Shopping in ‘unhealthy’ locales up blood pressure risk: Study

The study using Pop-up health check stations in England found a possible link between “unhealthy’ shopping centres and the number of cases of suspected or diagnosed high blood pressure. Shopping in ‘unhealthy’ locales up BP risk: Study  |  Photo Credit: Thinkstock London: People who frequently indulge in shopping in “unhealthy” areas as compared to those who visiting “healthy” retail stores, were more likely to be at risk of high blood pressure, say researchers. The study using Pop-up health check stations in England found a possible link between “unhealthy’ shopping centres and…

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Cannabis extract can be used to treat psychosis, says this study

A single dose of the non-intoxicating compound of cannabis — cannabidiol — can help reduce brain function abnormalities seen in people with psychosis, results of a clinical trial, led by an Indian-origin doctor, has revealed. Psychosis is a mental disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality. Brain activity in the people at risk of psychosis remains abnormal compared to the healthy ones. But in people who had cannabidiol, the abnormal brain activity was less severe than for those who received a placebo, suggesting cannabidiol can help re-adjust brain activity to…

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Single pill with two drugs can boost treatment for blood pressure, says study

A single pill with two drugs could transform blood pressure treatment as most of the patients are often reluctant to take more than a pill, according to a research. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, recognised that a major reason for poor rates of blood pressure control is that patients do not adhere to medications. Non-adherence increases with the number of pills, so administering the two drugs (or three, if needed) in a single tablet could transform blood pressure control rates, the researchers said. “The vast majority of…

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Breastfeeding might cut off stroke risk: Study

A new research has found that breastfeeding can reduce stroke risk in post-menopausal women. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed 23 per cent lower risk of stroke among breastfeeding women. “Some studies have reported that breastfeeding may reduce the rates of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and risk of developing Type-2 diabetes in mothers,” said lead author Lisette T. Jacobson, Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Recent findings point to the benefits of breastfeeding on heart disease and other…

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Kidneys can be affected because of poor air quality, says study

Polluted air increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which occurs when a person’s kidneys are damaged, or cannot filter blood properly, researchers, including one of Indian origin, have found. The study highlighted that people with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease are at an increased risk of developing CKD. Apart from PM2.5, air pollution also contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium -all of which are known to negatively affect the kidneys. Researchers from the University of Michigan in the US, warn high risk…

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Maternal depression may affect child’s mental health, says study

Women, take note. If you are suffering from depression, it may affect your child’s stress and physical well-being throughout life, a new study has found. The findings, published in the Journal of Diabetes, suggested that depressed mothers had higher cortisol (CT) and secretory immunoglobulin (s-IgA) — markers of stress and the immune system — levels and displayed more negative parenting, characterised by negative effect, intrusion, and criticism. “Following mothers and children across the first decade of life, we found that exposure to maternal depression impairs functioning of the child’s immune system…

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