Latest news with #MassachusettsGeneralHospital
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Cheeky 12pm habit Aussies need to stop
A recent study has shown that napping during certain hours of the day could be associated with an increased risk of death. According to the research published in the journal Sleep, data from wearable activity trackers showed that nap duration and timing were related to increased all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults. Specifically, naps taken around the middle of the day were linked to a higher risk of death. This development brings scientists closer to understanding whether certain napping habits should raise concerns about a person's health. 'Our study fills a gap in knowledge by showing that not just whether someone naps, but how long, how variable, and when they nap during the day may be meaningful indicators of future health risk,' said lead study author Chenlu Gao, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, told Health. 'Past studies have relied on self-reported nap habits, which are subject to recall bias.' Study links naps with mortality According to Mrs Gao, numerous studies have explored the link between night-time sleep and mortality. However, she and her colleagues have 'long been interested in understanding daytime napping and its impact on health'. 'We saw a critical need to investigate whether objectively assessed napping behaviours are associated with longevity,' she explained. The team analysed data from 86,565 non-shift working adults, aged 43 to 79 (with an average of 63), who were part of the UK Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical database. Fifty-seven per cent of these participants were women. They wore a device that tracked their rest and activity levels for seven days, with napping defined as any sleep occurring between 9am and 7pm. During the 11-year follow-up period, 5819 of the study participants had died. Researchers identified a higher risk of death associated with three factors: longer naps, greater day-to-day variability in nap length, and more naps around noon and early afternoon. These associations remained true even after adjusting for factors such as body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and overnight sleep duration. While the study established a correlation between different napping habits and mortality, it is crucial to note that it did not prove that napping causes an increased risk of death. It is also uncertain whether these findings apply to the general population. Why might napping be linked to mortality? Currently, as there is no definitive evidence that naps directly cause increased mortality, sleep experts are examining the research for clues — and some suggest that the underlying reasons for napping may be more relevant. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or medical conditions that drain energy, like heart disease, could actually be the underlying cause of the nap-mortality connection. The study did attempt to account for lifestyle factors, but it remains difficult to control for undiagnosed medical conditions. Other experts propose that long, irregular midday naps could influence health by disrupting circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal sleep-wake cycles. This disruption could affect various factors that influence mortality, such as inflammation, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Should we nap? If you feel the need to nap, experts recommend aiming for less than 30 minutes, as this allows you to feel refreshed and energised without experiencing grogginess. Napping earlier in the day can also help prevent your nap from interfering with your ability to sleep at night. If you find yourself napping more frequently or for longer periods, you should consult your doctor.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Improving gut health can do more than help digestion
While most of us only think of our digestive system as helping to process the foods we eat or being behind the occasional stomach ache, a healthy gut can also impact everything from stronger immunity to improved sleep quality, anxiety management or a boosted mood. That's because behind every gurgle and growl there's a bustling ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that include bacteria, viruses and fungi that can all affect overall mental and physical well-being. When any balance is disrupted though, the effects can ripple throughout the entire body. 'People often underestimate how much of their overall health is linked to the gut,' says Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of "Finally Full, Finally Slim" and an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University. 'And even if you don't have obvious digestive symptoms, your gut could still be out of balance.' Fortunately, improving your gut health doesn't require expensive supplements or extreme diets. Simple lifestyle and dietary changes are usually all that is needed to get back on track when things go awry. What is gut health? Gut health refers to the optimal functioning of the digestive system, specifically the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the trillions of microbes that live within it, known as the gut microbiome. 'When people talk about gut health, they're usually referring to the balance of this microbiome,' explains Young. For optimal balancing, remember that "a healthy gut has an abundance of 'good' bacteria while an unhealthy gut has more 'bad' bacteria,' says Dr. Uma Naidoo, director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist behind "Calm Your Mind with Food." A few of the "good" bacteria that improve gut health include: Such bacteria play key roles not only in digestion but in inflammation regulation, mental health and chronic disease prevention. Harmful bacteria, on the other hand, include Clostridioides difficile, Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli and can collectively or individually cause damage or imbalance to the gut microbiome. At the same time, everyone's GI system won't respond to good or bad bacteria the same way and individual stressors and exposure to environmental toxins like tobacco smoke and air pollution can also play significant roles in overall gut health. "The microbiome is unique to each individual," says Kelly Jones, a registered performance dietitian and the founder of Student Athlete Nutrition. "It's influenced by everything from diet to stress to pollutant exposure,' she explains. Hmm: An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away. Here's how. How do you know your gut is unhealthy? Some of the signs of an unhealthy gut are obvious while others are more complex. "An imbalanced gut can contribute to a wide range of common stomach issues including bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea and food intolerances,' says Young. Other times, she adds, signs of poor gut health include things we don't think of as being associated with our gastrointestinal system. These can include skin problems, difficulty losing weight and even anxiety or depression. Other signs to look out for of your gut needing some TLC include getting sick more often than usual, diminished energy levels and difficulty concentrating, says Jones. When issues persist over extended periods of time, more serious signs may arise. "A chronically unhealthy gut can lead to a 'leaky gut,' where the lining of the gut becomes permeable and allows harmful substances to pass into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation and chronic disease," cautions Naidoo. Depleted energy levels affect us all. But here's when they could indicate something serious. How to improve gut health? How to heal your gut? Improving gut health begins with addressing the lifestyle or dietary choices that cause damage or gut imbalances to occur. Here are some tips: As helpful as each of these recommendations can be individually, it's the combination of factors that will yield the best results. 'A healthy gut is truly the foundation for overall health,' says Young.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Siemens Healthineers forms theranostics research collaboration with MGH
Siemens Healthineers has struck a research partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the US to establish a Therapy Command Center. This centre is designed to implement theranostics across the hospital and its facilities in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. It will facilitate data collection, provide real-time monitoring, and support healthcare professionals in making informed patient care decisions. Theranostics combines molecular imaging techniques to assess disease progression and evaluate treatment efficacy. MGH nuclear medicine and molecular imaging chief Umar Mahmood said: 'The Therapy Command Centre helps provide a framework that will enable the integration of a wide variety of patient imaging and laboratory data, combined with population-based data for enhanced individual patient outcomes. 'This collaboration will help expand theranostics across the region, advancing personalised medicine through precision diagnoses and tailored therapies.' Researchers from Siemens Healthineers and MGH will use advanced imaging technology, including the Biograph Vision Quadra and Biograph Trinion positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners. Their research aims to understand the effects of radiation on molecular and biological processes, as well as assess toxicity levels in both cancerous and healthy tissues of patients undergoing radiopharmaceutical therapy. This knowledge is crucial for advancing personalised medicine, according to the company. Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging James Williams said: 'This research collaboration, which is based on a relationship between Siemens Healthineers and Massachusetts General Hospital that spans more than 20 years, will enable innovations along the patient's clinical pathway, provide precision diagnoses, and deliver highly effective forms of customised therapy.' In July 2024, Redhill Cancer Hospital, part of RVL Healthcare, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Siemens Healthineers to create a Cancer Centre and Research Park in Nairobi, Kenya. "Siemens Healthineers forms theranostics research collaboration with MGH" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
MGH and Siemens Healthineers to establish Therapy Command Center
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the US has formed a research partnership with Siemens Healthineers to establish a Therapy Command Center. This centre is designed to implement theranostics across the hospital and its facilities in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. It will facilitate data collection, provide real-time monitoring, and support healthcare professionals in making informed patient care decisions. Theranostics combines molecular imaging techniques to assess disease progression and evaluate treatment efficacy. MGH nuclear medicine and molecular imaging chief Umar Mahmood said: 'The Therapy Command Centre helps provide a framework that will enable the integration of a wide variety of patient imaging and laboratory data, combined with population-based data for enhanced individual patient outcomes. 'This collaboration will help expand theranostics across the region, advancing personalised medicine through precision diagnoses and tailored therapies.' Researchers from Siemens Healthineers and MGH will use advanced imaging technology, including the Biograph Vision Quadra and Biograph Trinion positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners. Their research aims to understand the effects of radiation on molecular and biological processes, as well as assess toxicity levels in both cancerous and healthy tissues of patients undergoing radiopharmaceutical therapy. This knowledge is crucial for advancing personalised medicine, according to the company. Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging James Williams said: 'This research collaboration, which is based on a relationship between Siemens Healthineers and Massachusetts General Hospital that spans more than 20 years, will enable innovations along the patient's clinical pathway, provide precision diagnoses, and deliver highly effective forms of customised therapy.' In July 2024, Redhill Cancer Hospital, part of RVL Healthcare, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Siemens Healthineers to create a Cancer Centre and Research Park in Nairobi, Kenya. "MGH and Siemens Healthineers to establish Therapy Command Center" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study warns: Common napping habits linked to higher death risk
Napping – once celebrated as the 'siesta' – has always been portrayed as a sweet afternoon indulgence – a momentary escape, a boost of productivity, or just a welcomed pause. Think of power naps as the snooze buttons that reset our mental sharpness during a demanding day. However, all that glitters ain't gold! Likewise, all that looks 'healthy' on the surface doesn't necessarily have only health benefits. A new large-scale study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital challenges this rosy picture, suggesting that some nap patterns might be a silent alarm bell for health trouble. What's happening? A new Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital study is sounding a grim alarm. Tracking over 86,000 adults (average age 63) with wearable devices and following them for 11 years, the researchers found that certain napping patterns – specifically, longer, irregular, or midday-heavy sleeps – were significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality, even after controlling for BMI, alcohol, smoking, and nighttime sleep. Unlike past research based on self-reports, this study tapped objective tracking – via wearable devices worn for seven days – offering fresh insight into daylight dozing habits and long-term outcomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ductless Air Conditioners Are Selling Like Crazy [See Why] Keep Cool Click Here Undo The reality of 'nappiness' Napping is deeply ingrained in cultures—Mediterranean siestas, polar day naps, even Silicon Valley's nap pods. And there are contexts where naps clearly boost alertness and productivity—think pilots on long-haul flights, or caregivers catching a moment's rest. However, your mid-day resting habits can also predict how soon you'll lie down to 'rest your eyes' — and not get back up. Previous research has focused on the link between nighttime sleep and mortality — but it has overlooked napping, which is a crucial part of the sleep-wake cycle and carries its own health implications, according to Chenlu Gao, PhD, the lead investigator of the study. Gao told Medscape Medical News, 'Our findings suggest that certain patterns of napping could serve as early indicators of declining health.' Napping for longer and on a more irregular schedule were both associated with a higher risk of mortality. Gao explained, 'Longer or more irregular naps may reflect poor nighttime sleep, circadian rhythm disruption, or underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, depression, or early neurodegenerative changes.' Key findings: the three nap red flags Long naps (>30 minutes) Folks who napped longer than 30 minutes regularly showed significantly higher mortality risk, tied to metabolic issues like obesity and hypertension. Similar patterns have emerged in prior studies – like a meta-analysis of over 300,000 participants – linking long naps to a 19–30 % higher risk of death and heart disease. Irregular naps Unpredictable napping schedules – when nap length varies wildly day to day – also correlated with increased mortality. This inconsistency could disrupt circadian rhythms and mask health issues, potentially worsening metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Midday-heavy napping (11 am – 3 pm) Surprisingly, those who most often dozed off between late morning and mid-afternoon bore a greater mortality risk, even after adjusting for lifestyle and health factors. Why does it smell of trouble? Gao explained that these 'dangerous' nap patterns might signal underlying sleep disruptions, like poor night sleep or circadian misalignment, or diseases such as cardiovascular or metabolic disorders. And this isn't conjecture. A 2022 Harvard Heart Letter involving 360,000 adults found frequent napping tied to a 12 % increased risk of hypertension and a 24% elevated stroke risk. Likewise, long, irregular naps have been tied to conditions such as high waist circumference, hypertension, insulin resistance, inflammation, and early signs of neurodegenerative decline. While naps shorter than 30–45 minutes seemed benign – or even beneficial – longer and erratic naps raised red flags. This aligns with the idea that consistency matters, a point supported by emerging research showing sleep regularity (beyond just duration) might strongly predict longevity. Correlation or causation? Critically, these are observational links, not proof of causality. Long or irregular naps likely flag health issues rather than cause them. Moreover, nighttime sleep quality, undiagnosed conditions (like sleep apnea or cardiovascular risk factors), and tracking limitations (e.g., misclassified inactivity as naps) all temper interpretations and could lie behind the trends. However, the sheer scale, objective monitoring, and consistency with past findings lend credibility: nap patterns may function as early biomarkers of declining health. The 'nappiness' strategy Experts aren't advising abandoning naps altogether. Instead, they're recommending: nap smart. Keep naps short: 15–30 minutes are ideal ('power naps') – long enough to refresh but short enough to avoid deep sleep inertia. Stay consistent: Same time each day maintains circadian rhythm. Nap early: Before around 3 p.m. helps avoid nighttime sleep interference. Check for underlying issues: Frequent or prolonged daytime dozing – especially with nighttime fatigue – warrants medical review for possible sleep disorders or chronic illness. In fact, a growing body of sleep research hints that napping patterns may serve as an early biomarker of health decline, beyond just rest. The key takeaway? Not all naps are created equal. The modern nap toolkit is evolving. So, yes to short, strategic breaks. Beware long, erratic snoozes. Think of it this way: ask not just whether you nap, but how you nap. Sleep may be the gateway to wellness or the SOS signal in disguise – and napping habits are part of that subtle story. So, when the afternoon slump feels deeper than usual, it might be time to check in with your health. Serious complications during pregnancy linked to higher risk of death: Study One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
