Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A cohort study found that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia in older adults. Treating hearing loss may help delay dementia onset for a large number of people, suggesting potential benefits for dementia prevention.
Research found that certain diabetes medications associated with weight loss can contribute to muscle mass loss and increased risk of falls. The study identified three significant risk factors for falls: history of falls, use of SGLT2 inhibitors, and advanced age.
A systematic review of nearly 6000 runners found that lower energy and fat intakes were strongly associated with a higher risk of injury in female runners. A low-fibre diet also increased the likelihood of bone stress injuries.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
Invasive group A Streptococcus infections increased substantially in 10 US states between 2013 and 2022. Accelerated prevention efforts are needed, especially among high-risk groups, to combat the spread of this bacterial infection.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.
A global study led by UCalgary researchers found that one in five people who experience a minor stroke or TIA will have another stroke within 10 years. The study analyzed data from over 171,000 patients across four continents and shows a persistently high risk of future strokes for at least a decade.
A new Electronic Frailty Index 2 (eFI2) system will improve the accuracy of identifying older people's frailty by integrating data on 36 health problems. This will enable GPs to provide personalized treatments to prevent costly loss of independence and falls in older age.
A UniSA-led study is trialing medication safety rounds in aged care homes to identify and address potential problems with medication use. The project aims to reduce medication-induced harm and improve residents' health and wellbeing through pharmacist-led safety rounds, adapting an existing palliative care need rounds model.
A study published in JAMA found that patients who have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke are at a persistently high risk of subsequent stroke. The findings highlight the need for improved long-term stroke prevention measures in this patient group.
The Ochsner Children's & ISMP Safe Medication Management Fellowship aims to educate pharmacist leaders in the fight against medication errors. Participants will learn from ISMP's experts virtually and support error prevention efforts onsite at Ochsner Children's in New Orleans.
A study found that US avoidable mortality has increased across all states, while neighboring high-income countries have seen improvements in health outcomes. This unexpected trend raises questions about the efficiency of US healthcare spending.
The Dexcom G7 CGM device demonstrated an accuracy of 8.0% in a study involving 130 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, setting a new standard for continuous glucose monitoring devices.
The INHALE-3 extension study found that a regimen of inhaled technosphere insulin and insulin degludec reduced post-meal hyperglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes. The treatment showed significant improvements in mean time in range, with 43% of participants expressing interest in continuing the regimen.
Researchers found that ultrafine bubble showers significantly suppressed inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by external factors. The treatment also improved skin protective barrier proteins. However, no significant effects were seen in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by genetic factors.
A new study found that poor sleep health is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who slept six hours or fewer per night had a 32% higher risk compared to those who met the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that incorporating a lower extremity injury prevention program reduces ACL tears and healthcare expenses by over 70%. Implementing such programs could save $60 million annually in the US high school soccer community.
A new study analyzing global data from 1990 to 2021 found significant cross-country disparities in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with approximately two-thirds of individuals living in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies in different countries.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports a significant increase in measles cases across EU/EEA countries, with eight out of ten unvaccinated individuals contracting the disease. Vaccination levels fall short of the 95% target, leaving vulnerable populations susceptible to measles.
A responsive parenting intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in child weight outcomes from age 3 to 9 compared to a control group. The intervention's benefits were most pronounced among female participants, and its long-term effects may be sustained with a life-course approach.
A recent study in Frontiers in Public Health documents the prevalence of suicide among musicians, highlighting occupational mortality data from England and US epidemiological data. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions addressing systemic stressors in music careers.
A cohort study found that consuming more butter was associated with higher mortality rates, whereas increasing consumption of plant-based oils was linked to lower mortality. Substituting butter with plant-based oils may provide substantial benefits in preventing premature deaths.
Pacific children are not meeting daily recommended intakes for key micronutrients, leading to associations with childhood obesity and acanthosis nigricans. The study highlights excessive sodium intake across the region, posing cardiovascular health risks.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that coordinated, community-wide primary prevention efforts can significantly reduce child sexual abuse rates. The study showed a 17% decrease in substantiated cases and a 34% drop in unsubstantiated cases compared to a control group.
A community-wide preventive intervention significantly reduced reported cases of both substantiated and unsubstantiated child sexual abuse at the population level. The study's findings suggest that targeted interventions can effectively mitigate child sexual abuse rates.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals a significant disparity in suicide rates among US female physicians compared to non-physician females. Comprehensive suicide prevention measures are needed to address this concern and protect vulnerable individuals in the medical profession.
A new home-based intervention has been shown to reduce unplanned hospital admissions among older adults with mild frailty by 35%. The service, which includes personalized visits and tailored support, also leads to small improvements in wellbeing and reduces hospital costs.
Researchers developed a frailty index using electronic health record data from over 500,000 patients, identifying those at high risk of adverse health outcomes. The tool classifies patients as robust, pre-frail, frail or very frail based on age-related health deficits.
The study found disparities in tobacco use across cumulative disabilities, with those having 3 or more disabilities experiencing worsening use trends. Targeted prevention and cessation efforts are needed to address these disparities.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that lower concentrations of vitamin B12 in healthy, older adults led to signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals showed slower processing speeds, brain lesions, and delayed responses to visual stimuli compared to those with higher B12 levels.
A new scoring system, called the TRIPLE Score, measures specific proteins on blood platelets and a patient's age to identify those most likely to benefit from preventive medications. The breakthrough test could lead to thousands of patients being protected while saving millions in emergency care costs.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
Approximately 1 in 9 US residents used dietary supplements to boost their immunity before the pandemic. Label claims related to immune benefits were common on these supplements, especially among older adults and those in poorer health.
A study by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center found that a majority of adults believe home firearm access protects against home invasions, but many also underestimate its impact on suicide risk. The researchers suggest that misinformation from the firearms industry and media may contribute to these skewed perceptions.
A first-of-its-kind study found that restrictive school policies didn't lead to lower phone and social media use among students, nor better outcomes in mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests that reducing time spent on phones is crucial, but schools must consider phone use beyond their boundaries.
The DISTAL trial found that endovascular therapy in addition to best medical therapy did not reduce disability more than clot-busting treatment alone for patients with medium distal vessel blockages. The study showed that mechanical clot removal was a safe option, but its benefits were uncertain.
A study of US poison center calls reveals a significant rise in caffeine energy product exposures among children and adolescents, with powdered caffeine exposures skyrocketing by 633%. Most exposures were unintentional and occurred in children under 6 years old.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that luteolin, an antioxidant in vegetables, can suppress hair graying by preserving endothelins and supporting healthy melanocyte activity. The study suggests luteolin's unique medicinal effect may be a promising candidate for addressing age-related hair graying.
Researchers at the CNIC have designed a treatment strategy to protect the heart against cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines, a common class of anticancer drugs. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been shown to preserve cardiac function and metabolism in experimental models.
A cohort study of Canadian children found that high ultraprocessed food consumption during early childhood is associated with obesity development, particularly in males. The study suggests that targeted public health initiatives can help reduce ultraprocessed food intake and prevent obesity.
Researchers developed a breakthrough technology using Mirvie's RNA platform to identify unique molecular signals in unborn babies. This innovation enables prediction of severe fetal growth restriction, a leading cause of stillbirth.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is part of a new NIH program integrating clinical research into primary care practices in medically underserved areas. The program aims to increase access to vital health care and speed up the adoption of new evidence-based guidelines.
Despite decreased aspirin use among adults with low and higher ASCVD risk, many patients with limited benefit to treatment continue taking aspirin. The study highlights the need for better understanding of individual risk factors to improve treatment decisions.
Researchers found that short-course antibiotics can be as effective as traditional longer treatments in preventing death and recurrence of pneumonia. This approach offers significant value for healthcare systems by reducing hospital expenditure while maintaining excellent patient outcomes.
A Weill Cornell Medicine study found that 97% of those who received naloxone kits were at high risk of overdose, with significant racial disparities seen among older Black men and Latino/Latina groups. The city's overdose prevention efforts aim to address these disparities through targeted programs.
A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...
A new study finds that improving adolescent mental health can lead to increased labor force participation and lower public assistance usage, resulting in significant economic benefits. Clinically significant psychological distress in adolescence is associated with lower annual wages and reduced labor force participation 10 years later.
A new Cochrane review found that calorie labelling in supermarkets, restaurants, and other food outlets leads to a small reduction in the calories people select and purchase. The average reduction was 1.8%, equating to around two almonds per 600-calorie meal.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for osteoporosis can help prevent fractures in older women. However, the effectiveness of screening for men is unclear due to insufficient evidence.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to address the shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities in Arizona. The program aims to create more primary care and rural health admissions tracks and expand clinical experiences, ultimately increasing primary care residency matches.
Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal explores the use of artificial intelligence to identify potential medications for treating glaucoma. Researchers used AI models to predict the effectiveness of small-molecule compounds targeting RIPK3, a key signaling molecule involved in programmed cell death.
A new study reveals that targeted preventative measures can significantly reduce the economic burden of tooth decay, particularly in deprived groups. The research estimates that implementing upstream and downstream interventions could save £14,000 per person in the most deprived group.
A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.
A cohort of 1,500 children found cardiovascular health scores began to decline at approximately age 10, associated with health behaviors. This study identifies modifiable health behaviors for prevention efforts to optimize CVH in early life and may contribute to disparities in adulthood.
A UK study published in Diabetic Medicine found that over half of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were undiagnosed due to slow NHS blood test processing. Faster blood processing identified additional cases, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Cases of whooping cough are increasing in the US, with over 28,000 cases reported this year. A nationally representative survey found that many people lack knowledge about the disease's symptoms and vaccine effectiveness.
A new study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that 64% of adolescents reported symptoms three or more times across their adolescent years. Girls were at increased risk and more likely to have a chronic course. Preventive strategies are urgently needed to address this public health problem.