A study that included 110 middle school students who were either overweight or at risk of being overweight found that those who reported high levels of weightrelated teasing were more likely to experience an increase in their body mass index than participants who were not teased about their weight. Study author Dr. Natasha Schvey explains,…

Based on MRI scans of the brains of over 12,000 middle age and older adults, researchers have identified an association between higher amounts of body fat and reduced volume of gray matter in certain areas of the brain. Though researchers are unsure of the nature of this relationship, they say it’s possible that unhealthy nutrition…

A worldwide poll conducted last year revealed that about 55% of Americans said they felt stressed the day before, compared to just 35% in other countries, and nearly 45% of Americans felt worry the day before, compared to 39% worldwide. Gallup, April 2019

Using data from nine published studies involving 23,402 older adults, researchers have identified an association between dietary intake of saturated fat and an elevated risk for dementia. Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2019

After reviewing the health records and driving history of 14,936 men and women born between 1987 and 1997, researchers report that as teenagers, individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to be cited for moving violations or be in a car accident. Additionally, the adolescents in the study with ADHD were also more likely…

Following a review of data from 14 studies published in the last fifty years, researchers conclude that smiling can make people feel happier, scowling can evoke angrier feelings, and frowning can result in the sensation of sadness. Lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Coles writes, “We don’t think that people can smile their way to happiness… But…

An analysis of data concerning nearly 20,000 middle aged and older Chinese adults identified an association between hearing loss and an elevated risk for stroke, particularly in cases of severe hearing loss. Atherosclerosis, March 2019

Through field and lab experiments, researchers have observed that negative feedback may help or hinder creativity depending on where the criticism came from. More specifically, the data show that when creative professionals or participants received criticism from a boss or a peer, they tended to become less creative in their subsequent work. However, when an…

Following a review of data from a nationwide database, Danish researchers report that individuals who lived near a park, forest, or other green space as children appear to have up to a 55% lower risk for mental health issues later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Kristine Engemann notes, “Ensuring access to green space and enhancing…

Surveys completed by over 2,000 seniors revealed that one in four felt isolated from others at least some of the time, especially those in fair or poor mental/physical health and those with hearing loss. National Poll on Healthy Aging, March 2019