Health Alert: Heart Disease and Stroke Account for a Quarter of All US Deaths.
While deaths from heart disease and stroke have declined in recent years, researchers report that these conditions still account for more than a quarter of all deaths in the United States (US)—exceeding deaths from cancer and accidents combined. Health experts note that up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases may be preventable through lifestyle measures such as not smoking, getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining healthy blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure readings.
Circulation, January 2026
Diet: How to Reduce Trans Fats Consumption.
Trans fats are a type of fat commonly found in industrially produced packaged and convenience foods and are associated with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) levels and increased inflammation—both of which are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. To reduce trans-fat intake, experts recommend avoiding packaged foods that contain “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” oils and, when possible, cooking from scratch using stable fats that are less likely to form harmful compounds when heated, such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee, and butter.
The Conversation, January 2026
Exercise: Regular Exercise Can Protect the Body from Chronic Stress.
Allostatic load refers to the cumulative physiological wear and tear on the body from chronic stress, typically measured using a combination of biomarkers—such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammatory markers, and stress hormones—that reflect strain across multiple body systems. In a study that tracked more than 3,300 adults from age 31 to 46, researchers found that those who seldom or never exercised had higher allostatic load than participants who frequently met physical activity guidelines, suggesting regular exercise may help protect the body from the harmful effects of chronic stress.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, February 2026
Chiropractic: Chronic Whiplash Patients May Have Concussion Symptoms.
Examinations of 15 patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder (cWAD) revealed that all tested positive for multiple post-concussive syndrome (PCS) symptoms, including abnormalities in eye movement. This finding aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting there may be no clear boundary between cWAD and PCS, and that individuals diagnosed with one condition may benefit from evaluation for the other to help reduce the risk of chronic symptoms.
Frontiers in Neurology, October 2025
Mental Attitude: Childhood ADHD Linked to Midlife Health Problems.
An analysis of data concerning nearly 11,000 middle-aged adults revealed that those exhibiting attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits at age ten—especially female patients—were 14% more likely to have two or more physical health problems by age 45.
JAMA Network Open, January 2026
Wellness/Prevention: Poor Fitness and Sleep Nearly Double Heart Risks in Seniors.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers found that a low daily step count (fewer than 7,500 steps) combined with sleeping fewer than 6.5 hours per night at age 62 was associated with an 84% higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—such as heart attack or stroke—during the following eight years.
EClinicalMedicine, January 2026
