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Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?
When it comes to colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or whisky, with lemon juice, can provide an effective cure. However, studies so far had not been able to show that alcohol can kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold dead in its tracks. And while alcohol may provide temporary relief from symptoms, it can also prolong the cold by increasing dehydration. (Read more about Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?)
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Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There
A recent report by health provider BUPA has found that people's worries are damaging their health by causing sleepless nights, loss of sex drive, and erratic eating habits. The 2007 Worry Report demonstrates that almost one in five people constantly worry about numerous things, and more than half feel they worry more now than five years ago. Half of the people surveyed this year, which is 6% more than in 2006, claimed they were more worried about their health and their family's health than about other concerning issues such as climate change or terrorist attacks. The survey finds that almost three quarters of people worry, but around 19% admit to worrying all the time or about a number of things. (Read more about Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There)
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American Children Are Not Consuming Enough Milk
A recent study from Penn State has found that American children are drinking insufficient amounts of milk and the dairy they are choosing to consume are very high in fat. The study examined a children's daily dairy intake and compared it with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid dairy recommendations. The findings revealed that only 2 to 3 year olds met the MyPyramid dairy recommendations. It was also observed that most children choose to eat more of the highest fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dairy based toppings. (Read more about American Children Are Not Consuming Enough Milk)
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Possible Link Found Between Tenacity and Well-Being
For many of us, being persistent is a good thing. Especially since staying determined increases the odds you'll succeed and personal success is closely connected to well-being. But what if the goal is far beyond a person's reasonable grasp? When does persistence start to take a negative toll on a person's health? To reliably distinguish between people who persist or let go in the face of a difficult goal, psychologists developed an instrument designed for lab testing. Through numerous experiments, psychologists studied the two personality types to see how healthy and well adjusted they are. (Read more about Possible Link Found Between Tenacity and Well-Being)
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All Types of Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente Researchers has found that the effects of alcohol on breast cancer are the same, regardless of whether a woman drinks wine, beer, or liquor. The ethyl alcohol found in those drinks and the quantity consumed are the factors that weigh heavily on breast cancer risk. Researchers believe the increased risk from three or more drinks a day is similar to the increased breast cancer risk from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or more. They claim that "Population studies have consistently linked drinking alcohol to an increased risk of female breast cancer, but until now there has been little data, most of it conflicting, about an independant role played by the choice of beverage type." (Read more about All Types of Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk)
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Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
A Review in The Lancet reveals the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to reduce stressors related to cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers from John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore examined records between 1990 to 2006. They observed how stress affects the sympathetic nervous system, impacts physiology, and the effect it has on the cardiovascular system. Lead author, Daniel Brotman, claims "Acute physical stressors such as sugery, trauma, and intense physical exertion are well known triggers of cardiovascular events. Emotional stressors are increasingly recognized as precipitants of such events." (Read more about Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems)
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Crib Bumpers Are Deemed Unsafe by Experts
A recent study in the current issue of the Journal of Pediatrics has found hidden dangers in using soft cushioned bumpers around cribs and bassinets. These bumpers supposedly stop babies from banging or trapping their heads against the bars of the crib, but researchers say they can lead to suffocation for the infant. Pediatric researchers found that 27 babies and toddlers up to age 2 were accidentally strangled or suffocated by bumper pads and another 25 children were injured.
The research team examined database reviews from three U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions on deaths related to crib bumpers and other crib-related injuries from 1985 to 2005. According to lead author of the study, Dr. Bradley Thach, many babies lack the motor coordination to free themselves when they become wedged between the bumper and another surface. In some instances, if the bumper is too soft the baby's face can get pressed up against it, leading to suffocation. If the bumper is too firm the baby can climb up the pads and fall out of the crib. (Read more about Crib Bumpers Are Deemed Unsafe by Experts)
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Eye Diseases Are Rising Amongst the Elderly, But Few See Risk
The American Academy of Opthalmology finds that most Americans are unaware of the risks presented by age-related eye diseases, according to a health survey of 1,200 Americans. The populations most at risk for age related retinal diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are unaware of the factors that make them susceptible. (Read more about Eye Diseases Are Rising Amongst the Elderly, But Few See Risk)
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For Arthritis, Prevention is Better than the Cure
A new study, published in the Journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, has shown exercise beneficial in reducing or preventing the pain of osteoarthritis.
This study followed two groups of women, both of whom were previously free of joint pain, one aged 48-55 years, one aged 72-79 years. Questioners determined the amount of physical activity and timing of the onset of symptoms which suggested osteoarthritis, like stiff or painful joints. The physical activity was categorized as none, low (1h hour and 15 minutes of activity), moderate (21/2 hours weekly), and high, (over 21/2 hours weekly). (Read more about For Arthritis, Prevention is Better than the Cure)
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Have a Cold? Try Echinacea: Natural Immune Enhancer
What do you do when you're fighting off a cold? Most of us get the recommended extra rest, plenty of water, and vitamin C, but some people use herbal supplements like Echinacea.
Echinacea has been shown to help reduce the onset, duration and severity of symptoms during a cold. According to a recent study at the University of Connecticut, taking Echinacea cuts your chances of catching the common cold by 58% and reduces the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. This study combined the analysis of 14 previous clinical trials, following over 13,000 patients for prevention and 16,000 for duration. Echinacea worked well alone or with other herbal supplements. (Read more about Have a Cold? Try Echinacea: Natural Immune Enhancer)
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