Two studies indicate that more intense exercise does not always mean better for heart health. Overdosing on high-intensity exercise may actually increase the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke in those with existing heart disease. Moderate exercise at moderate intensity is key to maximizing cardiovascular benefits.
Patients with immunosuppressive conditions are at high risk of shingles but lack access to vaccination due to safety concerns. Alternative strategies must be developed to reduce shingles risk among these patient groups.
A 1993 trial found no survival advantage in second look surgery for colorectal cancer patients with high CEA levels. The new analysis confirms this finding, despite methodological changes over the past two decades.
Experts argue that education policy should focus on promoting students' broader wellbeing and development to benefit their academic learning. Research suggests that schools neglecting students' health may be actively harming it, with negative impacts on mental health and overall student success.
A study of almost 10,000 men and women found that frequent arguments with partners, relatives, or neighbors were associated with a doubling in the risk of death from any cause. Men, especially those not in work, were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have been responsible for up to half of all recorded stillbirths in the worst hit areas. The study suggested that the true fetal death toll may even be higher due to the displacement of people from devastated areas.
Research finds inactivity surpasses other known risk factors like overweight for heart disease risk in women from age 30 onwards. Regular exercise can save over 2000 women's lives each year in Australia by reducing this risk.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that helmet therapy does not improve outcomes for healthy babies with positional skull flattening. In the six-month trial, there was no significant difference in skull shape between children treated with helmets and those who received no treatment at age two years.
Young people in the UK predominantly felt that social implications of a large body size were more important than health consequences. They associated excess weight with negative stereotypes, bullying, and teasing, making it hard for them to lose weight
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found professional musicians are almost four times as likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss and 57% more likely to experience tinnitus. Repeated exposure to loud music can lead to permanent damage, emphasizing the need for protective measures.
Papers published on bmj.com suggest low physical capability in midlife is associated with poorer survival rates, while time spent in light intensity physical activity may ward off disability and reduce mortality. These simple tests can identify those at high risk of achieving a long and healthy life.
Research found that eating more fibre, especially cereal fibre, can improve long-term survival rates after a heart attack. Those who ate the most fibre had a 25% lower chance of dying in nine years compared to those who ate least fibre.
International anti-doping bodies advocate for storing doping samples for 10 years to enable technology to detect performance-enhancing substances. Biological profiling will also be widely used to monitor athletes' genetic blueprints, revealing subtle changes caused by doping.
A UK public health expert calls for more research on the health impacts of shale gas extraction, citing studies showing a direct link between proximity to extraction sites and adverse birth outcomes.
Research suggests raising PLAB pass marks could bridge the gap between international and UK medical graduates' performance, but warns of workforce implications for the NHS. International graduates tend to perform less well than UK graduates in postgraduate exams, with differences in fitness to practice and career progression.
At least 1 in 20 adult outpatients is misdiagnosed every year, affecting 12 million people nationwide. Half of these errors could be potentially harmful, according to research published in BMJ Quality & Safety.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found chronic hypertension in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal death. The study analyzed nearly 800,000 pregnancies worldwide, highlighting the need for heightened surveillance and pre-pregnancy counseling.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics improve growth in pre-pubertal children living in low and middle income countries, particularly in terms of weight. The study analyzed data from 10 trials involving over 4,300 children and showed a positive effect on both height and weight.
Research published in BMJ Open found a 15% decrease in dietary salt intake between 2003-2011, likely contributing to a 40% decline in heart disease and stroke deaths. Despite progress, 70% of adults still consume excessive amounts of salt.
A traditional Chinese herbal remedy, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be as effective as methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Combining the herbal remedy with methotrexate resulted in improved outcomes for patients, including significant reductions in disease activity and remission rates.
The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.
A large population study found that current and recent use of painkillers/anti-inflammatories is linked to a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation among older adults. Over half of the study participants developed atrial fibrillation during the monitoring period, with those currently taking NSAIDs facing an 84% greater risk.
Aerobic exercise has been found to increase hippocampal volume and improve verbal memory capacity in older women with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that regular aerobic exercise can help slow the advance of dementia.
A small study published in BMJ Open suggests that men with eating disorders are underdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudied. The perception that eating disorders are a women's problem delays men from seeking help, with some experiencing significant distress and suicidal thoughts.
A survey of Scottish working dogs found that undocked breeds are at greatest risk of tail injuries. The authors suggest that docking these breeds by one-third could significantly decrease the risk of injury.
Research on prime-time US TV dramas between 1955 and 2010 found a decline in tobacco product depiction and smoking scenes, associated with reduced cigarette consumption. The study suggests that TV portrayal of tobacco use may hindered an even faster decline in smoking rates.
A study of 208 patients with high blood pressure found that nearly a quarter did not take their medications as prescribed, while a smaller proportion only took part of the time. The findings suggest that a simple urine test can help identify which patients are not taking their meds properly and which may be experiencing treatment failure.
A study of over 65,000 adults found that consuming at least seven daily portions of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death. The analysis revealed that eating more than five daily portions may be needed to reap the full benefits, and that processed fruits may even increase the risk of death.
Researchers argue that NHS patients' experiences are frequently overlooked and suggest a national institute of patient experience is needed to draw data together and implement improvements. The lack of evidence that collected data has led to better healthcare quality highlights the need for effective leadership changes.
A new risk assessment tool, JBS3 risk calculator, aims to put patients in control of their cardiovascular health. It calculates an individual's 'true age' based on familial and lifestyle factors, helping healthcare professionals and patients understand cumulative lifetime risk.
Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability, affecting nearly one in 10 people worldwide. The condition's prevalence and impact are expected to increase with aging populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A third of all work-related disability worldwide is attributed to low back pain, primarily affecting agricultural sector workers and individuals between 35-65. The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, indicating that these groups are almost four times more likely to develop low back pain disability.
Rates of blindness have halved in high-income countries over the past 20 years, falling from 3.314 million to 2.736 million people. Macular degeneration has become the leading cause of blindness in rich countries, replacing cataracts.
A study of over 37,000 men and women found that eating fried foods four times a week had twice the impact on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores. Genetic variants associated with BMI and obesity also interacted with fried food consumption to influence adiposity.
Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.
Research reveals young women most at risk of cervical cancer are least likely to be offered and complete the HPV jab. The survey found that these women need targeted efforts to improve vaccination uptake, which was below 80% required for significant impact on cervical cancer rates.
Health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically following the implementation of quality improvement strategies, including patient education, nutritional support, and enhanced continuity of care. Key clinical outcomes, such as improved lung function and nutritional status, have also seen significant progress.
Research suggests that people exposed to more takeaway food outlets are more likely to consume these foods and be obese. The study found a significant dose-response relationship between takeaway outlet exposure and both diet and body mass index.
Research finds nicotine patches do not aid pregnant women in quitting smoking; behavioral support remains most effective approach. Average birth weights similar between groups, but nicotine patch linked to higher blood pressure.
Experts warn that scrapping the alcohol duty escalator would lead to more affordable drinks, increasing alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions. The UK is facing over 8,700 alcohol-related deaths annually, with £21 billion cost to society.
Girls born unexpectedly small or underweight may face fertility problems in adulthood, research suggests. Analysis of 1206 Swedish women found those with female infertility causes were almost 2.5 times more likely to have been underweight at birth.
Research suggests that drinking alcohol during early pregnancy may heighten the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with even moderate consumption increasing the likelihood of these outcomes. Women from more affluent backgrounds were found to be more likely to drink excessively.
A survey of nurses and patients in a UK hospital found that many struggle to identify qualified doctors from their name badges, which use new terminology introduced since 2009. The researchers call for a national review of the current system, suggesting simpler terms that include 'doctor,' 'senior,' and 'junior' to improve identification.
A leading US cardiovascular research scientist argues that low saturated fat diets do not reduce heart disease risk and that current dietary guidelines are based on flawed data from the 1950s. He recommends a diet low in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods to boost and maintain heart health.
A new criminal offence of wilful neglect is needed in the healthcare sector to address appalling care and provide a clear message. Existing regulation is not up to the job, and patients can only seek redress through civil courts, which have limited scope.
Research suggests that terminally ill cancer patients who receive chemotherapy in the last months of life are more likely to undergo intensive medical care and die in an intensive care unit. The study highlights the importance of end-of-life discussions between patients and physicians.
A recent study published on bmj.com found that the HPV vaccine significantly protects against cervical abnormalities in young women. The research estimated that three doses of the vaccine provided 46% protection against high-grade cervical abnormalities and 34% protection against other cervical abnormalities.
A large observational study found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy. The risk is cumulative and heightened with the length of exposure.
A review of UK troop mental health finds most regulars resilient, but certain groups more vulnerable; depression and anxiety prevalent, while harmful drinking remains a concern. The evidence suggests that social support during childhood and after leaving the Army has a greater impact on suicide rates than deployment.
A recent study suggests that people in their 80s are often prescribed stroke-prevention medications despite low risk, leading to unnecessary side effects. Doctors must rethink common prescribing patterns to prioritize patient well-being over prevention.