A new study found that lack of physical fitness is a significant factor in sports injuries among women, with female trainees experiencing twice as many injuries as men. The research also showed that women can improve their fitness levels rapidly and reduce injury risk through modified training programs.
The study found that public walking trails can increase exercise levels among adults, particularly women and those from lower socioeconomic groups. More than half of users reported increased walking since starting to use the trails.
A recent study of Army recruits revealed that smokers were 1.5 times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer fractures, sprains, and other physical injuries during an eight-week basic training program. The researchers also found that risk of injury increased for both women and men who smoked.
A survey of 95 individuals with a parent or sibling diagnosed with colon cancer found strong interest in genetic testing for susceptibility to the disease. However, many fail to follow recommended screening guidelines, highlighting the need for targeted educational efforts and interventions.
A study found that volunteers' community activities, such as bingo nights and promotions, significantly increased mammography use among rural residents. The approach also led to increases in mammography among uninsured women and those without female physicians.
Participation in breast cancer support groups can help women cope and function better when their spouses are not supportive. However, for those with adequate support at home, peer-discussion groups may worsen daily functioning. The study suggests that exposure to weekly discussions may re-evaluate relationships or spur conflict at home.
AIDS patients with limited emotional support are more likely to be nonadherent to their medication regimens. Confidence and social support significantly predict medication adherence, suggesting interventions should focus on enhancing these factors.
A systematic program implementing advance directives in six Ontario, Canada nursing homes reduced hospitalizations by an average of $1,200 per patient. Satisfaction levels with care were unchanged, while mortality rates remained similar between the treatment and control groups.
Research found that frequent family dinners lead to better diet quality in adolescents, including more fruits and veggies, and fewer unhealthy foods. Health professionals can support this trend by encouraging family meals as a way to improve the dietary habits of older children and adolescents.
Researchers found high ambient solar radiation associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of cortical cataracts and a 4.0-fold increased risk of mixed cataracts. Simple preventive strategies like avoiding exposure at mid-day may help reduce cataract prevalence, the study concludes.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that approximately 40% of the US population takes at least one vitamin or mineral supplement. The most commonly reported ingredients are vitamin C, B12, and E, but participants also used over 300 nonvitamin products posing serious health risks.
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program was shown to decrease atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack and stroke in hypertensive African Americans. The study found that TM practitioners had a significant reduction in carotid intima-media thickness, comparable to lipid-lowering medications and intensive lifestyle modification programs.
A recent study of outpatients taking prescription drugs found that drug complications may be long lasting and have additional negative consequences, including patient dissatisfaction with care. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal ailments, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and tiredness.
A survey of family physicians found that those with a prior history of depression or somatic complaints were less likely to consider the possibility of serious illnesses and order testing. Cognitive shortcuts can be helpful but also lead to false generalizations, highlighting the need for awareness among physicians.
Patients with macular degeneration experienced improved moods and increased use of visual aids after completing a six-week behavioral self-management program. The program also boosted confidence in daily functioning and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A new study found that 32-35% of patients in weight loss, headache, and chronic pain programs dropped out due to factors like emotional distress and low self-efficacy. The researchers suggest investigating variables such as support from family and friends, and the therapeutic alliance between clients and program leaders.
A new study suggests that open family discussion about stressful thoughts and feelings can improve emotional well-being in kidney transplant patients. Patients who felt their families were supportive reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A new study links lower socioeconomic status, measured by education level, to increased psychological factors like hostility. This may lead to poor health outcomes due to increased physiological activity or strain, as well as unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.
Individuals treated for depression use fewer routine medical services, but more outpatient services than the general population, according to a 10-year analysis. Treatment is associated with reduced non-routine medical utilization over time.
Researchers found four distinct groups with varying adherence rates, medication use, and lifestyle habits. Group A and B members have better health outcomes due to effective medication and lifestyle regimens.
A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that 37% of school-aged children experience at least one sleep-related problem. The researchers collected data from children, parents, and teachers to highlight the importance of screening for sleep disturbances in this age group.
A new study investigates the association between emotional abuse and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. The research found that those who experienced emotional abuse scored higher on measures of self-blame and self-silencing, leading to increased stress which exacerbates IBS symptoms.
A new study found that hostile individuals experience increased blood pressure and vessel constriction in response to mild social stressors, such as discussing capital punishment with a calm opponent. This suggests that individuals with high levels of mistrust and suspicion anticipate trouble in interpersonal situations.
A study of 1,081 older men found that hostility is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with high levels associated with obesity, upper body fat distribution, and insulin resistance. The researchers also found that fewer years of education correlated with higher hostility levels.
A study found that Latino ESL students who took heart health and nutrition classes showed improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and nutrition knowledge. The researchers suggest that the ESL environment is an ideal way to reach this population and promote public health messages.
A new report from the Center for Advancing Health highlights the importance of incorporating proven behavior change strategies into medical care. Despite recognizing the value of these interventions, managed care plans often fail to offer them to their members due to unclear cost impacts and lack of leverage for purchasing agencies.
Recent research shows that Americans still struggle with dietary practices, with five leading causes of death related to diet. Effective interventions are often limited to those at high risk for diet-related diseases.
Researchers found clinic-based methods effective in improving health behavior for highly-motivated individuals, but room for improvement exists with 'one-size-fits-all' approaches. Promising trends include advances in addiction treatment and individualized health strategies.
Researchers found that popular youth cigarette brands were more likely to be advertised in magazines with high youth readerships, despite claims of targeting young adults. The study's findings suggest a persistent pattern of advertising to underage youths.
Researchers found that smokers who engage in physical activity during the day tend to gain more weight after quitting, as their bodies burn fewer calories previously taken up by smoking. This study suggests that increasing physical activity levels may help smokers manage weight gain after cessation.
Research reveals that women experience greater relief from withdrawal symptoms after smoking compared to men. Smaller and shorter puffs by women may lead to less nicotine intake, making treatment more complex for female smokers.
The nation won't meet its 15% smoking prevalence goal for 2000, with over 25% of US adults currently smoking. Effective strategies like cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, but more work is needed to reach low-income and minority populations.
A survey of South Carolina high schools found that suspending smokers may increase truancy and poor academic achievement. Tobacco education curricula are rarely employed, with only six percent of principals using cessation programs for students caught smoking.
The U.S. is missing effective nationwide programs against HIV/AIDS, with the U.S. lagging behind countries like Switzerland and Thailand in implementing nationwide programs. Experts call for a national system of sexually transmitted disease protection to address this public health threat.
Research finds that drug treatment programs are scarce and getting scarcer, with state-of-the-art programs working best, but access shrinking under managed care. The number of treatment options and opportunities is dwindling, leaving the mentally ill and those abusing multiple substances without new treatment options.
Sixty percent of U.S. adults are thought to be inactive or underactive, increasing their risk for heart disease. Individual and community efforts to encourage physical activity, such as cognitive-behavioral programs and worksite health promotion, are needed to address this issue.
A recent study reveals that alcohol abuse costs society an estimated $250 billion per year in healthcare expenditures. The researchers emphasize the importance of early identification, case management, and organized systems of care to address this public health issue.
A small study of 20 smokers found no statistically significant differences in heartburn incidences between days of wearing different nicotine patches. The researchers controlled for diet and confirmed cigarette abstention, ruling out the possibility of heartburn caused by smoking withdrawal.
A study found that physicians who recognized depression asked twice as many questions and spent more time on affective focus with patients. This suggests that better communication skills can help primary care physicians identify depression in their patients.
A new study finds that communication skills training can help doctors recognize patients with depression, a condition often missed at the primary care level. The training involves asking about psychosocial issues, using open-ended questions, and allowing more time for patients to talk.
A new stepped-care intervention program called Collaborative Care has shown significant improvement in treating severely depressed patients, with a recovery rate of 40% compared to 23% for those receiving usual primary care. The program reduced costs per case successfully treated, offering good news for patients and healthcare systems.
A study found that modifiable health risks such as physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking are significantly related to higher health care charges. Researchers report substantial excess medical care charges related to these behaviors.
Elderly caregiving spouses who report experiencing strain are at a 63% higher risk of death than noncaregivers. Caregivers with prevalent disease are particularly vulnerable to mortality, with a 33% risk of dying within four years.
Research finds that early socialization processes contribute to heightened vulnerability to depression among females. Women tend to focus on being liked by others, while males prioritize academic and athletic goals.
Research reveals a correlation between male unemployment and lower birthweights in Norway and Sweden. The study suggests that the indirect effects of unemployment on stressed partners and community stress can lead to increased risk of preterm delivery, low infant birthweight, and subsequent infant illness.
A third of menopausal and postmenopausal women are undecided about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with their risk levels, values, and preferences differing. HRT can reduce osteoporosis and heart disease risks but may increase uterine cancer risk.
Research suggests that poverty has a greater impact on the mental development of children exposed to cocaine before birth, even when controlling for IQ scores and preschool attendance. Children who had been exposed to cocaine performed no worse than low-income children without cocaine exposure in problem-solving tests.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with functional dyspepsia often employ non-discriminative coping patterns, reserving action-oriented strategies for controllable events. This approach may exacerbate anxiety levels and worsen symptoms.
A study of over 5,000 individuals found that anxiety and depression may cause up to one-quarter of all chest pain cases in young adults. The research suggests that individuals with psychiatric disorders or significant symptoms are more likely to experience chest pain.
A recent study found that nearly all children who experienced a traumatic event exhibited acute stress symptoms, with roughly half continuing to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after 18 months. The researchers also discovered that indirectly-exposed children were at risk of developing full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder.