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.
A pilot study found that adding vitamin B12 to standard hepatitis C virus treatment significantly boosts the body's ability to keep the virus at bay, especially in patients with genotype 1 HCV or high viral loads. The treatment strengthened the rate of sustained viral response by 34%.
Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that certain jobs carried out by fathers may be linked to an increased risk of birth defects in their babies. Jobs such as mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists, as well as artists and photographers, were associated with a higher risk of birth defects.
Recent immigrant men who are overqualified for their jobs are more than three times as likely to sustain an injury at work compared to their peers. Language barriers, a lack of knowledge about health and safety, and outdated skills may contribute to this increased risk. In contrast, women in similar situations show no such association.
Restricting daily sitting time to less than 3 hours and watching TV for less than 2 hours a day may extend US life expectancy by 2 and 1.4 years respectively, according to an analysis of published research in BMJ Open.
A diet high in vegetables may help prevent acute pancreatitis by reducing oxidative stress. The study found that individuals who consumed the most vegetables daily were 44% less likely to develop the condition than those who ate the least. This protective effect was strongest among heavy drinkers and overweight individuals.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
Experts say lack of privacy, safety fears and ageism deny elderly care home residents the right to consensual sex. Formal policies are needed to address this, despite research showing residents want their sexual expression acknowledged.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that stillbirth rates are twice as high among the least well-off in England, with the gap remaining constant over eight years. Socio-economic inequalities in stillbirths by cause have been evident across all causes, including bleeding before birth and congenital abnormalities.
Research suggests up to 640,000 hospital admissions and nearly 2 million emergency department visits may be linked to alcohol consumption. Patients who admitted to drinking before their visit were more likely to have injuries and exceeded recommended weekly units.
Research published in BMJ Open found that over half of inner city school-kids in deprived areas consume fast foods/drinks at least twice a week. The most common reasons for buying fast food were taste and ready access, while peer influence played a significant role among frequent consumers.
A Swedish study found that dental plaque is associated with a significantly increased risk of premature death from cancer. The research tracked the health of almost 1,400 adults for 24 years and found that those with high levels of plaque had a 79% higher risk of dying early from cancer.
Research published online first in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found a link between early menopause and an increased risk of cerebral aneurysms. Women who entered menopause at a younger age were more likely to develop brain aneurysms, while later menopause and hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk.
Research published in the journal Heart found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks, while boosting dietary calcium intake has no significant heart health benefits. The study of nearly 24,000 participants suggests that high levels of calcium supplements may be harmful due to their impact on blood calcium levels.
Research finds that caesarean section delivery may double the risk of subsequent childhood obesity, with higher levels of Firmicutes bacteria and lower Bacteroides bacteria in the guts of children born via c-section. This association is thought to influence energy extraction from diets, insulin resistance, inflammation, and fat deposits.
A lack of basic evidence is hindering the prevention of sudden heart attacks in sports, with a need to track all incidents like Fabrice Muamba's on-pitch collapse. Reliable data collection and cooperation among sporting organisations are essential to mitigate risks and improve understanding of the condition.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found that high volume endovascular stroke centers have faster times to treatment, higher reperfusion rates, and improved clinical outcomes. Patients treated at these centers are more likely to have blood flow restored and survive
A simple drawing test can predict long-term stroke death risk among older men, with lowest scores linked to a threefold increased risk of death. The test is more effective than the mini mental state exam in predicting post-stroke mortality.
A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.