(January 22, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, cleaner air leads to longer life spans. In a study of pollution data for 51 cities and health statistics from 1980 to 2000, researchers found that, on average, Americans were living nearly 3 years longer at the end of the 20-year study period. The researchers discovered that up to five months of that total was attributable to reduced air pollution.

From Germany - According to research in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, sham acupuncture is nearly as effective as the real thing at preventing headaches. In a review of tension-headache studies involving over 2,300 people, researchers found that half of those who underwent true acupuncture achieved a 50% reduction in the number of headache days experienced, compared with 41% of those who received sham acupuncture.

And finally, from Hamilton - According to a study in the Cochrane Review, school-based physical activity programs offer benefits beyond weight loss. In a review of 26 studies, researchers found that these programs are effective at keeping kids active during school hours, and result in less television viewing and increased lung capacity. While there was little impact on weight, the researchers suggest that outcomes such as BMI may not be an appropriate measure when studying growing children.

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