Insidermedicine in 60 - November 20, 2007

From Stanford - Using pedometers results in walking more and lowering blood pressure. According to a meta-analysis of 26 studies, those who used pedometers walked an extra 2000 or more steps per day - the equivalent of a mile. They also lowered their BMI and lowered their systolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg. It is estimated that if 10% of Americans began a daily walking program over $5 billion could be shaved off the healthcare budget.

From Duke - Obese men may have artificially low levels of prostate-specific antigen, a marker that is frequently monitored to detect and follow prostate cancer. In fact, a patient whose BMI was 35 had an 11-21% lower PSA level than those of regular weight. This does not mean that obese males are protected from prostate cancer, but rather that the test may not be accurate in detecting cancer or inflammation of the prostate in those who are overweight.

And finally from Boston - Researchers from Harvard's Mass General have concluded that those with migraine may be wired differently. Comparing the brains of those with migraines to those without, researchers noted that the somatosensory cortex was 21% thicker in those with migraine, especially in the areas that supply sensation to the head and face. Researchers are unsure whether the changes cause migraine or if they result from the condition.

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

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• pedometer
• walk
• step
• count
• body
• mass
• index
• obesity
• prostate
• hospital
• headache
• migraine
• medical
• health
• brain
• university

[ennui1812]

I just think that this medical news from Stanford is trying to show an example of the problem of obesity in real life without violating people's privacy. I'm fat and wouldn't appreciate having people recognize me. My face is far more individual and recognizable than my butt.

I have started using a pedometer and it is helping me to come to terms with how little I walk even when "busy." So, now I have doubled the steps I take each day. After 6 weeks of averaging daily steps I feel much better!

[VioletYoshi]

The people at Standford university are so stupid, they haven't yet realized that fat people have heads and faces! Why would you listen to a college who belives that.