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

December 31, 2024

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.

Claymation style illustration of a younger woman lifting small hand barbells
Drugs, Fitness, Weight Loss

Weight loss drugs help with fat loss – but they cause bone and muscle loss too

December 30, 2024

GLP-1-based drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) work by helping people to feel less hungry. This results in them eating less – leading to weight loss.

Studies show that these drugs are very effective in helping people lose weight. In clinical trials of people with obesity, these drugs lead to a weight loss of up to 20% body weight in some instances.

But it’s important to note that not all the weight lost is fat. Research shows that up to one-third of this weight loss is so-called “non-fat mass” – this includes muscle and bone mass.

Claymation-style illustration of a young boy sitting at a table with a bad cough.
Infectious Disease, Influenza/Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus / RSV

Why winter makes you more vulnerable to colds – a public health nurse explains the science behind the season

December 27, 2024

Many viruses, including rhinovirus – the usual culprit for the common cold – influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remain infectious longer and replicate faster in colder temperatures and at lower humidity levels. This, coupled with the fact that people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others during cold weather, are common reasons that germs are more likely to spread.

Walking in park
Aging, Fitness, Seniors

There’s a link between walking speed and ageing well. Here’s how you can improve your pace

December 27, 2024

Various studies have found a link between low walking speed in adults over 65 and a greater risk of cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, falls (which could lead to fractures), hospitalisation, and even an increased overall mortality rate.

A higher walking speed, on the other hand, is associated with increased functional capacity, meaning a better ability to move around and do activities independently. It is also linked to greater longevity.

But how fast should you walk?

Holiday heart
Heart and Circulatory System

Been drinking and your heart’s fluttering? You may have ‘holiday heart’

December 13, 2024

Maybe there’s a flutter in your chest or neck. Maybe you feel dizzy or short of breath. You may feel so concerned you go to the emergency department.

After a few tests, you’re told you have “alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmia”. In plain English, that’s an irregular heartbeat brought on by excessive, or binge drinking.

The condition is common at this time of year. That’s why it’s also called “holiday heart”.

Clipboard with a sheet of paper with "Medicaid" written at the top on a desk with stethoscope and other medical equip ment.
Health Costs, Health Insurance, Medicaid, Politics

Work Requirements for Medicaid Could Be Returning as Republicans Take Back the Power

December 11, 2024

During the first Trump Administration, states were encouraged to submit waiver requests to implement Medicaid work requirements, a decision which signaled the weaponization of the Section 1115 authority as a means of achieving a long-standing Republican policy goal. Ultimately, thirteen such waivers were approved. Federal lawsuits soon followed and stories about how these requirements could impact rural communities began to emerge.