Obesity is a growing health concern in the US, affecting more than a third of American adults. But according to a new study, losing weight does not have to be a mammoth task; simply drinking 500 ml of water 30 minutes before each meal can help. Published in the journal Obesity, the study found drinking 500 ml of water half an hour before eating breakfast, lunch and dinner led to greater weight loss among obese adults compared with those who did not drink water before mealtimes. "The beauty of these findings is in the simplicity. Just drinking a pint of water, three times a day, before your … [Read more...] about A bottle of water before mealtimes could aid weight loss
Intelligence linked to physical performance in middle age, study shows
A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health that followed 3,000 men reveals a link between intelligence and midlife physical performance. Previous research suggests the better our physical performance in middle age, the more likely we are to retain our independence and cope with everyday activities in old age, such as carrying our shopping and getting dressed. Researchers who study this area usually employ a number of tests - such as handgrip strength, balance, chair rises, jumping height (a measure of leg strength), and back strength - when measuring physical performance. For … [Read more...] about Intelligence linked to physical performance in middle age, study shows
Sleep Fights Colds, Study Finds
If you're loading up on vitamin C and zinc to stave off the sniffles, you should try an earlier bedtime instead. People who regularly sleep six hours or less each night are four times more likely to get a cold than people who sleep just an hour longer, a new study finds. Short sleep was more important than any other factor in predicting who would get sick after exposure to the cold virus, researchers say. "It's almost alarming how strong the effects are," says Aric Prather, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco and lead author … [Read more...] about Sleep Fights Colds, Study Finds
Is butter back? The truth about this favorite fat
Read enough health studies and you come to realize darn near every theory has one study proving one thing and another study proving the exact opposite. It's a cold, confusing world out there, and though science tries to make sense of it all, absolute truths and facts are hard to come by. That doesn't mean science is going to give up, though. Consider the case of butter. For the past however many years, we've been drilled to think butter is bad. Butter is a saturated fat and heaps of research have found that saturated fats lead to heart disease. Plus, the molecules of saturated fats are packed … [Read more...] about Is butter back? The truth about this favorite fat
How to Overcome Any Excuse Not to Exercise
Most people begin a new fitness program with great intentions and lots of motivation--only to find both waning within a few weeks. The realities of work, school, social and family demands overwhelm the desire to get fit, and exercise gets puts on the back burner. Before you start your next fitness kick, use these 6 strategies to make sure you don't use "being busy" as an excuse to not get moving. Excuse #1: I'm too tired to exercise when I get home from work or school. If you typically crash on the couch after a long day (and can't seem to get back up again), there are several potential … [Read more...] about How to Overcome Any Excuse Not to Exercise
The Surprising Link Between Carbs and Depression
Refined carbohydrates — such as those found in white bread, white rice and sodas — may harm more than the waistlines of older women. New research shows that eating too much of these highly processed foods might also raise their risk of depression. Luckily, the opposite also appears to be true: The analysis also found that those who ate lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and dietary fiber appeared to see their risk for depression drop. The study involved more than 70,000 women aged 50 to 79. The findings, the investigators said, only show an association between “refined” carbs and … [Read more...] about The Surprising Link Between Carbs and Depression
Exercise in adolescence may reduce adult cancer risk, all-cause mortality for women
Researchers assessing the health of women aged 40-70 have suggested that the amount of exercise they participate in during their teenage years appears to have an impact on their risk of dying from cancer or other causes as adults. The study was conducted by Sarah J. Nechuta, an assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center in Nashville, TN, and colleagues. Their findings are published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Participating in exercise as an adolescent was associated with a reduced risk of cancer and all-cause mortality, regardless of the level … [Read more...] about Exercise in adolescence may reduce adult cancer risk, all-cause mortality for women
Young Athletes: Injuries And Prevention
High profile events like the Olympics bring the hope that witnessing and celebrating dedicated athletes at the top of their game, will inspire young people to take up sport and physical activities that help them develop confidence, lead more satisfying lives, and not least, secure long-term health by reducing their risk for developing chronic illness like diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. But unfortunately, if they don't take appropriate measures, young athletes can instead, end up in pain, on a different path to poor health, due to avoidable sport injury. James R. … [Read more...] about Young Athletes: Injuries And Prevention