His true passion is helping patients achieve their optimal health potential through proper nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes. He specializes in comprehensive blood testing. Thousands of people all over the country have reached a more optimal state of health because of his unique approach to finding the underlying cause of health problems.

New research suggests that 60% of stroke survivors develop depression later in life with 90% of cases occurring within five years of the adverse cardiovascular event. Not only do stroke survivors experience depression at a rate higher than the general population, but their depressive symptoms persist longer and recur more often.

The Lancet Regional Health — Europe, March 2024

Premature coronary artery disease is heart disease the develops in women before age 65 and men prior to age 55. While genetics can increase one’s risk for the condition, there are several modifiable lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk for premature coronary artery disease: manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels; get regular exercise; don’t smoke; eat a healthy diet; and practice stress management.

Current Atherosclerosis Reports, April 2024

Using data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study, researchers report that a high intake of vitamin C may reduce the risk for dementia by about 25%.

Journal of Nutrition, April 2024

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. A study that looked at the outcomes of nearly 11 million adults revealed an association between psoriasis and up to a 32% increased risk for atrial fibrillation. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should monitor their patients for signs of atrial fibrillation including irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion.

Current Problems in Cardiology, May 2024

An analysis of data concerning nearly one million middle-aged adults revealed that stage 1 hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/80-89 mmHG) is linked to a 1.4 times increased risk for stroke in men and a 2.4 times elevated risk for stroke in women in the following decade. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure readings during midlife.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, March 2024

During the course of a twenty-year study, researchers found that adults who regularly exercise have a lower risk for a fatal heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event, though the effect is much more pronounced in women than men. Unfortunately, the current data suggest that only 33% of men and 43% of women meet recommended fitness guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, February 2024

Following an analysis of data concerning nearly 250,000 adults, researchers report that consistently sleeping only five hours a night is associated with a 16% elevated risk for type 2 diabetes in the next decade. For individuals averaging three to four hours a night of sleep, the risk jumps to 41%.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against the use of smartwatches and other wearable devices that claim to measure blood sugar without piercing the skin. Officials from the FDA note that such devices have not been cleared for this use case and can lead to inaccurate readings that could pose serious dangers for diabetics.

Food and Drug Administration, February 2024

An analysis of blood samples collected from 169,000 adults revealed nearly 90 molecules associated with an elevated risk for a first heart attack within the next six months. With further refinement, this finding can lead to a blood test that can be conducted on routine blood samples collected during health check-ups to identify patients who may be at increased risk for myocardial infarction.

Nature Cardiovascular Research, February 2024

Dietary assessments of 443 ischemic heart disease patients and 453 age-matched adults without a history of heart disease revealed an association between a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and an increased risk for ischemic heart disease.

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, February 2024

For individuals at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (family history, past/current smoker, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels), a coronary calcium scan can help their doctor better assess their cardiovascular health and guide treatment recommendations to reduce their risk for a heart attack or other adverse outcomes.

Mayo Clinic, January 2024

When melatonin goes up sleep goes up and immunity is improved, especially against cancer and infection.

An analysis of data collected from 192 countries found that smoking contributes to 84.5 million cases of low back pain and 11.3 million cases of rheumatoid arthritis each year. This accounts for an estimated $326 billion in direct healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Addiction, December 2023

The American Heart Association notes that the exertion, cold air exposure, and breath-holding that often accompanies shoveling snow can result in potentially dangerous increases in heart rate and blood pressure, especially for those with existing heart risks or low fitness. If you must shovel snow, it’s recommended to start at a gradual pace and low-intensity, and to stop immediately if any symptoms develop such as lightheadedness or chest pain.

American Heart Association, January 2024

The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern focused on fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars. An analysis of dietary questionnaires and mental health data concerning 294 older adults revealed an association between greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and lower levels of both anxiety and stress.

Nutrients, January 2024

Past research has linked elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation, with an increased risk for several chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In a recent study that included 6,208 middle-aged working adults, researchers observed that those who normally walk or bike to work have lower levels of C-reactive protein than participants who typically commute by car or other motorized form of transportation.

European Journal of Public Health, December 2023

When it comes to improving fitness as a New Years resolution, experts note you can raise your odds for success by focusing on a few goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (so-called SMART goals).

University of Agder, January 2024

In a recent experiment, researchers observed that when the body breaks down omega-6 fatty acids, one of the byproducts, called tt-DDE, disrupts sugar metabolism, impairs blood vessel function, and inhibits the function of insulin receptors in a manner similar to diabetes. Interestingly, a diet rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate the production of an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 9a1b which has been observed to regulate tt-DDE levels.

Advanced Science, December 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MAFLD) is a form of liver disease caused by poor metabolic health rather than excessive alcohol consumption. A systematic review that included seven studies found that MAFLD patients have up to a 26% elevated risk for myocardial infarction, even after controlling for traditional risk factors for heart attack.

Annals of Medicine, January 2024

According to a study that looked at the sleep behaviors and CT scans of nearly 800 middle-aged adults, those categorized as night owls were nearly two times more likely to have severely hardened arteries than participants who typically go to bed early, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Sleep Medicine, December 2023

Following an analysis of data concerning more than 500,000 adults, researchers report that individuals with a history of sleep apnea have a 35% increased risk for coronary artery disease.

MedRxiv, November 2023

While a plant-based diet that emphasizes fresh produce and whole grains can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes by 24%, a plant-based diet that is high in sweets, refined grains, and processed food products is linked to an elevated risk for the condition.

Diabetes & Metabolism, December 2023

Using data from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey of Chile, researchers report that individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease are nearly two-times more likely to have cognitive impairment than their heart-healthy peers.

BMC Geriatrics, December 2023

According to a recent study, 38% of married middle-aged and older adults in the United States with hypertension have a spouse who also has high blood pressure. The authors of the study note that married couples often share interests, living environments, and lifestyle habits, some of which may be associated with an elevated risk for hypertension.

Journal of the American Heart Association, December 2023

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist circumference—that occur together and elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers estimate that meeting physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week can reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome by 15.8%.

BMC Public Health, December 2023

Among a group of 89 patients with inoperable lung cancer, researchers observed that those who engaged in more than 4.6 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a day were 60% more likely to survive the following year than participants who largely refrained from any physical activity.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, December 2023

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist circumference—that occur together and elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In a recent experiment in which 101 patients with metabolic syndrome participated in a 16-week high-intensity exercise intervention, researchers observed that working out in the morning provided greater benefits with respect to reducing both systolic blood pressure and insulin resistance.

Journal of Physiology, November 2023

University of Hong Kong researchers estimate that increasing one’s processed red meat intake by 50 grams a day may elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease by 26% and the risk for type 2 diabetes by 44%.

European Heart Journal, October 2023

University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers report that prediabetic adults under age 44 who smoke have a 3.3 times greater risk for stroke than non-smokers, even after adjusting for known stroke risk factors. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking in young adulthood.

American Heart Association, November 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and serious complications. A systematic review that included twelve studies found that poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle is common among MAFLD patients and adopting a healthier eating pattern, reducing sedentary time, and engaging in regular exercise can improve liver health, weight status, blood sugar levels, and overall quality of life.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, November 2023

Using data from the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), researchers observed that participants who lost weight via calorie restriction experienced improvements in metabolic health that are associated with a reduced risk for diabetes-related complications.

Diabetologia, October 2023

Iowa State University researchers report that a positive mindset toward physical activity, especially strength training, helps older adults make positive lifestyle choices—including getting regular exercise—that are associated with reduced ageing-related anxiety.

Iowa State University, October 2023

For patients with type 2 diabetes, a recent study found that an exercise regimen that includes both aerobic and resistance training led to greater improvements in body composition, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose than either form of exercise alone.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation, November 2023

National Taiwan University researchers report that diabetics are at an elevated risk for a poor outcome from colon cancer, especially those with complicated diabetes. The finding highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive treatment approach in diabetic patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer.

Cancer, October 2023

According to a recent study, alcohol affects fat distribution in the body and adipose tissue is more likely to accumulate around the heart, liver, and kidneys of heavy drinkers. Past research has shown a link between visceral fat build-up and an elevated risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.

Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2023

New research suggests that regularly playing a round of golf, walking 3.7 miles, and Nordic walking for 3.7 miles are each effective interventions for maintaining and enhancing cognitive function in older adults.

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, October 2023

New research conducted by scientists from the universities of Cambridge and Glasgow suggests that type 2 diabetes diagnosis before age 50 is associated with a six-year reduction in life expectancy. Additionally, for each decade before age 50 an individual receives a diabetes diagnosis, their life expectancy falls four more years.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, October 2023

Patients on dialysis for chronic kidney disease are often deficient in several key vitamins due to anorexia, poor dietary intake, protein energy wasting, restricted diet, dialysis loss, or inadequate sun exposure. However, many do not undergo testing to identify such deficiencies, often due to lack of availability or costs. It’s suggested that periodic testing and supplementation to address deficits can improve outcomes for chronic kidney disease patients.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, October 2023

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to imbue heat-, oil-, stain-, grease-, and water-resistant properties to products such as food containers, clothes, and furniture that can persist in the environment and body for an extended period of time. Researchers note that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood may be at elevated risk for skin, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, September 2023

Tufts University researchers have recently published a report that concludes integrating food-based nutrition interventions into healthcare systems to prevent or treat chronic diet-related illnesses—a concept known as “food is medicine”—could prevent nearly 300,000 cardiovascular events and 1.6 million hospitalizations a year at a savings of $13.6 billion dollars in healthcare costs.

Tufts University, September 2023

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects blood cells with nearly an 80% five-year survival rate if caught early. In a recent animal study, researchers observed that multiple myeloma progressed faster in diabetic mice. The finding suggests that multiple myeloma patients should be screened for diabetes as better blood glucose management may be essential for helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Blood Advances, September 2023

Ultrasounds of 316 type-2 diabetics revealed that nearly 9 in 10 patients had fat build-up in the liver, a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can impair liver function and even lead to organ failure over time.

Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, September 2023

For patients with chronic kidney disease, a recent study found that getting regular exercise of any intensity can slow disease progression and improve overall quality of life.

Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, August 2023

Zinc is known to play a role in insulin production and glucose metabolism. For patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, increasing zinc intake through diet or supplementation has been demonstrated to improve blood glucose control.

eLife, September 2023

University of Queensland researchers report that among a group of 479 women monitored from their early 20s to mid-40s, those who were physically active at the onset of the study had a lower resting heart rate—a sign of better cardiovascular health—than participants who lived a sedentary lifestyle, even if their own physical activity levels declined over time.

Journal of Physical Activity and Health, September 2023

University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers report that after a year-long study that included 106 type-2 diabetics, participants on a high-protein, calorie-restricted diet fared just as well with respect to improving glucose control, weight loss, and body composition as those on a moderate-protein, calorie-restricted diet.

Diabetes, July 2023

In a recent animal study, researchers observed that adding polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet of mice led to increased platelet counts, while increasing their saturated fat intake reduced platelet counts. The findings suggest that individuals with low platelet counts, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from switching from a high-saturated fat Western diet pattern to a polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.

Nature Cardiovascular Research, July 2023

Following an analysis of data concerning more than 54,000 older women, researchers found that maintaining a stable, healthy weight may double the chance of living to at least age 90.

Journal of Gerontology, August 2023

A recent literature review found that pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke have a 47% increased risk for developing gestational diabetes. The finding adds to a growing body of research on the negative effects of passive smoking.

Tobacco Induced Diseases, September 2023

For older adults, getting regular exercise can provide several benefits including weight management, disease prevention, improved mobility, and better cognitive and mental health. Experts note it’s important to choose an exercise routine that includes aerobic exercise, stretching, strength training, and balance exercises. Consult with a doctor who is familiar with your medical history before beginning any exercise routine.

HelpGuide, August 2023

Because healthy vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid blood levels are linked to better glycemic control, diabetics should be encouraged to maintain healthy vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid levels. Experts note that poorly managed diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, impaired wound healing, kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease.

Current Diabetes Reviews, September 2023

According to a study that monitored long-term outcomes of 22,569 middle-aged adults, individuals with the combination of diabetes, hypertension, and high low-density lipoprotein (the bad cholesterol) levels can expect to live an average of 4.3 fewer years than their peers without such cardiometabolic factors.

BMC Public Health, September 2023

Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that central obesity (as defined by a waist circumference exceeding 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women) is associated with elevated risks for early death, heart attack, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy, even for individuals who do not meet the criteria for being overweight or obese based on their body mass index.

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, July 2023

In a recent study, researchers found that instructing women with gestational diabetes to consume one cup of whole berries and one cup of leafy greens, along with taking daily walks, had a better effect on their metabolic health than standard nutrition recommendations based on the United States Department of Agriculture Choose My Plate guidelines.

Nutrients, August 2023

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of medication that are commonly prescribed for acid reflux. A recent study found that using PPIs for longer than 4.5 years is associated with a 33% increased risk for dementia in older adults.

Neurology, August 2023

According to a recent study that looked at activity tracker data collected from more than 22,000 adults, spending just 4.5 minutes a day engaged in vigorous-intensity exercise can reduce the risk for cancer by up to 32% over a seven-year time frame.

Jama Oncology, July 2023

Up to 5% of couples trying to conceive experience recurrent miscarriage. A recent study found that improving omega-3 fatty acid serum levels can help modulate several of the underlying mechanisms believed to play a role in recurrent miscarriage. The finding suggests that increasing omega-3 fatty acid blood levels may help improve pregnancy outcomes.

Food Science & Nutrition, June 2023

Using data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial study, researchers report that engaging in vigorous-intensity physical activity at least once a week reduced the risk for early death in hypertension patients by up to 20% over a four-year time frame.

American Journal of Preventative Cardiology, July 2023

Using data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study, researchers report that chronic kidney disease patients with co-occurring depression have a 29% increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease in the next decade.

International Journal of Cardiology — Cardiovascular Risk & Prevention, July 2023

Following an analysis of data from six studies, researchers report that around a quarter of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while nearly two-thirds of IBS patients have NAFLD.

World Journal of Hepatology, July 2023

New research suggests that diabetics who also experience loneliness are up to 26% more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event in the next decade. The authors of the study suspect that lonely individuals are more likely to smoke, eat a poor diet, and be less physically active, each of which can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

European Heart Journal, June 2023

Scientists have developed a biodegradable heart implant that can monitor the heart and provide electrical jolts to correct arrhythmias without the use of the bulky and uncomfortable equipment presently used. Additionally, the implant can break down naturally in the body, reducing the need for additional surgery to remove it. The device is currently in early testing with no timeline on when it may be available for human heart patients.

Science Advances, July 2023

New research suggests that a high intake of soybean oil—the most widely used edible oil in the United States—may reduce the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut and increase the presence of harmful gut bacteria, potentially leading to ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Gut Microbes, July 2023

Examination of 28 colorectal cancer survivors revealed that a high intake of fruit and vegetables is associated with increased microbe diversity in the gut, particularly an increase in bacteria linked to reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2023

Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A recent study found that women tend to be diagnosed with A-Fib later than men and are less likely to be receive treatment to reduce their risk for mini-strokes, which can elevate their chances for cognitive decline and dementia.

Alzheimer's and Dementia, June 2023

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. In a recent study, researchers estimated that nearly ten million Americans, roughly a quarter of diabetics in the country, have some degree of diabetic retinopathy with 1 in 5 in the severe category, which can result in total vision loss.

JAMA Ophthalmology, June 2023

Fine particulate matter carried in smoke from wildfires can enter the lungs and circulatory system, raising the risk for asthma attacks, heart attack, stroke, and other serious health complications. According to a recent study, exposure to wildfire smoke may play a role in between 4,000 and 9,200 premature deaths each year in the United States alone.

Science of the Total Environment, June 2023

The American Heart Association reports that nearly 20% of an adult’s daily water intake comes from fruit and vegetables, and in hot weather, snacking on fruit and veggies after exercise can help with hydration. Excellent choices include cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, and celery.

American Heart Association, June 2022

Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that early menopause can increase a woman’s risk for a later dementia diagnosis by up to 71%.

EClinicalMedicine, June 2023

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) form when proteins and fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream and can contribute to various diseases, including type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that sea cucumbers contain bioactive compounds that inhibit AGEs formation and may have a role to play in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.

International Journal of Food Science & Technology, February 2023

According to a recent study, the earlier in life an individual develops type 2 diabetes, the greater their risk for dementia diagnosis in old age. In particular, type 2 diabetes before age 40 is associated with a 300% increased risk for dementia.

Diabetologia, May 2023

A systematic review of 17 animal studies found evidence that the offspring of mothers that exercise during pregnancy may experience better blood sugar control and healthier blood lipid levels in adulthood.

Nutrients, June 2023

For better blood sugar control, a recent study that included more than 2,400 type 2 diabetics found that the afternoon may be the best time to exercise.

Diabetes Care, May 2023

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that involves a slow, gentle movements combined with controlled breathing and focused attention. In a recent study, researchers found that participating in a Qigong intervention reduced fatigue, lowered stress levels, and improved mood symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Integrative Cancer Therapies, May 2023

A recent study found that the effect meeting physical activity guidelines has on glucolipid metabolism and reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors can significantly reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes.

World Journal of Clinical Cases, May 2023

Prediabetes is a term used to describe elevated blood sugar levels that have not yet reached the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. In a recent study, researchers observed that middle-aged and older prediabetics who consumed three servings of full-fat yogurt a day for three weeks experienced a drop in their fasting glucose levels sufficient to bring them into the normal range. The finding runs contrary to usual recommendations for prediabetics, which favor low- or non-fat dairy options.

American Physiological Summit, April 2023

According to a recent study that included long-term health data from 1.2 million women, having high blood pressure before pregnancy doubles the risk for cardiovascular disease within ten years of giving birth, even after adjusting for preexisting cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Additionally, the risk jumps nearly ten-fold if complications arise during pregnancy. The findings suggest that pregnancy and pregnancy complications may exacerbate underlying cardiovascular issues.

American Heart Association, May 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that artificial sweeteners do not contribute to weight loss and can elevate the risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Instead, the WHO recommends consuming foods with natural sugars and unsweetened beverages.

World Health Organization, May 2023

New research suggests that breast cancer patients who most closely follow their doctor’s advice to not smoke, get regular exercise, eat plenty of servings of fruit and vegetables, and cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages are not only more likely to survive the disease but also less likely to experience a recurrent episode of breast cancer.

JAMA Network Open, May 2023

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, impaired metabolic function, and excessive waist circumference—that occur together and elevate the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Examination of 235 metabolic syndrome patients revealed that three quarters had vitamin D deficiency, and low vitamin D status is associated with high diastolic blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose readings, and abnormal blood lipid levels. The findings suggest that individuals with metabolic syndrome should be tested for vitamin D deficiency and take steps to improve their vitamin D status, if necessary.

Cureus, April 2023

Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that greater adherence to a healthy diet pattern at age 55—such as the Mediterranean diet—is associated with a reduced risk for developing dementia in the following decade.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2023

Among a group of 134 elementary school-aged children with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers observed that kids with a lower intake of fruit and vegetables tended to have a harder time maintaining attention than those with a more produce-rich diet.

Nutritional Neuroscience, June 2023

Questionnaires completed by 151 hospital office workers revealed that nearly three quarters (74.1) experienced symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Further analysis revealed older age, higher body mass index, longer work hours, job stress, and poor wrist ergonomics as risk factors for CTS in this group of employees.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, June 2023

Following an analysis of data concerning 4 million women born between 1940 and 1995, researchers report that a history of mental illness is associated with a two-times increased risk for cervical cancer. The research team points out that women with mental illness, neuropsychiatric disability, or substance abuse are less likely to attend cervical cancer screenings.

The Lancet Public Health, March 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption, and it is associated with a number of poor health outcomes. Among a group of 17,425 NAFLD patients and an equal number of people without the liver condition, those with NAFLD were 77% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the next five years, regardless of either age or weight status.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, June 2023

Current research suggests that 1 in 60 men and 1 in 141 women will develop oral cancer in their lifetime. According to experts, the most common signs of oral cancer include a sore on your lips/mouth that lasts longer than two weeks, patches in your mouth/throat that you cannot scrape away, difficulty swallowing or a sore throat that doesn't go away, hoarseness or changes in your voice, and a neck mass. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.

HealthDay, April 2023

Sarcopenia is a disease associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass during the aging process that affects around 12% of the elderly. Assessments of 1,607 older adults revealed that the combination of exercise during adolescence and old age is linked to a reduced risk for sarcopenia. The finding adds another reason to encourage teens to sit less and move more.

Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, April 2023

Several studies have linked increased access to greenspace with improved outcomes on the individual level. In a recent study, researchers measured the impact of developing a park in an urban setting in Peterborough, Ontario and calculated that it resulted in nearly $133,000 CAD in savings due to improvements in air quality, mental health, and physical health.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, March 2023

Questionnaires completed by 4,255 middle-aged and older adults revealed that those with the lowest intake of fruit and vegetables were 24-25% more likely to rate their own health as poor than participants with the highest produce intake.

Nutrition and Health, June 2023

Using data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey, researchers report that cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are associated with a 58%, 40%, 25%, and 34% increased risk for developing spinal pain, respectively.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, April 2023

Past research suggests that owning a pet is linked to a reduced risk for respiratory allergies in kids. Now, a new study notes this protection may extend to food allergies as well, particularly allergies related to eggs, milk, and nuts. First study author Dr. Hisao Okabe notes, “In terms of food allergies, pet exposure during fetal and early infancy may be good in some cases… We hope that this message will help alleviate some of the concerns about pet ownership.”

PLOS ONE, March 2023

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—such as sprinting or stair climbing—separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking.

New research suggests that restricting eating to a four-hour window at least three days a week can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within six months, which may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Nature Medicine, April 2023

Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition that occurs when blood vessels in the eyes are damaged by chronic high blood pressure, which can impair vision and even contribute to blindness. A systematic review that included six studies found that hypertensive retinopathy is associated with a 13-25% increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest vision changes in hypertension patients may be a signal that more aggressive measures are needed to manage their blood pressure and lower their risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

International Journal of Cardiology, March 2023

An analysis of data from a nationwide study in Denmark revealed that 30% of men over age 50 will develop osteoporosis. However, the research team found that less than a third initiated treatment within a year of osteoporosis diagnosis. The findings suggest that greater attention needs to be given to increasing awareness of osteoporosis among middle-aged and older men.

Osteoporosis International, May 2023

The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips to ease the nasal congestion and coughing that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep when managing a cold: use a humidifier/vaporizer; use a foam wedge or additional pillows to elevate your head; keep tissues close by so there’s no need to get up to blow your nose; rinse your nose with saline prior to bedtime; keep your nasal passages open with nasal strips.

National Sleep Foundation, April 2023

John Hopkins Medicine notes that regularly sleeping in excess of nine hours a night is linked to an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, headaches, and dying from a medical condition.

John Hopkins Medicine, March 2023

Adding to a growing body of research on the benefits of greenery on public health, an analysis of data from a long-term study that included nearly 60,000 diabetics found that living in a neighborhood with better access to greenspaces is associated with a lower risk for diabetic retinopathy.

Environmental Research, March 2023

The build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain is a hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Post-mortem examinations of 581 adults who passed away at an average age of 84 years revealed that those who most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet—an eating pattern focused on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars—had plaque and tangle accumulations normally observed in people 18 years their junior.

Neurology, March 2023

According to a study that compared government survey data from 2009-10 and 2017-20, the rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes in adults under age 44 increased by 24%, 33%, and 33%, respectively. The researchers note that these conditions are each associated with an increased risk for major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Journal of the American Medical Association, March 2023

Among a group of 2,874 stroke patients, researchers observed that those who were smokers at the time of their stroke and did not quit within the next three months were nearly two times more likely to suffer a second stroke or have a heart attack in the following decade. Of concern, only 28% of the smokers in the study managed to quit following their stroke.

Stroke, April 2023

In a recent animal study, researchers observed an association between vitamin A deficiency and reduced expression of genes associated with metabolic function (extraction of energy from fat, extraction of energy from glucose, and the production of the energy-carrying molecule adenosine triphosphate).

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, January 2023

New research suggests that patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea have a high-to-very high risk for a fatal cardiovascular disease event in the following decade. Researchers add that nearly 3-in-4 such individuals have abnormal cholesterol readings; however, the majority are not under treatment to improve their blood lipid levels.

Sleep Medicine, April 2023

Using data from the Hordaland Health Study, researchers report that men and women with elevated blood pressure as they approach midlife (130-9/80-9 mm Hg) are 58% and 72% more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension in the following 26 years, respectively.

Blood Pressure, December 2022