H2U.com

2008

July

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis May Be Increased with Prolonged Periods of Sitting at Desk

Blood clots can lead to disabling and sometimes fatal conditions. This New Zealand study found that sitting at a desk for long periods of time can increase the risk for blood clot development.

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Risks Associated with Low A1C Target

Two large studies were conducted in hopes of demonstrating lower heart and kidney disease risks for people with diabetes through intensive blood glucose control. However, both studies found serious complications from the approach including hospitalizations and death.

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Testing of Vaccine for Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea has ruined many vacations. A trial on a new vaccine shows some promise to decreasing the intensity and duration of the common travel illness.

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Sleeping Aids for Seniors and Seniors with Dementia: Melatonin and Zolpidem

Two studies reviewed different approaches to helping seniors sleep better. While the pharmaceutical zolpidem had promising results, melatonin demonstrated negative reactions in seniors with dementia.

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Red Meat Link to Hypertension in Women Over 45 Years

Many heart healthy diets discourage the consumption of too much red meat. This study from Brigham and Women's Hospital supported a link between red meat and increased risk of hypertension.

Last Updated: 2008-7-11 :: Coffee Consumption and Cardiovascular Mortality

Conflicting research has lead to concerns about the role coffee plays in the development of heart disease. Two recent studies have shown that not only was coffee not linked to risk of heart disease but coffee drinkers had lower mortality rates.

June

Last Updated: 2008-6-9 :: Smoking and Smoking Cessation in Relation to Mortality in Women

Research from the Nurse's Health Study confirms the higher rates of death for smokers, but also showed a promising decrease in risk for those that had stopped smoking.

Last Updated: 2008-6-3 :: Breastfeeding Promotion Associated with Improved Verbal Intelligence Quotient at Age 6.5 Years

A study by Canadian Universities finds there may a link between verbal intelligence and breastfeeding after following children for six years.

Last Updated: 2008-6-3 :: Antiepileptic Drugs May Not Be Helpful For Patients with Brain Tumor and Without History of Seizures

Antiseizure medications are often given to people with brain tumors to prevent seizures but the medicines side effects may be worse than the benefits.

May

Last Updated: 2008-5-5 :: Combination of Medications for Cardiovascular Disease Does Not Reduce Mortality

ACE-inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers have independently demonstrated an ability to lower risks of heart disease. However, when the drugs were combined there was no improvement in the numbers of illness or death, in fact there may be some additional kidney problems.

Last Updated: 2008-5-5 :: Lithium for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A small study suggests the use of Lithium to treat patients with ALS may have some benefits. Researchers found promising results in slowing the progression of the disease and lengthening the patients lives.

Last Updated: 2008-5-5 :: Cleaning Wounds with Drinkable Tap Water

Unfounded fears about the safety of tap water have led to an enormous industry of bottled water and water filtration systems. However, a review of several studies found that for cleaning wounds, tap water may be a better answer.

Last Updated: 2008-5-5 :: Electrocardiogram before ADHD Medication

The American Heart Association has released a new guideline that recommend an ECG for children before receiving ADHD medications. The review was based on FDA review that found illness or deaths in children that had been given stimulant medications.

April

Last Updated: 2008-4-4 :: Presenting "Lung Age" Spirometry Results Increases Smoking Cessation at 12 Months

Smoking cessation has remained a challenge for many people, despite the risks for serious lung disease. A new study has shown that giving someone their "lung age" may be a new motivation tool.

Last Updated: 2008-4-4 :: Adjunctive Acupuncture Improves Pregnancy Rates in Women Having IVF

A promising review showed acupuncture may help improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.

March

Last Updated: 2008-3-10 :: Maintaining Target Hemoglobin A1c Less than 6% May Increase Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study halted their research of intensive blood-glucose lowering treatment (A1c's lower than 6%) after participants developed death rates higher than their control counterparts. However, a second major diabetes study did not find the same link.

Last Updated: 2008-3-10 :: Combination Infliximab Plus Azathioprine for Newly Diagnosed Crohn’s Disease

Promising results were found when researchers administered a combination drug treatment to patients recently diagnosed with Chrohn's disease.

February

Last Updated: 2008-2-15 :: Amoxicillin Does Not Appear Effective for Acute Maxillary Sinusitis

Improper use of antibiotics can lead to serious health consequences. This study was able to demonstrate that although antibiotics may be prescribed for sinus infections they are not an effective treatment.

Last Updated: 2008-2-11 :: Addition of Ezetimibe to Simvastatin Ineffective for Reducing Carotid Artery Blockage

A review of the study released by the makers of Ezetimibe. While the blockages in the carotid arteries did not improve, there were significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels.

Last Updated: 2008-2-11 :: Oral Testosterone Does Not Affect Function in Elderly Men with Low Testosterone Levels

Study participants, men 60-80 years old, showed no significant change in muscle strength, overall physical ability, intellectual function, bone mineral density, or quality of life. In addition, some heart disease risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol were worse at the end of the study.