New research shows that high doses of drugs used by millions of people to treat skin conditions such as eczema significantly increase the risk of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.
When researchers examined the medical records of 8,000 patients, they found that those who used corticosteroids – creams and ointments that narrow blood vessels and dampen inflammation – had an increased risk of osteoporosis and a fracture over a five-year period year to develop.
Those who took the highest dose of steroids had a 34 percent higher risk of the disease, but even those who took a low dose had a 22 percent increase.
Women were more sensitive to problems than men. In the UK, it is estimated that one in two women and one in five men over 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture at some point in their lives.
Although corticosteroids are highly effective and extremely safe, they are designed for short-term use because they can cause serious side effects if administered incorrectly. The drugs can change the way the body uses calcium and vitamin D to build bones, which can lead to bone loss, osteoporosis and bone fractures.
“The use of topical corticosteroids to treat inflammatory skin diseases should be done very carefully and doctors should be aware of these possible side effects,” says study author Chia-Yu Chu of National Taiwan University Hospital.
New research shows that high doses of drugs used by millions of people to treat skin conditions such as eczema significantly increase the risk of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.
A pre-Christmas diet could lead to stress and poor health over the holidays, doctors suspect.
A survey of more than 2,000 people by private health group Pall Mall Medical found that a third of Britons have tried to lose weight because they fear putting on extra pounds over the holidays.
We consume an average of 6,000 calories on Christmas Day – three times the recommended limit.
Nevertheless, says Dr. Mariyam Hassan Malik, GP at Pall Mall Medical, said diet could simply contribute to Christmas stress: “It’s crucial to strike a balance between festive activities and self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, exercise and a balanced diet .”
A pre-Christmas diet could lead to stress and poor health over the holidays, doctors suspect
Men who struggle with long-term pelvic pain can benefit from relaxation techniques and exercises.
The new study, which looked at 77 men, found that the majority who stuck to the daily routine had a 25 percent reduction in symptoms after one year.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a common urological diagnosis in men under the age of 50, but the cause is usually unclear.
Symptoms include testicular pain and difficulty ejaculating or urinating. Experts say stress can cause men to unconsciously tense the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to the problems.
Many men in the study initially took unnecessary antibiotics, but were able to reduce them and find relief with exercise alone.
The drug can “melt” fat in the arteries.
A drug that “melts away” fat in the arteries can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A 2017 study from the University of Aberdeen showed that the drug trodusquemin reversed fat buildup in the blood vessels of mice. Last week, scientists proved that it has the same effect on humans. It works by inhibiting the enzyme PTP1B, which contributes to fat build-up in artery walls.
Professor James Leiper, associate professor at the British Heart Foundation – which funded the research – said: “These are potentially exciting results, but further research is needed.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
