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Taking high doses of common pain relievers for a long time may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke up to one-third, a review of research finds. The study focused on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and generics) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve and generics). Diclofenac, another NSAID, is popular in Europe. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) was taken off the market in 2004 because of an increased heart attack risk. Other coxibs, including celecoxib (Celebrex), are still sold. Experts still debate whether other NSAIDs carry the same risk as Vioxx. The new research review combined results of 639 studies. People in these studies were randomly assigned to take an NSAID or a placebo (fake pill). Taking high-dose diclofenac or a coxib increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes and related death by about one-third.

About 1.6 million U.S. children were homeless at some point in 2010. The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging doctors and the public to help improve life for these children. The journal Pediatrics published the new policy statement May 27. It notes that many people lost their homes in the recent recession. Homeless children tend to have more physical and mental health problems. The statement urges doctors to help these families apply for Medicaid. Doctors also can take other steps to improve health care for the homeless. Doctors and the public can press for public policy changes, too. One example is improved access to short-term and permanent housing. Other changes could help schools and the foster care system to support homeless children.

A small new study suggests that taking a statin drug to lower cholesterol may reduce some of the positive effects of exercise. The study included 37 people who were overweight or obese. They had high blood pressure, large waist size or other factors that increased their risk of heart disease. They had slightly high levels of LDL cholesterol and did not exercise regularly. Researchers randomly divided them into 2 groups. Both groups completed a 12-week program of supervised exercise. One group also took 40 milligrams of simvastatin daily. After the 12 weeks, people who did not take statins showed a 10% improvement in their aerobic fitness. Those taking statins improved by only about 1%. Researchers also took samples of muscle tissue. They found that people who did not take statins had a 13% increase in activity by mitochondria.