Dennis Thompson

Key TakeawaysA high-quality plant based diet might help current and former smokers avoid emphysemaSmokers who adopted a plant-based diet had a 56% lower risk of emphysemaThe more veggies and fruit included in a diet, the lower a person’s odds of emphysema.MONDAY, April 29, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Current and former smokers might lower their risk for emphysema if they adopt a highly nutritional plant-based diet, a new study shows.People with a history of smoking who adopted a plant-based diet ha…

Key TakeawaysFood additives called emulsifiers might be increasing people’s risk of type 2 diabetesThe more people ate emulsifier-laced foods, the higher their diabetes riskMore research is needed to fully understand the relationship.THURSDAY, April 24, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Emulsifiers -- substances that are essential ingredients in processed foods -- appear to increase people’s risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study finds.In fact, the more emulsifiers that people eat as part of their food, th…

Key TakeawaysAll pregnant women should be tested for syphilis three times while expecting, a leading obstetrics medical society saysTests should occur at the first prenatal visit, in the third trimester and at birthThe practice advisory comes in response to a dramatic increase in syphilis rates among pregnant women and newborns.FRIDAY, April 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- All expecting mothers should get a blood test for syphilis three times during pregnancy, new guidance issued by the American Co…

Key TakeawaysGut bacteria can have an effect on heart healthSpecific species of bacteria devour cholesterol, lowering blood cholesterol levelsPeople with these species might have a lower risk of heart disease.WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in gut bacteria have been linked to a variety of different diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.Now, a new study indicates that gut bacteria also might play a role in a person’s risk of developing h…

Key TakeawaysThe placenta appears linked to a woman’s risk of gestational diabetesA woman’s risk increases if her placenta produces lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1IGF-1 is related to insulin and blood sugar metabolism.WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The placenta could be one reason why some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, a new study finds.A deficit in the way the placenta expresses the gene for a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1…

TUESDAY, April 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Walking is one of the best exercises available to average folks, and it can be as easy as stepping out your front door, experts say.“It is something you can easily fit into your lifestyle,” said Dr. James McDeavitt, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and executive vice president and dean of clinical affairs at Baylor College of Medicine.Walking has been shown to improve heart health and contribute to better mental health. It can even war…

Key TakeawaysDiversity of nearby natural features can improve people’s well-beingGreen spaces with a diverse assortment of trees, birds, plants and bodies of water make people feel better than plainer areasBenefits from being in a diverse wild area can last up to eight hours.TUESDAY, April 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Want to feel happier?Live in or near a place with a rich diversity of nature, a new study says.Environments with plentiful natural features -- trees, birds, plants and rivers -- ar…

Key TakeawaysTeens with mood disorders are 30% less likely to get their driver’s license, a new study saysThey also have twice the risk of losing their license, and a slightly higher risk of crashing a carMood disorders can affect the skills needed for safe driving.WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Teenagers suffering from anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder are likely to have a tougher time getting their driver’s license, a new study finds.Teens and young adults with these types…

Key TakeawaysBlack and Native Americans are more often suffering “deaths of despair” than whitesThe rate tripled among Black Americans between 2013 and 2022Native Americans are far more likely than either Black or white people to suffer a death of despair.WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- More middle-aged Black and Native Americans are now falling prey to “deaths of despair” than whites, a new study finds.These deaths -- from suicide, drug overdose and alcoholic liver disease -- init…

Key TakeawaysHeart attack survivors with no heart failure probably don’t have to take beta blockers, a new clinical trial saysThe drugs don’t reduce risk of death or another heart attack in people whose heart pumping ability is normalThe practice of prescribing beta blockers to all heart attack patients has been standard for decades.WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Beta blockers appear to be useless when prescribed to heart attack survivors who aren’t suffering from heart failure, a…