Insidermedicine in 60 - August 25, 2008

From the UK - According to research in the journal Heart, an aspirin a day may prevent a heart attack. In a study of nearly 12,000 patients, researchers found that from the age of 47 in men and the age of 57 in women, the ten-year heart disease risk is 10%. The researchers state that this is a risk worth treating and, with the exception of those at risk of dangerous side effects, the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the disadvantages.

From Israel - While the effect of mental outlook on cancer remains controversial, a study published in the journal BMC Cancer indicates that positive thinking can help ward off the disease. By comparing over 250 women with breast cancer against a control group, researchers found that having a positive outlook on life decreased the risk of cancer by 25%, while suffering two or more traumatic events increased the risk by 62%. The researchers concede that the women were asked for their outlook on life after they had been diagnosed, which may have affected their response.

And finally, from Toronto - An outbreak of listeriosis at a Maple Leaf Foods plant has resulted in 21 confirmed cases of illness, including four deaths. Due to the long incubation period of the bacterium, more cases are expected in the weeks ahead, and Maple Leaf Foods has ordered a massive recall, which will cost the company about $20 million. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and may occur up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• aspirin
• bayer
• coronary
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• perception
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