Today in medicine …

Cursing and pain relief

Study subjects: 71 adults
Location of study: U.K.
Results: Test subjects who held their hands in icy water and swore were able to withstand the pain longer than those who did not curse.
Significance: The stress relief from cursing may help release pain-masking endorphins.

Calcium supplements and heart health

Study subjects: Postmenopausal women who took supplements over seven years
Location of study: Australia
Results: Researchers found a 24 percent increase in the risk of heart attack and a 15 percent increase in the risk of a heart attack or stroke from taking calcium, with or without vitamin D.
Significance: The results are generally held as inconclusive, but still raise questions on calcium
supplementation’s side effects.

Vegetarianism and metabolic syndrome

Study subjects: 700 adults
Location of study: U.S.
Results: Among 700 test subjects, of which 35 percent were vegetarian, vegetarians tested lower for metabolic syndrome and less likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes or a stroke than meat-eaters.
Significance: A vegetarian diet may offer more health benefits than deficiencies.

Troubled babies and ADHD development

Study subjects: 1,935 children
Location of study: Switzerland
Results: Babies who cry excessively and have difficulty sleeping and feeding may be at increased risk for behavioral problems during childhood, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Significance: Early recognition of warning signs suggest that ADHD and other difficulties developing in childhood could be prevented.  linda clarke