Diet Soda Intake Linked to Increase Risk of Type 2 DiabetesDiet soda is often used as a substitute for high sugar drinks for people trying to cut down on calories and sugar intake. However, an observational study from the University of Texas suggests there may be a link between diet soda consumption and type 2 Diabetes.
Replacing Saturated Fats With Polyunsaturated Fats May Decrease Risk of Heart DiseaseThe type of fat you eat can play as large of a role in the risk of heart disease as the amount of fat you eat. Researchers from Denmark found that replacing saturated fats in a diet with polyunsaturated fats may significantly reduce the risk for heart disease.
April
Follow Up 10 Years After Mercury VaccineThimerosal is a preservative made with mercury, that was formally used with vaccines. There were some concerns that the mercury caused developmental issues in children that received vaccines with thimerosal. A 10 year follow-up in Italy found no significant developmental differences in children that had received the vaccine.
Specific Nutrient Changes May Not Effect Weight LossThere are hundreds of choices of diet plans to help you lose weight, many which focus on eliminating or enhancing one nutrient. Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that what matters most in weight loss is the amount of calories not the source of the calories.
Desvenlafaxine Daily May Reduce Hot Flashes in MenopauseThe best treatment for hot flashes was HRT but there are concerns about its safety. US researchers found that desvenlafaxine, an antidepressant, may help women manage hot flashes.
Phenylephrine May Not Be Effective For Nasal Congestion
People with seasonal allergies may begin to flock to medicine cabinets for relief from nasal congestion. But a study done in Vienna suggests that phenylephrine may not be the best choice for relief.
Probiotics May Help Children With Moderate to Severe EczemaEczema can cause severe dry and scaly patches on the skin and is most common in children. A research review found that adding probiotics to treatment may help to decrease the symptoms in children with severe eczema.
Certain Anti-Depressants May Be Effective for Severe PMS SymptomsSevere PMS can cause intense physical and behavioral symptoms that may interfere with your ability to function socially and professionally. A research review finds that some anti-depressant medication may be effective at relieving these symptoms.
A Review of Tonsillectomy to Treat Sore Throats in ChildrenA tonsillectomy is a common procedure often done for children with recurrent sore throats. A review of past studies indicate that this surgery may not have significant benefits for some.
B vitamins May Not Protect Against Cognitive Decline in Elderly WomenCognitive decline is a common problem associated with aging. Some research has suggested vitamin B may decrease the decline. However, results from the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study found that B vitamins did not prevent decline as hoped.
Defining Tolerable Amount of Gluten for People With Celiac DiseasePeople with Celiac Disease benefit greatly from a gluten-free diet, but can some gluten be tolerated? Researchers in England found that the amount of gluten that can be tolerated can vary widely from person to person.
Obesity and Specific Foods Linked With Risk of Type 2 DiabetesIn many individuals Type 2 diabetes may be a preventable condition with proper lifestyle changes. Two separate studies found specific weight measurements and food choices that may increase the risk for this type of diabetes.
Shoe Insoles Do Not Appear to Prevent Chronic Low Back PainShoes insoles are a common consumer choice to treat back pain. A systematic review by the Cochrane Library suggests that these insoles are not effective in preventing back pain.
Recent Physical Activity Associated With Stroke PreventionPhysical activity has been linked to a decrease chance of stroke. Researchers from Germany found that activity in and through adulthood was most beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke.
Web-Based Program May Help Improve Diabetes ManagementSome find that diabetes management and lifestyle changes can be a difficult task. Many studies have shown that a support system is important and the Center for Health Studies in Seattle found that an online version can be effective.
February
Acupuncture for Low Back PainBack pain can greatly impact your life and can be difficult to manage. Research from Northern Ireland suggests that acupuncture may be able to play a role in alleviating back pain.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation During PregnancySmoking and nicotine can have serious effects on the health of the developing baby, including increasing the risk of death. A study in Denmark found that women that tried nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy had lower risks of stillbirths than those that continued smoking.
Peanut Butter Linked to Salmonella Food PoisoningSalmonella tainted peanut butter has been responsible for making hundreds of people sick over the last couple of months. The CDC was able to track the source of infection through a series of case studies.
Preteen Alcohol Use Associated With Suicide in AdolescentsThe National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reviewed the results of a national teen violence survey to find if there is a link between alcohol use and teen violence. The study found that early use of alcohol may be connected to some types of violence.
Research News of 2008
Cancer Research in 2008A review of cancer research highlighted in 2008 including improved prevention strategies. The year included a review of studies that did not find a clear link between cell phone use and brain tumors.
Children's Health Research in 2008A review of research that focused on children's health and well-being. Research this year focused on medication precautions for children.
Diabetes Research in 2008A review of research that focused on diabetes related research. One major finding this year came with a major study that found low A1C's may not be a safe or effective way to decrease heart disease risks.
Healthy Lifestyle Research in 2008A review of research that explored lifestyle habits that can help or hurt. Research tried to find a winner among the most popular diet plans and exercise was shown to help mind and body.
Heart Health Research in 2008A review of research from the past year on heart health. The research included some promising drug combinations which did not perform as hoped and lifestyle habits that were found to affect your heart disease risk.
Medical Care Research in 2008Medical care options that were explored in the past year. Vaccines may have some new options and alternative treatments may provide some pain relief.
Medication Research in 2008A review of medication research from the past year. New combinations may provide some help for people with Crohn's Disease and ALS, antibiotics do not appear to provide benefits for some illnesses, and current drugs may find new uses.
Pregnancy Research in 2008A review of research from the past year about pregnancy from conception to a healthy infant. Researchers studied ways to help mom have a happy, healthy pregnancy from caffeine to asthma to methods of decreasing maternal discomforts.
Spray Associated with Reduction in Hot Flash FrequencyHot flashes can cause some very uncomfortable moments. A study from Brown University found a low dose hormone spray may provide some relief for women with moderate to severe hot flashes.
MP3 (iPod) Headphones Near ICD or Pacemaker May Cause ProblemsCertain high voltage and magnetic devices are known to cause interference with heart devices. Researchers from leading heart centers found that the headphones of common personal devices can also cause interference.
Childhood Cancer Radiation Not Associated with Increased Risk of MiscarriageRadiation therapy is a common part of many cancer treatments but may effect future fertility options. The Danish Cancer Society reviewed the births of several past cancer patients and found, in most cases, there was no increased risks for birth defects.
Sponge May Be Less Effective than Diaphragm in Preventing PregnanciesThe sponge is often seen as a less complicated birth control alternative to the diaphragm. A Cochrane Library review found that pregnancy rates were higher in women using the sponge compared to the diaphragm users.
November
Covering of Head During Sleep Associated With Increase Risk of SIDSThe cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is still unclear, but several habits are known to increase the risk for it. Researchers in England reviewed previous studies demonstrated how blankets in the crib can increase the risk for SIDS.
Acupressure May Decrease Preoperative Anxiety in ChildrenMedical procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy can be stressful on children. Researchers from Yale University found that a simple acupressure treatment may relieve some of the anxiety.
Increased Dietary Fiber May Improve Constipation Conditions With Pelvic Floor DisorderConstipation is a fairly common problem and for people with pelvic floor disorders it can become a significant one. A study at the Indiana University Hospital found that a high fiber diet not only decreased constipation but decreased risk of further pelvic floor complications.
Poorly Controlled Maternal Asthma May Increase Risk of Preterm BirthMany mothers-to-be with asthma decrease or even avoid their asthma medications because of fears of the effect of asthma medication on developing babies. The University of New Mexico found that avoiding the medications was actually more harmful to mom and baby.
Varicella Vaccine May Be Helpful After Exposure to ChickenpoxThe Varicella vaccine provides protection against developing chickenpox but not everyone receives the vaccine. Studies have begin to show that the vaccine delivered shortly after exposure may still be able to provide protective benefits.
Leech Therapy May Improve Arthritic Pain and FunctionalityOsteoarthritis causes inflammation in the joints which results in pain and limited movement. In a recent German study, the unique benefits of leech therapy were found useful in relief of pain and improvement in function for osteoarthritis patients.
Premedication With Lidocaine Gel May Decrease Discomfort During MammographyMammography is the best known tool for breast cancer screening, but it is an uncomfortable procedure for some women. A recent study found that a lidocaine gel provided some relief of discomfort and made women more comfortable.
Smoked Cannabis Reduces HIV-Associated Neuropathic PainNeuropathic pain can be difficult to treat and can significantly affect quality of life. A study at San Francisco General Hospital found that cannabis may be an effective tool to managing neuropathic pain.
Support Garment May Reduce Back Pain Discomfort During PregnancyPhysical changes and growth of the baby during pregnancy can cause strain on the low back and pelvis. A review of two pregnancy support garments found one was better in providing active support.
September
Effects of Exercise on 24-Month Maintenance of Weight LossExercise is known to be important to weight loss and maintenance but just how much is necessary. Researchers found the women with the highest exercise times maintained the highest weight loss.
Gallbladder Disease and Use of Oral versus Transdermal Hormone Replacement TherapyHormone replacement therapy has been linked to increase rates of gallbladder disease in middle aged women. A study from England has found that the risk of gallbladder disease decreased with the use of transdermal patches instead of oral medication.
Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines for Healthy ChildrenThe influenza vaccine is recommended for young children every year as a flu prevention. A review of several studies assessed the effectiveness of the vaccine for healthy children in preventing flu like illnesses.
Muscular Strength and Rates of Death in Men 20-80 Years of AgeStrength training is known for helping build better physiques but it may also prove to be vital to your health. Researchers found that despite age and weight, men with higher strength levels were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease.
Western Diet Increases Incidence of Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease some of the leading killers in the US. Researchers found a definite link between a western style diet and the development of this syndrome.
Effectiveness of Diets for Weight LossThere are hundreds of diets and diet products all claiming to be the best method to lose weight. This study attempted to find the best diet by comparing weight loss and health changes in three of the most popular diets. Unfortunately, there was no clear winner.
Yoga in Pregnancy May Improve Labor DiscomfortResearchers in Thailand set out to determine if yoga can provide benefits for pregnant women. The study found that yoga may help mothers through the delivery process.
Risks Associated with Low A1C TargetTwo large studies were conducted in hopes of demonstrating lower heart and kidney disease risks for people with diabetes through intensive blood glucose control. However, both studies found serious complications from the approach including hospitalizations and death.
Testing of Vaccine for Traveler’s DiarrheaTraveler's diarrhea has ruined many vacations. A trial on a new vaccine shows some promise to decreasing the intensity and duration of the common travel illness.
Red Meat Link to Hypertension in Women Over 45 YearsMany heart healthy diets discourage the consumption of too much red meat. This study from Brigham and Women's Hospital supported a link between red meat and increased risk of hypertension.
Coffee Consumption and Cardiovascular MortalityConflicting research has lead to concerns about the role coffee plays in the development of heart disease. Two recent studies have shown that not only was coffee not linked to risk of heart disease but coffee drinkers had lower mortality rates.
Combination of Medications for Cardiovascular Disease Does Not Reduce MortalityACE-inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers have independently demonstrated an ability to lower risks of heart disease. However, when the drugs were combined there was no improvement in the numbers of illness or death, in fact there may be some additional kidney problems.
Lithium for Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisA small study suggests the use of Lithium to treat patients with ALS may have some benefits. Researchers found promising results in slowing the progression of the disease and lengthening the patients lives.
Cleaning Wounds with Drinkable Tap WaterUnfounded fears about the safety of tap water have led to an enormous industry of bottled water and water filtration systems. However, a review of several studies found that for cleaning wounds, tap water may be a better answer.
Electrocardiogram before ADHD MedicationThe American Heart Association has released a new guideline that recommend an ECG for children before receiving ADHD medications. The review was based on FDA review that found illness or deaths in children that had been given stimulant medications.
Amoxicillin Does Not Appear Effective for Acute Maxillary SinusitisImproper use of antibiotics can lead to serious health consequences. This study was able to demonstrate that although antibiotics may be prescribed for sinus infections they are not an effective treatment.
Oral Testosterone Does Not Affect Function in Elderly Men with Low Testosterone LevelsStudy participants, men 60-80 years old, showed no significant change in muscle strength, overall physical ability, intellectual function, bone mineral density, or quality of life. In addition, some heart disease risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol were worse at the end of the study.
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