U.S. adults get almost as many calories from alcohol as from sugar-sweetened drinks, a new government study has found. The study was based on interviews with more than 11,000 people. They were asked detailed questions about what they ate and drank in the last 24 hours. Sugar-sweetened drinks accounted for about 6% of calories and alcohol added about 5%. One-third of men and one-fifth of women had consumed some form of alcohol on the day in question. The average was about 150 calories a day â equal to a beer â for men. For women, the average was about 50 calories a day, roughly half a glass of wine. Men drank mostly beer. Women drank beer, wine and liquor, with no clear favorites. Younger adults drank more than older ones. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the study. The Associated Press wrote about it November 15.
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Breast calcifications are common, affecting about 50% of women over age 50. Most calcifications are noncancerous and do not need treatment. If they are clustered in one breast, they may require a biopsy.
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Researchers have identified several effective fall prevention strategies, including home safety modifications, home-based exercise programs, tai chi, cataract surgery, changes to medication doses, and anti-slip shoes.
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Not having a bowel movement every day doesn’t always indicate a problem. It is more important that bowel movements be free of pain or strain. To reverse constipation, get adequate dietary fiber, drink enough water, and check for constipating medications.
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The risk of heart complications in people with kidney disease may be reduced as much as 20% by lowering cholesterol with medications.
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In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the internal mammary (or thoracic) artery is the graft of choice for bypassing blockages in the main coronary artery, because it tends to remain open and functioning well for many years.
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After the bacteria that causes ulcers are eradicated from the body, a person does not have to take acid-reducing drugs to prevent symptoms and help healing, a study suggests.
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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has reaffirmed its 2004 recommendation that women at low risk not be routinely screened for ovarian cancer, because routine screening does not reduce ovarian cancer deaths.
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In people who received a cardiac stent more than a year earlier, it is safe to stop clopidogrel use before elective surgery, and possibly permanently.
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Some topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve osteoarthritis pain as well as oral medicines, with less risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The best evidence is for diclofenac solution or gel.
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