(October 23, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - U.S. federal advisers have recommended that smokers be vaccinated against pneumonia, along with children and the elderly. If this recommendation is accepted by the CDC, it would be the first vaccine recommendation targeted specifically at smokers. Previous studies have shown that the risk of pneumococcal disease rises with the number of cigarettes smoked, and smokers account for half of otherwise healthy adults with pneumococcal infections.

From Alabama - According to research in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, thyroid disorders increase the risk for glaucoma. In a study of over 12,000 adults, researchers found that having a thyroid problem at some point in life was linked with a 38% increased risk for developing glaucoma. The researchers suggest that there is a biological link between thyroid problems and glaucoma which accounts for these findings.

And finally, from California - According to research in the journal Human Reproduction, depression during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth. In a study of nearly 800 pregnant women, researchers found that those with mild depression had a 60% increased risk for preterm delivery, while those with severe depression were more than twice as likely to deliver their baby early. The researchers suggest that emphasizing the treatment of depression in prenatal care could lead to a significant reduction in preterm deliveries.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.