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Suicide risk factors consistent across nations

Risk factors for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are consistent across countries, with mental disorders and female gender being key contributors. The study also found that impulse control disorders and substance use disorders increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2008

Scientists can predict psychotic illness in up to 80 percent of high-risk youth

A large study found that identifying youth with risk factors for psychosis can lead to accurate predictions, with a 65-80% accuracy rate. Combinations of risk factors include social decline, family history, unusual thoughts, and past drug abuse. This ability to predict psychosis will help determine the most effective time to intervene.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 7, 2008

Fatherhood linked to prostate cancer risk

A new study from Danish researchers has found that childless men have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than fathers, with a reduced risk associated with having more children. The study suggests that this may be due to a "healthy father" phenomenon, where fertile men are less likely to develop the disease.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 7, 2008

Trichloroethylene is a risk factor for parkinsonism

A new study found trichloroethylene to be a risk factor for parkinsonism, a group of nervous disorders with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. The study showed that chronic exposure to TCE can lead to degenerative changes in the brain, including reduced mitochondrial function and dopamine neuron damage.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 7, 2008

Is your heart aging faster than you are?

A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Asian men who smoke may have increased risk for hair loss

A survey of 740 Taiwanese men found a statistically significant positive association between smoking and moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men. The study suggests that smoking may destroy hair follicles or damage the papilla that circulates blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 19, 2007

Maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy associated with risk for childhood conduct problems

A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 5, 2007

Diet and lifestyle changes may help prevent infertility from ovulatory disorders

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors experienced significantly lower rates of infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The key factors included dietary choices and physical activity, with higher scores associated with a lower risk of infertility.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 31, 2007

Stress: decreasing the risk

A Review in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stress to manage risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that both acute and chronic stressors can increase the risk of cardiac events, with major life changes and emotional stressors being key contributors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 19, 2007

Updated GOLD report presents new understandings in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COPD

The updated GOLD report provides new standards for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and assessment. The report also highlights the need to understand co-morbidities and implement effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and management.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 14, 2007

The molecular signature of loneliness

A new study found that chronically lonely individuals have altered gene-expression patterns, including increased inflammatory signalling. This molecular signature may provide a framework for understanding the link between social isolation and diseases like heart disease, infection, and cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 12, 2007

Smoking may strongly increase long-term risk of eye disease

Current and past smokers are at increased risk of developing late-age related macular degeneration, with current smokers four times more likely than non-smokers. Smoking's link to AMD is thought to share other risk factors with cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels and hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateAug 13, 2007

Better mobility keeps seniors healthier

Researchers found that mobility is a key factor impacting quality of life for older adults. Interventions targeting mobility limitations may improve HRQOL and overall well-being among seniors at risk for disability. The study highlighted the need to develop effective interventions to preserve or improve mobility in this population.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 8, 2007