Health risk factors – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

A lot of bad things can happen to young mountain gorillas in the wild. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

May 15, 2023

Thriving in the face of adversity: Resilient gorillas reveal clues about overcoming childhood misfortune

Stacy Rosenbaum, University of Michigan and Robin Morrison, University of Exeter

In many animals, including humans, adverse events in youth have lasting negative health effects over the life span. But new research suggests something different is going on in mountain gorillas.

Epigenetics is but one of many factors that influence aging, health and disease. bestdesigns/iStock via Getty Images

February 20, 2023

Epigenetic and social factors both predict aging and health – but new research suggests one might be stronger

Eileen Crimmins, University of Southern California and Jessica Faul, University of Michigan

People don’t all age at the same rate. Untangling the factors that influence health and disease – such as epigenetics, demographics and behavior – could lead to better care for those who need it most.

Epigenetics is how behavior and environment affect gene expression. Iryna Dobytchina/iStock via Getty Images Plus

April 13, 2022

ALS is only 50% genetic – identifying DNA regions affected by lifestyle and environmental risk factors could help pinpoint avenues for treatment

Ramona Zwamborn, Utrecht University; Jan Veldink, Utrecht University, and Paul J. Hop, Utrecht University

Genetic modifications to DNA regions involved in metabolism, cholesterol and immunity may play a role in ALS disease progression.

Survivors of childhood trauma often struggle to clearly describe current health issues to health-care providers, and may not get the help they need. (Shutterstock)

July 6, 2021

Good storytellers get better health care — but childhood trauma confuses the narrative

Robert Maunder, University of Toronto and Jon Hunter, University of Toronto

Adults who experienced trauma in childhood may get poor medical care because they have trouble telling a clear story about their health.

Patients who were overweight and obese had lower mortality rates following cardiac surgery than those with BMIs in the normal or underweight range. (Shutterstock)

September 29, 2020

The obesity paradox: Obese patients fare better than others after heart surgery

Ana Johnson, Queen's University, Ontario and Joel Parlow, Queen's University, Ontario

For patients recovering from heart surgery, being overweight or moderately obese appears to be an advantage over being underweight or even having a normal BMI.

Many of these risk factors are preventable. tonkid/ Shutterstock

July 22, 2020

The ten factors linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Mark Dallas, University of Reading

Stress, depression, and high blood pressure were just some of the risk factors the study’s researchers identified.

Exercise training can improve your physical fitness incrementally in as little as two weeks, making it a viable option for people about to undergo a surgical procedure. (Shutterstock)

June 28, 2020

‘Prehabilitation’: Training your body for surgery may improve recovery, reduce complications

Emily C. Dunford, McMaster University

Physical training before surgery — like breathing exercises or running — boosts the odds of a good outcome. Patients with surgeries postponed during COVID-19 can use the delay for ‘prehabilitation.’

July 21, 2017

Nine things that can affect whether you get dementia – and what you can do about them

Gill Livingston, UCL

Many case of dementia can be avoided, and it’s never too early to start taking preventative action.

February 16, 2017

Population versus targeted – which approach is best for preventing heart disease?

Ellie Paige, University of Cambridge

Using electronic medical records may be a better way to treat those at risk of heart disease than treating everyone or treating only known ‘at risk’ groups.

For women of reproductive age and Indigenous women, intimate partner violence is the single biggest health risk factor. from www.shutterstock.com.au

October 31, 2016

Study confirms intimate partner violence leading health risk factor for women

Kim Webster, The University of Melbourne and Zuleyka Zevallos, Swinburne University of Technology

A study being launched today by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety confirms the serious impacts of intimate partner violence.

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