Researchers analyze cases of vitamin D deficiency in UK and conclude that supplementing Asian children for two years from birth can curb re-emergence of the deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various health problems, including rickets, poor tooth formation, and increased risk of multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
The study suggests that eczema and hay fever prevalence has plateaued or declined in recent years, while hospital admissions for these conditions have stabilized. Systemic allergies, including anaphylaxis, food allergy, and urticaria, have shown a significant increase in rates over the past few decades.
Research found that longstanding anger and hostility compromise lung function and hasten natural decline in lung power with age. The study of 670 men aged 45-86 showed a significant association between higher levels of hostility and poorer lung function.
Despite recent atrocities, British hospitals remain poorly prepared for major incidents, with many lacking clear plans and regular rehearsal schedules. The survey found that only 54% of doctors were clear about their role in responding to a major incident, highlighting the need for improved preparation.
Blood alcohol levels above legal limits increased significantly among emergency care patients, with a 113% rise in lab tests from 1999 to 2004. The number of intoxicated women doubled, while men consistently outnumbered women across all age groups.
A small study found that TV effectively reduces kids' pain scores, with passive distraction being more effective than active distraction. Watching TV increases children's pain tolerance, making it a useful tool for minor procedures.
Research reveals that young people who use condoms often apply them too late or remove them too soon, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Those with a close relationship with their mothers are more likely to use condoms correctly.
A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.
Research on over 14,000 hospital patients and 38,000 controls found that workplace violence increases the risk of depression by 45-48% in both men and women. The magnitude of risk is directly proportional to the amount of violence experienced at work.
A large representative survey found that 3.5% of adolescents in the US had ever exchanged sex for drugs or money, with higher rates among African American youths and those from non-traditional family setups. The study also showed a significant link between exchanging sex and drug use, as well as depression and having been forced into sex.
Despite facing persistent discrimination, women paediatricians pioneered the specialty and made significant contributions to its development. Their experiences forced them to take circuitous routes into the profession, but ultimately helped create a more inclusive field.
Research based on 9,000 children suggests that breastfed babies are less anxious than bottle-fed babies when faced with parental divorce or separation. The findings hold true regardless of other factors, but the authors note that breastfeeding may be a marker for other maternal or parental factors contributing to stress resilience.
A study found that UK recommendations on paracetamol availability are not being followed, with many pharmacies and outlets selling more than 16 tablets at a time. The researchers discovered that almost half of patients who visited the emergency department for paracetamol poisoning had deliberately bought the medication for an overdose.
Research found that smoking significantly increased the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older Caucasian women without a genetic risk factor. The study, which included 115 postmenopausal women, revealed that tobacco smoke exposure doubled the risk of disease development.
Researchers developed an infant formula with prebiotic oligosaccharides to reduce atopic dermatitis in high-risk babies. The study found that formula-fed babies showed a significant increase in bifidobacteria and lower incidence of atopic dermatitis compared to those fed standard formulas.
A new proposal suggests that older, artier applicants with at least one year's work experience would be better suited for a career in medicine. This is due to their ability to understand both themselves and patients better, making them more capable doctors and happier professionals.
Research found a strong association between indoor swimming pool availability and childhood asthma rates across Europe. The study of 190,000 young teenagers from 21 countries showed a 2-3% rise in wheezing and asthma for every indoor pool per 100,000 population.
A small study found that starting exercise after 40 can significantly cut the chances of developing coronary artery disease. Those who exercised throughout their lives had the lowest risks, but those who started later were still around 55% less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease.
Research published in Heart reveals high humidity increases heart attack deaths among the elderly in Athens. Average monthly humidity was the single most important factor influencing average monthly death rates from heart attack in those over 70.
A systematic review identified warning signs for potential re-abuse of children, including neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and parental mental health problems. Children who experienced previous maltreatment were six times more likely to be abused again within a month.
A study of over 3600 adults found that narrower arterioles and wider venules were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. The results suggest that retinal photography may be a useful non-invasive method for assessing this risk, particularly in women.
A cohort of over 138,000 adults in Denmark found that those living alone have a twofold increased risk of severe angina and heart attack. Poor education, pension, age, and social isolation are key factors contributing to this increased risk.
A study of 14 volunteers found that drinking cherry juice before and after exercise resulted in a significant reduction in muscle pain and a slight increase in muscle strength. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice were found to be effective in preventing muscle damage.
A 10-year study found that late career job loss significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals over 50 who lost their jobs were nearly twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events compared to those still employed.
A study tested 35 volunteers with cheap and sophisticated pedometers to assess accuracy in free-living conditions. Results showed that only one in four pedometers fell within an acceptable range of variation, while overestimating steps taken in nearly two-thirds of cases.
A study of 149 smokers found that those with extensive facial wrinkles were five times more likely to develop COPD, with triple the risk of severe emphysema. The researchers suggest that facial wrinkling may be a common susceptibility factor for smoking-related lung disease.
Infertility risk in women with ulcerative colitis increases significantly after ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery, according to a meta-analysis. The study found that the risk of infertility tripled to 48% after the procedure, with no obvious factors contributing to this increased risk.
Researchers found three patients over 65 with extensive intestinal surgery developing vitamin A deficiency despite taking supplements. Vitamin A injections improved vision within days, highlighting the growing concern of vitamin A deficiency in affluent countries.
A study in Wales found that four out of five head lice are resistant to common treatments, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing methods. The authors suggest a newer silicone-based lotion as an alternative where resistance develops.
Children born between 34-36 weeks gestation are at a significantly higher risk of developing hyperactivity disorder. Low birthweight babies, especially those weighing 1500-2499g, are also at increased risk. Risk factors include single parenthood, social and economic deprivation, and young age at parenthood.
A study of over 2000 blood samples found that individuals with unfavourable blood fat levels were more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in those who developed the disease, indicating an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease.
A double-blind randomized controlled trial found that two breathing techniques can reduce reliance on medication and improve quality of life for adults with mild asthma. Participants experienced an 86% decrease in reliever medication use over a period of eight months.
A long-term study of over 44,000 women found that Chlamydia testing increased the risk of severe reproductive complications, but at lower rates than previously thought. The study suggests that current screening programs may not be as effective as assumed, raising questions about their cost-effectiveness.
The Tobacco Control Scale evaluates 30 European countries' efforts to curb smoking and improve population health. Ireland leads with a score of 74 points, followed by the UK, Norway, and Iceland.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that teenagers who smoke just one cigarette are at risk of becoming regular smokers for up to three years. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 young people and found that those who had tried a single cigarette were twice as likely to become regular smokers by the age of 14.
The rhythm method, a natural form of birth control, may be responsible for higher embryo mortality rates than other contraceptive methods. According to Professor Bovens, two to three embryos may die every time the rhythm method results in a pregnancy.
A new study has compared national, European, and US recommendations for statin treatment in British men to prevent cardiovascular disease. The research found that the UK's National Health Service Framework makes the least effective use of available evidence on prevention.
The study found that falls among the elderly in North East England resulted in a significant cost to the ambulance service, with an average of £145 per fall. A third of calls required assistance only and were related to sheltered housing organisations, while one in four of those transported to emergency care were admitted to hospital.
Men with metabolic syndrome are nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure as those without. The condition may directly affect the heart and boost fatty deposits in arteries, say researchers. Insulin resistance is thought to play a key role in this process.
Researchers found a link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an increased risk of first-time hospital admissions for heart failure in the elderly. People taking indomethacin were three times more likely to be admitted due to osteoarthritis as their reason for taking NSAIDs.
A national survey of junior tennis coaches found that over half of parents have a positive influence on their children's development, but more than a third are harmful. Coaches identified excessive focus on winning, unrealistic expectations, and criticising as common problems, scoring them highly in terms of seriousness.
Cardiovascular disease costs UK economy £29 billion a year, with healthcare expenses representing 60% of the total. The largest component was hospital inpatient care, which accounted for nearly two thirds of NHS expenditure on cardiovascular diseases.
Women who balance work and family responsibilities are more likely to report good health, with those who have been home-makers for short periods showing the lowest rates of obesity. Analysis suggests that adopting multiple roles may be a contributing factor to overall well-being rather than a cause of poor health.
Negative publicity in 1998 led to a sharp increase in MMR vaccine uptake among nursery school children, with the sharpest decline occurring for those born from 1999 onwards. The most affluent sectors tended to vaccinate early or not at all, while parents in deprived areas delayed vaccination.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria can prevent the 'leakiness' of the gut wall and reduce bacterial adherence to cells, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics offer a promising approach to managing intestinal problems caused by chronic stress.
A recent study found that low folate levels and a common mutation in the MTHFR gene may lower the risk of bowel cancer. People with blood levels of folate between the highest and lowest were almost twice as likely to develop the disease compared to those at either extreme.
A controlled trial found that hypnotherapy significantly improved sense of overall wellbeing and reduced painkiller use, while supportive therapy had no effect. Brain scans show that hypnotherapy affects the brain's processing of painful stimuli.
A systematic review found that structured forms and checklists can help healthcare professionals record child protection issues more effectively. Certain types of training also improved knowledge and attitudes towards child protection, boosting the speed of response to concerns.
Research found that beta carotene slows the decline in lung power, a critical indicator of lung function, associated with aging. The study showed that higher levels of beta carotene and vitamin E in the blood reduced the rate of decline in lung function, particularly in smokers.
A recent study of over 8,000 men found that smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Those who smoked up to 20 cigarettes per day were 24% more likely to experience difficulties maintaining an erection, while those who smoked more than a pack a day were 39% more likely.