Alcohol intake may increase blood pressure

Link between alcohol and blood pressure may be greater than previous studies suggest – The relationship between heavy drinking and hypertension is more significant than previously thought according to a new analysis of recent studies by researchers at Bristol University, published in PLoS Medicine.

Psychological distress linked to increased risk of stroke

Psychological distress, but not depression, may increase the risk of stroke. Previous studies have shown that stroke often leads to depression, but the evidence was mixed as to whether depression could lead to stroke. – Psychological distress, but not depression, may increase the risk of stroke, according to a study published in the March_4, 2008, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Previous studies have shown that stroke often leads to depression, but the evidence was mixed as to whether depression could lead to stroke.

Tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy, may threaten health

Findings from a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study indicate that rates of tobacco use during pregnancy, as well as exposure of pregnant women and their young children to secondhand smoke, are significant threats to health in several low and middle-income countries. – Rates of tobacco use during pregnancy, as well as exposure of pregnant women and their young children to secondhand smoke, are significant threats to health in several low and middle-income countries, reveals a study from National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Brain scans reveal biological basis of cocaine addiction

Cocaine alters the parts of the brain responsible for controlling behaviour and making appropriate decisions. – Researchers looking at brain activity of cocaine users may have identified a biological lack of willpower’ that will help us understand why some people become long-term addicts while others can use the drug socially.

Improved cognitive health among older Americans

Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002. Higher levels of education were associated with better cognitive health. – Higher levels of health education improved cognitive health among older Americans. Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002.

Global meet on microbicides begins in India

Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) is organising the 4-day biannual International Microbicides 2008 Conference. It was inaugurated yesterday by the Indian Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. – The 4-day biannual International Microbicides 2008 Conference was inaugurated yesterday by the Indian Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. Congratulating the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for organizing this important international event, the Minister particularly emphasized the need for an active participation and collaboration amongst all stakeholders in achieving the goal of developing a safe, effective, and accessible microbicide for a woman more than a man to deal with behavioral change.

1 in 3 primary school children obese

Nearly one in three children in Year 6 of primary school is overweight or obese, according to a report out from The NHS Information Centre, UK. – Nearly one in three children in Year 6 of primary school is overweight or obese, according to a report out from The NHS Information Centre, UK.

Tougher action needed on alcohol misuse

British Medical Association lobbied for higher taxes on alcohol, an end to happy hours. – A new hard-hitting report ‘Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic’ launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) calls on governments to show leadership and implement a full range of effective control policies that will reduce the burden of alcohol misuse.

Memory loss, less common in older Americans

Good news on gray matter: Memory loss and other cognitive impairment becoming less common in older Americans, U-M study finds; Better education, finances & cardiovascular care may be boosting brain health. – It appears that memory loss and thinking problems are becoming less common among older Americans. A new study shows a downward trend in the rate of “cognitive impairment” – the umbrella term for everything from significant memory loss to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – among people aged 70 and older.

Majority of troops avoid couch talk

Mental health in the military: Majority of troops avoid couch talk; First Canadian study to examine mental health among armed forces and barriers to help. – Mental disorders ranging from depression to alcoholism need to be de-stigmatized among military personnel to encourage troops to seek support when needed, according to a national investigation published in the February edition of the research journal, Medical Care.

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