Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
HealthDay
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia?
Older adults who use certain heartburn medications for years may have a heightened risk of developing dementia, a new study suggests.
The study, published Aug. 9 in the journal Neurology, is the latest to point to potential hazards from prolonged use of medications called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. They include such well-known brands as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec, and they rank among the top-selling medications in the United States.
Researchers found that among 5,700 older U.S. adults, those who’d used PPIs for 4.5 years or more had a 33% greater risk of developing dementia than their counterparts who’d never used the drugs.
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When cities get a pro sports team, flu deaths rise
Bringing a professional sports team to a new city often includes a big taxpayer-funded stadium subsidy, but new research shows that has a health downside: a spike in flu deaths.
“Most, if not all, of the sports venues in the cities we studied received direct and/or indirect public financing,” said researcher Brad Humphreys, a professor in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University.
“Since 2000, U.S. state and local governments have committed nearly $20 billion to new stadiums — roughly a billion dollars per year. These subsidies usually come in the form of governments essentially cutting team owners a check, funded by issuing bonds, to build their stadiums,” he said in a university news release.
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Higher risk for schizophrenia seen among patients with eczema
Having atopic dermatitis is associated with a higher risk for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, according to a study published online July 26 in the Archives of Dermatological Research.
Ryan Fan, from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues used electronic health record data from participants in the All of Us research program (13,433 atopic dermatitis cases and 53,732 matched controls) to assess the relationship between atopic dermatitis and schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in a nested, matched, case-control study.
The researchers found that participants with atopic dermatitis were more likely to have schizophrenia (2.0 versus 1.1 percent) or schizoaffective disorder (1.8 versus 0.5 percent).
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Surgeons are finding microplastics in human hearts
Microplastics appear to be everywhere, including within the tissues of the human heart.
A new Chinese report describes doctors finding microplastics in heart tissue both before and after heart surgery. The researchers also noted there is evidence suggesting that microplastics may have been unexpectedly introduced during the heart procedures.
The researchers, who included Kun Hua and Xiubin Yang from Capital Medical University in Beijing, collected heart tissue samples from 15 people during cardiac surgeries. They also gathered blood samples from the patients both before and after surgery.
These plastic fragments, about the size of a pencil eraser or smaller, can enter the human body through mouths, noses and other body cavities.
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Magic mushrooms show promise in easing migraines
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, is getting renewed interest as a potential treatment for various health conditions. Now, a new research review argues that migraines should be added to that list.
Psilocybin mushrooms have long been used recreationally as hallucinogens — meaning they alter users’ perceptions of their surroundings. That can lead to euphoria on one end of the scale, or — if things go badly — anxiety, panic or dangerous hallucinations.
Medical research into psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD began in the 1950s, and then famously ended after a surge in recreational use by the 1960s “counterculture.”
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How many steps to lengthen your life? Fewer than you may think
If you’re one of the millions of folks bent on racking up at least 10,000 steps a day, read on.
A new study finds that heart health starts to improve with as few as 2,300 steps a day. The research also indicates your risk of dying from any disease starts to decrease with only about 4,000 daily steps.
However, the more daily steps you get, the bigger the benefit becomes, the study also found.
“Ten thousand steps per day is, in fact, still a correct way of thinking if we take into account the most pronounced [death] reduction,” said study author Dr. Maciej Banach. He is a professor of cardiology at the Medical University of Lodz in Poland, and an adjunct professor at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
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Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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Any puppy parent knows the struggle of preparing for a furry new addition. Most of the choices to make are pretty straightforward. Collars, leashes, tags, and toys are usually a matter of size, design, and color preference. But food? That's another story. What you feed your dog from a young age can significantly affect their health down the line. You may have spent a substantial amount of time considering different puppy foods, but what happens when your dog ages out of that stage?
Determining how to meet your dog's nutritional needs is a question any dog parent will continue to answer throughout their pet's life. While the answers may change over the years, all dogs need five key elements in their diet: amino acids from protein, fatty acids and carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water, the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said. However, the combination and amount of each depends on age, among many other factors.
To help you better understand your dog's nutritional needs throughout the phases of their life, Ollie curated a guide using leading pet health resources, like the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Kennel Club, as well as consulting with veterinary experts. Whether you're navigating what to feed your energetic puppy or wondering how to ensure your aging dog has the nutrients they need, here are some tips from the pros.
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Any puppy parent knows the struggle of preparing for a furry new addition. Most of the choices to make are pretty straightforward. Collars, leashes, tags, and toys are usually a matter of size, design, and color preference. But food? That's another story. What you feed your dog from a young age can significantly affect their health down the line. You may have spent a substantial amount of time considering different puppy foods, but what happens when your dog ages out of that stage?
Determining how to meet your dog's nutritional needs is a question any dog parent will continue to answer throughout their pet's life. While the answers may change over the years, all dogs need five key elements in their diet: amino acids from protein, fatty acids and carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water, the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said. However, the combination and amount of each depends on age, among many other factors.
To help you better understand your dog's nutritional needs throughout the phases of their life, Ollie curated a guide using leading pet health resources, like the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Kennel Club, as well as consulting with veterinary experts. Whether you're navigating what to feed your energetic puppy or wondering how to ensure your aging dog has the nutrients they need, here are some tips from the pros.
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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For the first four weeks of their life, puppies' diets typically consist entirely of their mother's milk. After that initial month, it's up to their new human parent to determine what to feed them.
A puppy expends a lot of energy, and during their speedy growth period (the first six months of their life), they need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same breed, according to the National Research Council. The research group recommends 56 grams of protein, 21 grams of total fat, and 990 calories per day for the average 10- to 12-pound puppy up until they're 33 pounds.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a puppy's food should contain 25 to 30% protein. "The focus for puppies should be on energy-dense, protein-rich diets to support their rapid growth phase," said Dr. Michael Thompson, founder and leading veterinarian at Pets Food Safety.
Dr. Alex Crow of Pet Health Guru in the U.K. also notes that calcium and phosphorus are essential to puppies' diets. "These two minerals are crucial for healthy bone growth. It's important that these are present in optimal proportions in a puppy's diet," he said.
Puppies also eat more frequently than adult dogs. They need three to four meals per day for their first six months, at which point you can reduce the feeding frequency to two meals per day. Though the age of adulthood differs by breed, once they reach about a year old, a dog can start transitioning to adult food. That process should be done gradually by mixing a little adult dog food into their diet and increasing the proportion slightly day by day over five days.
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For the first four weeks of their life, puppies' diets typically consist entirely of their mother's milk. After that initial month, it's up to their new human parent to determine what to feed them.
A puppy expends a lot of energy, and during their speedy growth period (the first six months of their life), they need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same breed, according to the National Research Council. The research group recommends 56 grams of protein, 21 grams of total fat, and 990 calories per day for the average 10- to 12-pound puppy up until they're 33 pounds.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a puppy's food should contain 25 to 30% protein. "The focus for puppies should be on energy-dense, protein-rich diets to support their rapid growth phase," said Dr. Michael Thompson, founder and leading veterinarian at Pets Food Safety.
Dr. Alex Crow of Pet Health Guru in the U.K. also notes that calcium and phosphorus are essential to puppies' diets. "These two minerals are crucial for healthy bone growth. It's important that these are present in optimal proportions in a puppy's diet," he said.
Puppies also eat more frequently than adult dogs. They need three to four meals per day for their first six months, at which point you can reduce the feeding frequency to two meals per day. Though the age of adulthood differs by breed, once they reach about a year old, a dog can start transitioning to adult food. That process should be done gradually by mixing a little adult dog food into their diet and increasing the proportion slightly day by day over five days.
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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While puppies tend to have boundless energy, as your dog reaches young adulthood (around 3 to 4 years old, depending on the breed, according to the American Animal Hospital Association), their nutritional needs largely depend on their activity level.
"When it comes to adult dogs, the key is tailoring the diet to their lifestyle," Dr. Cheri Honnas, veterinary advisor at Bone Voyage Rescue. "An active working dog needs more calories and a higher percentage of protein and fat than their lazier counterparts."
Compared to the nearly 1,000 calories puppies need daily, a small 10-pound inactive dog only needs about 300 calories, and an active dog needs about 400. A medium-sized inactive dog (30 to 50 pounds) needs 675 to 990 calories, and an active one needs about 920 to 1,350.
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While puppies tend to have boundless energy, as your dog reaches young adulthood (around 3 to 4 years old, depending on the breed, according to the American Animal Hospital Association), their nutritional needs largely depend on their activity level.
"When it comes to adult dogs, the key is tailoring the diet to their lifestyle," Dr. Cheri Honnas, veterinary advisor at Bone Voyage Rescue. "An active working dog needs more calories and a higher percentage of protein and fat than their lazier counterparts."
Compared to the nearly 1,000 calories puppies need daily, a small 10-pound inactive dog only needs about 300 calories, and an active dog needs about 400. A medium-sized inactive dog (30 to 50 pounds) needs 675 to 990 calories, and an active one needs about 920 to 1,350.
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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In terms of how they get those calories, the Association for American Feed Control Officials said adult dogs need at least 18% of their daily calories to come from protein; up to 50% carbohydrates, including 2.5 to 4.5% from fiber; and approximately 5.5% of their diet should come from fat.
"Adult dogs typically require a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats," Crow said. "Adult dog foods are usually higher in fat than senior dog foods as younger dogs are better equipped to metabolize fat."
This is also a time to watch your dog's weight, which could negatively affect their joints and cause issues in their twilight years. "Maintaining a balanced diet is key for adult dogs, with the prevention of obesity being a major concern," Thompson said. "If your dog's energy levels are decreasing or they're gaining weight, that could be an indication to reassess their diet."
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In terms of how they get those calories, the Association for American Feed Control Officials said adult dogs need at least 18% of their daily calories to come from protein; up to 50% carbohydrates, including 2.5 to 4.5% from fiber; and approximately 5.5% of their diet should come from fat.
"Adult dogs typically require a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats," Crow said. "Adult dog foods are usually higher in fat than senior dog foods as younger dogs are better equipped to metabolize fat."
This is also a time to watch your dog's weight, which could negatively affect their joints and cause issues in their twilight years. "Maintaining a balanced diet is key for adult dogs, with the prevention of obesity being a major concern," Thompson said. "If your dog's energy levels are decreasing or they're gaining weight, that could be an indication to reassess their diet."
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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Dogs are considered senior when they are in the last 25% of their expected lifespan, according to the AAHA. However, when your dog reaches this stage depends on their breed and size. Studies have shown that larger dog breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller ones.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, toy and small breeds (those less than 20 pounds) are considered senior from between 8 and 11 years old. Medium-sized breeds (weighing 20 to 50 pounds) reach senior age between 8 and 10 years old. Large breeds (weighing 50 to 90 pounds) are of senior age from between 8 and 9 years old. And breeds weighing over 90 pounds are considered senior from between 6 and 7 years old.
Much like humans, dogs' metabolisms tend to slow with age, which can lead to weight gain as well as lifestyle shifts. "Senior dogs often lead less active lifestyles than their younger counterparts, which can lead to weight gain," Crow said. According to the AVMA, obesity in senior pets is linked to an increased risk of multiple health issues, including arthritis, difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
One key factor in managing your dog's weight is monitoring calorie intake and ensuring they're still getting high-quality protein. "Senior dogs require diets that are lower in calories but higher in digestible proteins," Thompson notes. Older dogs require 25% fewer total calories than middle-aged adult dogs, according to the National Research Council.
It is, however, important to keep fiber in mind, which is something senior dogs need more of, according to Crow. "Higher fiber diets can help manage weight and promote gastrointestinal health in older dogs," he said.
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Dogs are considered senior when they are in the last 25% of their expected lifespan, according to the AAHA. However, when your dog reaches this stage depends on their breed and size. Studies have shown that larger dog breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller ones.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, toy and small breeds (those less than 20 pounds) are considered senior from between 8 and 11 years old. Medium-sized breeds (weighing 20 to 50 pounds) reach senior age between 8 and 10 years old. Large breeds (weighing 50 to 90 pounds) are of senior age from between 8 and 9 years old. And breeds weighing over 90 pounds are considered senior from between 6 and 7 years old.
Much like humans, dogs' metabolisms tend to slow with age, which can lead to weight gain as well as lifestyle shifts. "Senior dogs often lead less active lifestyles than their younger counterparts, which can lead to weight gain," Crow said. According to the AVMA, obesity in senior pets is linked to an increased risk of multiple health issues, including arthritis, difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
One key factor in managing your dog's weight is monitoring calorie intake and ensuring they're still getting high-quality protein. "Senior dogs require diets that are lower in calories but higher in digestible proteins," Thompson notes. Older dogs require 25% fewer total calories than middle-aged adult dogs, according to the National Research Council.
It is, however, important to keep fiber in mind, which is something senior dogs need more of, according to Crow. "Higher fiber diets can help manage weight and promote gastrointestinal health in older dogs," he said.
Could heartburn meds raise odds for dementia? Plus, the number of daily steps to lengthen your life, and more health news
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Some dog food is made specifically for senior dogs, but each pet at this age may have very different needs. "A balanced and thoughtful approach to senior dog nutrition is essential," Honnas said. "It's not always just about following a fixed guideline; it's about recognizing the individuality of each pet and responding accordingly."
Generally, the key is providing the right mix of fat, protein, phosphorus, and sodium, the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals explain. Excessive fat could lead to weight gain; high-quality protein is key (a minimum of 25%, according to AKC's Canine Health Foundation); excessive phosphorus could lead to kidney disease (which is common in older dogs); and too much sodium can contribute to kidney as well as heart disease.
Some professionals recommend adding supplements to your dog's diet, like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids for various age-related conditions or nutrients like glucosamine for dogs with arthritis. But it's best to speak to your provider about your dog's specific needs.
"There are special diets for seniors to support joint health and manage chronic conditions," Thompson said, but others may not need to make any switch. "Just because a dog becomes 'senior,' it doesn't mean they must change their diet. Some dogs can stay on standard adult food all their life," Crow said.
Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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Some dog food is made specifically for senior dogs, but each pet at this age may have very different needs. "A balanced and thoughtful approach to senior dog nutrition is essential," Honnas said. "It's not always just about following a fixed guideline; it's about recognizing the individuality of each pet and responding accordingly."
Generally, the key is providing the right mix of fat, protein, phosphorus, and sodium, the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals explain. Excessive fat could lead to weight gain; high-quality protein is key (a minimum of 25%, according to AKC's Canine Health Foundation); excessive phosphorus could lead to kidney disease (which is common in older dogs); and too much sodium can contribute to kidney as well as heart disease.
Some professionals recommend adding supplements to your dog's diet, like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids for various age-related conditions or nutrients like glucosamine for dogs with arthritis. But it's best to speak to your provider about your dog's specific needs.
"There are special diets for seniors to support joint health and manage chronic conditions," Thompson said, but others may not need to make any switch. "Just because a dog becomes 'senior,' it doesn't mean they must change their diet. Some dogs can stay on standard adult food all their life," Crow said.
Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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