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Weight loss protects – even when weight is regained

A Swedish study of over 1,300 participants found that losing a significant amount of weight still offers protection against health issues like cancer and cardiovascular disease, even if some weight is regained. However, regaining weight can increase the risk of microvascular disease and other health problems.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2025

Study finds foreign aid sanctions set back decades of progress on maternal and child mortality

A recent Stanford University study found that foreign aid sanctions can negate up to 64% of progress against maternal mortality, with similar impacts on infant and child mortality. The researchers estimate that sanctions lasting five years or more can lead to significant increases in death rates among mothers, children, and infants.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 20, 2025

Keeping fit and building muscle could increase survival rates in cancer patients

Research from Edith Cowan University found that increasing muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce all-cause mortality by 31-46% in cancer patients. Regular exercise, including aerobic activities like brisk walking and resistance training, can help extend survival and reduce mortality risk.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 17, 2025

No increased death rates, admission differences for people experiencing homelessness with severe COVID-19

A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study found no differences in in-hospital deaths or hospital admission rates between people experiencing homelessness and housed patients with severe COVID-19. However, those experiencing homelessness were less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit or intubated.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Mass General Brigham study finds relationship between doomsday clock and patterns of mortality and mental health in the united states

A new Mass General Brigham study explores the connection between the Doomsday Clock and mortality and mental health in the United States, finding higher rates of Alzheimer's disease, suicide, and substance-related disorders at closer clock settings. The study suggests a potential bridge between global events and individual well-being.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025

People with COPD and arthritis have an increased risk of death

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 11, 2025

Closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can sharply reduce emergency hospital visits

A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

Butter and plant-based oils intake and mortality

A cohort study found that consuming more butter was associated with higher mortality rates, whereas increasing consumption of plant-based oils was linked to lower mortality. Substituting butter with plant-based oils may provide substantial benefits in preventing premature deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2025

Study challenges conventional thought on nurse continuity in ICUs

A new study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that increased nurse continuity was not associated with improved patient outcomes in ICU settings. The researchers analyzed data from 47,564 ICU patients and discovered a modest increase in mortality rates among shifts with high nurse continuity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 5, 2025

Postoperative outcomes following preweekend surgery

Patients undergoing surgery immediately before a weekend experienced significantly higher risks of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and death compared to those treated after the weekend. The study emphasizes the need for improved care quality regardless of the day of the week.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 4, 2025

Hallucinogen use linked to 2.6-fold increase in risk of death for people needing emergency care

A new study found that people seeking emergency care for hallucinogen use were at a 2.6-fold higher risk of death within 5 years compared to the general population. The increased risk was highest among individuals with medical comorbidities and those from low-income neighborhoods.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2025

Vehicular emissions cause 342 premature deaths each year in greater Boston

Emissions from SUVs and light-duty trucks cause 90% of nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, with suburban driving linked to greatest health damages. The study's findings inform geographically targeted transportation policies and climate action plans for Boston and cities nationwide.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2025

Medicaid extension policies that cover all immigrants in a post-COVID world reduce inequities in postpartum insurance coverage

A new study found that Medicaid extension policies covering all immigrants led to a 4 percentage-point decrease in postpartum uninsurance among immigrant populations in New York City. However, Hispanic immigrants saw a smaller decline, highlighting awareness gaps as a barrier to full benefit.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2025

Improving the distribution of green spaces in Barcelona could prevent 178 premature deaths each year

A study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health estimates that increasing green spaces in the city could prevent 178 premature deaths per year. The proposed Green Corridors plan would lead to a 3.64% increase in green space, reducing mortality rates and heat-related deaths.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2025

Mortality among US physicians and other health care workers

A recent study found that US physicians experienced lower mortality rates compared to the general population, but this benefit did not extend to female or racial and ethnic minority groups. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to address health inequities within the healthcare workforce.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2025

Paxlovid’s impact on hospitalization and death in COVID-vaccinated older adults far weaker than previously thought

New UCLA-led research finds that Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults. The study suggests that Paxlovid's potential effect on COVID-19 hospitalization in vaccinated older adults is four times weaker than originally reported.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2025

New ACS study shows cancer mortality rates among Black people declining, but remain higher than other racial and ethnic groups

According to a new ACS study, cancer mortality rates among Black people have declined by 49% since 1991, with similar declines in men and women. However, these disparities persist, with Black individuals facing a higher risk of cancer death for various cancers and lower survival rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateFeb 20, 2025

A patient’s ability to perform a cardiac stress test offers a critical window on their mortality risk

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Study findings raise questions about the inclusion of sepsis bundle in the CMS value program

A systematic review found no moderate-to-high level evidence that compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle was associated with improved sepsis mortality. The study suggests reconsidering the inclusion of the bundle in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 17, 2025

Cancer diagnoses and deaths are declining in Appalachia but remain significantly higher compared to other US regions

Researchers found that cancer incidence and death rates are decreasing in Appalachia, but people in the region are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer compared to other areas of the US. The disparities are attributed to limited access to care, historical occupational risks, and higher poverty rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

COVID-19 pandemic drove significant rise in patients choosing to leave ERs before medically recommended

A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 30, 2025

New tool predicts stroke outcome with 93% accuracy, guiding better carotid surgery decisions

A predictive model developed by Ochsner Health researchers uses data-driven insights to determine whether urgent carotid-intervention patients will regain functional independence. The model has been shown to have a 93% accuracy rate and can help physicians tailor treatment plans and optimize intervention timing.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 29, 2025

Climate study: Rise in heat deaths will substantially outweigh fewer cold deaths

A new study estimates that climate change will lead to a significant increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. The study suggests that swift cuts to carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate this trend and prevent millions of additional deaths.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2025

Child mortality has risen since pandemic, new study shows

A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that child mortality in England has increased since the pandemic lifted, with a temporary decrease in deaths during lockdowns. The research found that children from non-white backgrounds faced higher rates of death compared to white children, highlighting existing healthcare inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2025