Key takeaways
Research reveals cardiovascular risk of consuming even small quantities of alcohol
Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy
Details below
Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies
Researchers at Iowa State University found 90 minutes of mild- to moderate-intensity exercise directly after a flu or COVID-19 vaccine may provide an extra immune boost. In the newly published study, participants who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for an hour-and-a-half after getting a jab produced more antibodies in the following four weeks compared to participants who sat or continued with their daily routine post-immunization. The researchers found similar results when they ran an experiment with mice and treadmills. Antibodies are essentially the body’s “s... read more
Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms
Feeling lightheaded upon standing up due to initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH), or a transient decrease in blood pressure and increase in heart rate, is a common but poorly understood condition. A new study offers two simple cost- and drug-free techniques to effectively manage symptoms of IOH and improve quality of life by activating lower body muscle before or after standing. The research appears in *Heart Rhythm*, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, published by Els... read more
Chewing sugar-free gum reduced preterm births
Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely or preterm (defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy), and this number is rising, according to the World Health Organization. Preterm babies are at greater risk of experiencing serious health problems. Over the last several decades, multiple studies have shown a link between poor oral health and increased occurrence of preterm birth. Researchers have looked at various ways to improve dental health during pregnancy, including doing a “deep-teeth cleaning,” (also called ‘scaling and planing’) which involve... read more
Fat injections could treat common cause of foot pain
A novel technique that transplants a patient’s own fat into the sole of their foot could offer relief to those suffering from a common and painful condition called plantar fasciitis, according to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers. In a pilot study, published today in *Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery* and led by a wife-and-husband team, the fat injection procedure improved symptoms of plantar fasciitis in patients, laying the groundwork for a larger clinical trial. “We developed this procedure to harness the regenerative properties of fat,” said Jeffre... read more
Research reveals cardiovascular risk of consuming small quantities of alcohol
Drinking less than the UK’s recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week still increases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart and cerebrovascular disease, according to new research published in the journal *Clinical Nutrition*. Academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) examined hospitalisations related to cardiovascular events among more than 350,000 UK residents aged between 40 and 69 from data obtained from the UK Biobank study. The sample included 333,259 people who drank alcohol. Participants had been asked about their overall weekly alcohol intake and the... read more
The bone health benefits of prunes
In a new scientific review published in *Advances in Nutrition* titled “The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women,” researchers from Pennsylvania State University examined the relationships between bone health, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut health, and prune consumption. In an analysis and synthesis of more than 18 studies, researchers acknowledge an existing link between prunes and bone health and propose future research to further understand the mechanisms behind the fruit’s positive impacts on bone via suppressi... read more
Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy
A young adult in the U.S. could add more than a decade to their life expectancy by changing their diet from a typical Western diet to an optimized diet that includes more legumes, whole grains and nuts, and less red and processed meat, according to a new study publishing February 8th ... read more
Low body weight = higher mortality risk for excessive drinkers
While research has long shown a higher risk of death linked to alcoholism for people with overweight, a new study published in the journal *Drug and Alcohol Dependence* has found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer and other causes. The study was based on data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which has a nationally representative sample of more than 200,000 U.S. adults aged 35-85, interviewed between Jan. 1, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2011. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk amon... read more
Media use in the hour before sleep = more total sleep time
New research published in the Journal of Sleep Research has examined how sleep might be impacted by media use—such as watching movies, television, or YouTube videos; browsing the Internet; or listening to music—before bed. In the study, 58 adults kept a diary that recorded information related to time spent with media before bed, location of use, and multitasking. Electroencephalography—tests that detect electrical activity of the brain using small metal discs attached to the scalp—captured parameters such as bedtime, total sleep time, and sleep quality. Media use in the hour befor... read more
Poor sleep can triple risk for heart disease
ndividual aspects of poor sleep can be detrimental to heart health. But if you combine them, the risk of heart disease can increase by as much as 141 percent. That's the finding of a new study published in the journal *Scientific Reports.* The University of South Florida-led study reviewed sleep data of 6,820 U.S. adults with an average age of 53 who self-reported their sleep characteristics and heart disease history. Among the participants, 633 also wore a research device (actigraphy) around their wrist that captured sleep activity. Researchers focused on multiple aspects of sl... read more
COVID-19 infections increase risk of heart conditions up to a year later
An in-depth analysis of federal health data indicates that people who have had COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications within the first month to a year after infection. Such complications include disruptive heart rhythms, inflammation of the heart, blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure or even death. Such problems occur even among previously healthy individuals and those who have had mild COVID-19 infections, according to the study, from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and t... read more
COVID-19 linked to serious health complications during pregnancy
Pregnant individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are about 40% more likely to develop serious complications or die during pregnancy than those who aren’t infected with the virus, according to a nationwide study led by a University of Utah Health obstetrician. The researchers concluded that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms is a key indicator of heightened risk of pregnancy complications. This was particularly evident among the most severely ill people, who were three times more likely to develop pregnancy complications than those who tested negativ... read more
Fewer breakthrough COVID-19 infections, lower risk of hospitalization in those who received Moderna vaccine compared to Pfizer–BioNTech
Frequent use of over-the-counter analgesics associated with risk of tinnitus
- Frequent use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen or regular use of COX-2 inhibitors was associated with an almost 20 percent higher risk of tinnitus - Frequent use of moderate-dose aspirin was associated with a 16 percent higher risk among women under 60, but frequent low-dose aspirin use did not elevate risk Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and acetaminophen, are some of the most commonly used medications, widely available without a prescription, and perceived to be safe. But frequent use — including ina... read more
Regular TYLENOL (Acetaminophen, paracetamol) use linked to higher blood pressure
Long-term paracetamol use could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure, a study suggests. Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol. Patients who have a long-term prescription for the painkiller, usually used for the treatment of chronic pain, should opt for the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, researchers say. The University of Edinburgh study, published in the scientific journal *Circulation*, is the first large randomised clinical trial to address this question and complements earlier work in observa... read more
Taking daily vitamin D supplements - or a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil = reduced risk of autoimmune disease,
Taking daily vitamin D supplements - or a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil - appears to carry a lower risk of developing autoimmune disease, with a more pronounced effect after two years, finds a trial of older US adults published by *The BMJ *today. The researchers say the clinical importance of these findings is high, “given that these are well-tolerated, non-toxic supplements, and that there are no other known effective therapies to reduce rates of autoimmune diseases.” Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s natural defence system mistakenly attacks normal ... read more
Active ingredient in cannabis protects aging brain cells
Decades of research on medical cannabis has focused on the compounds THC and CBD in clinical applications. But less is known about the therapeutic properties of cannabinol (CBN). Now, a new study by Salk scientists shows how CBN can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, a major pathway to cell death. The findings, published online January 6, 2022, in the journal *Free Radical Biology and Medicine*, suggest CBN has the potential for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. “We’ve found that cannabinol protects neurons from oxidative stress and ce... read more
Supplements may promote healthy aging
Emerging research indicates that nutritional components that target specific mechanisms associated with age-associated cellular decline (AACD) hold promise for improving the health and well-being of adults. “Cellular Nutrition and Its Influence on Age-Associated Cellular Decline,” the latest issue of The Gerontological Society of America’s *What’s Hot* newsletter with accompanying infographic, provides an overview of current research regarding evidence regarding the influence of nutritional components on health and aging. “Declining mitochondrial health is increasingly being reco... read more
Exercise
Lifting weights for as little as three seconds a day can have a positive impact on muscle strength, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has discovered. A collaboration with researchers from Niigata University of Health and Welfare (NUHW) in Japan had 39 healthy university students perform one muscle contraction at maximum effort for three seconds per day, for five days a week over four weeks. The participants performed either an isometric, concentric or eccentric bicep curl (see definitions below) at maximum effort, while researchers measured the muscles’ maximum vol... read more
A team led by researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that a significant increase in tear secretion and tear film stability after participating in aerobic exercise can be another remedy for relieving dry, itchy eyes. Every time we blink, our eyes are covered in tear film—an essential protective coating necessary for maintaining healthy ocular function. Healthy tear film comprises three layers–oil, water, and mucin–that work together to hydrate the ocular surface and protect against infection-causing irritants like dust or dirt. When any part of the tear film beco... read more
Brain function boosted by daily physical activity in middle-aged, older adults
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine adds to the canon of research associating physical activity with cognitive performance, this time using 90 middle-aged and older subjects who wore accelerometers while physically active and completed mobile cognitive testing from home. "The future of lifestyle interventions really needs to be remote-based," said Raeanne Moore, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. "The pandemic has made this especially c... read more
When a person tries to access a memory, their brain quickly sifts through everything stored in it to find the relevant information. But as we age, many of us have difficulty retrieving memories. In a review publishing in the journal *Trends in Cognitive Sciences* on February 11, researchers propose an explanation for why this might be happening: the brains of older adults allocate more space to accumulated knowledge and have more material to navigate when attempting to access memories. While this wealth of prior knowledge can make memory retrieval challenging, the researchers say ... read more
Older people in good shape have fitter brains
“Our findings suggest that being fit can protect against mild cognitive impairment in older people,” says Ekaterina Zotcheva. Just before Christmas, Zotcheva defended her doctoral dissertation on exercise and brain health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU. The day before the defence, the last study for her doctoral degree was published in the highly regarded *Sports Medicine* journal. The article is just one of three recent research articles from NTNU that show how important it is for the brain to stay in good physical shape as you get older. Common to... read more
Loneliness associated with increased risk of dementia in older adults
As social isolation in the United States has been increasing among older adults, a new study shows a notable link between loneliness and dementia risk, and one that is most striking for Americans who represent a large part of the population. In the study publishing February 7 in *Neurology*, the medical journal of the American Academy ... read more
More spice could help seniors avoid salt
Add a little spicy seasoning to a low sodium meal, and adults over the age of 60 may have a harder time noticing a lack of salt, according to a new study in the journal *Food Quality and Preference*. Led by Carolyn Ross, a professor of Food Sciences at Washington State University, the study tested saltiness perception in older adults using white sauce formulations with varying amounts of salt and different spices and seasonings added. The results of the analysis showed the addition of chipotle seasoning to the white sauce made it difficult for the study participants to differe... read more
Smoking in adults ages 60 and older linked to worse scores on cognitive tests
The more people smoke, the worse they perform on cognitive tests, regardless of other health conditions known to affect cognition, according to preliminary research among adults aged 60 and older presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2022, a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health to be held in person in New Orleans, and virtually, Feb. 8-11, 2022. While smoking, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes are all known to adversely impact brain health, a new study examined deta... read more
Social isolation and loneliness increase heart disease risk in senior women
During the current pandemic, social distancing has been one tool used to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But data from a new study point to as much as a 27% increase in heart disease risk in postmenopausal women who experience both high levels of social isolation and loneliness. [image: Social isolation and loneliness graphic] CAPTION As social networks shrink, older adults are more at risk for social isolation and loneliness. CREDIT Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego The findings of the prospective study, ... read more
Greater body fat a risk factor for reduced thinking and memory ability
A new study has found that greater body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function, such as processing speed, in adults. Even when the researchers took cardiovascular risk factors (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) or vascular brain injury into account, the association between body fat and lower cognitive scores remained. This suggests other not yet confirmed pathways that linked excess body fat to reduced cognitive function. In the study, 9,166 participants were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess their total body fat. As well, 6,733 of the p... read more
Brain function boosted by daily physical activity in middle-aged, older adults
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine adds to the canon of research associating physical activity with cognitive performance, this time using 90 middle-aged and older subjects who wore accelerometers while physically active and completed mobile cognitive testing from home. "The future of lifestyle interventions really needs to be remote-based," said Raeanne Moore, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. "The pandemic has made this especially c... read more
Physical activity protects against type 2 diabetes by modifying metabolism
Regular physical activity significantly changes the body's metabolite profile, and many of these changes are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. The study population included more than 7,000 men who were followed up for eight years. Men in the highest physical activity category had a 39% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than men who were physically inactive. Physical activity was associated with the levels of a total of 198 metabolites, i.e., compounds formed as a result of the body's metabolism, and increased ph... read more
Farther or faster? Both improve distance running performance
A study performed at the University of Jyväskylä compared two-week blocks of low-intensity training and high-intensity interval training in terms of performance and recovery. Both methods can improve endurance performance in recreational athletes after already two weeks when the training load is increased significantly from what the individual is accustomed to. The weekly routine of distance runners typically consists of a permanent mix of low-intensity training and moderate- to high-intensity training. As an alternative, it has been suggested that block periodization with a more ... read more
Starting physical activity three days post-concussion is safe, has better outcomes
Resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe, and may also reduce symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery, suggests the first and largest real-world, randomized clinical trial on the topic to be conducted with children and youth aged 10 to 18. Led by researchers at the CHEO Research Institute, the multi-site study was published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the world’s leading journal in the field. Previous randomized clinical trials have been smaller in nature, conducted in the lab or only used a sport-related population. “The finding... read more
Last summary
General Health
Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies
Researchers at Iowa State University found 90 minutes of mild- to moderate-intensity exercise directly after a flu or COVID-19 vaccine may provide an extra immune boost. In the newly published study, participants who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for an hour-and-a-half after getting a jab produced more antibodies in the following four weeks compared to participants who sat or continued with their daily routine post-immunization. The researchers found similar results when they ran an experiment with mice and treadmills. Antibodies are essentially the body’s “s... read more
Decades of research has shown that limits on calorie intake by flies, worms, and mice can enhance life span in laboratory conditions. But whether such calorie restriction can do the same for humans remains unclear. Now a new study led by Yale researchers confirms the health benefits of moderate calorie restrictions in humans — and identifies a key protein that could be harnessed to extend health in humans. The findings were published Feb. 10 in* Science.* The research was based on results from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE... read more
Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms
Feeling lightheaded upon standing up due to initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH), or a transient decrease in blood pressure and increase in heart rate, is a common but poorly understood condition. A new study offers two simple cost- and drug-free techniques to effectively manage symptoms of IOH and improve quality of life by activating lower body muscle before or after standing. The research appears in *Heart Rhythm*, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, published by Els... read more
Chewing sugar-free gum reduced preterm births
Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely or preterm (defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy), and this number is rising, according to the World Health Organization. Preterm babies are at greater risk of experiencing serious health problems. Over the last several decades, multiple studies have shown a link between poor oral health and increased occurrence of preterm birth. Researchers have looked at various ways to improve dental health during pregnancy, including doing a “deep-teeth cleaning,” (also called ‘scaling and planing’) which involve... read more
Fat injections could treat common cause of foot pain
A novel technique that transplants a patient’s own fat into the sole of their foot could offer relief to those suffering from a common and painful condition called plantar fasciitis, according to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers. In a pilot study, published today in *Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery* and led by a wife-and-husband team, the fat injection procedure improved symptoms of plantar fasciitis in patients, laying the groundwork for a larger clinical trial. “We developed this procedure to harness the regenerative properties of fat,” said Jeffre... read more
Diet
Research reveals cardiovascular risk of consuming small quantities of alcohol
Drinking less than the UK’s recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week still increases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart and cerebrovascular disease, according to new research published in the journal *Clinical Nutrition*. Academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) examined hospitalisations related to cardiovascular events among more than 350,000 UK residents aged between 40 and 69 from data obtained from the UK Biobank study. The sample included 333,259 people who drank alcohol. Participants had been asked about their overall weekly alcohol intake and the... read more
The bone health benefits of prunes
In a new scientific review published in *Advances in Nutrition* titled “The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women,” researchers from Pennsylvania State University examined the relationships between bone health, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut health, and prune consumption. In an analysis and synthesis of more than 18 studies, researchers acknowledge an existing link between prunes and bone health and propose future research to further understand the mechanisms behind the fruit’s positive impacts on bone via suppressi... read more
Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy
A young adult in the U.S. could add more than a decade to their life expectancy by changing their diet from a typical Western diet to an optimized diet that includes more legumes, whole grains and nuts, and less red and processed meat, according to a new study publishing February 8th ... read more
Research shows a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality
As the Omicron variant continues to cause a record number of infections, a new commentary in the *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition* is calling for people to adopt a plant-based diet, which research shows can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality. “It represents the most cost-effective approach and should be largely promoted and incorporated in everyday practice,” write Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee, and Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee, about a plant-based diet in the commentary. “Thi... read more
As the Omicron variant continues to cause a record number of infections, a new commentary in the *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition* is calling for people to adopt a plant-based diet, which research shows can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality. “It represents the most cost-effective approach and should be largely promoted and incorporated in everyday practice,” write Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee, and Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee, about a plant-based diet in the commentary. “Thi... read more
Low body weight = higher mortality risk for excessive drinkers
While research has long shown a higher risk of death linked to alcoholism for people with overweight, a new study published in the journal *Drug and Alcohol Dependence* has found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer and other causes. The study was based on data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which has a nationally representative sample of more than 200,000 U.S. adults aged 35-85, interviewed between Jan. 1, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2011. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk amon... read more
Eating watermelon regularly may help promote health
Watermelon is a unique fruit with compounds that may have health effects throughout the body, supporting normal cardiovascular and metabolic health. According to a new comprehensive review of the scientific literature on watermelon, eating watermelon regularly may help promote health. This research paper, authored by Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., and colleagues from Illinois Institute of Technology was recently published in the journal *Current Atherosclerosis Reports*. “Research is unveiling the health-promoting potential of watermelon. The current literature review provides evid... read more
Watermelon is a unique fruit with compounds that may have health effects throughout the body, supporting normal cardiovascular and metabolic health. According to a new comprehensive review of the scientific literature on watermelon, eating watermelon regularly may help promote health. This research paper, authored by Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., and colleagues from Illinois Institute of Technology was recently published in the journal *Current Atherosclerosis Reports*. “Research is unveiling the health-promoting potential of watermelon. The current literature review provides evid... read more
Sleep
Media use in the hour before sleep = more total sleep time
New research published in the Journal of Sleep Research has examined how sleep might be impacted by media use—such as watching movies, television, or YouTube videos; browsing the Internet; or listening to music—before bed. In the study, 58 adults kept a diary that recorded information related to time spent with media before bed, location of use, and multitasking. Electroencephalography—tests that detect electrical activity of the brain using small metal discs attached to the scalp—captured parameters such as bedtime, total sleep time, and sleep quality. Media use in the hour befor... read more
ndividual aspects of poor sleep can be detrimental to heart health. But if you combine them, the risk of heart disease can increase by as much as 141 percent. That's the finding of a new study published in the journal *Scientific Reports.* The University of South Florida-led study reviewed sleep data of 6,820 U.S. adults with an average age of 53 who self-reported their sleep characteristics and heart disease history. Among the participants, 633 also wore a research device (actigraphy) around their wrist that captured sleep activity. Researchers focused on multiple aspects of sl... read more
COVID-19
COVID-19 infections increase risk of heart conditions up to a year later
An in-depth analysis of federal health data indicates that people who have had COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications within the first month to a year after infection. Such complications include disruptive heart rhythms, inflammation of the heart, blood clots, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure or even death. Such problems occur even among previously healthy individuals and those who have had mild COVID-19 infections, according to the study, from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and t... read more
COVID-19 linked to serious health complications during pregnancy
Pregnant individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are about 40% more likely to develop serious complications or die during pregnancy than those who aren’t infected with the virus, according to a nationwide study led by a University of Utah Health obstetrician. The researchers concluded that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms is a key indicator of heightened risk of pregnancy complications. This was particularly evident among the most severely ill people, who were three times more likely to develop pregnancy complications than those who tested negativ... read more
Research shows a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality
As the Omicron variant continues to cause a record number of infections, a new commentary in the *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition* is calling for people to adopt a plant-based diet, which research shows can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality. “It represents the most cost-effective approach and should be largely promoted and incorporated in everyday practice,” write Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee, and Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee, about a plant-based diet in the commentary. “Thi... read more
As the Omicron variant continues to cause a record number of infections, a new commentary in the *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition* is calling for people to adopt a plant-based diet, which research shows can help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality. “It represents the most cost-effective approach and should be largely promoted and incorporated in everyday practice,” write Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee, and Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee, about a plant-based diet in the commentary. “Thi... read more
Fewer breakthrough COVID-19 infections, lower risk of hospitalization in those who received Moderna vaccine compared to Pfizer–BioNTech
A new study by researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine finds those who received the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine are less likely to experience “breakthrough” COVID-19 cases, compared to recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. A vaccine breakthrough infection occurs when a person becomes infected after being fully vaccinated (receiving two doses of the mRNA vaccine), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research—which also found those who received the Moderna va... read more
Three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are very effective
in protecting against emergency department visits and hospitalizations associated with Omicron and Delta variations of the virus A nationwide study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that mRNA booster shots (either Pfizer or Moderna) are 82 percent effective in protecting against COVID-19 Omicron variant-associated emergency department (ED) visits and 90 percent effective in protecting against COVID-19 Omicron variant-related hospitalizations. The value of the third dose of an mRNA vaccine is significant as two doses were only 38 percent effectiv... read more
Three doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are very effective
in protecting against emergency department visits and hospitalizations associated with Omicron and Delta variations of the virus A nationwide study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that mRNA booster shots (either Pfizer or Moderna) are 82 percent effective in protecting against COVID-19 Omicron variant-associated emergency department (ED) visits and 90 percent effective in protecting against COVID-19 Omicron variant-related hospitalizations. The value of the third dose of an mRNA vaccine is significant as two doses were only 38 percent effectiv... read more
Supplements
Frequent use of over-the-counter analgesics associated with risk of tinnitus
- Frequent use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen or regular use of COX-2 inhibitors was associated with an almost 20 percent higher risk of tinnitus - Frequent use of moderate-dose aspirin was associated with a 16 percent higher risk among women under 60, but frequent low-dose aspirin use did not elevate risk Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and acetaminophen, are some of the most commonly used medications, widely available without a prescription, and perceived to be safe. But frequent use — including ina... read more
Long-term paracetamol use could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure, a study suggests. Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol. Patients who have a long-term prescription for the painkiller, usually used for the treatment of chronic pain, should opt for the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, researchers say. The University of Edinburgh study, published in the scientific journal *Circulation*, is the first large randomised clinical trial to address this question and complements earlier work in observa... read more
Taking daily vitamin D supplements - or a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil = reduced risk of autoimmune disease,
Taking daily vitamin D supplements - or a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil - appears to carry a lower risk of developing autoimmune disease, with a more pronounced effect after two years, finds a trial of older US adults published by *The BMJ *today. The researchers say the clinical importance of these findings is high, “given that these are well-tolerated, non-toxic supplements, and that there are no other known effective therapies to reduce rates of autoimmune diseases.” Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s natural defence system mistakenly attacks normal ... read more
Active ingredient in cannabis protects aging brain cells
Decades of research on medical cannabis has focused on the compounds THC and CBD in clinical applications. But less is known about the therapeutic properties of cannabinol (CBN). Now, a new study by Salk scientists shows how CBN can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, a major pathway to cell death. The findings, published online January 6, 2022, in the journal *Free Radical Biology and Medicine*, suggest CBN has the potential for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. “We’ve found that cannabinol protects neurons from oxidative stress and ce... read more
Supplements may promote healthy aging
Emerging research indicates that nutritional components that target specific mechanisms associated with age-associated cellular decline (AACD) hold promise for improving the health and well-being of adults. “Cellular Nutrition and Its Influence on Age-Associated Cellular Decline,” the latest issue of The Gerontological Society of America’s *What’s Hot* newsletter with accompanying infographic, provides an overview of current research regarding evidence regarding the influence of nutritional components on health and aging. “Declining mitochondrial health is increasingly being reco... read more
Exercise
Lifting weights for as little as three seconds a day can have a positive impact on muscle strength, a new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has discovered. A collaboration with researchers from Niigata University of Health and Welfare (NUHW) in Japan had 39 healthy university students perform one muscle contraction at maximum effort for three seconds per day, for five days a week over four weeks. The participants performed either an isometric, concentric or eccentric bicep curl (see definitions below) at maximum effort, while researchers measured the muscles’ maximum vol... read more
A team led by researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that a significant increase in tear secretion and tear film stability after participating in aerobic exercise can be another remedy for relieving dry, itchy eyes. Every time we blink, our eyes are covered in tear film—an essential protective coating necessary for maintaining healthy ocular function. Healthy tear film comprises three layers–oil, water, and mucin–that work together to hydrate the ocular surface and protect against infection-causing irritants like dust or dirt. When any part of the tear film beco... read more
Brain function boosted by daily physical activity in middle-aged, older adults
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine adds to the canon of research associating physical activity with cognitive performance, this time using 90 middle-aged and older subjects who wore accelerometers while physically active and completed mobile cognitive testing from home. "The future of lifestyle interventions really needs to be remote-based," said Raeanne Moore, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. "The pandemic has made this especially c... read more
Aging
Lifetime of knowledge can clutter memories of older adultsWhen a person tries to access a memory, their brain quickly sifts through everything stored in it to find the relevant information. But as we age, many of us have difficulty retrieving memories. In a review publishing in the journal *Trends in Cognitive Sciences* on February 11, researchers propose an explanation for why this might be happening: the brains of older adults allocate more space to accumulated knowledge and have more material to navigate when attempting to access memories. While this wealth of prior knowledge can make memory retrieval challenging, the researchers say ... read more
Older people in good shape have fitter brains
“Our findings suggest that being fit can protect against mild cognitive impairment in older people,” says Ekaterina Zotcheva. Just before Christmas, Zotcheva defended her doctoral dissertation on exercise and brain health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU. The day before the defence, the last study for her doctoral degree was published in the highly regarded *Sports Medicine* journal. The article is just one of three recent research articles from NTNU that show how important it is for the brain to stay in good physical shape as you get older. Common to... read more
Loneliness associated with increased risk of dementia in older adults
As social isolation in the United States has been increasing among older adults, a new study shows a notable link between loneliness and dementia risk, and one that is most striking for Americans who represent a large part of the population. In the study publishing February 7 in *Neurology*, the medical journal of the American Academy ... read more
Add a little spicy seasoning to a low sodium meal, and adults over the age of 60 may have a harder time noticing a lack of salt, according to a new study in the journal *Food Quality and Preference*. Led by Carolyn Ross, a professor of Food Sciences at Washington State University, the study tested saltiness perception in older adults using white sauce formulations with varying amounts of salt and different spices and seasonings added. The results of the analysis showed the addition of chipotle seasoning to the white sauce made it difficult for the study participants to differe... read more
Smoking in adults ages 60 and older linked to worse scores on cognitive tests
The more people smoke, the worse they perform on cognitive tests, regardless of other health conditions known to affect cognition, according to preliminary research among adults aged 60 and older presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2022, a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health to be held in person in New Orleans, and virtually, Feb. 8-11, 2022. While smoking, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes are all known to adversely impact brain health, a new study examined deta... read more
Social isolation and loneliness increase heart disease risk in senior women
During the current pandemic, social distancing has been one tool used to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But data from a new study point to as much as a 27% increase in heart disease risk in postmenopausal women who experience both high levels of social isolation and loneliness. [image: Social isolation and loneliness graphic] CAPTION As social networks shrink, older adults are more at risk for social isolation and loneliness. CREDIT Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego The findings of the prospective study, ... read more
Greater body fat a risk factor for reduced thinking and memory ability
A new study has found that greater body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function, such as processing speed, in adults. Even when the researchers took cardiovascular risk factors (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) or vascular brain injury into account, the association between body fat and lower cognitive scores remained. This suggests other not yet confirmed pathways that linked excess body fat to reduced cognitive function. In the study, 9,166 participants were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess their total body fat. As well, 6,733 of the p... read more
Brain function boosted by daily physical activity in middle-aged, older adults
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine adds to the canon of research associating physical activity with cognitive performance, this time using 90 middle-aged and older subjects who wore accelerometers while physically active and completed mobile cognitive testing from home. "The future of lifestyle interventions really needs to be remote-based," said Raeanne Moore, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. "The pandemic has made this especially c... read more
Physical activity protects against type 2 diabetes by modifying metabolism
Regular physical activity significantly changes the body's metabolite profile, and many of these changes are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. The study population included more than 7,000 men who were followed up for eight years. Men in the highest physical activity category had a 39% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than men who were physically inactive. Physical activity was associated with the levels of a total of 198 metabolites, i.e., compounds formed as a result of the body's metabolism, and increased ph... read more
Farther or faster? Both improve distance running performance
A study performed at the University of Jyväskylä compared two-week blocks of low-intensity training and high-intensity interval training in terms of performance and recovery. Both methods can improve endurance performance in recreational athletes after already two weeks when the training load is increased significantly from what the individual is accustomed to. The weekly routine of distance runners typically consists of a permanent mix of low-intensity training and moderate- to high-intensity training. As an alternative, it has been suggested that block periodization with a more ... read more
Starting physical activity three days post-concussion is safe, has better outcomes
Resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe, and may also reduce symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery, suggests the first and largest real-world, randomized clinical trial on the topic to be conducted with children and youth aged 10 to 18. Led by researchers at the CHEO Research Institute, the multi-site study was published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the world’s leading journal in the field. Previous randomized clinical trials have been smaller in nature, conducted in the lab or only used a sport-related population. “The finding... read more
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