Lack of education has proven to be a powerful predictor of poor health and early death. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that psychological wellbeing is powerful enough to outweigh this prediction.
This means that those with limited education (a high school diploma or less) who feel good about themselves and their lives are likely to be just as healthy or more healthy than their better-educated peers.
Positive psychological characteristics such as having a sense of purpose and meaningful relationships are strongly correlated with lower levels of a dangerous, inflammatory protein. This protein is related to many potentially deadly health issues such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. Psychological wellbeing moderates levels of this protein in the body.
Researchers found that less-educated participants who scored high on general happiness or self-acceptance measures or considered the circumstances in their lives to be manageable, showed levels of the protein which were comparable to similarly content, but highly-educated participants.
Attentive parents, strong role models, and feeling involved and important to one’s community are strong contributors to positive psychological characteristics.
Co-author of the study, Carol Ryff, says these results are significant because they offer “a new angle on eliminating the wide gap in overall health between the well-to-do and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.”
Saturday, October 30, 2010
News Article: Childhood Asthma More Common in American-Born Children
Recent research published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health provides new insight on the relation between childhood asthma and country of birth. The research analyzed data from five different studies on the topic.
Among children born in the United States, it was found that low socioeconomic status and exposure to pests such as mice and cockroaches were both associated with having asthma. However, neither of these associations applied to children born outside of the U.S.
In fact, U.S.-born children exposed to pests were 60 percent more likely to have asthma than U.S.-born children not exposed to pests. While foreign-born children’s pest exposure had no significant effect on their asthma risk. U.S.-born children who were of low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to have asthma than those who were not. While, again, foreign-born children’s socioeconomic status had no significant effect on their asthma risk.
There are speculations as to why this is so. One idea is that children who are born in less-developed countries are more resistant to asthma than U.S.-born children because they are more likely to have had early exposure to certain viruses and bacterium, increasing their immunity.
Another is that those born in countries with greater sunlight exposure than the U.S. will have increased levels of Vitamin D, which protects against asthma. Another speculation is that families who immigrate simply tend to be healthier people overall.
“Our current findings may help bring a new perspective to asthma research as they highlight the importance of studying foreign-born children,” said Douge Brugge, senior author of the research.
Among children born in the United States, it was found that low socioeconomic status and exposure to pests such as mice and cockroaches were both associated with having asthma. However, neither of these associations applied to children born outside of the U.S.
In fact, U.S.-born children exposed to pests were 60 percent more likely to have asthma than U.S.-born children not exposed to pests. While foreign-born children’s pest exposure had no significant effect on their asthma risk. U.S.-born children who were of low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to have asthma than those who were not. While, again, foreign-born children’s socioeconomic status had no significant effect on their asthma risk.
There are speculations as to why this is so. One idea is that children who are born in less-developed countries are more resistant to asthma than U.S.-born children because they are more likely to have had early exposure to certain viruses and bacterium, increasing their immunity.
Another is that those born in countries with greater sunlight exposure than the U.S. will have increased levels of Vitamin D, which protects against asthma. Another speculation is that families who immigrate simply tend to be healthier people overall.
“Our current findings may help bring a new perspective to asthma research as they highlight the importance of studying foreign-born children,” said Douge Brugge, senior author of the research.
News Article: Breast Feeding Benefits Even the Sickest Babies
It is commonly known that the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Pediatric researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia stress this importance by emphasizing how even the sickest of newborns are not beyond the benefits of breast milk.
When a child is born with serious medical problems, breastfeeding is likely to be one of the last things on a worried mother’s mind. But during a recent nurse–lead education program for mothers of very sick newborns at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nurses stressed how the nutritional importance of breast milk cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to sick babies.
“Breast milk protects an infant in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) from necrotizing enterocolitis – a devastating disease of the bowel – and from a host of infectious diseases,” said nurse researcher, Diane L. Spatz, PhD.
Although some mothers of sick newborns may have to wait days or even weeks to hold their babies, the nurses leading the program taught them how to pump breast milk shortly after their delivery.
The program was aimed primarily towards getting sick infants to be able to breast-feed by the time they were discharged from the NICU. Fifty-eight of the 80 infants involved in the program were able to successfully breast-feed before being discharged from the hopsital.
When a child is born with serious medical problems, breastfeeding is likely to be one of the last things on a worried mother’s mind. But during a recent nurse–lead education program for mothers of very sick newborns at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nurses stressed how the nutritional importance of breast milk cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to sick babies.
“Breast milk protects an infant in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) from necrotizing enterocolitis – a devastating disease of the bowel – and from a host of infectious diseases,” said nurse researcher, Diane L. Spatz, PhD.
Although some mothers of sick newborns may have to wait days or even weeks to hold their babies, the nurses leading the program taught them how to pump breast milk shortly after their delivery.
The program was aimed primarily towards getting sick infants to be able to breast-feed by the time they were discharged from the NICU. Fifty-eight of the 80 infants involved in the program were able to successfully breast-feed before being discharged from the hopsital.
News Article: The Best Way to Reduce Cavity Risk During Halloween May Surprise You
Many parents think that rationing out their child’s Halloween candy collection to one piece every few hours is the best way to decrease their child’s chances of developing cavities. It makes sense, right? Pediatric dentist, Mark Helpin, disagrees.
Helpin says it is actually better for kids’ oral health that they eat larger quantities of candy at once rather than small quantities over an extended period of time. This is because the frequency of candy ingestion, not the amount, is what increases cavity risk.
The major cavity risk factor in candy is that, because they are refined carbohydrates, they make the mouth more acidic. And increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of cavities. The same is true of chips and pretzels. Each time candy is eaten, the mouth’s pH level can take up to an hour to return back to normal. Yet regardless of how much candy is eaten at once, the acidity level will take the same amount of time to lower itself.
When a child eats candy throughout the day is when the problems arise. This is because the mouth’s acidity level does no get a chance to return back to normal, Helpin explains.
“The longer teeth are in an acidic environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed,” Helpin said.
For this reason, Helpin suggests parents dispense Halloween candy as a dessert or a snack. He also recommends teeth brushing after eating candy if possible. If not, kids should rinse their mouths out with water three or four times after enjoying candy, which helps reduce the acidity in their mouths.
“It’s not realistic to think you can tell your child you can’t have candy, cookies, cakes, or other treats,” Helpin said. “Those are the things most people enjoy and we want our kids to enjoy life.”
Helpin says it is actually better for kids’ oral health that they eat larger quantities of candy at once rather than small quantities over an extended period of time. This is because the frequency of candy ingestion, not the amount, is what increases cavity risk.
The major cavity risk factor in candy is that, because they are refined carbohydrates, they make the mouth more acidic. And increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of cavities. The same is true of chips and pretzels. Each time candy is eaten, the mouth’s pH level can take up to an hour to return back to normal. Yet regardless of how much candy is eaten at once, the acidity level will take the same amount of time to lower itself.
When a child eats candy throughout the day is when the problems arise. This is because the mouth’s acidity level does no get a chance to return back to normal, Helpin explains.
“The longer teeth are in an acidic environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed,” Helpin said.
For this reason, Helpin suggests parents dispense Halloween candy as a dessert or a snack. He also recommends teeth brushing after eating candy if possible. If not, kids should rinse their mouths out with water three or four times after enjoying candy, which helps reduce the acidity in their mouths.
“It’s not realistic to think you can tell your child you can’t have candy, cookies, cakes, or other treats,” Helpin said. “Those are the things most people enjoy and we want our kids to enjoy life.”
Thursday, October 21, 2010
News Article: How to Take the Best Care of Aging Pets
Humans are not the only ones who need a little extra care as they get older – so do their furry friends. Kansas State University veterinarian, Susan Nelson, outlines some tips on how pet owners can ease the aging process for their dogs or cats.
“Aging pets are a lot like aging people with respect to diseases and senility issues,” Nelson said. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and heart disease are a few of the many conditions that can afflict aging pets, she added.
Depending on weight, dogs can be considered seniors as early as 4 years old (the heavier the dog, the earlier the dog is considered a senior). The smallest dogs (20 pounds or less) are considered seniors at 8 years old. Cats are considered seniors anywhere from 8 to 11 years old.
To increase longevity, prevent disease and ease the aging process, Nelson suggests owners:
. Help their pets exercise and maintain healthy weights.
. Stay current on vaccines and heartworm prevention measures.
. Adjust to their pet’s behavioral changes as they age. Some pets may develop senility, phobias and separation anxiety as they get older. Pet owners should try to avoid placing their pets in anxiety-producing situations whenever possible. Also, talk to your veterinarian about behavior modification and the possibility of behavior modifying medicines if needed.
. Avoid having pets run and jump. These activities are stressful on aging pets’ joints. Walking and swimming are better alternatives. Supplements and methods for helping osteoarthritis are also available.
. Don’t forget about the helpful, little things; provide a warm, quiet, soft place for pets to sleep, move litter boxes for easier access, turn on yard lights at night for pets with vision problems, etc.
. Visit or contact your veterinarian when you have any questions or concerns about your aging pet.
And, of course, Nelson adds, give your senior pet plenty of tender, loving care.
“Aging pets are a lot like aging people with respect to diseases and senility issues,” Nelson said. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and heart disease are a few of the many conditions that can afflict aging pets, she added.
Depending on weight, dogs can be considered seniors as early as 4 years old (the heavier the dog, the earlier the dog is considered a senior). The smallest dogs (20 pounds or less) are considered seniors at 8 years old. Cats are considered seniors anywhere from 8 to 11 years old.
To increase longevity, prevent disease and ease the aging process, Nelson suggests owners:
. Help their pets exercise and maintain healthy weights.
. Stay current on vaccines and heartworm prevention measures.
. Adjust to their pet’s behavioral changes as they age. Some pets may develop senility, phobias and separation anxiety as they get older. Pet owners should try to avoid placing their pets in anxiety-producing situations whenever possible. Also, talk to your veterinarian about behavior modification and the possibility of behavior modifying medicines if needed.
. Avoid having pets run and jump. These activities are stressful on aging pets’ joints. Walking and swimming are better alternatives. Supplements and methods for helping osteoarthritis are also available.
. Don’t forget about the helpful, little things; provide a warm, quiet, soft place for pets to sleep, move litter boxes for easier access, turn on yard lights at night for pets with vision problems, etc.
. Visit or contact your veterinarian when you have any questions or concerns about your aging pet.
And, of course, Nelson adds, give your senior pet plenty of tender, loving care.
News Article: Worldwide Research Provides New Insight into Obesity and Genetics
The combined international efforts of 280 institutions, using data from a quarter of a million people around the world, have shed new light on the biology of obesity. A new set of genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity has been uncovered through these studies. Which means new possibilities for treating obesity.
“These studies open the door to better understanding the mechanisms that lead to the most harmful forms of obesity, which can result in heart attack, stroke and diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Kaplan, a co-author of the studies.
Many important findings, correlating genetics with obesity, were made. In one study, a link between DNA sequence variations in 13 genetic regions and fat distribution was found. A person's fat distribution plays a significant role in their overall health; those who store fat in their midsections are at a greater risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than those who store fat below the waist. This study included 200,000 people.
In another study, 18 new genetic variations were discovered to be associated with obesity. This study included data from a total of 250,000 people. Eighteen new genetic regions associated with BMI were also found.
“Clearly, genetics is not the whole story when it comes to obesity, but genetics are important because they may help us in terms of finding new obesity treatments, which so far have proven disappointing,” Dr. Kaplan said.
“These studies open the door to better understanding the mechanisms that lead to the most harmful forms of obesity, which can result in heart attack, stroke and diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Kaplan, a co-author of the studies.
Many important findings, correlating genetics with obesity, were made. In one study, a link between DNA sequence variations in 13 genetic regions and fat distribution was found. A person's fat distribution plays a significant role in their overall health; those who store fat in their midsections are at a greater risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than those who store fat below the waist. This study included 200,000 people.
In another study, 18 new genetic variations were discovered to be associated with obesity. This study included data from a total of 250,000 people. Eighteen new genetic regions associated with BMI were also found.
“Clearly, genetics is not the whole story when it comes to obesity, but genetics are important because they may help us in terms of finding new obesity treatments, which so far have proven disappointing,” Dr. Kaplan said.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
News Article: Watermelon Found to Lower Blood Pressure
Add something new to the long list of reasons to love watermelon. In addition to being a sweet, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient dense fruit, a recent study strongly suggests that watermelon also lowers blood pressure.
The study, conducted by food scientists at The Florida State University, concluded that watermelon can effectively ward off prehypertension, which is the precursor to cardiovascular disease. Why watermelon? This heart-healthy fruit is a rich source of L-citrulline – an amino acid that works to regulate blood pressure. In the study, six grams of L-citrulline was administered to nine prehypersensitive participants each over the course of six weeks. All nine participants experienced lowered blood pressure and improved artery function as well.
Watermelon may very well be able to, “prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes,” said researcher, Bahram Arjmandi.
In addition to these vascular benefits of watermelon, this fruit is also a powerful antioxidant, high in potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and, of course, Vitamin C. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and this simple, delicious fruit appears to be an effective natural weapon against it.
The study, conducted by food scientists at The Florida State University, concluded that watermelon can effectively ward off prehypertension, which is the precursor to cardiovascular disease. Why watermelon? This heart-healthy fruit is a rich source of L-citrulline – an amino acid that works to regulate blood pressure. In the study, six grams of L-citrulline was administered to nine prehypersensitive participants each over the course of six weeks. All nine participants experienced lowered blood pressure and improved artery function as well.
Watermelon may very well be able to, “prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes,” said researcher, Bahram Arjmandi.
In addition to these vascular benefits of watermelon, this fruit is also a powerful antioxidant, high in potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and, of course, Vitamin C. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and this simple, delicious fruit appears to be an effective natural weapon against it.
News Article: Planning on Pregnancy? Be Sure to Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
New research has provided especially relevant advice for women who are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future - eat your fruits and vegetables. The research, published in “BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,” not only reinforces the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet before and during pregnancy, but reveals that women who consume fresh fruits and vegetables for three months prior to conception are less likely to give birth to undernourished babies.
Women who ate at least three servings of green, leafy vegetables per day three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% less likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies. Women who ate less than one serving of fruit per week three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% more likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies.
Infants with undernourishment issues are, “more likely to be stillborn, to have complications in the newborn period and in later life,” said leader of the study, Professor Lesley McCowan.
Researchers believe that the nutrients fruits and vegetables offer may serve as protection for the mother and her developing fetus, though they acknowledge that women who consume high amounts of these foods are likely to lead healthier lifestyles overall. But this research still sheds light on the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables, specifically, in your diet if you are planning on becoming pregnant.
Women who ate at least three servings of green, leafy vegetables per day three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% less likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies. Women who ate less than one serving of fruit per week three months before their pregnancy were found to be 50% more likely to give birth to undernourished and low birth weight babies.
Infants with undernourishment issues are, “more likely to be stillborn, to have complications in the newborn period and in later life,” said leader of the study, Professor Lesley McCowan.
Researchers believe that the nutrients fruits and vegetables offer may serve as protection for the mother and her developing fetus, though they acknowledge that women who consume high amounts of these foods are likely to lead healthier lifestyles overall. But this research still sheds light on the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables, specifically, in your diet if you are planning on becoming pregnant.
News Article: Combination Therapy is Best for Fighting Frequent Migraines
Anyone who has suffered from recurring migraines knows that although relief is desperately needed, it can be hard to find. But there is good news for frequent migraine sufferers; Ohio University researchers have found the method that seems to offer the most significant amount of relief from persistent migraines - a combination therapy of preventive medicine and behavioral changes.
The study included 232 participants and collected daily data for 16 months. Participants had to experience at least three debilitating migraines per 30 days to qualify for the study. One group received combination therapy, another received only the medication, and another received only behavioral therapy. The combination therapy group showed, by far, the most improvement; 77 percent experienced significant migraine relief.
The behavioral aspect of the combination therapy included learning how to identify migraine triggers and early signs of an impending attack along with learning relaxation techniques, muscle stretching exercises to prevent or stop migraines, and stress management skills. Participants also wrote migraine management plans.
“Frequent disabling migraines may be bad for the brain. Effectively controlling this disorder may have long-term benefits in addition to the immediate benefits of reducing pain and improving quality of life,” said lead researcher and author, Kenneth Holroyd. And the consistent use of preventive medicine and behavioral therapy combined proved to be the best way to do so, Holroyd said.
The study included 232 participants and collected daily data for 16 months. Participants had to experience at least three debilitating migraines per 30 days to qualify for the study. One group received combination therapy, another received only the medication, and another received only behavioral therapy. The combination therapy group showed, by far, the most improvement; 77 percent experienced significant migraine relief.
The behavioral aspect of the combination therapy included learning how to identify migraine triggers and early signs of an impending attack along with learning relaxation techniques, muscle stretching exercises to prevent or stop migraines, and stress management skills. Participants also wrote migraine management plans.
“Frequent disabling migraines may be bad for the brain. Effectively controlling this disorder may have long-term benefits in addition to the immediate benefits of reducing pain and improving quality of life,” said lead researcher and author, Kenneth Holroyd. And the consistent use of preventive medicine and behavioral therapy combined proved to be the best way to do so, Holroyd said.
Friday, October 8, 2010
News Article: Study Shows How Varying Conflict Styles Affect Marriage and Divorce
When it comes to fighting in marriage, yelling, screaming and name-calling aren't the only fight-factors that lead to higher chances of divorce. A study conducted by the University of Michigan has discovered a new, less obvious, conflict pattern that tends to lead down the divorce road as well.
The study found that in relationships where one partner dealt with conflict in a constructive manner by carefully listening and calmly discussing, while the other partner dealt with conflict by withdrawing, divorce rates were higher. Couples who both had constructive styles of conflict management had lower divorce rates.
This particular constructive-withdrawn pattern proved to be a destructive one because it often led to the constructive partner feeling as though their withdrawn partner lacked investment in the relationship said researcher, Kira Birditt.
The data was collected in a study that followed 373 couples for 16 years, beginning in their first year of marriage. The couples were interviewed four times throughout the study. Overall, husbands reported behaving more constructively than wives. However, husbands who withdrew were less likely to change over time than wives who withdrew; wives were more likely to change from withdrawn to constructive behaviors over time than husbands were.
“We hope this study will lead to additional research on the complex dynamics of conflict between husbands and wives,” Birditt said.
The study found that in relationships where one partner dealt with conflict in a constructive manner by carefully listening and calmly discussing, while the other partner dealt with conflict by withdrawing, divorce rates were higher. Couples who both had constructive styles of conflict management had lower divorce rates.
This particular constructive-withdrawn pattern proved to be a destructive one because it often led to the constructive partner feeling as though their withdrawn partner lacked investment in the relationship said researcher, Kira Birditt.
The data was collected in a study that followed 373 couples for 16 years, beginning in their first year of marriage. The couples were interviewed four times throughout the study. Overall, husbands reported behaving more constructively than wives. However, husbands who withdrew were less likely to change over time than wives who withdrew; wives were more likely to change from withdrawn to constructive behaviors over time than husbands were.
“We hope this study will lead to additional research on the complex dynamics of conflict between husbands and wives,” Birditt said.
News Article: Stress Hormones Block Testosterone Production in Men
Men’s stress and aggression hormones work in a joint partnership, according to a recent study. And this partnership has its benefits and disadvantages.
High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, have been found to block the aggressive, competitive, dominant hormone, testosterone. This is because the body releases cortisol in response to a perceived threat and testosterone only gets in the way of responding to that threat. So the stress hormone must block the aggression hormone in order to adequately respond to the perceived danger.
"It makes good adaptive sense…because engaging in behaviors that are encouraged by testosterone, such as mating, competition and aggression, during an imminent survival situation, could be fatal," lead researcher, Robert Josephs said.
The downside to this cortisol-testosterone relationship is that elevated stress levels in men have now been scientifically proven to adversely affect their sexual health; an area in which testosterone is primarily associated.
“The researchers suggest these findings reveal new insights into the physiological effects of stress and how they may play a role in fertility problems,” said Josephs.
High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, have been found to block the aggressive, competitive, dominant hormone, testosterone. This is because the body releases cortisol in response to a perceived threat and testosterone only gets in the way of responding to that threat. So the stress hormone must block the aggression hormone in order to adequately respond to the perceived danger.
"It makes good adaptive sense…because engaging in behaviors that are encouraged by testosterone, such as mating, competition and aggression, during an imminent survival situation, could be fatal," lead researcher, Robert Josephs said.
The downside to this cortisol-testosterone relationship is that elevated stress levels in men have now been scientifically proven to adversely affect their sexual health; an area in which testosterone is primarily associated.
“The researchers suggest these findings reveal new insights into the physiological effects of stress and how they may play a role in fertility problems,” said Josephs.
News Article: Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some helpful tips from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on how you can reduce your risk:
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer.
2. Eat healthy. Keep the veggie and fruit intake high and the sugar, refined carbs, and fatty foods intake low. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats and whole grains over processed white flour.
3. Keep physically active. Research indicates that increased physical activity reduces overall breast cancer risk by about 10 to 30 percent.
4. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer risk and should be avoided at all costs. If hormone replacement is necessary, however, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit your use to less than three years.
6. Talk to your doctor about taking an estrogen-blocking drug if you have a family history of breast cancer.
7. Do not smoke. Long-term smoking has been found to correlate with increased risk of breast cancer.
8. Breast-feed your babies for at least one year. Women who do so are found to be less likely to develop breast cancer later on in life.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer.
2. Eat healthy. Keep the veggie and fruit intake high and the sugar, refined carbs, and fatty foods intake low. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats and whole grains over processed white flour.
3. Keep physically active. Research indicates that increased physical activity reduces overall breast cancer risk by about 10 to 30 percent.
4. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy increases breast cancer risk and should be avoided at all costs. If hormone replacement is necessary, however, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit your use to less than three years.
6. Talk to your doctor about taking an estrogen-blocking drug if you have a family history of breast cancer.
7. Do not smoke. Long-term smoking has been found to correlate with increased risk of breast cancer.
8. Breast-feed your babies for at least one year. Women who do so are found to be less likely to develop breast cancer later on in life.
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