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Ice hockey helmets to get safety stars

Researchers developed a new Hockey STAR rating system to evaluate helmet protection against concussions and head injuries in ice hockey. The system assigns a value to each helmet based on its ability to protect players from head impacts, driving manufacturers to advance helmet design.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 30, 2015

Good news for serial cereal eaters

A diet high in whole grains and cereal fibers is associated with a reduced risk of premature death. Researchers found that consuming an average of 1.2 ounces of whole grains per 1000 kcal per day was linked to a 17% reduced risk of premature death compared to those consuming less.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 23, 2015

Interventions lower diabetes risk in women who had gestational diabetes

A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention or medication can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes were less likely to develop diabetes when assigned to take metformin or undergo intensive lifestyle intervention.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 2015

Healthy diet associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in minority women

A healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among women in all racial and ethnic groups, but has an even greater benefit for Asian, Hispanic, and black women. The study found that healthy diets can prevent 5.3 cases of diabetes per 1,000 white women per year, compared to 8.0 cases per 1,000 minority women per year.

Health coaching paired with gym membership works best for obese people with mental illness

A health promotion program combining gym membership with trained health coaches significantly improves fitness and weight loss in people with serious mental illness. The In SHAPE program, a 12-month program, showed more than half of participants achieving clinically significant reductions in cardiovascular risk.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 17, 2014

Osteoporosis screening guidelines miss many younger post-menopausal women

A new study found that US osteoporosis screening guidelines failed to identify the majority of younger post-menopausal women who experienced major fractures. The guidelines recommended testing and treatment for women aged 65+, but only predicted fractures in around 25% of those aged 50-64.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 21, 2014

Electronic reminders can help patients prevent surgical site infections

A new study found that electronic reminders, such as text messages, significantly increase patient compliance with a preadmission antiseptic showering regimen. The study showed a 66% reduction in composite mean concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate on the skin surface in patients who did not receive digital communications.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 1, 2014