The trend of barring smokers from employment is being questioned by US experts, who argue that such policies can have serious consequences for smokers' health and well-being. The authors suggest that these policies may lead to discrimination against smokers and limit their job opportunities.
A survey of healthcare professionals revealed overwhelmingly negative opinions on proposals to switch trimethoprim and tamsulosin to over-the-counter availability. Concerns about antibiotic resistance, misdiagnosis, and potential misuse led to strong opposition.
Several herbal remedies commonly used for menopausal symptoms, such as black cohosh and red clover, lack strong evidence supporting their effectiveness. The study highlights the need for better-designed trials to assess the safety and efficacy of these herbal products.
A survey of US academic emergency physicians found nearly all believed police use excessive force during arrests and detentions. Doctors frequently treated patients with blunt trauma and handcuff injuries sustained by police officers.
According to the study, one in three UK adults (32.1% of men, 33.1% of women) will be obese by 2012, with a significant increase in obesity prevalence among low-income groups. The findings also highlight the economic burden of obesity, with an estimated £7.4 billion annual cost to the English economy.
Airline pilots with long-term flying experience may be exposed to cumulative DNA damage from cosmic ionising radiation. Chromosome translocation frequency was higher among pilots than faculty staff, especially those who had flown the most.
A study of almost 91,000 Japanese men and women found that living in a household with multiple generations increases the risk of serious heart disease in women. Women who lived with parents, children, or spouses were twice as likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Research reveals tobacco companies paid top Hollywood stars millions in endorsement deals, contributing to the persistent presence of on-screen smoking in mainstream films. Almost 200 actors took part in cigarette endorsements between 1927 and 1951.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that an infant diet including fish before 9 months significantly cuts the risk of developing eczema. The study also discovered that owning a pet bird was associated with a reduced risk of the condition.
Urinary stress incontinence affects many young women's lives, impacting routine and recreational activities. The condition is relatively high among women, with around 1 in 7 experiencing symptoms, and can be triggered by physical activity such as basketball or athletics.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that bilingual children are significantly more likely to stutter and find it harder to lose their impediment than monolingual children. Children who exclusively spoke one language before the age of 5 had a higher recovery rate from stuttering by the age of 12.
Research reveals UK children's physical activity levels are 6 times lower than reported national data, with actual levels at 24 minutes a day. Only 3% of boys and 2% of girls meet the recommended daily amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
A 10-year study found that middle-aged, white, and middle-class individuals are more likely to engage in sports, while younger people, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, show declining participation rates. Excess weight and socioeconomic factors also influence sporting activity.
A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.
A longitudinal study found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls meet the recommended weekly physical activity levels. While children who met the guidelines showed progressive improvement in predictive health indicators, those who did not showed deterioration. The authors suggest re-evaluating the guideline measures to better encourag...
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have more than doubled among people aged 45 and older between 1996 and 2003. Genital warts and herpes were the most common STIs diagnosed in this age group, with rates highest among men aged 55-60 plus and women aged 45-54.
A large cohort study of over 87,000 women found that heavy birthweight female babies are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. The findings support the fetal origin of disease theory, suggesting that certain conditions and diseases may be programmed by factors during pregnancy.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by up to 50%. The study, which involved over 2,750 participants, also highlighted the importance of quitting smoking as a key preventive measure.
A substantial proportion of rectal cancer patients receive inappropriate surgical care due to wide variations in practice. The use of abdominoperineal excision (APE) rates have declined, but disparities persist among different regions and surgeon experience levels.
Road traffic deaths in China have surged almost 100% over two decades, with the leading cause of death for people up to age 45. The study found that deaths increased by 95% between 1985 and 2005, despite a decrease in road-related injuries.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that individuals with ADHD complete 1 month's worth of work in a year. Employers may benefit from implementing workplace screening programs to support affected workers, as effective treatments can improve performance.
Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke increases the risk of severe infectious illnesses and hospital admissions in young children. Children born prematurely or with low birth weight are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
Men who are overweight or obese are more likely to need a hip replacement for osteoarthritis. Research reveals that being overweight is a significant risk factor for hip osteoarthritis in men but not women.
Researchers found that 'flat' carbonated drinks lack essential salts and sugars for oral rehydration solution. They contain too much sugar and not enough sodium and potassium, making them an inadequate alternative.
Children whose parents read aloud to them have better language and literacy skills when they start school. This interactive style of reading has a significant impact on their development. Additionally, the Reach Out and Read programme in Boston improved language skills in low-income families by increasing parents' reading habits.
A review of 62 studies found that physical activity significantly reduces breast cancer risk in lean women, particularly those who engage in moderate and vigorous exercise after menopause. Obesity and family history of breast cancer counteract these benefits.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed for 13 months or more were 50% less likely to get the disease.
Researchers found that fruit tuck shops significantly increased fruit consumption among children when paired with a 'no food' or 'fruit only' policy. Children who attended schools with these policies reported higher fruit intake, even if they didn't use the fruit tuck shop.
Research suggests that areas with more street trees have lower rates of childhood asthma among 4-5 year olds and hospital admissions for older children. Tree density was found to be associated with reduced asthma prevalence, even after controlling for pollution and socioeconomic factors.
A small study found that incubator electromagnetic fields decrease heart rate variability in newborns, a predictor of poor prognosis in adults. The researchers suggest modifying incubator design to mitigate this effect.
A large population-based study using Danish register data suggests that antidepressant use accounts for only 10% of the fall in suicide rates among middle-aged and older people. Despite a significant increase in antidepressant prescriptions, the study found no conclusive link between medication and reduced suicidal behavior.
Research suggests that young people who dress according to their own ethnic group are less likely to have subsequent mental health problems than those who don't. Cultural identity expressed through clothing is found to be a healthier option for adolescents in multicultural societies.
Research found a strong link between engine exhaust and pneumonia deaths, with 35 local authorities accounting for over 15,000 excess deaths, equivalent to the annual death toll from London smog. The study suggests that pollutants directly damage lung tissue, increasing risk of progressive lung diseases such as COPD.
Regular aerobic exercise can slow or reverse the decline of maximal aerobic power, delaying biological aging and maintaining functional independence. By conserving maximal oxygen intake, individuals may retain their physical abilities longer, reducing the risk of serious disease and improving overall health.
A study of 418 English test cricketers found that players who appeared in more test matches lived longer than those with fewer appearances. Captaining the team had no impact on lifespan, contrary to expectations.
New guidance suggests glitazones have a place in combined treatments but lack evidence for solo use; side effects include heart failure and increased risk of heart attack.
A large Scottish Health Survey study found that just 20 minutes of weekly physical activity, including housework, reduces the risk of stress and anxiety. The more activity a person engages in, the lower their chances of psychological distress.
Research reveals that patients are more likely to ask factual questions of all healthcare professionals than challenging clinical abilities. Women and patients who feel encouraged by their doctors are more willing to ask difficult questions, suggesting improved patient safety outcomes.
A recent study found that female veterinarians are twice as likely to miscarry due to exposure to anaesthetic gases and pesticides. Researchers call for clearer advice on reproductive risks for young female vets planning to become pregnant.
Long-term mental health problems in childhood are associated with mid-life depression and anxiety in adulthood. Workplace stressors such as lack of control and low social support significantly increase the risk of these conditions.
Regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function in patients with type 2 diabetes by increasing T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect. The study also found improved glycemic control, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune response.
Children from poor areas are four times more likely to sustain serious injuries while walking or cycling compared to their affluent peers. Serious injury rates vary by settlement type and location, highlighting persistent inequalities.
A recent study found that obese adolescents burn fat at lower intensities than their lean counterparts during exercise. The researchers identified the optimal intensity levels required to maximize fat oxidation in both groups, with the lean boys reaching a higher VO2 peak and burning more fat at higher intensities.
A large study published in Thorax found that regular low-dose aspirin use cuts the risk of developing asthma among women by 10%. The Women's Health Study involved over 40,000 female healthcare professionals and monitored their health for around 10 years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplements in early childhood lower the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by around 30%. Higher doses and more regular supplementation were associated with a greater reduction in risk.
Research on over 18,000 UK babies found that mothers who quit smoking during pregnancy had the most easy-going infants. The study suggests that quitting smoking may boost a child's temperament and reduce behavioral problems. Heavy smokers had more difficult children with lower scores for positive mood.
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood finds no association between the MMR vaccine and autism spectrum disorders, contradicting previous research. The study analyzed blood samples from nearly 250 children with autism, as well as comparison groups without autism or special educational needs.
Middle-aged women in Finland took almost 50% more short-term sick leave than their male counterparts, with physical health problems and work fatigue being key contributors. The researchers suggest that women may be better at recognizing problems and seeking medical treatment.
A study found that public support for using human tissue in research has risen over the past decade, despite adverse publicity surrounding previous incidents. The survey revealed that 96% of patients are in favour of their tissue being used for medical research, while 92% are happy to see it used to train medical students.
Fine particulate matter pollution linked to increased death rates from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Adopting the WHO standard of 10 µg/m3 could delay up to 7% of early deaths, while meeting the US EPA standard of 15 µg/m3 would only delay 1.6%. Reducing PM2.5 levels can also save billions in healthcare costs.