Private MD News - Blood and Blood Diseases

Home | News | Blood and Blood Diseases

View Articles by Date

Year: 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Month: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

A vegetarian diet may reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health
Date: 2013-02-11 00:00:00

One of the best things that people can do to keep their hearts healthy is to make sure their cholesterol levels are in check. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol can slowly build up on the inner walls of the arteries that deliver blood to the heart and brain. The buildup can turn into plaque that hardens the arteries and makes them less flexible. This may lead to blood clots, stroke and a number of other serious issues. This is why everyone should regularly get cholesterol tests to make sure they have healthy levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low levels of low-density lipoprotein, the type that tends to cause cardiovascular problems.

Cholesterol primarily comes from the food people eat, which is why it's important to maintain a healthy diet. Organ meats, veal and beef are all very high in cholesterol, which is why these foods should only be eaten sparingly. In fact, recent research suggests that one of the best ways to protect the heart and keep cholesterol levels low is to eschew meat altogether.

Consider going veggie... Full Story

Exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to be effective
Date: 2013-02-14 00:00:00

Obese individuals have a higher risk than those with healthier weights to develop heart disease and high cholesterol. This is why people who are obese should regularly get blood tests to help determine if they are on their way to developing any adverse health conditions. While overweight individuals likely know that they need to exercise regularly in order to shed pounds and improve insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels, not everyone has the motivation to workout.

It can particular be difficult for people to participate in a high-intensity workout regimen if it's been a long time since they last hit the gym. However, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, a low-intensity exercise program can be even more effective than a strenuous one.

Walk your way to healthier levels... Full Story

Hepatitis C risk low among monogamous couples
Date: 2013-03-21 00:00:00

When a person uses STD testing services and discovers that they have a serious virus like HIV or hepatitis C, they may feel as though their sex lives have been ruined forever. However, that doesn't have to be the case. People should know that as long as they are careful, they may be able to have a normal sex life. For example, a recent study conducted by scientists from the University of California, San Francisco found that people with hepatitis C who are in monogamous, heterosexual relationships shouldn't be that concerned about their risk of transmitting their virus to their partner.

According to the scientists, transmission of HCV from an infected partner during sex is rare.

An unlikely prospect ... Full Story

Flame retardant in office furniture may pose health risk
Date: 2013-03-27 00:00:00

Getting regular lab tests to check for a host of diseases isn't just a good idea for people who already feel sick. Everyone should consider getting blood tests to make sure they are in good health, since people might be surprised to know the number of seemingly harmless things in their life that could pose a risk. For example, researchers from Boston University Medical Center have found a flame retardant that was removed from children's pajamas 30 years ago is present in polyurethane foam found in many office environments. Furthermore, this chemical has been named as a possible carcinogen.

Researchers examined 31 adults to come to their conclusions, and discovered that the chemical found in this flame retardant - known as TDCPP - was found in 99 percent of dust samples taken from the homes, vehicles and offices of the participants.

Potentially dangerous ... Full Story