Much is being published on preventative measures.
The journals carry large, long-term studies which show that antenatal supplementation with broad-spectrum vitamin nutrients are superior to iron plus folate alone in reducing the incidence of how birth-weight in developing countries.
Bolstering nutrition in early childhood also has long-term benefits in terms of greater earning capacity in adulthood. Breastfeeding and basic hygiene are cheap and effective interventions (Lancet 2008;371 Haddinott et al 411-6, Bhutto et al 417-40, Vaidya et al 492-9, Bryce et al 510-26, Ruel et al 588-95, Morris et al 608-21).
Later in life smoking is the most common preventable cause of death. It killed 100 million people last century and is predicted to kill 1 billion this century. Half of all smokers will die prematurely, with men's lives being shortened by 6 years and women's by 8 years (NEJM 2008:doi:10.1056) (Britton & Edmunds pp 441-5).
If you doubted the link between obesity and cancer, the article by Renehan et al (Lancet 2008;371:569-75 will convince you of the association.
Meanwhile JASS this month is dominated by twins and embolic phenomena. It's fascinating what turns up serendipitously!
