Facts and Ideas from Anywhere

In 1997, William C. Roberts discussed the obesity epidemic in the United States, noting that 60% of adults and 35% of children aged 6 to 17 were overweight, with rates increasing since the 1960s. Lifestyle choices, especially diet and exercise, were identified as significant factors in weight control, more so than genetics. The article stressed the importance of parents' influence on their children's habits and the need for community programs to encourage physical activity. A study by Topol involving 2099 patients showed that abciximab improved outcomes after coronary angioplasty for up to 3 years. Tardif's study with 317 patients found that probucol reduced restenosis rates but also lowered HDL cholesterol. A Phase III study by Kaufman with 1879 men demonstrated that finasteride increased hair counts and regrowth over 12 months. Rosenthal's analysis of 89,851 patients from various hospitals showed that major teaching hospitals had a 19% lower adjusted odds of death and a 9% shorter length of stay compared to nonteaching hospitals. Baylor University Medical Center was ranked highly in 12 out of 17 specialties by U.S. News & World Report.