Mayo Clinic Finds Exercise Plus Computer Time May Boost Seniors' Brains

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — You think your computer has a lot of memory and if you keep using your computer you may, too.

Combining mentally stimulating activities, such as using a computer, with moderate exercise decreases your odds of having memory loss more than computer use or exercise alone, a Mayo Clinic study shows.

Previous studies have shown that exercising your body and your mind will help your memory but the new study, published in the May 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, reports a synergistic interaction between computer activities and moderate exercise in "protecting" the brain function in people better than 70 years old.

Researchers studied 926 people in Olmsted County, Minn., ages 70 to 93, who completed self-reported questionnaires on physical exercise, and computer use within one year prior of the date of interview. Moderate physical exercise was defined as brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, golfing without a golf cart, swimming, doubles tennis, yoga, martial arts, using exercise machines and weightlifting. Mentally stimulating activities included reading, crafts, computer use, playing games, playing music, group and social and artistic activities and watching less television.

Of those activities the study singled out computer use because of its popularity, said study author Yonas E. Geda, M.D., a physician scientist with Mayo Clinic in Arizona.   more

Berry brain benefits

Increased lifespans have led to population aging and brought attention to healthcare concerns associated with old age. A growing body of preclinical and clinical research has identified neurological benefits associated with the consumption of berry fruits. In addition to their now well-known antioxidant effects, dietary supplementation with berry fruits also has direct effects on the brain. Intake of these fruits may help to prevent age-related neurodegeneration and resulting changes in cognitive and motor function.    more

Consuming berries could delay brain aging up to two and a half years

An article published online on April 26, 2012 in the Annals of Neurology reports a protective effect for diets containing high amounts of blueberries and strawberries against cognitive decline in older women. Berries are high in compounds known as flavonoids, which may help reduce the negative impact of inflammation and stress on cognitive function.

Consuming a relatively high amount of blueberries or strawberries was associated with a slower decline in cognitive function test scores over the follow-up period compared to women whose intake was lower, resulting in a delay in cognitive aging of up to 2.5 years. Greater intake of the anthocyanidin class of flavonoids and total flavonoids was also associated with a reduced rate of decline.

more

Vitamin D may help lower blood pressure

LONDON, April 25 (UPI) -- A study showed giving vitamin D supplements in Europe in winter can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, Danish researchers said.    more

Vitamin D shrinks uterine fibroids in animal study

Researchers from Meharry Medical College in Nashville report on February 1, 2012 in the journal Biology of Reproduction that treatment with vitamin D decreased uterine fibroid volume in rats bred to develop the tumors.

Fibroids are the most common benign tumor in women and although they often remain small and symptomless, they frequently grow to a significant size, causing pain and increased menstrual bleeding. Fibroid tumors are less common in Caucasian women than in African-Americans, who are also likelier to be deficient in vitamin D.

More

Calorie restriction helps regulate glucose and maintain gray matter volume in the brain.

In an article published online on March 13, 2012 in the journal Diabetes, Sterling C. Johnson and his colleagues at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and the University of Wisconsin report a benefit for calorie restriction in glucose regulation and related improvement in brain volume in older rhesus monkeys.

The current study utilized 27 monkeys that received calorie restricted diets beginning in middle age and 17 control monkeys that were allowed to eat as much as they wanted for eight hours per day. To investigate the hypothesis that calorie restriction, via its positive effect on insulin signaling, could improve neural atrophy related to insulin dysregulation in areas of the brain affected by neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, the researchers evaluated insulin resistance through the use of glucose tolerance testing and insulin measurement, and assessed regional brain volumes using magnetic resonance imagining (MRI). Motor task learning and performance were analyzed in 26 animals.

While six of the control animals had preclinical or diabetes-like glucoregulatory dysfunction, no calorie restricted animals were found to have glucoregulatory impairment. Increased insulin sensitivity predicted increased gray matter in the parietal and frontal cortices of both groups; however, each unit increase in insulin sensitivity predicted more gray matter in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and other regions with a high density of insulin receptors in the calorie restricted group relative to the control animals. Hippocampal gray matter volume adjusted by insulin sensitivity was correlated with learning and memory and performance.

"In summary, increased insulin sensitivity among calorie restricted monkeys was associated with more gray matter in parietofrontal cortices, hippocampus, and other regions that vary in insulin receptor density and signaling," the authors conclude. "Among controls, higher insulin sensitivity showed a positive relationship with gray matter volume in parietofrontal cortices with low insulin receptor density, but predicted less gray matter in structures and areas that have high receptor density. Calorie restriction or calorie restriction mimetics may benefit some specific brain regions and aspects of task learning and performance."

Chocolate. The new wonder drug?

A letter published in the March 26, 2012 issue of the American Medical Association journal of Archives of Internal Medicine reveals the results of a study which found that adults who ate chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who consumed it infrequently. Higher body mass index is a component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors linked to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego analyzed data from 1,017 men and women aged 20 to 85 years who had no cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or abnormal low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels upon enrollment in the UCSD Statin Study, which examined the noncardiac effects of statin drugs. Participants were queried concerning how many times per week they consumed chocolate, and food frequency questionnaires were completed by the majority of subjects.

The participants in the current study consumed chocolate an average of twice per week. Although greater frequency of chocolate intake was associated with increased calorie consumption and saturated fat intake, those who consumed chocolate more often had a lower body mass index than those who consumed it infrequently in several adjusted models.

"Our findings—that more frequent chocolate intake is linked to lower BMI—are intriguing," Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD and her colleagues write. "They accord with other findings suggesting that diet composition, as well as calorie number, may influence BMI."

"A randomized trial of chocolate for metabolic benefits in humans may be merited," they conclude.

Increased isoflavone intake associated with lower blood pressure

At the American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session, held March 24-27 this year in Chicago, Safiya Richardson of Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons reported that adults who consumed a greater amount of isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds found in soy and other foods, have lower systolic blood pressure than those who consume lesser amounts.

For the current investigation, Dr Richardson and her associates analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study, which examined the development and determinants of cardiovascular disease in 5,115 African American and Caucasians who were aged 18-30 years old upon enrollment in 1985. During the twentieth year of follow-up, the participants completed extensive dietary surveys. Among those whose intake of flavones was among the highest 25 percent of subjects at over 2.5 milligrams per day, systolic blood pressure was 5.5 mmHg lower on average than those whose intake was among the lowest fourth at less than 0.33 milligrams.

"This could mean that consuming soy protein, for example, in combination with a DASH diet – one that is high in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains – could lead to as much as a 10 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure for pre-hypertensives, greatly improving their chances of not progressing to hypertension," Dr Richardson commented. "Any dietary or lifestyle modification people can easily make that doesn't require a daily medication is exciting, especially considering recent figures estimating that only about one third of American hypertensives have their blood pressure under control."

More

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by William R. Davis

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health 

A renowned cardiologist explains how eliminating wheat from our diets can prevent fat storage, shrink unsightly bulges, and reverse myriad health problems.

Every day, over 200 million Americans consume food products made of wheat. As a result, over 100
million of them experience some form of adverse health effect, ranging from minor rashes and high blood sugar to the unattractive stomach bulges that preventive cardiologist William Davis calls “wheat bellies.” According to Davis, that excess fat has nothing to do with gluttony, sloth, or too much butter: It’s due to the whole grain wraps we eat for lunch.

Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven by T. D. Jakes

Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven

The End of Illness

The End of Illness

Can we live robustly until our last breath? Do we have to suffer from debilitating conditions and sickness? Is it possible to add more vibrant years to our lives? In The End of Illness, David B. Agus, MD, one of the world’s leading cancer doctors, researchers, and technology innovators, tackles these fundamental questions, challenging long-held wisdoms and dismantling misperceptions about what “health” means. With a blend of storytelling, landmark research, and provocative ideas on health, Dr. Agus presents an eye-opening picture of the human body and all of the ways it works—and fails—showing us how a new perspective on our individual health will allow each of us to achieve that often elusive but now reachable goal of a long, vigorous life. 

The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now!

The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now!

 

The 17 Day Diet: A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results

Eat Fat, Look Thin: A Safe and Natural Way to Lose Weight

Eat Fat, Look Thin: A Safe and Natural Way to Lose Weight Permanently, Second Edition

Married Heart Surgery Patients Live Longer

Married heart surgery patients are far less likely than single patients to die

Many women find that a heart attack doesn't hurt

Many women find that a heart attack doesn't hurt as much as they would expect

March 08, 2012

MedlinePlus Health News

Stairs vs. Elevators
Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:53:57 -0600
Source: HealthDay -


Drug Reduces Complications in Surgical Abortions
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600
But misoprostol does have side effects, large study found
Source: HealthDay



U.S. Army Suicides Rising Sharply, Study Finds
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600
Service in Iraq and Afghanistan appears to be the cause of increasing mental-health problems

Source: HealthDay


Study Suggests Overall Benefit from Antidepressants
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:02:52 -0600
Despite recent debate about how well antidepressants really work in people with only mild or moderate depression, a new analysis of drug studies suggests they may have some benefit across the board.
Source: Reuters Health



Study Finds Key Dementia Drugs Should Be Used More
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:03:00 -0600
Pfizer's dementia drug Aricept, already commonly used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, can also help patients with severe disease and should be used more widely and for longer, according to research published on Wednesday.
Source: Reuters Health


Cancer Gene Mutation More Complex Than Previously Thought
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:01:43 -0600
Taking a sample or biopsy from just one part of a tumor might not give a full picture of its genetic diversity and may explain why doctors, despite using genetically targeted drugs, are often unable to save patients whose cancer has spread, scientists said.
Source: Reuters Health


Woman's Recovery from Advanced Melanoma Could Help Guide Research
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:00:00 -0600
In rare case, her immune system was spurred to eliminate tumors even in distant sites, researchers say

Source: HealthDay


Genes Play a Role in Drug Abuse Risk Among Adopted Kids
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0600
But good adoptive relationships offer some protection, researchers say

Source: HealthDay


Pregnancy May Protect Against Multiple Sclerosis
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0600
Researchers found being pregnant just once might decrease risk by half
Source: HealthDay


Gorilla Genome Sheds New Light on Human Evolution
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:25:38 -0600
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the gorilla, the last great ape to have its genes decoded, and say it gives new insights into differences between the apes and humans -- including their ability to produce competitive sperm.
Source: Reuters Health


Kids' Penicillin Allergy May Not Signal Other Drug Reactions
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:00 -0600
Study finds no greater risk of allergies to other meds in kids who test positive to common antibiotic

Source: HealthDay


Hope and Optimism May Cloud Judgment in ICUs
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0600
Family members tend to put good spin on bad news, which may lead to poor decisions, researchers say

Source: HealthDay


Self-Centered Kids May Just Have Immature Brains
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0600
Study suggests poor impulse control improves with age

Source: HealthDay


Study Defines Treatment Window for HIV-Positive Children Infected at Birth
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:59:41 -0600
Source: National Institute of Mental Health -


Fetal Cocaine Exposure May Not Affect Kids' Academics
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 -0600
Drinking during pregnancy did show impact on learning ability
Source: HealthDay


Many U.S. Families Struggle to Pay Medical Bills
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 -0600
Poor and near poor suffer most, CDC statistics show

Source: HealthDay


FDA Approves Surfaxin to Prevent Breathing Disorder in Premature Infants
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:54:40 -0600
Source: Food and Drug Administration


Health Tip: Coping with Diabetes
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 -0600
Accepting your diagnosis
Source: HealthDay


Health Tip: Skip TV and Get Active
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 -0600
Here are healthier suggestions
Source: HealthDay

2011 Women’s Health statistics & facts

2011 Women’s Health statistics & facts

From the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists


A sexually active teen who does not use contraception
has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within
a year. Page 7


The primary health risks to adolescents are behavioral,
not medical, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor
nutritional habits, depression, cigarette smoking,
alcohol and illicit and prescription drug use, unsafe
driving, including driving under the influence of
alcohol, early initiation of sexual activity, and unprotected
sexual activity. Page 7

A nine-year, $8-million evaluation of federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs found that these programs have no beneficial impact on young people’s sexual behavior. Students who received abstinence-only sex education were no more likely to delay sexual initiation, have fewer partners, or use condoms when they did become sexually active than were students who received other forms of sex education. Page 8

Study finds Suicide rates for all military services increased during 2005 or 2007.

Objectives. The goal of this study was to investigate and identify risk factors for suicide among all active duty members of the US military during 2005 or 2007.

Methods. The study used a cross-sectional design and included the entire active duty military population. Study sample sizes were 2 064 183 for 2005 and 1 981 810 for 2007. Logistic regression models were used.

Results. Suicide rates for all services increased during this period. Mental health diagnoses, mental health visits, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sleep prescriptions, reduction in rank, enlisted rank, and separation or divorce were associated with suicides. Deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom were also associated with elevated odds ratios for all services in the 2007 population and for the Army in 2005.

Conclusions. Additional research needs to address the increasing rates of suicide in active duty personnel. This should include careful evaluation of suicide prevention programs and the possible increase in risk associated with SSRIs and other mental health drugs, as well as the possible impact of shorter deployments, age, mental health diagnoses, and relationship problems. 

Source: Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 25, 2012: e1-e9. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300484

Long Shifts May Raise Some Nurses' Odds for Obesity

Job Stress and Work Schedules in Relation to Nurse Obesity


Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between job stress/work schedules (JS/WS) and obesity among nurses.

Conclusions: Findings suggest interventions to limit adverse work schedules. Access to healthy food and optimal meal breaks should be investigated.

The obesity epidemic in the United States is a widely recognized major national health threat as obesity increases the risk of many health conditions and psychological impairments.   Annual medical costs associated with obesity are expected to double every decade to $861 to $960 billion by 2030, or 16% to 18% of the total US healthcare costs. In workplaces, obese employees have more fatigue, sleepiness, and physical limitations, which lead to higher risks of occupational injury than among nonobese employees. Nurses' obesity and related health problems may be related to high absenteeism, retention, and high healthcare costs.


A socioepidemiologic approach suggests that certain work characteristics and conditions may cause negative health behaviors and outcomes among employees. According to the Demand-Control-Support model, job strain occurs because of high psychological demands, combined with low control/decision latitude and lack of social support on the job. In this context, job strain is exhibited as job stress that may affect eating behavior and food choices, for example, a tendency to eat more sweet and energy-dense foods. In nursing, high workload, low staffing levels, and shorter work breaks have all been reported as barriers to nurses' healthy eating. Disordered eating was more prevalent among nurses with high job stress, and the relationship between disordered eating (ie, binging) and obesity was exacerbated by psychological stress. Moreover, Lallukka et al found job stress related to decreased physical activity and unhealthy diet habits (eg, low vegetable or fruit consumption, not choosing whole grains).


Work schedules also may influence nurses' health by causing job strain or altering health behaviors. Adverse work schedules could lead to obesity among nurses; for instance, shift work and long work hours disrupt normal eating times and reduce access to healthy food. Because of a lack of available food service, nightshift workers tend to eat unhealthy food (eg, high salt, sugar) from vending machines or prepackaged foods. Nightshift nurses reported that their work schedules affected their stamina, frequency of exercise, and social and family life more than those working other shifts. However, few nurses' obesity studies have incorporated work schedule variables.


There is also lack of knowledge about the prevalence of nurses' obesity and of the potential relationship between nurses' work and obesity. The prevalence of nurse overweight/obesity was 55% in 1 study, slightly lower than for the US population (65%). Another study found that 65% of hospital nurses were overweight/obese (OW/OB). However, low response rates and oversampling of minority and male nurses hamper generalization of these estimates.


The purposes of this article were to (a) describe overweight/obesity rates among a more representative sample of nurses and (b) examine the relationship between job stress/work schedules and nurse obesity. Demographic and work characteristics, mental/emotional distress, health behaviors, and home demands were also examined in these analyses. Study findings can provide evidence of working conditions related to obesity and could support recommendations to reduce nurses' obesity and improve their health. 


More


Source: The Journal of Nursing Adminstration