All articles tagged with #health guidelines
A new definition of obesity in the US, incorporating additional measures beyond BMI, has dramatically increased the estimated prevalence from 40% to 70%, suggesting that many Americans are now classified as obese without weight gain, raising concerns about health risks and treatment approaches.
Experts suggest that while hormonal differences influence certain health risks for women, the fundamental behaviors for longevity such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep are largely similar for both genders, despite the emergence of female-specific health advice.
New guidelines from the American Stroke Association emphasize the prevention of strokes, the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., through better nutrition, exercise, and risk identification. The guidelines recommend a Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and new weight-loss drugs for those at risk. They also advise doctors to screen for additional risk factors, including gender and socioeconomic issues. Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly using the FAST acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) is crucial for effective treatment.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance on managing a new strain of norovirus, dubbed the 'Kawasaki' bug, which is responsible for 70% of norovirus infections in the UK. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with additional symptoms like high temperature and aching limbs. Infected individuals are advised to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms cease to prevent spreading the virus. UK law allows employees to take up to seven days of sick leave without proof, providing some relief for those affected.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive counseling for children and teens with high BMI to combat obesity, but critics argue the guidelines are impractical and lack new approaches, such as medication or surgery.
The Endocrine Society has released new guidelines on vitamin D supplementation, recommending against routine screening for deficiency in most people and suggesting specific intake levels for different age groups and conditions. Children, teens, adults over 70, pregnant women, and those with pre-diabetes may benefit from higher vitamin D intake. The guidelines emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers to ensure appropriate vitamin D levels, as excessive intake can be harmful.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advises limiting added sugar intake to 25 grams per day or completely eliminating it from the diet, as it provides no nutritive value other than calories. High consumption of added sugars can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. The guidelines emphasize that calories are beneficial only when accompanied by vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
A new U.S. study warns that frequent consumption of seafood may increase the risk of exposure to "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which are linked to various health issues. The research, focusing on New Hampshire residents, found high levels of PFAS in shrimp and lobster, with shellfish being particularly susceptible due to their feeding and living habits. The study recommends stricter public health guidelines for seafood consumption, especially for vulnerable groups, while emphasizing the importance of balanced seafood consumption for its health benefits. The need for safety guidelines is urgent in coastal regions like New England, where seafood is integral to the culture, and there are currently no federal guidelines for PFAS contamination in seafood.
When traveling in Europe, responses to testing positive for COVID-19 vary by country, with recommendations rather than mandates in place. It's advised to follow local rules and minimize disease spread, while staying updated on destination health ministry websites. The CDC plans to update isolation recommendations, and sick travelers should separate themselves, monitor symptoms, and follow local guidelines. European travel planners suggest wearing masks, sticking to outdoor activities, and seeking medical help if needed, while considering travel insurance for potential medical care abroad.
King Charles III of Buckingham Palace has been diagnosed with cancer, prompting discussions about cancer risk reduction. Experts emphasize the impact of small lifestyle changes such as active living, healthy eating, weight management, and quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in lowering the risk of cancer. Dr. Andrew Nish highlights the significance of making consistent small changes and positive social interactions in reducing cancer risk.
A study led by Epic Research suggests that annual breast cancer screenings could lower the risk of death by any cause by 17% compared to screenings every two years, potentially challenging current screening guidelines. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women aged 45-54 and every other year for those 55 and older, while the US Preventive Services Task Force suggests screenings every two years for women aged 40-74. The study evaluated 25,512 women aged 50-74 and found that vulnerable populations, such as Black women and those in socially vulnerable or rural areas, are at higher risk of all-cause mortality after a breast cancer diagnosis. Experts support annual mammograms for early detection and survival, but note the study's limitations in accounting for lifestyle factors.
Two researchers with ties to the alcohol industry, Dr. Kenneth Mukamal and Dr. Eric Rimm from Harvard, who were involved in a discredited alcohol study, have been nominated to a committee that will review the health evidence on alcohol consumption and update the U.S. government's guidelines. The appointments have sparked outrage among public health researchers who are concerned about industry bias. The discredited study was halted after it was revealed that officials from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism had solicited $60 million from alcohol manufacturers for the research. The new panel will review the relationship between drinking and various health issues, including obesity, cancer, heart disease, cognitive health, and all-cause mortality.
The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for lung cancer screening, recommending that nearly 5 million additional people be screened for the disease. The new guidelines include older adults who smoke or formerly smoked, regardless of how long ago they quit. The previous recommendation focused on adults aged 55 to 74 with a 30 pack-year smoking history, but the updated guideline now suggests annual screening for current or past smokers aged 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year history. The American Cancer Society emphasizes that the risk of lung cancer continues for men and women in their 60s and above, making it crucial to screen during this time when the risk is highest. The updated recommendation is estimated to prevent 21% more lung cancer deaths compared to the previous guidelines.
Tower Health has implemented a masking policy at its locations in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases. All medical staff, employees, patients, and visitors at Reading Hospital, Tower Health Urgent Care facilities, and Tower Health Medical Group practices in the Berks County market are required to wear masks. Complimentary masks will be provided to all visitors, and adjustments to the policy will be made based on the latest health guidelines and data.
The US may revise its alcohol recommendations to match Canada's guidelines, which advise limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per week. Dr. George Koob, President Biden's alcohol czar, stated that there are "no benefits" to physical health from drinking alcohol and that the perceived benefits are more likely related to factors such as diet and socio-economic status. The US currently recommends one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, but this guidance is up for review in 2025. Reports indicate that Americans are consuming alcohol at alarming rates, with childless women aged 35 being the most at risk for binge drinking.