In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of smoking on mortality rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that overall mortality and cardiovascular and lung cancer mortality rates were higher in current smokers compared to non-smokers. Some background Smoking is a known risk factor for rheumatoid...
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Is exercise beneficial for stroke patients?
In a nutshell This review aimed to see whether physical fitness training would be beneficial for stroke patients. The authors found that cardiorespiratory training showed improvements in walking speed, balance and gait. Some background Physical fitness is required in all aspects of life including walking or climbing stairs. Stroke patients often...
Read MoreThe risk of different types of second cancers in prostate cancer survivors
In a nutshell This study examined the risk of different types of second cancers in prostate cancer survivors. Researchers reported a reduced risk of various second cancers among men with prostate cancer compared to the cancer incidence in the general population. Some background Advances in treatment and early detection of prostate cancer have...
Read MoreWhat are the long term effects of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
In a nutshell This study looked at the long term effect on health-related quality of life in adults who were diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis as children. The authors concluded that health-related quality of life was reduced in adults who had juvenile idiopathic arthritis as children. Some background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis...
Read MoreThe effectiveness of different hand activities in women with arthritis
In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of different types of hand exercises in women with rheumatoid arthritis or hand osteoarthritis. The authors concluded that some hand exercises may not be as effective as others for treating arthritis. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hand osteoarthritis (HOA) experience...
Read MoreLow vitamin D levels increase the risk of early miscarriages during the first trimester
In a nutshell This study investigated low vitamin D levels as a risk factor of early miscarriages. Researchers reported that low vitamin D levels increased the risk for miscarriage during the first trimester, but not during the second trimester. Some background Miscarriage is reported to occur in about 12 to 20% of pregnancies. There are a...
Read MorePhysical activity affects long-term survival after prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of physical activity on long-term prostate cancer survival. Researchers reported a strong link between higher physical activity and increasing survival after prostate cancer diagnosis. Some background Advances in treatment and early detection of prostate cancer have improved treatment outcomes. This has...
Read MoreGuidelines for the long-term care of prostate cancer survivors
In a nutshell This article evaluated recommendations regarding the continued care of prostate cancer survivors following successful treatment. The authors reported that regular screening, as well as proper treatments and lifestyle interventions, are important in maintaining physical and psychological health among prostate cancer survivors. Some...
Read MoreChanging your diet to reduce blood pressure
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of different diets on blood pressure. They concluded that the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat or non-fat dairy, led to the largest decrease in blood pressure. Some background High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease. Current guidelines recommend lifestyle...
Read MoreMeat vs. dairy: the risk of type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of meat and dairy consumption on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that high consumption of dairy contributes to the risk of developing T2D, whereas consumption of lean red meat reduces the risk. Some background Patients with prediabetes produce insulin (hormone which...
Read MoreCan physical activity reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes?
In a nutshell This study examined whether physical activity can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes. The authors concluded that physical activity may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some background Women with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes...
Read MoreWhich leisure activity is most beneficial for controlling blood glucose levels?
In a nutshell This review examined the benefits of different types of leisure activities on blood glucose levels. The authors concluded that regular leisure activity is effective in controlling blood glucose levels. Yoga was found to be the most beneficial type of leisure activity. Some background High blood glucose (sugar) levels in patients with...
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