Recent Studies Uncover Unexpected Health Connections

Many scientific studies progress in a largely predictable manner, with teams of scientists working for years to confirm findings that often seem to be little more than common sense. But every once in a while, research teams stumble across data that send them down unfamiliar paths, leading to unexpected connections and even stranger conclusions. This week, we?ll review the results of a number of recent studies that linked health problems to seemingly unrelated causes.

Increased Risk for Hospital-Acquired Infections Linked to Nurses? Work Environment

Deadly infections that patients catch while they are staying in the hospital are the sixth-leading cause of mortality in the United States, with vulnerable populations such as the elderly at greatest risk. Over the last several decades, researchers have tried to learn more about this dangerous phenomenon in order to combat the rising tide of hospital-acquired infections.

A recent study found a surprising risk factor linked to hospital-acquired infection -- nurses? working conditions. In units in which nurses were assigned a larger case load, had more non-patient-care responsibilities, and worked more overtime, the risk that patients would develop infections was increased significantly. The researchers recommended that understaffed departments hire additional staff as a means of increasing patient safety and decreasing the risk of deadly infections.

Pattern of Health Problems in Minorities Attributed to Racial Discrimination

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, even subtle levels of discrimination can have profound health impacts on minorities over the course of a lifetime.

The researchers reported that while major instances of overt discrimination are uncommon today, even seemingly minor incidents can cause stress, anxiety, and depression for minorities, as well as a host of other physical and mental health problems and challenges. The authors focused specifically on assessing the impact of discrimination on the health status of a population of Asian American subjects.

It was determined that discrimination-related stress caused or worsened respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, and chronic pain. The authors of the study pointed out that the benefits of increased vigilance against discrimination may extend being the social sphere and positively impact public health, as well.

Traditional Summer Pastime Linked to Cancer Risk

In many areas of the country, barbecues are an inescapable part of summertime celebrations. But the results of a recently released study have confirmed what some researchers have long expected -- grilling some foods may actually pose a cancer risk.

Chemical compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed when the heat of a barbecue grill comes into contact with the protein building blocks that make up animal flesh, including amino acids and creatinine. According to researchers at the University of California Cancer Center, HCAs are a known carcinogen.

However, experts report that you can eliminate much of the risk by avoiding overcooking meats on the grill. Shorter cooking times over smaller fires can also help make these long-cherished summertime meals safer.

Coffee May Help Prevent Gout

It seems like there?s a never-ending stream of research results informing us of the health damage we?re inflicting by sipping our morning cup of joe. But one recent study bucked this trend, reporting that coffee drinkers who ingest large quantities of the beverage may be protecting themselves against gout, a common and very painful form of inflammatory arthritis that is most common among men over the age of 40.

The results only applied to coffee drinkers who downed four or more cups daily. However, among this highly caffeinated group, the risk of gout was 40 to 60% lower than among non-coffee drinkers. The doctors didn?t suggest that those at risk for gout take up the habit as a means of preventing the disease, but they did state that they hoped their findings would help high-risk individuals make a more informed decision about coffee consumption. The exact cause of this preventive effect was not fully determined in the study, although the researchers acknowledge that it merits further investigation.

Watch this space for future updates about the science news that impacts your health, well-being, and quality of life. Each week on this site, we review some of the most interesting, groundbreaking, and relevant health studies. Check back soon for more health science news!