Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A new NIH-funded study found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity levels directly correlate with their preschoolers' activity levels. The research suggests interventions could focus on helping parents model an active lifestyle for their children to combat obesity. Low-income and ethnic minority families are dispr...
A new study found that starting blood-thinning medications within 72 hours of hospital arrival significantly reduces the likelihood of life-threatening blood clots in patients with traumatic brain injury. The study also showed no increase in risk of bleeding complications or death.
A new USC study suggests that some teens who never would have smoked cigarettes are now vaping, potentially reversing progress in tobacco control. The study found that tobacco use among teens in Southern California is on the rise, with nicotine experimentation becoming a major concern.
A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.
A new study found that interventions targeting fraternity and sorority members are unsuccessful in reducing alcohol consumption and related problems. However, interventions addressing alcohol expectancies showed promise in reducing heavy drinking on specific occasions.
Research suggests that men who prioritize traditional masculine values, such as toughness and self-reliance, are less likely to be honest with their doctors about symptoms. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes compared to women or men with less traditional views of masculinity.
A new study found that prolonged daily sitting is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths, with reducing sitting time estimated to increase life expectancy by 0.2 years. The study analyzed data from 54 countries and found that sitting had a higher impact on mortality rates in certain regions.
A Finnish study found that family-based lifestyle counselling increased children's physical activity levels, improved diet quality, and reduced sedentary behaviour. The intervention also led to a higher intake of essential nutrients.
A new Pacific-Rim Trade Agreement may limit access to medicines for patients with diabetes. Research suggests that Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) blockers can have similar effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes as other treatments.
A randomized trial in Kenya found that discontinuing cotrimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis increased the risk of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, as well as non-trauma mortality events. The study supports the continued use of CTX prophylaxis regardless of CD4 cell count or HIV/AIDS clinical stage in settings with high malaria prevalence.
Experts discuss real-world use of PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, highlighting a substantial reduction in transmission among patients on a daily combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine. Non-pharmacologic alternatives to reduce risk are also explored.
A UTMB study found that older diabetic patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners had lower rates of preventable hospitalization than those with physician care in nonmetropolitan areas. Nurse practitioner care was shown to be comparable to that of physicians in terms of quality and clinical outcomes.
A new study found that consumers are increasingly buying packaged foods from mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores, leading to a decline in nutritional quality. The study revealed that households purchase more calories, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat compared to grocery stores.
The new ESC guidelines recommend a multimodality imaging approach for diagnosing infective endocarditis, incorporating techniques such as PET-CT. A multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, is crucial for effective management.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals over 65 who have access to natural environments report better sleep quality. The research suggests that exposure to green spaces and natural amenities can improve sleep patterns, particularly for men.
A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that even after educating healthcare providers about VTE prophylaxis, significant numbers of patients did not receive the recommended treatment. The study suggests that electronic patient records and innovative software programs can improve compliance rates.
New retrieval methods significantly increase filter removal success, addressing complications and long dwell times. These advancements now make retrievable IVC filters a routine procedure for pulmonary embolism prevention.
New American Gastroenterological Association guidelines provide guidance on managing HBV reactivation in patients undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The guidelines recommend screening for HBV in patients at moderate or high risk, and consider prophylaxis with anti-hepatitis B therapeutics.
A new study found that only 39 out of 93 possible behavior change techniques were used in top-ranked fitness apps, with social support and feedback being the most common. The study suggests that users should consider their individual needs when selecting an app to increase physical activity.
A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.
The new peer-reviewed open access journal will publish original manuscripts on disease prevention, health promotion, and public health policymaking. It aims to broaden understanding by including a wider selection of geographic and population-specific studies.
A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.
Researchers found that an individual with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and physical inactivity, has a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk than one who maintains a healthy lifestyle. The study's findings have significant implications for health policy and prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases.
Researchers link BMI at age 25 to increased risk of class III obesity after age 35. Current weight is a better indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than duration of obesity.
A new study shows that children with vesicoureteral reflux who receive antimicrobial prophylaxis have a substantially reduced risk of UTI recurrences compared to those receiving a placebo. The study found that prophylaxis was most effective in children with fever and bladder/bowel dysfunction at baseline.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the antifungal medication fluconazole did not significantly reduce the risk of death or invasive candidiasis in extremely low birth-weight infants. The study included 361 infants from 32 NICUs and randomly assigned them to receive either fluconazole or placebo for six weeks.
A study found that heat waves in Montreal increased the risk of early-term delivery by 17-27%, with nearly 20,000 births occurring after a day when temperatures reached 32°C or higher. This may lead to increased morbidity in newborns, particularly those born at 37-38 weeks.
Researchers identified salivary biomarkers associated with gingivitis, including PGE2 and IL-1. These findings have implications for personalized oral health care, suggesting potential discrimination between gingivitis and health through salivary biomarker analysis.
The e-Care study found that secure online access to a dietitian increased patient satisfaction and weight loss in overweight patients with hypertension. Patients reported improved blood pressure and heart risk trended lower, but differences were not significant.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the new federal school meal standards led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students. Despite criticism that the standards would lead to more food waste, the study showed no increase in waste, but high levels of waste still persisted.
A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found nearly 396,000 Californians smoke on a measurable basis but reject the label. This 'non-identifying smoker' phenomenon poses health risks and may hinder efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego found that total smoking bans in homes and cities significantly boost the odds of smokers cutting back or quitting. The study, published in Preventive Medicine, suggests that comprehensive bans are more effective than partial ones.
A longitudinal review found moderate exercise can prevent episodes of depression, even at low levels (20-30 minutes/day). Researchers analyzed over 26 years of research to demonstrate the impact of physical activity on mental health.
Researchers found elevated rates of preterm birth, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes among pregnant drivers involved in a single or multiple car crashes. Stillbirth rates were also significantly higher for unbelted pregnant drivers. The study highlights the importance of crash prevention strategies during preg...
A study published in Global Heart finds that echocardiography is increasing detection rates of definite and borderline rheumatic heart disease globally. Using echocardiography increases detection rates by many-fold, revealing a higher true global prevalence than current estimates.
A systematic review suggests that small rewards increase the odds of maintaining an active lifestyle in patients with heart disease. The study found that receiving coupons and vouchers can help patients stick to new fitness regimes and continue exercising after a cardiac program.
A study of 5,400 young Swiss men found that those who prefer beer exhibit riskier drinking patterns and substance use behaviors. Beer-drinkers are more likely to binge drink, smoke, and use cannabis than wine drinkers.
Research at Johns Hopkins Hospital found that nearly 1 in 10 doses of prescribed blood thinners were not administered to patients. Despite the effectiveness of preventive blood thinners, many patients are missing out on this crucial treatment due to misconceptions and lack of education.
A study by a Mount Sinai researcher found that toxic waste sites with high levels of lead and chromium cause a significant number of 'healthy years of life lost' among individuals living near the sites. The study calculated 828,722 lost years of full health due to disease, disability, or early death.
A European-wide study with 450,000 participants found that eating over 40 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of mortality compared to those who eat fewer than 20 grams a day. Moderate consumption of up to 40 grams daily does not increase mortality risk.
A collection of studies from Salud America! presents promising approaches to prevent Latino childhood obesity, including guided grocery store trips, community gardens, and video-game-based exercise programs. These culturally appropriate strategies aim to address the root causes of obesity among Latino children and families.
Three studies report on the use of wearable cameras to measure sedentary behavior, active travel, and nutrition-related behaviors. Findings suggest that wearable cameras provide a more accurate assessment than accelerometers in classifying sedentary behavior and can help identify under-reporting of calorie intake.
Patients who develop surgical-site infections are four times more likely to develop a deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Researchers recommend increased monitoring and screening for clot risk in infected patients.
A Vanderbilt study predicts cuts in Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share funds for hospitals serving low-income patients, even if Medicaid is not expanded. States that don
A new Northwestern University study reveals that even physically active women spend an average of nine hours a day sitting. The research suggests that incorporating light activity throughout the day can help mitigate negative health consequences associated with prolonged sitting.
Researchers found that the computerized checklist dramatically reduced venous thromboembolisms, with a nearly 90% drop in deep vein thrombosis rates. The system improved prophylaxis orders among patients without contraindications to low-dose blood thinners.
Researchers have identified a new gene, Wnt16, linked to bone density and cortical bone thickness, which can predict fracture risk. The discovery opens up opportunities for developing new medicines to prevent common fractures.
A recent study found that waiting to treat cytomegalovirus infections in transplant recipients until they reach a certain threshold is more beneficial than prophylactically treating all recipients. This approach led to less kidney scaring and better long-term organ survival among patients.
New research found that many US children are not using age-appropriate safety restraints in cars, with minority groups facing higher risks. The study highlights the need for culturally specific programs to promote restraint use among minority children.
A study by The Miriam Hospital's Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine found that nearly a quarter of first-year college women try hookah smoking for the first time during their freshman year. Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased likelihood of hookah initiation, while marijuana use predicts frequency of use.
Researchers found that graphic warning labels improved smokers' recall of the warning, with a 50% vs. 83% difference in percentage correct recall. The study suggests that drawing attention to the warning label can improve recall of health relevant information and may extend to improving risk perception of smoking.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been shown to prevent HIV infection before exposure, with a 39% reduction in rates found in one recent trial. A four-week duration of therapy is recommended, based on evidence from macaque models of transmission.
Researchers found women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with lower GPAs used condoms less frequently. Condom use declined as binge drinking increased.
A 30-year study by University of Zurich researchers reveals a strong correlation between self-rated health and mortality risk, even after controlling for various factors. The study suggests that people with excellent health ratings have better chances of survival, indicating the importance of holistic approaches to healthcare.
A new treatment for hemophilia A has shown significant reductions in bleeding events and infusion frequency, particularly in children and adolescents. The study suggests that prophylaxis is the optimal treatment for patients with severe hemophilia, improving quality of life.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals exposed to the 9/11 disaster are at risk of developing heart disease, respiratory illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Volunteers who were not affiliated with organizations were more highly exposed to hazardous chemicals and had poorer health outcomes.
Blood disorders are a significant public health concern, affecting at least 1 million Americans, with limited understanding of their magnitude. A proposed public health framework aims to address the needs of people with rare blood disorders, including early screening, education, and access to care.
New studies found that clean indoor air laws are associated with increased voluntary smokefree policies in the home, particularly in households with smokers and children. The laws have a significant impact on protecting kids from secondhand smoke exposure, with children up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.
Efforts to dismantle clean air laws threaten public health, and experts urge physicians to educate Congress on the critical role of regulation in preventing air pollution's negative effects. The Clean Air Act authorizes the EPA to reduce airborne contaminants, and its amendments have been passed with bipartisan support.
The UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies will receive funding to tackle two primary goals of the National AIDS Strategy: increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes. The program aims to close gaps in HIV testing, linkage to care, and treatment success among high-risk populations.