A new study finds many smartphone apps that track your physical activity work as well, or maybe even better, than popular fitness bracelets.
Researchers compared the step counting function of 10 apps and wearable devices as 14 men and women walked on a treadmill during 56 different tests. While all of them were mostly accurate, some of the bracelets had a larger range of error than the smartphone apps.
___
Women who give birth prematurely, without being induced, may have double the risk of heart disease or stroke.
A study of women in five European countries found delivering before 37 weeks was a heart disease risk factor, almost as strong as smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Researchers said it was not surprising, as women often have hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes after a spontaneous pre-term birth.
___
The Institute of Medicine confirmed “chronic fatigue syndrome” was a real condition.
Between 830,000 and 2.5 million Americans are estimated to suffer from the disease, though many have not been diagnosed.
The institute has devised a set of clear criteria for diagnosis, including profound fatigue that lasts more than 6 months and impairs activity levels.
Doctors say although there’s no cure, the symptoms can be treated and managed.