I am 72-years-old. I had sudden onset of low back pain one week ago for the first time. It is only a little better. My doctor said I did not need an x-ray or other imaging test. Is that normal?
A structured exercise program may reduce the risk of serious injury from falls in older women, a new study suggests. The study included about 400 women, ages 70 to 80. All of them had normal vitamin D levels when the study began. They were randomly divided into 4 groups. One group took daily pills containing 800 international units of vitamin D. Another group took part in a structured exercise program. They focused on improving balance, agility and movement. They also worked on strength and the ability to lift weight. Classes occurred twice a week for a year, then once a week for a second year. A third group took vitamin D and also took exercise classes. The fourth group did neither. During the 2-year study, women in all 4 groups were equally likely to fall. But those in the 2 groups that did exercise were only about half as likely to have a serious injury when they fell.
Training parents to care for their children with ADHD may lead to improved behavior, a new study suggests. The study included 156 low-income children, ages 6 to 12. Their doctors had referred them to specialists to find out if they had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children were randomly divided into 2 groups. Both groups received care management that offered parents help in making decisions. One group also received “enhanced care.” These parents learned how to be involved in their child’s treatment, manage behavior challenges and address their own mental-health needs. Care managers provided the training. They were not health-care professionals but had been trained to teach this program. They served as go-betweens for the parents and the medical team. Parents completed questionnaires about symptoms in the middle of the 1-year study and at the end.
People with sudden (acute) liver failure do just as well if they receive a partial liver from a live donor as they do with a traditional transplant, a study finds. The donors seem to do well, too. The study found they had no serious problems after the procedure. People with sudden liver failure often can’t wait for a transplant from a live donor. About 80% of those who can’t get a transplant die. The new study compared results from transplants at a large hospital in a 7-year period. In that time, 26 people got liver transplants from recently deceased donors. Another 7 people got transplants from live donors. Risks and results were similar for both procedures. About 31% of those who got live-donor transplants had infections, bleeding or other problems afterward. These problems occurred in 43% of those with traditional transplants.
I recently had a blood test. My bilirubin level was high. What does that mean?
I recently had a brain MRI after a fall. I did not have a concussion. However, my doctor told me I have white spots, but not to worry. I consider myself a bright 75-year-old. Do I need to worry?
In Mexican-Americans, problems with cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure are better predictors of artery disease than excess weight, a new study finds. Researchers measured all of these factors, and others, among 503 Mexican-American adults. Their average age was about 50. They also gave everyone carotid ultrasound tests. This test can detect atherosclerosis (plaque) in the arteries of the neck. Usually that means someone has plaque inside other arteries as well. This can lead to heart attack and stroke. About 78% of those in the study were found to be metabolically unhealthy. This means they had at least 2 of the following problems: insulin resistance (which can lead to high blood sugar) or already high levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides or C-reactive protein. About half of those in the study were obese.