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High lead levels found in some spices purchased abroad

A study by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that over half of spice samples had detectable lead concentrations, with higher levels detected in spices purchased abroad. The study highlights the importance of considering spices as a potential risk factor for lead exposure in high-risk populations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateDec 4, 2018

Kindergarten difficulties may predict academic achievement across primary grades

A Penn State study suggests that children's executive functions in kindergarten can predict their mathematics, reading, and science achievement, as well as classroom behavior, in second grade. Deficits in working-memory, a key component of executive functions, are strongly linked to repeated academic difficulties across elementary school.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateNov 19, 2018

Study links social isolation to higher risk of death

A large American Cancer Society study found that social isolation is linked to a higher risk of death from all causes combined and heart disease, with increased cancer mortality in white men and women. Addressing social isolation holds promise as it could be relatively simple and influence other risk factors.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 16, 2018

If your diet fails, try again; your heart will thank you

A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that diet fluctuations can lead to a rollercoaster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Repeated attempts at adopting a healthy eating pattern can have benefits, with significant improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels seen after just a few weeks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNutrients·DateNov 13, 2018

Racial disparities in sudden cardiac death rates cannot be explained by known risk factors

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that black patients remain at significantly higher risk for sudden cardiac death even after adjusting for income, education, smoking, and other risk factors. The researchers suggest that unknown genetic factors may be contributing to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 12, 2018

Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's genetically linked

Researchers identified 90 genetic points associated with increased risk for both cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, including genes involved in lipid metabolism. The study found that targeting these genes may help lower Alzheimer's risk by managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateNov 11, 2018

Bullying 'follows' LGB people from school to work

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that around one in three LGB individuals who are bullied at school will experience similar bullying in the workplace. The study also examines the impact on job satisfaction and mental health, finding a negative association between bullying and job satisfaction.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalManchester School·DateNov 7, 2018

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes and CVD accumulate in children with poor aerobic fitness

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that poor aerobic fitness in children is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that traditional measures of aerobic fitness may overestimate its role in identifying children at increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateNov 6, 2018

Truck driver pain and discomfort can be alleviated

A Canadian study found that truck drivers experience high rates of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, with factors including organizational safety climate, job satisfaction, and physical fitness contributing to the issue. The study identified potential solutions, such as holistic programs addressing multiple risk factors, and encoura...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateOct 29, 2018

Cluster of factors could help predict C. diff

Researchers identified a cluster of five risk factors associated with unhealthy gut microbial communities, which can increase the risk of C. diff infection. The study suggests potential preventive interventions, including dietary changes and fecal transplantation from healthy donors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

Yale-led team finds missing-in-action MS genes

A Yale-led team has identified four new genetic variants that directly damage gene sequences, accounting for an additional 5% of MS disease risk. The findings contradict previous theories on the role of common genetic variants in MS, providing promising new avenues for research and study.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateOct 18, 2018

Increasing vigorous exercise decreases risk of type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease in childhood

A two-year study of primary school children found that increasing vigorous exercise reduces the accumulation of risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, sedentary behaviour increases risk factors. The findings support the role of physical activity in preventing chronic diseases in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 15, 2018