Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
The USPSTF updates its breast cancer screening recommendation to biennial mammography for women ages 40-74. However, the balance of benefits and harms is unclear for women over 75 or those with dense breasts. Breast cancer is a common cause of death among US women.
Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.
Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.
Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.
Researchers have developed a pressure-alternating shoe insole that provides periods of rest to the soft tissues, thereby reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This innovative technology aims to mitigate the risk of complications from poor circulation and foot sores.
A study of 322 participants found racial discrimination to predispose Black young adults to metabolic syndrome through sleep issues and chronic inflammation. This discovery could inform targeted prevention strategies to address existing health disparities in minority populations.
Research suggests that controlling blood pressure through antihypertensive treatment can help prevent newly diagnosed uterine fibroids in midlife. The study of 2,570 participants found an increased risk of fibroids among those with untreated hypertension.
A study found that trauma-exposed individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience swift emotional transitions between neutral and negative states. Therapeutic approaches to moderate these transitions may help alleviate PTSD symptoms. The research suggests a potential new treatment direction for this condition.
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.
A national cohort study of over 2 million Swedish women found that those experiencing five major adverse pregnancy outcomes had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the importance of early preventive evaluation and long-term follow-up for detection and treatment of chronic disorders associated with premature morta...
A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.
A recent survey study of 12,000 participants found that firearm owners were only moderately more supportive of political violence than nonowners. Firearm owners who always carried firearms in public were more likely to support and engage in political violence, highlighting the need for risk-based prevention efforts.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.
A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...
A new study found that high-dose influenza vaccine significantly improved humoral response in patients with heart failure or prior myocardial infarction. Vaccination remains crucial in preventing influenza-related complications in high-risk populations.
An experimental treatment further lowers triglyceride levels in patients with moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia, reducing risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 53%.
In a preliminary report from an ongoing clinical trial, prostate cancer screenings using PSA, Kallikrein Panel, and MRI detected higher rates of cancer compared to no screening. The study found one additional high-grade cancer per 196 men and one low-grade cancer per 909 men were detected in the screened group.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a reduced risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk individuals following invasive dental procedures. However, its effectiveness in moderate-risk individuals is unclear.
Patients with post-COVID condition exhibit lower aerobic capacity and muscle strength compared to control groups, indicating potential benefits of cautious exercise regimens. The study highlights the need for personalized exercise recommendations to mitigate further skeletal muscle deconditioning in PCC patients.
A study led by Michigan Medicine found that around 10% of deaths following percutaneous coronary intervention are potentially preventable. Complications during procedures contributed to 20% of the nearly 1,200 deaths reported during the study period.
Researchers from China conducted a nationwide study to assess optimal treatment strategies for CSDH. The study found that multimodality management and personalized treatment plans significantly reduced recurrence rates.
A new study suggests that most essential care for cardiovascular health happens in general primary care clinics, but many at high risk don't receive it. The study found that large percentages of people with major cardiovascular risk factors didn't see a primary care provider or cardiologist in the past year.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard can generate incorrect or incomplete medical advice, highlighting the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate information. The study assessed 56 questions posed to LLMs and found that ...
A long-term study found that coronary heart patients who live in greener areas have a significantly lower risk of mortality after undergoing bypass surgery. The study, which followed over 3,000 patients for 14 years, found that living in a green environment was associated with better chances of survival.
A new telerehabilitation program has shown promising results in improving lower extremity recovery post-stroke. Participants experienced improvements in mobility and strength, as well as gained self-management skills to empower themselves and maintain their achievements.
A recent White Paper published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology analyzes the current understanding of genetics in atrial fibrillation and recommends screening for genetic heart disease in early onset AF cases. This may lead to identification of life-threatening ventricular cardiomyopathy and channelopathy syndromes, highlighting t...
A Danish study found that PrEP use was associated with a more than twofold increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses. The researchers suggest that changes in sexual risk-taking may lead people to seek PrEP rather than increased risks.
According to the study, AEDs were only used in 13 of nearly 1,800 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, despite many incidents occurring within a four-minute walk of a public AED. Cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting are usually fatal but administering CPR and using an AED greatly increases the chances of survival.
Individuals at high genetic risk of obesity needed higher daily step counts to reduce obesity risk. Population-based recommendations may underestimate physical activity needed among those at high genetic risk.
A new study evaluates the use of tirzepatide in overweight/obese adults with type 1 diabetes, showing significant weight loss and improved glucose control. Tirzepatide also reduces insulin dose and increases time-in-range on continuous glucose monitoring.
A recent study analyzed 306,800 US suicide deaths between 2003 and 2020 and found that physical health concerns were a significant risk factor for suicide. The largest subgroup of individuals who died by suicide had no documented mental health issues or antidepressant use.
Researchers propose combining osimertinib with gefitinib to increase progression-free survival rates in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. A comprehensive PC approach could dramatically boost PFS for 80% of patients, eliminating harm and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study finds that objective information about preeclampsia risk could drive patient behavior change and motivate pregnant women to follow prevention strategies. The research highlights the potential of personalized risk data to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce complications.
A new study found that individuals with a high capacity for goal disengagement can prevent worsening relationship satisfaction in couples experiencing sleep problems. By learning to let go of unattainable goals, partners can reallocate resources towards protecting and improving their relationship.
A recent study found that high school students who use both tobacco and cannabis products miss more school and have lower grades compared to those who don't use either product. The researchers analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which showed that students who used both tobacco and cannabis reported the highest percen...
A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol use disorder and suicide mortality across genders. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use disorder as part of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.
A new poll suggests that more than half of people aged 50-80 taking aspirin don't have cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about the effectiveness of routine aspirin use. Guidelines now focus on those with a history of cardiovascular issues or high risk due to personal health and family history.
A study of 2,349 participants aged over 60 found that sex influences the association between various factors and age-related hearing loss. Low weight was linked to increased risk in males, while both low weight and obesity were associated with higher risks in females. Smoking was only linked to increased risk in males, while early mens...
New research estimates the economic toll of youth violence in the US, revealing that homicides and nonfatal assaults among young people cost $122 billion. The study highlights the importance of developing programs to address risk factors and prevent youth violence.
A study found 35% of illicit drugs sourced from the dark web contained unexpected substances, including mixtures or no advertised substance at all. This highlights the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose.
A Rutgers Health study found that military service members view law enforcement officers, military service members, and veterans as the most credible sources to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. The study suggests that leveraging these sources can help increase secure storage among this population.
A new study suggests that personal recovery, defined as living a full meaningful life despite illness limitations, can prevent serious mental health problems. Key elements of recovery include understanding mental health challenges, finding purpose and meaning, and receiving support.
Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.
Researchers propose renaming VAERS as the Vaccine Safety Sentinel to reduce misinformation, citing a lack of public understanding of the system's unverified reports. They also recommend improving the system with raw data and expanded public education.
Canadian healthcare leaders call for re-establishment of a national hypertension control program to reduce deaths and disabilities. The program aims to provide population-scale prevention methods, proven to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Experts highlight the need for collaboration with governments and healthcare providers.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A bilingual healthcare app is being launched to assist Canadians in maintaining their health during the current healthcare crisis. The app aims to encourage users to take proactive steps towards preventative care, providing them with personalized recommendations and resources.
The study of 5,951 women aged 63 to 99 found that higher levels of physical activity and lower amounts of sedentary time were associated with reduced heart failure risk. Promoting regular physical activity and limiting sedentary time may be a prudent strategy for primary prevention of heart failure in older women.
The new diagnostic tool, 3D-DXA, complements DXA with computational and statistical systems to estimate mineral density and obtain detailed three-dimensional images. This method has the potential to improve diagnoses and detect up to 50% more patients at high risk of femur fracture.
Housing instability, as measured by eviction filings, was associated with a significantly increased risk of death over the first 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eviction prevention efforts may have reduced excess mortality for renters during this period.
Prescription opioids linked to increased risk of serious falls among adults, with older individuals most vulnerable. Targeted prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month after opioid initiation.
A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...
A cohort study of older adults found that those who followed recommended exercise guidelines before the pandemic had significantly lower odds of being infected or hospitalized from COVID-19. Physical activity was associated with a 10% lower risk of infection and 27% lower risk of hospitalization.
A new study found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes can lead to improved health outcomes, particularly among those living in lower-income areas. The study showed a 10.2% decrease in preventable diabetes complications among PDL members from lower-income areas compared to the control group.
A clinical trial found that patients who received care recommendations from an AI-based system had fewer recurrent strokes, heart attacks, or vascular death within three months. The study suggests that this technology can improve patient outcomes and aid neurologists in making informed decisions.
A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.
The American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation have pledged over $10 million in funding to research congenital heart defects. Researchers will advance their work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs, giving more children a chance to grow into healthy adults.
Researchers found that adding blood thinners to clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes did not improve physical function at 90 days post-stroke. The study, MOST, enrolled 514 patients and analyzed the effectiveness of two blood-thinning medications.
The American Heart Association's PREVENT risk calculator will be evaluated among diverse populations to assess its accuracy and fairness. The research aims to ensure that the tool provides accurate risk predictions for people from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.