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Western diets pose a greater risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world, published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology. The study examined Mediterranean, high-fiber, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic, and Western diets. It underscores the detrimental effects of the Western diet, characterized by high fat and sugar intake, compared to the benefits of diets rich in plant-based and high-fibre foods. By contrast, it finds that a Mediterranean diet, high in fruits, vegetables, is effective in managing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes. "Our review highlights the profound impact of different diets on the gut microbiome. This understanding is crucial for developing dietary recommendations that promote health and prevent disease" said Prof. Catherine Stanton.

Western diets linked to increased risk of IBD and colorectal cancer Western diets pose a greater risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world.

When it comes to helping patients with high blood pressure get their hypertension under control, a new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes finds that pharmacists and community health workers have the best success rates. While interventions led by nurses, physicians and multiple healthcare professionals still significantly reduced blood pressure for patients, pharmacists achieved the greatest improvements, followed by community health workers. On average, pharmacist-led interventions reduced systolic blood pressure by 7.3 mmHg and community health workers saw a 7.1 mmHg drop. Interventions led by nurses and pharmacists saw between a 2-3 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure. Pharmacist- and community health worker-led interventions also saw the greatest declines in diastolic blood pressure. "This study underscores the importance of a team-based care approach to helping keep blood pressure under control," said Lawrence J. Fine, M.D.

Pharmacists and community health workers lead successful hypertension interventions When it comes to helping patients with high blood pressure get their hypertension under control, a new Tulane University study finds that pharmacists and community health workers have the best success rates.

Certain dietary patterns may protect against inflammation and heart disease in adults with type 1 diabetes, according to a study presented during NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. The researchers found that after adjusting for many factors, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary scores were inversely associated with homocysteine in adults with and without T1D. There was also an inverse relationship between DASH scores and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the control group. “There is an urgent need to address dietary quality in adults with type 1 diabetes," Arpita Basu, Ph.D., said in a statement. "In a clinical setting, assessing dietary intakes using the DASH and Mediterranean dietary checklists could be an effective way to identify gaps and improve intakes."

Certain Diets May Protect Against Heart Disease With Type 1 Diabetes TUESDAY, July 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Certain dietary patterns may protect against inflammation and heart disease in adults with type 1 diabetes, according

Higher long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns is associated with an increased likelihood of healthy aging, according to a study presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. The researchers observed significant associations for higher adherence to all dietary patterns with greater odds of healthy aging. Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy were associated with greater odds of healthy aging, while inverse associations were seen for higher intakes of trans fat, sodium, total meats, and red and processed meats. "Our study provides evidence for dietary recommendations to consider not only disease prevention but also promoting overall healthy aging as a long-term goal," Anne-Julie Tessier, R.D., Ph.D., said in a statement.

Long-Term Healthy Dietary Patterns Linked to Healthy Aging FRIDAY, July 5, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Higher long-term adherence to healthy dietary patterns is associated with an increased likelihood of healthy aging, acc

Smoking may be among the most important lifestyle factors affecting how quickly our cognitive skills decline as we age, suggests a new study published in Nature Communications. They found that cognitive decline was faster for lifestyles that included smoking, while cognitive decline was generally similar for all non-smoking lifestyles. Smoking lifestyles had cognitive scores that declined up to 85% more over 10 years than non-smoking lifestyles. "Our findings suggest that among the healthy behaviors we examined, not smoking may be among the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function. For people who aren't able to stop smoking, our results suggest that engaging in other healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and being socially active may help offset adverse cognitive effects associated with smoking," said lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg.

Smoking identified as key factor in accelerated cognitive decline Smoking may be among the most important lifestyle factors affecting how quickly our cognitive skills decline as we age, suggests a new study led by UCL researchers.

A new urine test might help doctors more easily screen for cervical cancer, researchers report in the journal Microorganisms. The test looks for proteins generated by a type of cancer-causing human papillomavirus, HPV 16. The test detected E7 proteins in 80% of women with Stage 1 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a precursor to cervical cancer. It also found the proteins in 71% of women with Stage 2 CIN and 38% of women with Stage 3 CIN, results show. "Our new urine test can detect HPV16 E7 proteins, which are critical markers of cervical cancer risk, at extremely low levels," said lead researcher Etsuro Ito. "This means that women may be able to screen for cervical cancer without the discomfort and inconvenience of a traditional Pap test." The availability of a simple urine test could aid efforts to eradicate cervical cancer by eliminating barriers related to screening, researchers said.

Noninvasive urine test might help detect cervical cancer - UPI.com A new urine test might help doctors more easily screen for cervical cancer, researchers report.

Engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being, new research finds. The study found greater benefits for well-being when meaningful social interactions happened in person, compared to compared to other communication channels like direct messaging and texting. Also, meaningful social interactions while resting led to higher well-being compared to those occurring during activities like studying or dining. "Our research indicates that engaging in meaningful social interactions have net positive outcomes for affective well-being, stress, and loneliness. Spending more time in substantive and deep conversations with anyone with either strong or weak ties, results in benefits for the average person's wellbeing outcomes," said lead author Mahnaz Roshanaei.

Meaningful social interactions have net positive outcomes for affective well-being, stress, and loneliness Engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being, new research finds.

In a new study presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, older adults who reported consuming higher amounts of ultra-processed foods, as defined by the NOVA classification system, were about 10% more likely to die over a median follow-up of 23 years compared with those who consumed less processed food. According to the results, higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with modest increases in death from any cause and from deaths related specifically to heart disease or diabetes. "We observed that highly processed meat and soft drinks were a couple of the subgroups of ultra-processed food most strongly associated with mortality risk and eating a diet low in these foods is already recommended for disease prevention and health promotion," said Erikka Loftfield, PhD.

Higher ultra-processed food intake linked to increased mortality risk in older adults In a new study, older adults who reported consuming higher amounts of ultra-processed foods, as defined by the NOVA classification system, were about 10% more likely to die over a median follow-up of 23 years compared with those who consumed less processed food.

Simple exercises performed during rounds of chemotherapy can help people avoid nerve damage normally associated with the cancer-killing drugs, a new study in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggests. About twice as many cancer patients on chemo wound up with long-lasting nerve damage if they didn't exercise, compared with two groups assigned different exercise regimens, researchers reported. Regular exams over the next five years showed that the exercises performed alongside chemo reduced the incidence of nerve damage by 50% to 70%. Exercise also improved patients' quality of life, helped them endure heavy doses of chemo and reduced their risk of death. "The potential of physical activity is hugely underestimated," said lead researcher Fiona Streckmann.

Exercise might help prevent nerve damage from chemotherapy - UPI.com Simple exercises performed during rounds of chemotherapy can help people avoid nerve damage normally associated with the cancer-killing drugs, a new study suggests.

An attitude of gratitude for the positives in life may help older adults live longer, a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests. In this study, those who maintained a grateful outlook had a decreased risk of death. People in the highest level of gratitude, compared with those in the lowest level, had a 9% reduced hazard of death from any cause. When researchers considered specific causes of death, gratitude lessened the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 15%. "Based on this study, high levels of gratitude could protect against cardiovascular death and be an important self-care tool for adults as we age" said Dr. Katie Drago.

Living longer tied to gratitude for positives in life, Harvard study suggests - UPI.com An attitude of gratitude for the positives in life may help older adults live longer, a new Harvard study suggests.

Dairy isn't the only food that's good for bone health. Prunes may also protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, according to a new study published in Osteoporosis International. The findings suggest that daily prune consumption slows the progression of age-related bone loss and reduces the risk of fracture. Over the course of one year, the researchers found that measures of bone mass density and bone strength at the tibia, or shin bone, all decreased in women in the control group. In contrast, those who ate at least four to six prunes every day maintained bone density and bone strength and preserved bone structure, particularly in cortical bone. "In our study we saw that daily prune consumption impacted factors related to fracture risk. That's clinically invaluable," said Mary Jane De Souza.

Prunes may protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, study reveals Dairy isn't the only food that's good for bone health. Prunes may also protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

A new study published in Lancet Public Health has found that individuals with alcohol dependence who undergo rehabilitation or maintain abstinence experience significantly lower risks of developing alcohol-associated cancers. In the study researchers found that approximately 6.3 percent of men and 1.6 percent of women had alcohol dependence, which was strongly associated with alcohol-related cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, and colorectal cancers, in both sexes. However, they also found that that rehabilitation treatment or a history of abstinence was associated with significantly lower risks compared to alcohol dependence without rehabilitation or abstinence. This underscores the effectiveness of treatment strategies in combating cancer risks linked to alcohol dependence. "By increasing accessibility to interventions for alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence in healthcare settings countries could do more to protect their populations from preventable cancers," said Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges.

Study finds lower cancer risk with alcohol abstinence and rehabilitation A new study conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Bordeaux University Hospital, France, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that individuals with alcohol dependence who undergo rehabilitation or maintain abstinence experience significantly lower risks of devel...

Staying fit and getting moderate levels of exercise may lower the chances for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in later life, researchers reported in the journal Neurology. After accounting for factors such as smoking and body mass index, researchers found the most active group had a 41% lower risk than the least active group. Those with moderate levels of activity had a 29% lower risk. Researchers noted that men in the lowest of four categories for resting heart rate -- a benchmark of being physically fit -- had a 32% lower risk of ALS compared to men with higher rates. So, the findings show that "not only do moderate to high levels of physical activity and fitness not increase the risk of ALS, but that it may be protective against the disease," Myhre Vaage said in a journal news release.

Staying fit may decrease men's risk of ALS - UPI.com Staying fit and getting moderate levels of exercise may lower men's chances for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in later life, new research shows.

Want to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes? Avoid bright light at night, a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe suggests. More exposure to light at night, between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., is linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, researchers found. They found a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes for people exposed to light at night, even after accounting for other factors like lifestyle, sleep patterns, shift work, diet and mental health. What's more, the effect was dose-dependent -- higher levels of brighter light caused diabetes risk to increase more. "Light exposure at night can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to changes in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism," said senior researcher Andrew Phillips. "Our findings suggest that reducing your light exposure at night and maintaining a dark environment may be an easy and cheap way to prevent or delay the development of diabetes".

Bright light at night may increase risk of diabetes - UPI.com More exposure to light at night, between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., is linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, researchers found.

Losing weight can protect you against cancers related to obesity, a new study presented at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting finds. Obesity has been linked to higher risk of at least 13 types of cancer, researchers said. This is largely due to excess levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin. But study results show that dropping pounds can improve a person's odds against developing these cancers, including breast, kidney, o***y, liver and pancreatic cancers. They found that losing weight could reduce a person's risk of developing most obesity-related cancers within a five-year span. For example, the risk of kidney cancer dropped within three years and endometrial cancer at three and five years. Multiple myeloma risk fell within 10 years. What's more, losing weight also appeared to protect people against a range of 16 other cancers that haven't been linked to obesity, researchers found. These included melanoma and cancers of the skin, lungs, genitalia, eye, brain and digestive organs.

Healthy weight loss may lower risk of cancer - UPI.com Dropping pounds can improve a person's odds against developing certain types of cancer, a new study finds.

Moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise training are associated with improvements in clinical asthma outcomes, according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: in Practice. The researchers found that compared to the control group, the moderate-intensity group had a statistically and clinically significant improvement in asthma-related quality of life (AQLQ) and asthma control. The vigorous-intensity group had statistically, but not clinically, significant improvement in AQLQ and asthma control, compared to the control group. "As both moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise have benefit in adults with asthma, both can be recommended, which empowers people to exercise at their preferred intensity," the authors write.

Aerobic Exercise Tied to Improved Clinical Asthma Outcomes MONDAY, June 24, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise training are associated with improvements in clinical asthma outcome

Grab bars, shower seats, ramps and other safety interventions allow many stroke survivors to live independently and reduce the risk of premature death, new research published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation confirms. During the study, 10 people who received only stroke prevention training died; no one in the intervention group did. Those who received home modifications and self-management training were also less likely to wind up in a skilled nursing facility. Throughout the study, Donna Jones, who suffered a stroke in 2021, received modifications that gave her the confidence to live independently while regaining balance and learning new skills. She described it as life-changing. "My modified bathroom gives me hope that my life is moving in the right direction," she said. "The practical tools and services I received are the foundation of my new journey. I have a new life. It's very different, and I love it."

Modifying homes helps stroke survivors stay independent - UPI.com Grab bars, shower seats, ramps and other safety interventions allow many stroke survivors to live independently and reduce the risk of premature death, new research confirms.

Folks nearing retirement shouldn't skip leg days at the gym, a new study published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine advises. One year of heavy strength training preserves vital leg strength up to at least four years later, researchers found. Leg strength was preserved at the same level in the heavy weights group after four years, but not in the other two groups. Meanwhile, fat levels remained the same in the exercise groups but not in the control group, results show. Doctors could use these results to encourage seniors to engage in heavy resistance training, as it will make it easier for them to retain their mobility and independence as they age, researchers said. "In well-functioning older adults at retirement age, one year of heavy resistance training may induce long-lasting beneficial effects by preserving muscle function," they concluded.

Study: Heavy strength training at retirement age helps keep you mobile - UPI.com One year of heavy strength training in people of retirement age preserves vital leg strength up to at least four years later, a new study found.

Adults with a history of low back pain were able to avoid a recurrence for far longer if they walked regularly compared to those who did not, a new study published in The Lancet has found. "The intervention group had fewer occurrences of activity limiting pain compared to the control group, and a longer average period before they had a recurrence, with a median of 208 days compared to 112 days," said the study's senior author, Mark Hancock. "Walking is a low-cost, widely accessible and simple exercise that almost anyone can engage in, regardless of geographic location, age or socio-economic status," he added.

Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain, study finds - UPI.com Adults with a history of low back pain were able to avoid a recurrence for far longer if they walked regularly compared to those who did not, a new study has found.

Folks dieting to drop pounds should consider eating a fistful of nuts here and there, a new review published recently in the journal Nutrition Research Reviews suggests. People who ate 1.5 to 3 ounces of almonds, peanuts, pistachios or walnuts daily as part of a calorie-cutting diet wound up losing more weight than those on the same diet without nuts, researchers said. In fact, people on "nut-enriched" diets lost an extra 3 to 16 pounds compared to folks on nut-free diets, results show. "Nuts are rich in healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein and dietary fiber, all of which play a role in promoting satiety and reducing excess calorie consumption," said senior researcher Alison Coates. "Nuts are associated with improved cardiovascular and metabolic health, better gut health and enhanced cognitive performance."

Eating nuts may help with weight loss - UPI.com Folks dieting to drop pounds should consider eating a fistful of nuts here and there, a new review suggests.

For older patients with at least three months of musculoskeletal pain, emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) may be a more effective treatment than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers found that for the primary outcome of reduction in pain severity at posttreatment and follow-up, EAET was superior to CBT. At posttreatment, a clinically significant pain reduction occurred in more participants receiving EAET than CBT (63 versus 17 percent). Furthermore, at posttreatment, EAET was found to be superior for 50 percent pain reduction, anxiety, depression, general life satisfaction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, Patient Global Impression of Change score, and global treatment satisfaction. "EAET is a preferred intervention for medically and psychiatrically complex older patients with pain," the authors write.

Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy Beneficial for Pain Relief MONDAY, June 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- For older patients with at least three months of musculoskeletal pain, emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAE

Exercising in natural surroundings -- a jog through a park, a bicycle ride along a trail -- could be more beneficial than working out indoors, a new review published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine suggests. The studies revealed a mix of potential benefits from outdoor physical activity -- improved mood and brain function, better social interaction, greater enjoyment of exercise and possibly even less perceived exertion. "The research is clear that natural settings could be an effective venue for promoting physical activity," said lead researcher Jay Maddock.

Outdoor exercise may benefit you more than indoor workouts - UPI.com Exercising in natural surroundings -- a jog through a park, a bicycle ride along a trail -- could be more beneficial than working out indoors, a new review suggests.

Empiric vitamin D supplementation is suggested for those aged 1 to 18 years, those older than 75 years, those who are pregnant, and those with high-risk prediabetes, according to an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The researchers suggest empiric vitamin D supplementation for children aged 1 to 18 years to prevent nutritional rickets and for the potential to reduce the risk for respiratory tract infections; for adults aged 75 years and older due to the potential for reducing mortality risk; for pregnant women due to the potential for reducing the risk for preeclampsia, intrauterine mortality, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age birth, and neonatal mortality; and for those with high-risk prediabetes due to the potential reduction in the risk for progression to diabetes. "Healthy populations who may benefit from higher dose vitamin D supplements are those 75 and older, pregnant people, adults with prediabetes, and children and adolescents 18 and younger, but we do not recommend routine testing for vitamin D levels in any of these groups," Marie B. Demay said in a statement.

Vitamin D Suggested for Children, Seniors, Those With High-Risk Prediabetes MONDAY, June 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Empiric vitamin D supplementation is suggested for those aged 1 to 18 years, those older than 75 years, those who are

Lung cancer screening (LCS) is associated with earlier-stage diagnoses and improved survival, according to a study published online in Cancer. The researchers found that 3.9 percent of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in the VA system between 2011 and 2018 underwent screening before diagnosis. Compared with those with no screening, those with screening had a higher rate of stage I diagnoses (52 versus 27 percent). Improved five-year overall survival rates (50.2 versus 27.9 percent) and five-year lung cancer-specific survival (59.0 versus 29.7 percent) were seen for screened versus unscreened patients. Screening resulted in substantial reductions in all-cause mortality and lung cancer-specific mortality among screening eligible patients who underwent National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-concordant treatment. "We hope that the striking association between LCS, earlier-stage diagnosis of lung cancer, and improved mortality spurs a more robust uptake of this life‐saving intervention into clinical practice," the authors write.

Lung Cancer Screening Increases Earlier-Stage Diagnoses, Improves Survival MONDAY, June 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Lung cancer screening (LCS) is associated with earlier-stage diagnoses and improved survival, according to a study pub

Sedentary behaviors, especially watching television, are associated with reduced odds of healthy aging, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Each increment of two hours per day in sitting watching television was associated with a 12 percent reduction in the odds of healthy aging after adjustment for covariates, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). In contrast, a 6 percent increase in the odds of healthy aging was seen with each increase of two hours per day in LPA at work (LPA-Work). The odds of healthy aging were increased with replacing one hour of sitting watching television with LPA at home, LPA-Work, or MVPA. Replacing television time with sleep was associated with increased odds of healthy aging among participants who slept seven hours per day or less. "These findings complement previous evidence on the association between these behaviors and mortality, and provide important evidence for promoting active lifestyles for achieving optimal health at older ages," the authors write.

Sedentary Behaviors, Especially TV, Tied to Lower Odds of Healthy Aging WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Sedentary behaviors, especially watching television, are associated with reduced odds of healthy aging, according t

People who eat a healthy, sustainable diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death in addition to their environmental impact, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers have named the dietary pattern outlined in the report-;which emphasizes a variety of minimally processed plant foods but allows for modest consumption of meat and dairy foods-;the Planetary Health Diet (PHD). The study found that the risk of premature death was 30% lower in the top 10% of participants most closely adhering to PHD compared to those in the lowest 10%. Every major cause of death, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, was lower with greater adherence to this dietary pattern. In addition, those with the highest adherence to the PHD had a substantially lower environmental impact than those with the lowest adherence. "The findings show just how linked human and planetary health are. Eating healthfully boosts environmental sustainability-;which in turn is essential for the health and wellbeing of every person on earth," said Walter Willett, corresponding author.

Planetary health diet may substantially lower risk of premature death and environmental impact People who eat a healthy, sustainable diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death in addition to their environmental impact, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Folks trying to control their blood sugar levels might do best to work out in the evening, a new study suggests. Exercise performed between 6 p.m. and midnight appeared to be better at controlling blood sugar levels all day long, according to results published in the journal Obesity. This was particularly true of people with the sort of impaired blood sugar regulation associated with diabetes, researchers said. Those who worked out in the evening were more likely to have lower daytime, nighttime and overall blood sugar levels, particularly if they had impaired glucose regulation, results show. The pattern was the same for both men and women. "As the field moves towards individualized exercise prescriptions for different chronic conditions, this study now provides additional insights beyond just telling patients to 'move more,' but instead to move as often as possible and to prioritize afternoon-to-evening movement when feasible for glucose regulation," said Renee Rogers.

Exercise in the evening may be best to control blood sugar - UPI.com Folks trying to control their blood sugar levels might do best to work out in the evening, a new study suggests.