Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
Research found that cold weather slightly increases blood pressure and decreases blood pressure control rates during winter months. Participants' systolic blood pressure increased by up to 1.7 mm Hg in the winter months compared to summer, while blood pressure control rates decreased by up to 5%.
A study found large increases in cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department visits in Ontario, Canada. The research suggests that commercialization of non-medical cannabis may have accelerated these incidents, highlighting the need for greater prevention efforts.
A nationwide study found that modern blood thinners (NOACs) reduce the risk of serious bleeding by up to 45 percent compared to traditional drug Waran. Apixaban, a NOAC substance, is associated with a lower risk of bleeding in both short and long-term treatment.
Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.
A neglected brain region has been identified as a key player in addiction recovery. The supplementary motor cortex was found to be hyperexcitable in individuals with cocaine use disorders, even after withdrawal periods of 45 days. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Most research focuses on treating existing mental health conditions rather than preventing them or promoting mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently researched outcomes. The findings reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.
A five-year study will enroll 2,634 adults with a fragility fracture to compare Augmented-Fracture Liaison Service Care with Enhanced Usual Care. The primary measure of effective patient care will be the number of subsequent fractures in each group.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation was unlikely to prevent rapid spread of COVID-19 among the Tsimané, a small-scale Indigenous society in remote Amazonia. The simulation predicted nearly identical rates of infection in real-world data, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and medical resources
A new study found that fewer than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year, with uninsured and public-insured kids having lower rates than privately insured peers. The disparity in screening rates is linked to disparities in primary care visits focused on prevention and early detection.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a DNA-based anticoagulant that has shown promising results in test mice and may be ready for human trials soon. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to existing medications, such as heparin, which can cause severe bleeding side effects.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine documents a consistent risk level across race and gender for victims of partner violence and child abuse. The risk is similar among adult males and females and lower income Black and White Americans, increasing by 20-35% compared to those without interpersonal violence.
A new study by the PhyloBone project at the University of Turku has identified 255 proteins in 30 species of vertebrates that may play a key role in regulating bone formation and regeneration. The research could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for osteoporosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual active ingredient insecticide-treated nets are effective in preventing malaria. The study showed that these nets can control the spread of the disease when traditional pyrethroid-based nets become less effective due to resistance.
Most U.S. infants requiring intensive care for RSV lower respiratory tract infections were young and healthy, born at term. RSV preventive measures targeting all infants are urgently needed to reduce severe illness burden.
An intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with increased employment rates and improved labor market outcomes. The study suggests that such interventions can positively impact individuals with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of considering labor market productivity in disease management.
A new NIH grant will help researchers better understand brain respiratory control and develop neuromodulation strategies to prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The goal is to identify optimal stimulation paradigms for breathing enhancement during a critical time window after seizures.
A new study reveals a high incidence of youth with cardiovascular risk factors but inadequate resources to provide preventive care. Pediatricians and policymakers must address these gaps by investing in pediatric preventive cardiology and increasing collaboration between programs.
A pooled data analysis found that at least 25 minutes/day of slow walking can counteract the negative effects of bed rest on older hospital patients. Daily 50 minutes of slow walking or a mix of physical activities is even more effective in improving their functional capacity.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
A new review recommends raising the age of body contact in hockey leagues from 13 to 15 to reduce concussion rates. Studies show injury rates are four times higher for kids and teens with body checking, while eliminating it reduces concussion rates by over 50%.
A clinical trial suggests that extending antidepressant treatment beyond eight weeks can help prevent depressive relapses in patients with bipolar disorder. The study found that continued treatment was associated with a 40% lower risk of relapse compared to tapering off and switching to a placebo.
Researchers found that stable, long-term elevation in urinary albumin excretion is associated with a high risk of new-onset heart failure and mortality. Persistently high levels were linked to older patients and those with conditions like diabetes and previous heart attacks.
The USPSTF recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for all persons planning to or who could become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects, which affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies annually. This recommendation reaffirms the 2017 statement and aims to reduce congenital malformations.
A study found COVID-19 vaccination coverage was high among healthcare workers and older adults, but low among non-priority recipients. The main reason for wanting to be vaccinated was to prevent self-infection and protect family members.
The editorial highlights the crucial role of health professionals in warning the public about the devastating consequences of nuclear war. The call to action aims to prevent the use of nuclear weapons, protecting essential life support systems and human health.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that vision problems are more common in older adults with dementia. The study of nearly 3,000 older adults showed that even mild vision issues were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
A recent study found that higher plant protein intake is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The UK Biobank study data revealed that participants consuming more plant-based protein had a reduced risk of developing CKD.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
A study by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods significantly increases mortality risk among people with type 2 diabetes. Even those following a Mediterranean diet are at increased risk if ultra-processed foods account for a large share of their diet.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.
A survey of over 20,000 respondents in Japan found that 23% of male and 13% of female respondents were willing to receive the smallpox vaccine for Mpox prevention. Higher vaccination rates were observed among homosexual men compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
A pooled data analysis of clinical trials found that static isometric exercises were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, with reductions of up to 8.24/4 mmHg after isometric training. The findings suggest that current exercise guidelines may be outdated and support the development of new recommendations.
A vegetarian diet has been shown to modestly but significantly improve cardiometabolic outcomes in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests that vegetarian diets could be a useful addition to standard pharmacological therapy for primary prevention.
A new study from Northwestern University found that only 13% of US parents and caregivers are aware of the 2017 NIH guidelines recommending early peanut introduction to prevent peanut allergy. Despite this, more work is needed to educate families and clinicians about the guidelines.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent worsening health in people with chronic coronary disease. Clinicians should coordinate care between cardiovascular and primary care professionals, emphasizing team-based approach and social determinants of health.
A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
A University of Ottawa study reveals that a diverse brain's ecosystem is key to maintaining normal function while responding to changes. This concept is inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that biodiversity is crucial for survival, suggesting cell-to-cell diversity helps prevent failures in brain circuits.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder are 6 times more likely to die from external causes and twice as likely to die from physical illness. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to the increased risk of death from somatic causes.
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that home blood pressure monitoring can reduce cardiovascular events by 4.9% and stroke cases by 3.8% over 20 years, leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes for underserved populations.
This survey study found that all types of visually impairing eye conditions are associated with increased dementia risk. Prioritizing vision health may be crucial for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
Studies showed mRNA vaccines provided long-term immunity against severe COVID-19 outcomes in cancer patients. The study found waning immunity after up to 4 mRNA vaccine doses, highlighting the need for booster shots.
A meta-analysis suggests that regular exercise can decrease symptoms of postpartum depression, with team-based exercise and dance interventions showing the most promise. The study analyzed data from multiple studies to reach this conclusion.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
A cross-sectional study found that over one-fourth of children experienced delayed or missed preventive care during the pandemic. Targeted interventions may be necessary to address these disparities in timely pediatric care.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.
Using MRI instead of CT with CTA alone in patients presenting to the ED with dizziness was associated with greater critical neuroimaging results and more frequent echocardiography. Patients with dizziness undergoing MRI showed a lower frequency of 90-day ED readmissions compared to those discharged after CT with CTA alone.
The study highlights the increasing global burden of childhood diabetes, with rising deaths and disability-adjusted life-years. Improved understanding of diabetes epidemiology in children is crucial for prevention and control efforts.
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that administering vaginal suppositories with Lactobacillus crispatus can restore a healthy balance of vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent cystitis. The researchers discovered that postmenopausal women with RC had significantly different bacterial communities compared to those w...
A study of US state-level maternal mortality from 1999 to 2019 found increased risk among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black individuals. The study highlights persistent disparities in maternal health care, with limited impact on prevention efforts.
A Nottingham University Business School expert is working with Brazilian nurses to reduce post-caesarean wound infections, a common issue worldwide. The project aims to prevent infections through improved care management, which could improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.
A new study published in JAMA found that bempedoic acid can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk primary prevention patients who cannot tolerate recommended doses of statins. The treatment has the potential to improve outcomes for these patients, providing a new option for primary prevention.
A study of over 8 million Ontario adults found that even a modest loss of kidney function (20-30% below normal) is associated with increased risk of death, cardiovascular events, and kidney failure in young adults. Early conversations about prevention and monitoring are recommended.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
A study found that space travel causes a rapid decrease in the strength of an astronaut's immune system due to changes in gene expression. Most genes returned to normal levels within weeks after returning to Earth, but there is still uncertainty about when full resistance returns.
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.