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Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingFor almost 30 years thousands of nurses have been tracking their own health. The result is one of the most important sources of women's health information in the country.
The nurse's health study has answered questions about everything from the effects of smoking on women's hearts to which vitamin supplements are most useful, to whether or not an alcoholic drink a day can help preserve memory.
Dr. Joann Manson, Brigham and Women's Hospital: "The nurse's health study is truly a treasure trove in terms of understanding ways to prevent chronic disease in women."
This is a group of thousands of female nurses who have spent nearly thirty years monitoring their own health, including blood pressure, weight and pregnancies. The study has answered questions about everything from the effects of smoking on women's hearts to which vitamins supplements are most useful, to whether drinking coffee can increase a woman's risk of developing colon cancer.
Tonight on NBC Nightly News Dr. Robert Bazell looks at the unlikely way the study started and how its findings are improving the healthcare of thousands of other women.
