Do Females Have a Superior Aerobic System?

In a small study involving 18 men and women, researchers found that female bodies are more efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles. Researcher Dr. Richard Hughson explains, “We found that women’s muscles extract oxygen from the blood faster, which, scientifically speaking, indicates a superior aerobic system.” Lead author Dr. Thomas Beltrame adds, “The findings…

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Poor Dietary Behaviors May Impact Well-Being.

Korean researchers surveyed 65,212 students and found that those with a greater intake of soft drinks, sugary drinks, and fast food were more likely to report lower scores in regards to sleep quality, happiness, and overall health. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, November 2017

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Noisy Commutes Pose Dangers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to noise at 114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. In a new study, researchers explored the impact of noise exposure among commuters who used subways, trams, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The research team was surprised to find that commuters were often…

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Marriage Reduces Dementia Risk.

Compared with those who are married, lifelong singles and widowers have a 20-42% increased risk for developing dementia. The researchers behind this finding recommend, “Dementia prevention in unmarried people should focus on education and physical health and should consider the possible effect of social engagement as a modifiable risk factor.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and…

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Metabolic Syndrome Common Among Workers with Back Pain.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that occur together, increasing one’s risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. A recent study involving 656 healthcare workers who experienced an episode of lower back pain in…

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College Students Who Exercise Drink Less Alcohol.

A new study that evaluated the lifestyles of 132 university students found a link between increased physical fitness and reduced alcohol consumption. This suggests that programs aimed at encouraging increased physical activity could reduce alcohol consumption among college students. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, December 2017

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Western Diet May Increase Risk of Diabetes.

In a recent study involving rodents, researchers observed that a high-fat diet could cause blood vessel damage and increased blood pressure—symptoms common in diabetics—within a short period of time. Researcher Dr. Maria Alicia Carrillo Sepulveda writes, “Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to the western diet can put individuals at risk for developing vascular damage…

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Belly Fat Increases Emergency Surgery Issues.

An analysis of the health records of 600 patients who had emergency surgery showed that those with excess belly fat were five-times more likely to experience complications and eight-times more likely to die than slimmer patients. The findings are important, as two thirds of Americans are currently overweight or obese. American College of Surgeons, October…

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Low Vitamin D Levels Make Stress More Difficult to Manage.

Previous studies have noted that vitamin D deficiency increases one’s risk for a number of negative health outcomes. Now, a new study involving mice indicates that vitamin D deficiency also makes it more difficult to cope with stress. In the study, researchers fed mice either a normal diet or a vitamin D-poor diet for ten…

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