A large study found that childless couples have a mortality rate 2-4 times higher than those who adopt. Mental illness rates are halved among adoptive parents compared to the general population.
Research suggests that benzodiazepines may increase the risk of contracting pneumonia by as much as 50% and dying from it within 30 days. The study analyzed health records of over 9 million patients, finding a significant association between benzodiazepine use and increased risk of pneumonia and mortality.
Researchers advise limiting daily vigorous exercise to 30-50 minutes due to potential harm from excessive intensity. A balanced routine of moderate physical activity can add years to life, while marathon-like activities may speed progress towards the finish line.
A recent analysis of data published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that boys whose testes fail to descend at birth are almost three times as likely to develop testicular cancer. The condition affects around 6% of male births and has been linked to a higher risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that children exposed to second-hand smoke in cars experience a significant increase in harmful pollutant levels, exceeding those found in restaurants and bars. This highlights the need for stricter regulations on smoking in vehicles carrying children.
A study found that online information on 'designer vagina' procedures is often inaccurate and lacks standard terminology. Researchers call for clearer guidelines to improve standards and empower women to make informed choices.
A recent study by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reveals that young blackbirds can become 'drunk' on fermented rowan berries. The birds exhibited symptoms similar to those of human intoxication, including unsteadiness, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall over.
A new test has been found to be more effective and cheaper than traditional cytology testing for women following pre-cervical cancer treatment. The study suggests that using HPV testing as a 'test of cure' can help avoid recurrence of cervical cancer and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
A general practitioner shares her frustrating experience with a bureaucratic sickness benefit system. The system requires patients to wait on hold, answer lengthy questions, and provide multiple documents, which can be overwhelming for those who are already unwell.
A systematic review of over 200,000 participants found that maternal overweight and smoking during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of childhood overweight. High birth weight and early rapid weight gain also contribute to this risk. Breastfeeding can help mitigate this risk to some extent.
Researchers identify shared biological risk factors for smoking and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A specific gene variant is found to be associated with both conditions, potentially serving as a gateway to smoking in adulthood.
Treating chronic hepatitis C with antiviral drugs could reduce liver cancer risk by half, according to a meta-analysis of published research. In some cases, treatment can even prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer worldwide.
A recent study found that tobacco companies are using smartphone apps to promote their products, including explicit images and smoking simulations, which is a violation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The apps have been downloaded by millions of people, including teenagers and children.
Bariatric surgery radically reduces risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with an average reduction of excess weight by 54%. Cardiovascular risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unfavourable blood fats improve or resolve completely after the procedure.
Research finds men's mental health deteriorated following 2008 recession, with job insecurity a major contributor. Analysis of Health Surveys for England from 1991 to 2010 shows rising prevalence of poor mental health among men during economic downturns.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that muscle relaxants given to patients during general anesthesia are associated with an increased risk of serious breathing problems after surgery. Giving drugs to reverse the muscle relaxants after surgery may increase the risk further. Strategies to prevent lingering effects after surgery ne...
A study found that smoking in cars produces hazardous particulate matter levels, exceeding WHO guidelines, even with windows open or AC on. This exposure can harm child passengers' health due to faster breathing rates and less developed immune systems.
Long-term sick leave affects doctors' self-esteem and confidence, leading to a professional identity crisis. The authors advocate for cultural change in medical school to promote vulnerability recognition and better coping mechanisms.
Intense exercise such as fast walking and jogging halves the development of metabolic syndrome, a combination of factors that increase heart disease and stroke risk. The study found that it's not the length of time exercised but rather its intensity that matters.
Children spend an average of five screens at home by age 10 and six hours a day watching screens by adolescence. Prolonged screen time is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, attention span reduction, and psychosocial problems like Facebook depression and impaired empathy.
Observational research suggests that daily low-dose aspirin may protect the brain in elderly women at high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that women taking aspirin for five years showed less decline in cognitive ability than those not taking the drug.
A recent editorial highlights the importance of correct inhaler technique for asthma and respiratory conditions, as only a third of medication reaches the lungs when used incorrectly. Healthcare professionals also need training to effectively coach patients.
A new study confirms a link between indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly among those exposed before age 25. The research estimates that indoor tanning accounts for hundreds of thousands of new cases each year in the US alone.
The BMJ Group has launched a dedicated US edition of bmj.com, prioritizing clinical and journalistic content relevant to US physicians and researchers. The site now features a homepage with direct-relevance articles and channels prioritizing content of interest to US readers.
A new type of firework has caused severe eye injuries and blindness in children and adults at public events, including bonfire night celebrations. Doctors call for stricter controls on the use and distribution of fireworks to prevent such accidents.
Leading doctors challenge the assumption that more is better in US healthcare, citing $800bn annual cost due to unnecessary care. They identify factors such as malpractice fears, biased research, and financial conflicts of guideline writers contributing to overtreatment.
Research finds that sexually abused women are less likely to get screened for cervical cancer, with 42% of those aged 25-49 screened within the previous 3 years. The procedure evokes traumatic memories and feelings of shame, leading some to avoid screening or experience anxiety.
Researchers used a logit regression model that included home advantage to predict Team GB's medal haul, suggesting a total of 46 medals. The formula takes into account past performance, home advantage, and funding.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that obese children have blunted ability to identify all five tastes. This may lead them to eat larger quantities of food to register same taste sensation.
Research published in BMJ Open found that many European foods still contain high levels of trans fatty acids, putting millions at risk. While overall TFA content has fallen, Eastern Europe remains a hotspot for high levels, while Western Europe has made significant progress.
Research published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care reveals that cancer and chronic disease account for nearly half of gradual deaths in European Union countries. The study found that thousands of people experience debilitating symptoms before passing away, emphasizing the need for palliative care strategies to improve quality of life.
Two recent cases highlight the risks of foreign body mishaps in the gut, including a woman who developed a liver abscess and sepsis after swallowing a toothpick. Surgical swabs left behind during procedures can also cause problems, as seen in another case where removal resolved symptoms.
A reduced dietary pattern featuring less red and processed meat significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer by 3-12%. It also leads to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 28 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
Most English football teams don't comply with international concussion guidelines, which standardize the definition of concussion and require cognitive assessment before returning players to play. As a result, many clubs don't take concussion seriously enough, relying on subjective assessments that could be unsafe.
A cluster of five incidents involving toddlers swallowing liquid detergent capsules has prompted a call to action for improved safety warnings and childproof packaging. The incidents resulted in airway blockage, swelling, and ulceration, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent potential life-threatening injuries.
Tests for silent neck artery narrowing result in many unnecessary and costly surgical procedures, ultimately saving very few lives. In a high-risk group of 60+ European men, screening may prevent only one stroke at a significant cost.
Standard head movements during MRI scanner exposure temporarily lower concentration and visuospatial awareness, particularly in tasks requiring high working memory. This may have implications for surgeons and other healthcare staff.
A global assessment found that the rise of oesophageal adenocarcinoma began in the UK during the 1950s and has continued to increase rapidly across eight countries. The exact cause remains unknown, but risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and acid reflux have contributed to its growth.
A study of over 6500 Britons found that both men and women's midlife wellbeing is linked to having a large network of friends. Having more than six regular social contacts was associated with better psychological wellbeing for both sexes.
A study found that distressing life events and poverty are significant factors behind many abortions in the US. Nearly half of women who used contraception at the time of pregnancy reported disruptions from these events affecting their contraceptive use.
A survey of carers and pharmacists found that they often incorrectly calculated paracetamol doses for overweight children. The recommended dose should be adjusted according to the child's actual body weight, but many responders got it wrong. To prevent adverse consequences, simple evidence-based dosing guidelines must be developed.
Researchers found clinically significant improvements in pain levels and functional capacity after acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The service could save the NHS around £100,000 a year, with group acupuncture being popular among nurses and patients.
A study found that deeply held religious beliefs are leading to futile care for sick children, causing needless suffering. Doctors argue that parental hopes of a 'miraculous intervention' should not override the child's best interests.
Research reveals substantial variation in stocks of essential antidotes at UK acute hospitals, with many lacking critical medicines for life-threatening poisonings. Only half of hospitals stock all recommended antidotes, highlighting a concerning gap in care.
A study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are four times more likely to develop gum disease, with severe cases associated with increased inflammatory markers and antibodies. Gum disease in these patients may contribute to the development and maintenance of systemic inflammation.
Research tracking 259 elite rugby players found that those competing in tournaments across multiple time zones were twice to three times as likely to get ill as on their home turf. The study suggests various stressors such as pollution, temperature, and germs may be involved in the increased risk of illness.
A survey of UK medical schools found that physical activity education is sparse or non-existent in their curricula. The authors highlight the importance of promoting physical activity to manage modern non-communicable chronic diseases, citing clinical guidelines that emphasize exercise as a method of treatment.
A study published in Veterinary Record compares the athletic abilities of humans and animals, finding that greyhounds, cheetahs, pronghorn antelope, and other species outrun and outmuscle top athletes. Human adaptations for endurance are impressive, but animals excel in speed, strength, and power.
Research published in the journal Gut suggests that increasing dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and selenium could cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study found a significant association between high antioxidant intake and reduced pancreatic cancer risk, with potential prevention of over one in 12 cases.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that two out of three severely obese children under the age of 12 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor. High blood pressure, high levels of low-density 'bad' cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose were prevalent among this group.