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It seems American musician Frank Zappa was wrong when he said "so many books, so little time." According to a new study, reading books could extend lifespan by up to 2 years, and the more often you read, the better. Study co-author Becca R. Levy, a professor of epidemiology at Yale University School of Public Health, and colleagues publish their findings in the journal Social Science & Medicine. Despite growing popularity of the Kindle and other e-readers, sales of printed books are on the rise. Last year, there were 571 million units sold in the United States, compared with 559 million in 2014. But reading books is not just a popular pastime; numerous studies have hailed its benefits for health. A recent study reported byMedical News Today, for example, found that reading fictional books may encourage empathy. Now, Levy and colleagues claim the health benefits of reading books may reach even further, after finding it could help us live longer. Book reading increased survival by up to 23 percentTo reach their findings, the team analyzed the data of 3,635 men and women who were part of the Health and Retirement Study - a nationally representative sample of American adults aged 50 and older. At study baseline, all participants self-reported their reading habits. Subjects were followed-up for an average of 12 years, and their survival was monitored during this time. Compared with adults who did not read books, those who read books for up to 3 ½ hours each week were 17 percent less likely to die over the 12-year follow-up, while those who read for more than 3 ½ hours weekly were 23 percent less likely to die. Overall, adults who read books survived almost 2 years longer over the 12-year follow-up than non-book readers. Book reading was found to be most common among females, individuals who were college-educated, and those with a higher income, the authors report. Adults who reported reading magazines and newspapers also showed increased survival over non-readers, though the effect was much less than with book reading. The study results remained after accounting for subjects' sex, age, wealth, education, self-reported health, comorbidities - the presence of two or more health conditions at the same time - and marital status. The research did not pinpoint the mechanisms by which book reading may increase survival, but Levy and colleagues speculate that it may be down to its cognitive benefits; one study published in 2013 found that reading boosts brain cell connectivity. While further research is warranted, the current findings are likely to be warmly welcomed by the avid book readers out there. As the researchers conclude "These findings suggest that the benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them." Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312167.php
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researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia find that protein in meat contributes to the prevalence of global obesity to the same degree as sugar. With global obesity rates increasing, the new insight on meat protein as a contributor could help develop preventive guidelines. Findings from the study suggest that consumers should be cautioned about the overconsumption of meat in addition to avoiding eating excessive amounts of sugar. There are currently more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide that are overweight, and over 600 million of these people are obese. According to the World Heath Organization (WHO), the cause ofobesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Factors that reduce obesity include limiting energy intake from fats and sugars. Prof. Maciej Henneberg, head of the Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, says: "While we believe it's important that the public should be alert to the overconsumption of sugar and some fats in their diets, based on our findings we believe meat protein in the human diet is also making a significant contribution to obesity." While meat is a valuable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the diet, dietary guidelines often focus on reducing intake of red and processed meats that are high in saturated fats to maintain blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk ofheart disease and bowel cancer. "Our findings are likely to be controversial because they suggest that meat contributes to obesity prevalence worldwide at the same extent as sugar," says Prof. Henneberg. While studies often highlight fat content in meat as a contributor to obesity, Ph.D. student Wenpeng You, who conducted the study and recently presented the findings of his work at the 18th International Conference on Nutrition and Food Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland, says: "On the contrary, we believe the protein in meat is directly contributing to obesity." Experts in comparative anatomy and human evolution from the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine studied the correlation between meat consumption and obesity rates in 170 countries. Surplus protein from meat converted, stored as fat in the human body "In the analysis of obesity prevalence across 170 countries, we have found that sugar availability in a nation explains 50 percent of obesity variation while meat availability [explains] another 50 percent," says Prof. Henneberg. "After correcting for differences in nations' wealth (Gross Domestic Product), calorie consumption, levels of urbanization and of physical inactivity, which are all major contributors to obesity, sugar availability remained an important factor, contributing independently 13 percent, while meat contributed another 13 percent to obesity," he adds. The research, published in BMC Nutrition and the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences, points out that fats andcarbohydrates in modern diets are supplying enough energy to meet daily dietary needs. "Because meat protein is digested later than fats and carbohydrates, this makes the energy we receive from protein a surplus, which is then converted and stored as fat in the human body," says You. "It would be irresponsible to interpret these findings as meaning that it's okay to keep eating a diet high in fats and carbohydrates. Clearly, that is not okay, and this is a serious issue for our modern diet and human health." Prof. Maciej Henneberg Prof. Henneberg says that it is important to show the contribution meat protein is making to obesity. "In the modern world in which we live, in order to curb obesity it may make sense for dietary guidelines to advise eating less meat, as well as eating less sugar," he concludes. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312080.php
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ether in your handbag, a drawer at home, or your desk at work, chances are you have acetaminophen on hand, just in case headache or back pain strikes. It is the most widely used pain relief medication in the United States, and it is also considered one of the safest. But recently, its perceived safety has come into question. Around 23 percent of Americans use a medication containing acetaminophen each week. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or APAP, is a drug commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is present in more than 600 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, including Tylenol and Vicodin. Headache, muscle aches, back pain, toothache, colds, menstrual pain, and arthritis are among the numerous conditions acetaminophen is used for. According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), each week, around 23 percent of adults in the U.S. - or 52 million Americans - use a medication containing acetaminophen. At recommended doses, acetaminophen is considered one of the safest OTC medications. Unlike other common pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen does not raise the risk of stomach or heart problems, making it a go-to medication for people who are unable to tolerate NSAIDs. What is more, healthcare providers consider acetaminophen as one of the few pain relievers that is generally safe to use during pregnancy; a 2010 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the drug causes no increased risk of major birth defects when used in the first trimester of pregnancy. But, as with all medications, there are risks, and researchers are finding that the risks of acetaminophen use may be more serious than we realize. Last year, a review published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases concluded that the possible risks of acetaminophen have been "underestimated," with some studies suggesting the drug could raise the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. In this spotlight, we take a look at some of the well-established risks of acetaminophen use, as well as some that may come as a surprise. Acetaminophen overdose and liver damageLiver damage is perhaps the most well-known risk of acetaminophen use, and such damage can arise through overdosing on the drug. After taking acetaminophen, most of the drug is metabolized by the liver and excreted through urination. However, some of the drug is converted into a toxic metabolite that can harm liver cells. Taking too much acetaminophen raises the risk of liver damage, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), between 1998-2003, acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S., and almost half of liver failure cases during this period were a result of accidental overdose. Furthermore, the FDA state that, during the 1990s, unintentional acetaminophen overdose was responsible for around56,000 emergency department visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 458 deaths each year. Because acetaminophen is present in such a wide range of OTC and prescription drugs at varying doses, it can be quite easy to accidentally take too much, particularly if using multiple acetaminophen-containing medications at once. Current guidelines recommend taking no more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen daily. Considering a single Extra Strength Tylenol tablet contains 500 milligrams, it is easy to see how one may accidentally overdose on the drug. What is more, acetaminophen-induced liver damage occurs slowly, often going unnoticed until it is too late, so people may think that taking a little extra acetaminophen than recommended is posing no harm. With this in mind, in 2011, the FDA asked prescription drug manufacturers to voluntarily limit the amount of acetaminophen in each tablet or capsule to no more than 325 milligrams, in order to reduce consumers' risk of accidental overdose. As of 2014, the organization reported that just half of prescription drug manufacturers had voluntarily complied with the request, prompting them to launch proceedings to withdraw approval of prescription combination drugs containing more than 350 milligrams. Additionally, the FDA recommend that healthcare providers consider prescribing combination drugs containing less than 350 milligrams of acetaminophen per dose. Severe skin allergies and blood cancersA number of studies have associated acetaminophen use with severe skin allergies, and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) revealed that between 1969-2012, 107 such cases occurred in the U.S., resulting in 67 hospitalizations and 12 deaths. In rare cases, acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions. As such, in 2013, the FDA issued a warning that acetaminophen use, in rare cases, can cause a number of potentially fatal skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). "FDA's actions should be viewed within the context of the millions who, over generations, have benefited from acetaminophen," said Dr. Sharon Hertz, deputy director of FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction. "Nonetheless, given the severity of the risk, it is important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of it." In 2011, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncologyuncovered a link between regular acetaminophen use andincreased risk of certain blood cancers. The study, which reviewed the painkiller use of more than 64,000 men and women aged 50-76, found that individuals who used acetaminophen four or more times a week for at least 4 years were at a twofold risk of some blood cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia. However, study co-author Emily White, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA, noted that the risk of such cancers was still small among regular, long-term acetaminophen users, at around 2 percent over a 10-year period. Autism, ADHD, and asthmaDespite acetaminophen use during pregnancy being considered generally safe, a number of studies have suggested this may not be the case. In February this year, a study that found expectant mothers who used acetaminophen were more likely to have children who developed asthma by the age of 3 years. The researchers - including Dr. Maria Magnus of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, Norway - say the findings are of public health importance, uncovering the possible adverse effects of acetaminophen use in pregnancy. However, they say the results do not warrant changes to current acetaminophen recommendations for use during pregnancy, which state that pregnant women should consult with their doctor prior to using the drug. But asthma is not the only risk that may arise with acetaminophen use in pregnancy. Earlier this month, MNT reported on a study that uncovered a link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From an analysis of more than 2,600 pregnancy women, the researchers found that women who used acetaminophen in the first 32 weeks of pregnancy were 30 percent more likely to have offspring with attention impairments at the age of 5, which are often seen in children with autism or ADHD. Additionally, the researchers - including study co-author Jordi Julvez of the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona, Spain - found that boys prenatally exposed to the drug were more likely to have clinical symptoms of autism. Taking to MNT, Julvez said he believes doctors need to better inform patients - particularly expectant mothers - about the potential risks associated with acetaminophen use. "We need to tell them this possibility [of developmental problems in offspring] and to be cautious on its use, maybe taking the least possible dose and also only when it is strictly necessary," he told us. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311949.php
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Written by Tim Newman Published: Wednesday 20 July 2016 ether you are a fan of Pokémon Go or not, no one can ignore its recent surge into global consciousness. In this article, we ask whether its popularity is likely to be positive or negative for the health of humanity. [Pikachu Pokemon] Will the quest for Pikachu improve the population's health? Unless you have been deep-sea diving on Jupiter with your fingers in your ears, you will not have been able to avoid bumping into the phrase "Pokémon Go." In just a matter of days, the app became the biggest mobile game that the United States has ever seen, finally eclipsing Candy Crush Saga. As with any fad, popular news outlets are either praising Pokémon Go or lambasting it as the next plague. In case you have only just returned from Jupiter, I will briefly explain this new technological phenomenon. Pokémon Go is a free-to-play smartphone game, based on the Japanese designed Pokémon franchise. The game encourages you to trap, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon. Its premise is not dissimilar to a number of other games, but it has one major difference - it is linked to the real world. Using the mobile device's GPS capability, players are required to physically walk around their local area, hunting out hidden characters within real-world maps. Although the Pokémon Go concept itself is relatively standard, the game has the unusual ability to get gamers up and out of their chairs and moving around outdoors. The effect of any app, game, or new technology on a population is likely to be minimal. That is, unless its uptake is huge; with Pokémon Go, the uptake certainly is huge. Following its release in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., the pressure on the game developers' servers was far greater than expected. They had to postpone upcoming releases in other regions until they could strengthen their technology sufficiently to cope with the demand. Within 2 days of Pokémon Go's U.S. release, it was installed on an estimated 5 percent of all Android devices in the country. As of July 12, Pokémon Go boasted around 21 million active users. With so many players, the game has the genuine ability to influence public health. The question is, will Pokémon Go yield positive health outcomes, or is it a potential death trap? Pokémon Go: The good Computer games are not generally considered to be good for one's health. Other than the Nintendo Wii, computer games are often attacked for rewarding a lack of exercise. Pokémon Go, however, is a different beast. The scourge of the sofa First and foremost, Pokémon Go is getting younger (and older) people out of the house and moving around. This offers a huge potential benefit for the health of the population. Researchers have demonstrated time and time again that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental for a number of health parameters. A study published in 2012, for instance, concluded: "Sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality." Another, published in 2015, found that long periods of sitting, regardless of fitness level, had a negative impact on health. The researchers concluded: "Prolonged sedentary time was independently associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity." In that respect, Pokémon Go could have a very positive impact. If millions of Americans are walking farther than they normally would, on a daily basis, that has the potential to produce a significant benefit to public health. Depression and walking Other than the cardiovascular benefits of a swift stroll, being coerced into the great outdoors has other potential perks. A meta-analysis, published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity in 2012, concluded that, although evidence from randomized, controlled trials is limited, "walking has a statistically significant, large effect on the symptoms of depression in some populations." Major depressive disorder affects an estimated 14.8 million American adults. Even if Pokémon Go only tempts a small number of these individuals outside, it could produce a significant upswing in their mental health. Anecdotally, other Pokémon Go players have reported the benefits of interacting with people they would have never otherwise spoken to. Modern society has a tendency to minimize the amount of human contact we have. For some, an isolated life is no concern. Others, however, can feel lonely. A British study, published in 2012, titled "Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women," concluded that "mortality was higher among more socially isolated and more lonely participants." After controlling for demographic factors and baseline health, social isolation remained a significant predictor of mortality. Pokémon Go: The bad[Pokemon ball] Despite the warnings, many Pokémon hunters refuse to look where they are going. The media has been quick to report on the negative consequences of playing Pokémon Go. Some of the stories are, no doubt, true. Others are probably exaggerated or beyond the scope of this article (armed robbery, kidnapping, and pedophilia traps, for instance). One of the many tales of Pokémon woe involves 19-year-old Shayla Wiggins, who was lead to a river on her quest for Pokémon characters. On her trek, she reported spotting two deer and, more worryingly, one dead human, face down in the river. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311709.php
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Chlamydia: World's first vaccine in sight Researchers have made progress toward the first ever vaccine for chlamydia, after revealing how a novel antigen reduced symptoms triggered by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis - the most common cause of the disease. Study co-author David Bulir, of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University in Canada, and colleagues report their findings in the journal Vaccine.Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States, with around 2.86 million infections occurring every year. Chlamydia is usually transmitted through having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. There are four species of bacteria that can cause infection - the most common of which is C. trachomatis. However, the infection often presents no symptoms, and many people do not seek testing. As a result, most individuals with chlamydia are unaware they have it, so the infection often goes untreated. Untreated chlamydia can have serious health consequences, particularly for women. It may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, and it can cause irreversible damage to the reproductive system, resulting in long-term pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. At present, the only ways to reduce the risk of chlamydia are to use a condom during sexual intercourse or to avoid sexual contact completely. Now, Bulir and colleagues believe they are well on the way to developing the world's first widely protective vaccine for the disease. BD584 antigen reduced chlamydia symptoms by up to 95 percent For their study, the researchers immunized female mice with a novel antigen called BD584, which is made up of three T3SS proteins from C. trachomatis: CopB, CopD, and CT584. On infecting the mice with Chlamydia muridarum - a species of C. trachomatis - they found the antigen reduced chlamydial shedding by 95 percent. Chlamydial shedding is a symptom of C. trachomatis infection. Another symptom of the infection - hydrosalpinx, where the fallopian tubes become filled with fluid - was reduced by 87.5 percent in immunized mice. Based on their results, Bulir and colleagues suggest BD584 is a promising candidate for a chlamydia vaccine. "Vaccination would be the best way to way to prevent a chlamydia infection, and this study has identified important new antigens which could be used as part of a vaccine to prevent or eliminate the damaging reproductive consequences of untreated infections." David Bulir What is more, they suggest BD584 has the potential to protect against all strains of C. trachomatis, including those that cause trachoma - a type of eye infection. If the BD584 antigen proves successful as a chlamydia vaccine, the researchers say it would be administered through the nose. "This is easy and painless and does not require highly trained health professionals to administer, and that makes it an inexpensive solution for developing nations," notes study co-author Steven Liang, also of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster. Next, the team plans to conduct further testing of different BD584 formulations to see how they fare against different strains of chlamydia. Read how researchers may be on the verge of a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. Written by Honor Whiteman Thank you for supporting Medical News Today Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311787.php
