Month: May 2012

Waking up to an alarm clock might seem like a good way to get to work on time. But researchers say it’s an example of “social jetlag” that can lead to sleep loss and obesity. Social jetlag is the mismatch between the body’s internal clock and people’s actual schedules. It leads to sleep deprivation. Needing an alarm clock to wake up, for example, is a sign that you haven’t slept enough. German researchers have spent the last 10 years putting together a database on sleep patterns worldwide. In a new study, they found that people with the most severe “social jetlag” also are more likely to be overweight. The journal Current Biology published the study online May 10.

New expert guidelines should help doctors treating people with lupus kidney disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus is caused by the immune system attacking the body. It often attacks the joints and skin. But other organs also can be damaged. In about 60% of people with lupus, the disease attacks the kidneys. This is called lupus nephritis. If tests show kidney involvement, the next step is a kidney biopsy, the guidelines say. A biopsy shows the pattern of kidney damage and helps to guide treatment. Everyone with lupus kidney damage should take a drug called hydroxycholoquine, the guidelines say. Someone who has protein in the urine also should take an ACE inhibitor or an angiotension receptor blocker. These drugs help to protect the kidneys. Other drugs also are used in more serious cases. Experts told HealthDay News that people with lupus also should follow a healthy lifestyle.

A new study says 42% of U.S. adults will be obese by 2030. Just over one-third are obese now. The new study says the rate of increase in obesity is slowing down. But even the smaller increases will add up. Also by 2030, about 11% of Americans will be severely obese, the study predicts. That’s at least 100 pounds overweight. People who are severely obese have the greatest increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. The new research was presented at a health conference. The Associated Press wrote about it May 7.

Middle school children are more likely to get recommended shots if their states require them, a new study finds. The study focused on 2 shots that U.S. guidelines recommend for boys and girls ages 11 to 12. The TdaP vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. An alternate vaccine, Td, protects against just the first two. Menactra protects against meningococcal disease. The new study looked at immunization rates for the 2008-2009 school year. At the time, 32 states required TdaP or Td. Only 3 required Menactra. About 80% of kids ages 13 to 17 received TdaP or Td in states that required them for entry into middle school. The rate was 70% in other states. In states that required Menactra, 71% received it compared with 53% in other states. The journal Pediatrics published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it May 7.