You have most likely heard from a friend, family member or even health care provider that drinking red wine can have benefits for cardiovascular health.  Two newly published studies show that those benefits may be realized from any variety of alcohol, not just red wine, provided that moderation is exercised in the consumption.

According to information gathered from nearly 150 different studies people who consumed a moderate amount of alcohol were able to reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 25%.  This benefit was seen in the studies regardless of the type of alcohol the participants consumed when the drinks were limited to one, or less, per day.

The key to realizing the potentially positive effects of alcohol

An evaluation of nearly 2000 people in Alleghany County Pennsylvania shows a startlingly low prevalence of heart health among middle aged Americans.  Of the more than 1930 evaluations conducted only one person fell into what is considered to be the category of ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association.

In order to rank as ideal in terms of cardiovascular health according to the American Heart Association, people must meet seven criteria.  Among the seven criteria are four important behavioral characteristics – being a non-smoker, not being overweight, participating is a goal based exercise program and consuming a healthy diet.
In order to achieve an ideal rating

The war against obesity now has another ally as the Lap-Band gastric bypass procedure received FDA approval for people with a BMI of over 30 and at least one other obesity related health risk.  The approval comes on the heels of many denied prescription weight loss medications and makes the Lap-Band procedure the only approved surgical option for those with a BMI from 30-35. According to statistics there are nearly 40 million Americans with a body mass index between 30 and 40 who have at least one other obesity related health condition.  The Lap-Band procedure would give many of these people an opportunity to get their weight under control

A new study, conducted by researchers of the University of Pittsburgh, shows that insufficient or poor sleep may increase the pain and functional disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

More than 150 RA suffers filled out detailed questionnaires concerning sleep patterns, emotional health and overall health.  More than 60% of the study participants fell into the category of “poor sleepers” and more than a third reported having  rest interrupted at least three times a week from pain, most likely associated with RA.

Researchers suggest that insufficient sleep

A new study suggests a possible connection between the consumption of foods rich in flavonoids and a decreased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease in men.  The results of the study which followed nearly 50,000 men and more than 80,000 women for more than two decade will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in April.

Participants of the study filled out questionnaires detailing the types and quantities of foods they consumed through the course of the study.  Researchers than calculated their total flavonoid intake upon the information submitted via the health questionnaire responses.

Researchers were able to conclude from the information gathered that men who consumed the greatest quantities of flavonoid rich foods on the questionnaires

Doctors and health care providers have long been aware that obesity increases the risk for serious health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, which lead to an increased risk of heart disease.  A new study conducted in Scotland reveals that obesity increases the chances of a deadly heart attack even when other contributing factors aren’t present though.

The study, published in the online journal Heart, began nearly twenty years ago and has tracked the health of more than six thousand middle aged men.  Researchers have concluded from the information they gathered over two decades that obese middle aged men

Millions of Americans turn to diet soda as a healthier, but still flavorful, alternative to full calorie sodas when looking to reach or maintain a healthy weight.  While diet soda may seem like the perfect solution for health conscious soda drinkers, the results of a new study shed some light on some possible serious health concerns for diet soda fans.

The nine year study, presented at the International Stroke Conference, suggests that people who drink diet soda every day could be increasing their risk of heart disease or stroke by nearly fifty percent.

Health care providers have been cautioning patients for years about diets that are too high in sodium.  Too much sodium has long been connected with the risk of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke.  A new study has revealed another possible connection between salt and stroke that could be completely independent of blood pressure though.

The study, which was presented at the recent International Stroke Conference, suggests that even seemingly minor increases in sodium intake can work to increase the risk of stroke.  More than 2600 participants filled out questionnaires regarding personal health information, including how much salt they consumed per day.  Researchers factored in other risk factors for stroke, including sex, diet, race, exercise and tobacco and alcohol consumption.

According to a new report issued by the CDC and published in a recent issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Americans need to do more to cut hypertension.  The details of the report indicate that well over half of the adults who suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure aren’t taking the necessary steps to reduce those major risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

There are a number of simple steps that can be taken to reduce a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease, starting with following the advice of a health care provider.  Your health care provider may make simple suggestions for alterations to your diet that will help manage weight and cholesterol.  He or she might suggest increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and limiting foods and beverages that are high in fat, high in salt and high in sugar.

Sufferers of metabolic syndrome are undoubtedly at a greater risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.  A new study reveals that there may be more than physical health problems associated with the common condition though.

An extensive study conducted in France and published in a recent issue of Neurology reveals that people who suffer from metabolic syndrome may be at a greater risk of age related memory