• A new study of almost 900,000 patients in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that those who filled a prescription for folic acid (B9) had a 44% reduction in reported incidences of suicide attempts and intentional self-harm.
This follows the same researchers' earlier study that found folic acid, along with antidepressants and antipsychotics, was associated with a decrease in suicide attempts. The theory is that B9's complex neurological effects are providing the benefit.
If you're contending with depression or have battled thoughts of self-harm or suicide, ask your doctor about getting a prescription for folic acid.
• Another unexpected health booster — the flu shot. A study in JAMA Network Open found that for people ages 66 and older, the flu vaccine lowers the risk of catching COVID-19 by 22% to 24%. If you haven't gotten your (high dose) flu vaccine yet, do it for the double benefit.
• About 14 million Americans contend with knee pain, and around 800,000 total knee replacements are performed annually. Now there's great news from a study out of Ohio State Medical Center. It shows that an implantable, knee-sparing shock absorber offers relief (86% of the time) by reducing the impact of walking by 30%.
The device anchors a piston to the inner side of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (long bone along the inside of the calf) with a small plate. The two-year clinical trial data has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for review.
Don't jump up and down quite yet, but stay tuned.