Category Archives: Studies

Sodium Intake Declines Among Americans, But Not Enough

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Greg Asseff

Although a new report on salt intake by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that Americans are consuming less sodium today than they did about 10 years ago, we’re still eating far too much salt on an average day, according to the researchers behind the report. As of 2010, the average person ate about 3,424 mg of sodium each day, a figure reduced from 3,518 mg of sodium daily in 2003. Infants were not included in the study, though people of all other ages were. The decline may be partly due to the fact that popular food brands increasingly offer low-sodium options. For example, Progresso Soup, Bush’s Beans and V8 often have low-sodium versions placed directly adjacent to their typical products in supermarkets. This is important, as processed foods such as canned products and lunch meat contain a notoriously high amount of sodium.

Posted in Diet, Food, Health, Health Facts, Medical, News, Nutrition, Studies, Weight Loss | 685 Comments

Healthy, Yet Obese – Is it Possible?

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Greg Asseff

Controversy has surrounded the debate over whether people can be considered “healthy” even if they’re obese. While some argue that it’s perfectly possible to be in good health while carrying many extra pounds of weight, others say that obesity itself is a major health danger, even if an individual is free of the types of conditions that typically accompany it. Typical obesity-related conditions include high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. A new study conducted at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital found that people who are obese, in comparison to those who are of a normal weight, are about 24% more likely to die from any cause over a 10-year period, or to have a heart problem during this same timeframe. The two groups compared above had no metabolic problems at all – only their weight differed.

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Over 1 in 10 Children Diagnosed with ADHD

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Greg Asseff

Rates of ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, have risen sharply in children over the past decade, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While about 4.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 had ADHD in 2003, the figure rose to about 6.4 million children by 2011. Given the population as of 2011, these figures indicate that about 11% of children are diagnosed with ADHD. About 66% of children with the diagnosis receive prescription medication to treat it. Researchers surveyed almost 96,000 parents across the country by phone, asking questions about whether their children were currently diagnosed with ADHD, whether they’d been diagnosed with it previously, and whether they were taking any medication to treat the disorder. Researchers found that about 80% of the children diagnosed with ADHD in the past continued to carry the diagnosis. While children with ADHD are typically thought of as disruptive and in constant motion, it’s important to remember that some children with the condition are very quiet and reserved yet inattentive.

Posted in Health, Medical, Mental Health, News, Parenting, Studies | 3 Comments

Eating Nuts Extends Life

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Greg Asseff

While most people are aware that big factors such as physical exercise and a healthy diet contribute to a long life, it can sometimes be difficult to keep these big ideas in mind while making small decisions. For example, one might not have longevity in mind when choosing a mid-afternoon snack at the office. Luckily, eating just a handful of nuts every day could extend the length of your life, according to a new study conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts. The study was comprehensive, containing health information from over 118,000 individuals, and it found that eating a single ounce of nuts every single day made study study participants about 20% less at risk of death over the course of the 30-year study period – at least in comparison to those who didn’t eat nuts at all.

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Does Low Prolactin Cause Sexual Problems for Men?

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Greg Asseff

A healthy sex life is a key element of many relationships. When one person starts experiencing a decreased libido or inability to function sexually, it can cause stress and anxiety for both partners. When both people in a relationship feel that their needs are being met, it can bring a peace of mind that helps contribute to one’s overall well-being. Some male sexual problems may be due to deficient levels of prolactin, a hormone commonly known for stimulating milk production and breast growth in women, according to a recent study. The findings of the study surprised researchers because until now, scientists have believed that high levels of prolactin actually impair sexual functioning in males. Until recently, increasing prolactin levels has been a concern almost exclusively for women who are breastfeeding.