Health Alert: Early Death from Heart Disease Greater in Women Living in Rural Areas.
An analysis of data regarding premature deaths from coronary artery disease over the last two decades showed that death rates due to coronary artery disease increased about 11% among women living in rural areas. Senior author Dr. Federico Moccetti explains, “Women living in rural areas of the United States have for the first time suffered an increase in premature deaths from coronary artery disease. This is in stark contrast to their urban counterparts, who have experienced a virtually uninterrupted reduction in premature coronary artery disease deaths.” The findings reveal the need to increase public health campaigns focusing on heart health among rural women.
Journal of the American Heart Association, April 2020
Diet: Eat More Fiber!
Using data from the NutriNet-Santé study, researchers report that higher dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2020
Exercise: Get Active After a Heart Attack.
Among a group of 4,570 heart attack patients, those who attended cardiac rehabilitation classes reported higher quality of life scores than those who remained sedentary. Study author Dr. Ben Hurdus adds, “Exercise improves fitness, which has both physical and mental health benefits… If you’re more able to participate in activities that bring you happiness, then you’re more likely to have a better quality of life.”
European Society of Cardiology, April 2020
Chiropractic: Back Pain Common Among Future Physicians.
Questionnaires completed by 640 medical school students revealed that a third experienced an episode of low back pain during the previous year and roughly half had to reduce their activities due to their pain.
International Journal of Preventative Medicine, March 2020
Mental Attitude: Anxiety and Dementia.
A review of data from the Zaragoza Dementia and Depression Project study found that high levels of anxiety are associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk for vascular dementia in older men but not in older women.
Brain Sciences, April 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Reasons to Maintain a Healthy Weight.
The National Institutes of Health notes that maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk for the following: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, pregnancy difficulties, and some types of cancer.
National Institutes of Health, April 2020