One of the worst manifestations of cardiac disease is sudden death and according to a recent study it is far more prevalent than once thought.

Researchers said men at age 40 in the U.S. have a one-in-eight chance of suffering sudden cardiac death over the rest of their lives, a stark indication of the toll cardiovascular disease exacts on society. »more»

The recently release study "Gender Disparity in the Rate of Partner Abandonment in Patients with Serious Medical Illness" sheds some disappointing light on "partner abandonment"--the term for separation/divorce during a period of serious illness and the role that gender plays. »more»

An interesting artifact of the recession has been that millions of week-end warriors have being able to become "weekday warriors" as well leading to faster running times, better jump shots, and heavier bench pressing. »more»

Two recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlight the importance of controllable lifestyle habits that can have a significant impact on the risk profile of developing Alzheimer's disease. The studies (one in the U.S. »more»

A large study has found that women who are overweight in midlife are far more likely than those who maintain a healthy weight to suffer from multiple chronic diseases and impaired mental health as they age. According to Science Daily, "It is the first study to show the role adiposity (fattiness) may play in the overall health of women who survive to older ages."

More broadly, this work is interesting because it doesn't focus on a single factor but on overall health later in life. »more»

Joseph Alpert, the editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Medicine, writes that many of his patients have at various times been told that "drinking caffeinated coffee could result in increased blood pressure, worsening of diabetic control, and might even trigger a myocardial infarction. Some of my patients also worry that drinking caffeinated coffee might cause cancer."

Those patients, Alpert says, are wrong. »more»

"Obesity epidemic" is a cliche -- but it now appears that you can 'catch' weight gain from your friends.

Last weekend's New York Times magazine ran a fascinating article on recent research showing the power social networks have on physical and mental health. Your friends, it seems, influence your weight and even your happiness. »more»

Regular physical exercise may help protect against mild cognitive impairment, according to a Mayo Clinic study. »more»

The recently released collaborative report from the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries announced that between 2002 and 2004, death rates dropped by an average of 2.1 percent a year. This rate of decline is significantly greater than the reductions seen in previous years. »more»

After a contentious taping of a recent Oprah Winfrey show featuring actress/author Suzanne Somers, a number of medical experts have spoken out over inaccuracies and dangerous advice dispensed during the show and in Somers' book which was heavily promoted. From Newsweek »more»