Many breast cancer survivors take a hormonal drug after cancer treatment to stave off a recurrence, but new research suggests these drugs may be less effective in women who are obese. Breast cancer cells in hormone-positive breast cancers are fueled by the female sex hormone estrogen. Aromatase inhibitor medications lower estrogen levels by stopping an… read on > read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Seniors, 18 Holes of Golf Might Make You Smarter
Want to do something to protect your thinking skills as you age? Swing that golf club or go for a walk. A new study found that walking about 3.7 miles or playing 18 holes of golf improved cognitive function. Nordic walking, a type of full-body walking using poles, showed the same benefit. “These findings underscore… read on > read on >
Blood Pressure’s Ups & Downs Could Harm Heart, Brain
Fluctuating blood pressure can be a harbinger for both dementia and heart disease, a new study finds. Ups and downs within 24 hours or even over several days or weeks were linked with impaired thinking, researchers from Australia reported. Higher variations in systolic blood pressure, the top number, were linked with stiffening of the arteries,… read on > read on >
U.S. Injuries From E-Bikes, E-Scooters Jumped 21% in One Year
E-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards are everywhere — and injuries related to their use are soaring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a new report on Tuesday showing that injuries associated with these so-called micro-mobility devices increased nearly 21% in 2022 alone, compared to 2021. Injury estimates were based on data collected between 2017… read on > read on >
Serotonin May Play Big Role in Long COVID
New research has uncovered evidence that remnants of the COVID-19 virus may remain in some patients’ guts for months, contributing to the lingering symptoms known as long COVID. The remnants appear to trigger a drop in levels of the chemical serotonin, which may explain such symptoms as fatigue, brain fog and memory loss. About 20%… read on > read on >
A Doctor’s Empathy Can Be Key to Breast Cancer Care
A breast cancer diagnosis often causes anxiety and depression, but an empathetic doctor can help. Supportive communication is key to reducing patient uncertainty and promoting mental well-being, Rutgers University researchers have found. “Our findings suggest that provider communication is a key component to reducing uncertainty, and thus providers play a key role in helping to… read on > read on >
Adults With ADHD May Face Higher Dementia Risk
Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than other adults, a new study suggests. The results also indicate that treatment with ADHD medication may help reduce their dementia risk. No clear uptick in dementia risk was found among ADHD patients who received psychostimulant medication. “More than 3% of… read on > read on >
Are Trigger Warnings Useless? New Study Says Yes
“Trigger warnings” are now widely accepted as away to help people avoid harm from disturbing content. Trouble is, they just don’t work, according to new research. Trigger warnings seem like an obvious good: They alert people that a book, video or other media will depict a fraught topic such as sexual assault, abuse or suicide.… read on > read on >
1 in 5 U.S. Adults Now Has Arthritis
Arthritis is becoming a disease of the masses, striking 21% of U.S. adults, or over 53 million people, a new report shows. “It’s important first to point out that arthritis is a general term that includes over a hundred different chronic diseases that affect the joints and the tissues around those joints,” said researcher Elizabeth… read on > read on >
Women Face Higher Odds of Depression After Head Injury Than Men
Women are more likely to develop depression after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a new study shows. The analysis of nine published studies included nearly 700,000 people and found that the risk for depression among women after a TBI was nearly 50% higher than it is for men. “Depression is a known risk factor… read on > read on >