Hormone Replacement Therapy Shown to Decrease Asthma Attacks in Menopausal Women Who Have Asthma

Allergy researchers and immunologists have shown that the death rate for women with asthma over the age of 65 is four times higher than other groups. Menopause has not been shown to affect a woman’s chances of developing asthma. However, menopause can increase the number of asthma attacks in women who already have the condition. Prior studies demonstrate that postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were at an increased risk for developing asthma. However for women who already have asthma, HRT has been shown to improve respiratory symptoms and decrease the number of asthma attacks.

New Medical Aid May Make Gynecological Surgery a Safer Option for Women 

Medical researchers and clinicians are awaiting final guidance from the US Food & Drug Administration on the use of power morcellators during uterine surgeries. Power morcellators have been found to assist in the spread of uterine cancers during common uterine surgeries like the myomectomy and hysterectomy. Johnson & Johnson recently announced that it will stop sales and marketing of its three models of power morcellators until more information is known about its effect on the spread of uterine cancers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have reported in the Green Journal that researchers are investigating medical aids like the insufflated bag that may make power morcellation a safer option for women with gynecological issues.

Breast Cancer Risk Increases with Gene Mutation

The New York Times reports that mutations in a gene called PALB2 increase the risk of breast cancer in women just as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes do. Previous studies had shown the gene’s link to breast cancer, however the extent of the connection had not been clear until now. Researchers found that the PALB2 mutation had a 35% chance of developing breast cancer in women by the age of 70. In comparison, those with the BRCA1 gene had between 50% to 70% chance of developing breast cancer by 70. Those with the BRCA2 gene had shown 40% to 60% chance in developing breast cancer by the same age.

Benefits of Taking Aspirin Daily Outweighs the Harm

Medical experts have known for many years that aspirin can prevent certain types of cancer. Research published in the Annals of Oncology now shows that the benefits of taking aspirin daily to prevent certain kinds of cancer outweighs the potential harm. The study shows that if women between the ages of 50 and 65 took aspirin on a daily basis, there would be approximately a 7% reduction in cancers, strokes, and heart attacks. Researchers say that while there are some side effects to this regimen, this may be the most important thing women can do to reduce their chances of developing cancer after quitting smoking and losing weight.

Baby Boomers’ Motivation for Engaging in Exercising

The International Journal of Wellbeing recently published a study investigating baby boomers’ motivation to engage in exercise activities. Researchers discovered that the primary reasons baby boomers continue to exercise is to achieve overall toning as well as stress reduction. Researchers say that the fitness industry should pay more attention to boomers who are demonstrating great passion for physical fitness. Gym membership tends to support other leisure activities like skiing in the winter or hiking during the spring and summer months. Baby boomers were the first generation to engage in exercise as a necessity for good health.