Neighborhood Characteristics Can Affect Hypertension Risk.
Using data from two ongoing studies, researchers report that individuals living in neighborhoods that are more conducive to pedestrian traffic and have greater access to parks are less likely to have high blood pressure than those residing in areas with less greenspace and reduced walkability. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, August 2021
Read MoreBreastfeeding Promotes Healthier Blood Pressure for Children.
Examinations of nearly 2,400 three year-old children showed that those who were breastfed for any duration—even in just the first days of life — had lower blood pressure than the kids who had never breastfed. Journal of the American Heart Association, July 2021
Read MoreSleep and Diet Can Increase Longevity
An analysis of data concerning over 13,000 older adults revealed that eating several servings of vegetables a day and sleeping 7-8 hours a night can reduce one’s risk for early death in the following six years by up to 34%. BMC Geriatrics, June 2021
Read MoreBedtime with a Pet May Help Kids Sleep
A study that included 188 children, aged 11 to 17, found that those who shared a bed with a pet were more likely to report high subjective sleep quality. Sleep Health, May 2021
Read MoreShifting Sleep Up By One Hour May Reduce Depression Risk
New research suggests that going to bed and waking an hour earlier can reduce one’s risk for depression by up to 23%, even though there’s no difference in sleep duration. Additionally, shifting sleep/wake times forward by two hours can lower the risk for depression by nearly 40%. JAMA Psychiatry, May 2021
Read MoreSitting at Work Linked to Back/Neck Pain
Questionnaires completed by over 45,000 adults revealed that sitting for more than 75% of the workday and not taking regular breaks not only increases the risk for neck and back pain, but also for poor general health. BMC Public Health, May 2021
Read MoreExercise May Be Best Choice for Depressed Coronary Heart Disease Patients
A recent literature review found that for coronary heart disease patients with co-occurring depression, exercise may be a more effective tool for managing depression than antidepressants, psychotherapy, combined psychotherapy and antidepressants, and collaborative care. Study author Dr. Frank Doyle explains, “Our findings further highlight the clinical importance of exercise as a treatment as we see…
Read MoreLow-Salt Diet Good for Heart Health
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy while limiting the intake of salt, red meat, sweets, and sweetened beverages. An analysis of blood samples collected from clinical trial participants revealed that greater adherence to a low-sodium DASH diet is associated with a…
Read MoreOsteoporosis Raises Risk of Hearing Loss in Women
Using data from the decades-long Nurses Health studies, researchers estimate that women with osteoporosis have up to a 40% increased risk for moderate-to-severe hearing loss, even if they’re taking medications to slow bone loss. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, May 2021
Read MoreHow to Relieve Spring Allergies
Spring often means runny noses and itchy, watery eyes for seasonal allergy sufferers. To help minimize the effect of airborne allergens, University of North Carolina Health advises the following: monitor pollen counts, avoid being outdoors, change your HVAC filters and get an air purifier, and talk to your healthcare provider if you need a more…
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