly around the midriff, which is thought to contribute to inflammation.
Added sugars, especially fructose, are likely to have a greater impact on high blood pressure and heart disease than salt. Reducing processed food intake containing added sugars can help mitigate cardiovascular risk. The authors argue that dietary guidelines should be more stringent in limiting sugar consumption, particularly among teens.
While some argue that a 48-hour working week has led to negative effects on medical training, others find no evidence to support these claims. Several reviews conclude that high-quality training can be delivered within this time frame, and trainees are increasingly satisfied with their training.
Delayed cancer diagnoses are often caused by limitations in scientific knowledge and the delivery of healthcare, not poor professional performance. Despite this, policy initiatives focusing on GP referral times may be ineffective. Researchers advocate for better information about diagnostic challenges to improve diagnosis and care.
The NHS has seen its annual spend on management consultancy double from £313m to £640m between 2010 and 2014. This significant increase in spending raises concerns about the value and impact of such services, with critics arguing that consultants are not accountable for their advice.
Researchers analyzed press releases and news stories for exaggerated advice, causal claims, and inference from animal findings. They found that 40% of press releases contained exaggerated advice, while 33% of peer-reviewed journal articles did. Improving academic press releases could reduce misleading health news.
A BMJ investigation analyzed 3,494 contracts awarded by Clinical Commissioning Groups in England between 2013 and 2014, showing that non-NHS providers secured 45% of these contracts. NHS providers won 55%, while private sector providers were successful in competitive tender processes and smaller AQP-based contracts.
A large study found that the benefits of regular low-dose aspirin in healthy women are outweighed by its drawbacks. However, limiting its use to women over 65 may lead to a better balance between risk and benefit. The study involved nearly 30,000 women aged 45 and above.
Doubling breastfeeding duration for 7-18 months can save the NHS at least £31 million, while doubling neonatal unit breastfeeding rates saves an extra £6 million. Helping existing mothers extend breastfeeding periods is key to achieving these cost savings.
A Swedish-US research team analyzed over 1.8 million births to find that maternal overweight and obesity increase infant mortality risk, with grade 2-3 obesity linked to more than doubled infant deaths. The study found modest increased risks for overweight mothers and significant increases for those with severe obesity.
A Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil has been associated with longer telomeres, a biomarker of slower aging. The study found that adherence to the diet was significantly linked to longer telomeres, corresponding to 1.5 years of telomere ageing.
A senior GP argues that UK government plans to extend diagnosis targets in primary care to six other conditions are problematic and unscientific. The data on which they are based is flawed, leading to potential overdiagnosis and unnecessary tests and treatments.
Research suggests respiratory infections play a key role in childhood asthma development. The link between paracetamol exposure and asthma is weakened when respiratory infections are considered.
Regular internet use and engaging in civic, leisure, and cultural activities may help maintain health literacy skills among older adults. Health literacy scores fell by one or more points in around a fifth of people over six years, regardless of initial score.
A study of 95,766 Danish participants found that genetically low vitamin D levels were associated with increased all-cause mortality and cancer mortality. However, the study did not find a link between vitamin D levels and cardiovascular mortality.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that police officers are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death when performing physically demanding and stressful duties. The research analyzed over 4,500 US police officer deaths and found a significant association between these tasks and cardiovascular deaths.