Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Doing good does you good

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular volunteer work among older adults (50+) significantly reduces mortality risk, improves sense of well-being, and boosts physical activity. However, volunteering did not show direct impact on chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020

Early bedtime may help children maintain healthy weight

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who go to bed early experience greater weight gain than those who go to bed late. The study of 1,258 Indigenous Australian children aged 6 years revealed consistent early bedtime routines may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateApr 8, 2020

Is step count associated with lower risk of death?

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 5,000 adults and found that taking more steps was associated with a reduced risk of death. Higher step intensity also showed a significant association with lower mortality rates, suggesting that stepping is a crucial factor in overall health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 24, 2020

Study finds 'far-reaching' impact from Affordable Care Act

A new study by New York University researchers found that the Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on reducing financial barriers to healthcare, with 19.3 million people gaining coverage since its implementation in 2010. The law's market reforms have also led to measurable gains in the financial well-being of poor Americans.

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2020

Omega-3 fats do not protect against cancer

Two systematic reviews found that omega-3 supplements have minimal effects on health, with a small protective effect on cardiovascular disease but a slight increase in prostate cancer risk. The benefits are negligible, and the research team suggests that taking fish oil supplements for cancer prevention is not beneficial.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 28, 2020

Risk of recurrent fractures lowered by new care routines

A new study from the University of Gothenburg shows that structured and preventive care can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent fractures. The study found that patients who received fracture liaison services had an 18% lower risk of having another fracture compared to those without these services. This reduction in risk was attr...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 27, 2020

'Women my age tend to drink -- it's normal'

Research found that middle-aged and young-old women tend to consume alcohol at levels exceeding low-risk guidelines. They prioritize appearing respectable and in control over the quantity of alcohol consumed. Health advice needs to acknowledge that women may socially construct their drinking practices to focus on non-biomedical impacts.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateFeb 10, 2020

Study shows surgery patients overwhelmingly prefer pre-surgical safety checklists to be completed in front of them

Patients overwhelmingly agree that anaesthesia providers should use checklists in their presence, with high scores indicating reduced risk of errors and improved patient safety. However, anaesthesia providers underestimate patient discomfort, suggesting a need for increased collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 19, 2019

Consumption of chili pepper cuts down the risk of death from a heart or cerebral attack

A recent Italian study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that regular chili pepper consumption reduces mortality risk for cardiac and cerebrovascular causes. The study, conducted on 23,000 people, shows a 40% reduction in heart attack risk and more than half a reduction in cerebral vascular mortality.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 16, 2019

Lower BMI means lower diabetes risk, even among non-overweight people

Researchers found that a lower body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced type II diabetes risk, including in individuals who are not overweight. A study of 287,394 British individuals found that a 1 kg/m2 BMI reduction lowered diabetes risk by 37% among non-overweight people without a family history of diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 10, 2019

Being active reduces risk of prostate cancer

A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 4, 2019

Predicting risk of chronic kidney disease

A new study used data from over 5 million people to develop equations predicting the five-year risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of chronic kidney disease. The findings can help identify individuals at increased risk and potentially prevent or manage the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2019

Quality and use of green spaces may determine their health benefits

Two studies by ISGlobal found that the quality of green spaces influences physical activity, social contacts and emotional well-being. The presence of green space was associated with a higher frequency of physical activity, more time spent performing health-related activities, and increased social contacts with neighbours.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 30, 2019