We crunched the numbers and the results are in: the most-viewed HealthHub posts published in 2015. This year’s list includes a wide range of topics, from a diet that may promote longevity to 3-D printing of blood vessels needed for organ regeneration. We’ve included tweetable links in each summary so you can share your favorite with family, friends, and followers. We wish you a healthy New Year!
#1 – New Evidence that Mediterranean Diet May Lead to Longer Life
BWH researchers have found that following a Mediterranean diet may lead to a longer life . 
The findings are based on the study of telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes, which are a reliable biomarker of human aging. The researchers found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with longer telomeres.
#2 – Top 10 Health Care Innovations for 2015
Innovations that increase patient engagement, reduce costs, and advance digital health technology were voted among the most important innovations for 2015 by physicians, researchers, and other members of the health care community. Learn how big data, telehealth, wearables, apps, and other innovations will transform health care in the future.
#3 – Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease Research – Targeting Amyloid Beta
Dr. Dennis Selkoe, Co-Director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, and his colleagues have been gathering data since the 1980s to support the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease begins with the build-up of amyloid beta protein in the brain. Recent clinical trial results suggest an anti-amyloid treatment for Alzheimer’s disease may be available within a few years.
#4 – Living with Atrial Fibrillation – Diagnosis and Treatment
Are you or a family member one of the two million Americans living with atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat in a rapid, irregular pattern. Seeking AFib treatment is important, as the condition can progress over time. Untreated, AFib can lead to an increased risk of stroke or heart failure.
#5 – Are You Overlooking the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?
Heart attack symptoms can include more than chest pain. Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, burning, or squeezing sensations in the chest; pain in the neck, arm, or back; unusual shortness of breath; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, or unusual fatigue are also symptoms of a heart attack. It’s important to note that heart attack symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms between men and women also may differ.If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, act fast and call for help.
#6 – Understanding Skull Base Surgery for Meningiomas
Meningiomas are one of the most common brain tumors, making up 14 to 19 percent of all brain tumors. Because meningiomas are usually benign and slow growing, most patients can expect good outcomes after treatment. Depending on their location, meningiomas may be removed through the skull base to minimize disruption to the surrounding brain tissues.
#7 – Let It Snow – Tips for Shoveling Snow Safely
Many people prepare for winter by making sure they have all the necessary supplies for snow and ice removal. However, it’s also important to protect ourselves from injury. Snow shoveling requires good technique and proper body mechanics to be performed safely and to avoid low back or shoulder injuries.
#8 – Six Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Osteoporosis
Only a quarter of patients who experience a fracture are evaluated and treated for underlying osteoporosis, resulting in a high risk of repeat fractures in the future. Learn what you can do to prevent osteoporosis and new or repeat fractures.
#9 – What is Cardiac Amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis, caused by deposits of amyloid proteins in the heart, is a dangerous and progressive disease that is not well understood. Because cardiac amyloidosis is rare and produces symptoms very similar to other heart diseases, it is often misdiagnosed. Dr. Rodney H. Falk discusses progress in caring for patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
#10 – 3-D Technology – Building a Better Blood Vessel
To successfully regenerate organs, tissue engineers will need to make artificial blood vessels, as well as organ tissues. Ali Khademhosseini, PhD, MASc, a biomedical engineer and the Director of the BWH Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, talks about progress in building blood vessels by using a 3-D bioprinting technique.
