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Play equipment that gets kids moving

Research by University of Queensland found children with access to fixed play equipment like swings and slides are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines. The type of play equipment at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity a child does.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateSep 16, 2019

Study examines patterns of violence among young urban males

The study found that high levels of social support were associated with reduced risk behaviors, and that mentoring was linked to a lower likelihood of gang involvement. These findings suggest understanding the associations between different types of violence and their related risk factors may help in prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2019

Peripheral artery disease risk hinges on health factors and demographics, including race

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that black men have a 30% lifetime risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), while Hispanic men have a 22% risk. The researchers developed a risk calculator to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from PAD diagnostic screening.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 10, 2019

Modifiable risk factors contribute to gout

A study of 14,624 US adults found that four modifiable risk factors--body mass index, diet, alcohol consumption, and diuretic use--contribute to hyperuricemia. Promoting healthy diets and preventing obesity can help reduce the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 5, 2019

Estimate of cigarette consumption in England

A study comparing survey and sales data found that estimated total cigarette consumption in England fell by almost one-quarter between 2011 and 2018. The decline is equivalent to approximately 1.4 billion cigarettes per year, highlighting the need for continued tobacco control efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 28, 2019

Candida auris is a new drug-resistant fungus emerging globally and in the US early detection is key to controlling spread of deadly drug-resistant fungus

Candida auris is a highly contagious, deadly fungus that causes severe infections; its emergence has highlighted gaps in fungal identification capacity worldwide. Early detection is crucial to controlling the spread of this drug-resistant fungus, which can be transmitted between patients in healthcare settings.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 29, 2019

Evolutionary gene loss may help explain why only humans are prone to heart attacks

Researchers suggest a genetic mutation two to three million years ago led to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in all humans, while also setting up a further risk for red meat-eating humans. Human-like mice modified to lack the CMAH gene showed a significant increase in atherogenesis compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Should obesity be recognized as a disease?

Obesity experts argue that it should be recognized as a chronic disease due to its strong biological influence and severe complications. They believe this approach can help reduce stigma and discrimination, but critics caution that labeling obesity as a disease may not lead to better outcomes for individuals or society.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 17, 2019

Modeling tool addresses uncertainty in military logistics planning

A new model, called the Military Logistics Network Planning System (MLNPS), draws on logistical data and operational information to assess risk and forecast logistical outcomes. The MLNPS can help military leaders identify efficient means of meeting logistical needs and account for uncertainty during expeditionary operations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology·DateJul 17, 2019

High blood pressure, cholesterol in young adults associated with later heart disease

Research found that young adulthood is a critical period for cardiovascular disease prevention. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels in this age group are associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Maintaining optimal levels of these risk factors could yield substantial lifetime benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 15, 2019