Health Notes: A look at the latest medical studies and trends
Struggle to find places to walk
A recent study from the University of British Columbia connects where people live, and how much they use their cars, to how much they weigh. In neighborhoods where there are sidewalks that lead to shops, restaurants and other destinations, people are more likely to walk, or have access to buses or trains. Many of these areas are older neighborhoods, in more urban centers. Researchers said the findings point to the need to find more exercise-friendly places to live.
Pedialyte gets a boost from athletes
The over-the-counter remedy for dehydration in children is getting noticed by professional and amateur athletes. The drink contains electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and glucose, and some are turning to this instead of sports drinks. Its popularity began in the 1980s with long-distance runners and now baseball and football players also keep it in their lockers.
Newer stents bolster confidence
There will still be debate, but cardiologists at a meeting of European cardiologists in Vienna say they are more comfortable with the safety of newer versions of drug-coated stents, which are used to prop open coronary arteries. At last yearÕs meeting, two major studies raised questions about the safety of drug-coated stents. The debate will continue about whether stents are used in too many cases when drugs or bypass surgery might be a better option.