States that make marijuana a readily available retail item might see an increase in self-harm among younger men, a new study suggests. Researchers found a correlation between U.S. states’ shifting marijuana policies and rates of self-harm among men younger than 40. Those rates — which include suicide attempts and non-suicidal behaviors like cutting — increased… read on > read on >
MONDAY, March 22, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — A study of Black Americans who kept their blood pressure healthy as they aged could help pinpoint the best ways to prevent hypertension before it starts. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a widespread problem among Black people in the U.S., said Shakia Hardy, assistant professor… read on > read on >
Looking to shed some of those pandemic pounds? A new analysis says wearables like Fitbit and Apple Watch can help people slim down. The researchers examined studies involving commercial health wearables and adults who were overweight/obese or had a chronic health condition. After daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for a period between a month and a… read on > read on >
Could the time you eat your breakfast determine your health? Yes, suggests new research that finds eating your morning meal before 8:30 a.m. may reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. People in the study who ate breakfast early had lower blood sugar levels and less insulin resistance than folks who ate a later… read on > read on >
Yet another organ seems to be affected by a bout of COVID-19: the thyroid. Italian researchers have examined the thyroids of dozens of patients who’ve recovered from moderate-to-severe cases of COVID-19. The study found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger an inflammation of the gland in some patients. Whether that inflammation can cause long-term dysfunction… read on > read on >
Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes significantly increases a child’s risk of COVID-19 complications and death, researchers warn. The risk of complications is 10 times higher in youngsters with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes than in those with well-controlled diabetes, according to a study presented Saturday at a virtual meeting of The Endocrine Society. “This study… read on > read on >
Widely used diabetes and obesity drugs don’t increase the risk of breast cancer, a new study indicates. The drugs — called glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 RAs for short — are effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity and in reducing heart disease. But some previous studies have suggested a possible link… read on > read on >
If you’re feeling tired at work, a “microbreak” could help restore your pep, a new study claims. Microbreaks are short, unplanned timeouts that include activities such as having a snack, chatting with a workmate, stretching or doing a crossword puzzle, the researchers explained. “A microbreak is, by definition, short,” said study co-author Sophia Cho, an… read on > read on >
Lab-created heart valves that grow with the recipient could spare kids born with heart defects from the repeated valve-replacement surgeries they now endure. University of Minnesota researchers found that lab-created valves implanted in young lambs for a year were capable of growing within the recipient. “This is a huge step forward in pediatric heart research,”… read on > read on >
Kids and teens are already struggling to learn outside the classroom during the pandemic, but lockdowns and quarantines are also making it hard for them to control their weight, child health experts say. Lost routines, economic insecurity and grief are making things more challenging for children who struggle with their weight, whether it’s with obesity… read on > read on >
