Category Archives: Medical

Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: Hectic Jobs Affect Women’s Hearts

A new stress and cardiovascular disease study conducted at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital indicates that a stressful work life can have major cardiovascular implications for women. In the study, American women who reported a high level of job stress were 38% more likely to experience hypertension or a stroke in comparison to women who reported a low level of job stress. Even more alarming, these same women were 67% more at risk for a heart attack. What qualifies as a high level of stress? According to Dr. Michelle Albert, one of the lead researchers behind the new study, it can be defined as stress that’s too overwhelming for the body to handle and adapt to. Of course, if you’re already experiencing this level of stress at work, you probably don’t need anyone to define it for you.

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Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, Mental Health, News, Studies, Women | 1,387 Comments

Want to be Healthier? Study Says Living on the Coast Could Help

Everyone loves going to the beach, especially in the summer. Apart from simply being fun, relaxing on the sand or taking a quick dip in the water might be an effective way for some people to reduce stress when the time is right. Also, getting a reasonable amount of sun at the beach can boost your levels of vitamin D, which holds many potential health benefits. But wouldn’t it be nice to experience the benefits of living on the coast throughout the entire year? It certainly would, according to a new study conducted in Exeter, England by Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. The study found that living near the beach not only gives you extra opportunities for fun in the sun, but better overall health as well. This is good news for those who already live the coastal lifestyle, and one more reason to dream about it for those who don’t.

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Posted in Health, Health Facts, Medical, Mental Health, News, Studies | 1,094 Comments

Advantages of Breast Feeding: Feed Now to Stay Thinner Later

Practically everyone knows that breast feeding is optimal for a baby’s health, and many researchers have suggested that there are some advantages of breast feeding for mom, too. For example, some research indicates that breastfeeding mothers could have a lower risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. One of the most immediate benefits of breast feeding for mothers includes post-natal weight loss, which experts suggest is due to the additional calories required for a woman to produce breast milk. However, a new study is indicating that these benefits extend even further than post-pregnancy weight loss. In fact, the study shows that women who breast feed during motherhood are more likely to have a healthier body weight decades later, even into their 50s and 60s.

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Posted in Diet, Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Parenting, Studies, Weight Loss, Women | 6 Comments

Exercising and Breast Cancer: Regular Activity Lowers Risk

Research has previously suggested that regular exercise could lower hormone levels, improve immune response and maintain healthy body weight – all important factors in cancer prevention. Now, a new study states that women looking to minimize their chance of developing breast cancer in particular would be wise to engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy body weight. The exercising and breast cancer study found that women who exercise approximately 10 to 19 hours per week are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who never exercise at all. In addition, the study results indicate that women who never exercised in their younger years can still realize major anti-cancer benefits by improving health during their reproductive and post-menopausal years.

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Peel an Apple to Lose Weight? Study Says Yes

Eating an apple to lose weight could be a reasonable part of your weight loss regimen. Besides being a snack that contains very little fat or sodium, some research suggests that apples could play a part in kidney stone prevention as well as reduced risk of skin and respiratory diseases. Apples are also a good source of soluble fiber. Recently, however, a new study conducted on mice suggests that the peels of an apple actually contain a powerful ingredient capable of preventing obesity and spurring weight loss. The compound, known as ursolic acid, is also found in cranberries, prunes and various herbs (thyme, oregano, lavender, rosemary, basil, peppermint, etc.) in addition to apple peels, though it’s most concentrated in the latter. Previous studies have indicated that ursolic acid may have strong anti-cancer properties as well.

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Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Nutrition, Studies, Weight Loss | 1,288 Comments