Weekly News

NASH Patients Suffer Liver Symptoms and Bureaucratic Dysfunction “Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients, health care providers and researchers must feel like they are navigating their way toward effective medications and better outcomes at a frustrating ratio of one step forward, two steps back. Every piece of good news seems to trigger an accompanying setback.” These 4 healthy eating patterns are associated with a lower risk of death, study finds “Your dietary pattern may help predict how long you live. This is the conclusion from a new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association assessing diet quality and mortality. The study found that individuals that consumed a more nutrient-dense diet were less likely to die early.” Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood may lower the risk of chronic kidney problems “A new study suggests that by including fish-rich omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, people can reduce their risk of chronic kidney disease.” Mindfulness exercises can help relieve anxiety as effectively as medications like Lexapro “If you’re looking for a way to treat your anxiety without medication, a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that mindfulness-based interventions such as breath awareness exercises, body scans, and mindful movement, like stretching, may be as effective as taking medication.” Adding one handful of walnuts to the diet can provide good nutrition “A new study from researchers at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington has found that adding one ounce of walnuts (or one handful) to the diet of children and adults who do not normally eat nuts improves diet quality and intake of some under-consumed nutrients of public health importance. Consistent evidence shows that walnuts as a snack or within a meal can provide good nutrition and be part of a healthy diet for life.” Massive study uncovers how much exercise is needed to live longer “Consistent exercise is good for a person’s health and well-being—that is well known. But how many minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity are needed to lower the risk of premature mortality? A study published in the journal Circulation defines that number and shares guidance on what level of physical activity is needed to maintain health and improve fitness.” Non-invasive Neurotechnology Reduces Symptoms of Insomnia and Improves Autonomic Nervous System Function “Newswise — WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Jan. 27, 2023 – A good night’s sleep is crucial to health and well-being. Numerous research studies have shown that insomnia can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, obesity, diabetes and other illnesses. Now, a new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows significant improvements in not only sleep quality, but also in improved autonomic nervous system function using a closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology.” UW-Madison: Following pandemic, educators are not all right, but meditation could ease burden “MADISON – Approaching the 3-year anniversary of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many can attest to the mental health challenges that came with the sudden changes to everyday life as the disease took hold. In schools, teachers and support staff were forced to revamp lesson plans for virtual and hybrid learning environments, all while toggling between remote and in-person duties and supervising at-home learning. How did these stressors affect school system employees? Not well, confirms a newly published study from researchers at University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Center for Health Minds.”

14 per cent of all lung cancer cases are attributable to radon gas “As homeowners, our ultimate goal is to provide ourselves and our families with a safe place to live. Unfortunately, some homeowners don’t realize that some of the most substantial threats to their family’s well-being are not the physical ones – like intruders – but ones related to their health. Radon exposure is one of the most urgent issues a homeowner will face in keeping their loved ones safe, and the only way to protect them is by staying ahead of the threat.” Lung Cancer Risk Rises With A1c, Falls With Medication “Key Takeaways

• Results from a large database study has shown a positive association between prediabetes, diabetes, and incident lung cancer.
• Treatment with glucose-lowering medications was significantly linked with a reduced rate of incident lung cancer.
• The relationship between incident lung cancer and A1c was nonlinear with the strongest associations occurring at A1c levels of 32-42 mmol/mol (5.1%-6.0%), levels that fall short of the cutoff for a diagnosis of diabetes, and at the lower end, fall short of the definition of prediabetes.
• The risk of lung cancer was also more pronounced among participants less than 60 years old, current smokers, and those with a high genetic risk for lung cancer.”

LUNGevity Partners with ASTRO to Issue RFA for Lung Cancer Research Grant “WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — LUNGevity Foundation is partnering with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the world’s largest radiation oncology society, to support radiation oncology research — an important area of study for the early detection and treatment of lung cancer.” Agilent and Quest Diagnostics to Collaborate on Lung Cancer Diagnostic “Agilent and Quest Diagnostics entered into an agreement to expand access to the Agilent Resolution ctDx FIRST liquid biopsy next-generation sequencing (NGS) test. The ctDx FIRST is a single-site premarket approved test that is approved by FDA (1) as a companion diagnostic (CDx) to identify advanced non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who may benefit from treatment with adagrasib (brand name Krazati). Adagrasib is a targeted treatment option for adult patients with KRASG12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.” High 20-Year Lung Cancer Survival Rates “There is a high cure rate for screen-detected lung cancers, according to a study presented at the 2022 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Researchers estimated 20-year lung cancer-specific survival among 87,416 participants enrolled in a prospective, international, multicenter study of low-dose CT screening for lung cancer (I-ELCAP).” FDA Approves Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in NSCLC “The FDA has approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as an adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).” Platinum Agents Appear Interchangeable in Small-Cell Lung Cancer “Carboplatin and cisplatin are interchangeable in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) undergoing chemoradiation, a real-world study suggests.” Trial to Investigate Novel Drug in KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer “A new study just launched that will study a novel drug, VIC-1911, either alone or given in combination with Lumakras (sotorasib) for patients with KRAS G12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to VITRAC Therapeutics, the manufacturer of VIC-1911.”

Special Report on Lung Cancer and Screening Initiatives, Part III “In this third in the three-part Special Report, the ITN editorial team offers the most current information on reported findings, updated appropriateness criteria, and national organization news and initiatives, as it continues to monitor this important issue.” Lung Cancer and Stage Migration Following LDCT Screening “Clinical trials have shown that lung cancer screening (LCS) reduces cancer-related mortality and reduces cancer’s advanced stage, but its efficacy in actual clinical practice has not been established. Our multicenter cohort study included patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer at one of four U.S. health care systems between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019. The age-adjusted rate of new cases of lung cancer each year and the distribution of cancer stages were the primary endpoints. Low-dose computed tomography(CT) for lung cancer screening was the key exposure variable.” Quality of treatment for lung cancer varies widely across US “Treatment for lung cancer is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and research-proven procedures. However, a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found the quality of care for lung cancer in the U.S. varies widely, with significantly worse outcomes among patients whose surgeries fall short of established treatment guidelines.” Warning Signs of Lung Cancer “When the diagnosis came in, Jennifer Randolph was mad. The then 58-year-old self-described “Peloton junkie” was physically active and did not smoke, nor did she have a history with the habit, aside from experimenting with a cigarette or two in her teenage years. “I have done everything right,” she recalls thinking.” Osimertinib-related pneumonitis incidence higher in real-world lung cancer population “Drug-related pneumonitis occurred among 18% of patients receiving osimertinib for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer, according to study results published in CHEST.” Video: First responders at high risk for lung cancer “ILLINIOS (KHQA) — Lung cancer is the leading cause of occupational death nationally in firefighters. Cancer accounts for more than 74% of the line-of-duty deaths, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. Dr. Elie Chbeir, a pulmonologist at Quincy Medical Group, says smoke inhalation can lead to a number of problems.”

About That ‘Lucky Charms Are Healthier than Steak’ Food Pyramid “We looked for the truth behind claims that the U.S. government funded a new “food pyramid” chart that said the kids’ cereal is healthier than beef.” Basics of Energy-Based Aesthetic Treatments: What You Need To Know “In the last decade or two, technical advancements in medical aesthetics have propelled the business and expanded the range of non-invasive treatments available to a greater variety of patients. This fast growth has made energy-based therapies far more affordable for medical aesthetic operations. In reality, non-surgical procedures provide a far more accessible starting point for exploring medical aesthetic treatments.” A Novel Disability Advocacy and Awareness Program for Training Future Healthcare Professionals on Care for Patients with Disabilities “In a poll of 714 US physicians, it was revealed that only 40.7% felt very confident in their ability to provide the same quality of care, overall, to patients with disabilities (PWDs) compared with patients without disabilities. It was also found that only 56.5% strongly agreed that they welcomed PWDs into their practice as healthcare providers. This suggests a systemic issue of inequity in medicine, which affects both physicians and patients. If this problem is not corrected, our healthcare system will continue to lack in providing adequate care to PWDs.” Updated online tool first to assess risk of cancer, heart disease using family data “COLUMBUS, Ohio – A cutting-edge upgrade of an online tool developed by genetic experts and data scientists at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is the first to fully assess an individual’s hereditary risk for cancer or heart disease using personal and family health history.” Vitamin D benefits linked to body weight “New research finds vitamin D may metabolize differently in those considered overweight, resulting in diminished health benefits.” Acupuncture, acupressure may benefit women undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery “Women who underwent surgery for gynecologic cancers experienced decreased symptoms of anxiety and pain with the use of acupressure before surgery and acupuncture during surgery, according to study results published in Cancer.” I don’t look like I have an eating disorder “As we move further into January, we are entering the peak season for promoting dieting, wellness and fitness plans. In the midst of this media frenzy, it is vitally important to maintain a critical lens on “diet culture” and to remember that eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Many fad diets are not actually sustainable or healthy — and some can lead to unhealthy obsessions and dangerous eating disorders.” Multitasking Destroys Your Ability To Communicate-3 Mindfulness Steps That Help “Stop for a minute and think back to the last time you were having a conversation with someone in person. Chances are they were also looking at their phone or their laptop, at least periodically. How did that feel?” King County, here’s what to know about that CDC letter in your mail “If you live in King County and recently received a letter from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asking questions about your personal health, don’t be alarmed. Inside the letter is a request for a favor, asking you to participate in a nationwide survey that collects critical health data for future policies and programs. Each year, just 5,000 people in the U.S. are included — and local public health leaders are encouraging you to be one of them.”

Eating Almonds Daily Boosts Exercise Recovery Molecule by 69% Among ‘Weekend Warriors’ “Summary: Adding 57g of almonds to the diet every day for a month increases levels of the beneficial fat, 12,13-DiHOME in blood samples immediately after a session of intense exercise.” Low-carb diet reverses type 2 diabetes in 51% of participants to new study “A recent study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health showed that a low-carbohydrate diet was effective in achieving glycemic control in people living with type 2 diabetes.” Variety of healthy eating patterns linked with lower risk of premature death “Boston, MA—A variety of healthy eating patterns are linked to reduced risk of premature death, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers. They found that participants who scored high on adherence to at least one of four healthy eating patterns were less likely to die during the study period from any cause and less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or respiratory disease, compared with people with lower scores. The findings are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend multiple healthy eating patterns.” How to Stop the Pain of Wishing People Were Different “Sometimes it’s hard to just accept people for who they are. Here’s how to be at peace with someone, faults and all.” Not Just Waistlines: Exercise Can Change the Very Molecules in the Human Body That Influence How Genes Behave “According to a new study, twins who engage in high levels of physical activity (defined as more than 150 minutes of exercise per week) show epigenetic changes in certain DNA methylation regions that are associated with lower body mass index and waist circumference.” The 7 Best High-Fiber Snacks, According to a Dietitian “Though it might not be as trendy as some other nutrients, fiber is a critical part of a healthy eating pattern. It provides several benefits, like supporting healthy digestion, increasing beneficial gut bacteria, lowering risk of chronic disease and even promoting healthy weight management. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend getting between 28 and 34 grams daily, but most Americans are missing the mark.” Sitting all day can be deadly. 5-minute walks can offset harms “If you sit at your computer all day and then lounge on the sofa for more screen time in the evening, your health can take a hit. A body of evidence links sedentary lifestyles to an increased risk of diabetes, dementia and death from heart disease. And here’s a wake-up call: One study found, irrespective of whether a person exercised, if they sat for more than 12-13 hours a day, they were more than twice as likely to die early, compared to people who sat the least. A new study finds you can cut that risk with strikingly small amounts of activity.” Fast-Food Fans May Face Liver Damage “Jan. 13, 2023 – A new study that shows the harm to the liver of eating fast food might provide people with motivation to eat less of it in the new year. The study found that eating at least 20% of total daily calories from fast food can increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially life-threatening condition where fat builds up in the liver. The disease can lead to cirrhosis and its complications, including liver failure and liver cancer.” Does health literacy moderate the psychological pathways of physical activity from guideline awareness to behavior? A multi-group structural equation modeling “Awareness, knowledge, beliefs, and behavioral intentions of physical activity (PA) guidelines may be important mediating factors for promoting PA. However, these pathways of the psychological process to PA behavior have not been examined. These pathways may differ depending on health literacy levels. This study investigated the pathways to PA, from guideline awareness to behavior, and further examined whether they differed by health literacy.”

Key Genetic Code Change Drives Common Lung Cancer Type “A team led by researchers at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center has identified a gene that drives development of the second most common type of lung carcinoma, offering greater insight into how the disease might someday be treated.” Nine Takeaways from Recent Meta-Analysis on Lung Cancer Screening with Low-Dose CT “From incidental findings and screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to surveillance imaging protocols and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), the authors of a new meta-analysis examine insights and emerging trends from the last two decades of research on the use of low-dose computed tomography (CT) in lung cancer screening.” Novel lung cancer biomarker “They found that circulating p53 autoantibodies were associated with the subsequent development of lung cancer in African Americans, but not European Americans, and in lung cancer cases diagnosed within four years of blood collection.” Fighting lung cancer with technology “Dr. Nadeem explains how the minimally invasive robotic surgery works: “We use it to isolate patients’ nodules, sample those nodules to get results on whether they are cancerous and then complete the procedure if they are,” he says. “Compared to the traditional method, the risk of complications with the robot is very low. The length of stay is also shorter, and there are fewer transfusions and less blood loss.”” Concurrent Antibiotics, Steroids Raise CDI Risk in People With Lung Cancer Receiving EGFR-TKIs “The new report found no evidence that second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were more likely to lead to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with lung cancer.” Novel Cell ‘Switches’ Promote Lung Cancer Growth, Treatment Resistance “Northwestern Medicine investigators have revealed new insights into how cancer cells can change their form by undergoing phenotypic “switches” to facilitate tumor growth and treatment resistance in small cell lung cancer, according to findings published in Science Advances.“ Scientists Detail Major Mechanism Lung Cancers Use to Evade Immune Attack “A protein commonly found at high levels in lung cancer cells controls a major immunosuppressive pathway that allows lung tumors to evade immune attack, according to a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. The discovery could hasten the development of treatments that overcome this tumor defense mechanism and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.” Can Dual-Energy CT Have an Impact in Differentiating Primary Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Metastases? “In comparison to primary lung cancer, pulmonary metastases had a 33 percent higher frequency of ring-like peripheral high iodine concentration on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), according to a new retrospective study.” FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to OncobiotaLUNG Assay for Lung Cancer Detection “The FDA has provided the OncobiotaLUNG assay a breakthrough device designation, according to the device maker, Micronoma. The OncobiotaLUNG assay is microbiome-driven liquid biopsy platform used for the early detection of lung cancer. The device categorizes lung nodule samples into those that are considered high or low-risk for malignancy based off of a blood draw from the patient. According to the new designation, the company is expecting prioritized reviews from the agency regarding upcoming trials further analyzing the effectiveness of the assay.” FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to JBI-802 for Small Cell Lung Cancer and Acute Myeloid Leukemia “The FDA gave the dual epigenetic modulator JBI-802 an orphan drug designation to treat small cell lung cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.” Video: Dr. Hirsch on Diagnosing and Managing Metastatic SCLC “Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, discusses the rarity of diagnosing small cell lung cancer early in the disease course, unmet needs in SCLC screening, the importance of ECOG performance score when considering patients for clinical trials, and factors influencing hospice care decisions in patients with SCLC.”

Mediterranean diet named best overall diet for sixth straight year “For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been named the best overall diet by nutritional experts from U.S. News & World Report, the company announced. According to the American Heart Association, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes a variety of nutrients rather than one food group, including olive oil as a primary fat source, fish, fruits, dairy products, eggs, nuts, legumes, whole grains and vegetables, which can help to reduce CVD risk factors.” This Year, We’re Going to Get Fitness Right. Join Us. “In 2023, we’re trying to understand how working out can achieve one incredibly simple goal: feeling good.” Gut microbes can boost the motivation to exercise “Some species of gut-dwelling bacteria activate nerves in the gut to promote the desire to exercise, according to a study in mice that was led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine. The study is published in Nature and reveals the gut-to-brain pathway that explains why some bacteria boost exercise performance.” Regular aerobic exercise reduces depression in teens “A team of researchers at the University of Hong Kong, working with one colleague from Sun Yat Sen University in China and another from Georgia State University in the U.S., has found that regular aerobic exercise can reduce symptoms in teens found to be suffering from depression.” Food as Medicine: How Providers Are Connecting Patients to Essential Nutrition “Of all the tools available to modern medicine, the most potent intervention is sometimes the simplest: food. Food as medicine programs, often in concert with electronic health records (EHRs) and other data sources, are helping healthcare providers improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases, especially diabetes.” Shamanism: what you need to know about the fastest-growing ‘religion’ in England and Wales “According to the latest census, an unlikely “religion” is growing in popularity across England and Wales: shamanism. Just 650 people said they subscribed to the belief system in 2011, but that figure has increased more than tenfold over the past decade to 8,000 people in 2022. This makes shamanism the countries’ fastest-growing religion. So what exactly is it?” Food Choices That Impact Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes “Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common diseases Americans live with. The latest figures show about 11 percent of the population has type 2 diabetes and an additional 96 million American adults have prediabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.” 25 Wellness Resolutions That Have Nothing to Do With Dieting or Weight Loss “I know New Year’s resolutions are somewhat controversial, but generally speaking, I’m a fan. I love the idea of taking a little time to think about what you want out of life right now—and what’s no longer serving you—and taking meaningful action to get it. On the other hand, I feel extremely bummed out by the fact that resolutions have become synonymous with “health,” and “health” has become synonymous with diet and weight loss.”

Racial disparities in lung cancer start with research “It is well documented that Black smokers develop lung cancer at younger ages than white smokers. But the guidelines that doctors use to recommend patients for screening don’t reflect the disparity.” STUDY: 25% of Virginia homes contain dangerously high levels of cancer-causing gas “RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the second-highest leading cause of lung cancer, the American Lung Association is urging Virginians to test their home for radon after a study found 25% of homes tested across the Commonwealth had dangerously high levels of the gas.” Risk of Incident Lung Cancer in Individuals With Clonal Hematopoiesis “In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Tian et al found that clonal hematopoiesis was associated with an increased risk of subsequent lung cancer, independent of known risk factors.” Deep-Learning Model Identifies Lung Cancer Risk Using Chest X-rays “A deep-learning model may help identify individuals who could benefit from lung cancer screening, including those missed by Medicare screening eligibility criteria.” Novocure Announces Pivotal LUNAR Study in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Met Primary Overall Survival Endpoint “ROOT, Switzerland, January 05, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) today announced the LUNAR study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival over standard therapies alone.” Abequolixron Plus Docetaxel Elicits Responses in Relapsed/Refractory Lung Cancer “Among 17 patients treated at the recommended phase 2 dose of 120 mg of abequolixron twice daily on a 5-days-on/2-days-off schedule plus docetaxel, 13 were evaluable for response, including 5 patients with second- or third-line NSCLC and 8 patients with second-line SCLC. Patients experienced an overall response rate (ORR) of 38%, with 5 patients achieving a partial response (PR). The disease control rate (DCR) was 77%.” DEQ Recognizes National Radon Action Month with Free Radon Test Kits For Montana Residents “HELENA—January is National Radon Action Month. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering free radon test kits for Montanans to test radon levels in their homes. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can build up in homes over time. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to a risk of lung cancer. Testing is the only way to know whether there is a radon problem in a home and the winter months are the best time to test because radon levels are typically at their highest. This is because there is typically less ventilation from doors and windows during winter.” FoundationOne Liquid CDx Receives FDA Approval as a Companion Diagnostic for Entrectinib “On January 4, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved FoundationOne Liquid CDx to be used as a companion diagnostic to identify patients with ROS1-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or NTRK fusion–positive solid tumors who do not have a tissue sample available and may be appropriate candidates for treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor entrectinib. FoundationOne Liquid CDx is the first and only blood-based companion diagnostic approved for entrectinib; with this latest approval, it is now approved as a companion diagnostic for nine targeted therapies.” Video: Lung Cancer Cases on the Rise Among Non-Smokers “Doctors say more people are getting diagnosed with the disease despite never having smoked cigarettes.” Largo man who volunteered at Ground Zero raises awareness for lung cancer screening “LARGO, Fla. – A Largo man who volunteered at Ground Zero and was later diagnosed with lung cancer is raising awareness for lung cancer screenings. Nationwide 14.5 million people reach the criteria for getting scanned, but only 5.5% do it, according to Moffitt Cancer Center. In Florida, Moffitt doctors said the number is even worse at just 3% of people who complete the lung cancer screening, and it’s a significant problem that hinders catching cancers early on.”

When ‘letting yourself go’ might actually be good for your health
“Do you feel like you’ve “let yourself go”? Or, do you overhear people talking about how so-and-so has “let herself go” (because a woman is usually the object of this statement) and dread someone, someday saying that about you? Do you yourself comment when you think someone in your family or friend circles has “let themselves go?”

Good hydration may slow down aging and prolong disease-free life
“Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine.”

Barnsley: How singers are tackling the loneliness of cancer
“Cancer can leave you feeling like you are on your own. But one group of cancer patients in Barnsley has found a way to bring people together through singing. The group, calling themselves We Can Survive Singers, have just released their first single. BBC News’ Kevin Shoesmith found out more.”

What Is Noom and Is It Healthy?
“Anyone who’s tried losing weight knows it’s easier said than done. That’s why so many people flip-flop between diets trying to figure out how to lose weight sustainably. Yet, a subscription-based app and coaching platform called Noom uses behavioral science to help people track their food intake and exercise habits to achieve weight loss and improve their health.”

Another Mediterranean Diet Bonus: Healthier Pregnancies
“TUESDAY, Dec. 27, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The Mediterranean diet delivers plenty of health dividends, and new research now discovers it may lower complications during pregnancy.”

How Breath Work Can Lower Blood Pressure and Help Those With Hypertension
“Practicing this breathing method for 10 minutes a day may lower your blood pressure.”

Is My Poop Healthy? What Your Stool Is Telling You About Your Diet
“That’s right, folks: Everybody poops. And it says a lot about your health.”

‘SOMEONE IN MY CORNER:’ LUNG CANCER HEALTH NAVIGATORS ON CRUSADE TO SAVE LIVES ONE PATIENT AT A TIME “When Jim Mazurek was diagnosed with Stage 3A lung cancer, he knew doctors and nurses would be by his side for care and treatments, but he did not know a superhero would be among them. “Her uniform should include a cape,” Mazurek said of Tracy Hughes, his lung cancer health navigator.” Millions of eligible patients skipping life-saving lung cancer screening “GILFORD, N.H. – Millions of people who are eligible to be screened for lung cancer aren’t getting the test. A New Hampshire woman says she’s living proof that it works.” Lung Cancer Cases Down Over Past 5 Years “The number of new cases of lung cancer decreased over the last 5 years, but screening rates are still low, according to a report published by the American Lung Association (ALA). Researchers from the ALA examined the incidence of lung cancer in 2022, focusing on lung cancer screening, treatment, and survival rates.” Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Causally Linked to Lung Cancer “FRIDAY, Dec. 30, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is causally associated with lung cancer risk, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in Cancer Medicine.” Segregation in U.S. Counties Influence Cancer Risk and Mortality “A new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Clemson University shows residential racial and economic segregation was associated with cancer mortality at the county level in the United States. The most segregated communities had a 20% higher mortality rate for all cancer types combined. The association was strongest for lung cancer with a 50% higher mortality in the most segregated counties. The study was published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Oncology.” Video: Improving quality of life for older patients with lung cancer “COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKRC) – A study specifically designed for older patients with lung cancer may just provide answers to dramatically improving their quality of life. Expert Dr. Carolyn Presley leads the study and shares some surprising highlights.”