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Parent disapproval linked to lower rate of drug misuse among teens

Parents' attitudes toward substance use may help to explain observed racial/ethnic variations in prescription drug misuse among teens, reports a study in the May Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, the official journal of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

13 May 2014

People with mental health conditions more likely to use nicotine-delivery devices, says study

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that people living with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions are twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes and three times as likely to be current users of the controversial battery-powered nicotine-delivery devices, as people without mental health disorders.

13 May 2014

'Face of campaign' initially unable to get coverage

It took a reporter's intervention to obtain coverage for a Chicago resident who had touted the law's benefits at a news conference last year but who had been mired in computer and other problems. Other reports look at how free preventive services may reduce health disparities and whether insurers can charge higher premiums to those who smoke e-cigarettes.

9 May 2014

Children who wheeze are at risk of developing damage that affect lung function

Children who wheeze are at risk of developing damage that will affect their lung function by the age of 6 years, according to researchers at CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital and the University of Montreal.

8 May 2014

Children who spend more hours in front of screen have high blood pressure

A new study reveals that children who spend two hours or more in front of a screen (TV, computer, videogames etc.) have over 2.5 fold increase in their odds of having high blood pressure (BP). These odds are increased further by overweight and obesity.

8 May 2014

Environmental researchers call for ban on cigarette filters

Ban cigarette filters. Start a deposit-return scheme for used butts. Hold manufacturers responsible for clean-ups. Place warnings on packets about the impact of simply flicking one's used cigarettes away.

7 May 2014

Rat pups exposed to tobacco smoke are at higher risk of developing metabolic disease

While many parents-to-be are aware that the health of their baby starts before they've actually arrived into the world, recent research reveals that "harm" (i.e., tobacco smoke, dirty air, poor nutrition, even preeclampsia) may not present itself disease-wise until well into adulthood or when a second harmful "hit" triggers the individual's susceptibility.

6 May 2014

Women who experience physical violence by partner are more likely to be smokers

One third of women around the world have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners with consequences from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

6 May 2014

Firearm injury prevention in children: Setting the research agenda

Pediatric leaders and researchers will tackle the complex subject of gun violence and critical gaps in research during a symposium on Saturday, May 4, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia.

5 May 2014

Many young parents believe that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes

Many young parents are using electronic cigarettes, and despite any evidence for safety, the vast majority of young adults who have used the devices believe they are less harmful than regular cigarettes, according to research to be presented Sunday, May 4, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

5 May 2014

UAMS receives $1.8M grant to lead new treatments for herpes viruses and cancers

A surprise discovery that could lead to new treatments for herpes viruses that infect more than 90 percent of the world's adult population has led to a $1.8 million grant to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

5 May 2014

Tens of thousands of premature deaths could be prevented each year

Heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and unintentional injuries cause nearly 900,000 premature deaths in the US each year. A recent study showed that 20–40% of deaths from each of these causes could be prevented.

2 May 2014

Drinking alcohol before pregnancy linked to intestinal birth defect

Women should refrain from drinking alcohol before they try to become pregnant, according to maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Loyola University Health System.

1 May 2014

Study: Electronic cigarette "vapors" may worsen acute respiratory diseases among youth

Electronic cigarette "vapors" are made of small particles containing chemicals that may cause or worsen acute respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis, among youth, according to a new study by RTI International.

30 Apr 2014

Report focuses on behavioral issues linked with patients' self-management of type 2 diabetes

Clinical Therapeutics features a special report in its April issue focusing primarily on the behavioral issues associated with patients' self-management of type 2 diabetes.

29 Apr 2014

FDA proposes new regulations for tobacco products

The American Thoracic Society applauds the Food and Drug Administration for moving forward with proposed rules to regulate all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars. This long awaited proposed rule is an important next step toward reducing the death and disease caused by tobacco use in the United States.

26 Apr 2014

FDA proposes rule to include e-cigarettes under its tobacco authority

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently proposed a new rule to regulate additional tobacco products as part of its implementation of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

25 Apr 2014

MIT researchers develop test that can rapidly assess DNA repair systems

Our DNA is under constant attack from many sources, including environmental pollutants, ultraviolet light, and radiation. Fortunately, cells have several major DNA repair systems that can fix this damage, which may lead to cancer and other diseases if not mended.

25 Apr 2014

Researchers examine interaction between alcohol and tobacco in risk of ESCC

The rate of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) nearly doubles in those who both smoke and drink compared to those who only smoke or drink, according to new research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

23 Apr 2014

Lifespan receives 2013 "Best Practice" award for improving employees’ health

The New England Employee Benefits Council named Lifespan, Rhode Island's largest health system, as a recipient of the 2013 "Best Practice" award, presented annually to the companies exhibiting novel, innovative, and impactful strategies in employee benefits.

22 Apr 2014