Why antibiotics don’t work for some bacterial infections — and more
For Monday, April 15, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information including:
More Coverage: WGN’s Medical Watch
Study: Antibiotics don’t help a cough
Georgetown University Medical Center scientists found using antibiotics did not impact the severity or duration of coughs.
Even when a bacterial infection is to blame for the cough, the typical first-line tool to fight bacteria does not work to minimize suffering.
The finding that antibiotics are not effective for most lower tract respiratory infections is troubling for treating physicians, as it limits their patients’ options.
Lower respiratory tract infections are particularly dangerous since they can indicate pneumonia.
Physical activity benefits heart health
The benefits of physical activity are well documented and now researchers have figured out the mechanism.
Exercise enhances prefrontal cortex activity reducing brain stress.
Looking at data from more than 50,000 patients, doctors could see the connection between lower stress-related brain activity and decreased heart disease triggers.
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports the benefit of exercise in reducing heart disease risk was greatest for people with pre-existing depression.
Watching sports can boost well-being
Just watching sports activity has benefits.
According to Japanese researchers writing in the journal Sports Management Review, viewing sports, especially at large gatherings, provides far more than just entertainment.
Watching sports fosters a sense of connection and enhances productivity and mood.
Scientists used both self-reporting and MRI scans to show the connection between sports viewing and well-being.
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