Harvard Health Content API

Even the healthiest middle-age Americans have a 1 in 3 chance of heart problems or a stroke later in life, a new study finds. But they’ll avoid these diseases longer than less healthy peers. These estimates are based on numbers from 5 large, long-term studies. They included nearly 50,000 people ages 45 and older. Authors of the new study looked at long-term health for people based on whether they had health conditions that increase risk. The healthiest adults were those who didn’t smoke and didn’t have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Among those who fit this healthy profile at age 55, about one-third developed heart or blood vessel problems. The problems included a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chest pain caused by clogged arteries, or death related to one of these conditions.

Medical advice about cutting back on screen time didn’t lead to a reduction for 3-year-olds, a study found. But the children did eat fewer meals in front of the TV. The study included 160 families. All had a child who was seeing a doctor for the regular 3-year-old “well visit.” All of the families got information about media safety. They also answered questions about kids’ eating and media habits. Half of the families, chosen at random, also received more advice. They were told about the health impact of excess screen time, such as TV and video games. They were given strategies to cut back. These included keeping TVs out of kids’ rooms and not watching during meals. One year later, screen time remained the same for children in both groups. But kids whose parents were urged to limit screen time cut back from 1.9 meals a day in front of the TV to 1.6 meals a day.

Popular drugs for depression may lead to more risks than benefits for pregnant women, a review of research finds. The review focused on women who had problems getting pregnant. But the studies reviewed also included other pregnant women. The most popular drugs for depression are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Prior research has linked the use of some of these drugs during pregnancy with higher risks of miscarriage, birth defects and preterm (early) birth. The strongest evidence of risk has been seen for paroxetine (Paxil). Some studies also suggest effects on the babies’ behavior and health. The new review of research found no evidence that treating depression with drugs can lead to a healthier pregnancy or birth. The study did conclude that talk therapy can reduce depression symptoms. This type of treatment does not require drugs.