According to a study led by Dr. Susan Lakoski of the University of Vermont, men who are physically active can protect themselves from cancer even more than 20 years after fitness. The study consisted of more than 17,000 men who took fitness tests. The study found that men who were considered fit at age 50 are less likely to suffer from heart disease and cancer later in life. The ASCO president, Dr. Sandra Swain said, “this important study establishes cardiorespiratory fitness as an independent and strong predictor of cancer risk and prognosis in men.” Experts suggest that the study’s findings may be relevant to women as well, but more information is needed. More here
A new approach is being used to fight certain cancers. Genetic tests, clinical studies and novel drugs have been established to offer an alternative to chemotherapy and other treatments which are hard on the body. The medical director of the Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center and president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Dr Sandra Swain said, “we’ve tried the approach of big, nonspecific treatments … We have found that throwing chemo at patients has not (necessarily) cured them.” More here
A new study conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY has found that skin cancer may protect individuals from other diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The study showed that individuals with non-melanoma skin cancer are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The study consisted of 1,103 individuals around the age of 79 and lasted almost four years. 109 of the participants reported they had been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the past. Over the course of the study, 32 more participants developed skin cancer while 100 participants developed Alzheimer’s. Only 2 of the individuals who developed Alzheimer’s also developed skin cancer. The lead author of Albert Einstein College and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Richard Lipton said, “the theoretical basis for thinking that there could be a relationship comes from the fact that Alzheimer’s and cancer are opposites kind of disorders in terms of cell division.” More here
Health experts are now suggesting that an ultra-low intake of salt could harm your health. Many individuals at high risk of heart disease have been instructed by their health care providers to lower their intake of sodium to federal guidelines, approximately 1,500 milligrams a day. Studies now show that extreme reduction may actually increase chances of developing heart problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that more research needs to be conducted to come to an absolute conclusion. The Center for Science in the Public Interest’s said, “the bottom line for consumers is still: cut back on sodium.” More here
Many financial experts are suggesting that it be a requirement for all U.S. employers to put aside money to go towards retirement for their employees. Australia has a similar plan called the superannuation system where all employers contribute 9% or more of their part-time and full-time employees income saved into a separate account for the employee. The head of the world’s largest asset manager, Laurence D. Fink said, “the current system is not working and we need a comprehensive approach that includes some form of mandatory savings in addition to social security.” More here
According to the American Heart Association, animals as companions, and more specifically dogs can aid in heart health. A study showed that pet owners have a lower risk of developing heart disease and a better chance of living a longer life. Experts suggest the reason may be linked to more involvement in physical activities due to pet care. A study consisting of 5,200 individuals showed that dog owners were 54% more likely to be active than non-dog owners. More here
The amount of money Americans are spending on medicines has dropped 1% from 2011 to 2012, averaging approximately $325.8 million according to a new report released by the IMS Institute of Healthcare Informatics. Many experts suggest that the drop is due to increased availability of cheaper generic versions of certain drugs. Generic drugs added an extra $28.9 billion to 2012′s pharmaceutical spending. Also, more people are putting off medical care in hopes of saving money. The director of research development at IMS, Michael Kleinrock said, “some choices that people are making may not be in everyone’s best interest.” More here
A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that people who consume omega-3 fatty acid supplements in hopes of slowing the progression of macular degeneration, a disease of the eye usually associated with aging that is the leading cause of blindness, may not be reaping any benefits from the supplement. The study involved 4,000 individuals ranging from age 50 to 85 who added omega-3 supplements into their vitamin regimen. The findings contradicted prior studies that stated the vitamin added additional eye protection. More here
A new study has discovered that strawberries and blueberries may help people experience slower mental decline with age. Berries contain extremely high levels of polyphenolics, compounds that aid the brain in helping maintain vital functions. In certain mental diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, the brain shows an increased number of toxic proteins while polyphenolics work to decrease toxic protein accumulation. Dr. Shibu Poulose, research investigator said, “berries seem to promote autophagy, the brain’s natural housekeeping mechanism, thereby reducing the toxic accumulation.” More here
Individuals age 40 and up with borderline-to-high levels of cholesterol have an increased risk of developing vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s according to research. The study involved a large number of people age 40 to 45 and discovered a link between dementia and borderline-high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels reaching 200-239 increased dementia and Alzheimer’s disease risk by 25%. Many experts suggest healthy exercise routines and diet to help reduce future risk and lower stress levels. More here
