HEALTH SECRET

With wildfires becoming more frequent and extensive in Canada, it's important for people to understand the health risks of wildfire smoke. An article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) aims to provide information for clinicians and people in Canada as wildfire season is upon us. http://dlvr.it/T8N701

Scientists developed an open-access Indian Nutrient Databank with nutrient compositions of raw food items and commonly consumed recipes. http://dlvr.it/T8Mw3s

Researchers have presented the latest findings from a clinical trial aimed at discovering a cure for sickle cell disease, a painful genetic blood disorder with limited treatment options. http://dlvr.it/T8Mvyz

New research could lead to researchers reevaluating who needs to be on statins. andreswd/Getty Images * A new analysis re-evaluates statins and who should use them. * Statins are widely used to help lower cholesterol. * Using a new analysis, researchers found that millions of people may be taking statins they do not need. New research finds that many people currently taking statins to lower cholesterol may not actually need this medication. An analysis, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, investigates how statin usage would change using an updated equation. Currently, doctors use so-called Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) to help decide whether a patient needs statins. These equations take into account a range of factors that play a part in heart disease risk. Recently, experts designed a new, more accurate equation called Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events (PREVENT). Researchers found that millions fewer people would meet the criteria for

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is more effective for long-term weight loss than lifestyle changes and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Nastasic/Getty Images * New research found that metabolic and bariatric surgery resulted in greater weight loss compared to two GLP-1 drugs and lifestyle modifications. * Bariatric surgery is a one-time procedure, while people need to continue receiving weekly injections of GLP-1 drugs to maintain most of the weight loss. * Doctors continue to use all three types of treatments, depending on a patient’s specific situation. Metabolic and bariatric surgery led to greater weight loss compared to two newer anti-obesity drugs and lifestyle modifications, and it also provided long lasting results, new research shows. In this preliminary study, researchers reviewed earlier studies looking at the benefits of these types of treatments for weight loss. They found that lifestyle modifications such as diet and exer

Lightning struck a beach in the northern coastal town of Isabela during inclement weather Monday, injuring three children, one seriously, Puerto Rican police said. http://dlvr.it/T7VHxn

People with disabilities account for 13% of all pregnancies in Ontario, but a new report shows that this population was more likely to experience pregnancy complications such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and preterm birth. http://dlvr.it/T7TxpB