Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
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.
Researchers found that measuring LDLc levels before menopause is a more reliable indicator of heart disease risk than tracking changes after menopause. Effective therapies include diet, exercise, and medication can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among women.
A 10-year study found that parenthood led to reduced leisure time physical activities in women, with a greater decrease observed among white women. The study suggests that mothers may need more time to exercise or design programs allowing them to exercise with their children present.
Researchers found that a one-nanometer decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is associated with a significant increase in heart disease risk, ranging from 30 to 230 percent, depending on the population studied. The study analyzed data from three different groups and controlled for various factors.
The American Heart Association reports that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced inflammation. Additionally, researchers found that smaller LDL particles are an independent risk factor for heart disease.
The American Heart Association reports that high dietary salt intake is linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke in overweight individuals. Snoring may also be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease, as it activates the sympathetic nervous system. Additionally, controlling weight through exercise can reduce cardiovascula...
Researchers found that chromium picolinate causes DNA breakage, potentially leading to genetic mutations and cancer. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of chromium picolinate supplementation.
A national pilot study is testing whether soy supplementation can reduce prostate cancer risk in African-American men. The $494,588 study, led by Electra D. Paskett, Ph.D., will evaluate the effect of soy on markers for prostate cancer risk and assess its impact on cardiovascular health and quality of life.
The survey shows strong support for indexing the retirement age to increases in life expectancy. However, actuaries opposed individual accounts and favored limiting investment choices if enacted. Most respondents disagreed with adjusting benefits based on retiree-to-worker ratio.
A large study found that cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, regardless of body fatness. The researchers suggest that fitness may be more important than being lean for reducing obesity and mortality risk.
A Cornell University study found that middle school students who used an adjustable computer tray improved their posture and reduced their risk of musculoskeletal problems. The improvements were statistically significant for the forearm, neck, wrist, and trunk, but only modestly beneficial.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that high levels of serum estradiol and testosterone are associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers hope this information will help clinicians identify high-risk women who may benefit from chemoprevention.
A large study has identified a microscopic change in breast tissue that may double the risk of breast cancer in some women. Radial scars were found in nearly 100 out of 1,400 women with benign breast biopsies, doubling their risk of breast cancer independently of other tissue abnormalities.
Researchers found that one-time H pylori screening could save thousands of lives due to the high mortality rate of gastric cancer. The study suggests that a simple blood test followed by antibiotics can effectively reduce cancer risk at an affordable cost.
Exercise can reverse age-related decline in lung capacity, increase muscle strength, and improve mobility. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of disability and cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found nearly 20% of young patients with colorectal cancer have the HNPCC syndrome, a dominantly inherited disorder that increases lifetime risk of developing multiple cancers. Individuals with HNPCC require special surveillance to protect against additional cancers.
Research suggests that soy supplements may decrease breast and endometrial cell proliferation, potentially lowering cancer risk. However, individual differences in metabolism and response to estrogens limit the benefit.
A new study found that calcium supplements moderately reduced the risk of recurring polyp growth in the colon and appeared to lower the risk of colon cancer. The study involved 832 patients who received 1200 milligrams of calcium carbonate daily for four years, with a 24% decrease in polyp numbers and a 19% decrease in recurrence risk.
The study estimates that one out of every two men and one out of every three women aged 40 will develop CHD, with risks remaining high at age 70. Heart disease is a major killer in the US, affecting 12-13 million Americans, and prevention measures such as healthy lifestyle choices are crucial.
Four Harvard physicians recommend a moratorium on reducing the national cesarean section delivery rate due to concerns about maternal and infant safety. They argue that economic forces are driving the goal, rather than patient well-being.
A UCSF study found that 11.7% of medical students sustained possible exposure to blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis through accidental needlesticks, highlighting the need for greater supervision and training programs.
Patients are willing to disclose behavior that puts them at risk for conditions ranging from HIV to domestic violence, regardless of the method used. The study's findings suggest that doctors can initiate discussions about sensitive subjects without worrying about patient willingness.
A UCSF study shows that alendronate significantly reduced the risk of spine and hip fractures by almost half among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The drug also improved bone density in these women, reducing the risk of fractures by 30 percent compared to placebo.
The study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, with risks rising from 35% for non-obese men to 46% for severely obese individuals. The expected lifetime costs of heart disease are also higher for obese individuals, ranging from $6,000 for mildly obese men to $16,400 for severely obes...
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals aged 45-64. Those who were more active at work had a 49% lower risk, while those with high levels of sports activity had a 23% reduced risk.
A study suggests that changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure may increase the risk of heart attack in men. Research found a significant association between extreme weather conditions and fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, particularly among those with previous heart attacks.
A Northwestern University study found that individuals with low cardiovascular disease risk factors during young adulthood and middle age had significantly lower annual Medicare charges, with men experiencing a 30% reduction ($1,600 less) and women experiencing a 50% reduction ($1,800 less). The results suggest that preventing major ca...
A peer-led intervention program, EachOne TeachOne, has shown success in reducing high-risk behaviors among drug users, with 80% of participants cutting back on their drug use or maintaining a low level of risk. However, condom use remained an area of concern, with only 25% of participants showing improvements.
Patients with complete blockage of the carotid artery and hemodynamic failure face a six to seven times higher stroke risk. Oxygen metabolism in the brain is crucial to stroke risk, and available treatments offer little alteration to risk.
A 10-year analysis of ischemic heart disease deaths among 34,492 postmenopausal women showed that those who consumed the most whole-grain had the lowest risk. The positive effect was attributed to increased intake of phenols, vitamins, and phytoestrogens.
A recent study found that women who participated in a short sexual assault education program were just as likely to experience sexual assault as those who didn't participate. The research suggests that these programs may only help women learn more about sexual assault, without reducing the risk of assault.
A study of 1,148 women infected with HIV or at high risk found that those with regular doctors had lower recidivism rates. Continuous medical care can also provide emotional support and substance abuse help, changing lives for many.
Anemia is a major cause of debilitating fatigue and early death in people with HIV. Research shows that treating anemia can reduce the risk of mortality, especially when related to antiretroviral therapy like AZT.
Following guidelines improves patient safety and reduces liability costs by 96% compared to no guideline compliance. MMI's report highlights the financial impact of adhering to core risk modification programs, with average cost per claim reduced by $70,000.
A landmark study found that behavioral interventions can cut high-risk sexual behaviors in half and more than double regular condom use among hardest-to-reach populations. The intervention, which focuses on motivation and skills to reduce high-risk behaviors, was effective in reducing gonorrhea incidence by half among men.
UCSF researchers report that the osteoporosis prevention drug raloxifene drastically reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women without increasing the risk of endometrial or uterine cancer. The study found a 70 percent reduction in breast cancer cases among participants taking raloxifene compared to those receiving placebo.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term birth, low-birth weight babies, and small-for-gestational-age infants. Despite taking prenatal vitamins, these risks remain higher for smokers compared to non-smokers.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that daily physical activities like climbing stairs and walking increased the risk of preterm birth among low-income women. In contrast, moderate exercise was shown to lower the risk of premature delivery by up to 50%.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association suggests that sex differences in heart disease risk may be attributed to an enzyme called hepatic lipase. Hepatic lipase activity was found to be higher in men than women, and researchers believe this enzyme plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism.
Studies have consistently shown that long-term cigarette smoke exposure increases cardiovascular risk factors among non-smokers. Research by the American Heart Association reveals a significant association between passive smoking and higher rates of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose aspirin therapy in preventing preeclampsia in women at high risk, contradicting previous studies. High blood pressure and protein in urine can lead to eclampsia, which may be fatal.
Researchers found that African Americans and Hispanics with the APOE-4 allele have a similar risk of Alzheimer's disease as whites, but those without the allele had significantly increased risks. The study suggests that there may be new genes or environmental factors involved in the disease.
Research highlights the link between nutrition and nonmelanoma skin cancers, with dietary fat and antioxidant vitamins identified as key factors. Studies have shown that reducing fat intake and increasing consumption of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium may help lower cancer risk.
A large population-based study found no relationship between sunscreen use and melanoma risk, as people's reports of sunburn histories were inconsistent. Instead, genetic characteristics such as moles and pigmentary phenotype are major determinants of melanoma risk.
A study found that pravastatin significantly reduced the risk of stroke or ministroke in heart attack survivors by 32% compared to those who received a placebo. The medication also lowered the risk of either strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) by 27%.
A study of 80,082 female nurses over 14 years found increased folate and vitamin B-6 intake to be predictive of reduced coronary heart disease risk. The researchers suggest that lower blood homocysteine levels may account for the protection offered by these vitamins.
A unique strategy aims to use computer-examined variables and prescribe chemical regulations for specific areas to benefit the environment and agriculture. The nation's first 'smart' environmental regulations for ground water contamination by agricultural runoff are being created as part of Indiana's pesticide management plan.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that diabetic men are at a 13 times higher risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to non-diabetic men. Diabetic men were also four times more likely to develop ESRD attributed to non-diabetic disorders such as high blood pressure or kidney infection.
Researchers found that 100 micrograms of folic acid can prevent up to 22% of neural tube defects, while 200 micrograms can prevent most NTDs. The study suggests that increasing folic acid levels in grains could help reduce birth defect risks.
A study of 287 women found that poor numeracy skills and basic probability concepts can prevent women from accurately assessing the benefits of mammography screening. The researchers used four different formats to present statistical information, but found that low numeracy levels hindered women's ability to apply this information accu...
A study found that moderate alcohol consumption cuts the risk of death from a second heart attack in men who already had one. Men who drank light to moderate amounts reduced their risk by 20-30% compared to non-drinkers. However, heavy drinking poses significant health risks.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that nearly one in four heart attack patients suffer from depression, which makes them less likely to modify their diets and exercise more often. The study also showed that depressed patients had greater difficulty following recommended lifestyle and behavior change recommendations.