Each year, it's a good idea to review our progress toward good health. These research findings on health-related topics may be a good way to start.
Recognizing that findings don't always stand the test of time (new research comes out almost daily), here are a few highlights from 2006.
Is there information here that you can apply to help live a healthier lifestyle in 2007?
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| Annette, Battle Creek |
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Laughter - Laughing may help our hearts. Researchers have noted that when exposed to something that makes us laugh, blood flow to our hearts increased - a good thing. The reverse seems to also be true: When we experience, for example, a movie that is sad, we can have the same vascular response that we do when we are angry - not a good thing.
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Flu Shots - Among the benefits of getting your yearly flu shot, add the fact that, as reported by the American Heart Association, getting one can reduce the incidence of death, heart attack or unplanned procedures to open clogged arteries in patients with coronary heart disease.
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Loneliness - Statistics appear to show that the number of individuals that Americans confide in has decreased over the past 20 years, from three friends to two. In addition, those of us who have no one at all to confide in have doubled to one in four. Because of this, there could be health consequences, as some studies show that larger social networks may help to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and extend life.
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Sports Injuries - In regards to children, too much exercise can be harmful to young joints and tender muscles. As a result, groups such as Little League Baseball have taken note - in their case by instituting new pitching rules.
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Sleep - New studies suggest some interesting facts and possibilities, such as that most of us exaggerate the amount of sleep we actually get each night. There also may be a relationship between depression and sleep disorders. Finally, waking up can be difficult. It appears that when we first wake up, our brains may be more impaired, that is not fully functional, than if we were sleep deprived. This dysfunction is more more severe for the first 10 minutes after waking, but may last for as long as two hours.
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Chocolate - Eaten in small quantities, it is known to be good for the heart and blood vessels. Now, it also appears that a component in cocoa may reduce platelet clumping, helping blood to flow smoothly.
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Obesity
- The epidemic continues and is spreading. For example, the Chinese government reports that 60 million people are now overweight - in a country that never had the problem before. The culprit may be prosperity, which permits more access to fatty foods and "junk food."
- Heart problems can now be seen in obese teens, in the form of cardiac enlargement and decreased pumping ability.
- Being overweight at age 18 correlates with a higher death rate in young and middle age women.
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