Psoriasis increases diabetes and high blood pressure in women

In this prospective analysis, psoriasis was independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension. Future studies are needed to find out whether psoriasis treatment will reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension. – Women with psoriasis appear to have an increased risk for developing diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Excess hair growth in women may indicate PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hirsutism in young women, and 70-80% of women with hirsutism suffer from PCOS. – Hirsutism involves the growth of coarse hair in females in a male-like pattern. It is a distressing condition that affects 5-15% of women. It can be particularly upsetting for young women undergoing the emotional and psychosocial upheaval of adulthood.

Urine test predicts lung cancer risk in smokers

Urine test may determine if a smoker is at risk for lung cancer. – Researchers may have uncovered why lung cancer afflicts some smokers and not others, according to data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting 2009.

Public transit users 3 times more healthy and fit

Public transit users 3 times more likely to meet fitness guidelines: UBC research – A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia suggests taking public transit may help you keep fit.

Aggressive breast cancer risk higher for black women

Risk of aggressive breast cancer subtype 3 times higher for black women – Lifestyle, age and weight have all been considered as risk factors for breast cancer. Now a study published in the open access journal Breast Cancer Research has found that even taking these factors into consideration, black women face three times the risk of developing an aggressive ‘triple negative tumour’ compared to women of other racial backgrounds.

Women with BRCA mutation most likely to undergo mastectomy

Women with BRCA mutation, or worry, most likely to undergo prophylactic mastectomy. Patients’ fear should be strongly considered when counseling women at high risk for breast cancer. – Women at increased risk for breast cancer because of the genetic BRCA mutations are more likely to think a prophylactic mastectomy is the best way to reduce their risk for the disease, compared to other women who are at high risk, according to researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Playful active kids lead active lifestyle

Teenagers and children from active homes more likely to be active teens. – The key to raising active teenagers is giving them plenty of opportunities to play at home and be part of an active family when younger, new University of Otago research suggests.

Alcohol abuse may lead to depression risk

Alcohol abuse may lead to depression risk, rather than vice versa – A statistical modeling study suggests that problems with alcohol abuse may lead to an increased risk of depression, as opposed to the reverse model in which individuals with depression self-medicate with alcohol, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

1/3rd Americans lose sleep over economy

US National Sleep Foundation poll finds inadequate sleep is associated with health and safety. – One-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns, according to a new poll released today by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).

Unhealthy lifestyle doubles stroke risk

Combined effect of health behaviors and risk of first ever stroke in 20,040 men and women over 11 years’ follow-up in Norfolk cohort of European Prospective Investigation of Cancer. – People who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat and drink sensibly, don’t smoke, and take regular exercise, finds a study published on bmj.com today.

Health Newstrack