Medical Studies/Trials

Don't kid yourself by cutting down on cigarettes

According to new research smokers who believe they are reducing their risk for heart disease by cutting back on cigarettes, are kidding themselves.The research apparently shows that the difference between a non-smoker and one who smokes one to four cigarettes a day is negligible and both will end up in an early grave.Researcher Dr. Kjell Bjartveit believes smokers who are led to believe cutting down will be of benefit are being offered false expectations and the only safe way out is to qu...Tuesday, 28-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

An aching back? Well don't sit up straight!

By using a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Scottish and Canadian researchers have been able to show that sitting in an upright position places unnecessary strain on the back.Sitting in this posture for hours at a time can lead to chronic back pain say the researchers.Lead author Dr. Waseem Amir Bashir, of the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta Hospital, Canada says "sitting in a soun...Tuesday, 28-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Poor memory and slow reactions linked to heart attacks

According to British research, people with a below average mental agility are prone to heart attacks. It seems those with slower reaction times and bad memories have a higher risk of dying of cardiovascular or respiratory disease.In a study by Dr. Beverly Shipley from Edinburgh University it was suggested that even after other factors usually linked with heart disease, such as physical activity, blood pressure, body mass index and smoking, ...Monday, 27-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Many cancer patients, family members cite positives in experience

Almost two out of three cancer patients and their families believe that "something good has come out of their experience," according to a recent telephone survey jointly conducted by USA Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the ...Thursday, 23-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

TB drug isoniazid could reduce AIDS-related illnesses among children

The inexpensive tuberculosis drug isoniazid could help reduce by half the number of deaths from AIDS-related illnesses among children, according to a ...Thursday, 23-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Study aims to improve information needs of stroke survivors and their families

A team from the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS), University of Kent, and East Kent Hospitals Trust is to undertake a study on the information needs of stroke survivors and their families in Kent.Funded by East Kent Hospitals donated funds, the study will build on a developing programme of research by interviewing a range of health professionals, including those who work specifically with stroke survivors (eg in hospital stroke units) a...Thursday, 23-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Where you live affects your health!

According to a new Canadian study where you live is a big factor in how healthy you are.The study, by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), has found that people in neighbourhoods with higher incomes and higher education levels were more likely to report excellent or very good health.Residents in such areas also reported being more involved in active pastimes and were less likely to smoke.Health gaps between neighbourh...Wednesday, 22-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Not much to choose between surgery and exercise for back pain

Researchers in the United States say when it comes to treating a herniated disc, there is not much to choose between surgery and an exercise programme.A herniated disc is most common in the lower back and puts pressure on the spinal nerves, a condition that can be very painful and often affects everyday life.Surgery for herniated discs is the most common surgical procedure performed in the U.S. for back and leg pain and as herniated discs can improve with time and with exercise, the diffe...Wednesday, 22-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Prescription drugs rather than heroin the drug of choice in Canada

A new study carried in seven Canadian cities, has revealed that prescription opioids, rather than heroin, are the biggest form of illicit opioid currently in use.The study conducted by Dr. Benedikt Fischer and colleagues at the University of Victoria has found that heroin use has become an increasingly marginal form of drug use among illicit opioid users in Canada.They say their findings question current drug control policies and treatment p...Tuesday, 21-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]

Marathon runners warned to slap on the sunscreen

Researchers have found that marathon runners are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.They warn that during training marathon runners should use sunscreen or cover up in order to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.The researchers at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, found in a study of long-distance runners that athletes training for and taking part in marathons are more likely to develop skin cancer than others...Tuesday, 21-Nov-2006 / [ Details... ]