In a nutshell This paper studied the association between metabolic syndrome and risk of a second breast cancer event and mortality. Some background Metabolic syndrome is defined as having 3 or more of these characteristics: increased weight, high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), high triglycerides (fats), and...
Read MoreLifestyle Posts on Medivizor
Are there factors that contribute to post-stroke depression?
In a nutshell This study looked at the incidence of post-stroke depression and factors that may contribute to the occurence of this condition. Some background A stroke occurs when there is a disturbance of blood supply to a part of the brain. This can be caused by a blood clot in the brain (ischemic stroke) or...
Read MoreDo metabolic syndrome factors influence breast cancer?
In a nutshell This paper studied metabolic syndrome in breast cancer patients. Some background Metabolic syndrome involves a combination of various factors. They include abdominal obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar) and high triglycerides (fats). These...
Read MoreEat your way to a healthy heart by reducing salt and increasing potassium
In a nutshell This study reviewed the effect of dietary intake of salt and potassium on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Some background Many studies have linked high dietary salt intake with high blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular (heart) health. Salt causes kidneys to hold onto more water, with the resulting...
Read MoreCan walking help prolong your life despite cardiovascular disease?
In a nutshell This study looked at how effective regular physical exercise is in reducing mortality caused by cardiovascular disease and mortality in general. Some background It is widely accepted that increasing physical activity is good for health, particularly for the heart. Physical activity helps to manage weight and reduce the risk of...
Read MoreCombating psychological distress with the Mindfulness-Based Program for Infertility
In a nutshell This paper studied the impact of the Mindfulness-Based Program for Infertility. Some background Infertility causes not only medical problems, but also psychological ones. In some couples, infertility has led to depression and anxiety. Various psychological interventions have been developed to combat the psychological effects of...
Read MoreBreast size and exercise – how do they affect breast cancer mortality?
In a nutshell This paper studied how exercise and breast size were associated with breast cancer mortality. Some background Studies have shown that exercise reduces breast cancer mortality (death). However, it does not examine in detail the intensity and type of exercise. Additionally, it is not known if this is the case for all women....
Read MoreBreast cancer survival and time of mammographic screening
In a nutshell This paper studied the relationship between breast cancer survival in women and the time of mammographic screening. Some background Mammographic screenings are used to detect breast cancer. However, mammographic screening does not detect all cancers. Between 25-50% of cancers diagnosed in women who undergo screening are cancers...
Read MoreAre lifestyle changes alone always beneficial in diabetes?
In a nutshell This study focused on how effective lifestyle changes are in reducing the progression of prediabetic patients to type 2 diabetes. In patients already diagnosed with diabetes, it focused on whether lifestyle changes can reduce the progression of diabetic complications. Some background Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body has grown...
Read MorePreventing lymphedema with The Optimal Lymph Flow program
In a nutshell This paper studies a lymphedema risk reduction program entitled "The Optimal Lymph Flow". Some background Many breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema (build up of fluid that causes swelling in the affected limb) after surgery. A higher body mass index (BMI) also increases the risk...
Read MoreHow does morning stiffness affect the working life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This paper studies how patients with rheumatoid arthritis are affected by morning stiffness in their work. Some background Even with treatment advancements, morning stiffness remains a problem for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Many patients cannot work because of joint stiffness, pain and swelling, with this frequently...
Read MoreCan exercising reduce fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This paper studied how physical activity is related to fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some background Fatigue is common among RA patients, with decreased levels of physical activity being reported in these patients. It was suggested that physical exercise can help treat fatigue, as people with...
Read More