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Q&A: Flu vaccination coverage benefits economy, not just overall health

The CDC recommends influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. However, vaccination coverage in the 2016-2017 season fell below the Healthy People 2020 targets of 70%. According to the CDC, only 59% of children aged 6 months to 17 years and 43.3% of adults aged 18 years or older were vaccinated during the […]

Gluten-free diet’s effect on cardiovascular risk unclear

A systematic review showed no clear evidence that a gluten-free diet has an overall negative impact on cardiovascular risks in patients with celiac disease. » Read more Source: Healio

Catching up on sleep over the weekend may not help the heart

Using the weekend to catch up on sleep may not be good for heart health, a new study suggests. The study, presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, included more than 21,000 older female health care professionals without a history of cardiovascular disease or cancer. Those who spent two or more hours catching […]

Calcium in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis

A new clinical guide summarizes the evidence regarding the effects of calcium in reducing the risk of osteoporosis after the menopause. » Read more Source: Science Daily

Virtual reality training may be as effective as regular therapy after stroke

Using virtual reality therapy to improve arm and hand movement after a stroke is equally as effective as regular therapy, according to a study published in the November 15, 2017, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. » Read more Source: Science Daily

Moderate coffee intake reduces risk for liver cancer, cirrhosis, fibrosis

In a roundtable format, experts gathered to discuss the latest research on coffee and liver disease, which indicate that drinking approximately three to five cups per day is associated with a reduced risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and fibrosis. » Read more Source: Healio

Higher thyroid hormone levels associated with artery disease and early death

High and high-normal levels of a thyroid hormone called FT4, were associated with artery disease and death in elderly and middle-aged people, according to new research in Circulation Research, an American Heart Association journal. » Read more Source: Science Daily

Researchers advise caution about recent US advice on aggressively lowering blood pressure

New research suggests the benefit of aggressively lowering blood pressure in older people, as per major US SPRINT trial, should be balanced against the increased the risk of associated falls and blackouts as otherwise it may harm rather than help » Read more Source: Science Daily

Research review recommends eliminating widely ordered blood test for diagnosing heart attacks

Review is first publication from national consortium of academic medical centers working to eliminate unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures » Read more Source: Science Daily

Benefits of continued statin use after adverse reactions

Patients who continued receiving statin prescriptions had lower rates of death and cardiovascular events » Read more Source: Science Daily