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BMJ Specialty Journals


Less than 3 percent of UK 11-year-olds take enough exercise

Research reveals that UK 11-year-olds are not physically active enough, with less than 3% meeting recommended daily exercise levels. The study, which monitored over 5,500 children in the South West of England, found that boys were more active than girls and that sustained activity was crucial for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 13, 2007

Knee arthritis link to lung cancer

Research found knee monoarthritis in 296 patients (4.4%) with rheumatic disorders, a rare condition associated with operable non-small cell lung cancer. The disease is challenging to treat unless caught early, and the discovery provides new insights into potential early warning signs.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateSep 3, 2007

Pop stars more than twice as likely to die an early death

A study of over 1050 North American and European musicians found that they are more than twice as likely to die an early death compared to the general population. Long-term drug or alcohol problems accounted for nearly one in four deaths, with some stars continuing to experience higher death rates even 25 years after achieving fame.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 3, 2007

Farmers unhappiest of all self-employed workers

A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that farmers scored lowest on measures of productivity, health status, and quality of life. Despite having more control over their work, farmers experience high levels of stress and need increased social and emotional support.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 30, 2007

Very young babies vulnerable to sudden death while seated

A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that very young babies, particularly those under a month old, are vulnerable to sudden death when seated. The research analyzed data from 1991-2000 and found that the rate of deaths among seated babies is relatively small, but extra care should be taken for these infants.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 18, 2007

Could targeted food taxes improve health?

A daily pint of milk reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome by 62%, while regular dairy consumption lowers the risk by 56%. The study found that around one in seven men had the syndrome at entry into the study, with those who consumed more dairy produce having a lower risk.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 11, 2007

Draft national policy on sight-saving drugs 'unacceptable'

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) proposes restricting use of ranibizumab and pegaptanib to patients who have gone blind in one eye. However, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin concludes that this approach is 'unacceptable' and calls for universal access to these sight-saving drugs. NICE has also not issu...

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 2, 2007

Death rates will rise because of global warming

An analysis of US city-specific weather data reveals that global warming will lead to more deaths in summer due to extreme temperatures. Deaths from all causes are known to rise when temperatures go up, and heart attacks and cardiac arrests are more likely when it is very cold.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 2, 2007

Military service doubles suicide risk

A study of 320,000 men found that former military personnel are twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population, especially those with health problems. The research highlights the need for clinical and community interventions targeting veterans at risk.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 11, 2007

Unfair treatment boosts heart attack risk

A study of over 8,000 British government workers found that unfair treatment increased the risk of a heart attack or angina, with those in the highest category being 55% more likely to have serious heart disease. Women and lower-income individuals were also disproportionately affected.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 14, 2007

1 in 3 HIV positive gay men report unprotected sex

A community survey of gay men in London, Manchester, and Brighton found that nearly one-third of HIV-positive men reported having unprotected sex, while almost one-fifth of HIV-negative men also engaged in this behavior. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to boost HIV diagnosis and curb risk behaviors.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateApr 30, 2007

Doubt cast on routine screening to pick up overweight and obese schoolchildren

New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateApr 23, 2007