Children whose families regularly eat meals together tend to have better social skills and fitness levels, researchers report. Family meals yield multiple physical and mental health benefits, according to the long-term Canadian study. “The presence of parents during mealtimes likely provides young children with firsthand social interaction, discussions of social issues and day-to-day concerns,” explained… read on >
In a finding that’s sure to ruffle some fur and feathers, scientists report that having a pet doesn’t fend off age-related declines in physical or mental health. “Our results showed that in this sample of almost 9,000 people — average age 67 years — for those who owned a pet, no health benefits were found,”… read on >
Not every community in the United States adds fluoride to drinking water. Nonetheless, the American Dental Association supports the practice, saying fluoridated water: Helps prevent tooth decay. Protects all ages against cavities. Is safe and effective. Saves money. The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a community’s supply of drinkingwater is less than the… read on >
Slowing down and paying more attention to what you eat can make you appreciate food more and eat healthier. The American Heart Association suggests: Ponder: Ask yourself if you are really hungry before you eat. Appraise: Notice your food and how it smells and looks. Slow: Eat your food slowly. Savor: As you eat, take… read on >
Many people insist their joints ache more when it rains. But that popular notion might be all wet, a new study suggests. The study of more than 1.5 million older Americans found that people were no more likely to visit the doctor with joint or back pain during rainy weeks than sunny ones. Even among… read on >
Many of the foods most associated with holiday meals can actually be good for you and, because they’re filling, leave you feeling satisfied with small servings. Skinless white turkey meat tops the list. A 3-ounce slice has 26 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of saturated fat and just 130 calories. Skip the gravy,… read on >
Emergency room doctors must think fast — and video games might help boost their decision-making, new research suggests. A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found an adventure video game improved ER doctors’ ability to assess the level of care needed by trauma patients. “Physicians must make decisions quickly and with… read on >
Raising one particular tax just might have a public health benefit. The tax in question? States’ alcohol excise tax. In the United States, those taxes have not kept pace with inflation, which could limit their public health benefits, researchers report. In inflation-adjusted dollars, the average state alcohol excise tax has fallen by 30 percent for… read on >
Even getting a good night’s sleep requires some thought and preparation. The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions: Go to sleep at the same time every night, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual. Avoid naps. Exercise daily. Maintain a cool sleeping temperature between 60 degrees and 67 degrees. Buy a comfortable mattress and… read on >
Finding the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your shopping list is a major source of stress. To help relieve seasonal gift-giving woes, the American Psychological Association suggests: Keep a “to do” gift list, and check it often. Set realistic expectations for the holidays. Be aware of holiday stress, and adjust your schedule accordingly. Get… read on >
