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Physical activity associated with healthier aging

Physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related conditions such as arthritis, falls, and fractures, as well as improvements in cognitive function and bone density. Four new studies published in Archives of Internal Medicine have moved the scientific enterprise further along the path toward understanding the ful...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 25, 2010

Program may prevent knee injuries in young female soccer players

A soccer-specific exercise program reduced the risk of knee injuries among young female players by 77%, according to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine. The program, which included strengthening exercises and awareness training for coaches and parents, also resulted in less severe injuries when they did occur.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2010

Physical therapists play integral role in prevention, risk reduction, and treatment of lymphedema

Breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of lymphedema by seeking physical therapy services before, during, and after treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists enable early diagnosis and management of the condition, leading to more conservative treatment options.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateOct 15, 2009

'Beneficial' effects of alcohol?

Researchers found no association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of functional decline over time. Lifestyle-related characteristics such as physical activity, body weight, education, and income were identified as the real determinants of the reported beneficial effects of alcohol.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 14, 2009

Heart disease: B vitamin pills have no effect

A recent Cochrane Systematic Review found no evidence that B-vitamin supplements can prevent heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The review of 24,210 people showed that these supplements have no effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateOct 6, 2009

Proton pump inhibitors do not interfere with benefit of antiplatelet drugs clopidogrel or prasugrel in patients after an acute coronary syndrome

A new study published in The Lancet found that proton pump inhibitors do not negate the clinical benefit of clopidogrel or prasugrel in patients after a heart attack. The TRITON-TIMI 38 trial showed that PPIs can be safely used with these antiplatelet drugs to reduce gastrointestinal bleeding.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 31, 2009

Patients who have material causing narrowing in neck artery removed rather than angioplasty have lower chance of narrowing recurring and subsequent stroke (CAVATAS study)

The CAVATAS study found that surgery reduces the risk of both short-term and long-term stroke, as well as repeat stenosis. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment had a higher incidence of restenosis and subsequent stroke compared to those who received surgery.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 28, 2009

Statins reduce stroke risk by 1/5

The study found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk, with each 1 mmol/L decrease in LDL cholesterol resulting in a relative risk reduction of 21%. Statins also have additional benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 14, 2009

Study finds link between atrial fibrillation and an increased risk of death in diabetic patients

A large-scale trial found that diabetic patients with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The study suggests that aggressive treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs can reduce this risk, and highlights the importance of identifying undiagnosed AF in diabetic patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 11, 2009

Also in the Feb. 10 JNCI

A study found that lack of general treatment failure and distant metastases 3 years after treatment initiation may be surrogate endpoints for long-term survival in early prostate cancer patients. Another study identified netrin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 10, 2009

SSRIs may reduce suicide in adults

A meta-analysis of 8 large-scale observational studies found that SSRIs significantly reduced the risk of completed or attempted suicide in adults with depression. The study suggests that prescribing SSRI medications is safe for patients with major depression, but children and adolescents should be closely monitored.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 2, 2009