FRIDAY, May 21, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Hispanic adults who experience perceived discrimination are more likely to have changes in the structure of their heart that may lead to cardiovascular disease, according to new research. In the past, scientists have uncovered possible links between discrimination and cardiovascular disease, including higher blood pressure in…  read on >  read on >

Mom always said too much TV would rot your brain, and as with so many other things it appears she was right. Middle-aged folks who regularly turn to TV for entertainment appear to have a greater risk of decline in their reasoning and memory later in life, three new studies suggest. Researchers found that even…  read on >  read on >

A pill called upadacitinib, already approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, might also ease another common immunological condition — eczema. In two phase 3 clinical trials, patients with moderate to severe eczema showed rapid and significant improvements after taking the drug, said researchers at Mount Sinai in New York City. The clinical trials were funded by…  read on >  read on >

If you’re over 75, being screened for colon cancer could save your life, a new study says. This week, the influential U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age to begin colon cancer screening from 50 to 45 for people without a family history of colon cancer, but did not change its advice to…  read on >  read on >

For patients with severe ankle arthritis, total ankle replacement provides better function over the long haul than the traditional surgical treatment, a new study finds. Researchers assessed outcomes in 517 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis — meaning they have a complete loss of cartilage resulting in “bone-on-bone” contact in the ankle joint. The result is…  read on >  read on >

A small but significant percentage of Americans take medications that can hamper their immune system and its response to COVID-19 vaccines, researchers say. Their analysis of data from more than 3 million adults under 65 with private insurance found that nearly 3% take immunosuppressive drugs. Those include chemotherapy medications and steroids such as prednisone. Two-thirds…  read on >  read on >