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A recent study published in the *Journal of the American College of Cardiology* has revealed that sitting for over 10.6 hours a day significantly increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death, even among those who meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly. Researchers found that while regular exercise mitigates some risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, it does not fully counteract the dangers of prolonged sitting. This study, led by Dr. Shaan Khurshid from Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights the importance of reducing sedentary time to improve cardiovascular health. Participants wore accelerometers for over a week, and after eight years, 2.1% developed heart failure, with risks rising sharply after exceeding the 10.6-hour threshold. Experts suggest incorporating movement breaks and standing desks into daily routines to combat the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. 
Published: Nov 19 2024, 10 pm ISTeznews.inResearchers at Texas A&M University have developed a nasal spray that may significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by targeting neuroinflammation in a mouse model. As dementia cases are projected to nearly triple by 2050, with Alzheimer’s accounting for around 70% of these, the need for effective treatments is urgent. Current therapies primarily alleviate symptoms, with few disease-modifying options available. In the study, the nasal spray reduced harmful protein buildup and inflammation in the brains of treated mice, potentially delaying cognitive decline by up to 15 years if similar results are confirmed in humans. Experts caution that while the findings are promising, further research is essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment in human populations. The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes the importance of diverse treatment strategies to tackle the disease from multiple angles, highlighting the need for innovative drug delivery methods like intranasal administration.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 7 pm ISTeznews.inResearch from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in California suggests that white button mushroom extract may help suppress tumor growth in prostate cancer. The study, published in *Clinical and Translational Medicine*, found that treatment with the mushroom extract resulted in a decrease in immune-suppressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells and an increase in cancer-fighting immune cells in both mouse models and human patients. The researchers propose that polysaccharides present in the mushrooms could enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients. While the study shows promising results, researchers caution against self-prescribing mushroom supplements and emphasize the need for professional guidance. They recommend incorporating fresh white button mushrooms into diets as a potential health benefit while further investigations continue to understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 2 am ISTeznews.inA recent study involving nearly 100,000 Swedish participants has revealed concerning links between regular milk consumption and heart disease risk in women. Conducted by researchers at Uppsala University, the study found that women consuming over 300 milliliters of non-fermented milk daily faced a 21% higher risk of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction compared to those drinking less. In contrast, fermented milk products, such as yogurt and sour milk, showed no such association, suggesting potential heart health benefits due to their beneficial bacterial content. Experts highlight that sex-specific metabolic differences may contribute to the increased risk observed in women. The findings prompt calls for dietary guidelines to favor fermented dairy options, as they may improve gut health and reduce inflammation, which are critical factors in cardiovascular health. Further research is necessary to explore these connections more deeply.
Published: Nov 18 2024, 8 pm ISTeznews.inA recent joint statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) outlines essential components of a healthy diet. It emphasizes the importance of whole foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and suggests that carbohydrates should account for 45-75% of daily caloric intake, with at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables consumed daily. The report advises limiting red meat due to its association with chronic diseases and recommends avoiding ultra-processed foods high in added sugars and salt. Healthy fats should comprise 15-30% of daily calories, primarily from unsaturated sources, while protein should make up 10-15%. Additionally, adults should consume at least 25 grams of dietary fiber daily. The WHO and FAO stress that a balanced diet, rich in plant-based foods and low in processed items, can significantly reduce health risks and potentially extend lifespan.
Published: Nov 17 2024, 1 pm ISTeznews.inSignificant changes to Medicare plans are set to take effect in 2025, coinciding with the open enrollment period that runs until December 7. Key modifications include the introduction of a $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Part D, which will eliminate the previous "donut hole" coverage gap, thereby easing the financial burden on seniors reliant on expensive medications. Additionally, the number of Medicare Advantage plans will decrease by approximately 7%, potentially limiting benefits and increasing out-of-pocket costs for some beneficiaries. The base premium for Part D is expected to rise by 6%, reaching $36.78, while the overall number of stand-alone Part D plans will drop by 26%. Furthermore, the upcoming year will see an expansion of mental health care and caregiver resources, aimed at supporting older adults and their families in managing care needs more effectively.
Published: Nov 16 2024, 1 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study has revealed that popular diabetes medications, GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, may significantly reduce the risk of subsequent strokes and heart attacks in stroke survivors. Analyzing data from over 7,000 adults who suffered an ischemic stroke between 2000 and 2022, researchers found that those prescribed these medications had a 74% lower mortality risk and an 84% lower risk of heart attack compared to non-users. Stroke survivors are already at a heightened risk for further cardiovascular issues, with one in four experiencing a second stroke. The findings suggest that these medications, traditionally used for diabetes management, also confer substantial cardiovascular benefits. Experts advocate for further research to confirm these results and potentially revise clinical guidelines, emphasizing the importance of compliance and education among healthcare providers regarding these medications' benefits for stroke patients.
Published: Nov 16 2024, 12 am ISTeznews.inA recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 suggests that fluctuating cholesterol levels may pose an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults. The research, which involved nearly 10,000 participants aged 70 and above, found that those with the highest fluctuations in total cholesterol had a 60% higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with stable levels. Specifically, fluctuations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were linked to a 48% increased risk of dementia. The lead researcher, Dr. Zhen Zhou, emphasized the need for annual cholesterol monitoring in older adults, particularly those with significant year-to-year variations. However, some experts, like neurologist Dr. Clifford Segil, caution that while cholesterol levels are critical for cardiovascular health, their role as a dementia risk factor remains unclear and requires further investigation, especially in more diverse populations.
Published: Nov 14 2024, 7 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 indicates that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) up to 28 years earlier than those without these conditions. Researchers utilized simulated patient profiles to assess how CKD and diabetes, which are components of the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, affect CVD risk across different ages. The findings suggest that early recognition of these risks could enhance prevention strategies and reduce early CVD-related mortality. While the study's results are yet to undergo peer review, experts emphasize the importance of identifying high-risk patients sooner for better management. The research underscores a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of CKD, diabetes, and cardiovascular health, advocating for more aggressive treatment approaches for those affected by these conditions.
Published: Nov 14 2024, 4 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study has revealed that vitamin D and calcium supplements may help lower blood pressure in older adults, particularly those with overweight or obesity. Conducted with 221 participants aged 65 and older, the research found an average reduction of 3.5 mm Hg in systolic and 2.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure after one year of supplementation. However, exceeding the recommended daily intake of vitamin D—600 IU for those aged 51-70 and 800 IU for those over 70—did not yield additional benefits. Experts highlighted the importance of maintaining balanced nutrient levels to avoid potential toxicity from high doses of fat-soluble vitamins. While the findings support vitamin D's role in blood pressure regulation, limitations such as the study's sample size and lack of diversity suggest caution in generalizing results to broader populations.
Published: Nov 14 2024, 6 am IST
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