Mammogram
Breast Cancer, Prevention, Radiology

How to assess your risk for breast cancer

One in eight American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. A combination of factors can influence your risk.

Some are unmodifiable, such as age, having dense breasts and a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, while others are modifiable, such as physical activity levels, weight and reproductive history.

Photo of a woman sitting in front of a wood stove warming her hands by the fire.
Heart and Circulatory System, Lungs, Prevention

Wood burning produces a complex chemical mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases, which can be breathed deep into the lungs. The specific contents vary based on the type of stove and the type of fuel, but chemicals can include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of volatile organic compounds, such as cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

Claymation style illustration of a woman and her doctor talking in the doctors office
Doctors, Healthcare Providers, Prevention

Why seeing the same doctor could save your life

A review examining 1.4 million patients worldwide found that those who do not see the same doctor regularly are more likely to die within a certain period. This consistent relationship with a doctor is known as “continuity of care”.

Many of the benefits of this approach probably stem from the fact that doctors accumulate knowledge about an individual patient, which they then use in subsequent consultations to tailor advice.

Claymation style illustration of a young hispanic woman washing her hands carefully in a sink with a calm expression on her face
Food-borne Illness, Prevention

New year, new norovirus outbreaks: Let’s add ‘hand washing’ to the resolution list!

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea, is prevalent during the winter months. Symptoms typically last 1-3 days and include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Prevention involves frequent handwashing, especially after contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, and proper cleaning and disinfection of affected areas.

Child eating diet fast food hamburger fries
Diet, Health News, Nutrition, Prevention, Public Health

Junk food and drug use cut into life expectancy gains for states

Bad habits such as junk food, smoking and illicit drug use are preventing longer lifespans even as technology brings major progress in diseases such as cancer and heart disease, according to a new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Nine of the 10 states (all but North Dakota) with the longest life expectancies for babies born this year are dominated by Democrats, and all 10 have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. All 10 states with the shortest life expectancies are controlled by Republicans (though Kentucky has a Democratic governor), and they include five of the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid.

Dall·e 2024 12 04 07.11.38 a claymation style illustration of an older man lifting weights in a cheerful and colorful home gym. the man is wearing a light workout outfit with sn
Aging, Fitness, Prevention, Seniors

Healthspan versus lifespan: The vital role of muscle in successful aging

The extension of life expectancy in the 20th century and beyond is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. However, it is crucial to draw a distinction between lifespan — the amount of time between birth and death — and healthspan, which is the amount of time during which a person is healthy within their lifespan. Older people are spending more time in poor health, and this represents a major individual and public health burden.