Dear parents, take note. Pre-schoolers with ADHD symptoms may have reduced brain size

Pre-schoolers with symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have reduced brain volumes in regions essential for behavioural control, says a new study. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed form of psychopathology during the pre-school years, and during early childhood it is associated with significant long-term health. The study represents the first comprehensive examination of cortical brain volume in pre-school children with ADHD and provides an indication that anomalous brain structure is evident in the early stages of development. According to the researchers, the findings can help in determining new ways…

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Dear parents, take note. Bariatric surgery may halve heart disease risk in obese teens

Bariatric surgery can cut in half the risk of premature heart disease and stroke in teenagers with severe obesity, a study has found. The study, based on a prediction model, showed that prior to bariatric surgery the overall risk of a severely obese teen having a fatal or non-fatal heart attack, stroke, heart failure or other heart disease event over a 30-year period was 8 per cent on average. One year after surgery, the risk of a heart disease event would be cut in half — to 4 per cent…

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Dear women, are you over 40? Get these seven medical tests done for a healthy life

Women in 40s undergo subtle changes that need to be addressed before they become problems: decrease in bone density, hormonal changes, stress, depression, among others. “Being proactive towards your health can prevent several problems. Go for regular health checkups, stay healthier, sharper, more energetic, and more fulfilled for years to come. There are a bunch of tests that can prevent and detect many diseases early,” suggests Dr. Ravi Gaur, COO, Oncquest Lab. Here’s a list of suggested routine medical screening tests for women over the threshold of 40 years: – Pelvic…

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Dear senior citizens, bi-weekly exercise can improve thinking ability, memory

Exercising twice a week may improve thinking ability and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), suggests a recent study. Researchers explained that people with MCI have milder symptoms like they struggle to complete complex tasks or have difficulty in understanding information they have read, whereas people with dementia have trouble with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and eating. Mild cognitive impairment is a medical condition that is common with ageing. While it is linked to problems with thinking ability and memory, it is not the same as…

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Dear parents, take note. Children who snore are likelier to grow up into obese adults

If your child snores, don’t ignore it. It could lead to some serious health trouble later in life. A team of researchers has shed some light on the vicious cycle of childhood obesity and snoring. Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) looked at the relationships among maternal snoring, childhood snoring and children’s metabolic characteristics – including body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance, which reflects future risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease – in approximately 1,100 children followed from gestation through early adolescence. Led by endocrinologist Christos…

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Dear ladies, exercise daily. Survey finds 60% urban Indian women at risk of diabetes

Over 60% of urban Indian women do not follow a regular exercise regime, which puts them at increased risk of diabetes, according to the results of a new survey. Released on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the survey conducted by diabetes care company Novo Nordisk India also showed that 73% of urban women in the country are unaware of gestational diabetes and its related health risks for the next generation. For the survey, over 1,000 women, belonging to the age group of 18-65 years were interviewed to draw insights…

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