The US Preventive Services Task Force Recommends Screening for Anxiety
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended that all adults ages 19 to 64 be screened for anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders and depression are common, affecting about 1 in 4 adults in the United States.
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Study Links Commonly Used Chemical to Parkinson's Disease
A new study published in JAMA Neurology provides strong evidence linking exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The study examined the medical records of tens of thousands of Marine Corps and Navy veterans who trained at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where TCE-contaminated water was present from 1975 to 1985.
Veterans exposed to TCE at Camp Lejeune had a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to similar veterans who trained elsewhere.
TCE, a colorless liquid, was widely used in the 20th century for various purposes, including dry cleaning, decaffeinated coffee production, and as a surgical anesthetic.
TCE is a known carcinogen and has been linked to a number of other health problems, including liver damage, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.
TCE is persistent in soil and groundwater (in up to â…“ of U.S. drinking water) and can be detected in foods, drinking water, breast milk, blood, and urine.
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Surgeon General Warns About Social Media Use
In a 19-page advisory, the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a public warning about the risks of social media use for young people.
The warning cited research that suggests social media can have a negative impact on mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Some research also shows that social media use may be perpetuating eating disorders, low self-esteem and even body dysmorphia.
The warning comes as social media use among young people continues to grow. In 2022, nearly 95% of teens use social media. Nearly 40% of children aged 8-12 were also found to use social media platforms.
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WHO Advises Against Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), advising against using NSS for weight control or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Noncommunicable diseases are also known as chronic or long term diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes.
The recommendation is based on a systematic review that found no long-term benefit of NSS in reducing body fat.
The review also suggests potential risks of using NSS, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.
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