Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
A well-balanced diet, such as the DASH diet, significantly lowers blood levels of homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism. This reduction is predicted to lower the risk of heart disease by 7 to 9 percent. Additionally, reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol from the DASH diet should further reduce heart disease risk.
Research finds that cigar smoking causes cancers of the lung and upper aerodigestive tract, with risks approaching those of cigarette smoking. Environmental cigar smoke contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, posing health hazards.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that low-dose oral contraceptives offer a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer, similar to high-dose pills. The protection begins soon after use and continues for at least 30 years after stopping.
A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.
A Swedish study found that nearly 29 percent of all unnatural deaths were associated with alcohol consumption. The most common causes included suicides, falls, traffic injuries, and intoxication. Experts emphasize the importance of responsible drinking and stricter policies to mitigate these risks.
A new study has found that frail and elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation are less likely to receive stroke-preventing drugs. Warfarin lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack or death by one-fourth in this population, but underuse is common.
A new study of 332 US manufacturing companies found that international joint ventures and multinational operations increase downside risk, contradicting common business wisdom. Domestic joint ventures also failed to reduce financial risks.
A survey of over 15,000 adolescent patients found that smoking was associated with higher rates of substance abuse, poor physical activity, and academic struggles. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to promote healthy lifestyle messages to adolescents, who tend to visit them more frequently than other healthcare providers.
A substantial reduction in stroke risk is associated with increasing physical activity levels, including walking, according to a study of female nurses. Walking was found to be inversely associated with total stroke risk, even at a brisk or striding pace, and its benefits were comparable to those of vigorous physical activity.
A new study reveals that older Latina women are at a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, contradicting previous assumptions. The research, which analyzed data from over 220,000 Mexican-origin Latina women, found that maternal age was a significant factor in determining infant birth weights.
A new study links high hostility levels to an increased risk of coronary artery calcification and heart disease in young adults. The researchers found that those with higher hostility scores were nearly 3 times more likely to develop coronary artery calcification than those with lower scores.
A study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that depression increases the risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women. In contrast, depressed men have a higher risk of death from CHD compared to their non-depressed counterparts.
A new NIH clinical advisory statement recommends using systolic blood pressure as the primary criterion for diagnosing and treating hypertension in middle-aged and older Americans. This shift aims to improve outcomes by targeting systolic pressure, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers found a link between smoking, coffee consumption, and lower Parkinson's disease incidence. Higher dopamine levels in the brain may explain why people with these habits are less likely to develop Parkinson's.
According to a study published in JAMA, African American women and men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than their white counterparts. The researchers found that being overweight was a significant factor in the excess risk for African American women, while high blood pressure was a key contributor for African American men.
Studies found dementia patients had significantly longer hospital stays than those without the condition, translating to higher costs. Early detection of dementia is crucial in reducing treatment costs and improving patient outcomes.
A study led by Johns Hopkins found that patients with high blood pressure taking beta blockers were 28% more likely to develop diabetes than those not taking the medication. In contrast, thiazide diuretics were associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
A new study from the USGS and Oregon Graduate Institute reveals that up to 9,000 community water wells in 31 states may be contaminated with MTBE due to proximity to leaking underground storage tanks. The EPA has announced plans to phase out MTBE use in gasoline, but it will persist in the environment for at least a decade.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that beta-endorphin levels are heritable and can predict an individual's risk of developing alcoholism. The research suggests that the hormone may be used as a biomarker to identify specific individuals at high genetic risk.
A new review of data from a recent nationwide trial shows the free prostate specific antigen test (fPSA) is as accurate in detecting prostate cancer risk in African American men as it is in Caucasians. The study found that nearly 75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies can be spared for black men.
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.
The World Institute for Disaster Risk Management aims to apply research to mitigate disaster losses. It will work with governments, agencies, private enterprises, and NGOs to create a network for applied research, implementation, and information dissemination.
Respiratory problems caused by workplace exposure affect various jobs, including farming, seafood industry, food processing, and manufacturing. Employers can take simple technological fixes to reduce worker risks.
A new study found that eating three servings of vegetables daily can cut a man's risk of prostate cancer nearly in half. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage have the strongest effect, decreasing risk by 41% when consumed regularly.
A Veterans Affairs hospital found that adopting a policy of immediate disclosure to patients injured by medical mistakes and fair compensation reduced overall lawsuit costs. No increase in lawsuits was observed despite the implementation of the policy, highlighting its effectiveness.
Researchers found a link between reduced TGFb receptor expression and increased breast cancer risk in women with benign breast disease. The study identified 54 women who developed invasive breast cancer after initial hyperplasia diagnosis, highlighting the importance of molecular markers in predicting breast cancer risk.
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.
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.
A 20-year study found that consuming high amounts of sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in overweight individuals. The study also showed an increased risk of stroke death from higher sodium intake among overweight adults. Overall, reducing sodium consumption is recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease risks.
New research suggests that depression may not play a significant role in increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death after an acute heart attack. The study found that increased social contact with family and friends during the time of the heart attack may actually heighten the risk, while participation in pleasurable activities lowers it.
A recent study found that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly from sources like peanut butter and olive oil, can lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20.6%. This contradicts conventional wisdom that low-fat diets are best for heart health.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that individuals with aggressive and low dependency personalities are at higher risk for recurrent major depression. The findings suggest that patients who enjoy activities and have moderate social support are less likely to relapse.
A study found that spouses of heart attack patients share similar risk factors, including high body mass index and smoking habits. The researchers analyzed data from 170 couples and discovered that nearly 76% of couples were overweight or obese, with women being more likely to continue smoking after their partner's heart attack.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that participants in a therapeutic community-based treatment program made positive changes in drug injection use and high-risk sex. The longer the time spent in treatment, the less likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as needle sharing.
A new low-fat sterol ester spread can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 5-10% and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that consuming 1-2 grams of the substance per day had similar cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising non-drug option for heart disease prevention.
A new report by Robert H. DuRant shows a significant link between sexual experience and violent behavior in North Carolina high school males. Males who have been involved in pregnancy are more likely to engage in behaviors increasing their risk of injury or death, such as fighting, carrying a gun to school, and using illegal substances.
A diet rich in folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 may significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. This study found that a prescribed diet fortified with these nutrients was effective in reducing homocysteine levels, while self-selected diets showed no change.
A large study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found no association between vasectomy and increased prostate cancer risk. Additionally, dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Men who took zinc supplements also saw a significant reduction in risk.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of over 600 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that photodynamic therapy reduced vision loss risk by 67%, compared to 39% for those receiving a placebo. The treatment targets abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue, offering hope for slowing disease progression in selected patients.
A new questionnaire effectively screens primary care patients for sleep apnea, identifying nearly half of high-risk patients. A man with severe adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis also experienced remission after a stem-cell transplant from his healthy twin, believed to be the first case of its kind.
A study led by University of Southern California researchers found that tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer increases the risk of endometrial cancer by about 50 percent. The risk is higher in women who have previously used estrogens, are overweight, or have a history of estrogen replacement therapy.
Researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 40% risk of local recurrence and developing new tumors, making breast-conserving therapy less optimal. The study suggests that mastectomy may be a more suitable treatment option for these women to reduce the risk of recurrent disease.
Research reveals US adolescents are physically inactive, with minorities facing greater health risks from being overweight. The study found girls, especially older ones, tend to be least active, while programs targeting minority adolescents could help mitigate these risks.
Seven large randomized clinical trials investigate the relationship between homocysteine, vitamins, and cardiovascular risk. The American College of Physicians recommends high-risk individuals take folic acid supplements, while others can benefit from a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brisk walking can reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks in women by 30-40%. The study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, estimating one-third of coronary events among middle-aged women result from physical inactivity.
Researchers found exposure to certain environmental factors that affect the immune system can decrease a person's risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Factors associated with increased risk include a history of splenectomy, gonorrhea, and polio, while decreased risks were linked to allergies, bee stings, and certain medications.
A new report from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) states that cholesterol lowering in elderly Americans can significantly reduce heart disease and stroke risk. The NCEP recommends lowering cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that heart patients experiencing wide emotional swings are more at risk for cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial ischemia. Doctors have tools like biofeedback and stress management to help patients control emotional swings.
A study by Daniel I. Sessler and colleagues found that surgical pain increases the risk of infection by reducing tissue oxygenation, which is crucial for fighting infection. The study showed that patients with minimal pain had higher tissue oxygenation concentrations and a lower risk of infection.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California found that regular exercise over a lifetime significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Women who maintained a relatively stable weight throughout their adulthood saw a 45-55% lower risk, with the greatest benefits seen when exercisin...
A UCSF study found that raloxifene, an osteoporosis prevention drug, significantly reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 76 percent. The drug also showed promise in preventing both breast and osteoporosis simultaneously.
A study by Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic found that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy increases the risk for specific types of breast cancer with favorable prognoses, particularly invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma. The risk is higher among women who used hormone replacement therapy for five or fewer years.
Researchers develop a novel method to reduce decompression sickness risk in divers by introducing hydrogen-metabolizing bacteria into the intestine. This method uses Methanobrevibac smithii to metabolize excess gas, potentially treating digestive issues like bloating and discomfort.
Eating a diet high in cereal fiber can help reduce a woman's risk of heart attack, with the highest fiber consumers having a 23% reduced risk of heart disease. The study also found that smoking less, exercising more and eating foods high in vitamins and minerals were associated with higher fiber intake.
A University of North Carolina study finds that couples with high family support show better heart and blood pressure responses to stress, while spousal support is particularly valuable in reducing cardiovascular risks. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in family life for heart health.
A meta-analysis of 37 diet intervention studies found that reducing dietary calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol has a positive effect on serum lipids and cardiovascular risk. The study suggests that adopting healthier eating habits can be an effective way to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland provides a tool for physicians to evaluate an epilepsy patient's risk of having an accident while driving. The study found that four illness-related characteristics can predict accidents, including the length of time between seizures.
A new NTP Center for Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction will assess the potential reproductive risks of seven phthalates found in consumer products. The center aims to fill knowledge gaps on their contribution to declining sperm counts, birth defects, and developmental problems.
Researchers find that while smoking may lower risk of pre-eclampsia and uterine cancer, it can lead to reproductive problems such as miscarriage and infertility. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is advised, with nicotine alternatives like gum recommended to minimize harm.