Washington, April 21 : Asthma risk is up to six times higher for those with a strong family history, says a new study.

"Our findings showed that a family history of asthma is an important risk factor for asthma, and that familial risk assessments for asthma can help identify people at highest risk for developing asthma," said lead author Tiebin Liu, M. S. P. H., and colleagues of The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington, April 21 : Women with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, are at higher risk of developing diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), says a new study.

Recent studies have indicated that psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of other illnesses and death.

"Systemic inflammation in psoriasis and an increased prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors have been independently associated with obesity, insulin resistance and an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile," the authors said.

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Washington, April 21 : Experts from the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have called for new class of low-sugar drinks to help stem obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Strong evidence developed at HSPH and elsewhere shows that sugary drinks are an important contributor to the epidemic rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United States.

Washington, April 21 : It is known that breastfeeding is important for babies'' health. But now, a new study has shown that nursing is equally vital for mothers'' health.

University of Pittsburgh researchers said that the longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease.

Washington, Apr 21: Grapefruit juice boosts the anti-cancer effects of the drug rapamycin, a new study has found.

In a small, early clinical trial, researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that combining eight ounces of grapefruit juice with the drug rapamycin can increase drug levels, allowing lower doses of the drug to be given.

They also showed that the combination can be effective in treating various types of cancer.