AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center

BMI is only one piece of the health picture. In a study following 5,674 U.S. adults for nearly 7 years, the combination of a larger abdominal diameter and low grip strength relative to body size was associated with a 97% higher risk of death. The findings support looking at strength, physical function, body composition, and other health measures alongside BMI. https://bit.ly/3Vpjt2u

Could the timing of menopausal hormone therapy matter for heart health? In an observational study of 2,737 women with hot flashes or night sweats and no prior cardiovascular disease, starting hormone therapy during perimenopause or early postmenopause was associated with an estimated 22% lower cardiovascular disease risk. Hormone therapy is not recommended specifically to prevent heart disease, so treatment decisions should remain individualized. https://bit.ly/3TxixIU

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to review your personal risk, family history, and screening plan. Breast cancer can develop without noticeable early symptoms, so ask your healthcare professional when mammography or other screening is appropriate for you.

Is there one best exercise for metabolic health? Probably not. Research comparing 10 exercise approaches across nearly 3,000 participants found that different activities performed better for different risk factors. Combined aerobic and strength training performed best for waist size, BMI, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar. The practical takeaway is to build a balanced routine that fits your health priorities, physical condition, and abilities. https://bit.ly/4xZcefQ

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Could changing the gut microbiome someday help treat food allergies? In a first-in-human phase 1 study of just 15 adults with peanut allergy, f***l microbiota transplant capsules were generally well tolerated, and 6 participants increased their peanut tolerance. Nine did not respond. There was no placebo group, and this remains an experimental approach. The findings support larger trials into how gut bacteria may influence allergic responses. https://bit.ly/4cXLDHE

First-of-Its-Kind Trial Against Food Allergies Yields 'Exciting' Results Food allergies aren't just inconvenient, they can be really scary – imagine being out in a crowded restaurant and feeling your throat closing up.

In a mouse study, aging blood stem cells in bone marrow appeared to contribute to inflammation and signs of decline in distant organs. Boosting a protein called SIRT3 in transplanted stem cells improved measures of muscle function, blood sugar control, memory, and lung health. This is preclinical research and does not show that SIRT3 slows human aging, but it adds evidence that blood and immune cells may influence whole-body aging. https://bit.ly/4qwCBHk

One Overlooked Part of Your Body May Be Driving Aging Everywhere Else Bones do more than hold your body upright.

Can fructose make ovarian cancer spread? A new preclinical study found that ovarian cancer cells surviving chemotherapy released fructose that promoted metastatic behavior, and a high-fructose diet increased cancer spread in animal models. These findings have not been confirmed in people and should not be used to change cancer treatment or make restrictive diet decisions. For now, this is a research lead, not a patient-care recommendation. https://bit.ly/4xkr7tb

Fructose and ovarian cancer metastasis: Is there a link? New preclinical research has made a key discovery regarding the spread of ovarian cancer after chemotherapy. Fructose may play a role, it found.

World Alzheimer's Day is a reminder that changes in memory and thinking deserve attention, not dismissal. This global observance highlights the value of recognizing cognitive changes early, which can help people seek evaluation, understand what may be happening, access support, and plan ahead. If you notice persistent changes in yourself or someone close to you, consider starting the conversation with a healthcare professional.

Taking the stairs may be a small choice with meaningful heart-health associations. A review of 9 studies involving more than 480,000 people found frequent stair climbing was associated with a 39% lower risk of cardiovascular death and a 24% lower risk of death from any cause. This does not prove stairs caused the lower risk, but it supports adding safe bursts of movement throughout your day. https://bit.ly/3UgdtIS

Heart disease: Climbing just 6 flights of stairs a day can lower risk A large review involving almost half a million participants shows why climbing just 6 flights of stairs a day could significantly boost heart health, while reducing risk of death from heart disease and other causes.