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Smoking associated with other risky behaviors

A survey of over 15,000 adolescent patients found that smoking was associated with higher rates of substance abuse, poor physical activity, and academic struggles. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to promote healthy lifestyle messages to adolescents, who tend to visit them more frequently than other healthcare providers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 24, 2000

MTBE threatens thousands of public drinking wells

A new study estimates that up to 9,000 community water wells in 31 states may be contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) due to their proximity to leaking underground storage tanks. This could pose a risk to the approximately 90 million people who obtain drinking water from these wells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 19, 2000

Nearly half of all women 65 and older now use herbal products to feel better, but don't tell their doctors

A University of Florida study found that nearly half of senior women use herbal products to prevent or treat health problems. However, they rarely inform their healthcare providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. The most commonly used herbal remedies were ginkgo biloba, garlic tablets, and glucosamine with chondroitin.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJan 28, 2000

Black breast cancer patients given appropriate treatment do as well as whites, finds University of Pittsburgh researcher

A review paper by University of Pittsburgh researcher James J. Dignam suggests that physiological responses to treatments are not responsible for poorer outcomes among blacks. Black women with the same stage of breast cancer have more advanced disease conditions due to less access to or utilization of healthcare resources.

Dramatic geographic variation in heart attack deaths among men explained by University of Pittsburgh researcher at American Heart Association meeting

A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Akira Sekikawa found a wide range of death rates across the US, with southern states having the highest CHD mortality rates. The researchers attributed these differences to variations in cigarette smoking and high school graduation rates among men aged 35-44.

Physical activity and a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet prevent weight gain in menopausal women, find University of Pittsburgh researchers

Researchers found that middle-aged women can avoid weight gain through increased physical activity and a low-fat, reduced-calorie dietary pattern. The five-year study showed significant reductions in weight gain and waist circumference among those who participated in the lifestyle intervention program.

New study from researchers at University of Georgia suggests condom use sends positive message to partner

A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia suggests that condom use can lead to closer and more intimate relationships. The study found that insisting on condom use sends a positive message to a partner, leading to greater respect, safety, and less regret after sex. However, the issue is often never discussed due to embarr...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateAug 19, 1999

Mentored foster children learn to trust others, researchers find

Researchers found that foster children who receive mentors experience improvements in their peer relationships and develop trust. The study, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, sheds light on how mentoring works for foster youth. Preliminary findings suggest that longer-term mentoring relationships yield better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateJul 7, 1999

University of Pittsburgh team finds gene that increases risk of oteoporotic fractures

A University of Pittsburgh-led study has found a specific gene, APOE-4, to be associated with an increased risk of hip and wrist fractures in women over 65. The researchers discovered that women carrying the APOE-4 allele were twice as likely to suffer these fractures compared to those without the allele.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 29, 1999

Study links body image to athletes' fertility

A Penn State study found that female athletes with poor body image and excessive exercise schedules are more likely to experience menstrual irregularities, including transient infertility. The research highlights the importance of addressing psychological and behavioral factors alongside dietary and exercise habits.

When To Use Consensus Decision-Making

A new study by Cornell University's Randall Peterson suggests that all small groups can function more efficiently by limiting free speech. When members have the opportunity to express their opinions, they are more likely to feel the decision-making process is fair, but excessive voice can stymie progress.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 29, 1999

Alcohol Consumption, Related Problems Among High-Risk College-Age Drinkers Can Be Slashed Using Brief Intervention

A brief, non-confrontational intervention treatment significantly reduced alcohol consumption and related problems among high-risk college-age drinkers. The study found that students who received the intervention cut their drinking by 23%, compared to a 5% decrease in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 8, 1999

Majority Of Animated Films Shows Alcohol, Tobacco Use, UNC-CH Content Study Finds

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that more than two-thirds of animated feature films produced for children over the past 60 years display tobacco or alcohol use. The study examined nearly all G-rated animated films released between 1937 and 1997, including popular titles such as Disney and Warner Brothers films.

Chelation Therapy May Alter Immune System

A Cornell University study suggests that chelation therapy used to treat lead poisoning in children may have adverse effects on the developing immune system. The therapy, DMSA, was found to impair immune function in offspring of pregnant rats who received the treatment during pregnancy.

SourceCornell University·JournalToxicology·DateFeb 22, 1999

Does Race Affect Outcome Of Criminal Cases? Reports Portraying Juveniles Differently Lead To Tougher Sentencing Recommendations For Blacks

Researchers found that court reports prepared by probation officers consistently depict black and white juvenile offenders differently, resulting in tougher sentencing recommendations for blacks. The study highlights the role of unconscious racial stereotyping in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 17, 1999

University Of Pittsburgh Researcher Identifies Serum Sex Hormones As Powerful Predictors Of Breast Cancer

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that high levels of serum estradiol and testosterone are associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers hope this information will help clinicians identify high-risk women who may benefit from chemoprevention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 1999

School Computer Posture Problems Found

A Cornell University study found that almost 40 percent of third-to-fifth graders used computer workstations with heights, keyboards, and monitors that put their musculoskeletal development at risk. The research highlights the need for ergonomic considerations in elementary school settings to prevent health problems.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in the Schools·DateFeb 1, 1999