August Health Pearls

August Health News

1. Taller women have an increased risk of cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, 2013; 22(8):  1353-63.

As part of the Women’s Health Initiative study, which followed 144,709 women, all postmenopausal, ages 50-74, researchers found that for every 4 inches of height over 5 feet, the risk of cancer rose by 13%.  “Height was significantly positively associated with risk of all cancers, [including] cancers of the thyroid, rectum, kidney, endometrium, colorectum, colon, ovary and breast, and with multiple myeloma and melanoma,” the authors concluded.  Researchers are quick to point out that no one understands why there seems to be a relationship and that the overall risk is low.  For women of average height, the overall incidence is 850 cancers per 100,000 women per year. In women around 5 feet tall, it is 750 cancers per 100,000 women per year. But in those around 5 feet 9 inches, the risk is about 1,000 cancers per 100,000 women per year.  This relationship between height and cancer risk has been reported previously in the U.K.’s Million Women Study.  However, the risk for cancer is much higher for smoking, rather than for height.  The researchers recommend that all women not smoke, eat and exercise well and do appropriate cancer screening.

2.  Fluoroquinolones May Cause Peripheral Neuropathy, FDA.gov link:  http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm365050.htm

The FDA released an official statement that a commonly prescribed group of antibiotics can cause peripheral neuropathy.  This class of medicines includes Cipro (generic ciprofloxacin), which became infamous in the Anthrax attacks of 2001.  Ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin are commonly prescribed for infections affecting the urinary tract, upper respiratory tract, and bowel.  The FDA recommends stopping the medication if patients develop numbness and tingling sensations in their hands, arms, feet or legs.

3.   Higher Blood Glucose Levels May Be Risk Factor for Dementia, New England Journal of Medicine 2013; 369:  540-548

In a study involving 2067 patients over 6.8 years, among people without diabetes, higher average blood sugar levels were correlated with an increased risk for dementia.  Another good reason to keep the blood sugar in the normal range and to exercise and keep weight down.

4.   U.S. Health Life Expectancy Increased Between 1990 to 2010, Journal of the American Medical Association 2013; 310: 591-608

The U.S. Burden of Disease Collaborators published their report this month, noting that life expectancy for both sexes combined increased from 75.2 years in 1990 to 78.2 years in 2010.  Diseases with the most effect on decreasing life expectancy were ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and road injury.  Diseases that caused chronic disability were low back pain, major depressive disorder, neck pain, anxiety disorders and musculoskeletal disorders.  Risk factors that lead to disability are tobacco smoking, obesity, poor diets, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, lack of exercise and alcohol use.  So to improve long term health, it is best to exercise, eat well and moderately, quit smoking, quit drinking, and keep your weight down.