Posts by Dr. Youdeem
More Steps Equals Fewer Hospital Stays.
More Steps Equals Fewer Hospital Stays. According to a recent report, older individuals can reduce the amount of time they will eventually spend in hospitals by walking an extra 4,300 steps per day. In the study, a team of Australian researchers analyzed data on 2,110 participants aged 55 and older and found that those who…
Read MoreLow-Calorie Sweeteners May Promote Fat Formation.
Low-Calorie Sweeteners May Promote Fat Formation. Researchers have found that consuming high amounts of low-calorie sweeteners can promote the formation of fat. In the first part of the study, investigators observed that stem cells exposed to an artificial sweetener showed an increase in the expression of genes that indicate fat production and inflammation. In the…
Read MoreMorbid Obesity Doubles Risk of Early Death
Morbid Obesity Doubles Risk of Early Death. In this study, investigators tracked the weight history of over 225,000 participants over a twelve-year period and found the participants who were morbidly obese (greater than 35 BMI) were twice as likely to die from any cause, more than three times as likely to die from heart disease,…
Read MoreDo Dental Visits Make You Anxious?
Do Dental Visits Make You Anxious? It is not uncommon to be fearful of going to the dentist, but there are ways to help minimize your anxiety. The American Dental Association offers the following tips to put you at ease: talk with your dentist about your anxiety; schedule your appointment at a time when you…
Read MoreWhat Is Angina?
What Is Angina? Chest pain that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood is referred to as angina. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute mentions the following triggers: increased emotional stress, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, eating a heavy meal, smoking tobacco or using cocaine, and taking medication that narrows…
Read MoreNeck Pain and Muscle Function.
Neck Pain and Muscle Function. A new study investigated the effect of unilateral posterior neck pain (UPNP) on neck motion and muscle activation. The study included 20 patients with UPNP and 20 individuals without neck pain to serve as a control group. Investigators measured neck motion during prone neck extension as well as muscle activity…
Read MoreFitness a Key to Post-Stroke Recovery.
Fitness a Key to Post-Stroke Recovery. Individuals who are active and exercise on a regular basis before a stroke are less likely to face disability afterward. Researchers found that among those in the study who suffered a stroke, those who had exercised regularly before their stroke were 18% more likely to perform basic tasks—such as…
Read MoreWestern-Style Diet May Increase Depression Risk.
Western-Style Diet May Increase Depression Risk. A review of data from 21 published studies involving men and women from ten countries indicates that individuals who consume a Western-style diet—a high intake of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes, high-fat gravy, with a low intake of fruits and vegetables—have an…
Read MoreChildren May Have Flame Retardant Chemicals in Their Blood.
Children May Have Flame Retardant Chemicals in Their Blood. If the flame retardant chemicals often found in textiles, electronics, and furniture mix with household dust, they may pose a health hazard. In this study, researchers found that house cats from 17 households had elevated levels of flame-retardant chemicals in their blood. Because small children tend…
Read MorePros and Cons of Instagram for Teens’ Mental Health.
Pros and Cons of Instagram for Teens’ Mental Health. Researchers tracked Instagram use by teens for six months and found a link between frequent use and a greater risk for depression. However, the research team also observed that Instagram use can help adolescents feel closer to their friends, leading to lower levels of depression. The…
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