4 Recent health studies to pay attention to

New research studies featuring some type of new health hazard, trend or diet seem to pop up in the news on a daily basis. Popular television shows, such as “Dr. Oz,” are known for giving audiences daily advice on what to avoid, what to eat and how to exercise. It seems like one day something is good for preventing migraines, and before you know it, it is the next contributor to heart failure. In case you are not caught up, here are some new health studies that are currently being discussed and debated:

1. A glass of milk a day to keep the doctor away?

Could milk be the answer to osteoarthritis?
Could milk be the answer to osteoarthritis?

You’re probably familiar with the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Now, can a glass of milk do the same?  According to a new study, milk may help delay common knee osteoarthritis in women. In the 48-month study, researchers found that an increased intake of milk (about 6-7 glasses per week) did, in fact, decrease the width of joint space in the knee. They also used other dairy products to test the same effect. Specifically, when cheese intake was increased, the opposite happened. From their findings, there was a correlation between high saturated fat acids in cheese and increased progression of the disease. Although more research is needed, this data may be the next stepping-stone in medicinal improvements.

2. Is it possible to run to your death?

Presented at the annual American College of Cardiology Scientific Session in Washington, the answer to the question is highly probable. It was found that running more than 20 miles per week contributed to cardiovascular damage, including the enlargement and scarring of heart and blood vessels. And, as a result, a person’s life span was shortened. So, what does this mean for athletes and running enthusiasts, especially Olympic runners who practice day in and day out? Do not overwhelm, overwork or overstress human limits. Perhaps we should all remember the maxim “seek moderation in all things.”

3. Can dogs be the answer to breast cancer?

Researchers are studying breast cancer in dogs in hopes of finding new information that may lead to a cure for breast cancer in humans.
Researchers are studying breast cancer in dogs in hopes of finding new information that may lead to a cure for breast cancer in humans.

The most common form of cancer in female dogs is mammary cancer. But, veterinary oncologists at the University of Pennsylvania have shed positive light on this negative disease. Because mammary cancer is similar between female dogs and women, tumors in dogs can be studied to benefit dancer research for humans. Dogs have 10 mammary glands, which means the tumors develop at different times in multiple places. Ultimately, researchers can study tumors at all stages in one animal, helping to answer an important, molecular question:  when did something go wrong? Hopefully, this new research will get us one step closer in finding a treatment or cure for women’s breast cancer.

4. Vitamin D or Vitamin Useless?

Taking vitamins is a daily routine for many; pop a couple of tiny vitamin capsules and you’re ready to take on the world. Well, recent studies are now saying that taking a concentrated form of Vitamin D does not have any health benefits. At the University of Edinburgh, 268 controlled studies were held and concluded that there was no link between Vitamin D and improved health. In a second experiment, the University of Cambridge’s results confirmed those findings. Yet, past examinations seem to conflict with these findings, thus prompting more research to provide solid, conclusive results.

So, what should you do now?

Many of these research studies are still pretty inconclusive, usually requiring more investigation. However, they do open doors to discussion and debate, allowing the brightest minds to tackle tough, modern health issues. It is safe to say, though, that moderation seems to be the best advice in a world full of fluctuating theories and unresolved questions.