From Seattle – As they say: location, location, location. It turns out that location may also predict obesity. Research looking at obesity rates and ZIP codes shows that for every 0000 increase in mean home price, prevalence of obesity increased by 2%. In fact, ZIP code was a better predictor of obesity than education or income. From Atlanta – Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic has another casualty. This time it is high blood pressure in children. For the first time in decades, the rates of high blood pressure and pre-hypertension are rising. This is believed to be related to the fact that nearly one in 7 children is overweight. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. From New York – While early detection is the mantra for cancer, ordering imaging tests en masse is not the answer. Citing no clear benefit and potentially an increased risk, the American College of Chest Physicians have indicated that screening for lung cancer with tests like a CT scan is generally not necessary, even in smokers. And finally from the Congo – The WHO is confirming an outbreak of the lethal Ebola virus in the Congo. Over 160 are dead and another 370 are infected. The virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever and internal bleeding, is almost universally fatal. The last outbreak of the viral infection was over a decade ago. For Insidermedicine in 60, I’m Dr. Susan Sharma.
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