Exposure To Livestock Farm Increases Risk Of Blood Cancer

Kids raised on a livestock farm face an increased risk of developing hematological cancer later on compared to others, say researchers from England and New Zealand. The risk is three times higher for individuals brought up in a poultry farm.

Earlier studies have found that being exposed to pesticides, infections or coming in contact with animals could be contributory factors.

Researchers found that a person raised on a livestock farm had a 22% greater risk of developing leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adulthood compared to others.

Possibly exposure to certain viruses during early years could affect the body’s immune system response, thereby making those raised on livestock farms far more susceptible to hematological cancer later on.

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Sleeping on Right Side Linked to Stillbirths

Pregnant women can cut down their risk of stillbirth by sleeping on their left side, suggest New Zealand researchers.

Women sleeping on their back or right side during the advanced stages of their pregnancy could face a greater risk of stillbirth.

The risk increases twofold in the last 3 months compared with women sleeping on their left side.

A study of over 450 women – including 155 who had stillborn babies – found the risk was 1.96 per 1,000 births for those sleeping on their left side.

This figure went up to 3.93 per 1,000 in the case of heavily pregnant women sleeping in any other position & was somewhat higher for those who slept on their backs.

The University of Auckland study found that women who awoke to go to the bathroom less than once on the final night of their pregnancy also were prone to have a late stillbirth, compared with those who went more frequently. There also was a link between sleeping on a regular basis in the daytime & late stillbirth risk and also sleeping longer-than-average at night.

It is believed that there’s improved blood flow to the placenta, womb and baby when expectant mothers sleep on their left.

The finding may help bring down the number of stillbirths by promoting optimal sleep positions in late pregnancy.

The University of Auckland researchers cautioned that it was just an observational study and that the overall risk from right-sided sleep is small. Further research needs to be done before women are counseled to sleep on their left side in late pregnancy.

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Fish n’ Chips Hikes Heart Attack Risk

According to a recent study, having your favorite fish n’ chips even weekly once raises heart failure risk, compared to grilled or baked fish which lowers the chances by 30%.

US researchers claim that frying fish not just negates the beneficial effects, but it also reverses them & ups the risk of heart failure by about 50%. White fish – including sole and cod – were the least effective at lowering heart risks.

The eating patterns of 84,493 women in the 50 to 79 age group were studied over an 8-year period. The results revealed that people who consumed 5 or more helpings of boiled or baked fish weekly were found to lower their heart attack risk by 30%.

Dark fish – including mackerel and salmon – were best for lowering heart disease dangers.

In contrast, those who consumed even one serving of fried fish hiked their heart failure chances by almost 48%. The women also tended to be more overweight & consume extra calories.

The study concluded that those who regularly ate grilled or baked fish were more fit, active & unlikely to smoke. Moreover, their diets included more fruit & vegetables.

Using healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, baking or grilling rather than frying, will help people look after their hearts in the long run.

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Winter Babies More Likely To Suffer From Autism

 Babies conceived during December had an 8% greater risk of being detected with autism than babies born in July. This increased to 16% in March

Women who carefully schedule their conceptions so as to avoid being pregnant during the hottest months, now have an additional reason to begin trying for a summer baby.

A study conducted by the University of California has revealed that kids conceived during winter had nearly 16% enhanced risk of autism compared to kids born in July.

A study of the birth records of over 7 million kids born in California in the 1990s & early 2000s revealed a clear association between the month in which a baby is conceived & the risk of that baby later being diagnosed with autism

The risk of conceiving a baby with an autism spectrum disorder increases progressively all through autumn & winter and right up to early spring.

These findings show that environmental factors such as exposure to seasonal allergens, a vitamin D deficiency as well as being exposed to pesticides like the ones used in the house to eliminate insects in warm or rainy months, & those employed in agricultural operations – have a role to play in triggering autism.

For the study, December, January & February were considered as winter months. Each month was then compared to July.

Researchers say that studies of seasonal variations may provide clues regarding the underlying causes of autism.

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Calcium Pills May Cause Heart Problems in Older Women

There is growing concern that calcium supplements taken by millions of post-menopausal women to protect their bones are bad for their hearts.

A recent study conducted by New Zealand researchers shows that older women who start calcium supplement therapy in order to treat or protect against bone-depleting osteoporosis considerably up their risk of heart attack & other cardiovascular problems.

Elevated blood calcium levels lead to calcification or hardening of arteries, which also may help explain these results.

The study reveals that post-menopausal women taking calcium to fortify their bone strength raise their heart attack risk by 25% in the 1st year. Over a longer time period, their risk of stroke goes up by 15%. Taking of Vitamin D, which helps in calcium absorption, in combination with calcium supplements, did not lower the risk of heart attack.

However, women who get the calcium they require through dietary sources do not appear to have the same risks. Good sources of calcium are dark green leafy veggies, dairy products, certain types of fish like canned salmon and sardines as well as calcium-fortified foods & beverages such as cereals & fruit juices.