Hypertension and its Burden of Disease
Researchers estimate that 874 million adults worldwide have a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher. Analyzing data from 844 population-based studies in 154 countries between 1990 and 2015, scientists attempted to assess the relationship of hypertension to various causes of death. They estimate that 14% of total deaths and 143 million life-years of…
Read MoreObesity and Knee Replacements
In the last 15 years, knee replacement surgeries have tripled. Curious researchers found that obesity contributed to 95% of the increase of knee surgeries, compared to hip surgeries. Even more troubling, these increases in knee troubles are found largely in younger populations. Excess weight damages knee joints more than hip joints and researchers expect the…
Read MoreLight Physical Activity Lowers Risk for Disability
Current exercise guidelines recommend 150 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. However, light physical activity (casual walking, pushing a grocery cart, light housework, etc.) of at least 229 minutes/week may reduce new disability by up to 49%. This was found in a group of 1680 adults 49 and older who had knee osteoarthritis or risk factors…
Read MoreEat Well, Exercise, & Stop Smoking–Still Great Advice!
French researchers followed 4000 seniors for almost 7 years. Each participant was disability-free at baseline. After adjusting for potential confounders, the following factors were found to contribute to excess disability risk: low physical activity 72% smoking 26% low fruit and vegetable intake 24% The results were similar when those who developed disabilities in the first 4 years…
Read More3 Key Risks for Old-age Disability
A 12 year study of 4000 seniors found that three unhealthy habits increase the risk of disability later in life. French researchers tracked seniors’ disability from 2001-2012 finding physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking each increase the risk of disability. In addition, the risk of disability increased progressively as unhealthy behaviors clustered. Seniors with ALL three risk factors were…
Read MoreLook at the Bright Side of Life!
Attitude counts! A Yale School of Public Health study has found that positive attitudes on aging are associated with a 44% greater likelihood of recovery from severe disability versus negative attitudes. Participants were significantly more likely to recover from any state of injury to no or mild disability if they consistently focused on the bright…
Read MoreIncreasing Weight and Smoking Affects Life Expectancy and Years of Disability
A study of life expectancy and disability among normal weight, overweight, and obese smokers and nonsmokers, found that disability risks increase with greater weight. Being overweight or obese increased the risk of disability by 15% and 64%, respectively. Non-smokers who were overweight or obese experienced 3.6 and 6.1 more years of disability, respectively, compared those of normal weight. …
Read MoreSquaring Off Life!
Just a few days ago, a dear friend of ours past to her rest at age 94. She was an incredible lady with a zest for life and and a love for other people. It is hard to believe that just a month ago she was driving her own vehicle on her errands, and living…
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