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Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Alleviate Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic low back pain affects one in four Americans and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. A multi-institutional team led by researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported that eight weeks of mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) training effectively improved physical function and quality of life…
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New Study Links Wildfire Smoke to Rising Mental Health Issues
Exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke is associated with a surge in emergency department visits for mental health conditions, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Wildfire smoke isn’t just a respiratory issue — it affects mental health, too,” corresponding author Kari Nadeau, the…
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New Parkinson’s Research Focuses on Heart Impact Beyond the Brain
New findings from researchers at the University of Surrey offer a fresh perspective on Parkinson’s disease, showing that the condition’s effects extend beyond the brain and impact the heart. This pioneering study suggests that targeting the alpha-synuclein protein outside the brain could help manage Parkinson’s-related heart issues. In research published in the journal Experimental Physiology,…
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New Study Reveals How Chronic Alcohol Abuse Damages Cognition
In a pioneering study published in Science Advances, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated the lasting effects of heavy alcohol consumption on decision-making and brain function utilizing animal models. This innovative research offers new insights into the persistent cognitive deficits seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and highlights the importance of addressing…
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Shingles Vaccine May Lower Dementia Risk by 20%
A recent study led by Stanford Medicine has uncovered compelling evidence that receiving the shingles vaccine can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia. Analyzing the health records of older adults in Wales, researchers found that those who were vaccinated against shingles were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the following seven years compared…
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Awareness of Alcohol’s Cancer Risk Rises Among Americans: New Survey
Awareness among Americans regarding the link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of cancer has significantly increased, according to a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. The survey found that more than half of U.S. adults now recognize that regularly consuming alcohol can elevate cancer risk.…
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National Walking Day: A Simple Step Towards Better Health
Sedentary behavior has become a critical health concern in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 1 in 4 adults spend over eight hours seated daily. This lifestyle significantly heightens the risk of heart disease, stroke and mental health issues. Addressing this epidemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) is…
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New Study Reveals Social Factors Behind Cardiovascular Health Disparities
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unveiled significant differences in cardiovascular health between adults residing in rural and urban communities, attributing these disparities to various social factors. The research reveals that adults living in rural areas are more likely to experience heart disease and its risk factors, including high…
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Genetic Breakthrough in Cardiovascular Disease Mapping
In a landmark study, Swedish researchers have identified 20 genetic variants linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, is the most comprehensive gene mapping of atherosclerosis using advanced diagnostic imaging to date. The research was conducted as part of…
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New Options for Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes stop taking their prescribed medication within the first year, putting their health at significant risk, according to diabetes experts at UVA Health. In an effort to address this alarming trend, a new paper from UVA Health specialists highlights a growing array of treatment options designed to…
