My Choices Weekly News

Risk Score for Hepatocellular Cancer in Adults Without Viral Hepatitis or Cirrhosis
“Conclusions and Relevance  Results of this study suggest that a multivariable risk score that uses routinely available clinical data outperforms FIB-4 alone in identifying patients at risk of HCC who do not have viral hepatitis or hepatic decompensation at baseline.”

The synergy of nutrition and traditional medicine for holistic health and wellbeing
“Exploring the synergy between traditional medicines and nutrition for a holistic approach to health and disease prevention.”

AZ receives federal approval to cover Indigenous healing services through Medicaid
“Indigenous people have relied on traditional healing practices within their communities for generations and continue to do so alongside Western medicine within various tribal health care facilities across Arizona.”

Daily Exercise Boosts Brain Speed, Helps Keep Minds Youthful
“Summary: Everyday physical activities, from light chores to intense exercise, provide immediate cognitive benefits for middle-aged adults. Participants showed improved processing speeds—comparable to being four years younger—within hours of being physically active. Using smartphone-based assessments, researchers recorded activity levels and cognitive tests multiple times a day over nine days. Those who reported frequent activity experienced greater benefits. The findings suggest that movement at any intensity, even short walks, can boost brain health.”

Online yoga classes prove helpful for back pain in new study
“Online yoga classes relieved chronic low back pain and slashed the need for pain-relief medications, a new study shows. Back pain sufferers who took 12 weeks of virtual live-streamed yoga classes also slept better and moved more easily than participants on a wait list for the classes, the study published in early November in JAMA Network Open reported. “Their pain levels really were cut in half,” said Dr. Robert Saper, the study’s senior author and chair of the department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.”

Adding 5 minutes of exercise daily may help lower blood pressure
“Takeaways: Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range helps improve cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of death from certain causes like heart attack. A recent study found that increasing exercise-like activity, such as running or cycling, by as little as five minutes a day may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The results further support that longer increases in exercise-like activity could lead to clinically meaningful drops in blood pressure.”

Time-restricted eating shows promising weight and metabolic benefits, study reveals
“Conclusions – Meal timing strategies implemented for more than 12 weeks can moderately reduce body weight, BMI, and waist circumference measurements. Time-restricted eating was also found to reduce HbA1c and fasting glucose levels, thus indicating the potential utility of this strategy for the management of diabetes. The strict nature of calorie counting in traditional weight loss interventions is one of the primary reasons contributing to its low adherence, in addition to its association with higher disinhibition, energy intake, and BMI. Comparatively, time-restricted eating may provide a simpler and more flexible approach for healthcare clinicians to support behavioral change in overweight or obese adults.”

Study reveals liver-brain communication as key to managing circadian eating patterns and obesity
“A recent Science study found that communication between the hepatic vagal afferent nerve (HVAN) and the brain influences circadian eating patterns. In mice, surgical HVAN removal corrected altered food intake and reduced weight gain from high-fat diets, suggesting HVAN could be a target for anti-obesity treatments.”

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has a free resource, the ‘Mindfulness Coach’ app
“The app will walk you through the basics of mindfulness. The VA says that mindfulness can help you manage PTSD symptoms.”

Exercise improves physical, mental health in people with alcohol use disorder
“Key takeaways: Patients with alcohol use disorder who underwent exercise interventions saw improvements in physical and mental health. Exercise interventions also significantly reduced daily alcohol consumption.”

Prolonged Sitting Can Sabotage Health, Even if You’re Young and Active
“Newswise — Between long commutes, Zoom-packed workdays and evenings of streaming and scrolling, millennials now spend more than 60 hours per week sitting, potentially boosting their heart disease risk and accelerating other signs of aging, according to new CU Boulder and University of California Riverside research.”

How ‘miracle’ weight-loss drugs will change the world
“Welcome to the healthier, happier world of 2030. Heart attacks and strokes are down 20%. A drop in food consumption has left more money in people’s wallets. Lighter passengers are saving airlines 100 million litres of fuel each year. And billions of people are enjoying a better quality of life, with improvements to their mental and physical health.”

Mindfulness tips for election stress relief
“Cleveland, OH – If the high stakes presidential election is causing troublesome thoughts, existential dread or rifts with loved ones, there’s no need to white knuckle through it. Take a deep breath. Literally.”

Bugs as drugs: What is microbial cell therapy?
“When it comes to cancer therapies, the use of bacteria may sound unusual, but it’s a rapidly developing field with exciting potential. Genomic medicine researcher Christopher Johnston, Ph.D., and his team are developing microbial cell therapies. That is, they are gearing up to use bacteria to target and treat cancer directly.”

Higher zinc intake may increase endometriosis risk
“Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, hormone balance, and cell growth. In contrast with previous studies, new research suggests that higher zinc consumption may significantly increase the risk of endometriosis compared to consuming lower amounts. Experts recommend following current zinc guidelines, ensuring adequate intake without excess, and consulting a professional for guidance as needed.”

What How Long You Can Stand on 1 Leg Says About Your Health and Biological Age
“How long you can balance on one leg may be an important indicator of health and how well you’re aging, a new study finds. Researchers found how long a person can stand on one leg is a better measure of aging than changes in strength or gait. Experts explain what balance has to do with biological age, and how the test to figure out yours.”

Is Pickleball a Good Workout? 6 Benefits for Your Body and Mind
“Pickleball, which is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, this sport can be played both indoor and outdoor depending on where you find a court. Some people even repurpose tennis courts in order to play pickleball.”

What an Expert Says About Taking Magnesium for Sleep
“When people struggle to fall asleep, it’s no surprise they seek solutions. Options can range from prescription medications to sleep therapy, good habits and an abundance of supplements. Taking magnesium for sleep is something some say has real benefits, but does it really?”

UVA study links hunger suppression with high-energy exercise
“CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — A new UVA Health study shows that a vigorous workout makes healthy adults less hungry than a moderately intense workout would. The study particularly looks at ghrelin, the hunger hormone, levels between men and women and their activity types.”

Study highlights benefits of plant-based diet in cancer risk reduction
“Research has shown that eating a plant-based diet may provide a healthier alternative to the standard American diet, which is typically high calorie, loaded with red meat, high-fat dairy products, heavily processed foods, fast foods, refined carbohydrates, added sugars and salt. The American Institute for Cancer Research promotes a plant-based diet.”

Can just 30 minutes of exercise help prevent type 2 diabetes?
“Researchers from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy have found that just one 30-minute exercise session can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, demonstrating potential benefits in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.”

7 incredible breakthroughs in acupuncture revolutionizing sciatica treatment
“Groundbreaking research has transformed our understanding of acupuncture‘s role in treating sciatica, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Recent scientific investigations have unveiled remarkable success rates in pain reduction and mobility improvement, challenging traditional Western treatment paradigms and opening new doors for chronic pain sufferers.”

Whole-Person Cancer Care: A Transformative Vision for Oncology
“Guest Editor’s Note: Advances in cancer treatments have led to an increase in survival rates, but the quality of life is often diminished during survivorship. Because modifiable personal behavior contributes to health-care outcomes, interventions that support healthy behaviors may improve health while decreasing health-care costs, even in oncology care. In this article, Drs. McManamon, López, and Jonas summarize the approaches intended to facilitate the delivery of whole-person cancer care in a systematic way.”

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Good Friends Make the Cancer Journey a Bit Easier
“Key Takeaways – A specially designed chemo jacket with strategic zippers helps patients feel “normal” during treatments, improving their self-esteem. Miracle fruit, a dietary supplement, aids in restoring taste buds for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

Delivery of inpatient cancer care varies greatly based on housing status
“Key takeaways: People with cancer experiencing homelessness appeared less likely to undergo surgery or receive systemic therapy. They also got discharged against medical advice more frequently.”

From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis: Medical Tourism and an Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis
“Last year, Sarah Bergbower was a Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Studies (DCLS) graduate student and rounding with the infectious disease service, when she was asked by her attending to participate in a case in what was becoming a major medical investigation.”

SGLT2i Outperforms DPP4i in Improving Hepatic Fibrosis Indices in MASLD
“Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) proved more effective than dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in ameliorating hepatic inflammation and fibrosis indices in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suspected metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).”

Just Standing More Probably Won’t Help Your Heart
“Key Takeaways – Folks who worry they sit too much at work may consider getting a standing desk. New research shows that simply standing instead of sitting won’t bring a heart health benefit, and may even hurt. Getting active is the real healthy alternative to sitting, the researchers said.”

Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps recalled over shorter-than-expected battery life
“Patients urged to carry extra batteries as Medtronic recall affects 24,595 insulin pumps that may stop delivering insulin sooner than expected.”

Can aerobic exercise help prevent brain fog caused by chemotherapy?
“Many women who receive chemotherapy experience a decreased ability to remember, concentrate, and/or think—commonly referred to as “chemo-brain” or “brain fog”—both short- and long-term. In a recent clinical trial of women initiating chemotherapy for breast cancer, those who simultaneously started an aerobic exercise program self-reported greater improvements in cognitive function and quality of life compared with those receiving standard care. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.”

Semaglutide boosts heart health, weight loss but may lead to gut problems
“Takeaways- Diabetes medications based on semaglutide deliver important cardiovascular benefits, according to a new meta-analysis. Untangling different health benefits resulting from semaglutide from those resulting from weight loss can be difficult. The authors used statistical tools to reach a clearer view of semaglutide’s cardiovascular benefits. The meta-analysis also investigated frequently reported gastrointestinal adverse effects accompanying the medication, as well as their connection to patients discontinuing treatment with semaglutide.”

Novel Blood Test Predicts Risk of Severe Lung Disease
“Northwestern Medicine investigators have created a novel blood test that identifies adults who may be at increased risk of developing severe respiratory illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.”

The effect of diet quality and body mass index on depression in older adults: a growth curve analysis
“Nutrition not only plays an important role in one’s physical health, but also mental health. The causal association between nutrition and mental health remains unclear. While a healthy dietary pattern may protect one against mental illness, it is also possible that poor mental health could lead to unhealthy eating habits or choices. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms in older adults, contrasting the effect observed in other populations. With an ageing population, this study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of a healthy dietary pattern, BMI, and other covariates on depressive symptoms in older adults.”

Dietitians boost GLP-1 therapy success with personalized care and side effect management
“In a recent qualitative study published in the journal Obesity Pillars, researchers explored the perspectives of registered dietitians on how they communicate with patients on obesity management medications about lifestyle, nutrition, and diet. Their findings show that comprehensive approaches that integrate visual aids, proactive side effect management, continued lifestyle counseling, and patient communication are essential to optimize treatment outcomes.”

Good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence associated with better mental health
“A recent Finnish study has found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%-30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems.”

Scientists Discover ‘Skinny Genes’ That Make It Easier to Lose Weight
“The choices we make in diet and exercise go a long way towards determining our body’s mass, yet its our genes that lay the groundwork for gaining and burning fat reserves.”

The importance of treating body and mind: How integrative medicine is helping patients
“CLEVELAND — As a 41-year-old fitness instructor, Crystal Inglis knows how to keep her body healthy. But she never expected a breast cancer diagnosis for Christmas last year. Her invasive ductal carcinoma was treated with a double mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy.”

Mindfulness For Anxiety Disorders: Study Says It’s Comparable To Antidepressant
“Could therapy be a replacement for drugs in treating anxiety disorders? Researchers have uncovered a promising new approach to treating anxiety disorders through mindfulness therapy.”

Researchers Develop Exercise Pill That Mimics Health Benefits Of Running Marathon Without Effort
“Researchers in Denmark have claimed to have developed a breakthrough new pill that mimics the effects and benefits of strenuous exercise without moving a muscle. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the new drug produces the same health benefits as running a long distance at a fast clip. As of now, the pill, called LaKe, has been shown in lab rats to flush toxins and strengthen the heart.”

Why Mental Health Care Require More Than Just Counselling?
“Every year, World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in our increasingly complicated lives. The theme then evolves into a discussion more complicated than its earlier rendition on mental health care. Counselling does play a very important role in the treatment process, but it does not fit the bill alone in mental health care to achieve well-being in the long term.”

Stakeholders Applaud ‘Pause’ at Oregon’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board; Urge PDABs in Maryland, Minnesota and Washington to Follow Suit
“September 30, 2024 – A diverse group of Oregon-based and national stakeholders, including patient groups, health organizations and community leaders, have come together to applaud the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) for its decision to halt drug reviews in 2024. This strategic move is a forward-looking approach aimed at recalibrating and refining processes to better address the complex issue of prescription affordability, particularly in underserved communities.”

‘Weekend Warrior’ Workouts Boost Health as Much as Exercise Throughout the Week
“People who exercise mostly on weekends get health benefits similar to those of people who exercise throughout the week, according to a recent study. Both types of exercisers should aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week, experts say. This amount of exercise can cut the risk of over 200 diseases, including conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.”

Only 1 in 10 children meet global health guidelines, researchers discover
“New research has found only 14% of children aged three to four years old are getting adequate physical activity, sleep and time away from screens. The analysis, led by the University of Wollongong (UOW) and supported by the University of Stirling’s Dr. Simone Tomaz, examined 7,017 children, aged three to four, across 33 countries, with the aim of providing a comprehensive snapshot of their health and activity levels around the world.”

How Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Build Emotional Resilience
“In a rapidly changing world filled with technological advances, climate crises, and social upheaval, the need for emotional resilience, empathy, and collaboration is more pressing than ever. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mindfulness have emerged as essential tools for cultivating these skills.”

Study: Time-Restricted Eating May Improve Health of Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
“It is estimated that more than one-third of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, a grouping of medical conditions that can lead to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors attributing to the syndrome include elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In a recent collaborative clinical trial entitled TIMET, researchers from University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the Salk Institute found that a form of intermittent fasting, called time-restricted eating, could improve the health of participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and have prediabetes.”

Study highlights pervasiveness of inflammation in American diet
“Almost 6 in 10 Americans have pro-inflammatory diets, increasing the risk of health problems including heart disease and cancer, according to a new study that used a tool designed to examine inflammation in the diet. The study also found that certain populations – including Black Americans, men and people with lower incomes – were more likely to eat a diet high in pro-inflammatory foods.”

Food for thought: How diet affects the brain over a lifetime
“A wealth of research shows that what people eat affects the body’s ability to ward off heart disease and stroke. And a growing body of research finds what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, revealing the same risk factors that lead to heart disease contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”

Expert panel calls for nutrition competencies in US medical education
“A professionally-diverse panel of medical and nutrition experts have proposed a set of recommended nutrition competencies for medical students and physician trainees. The study addresses a longstanding concern that most physicians in the U.S. are not equipped to advise patients about nutrition and food choices.”

NPR to share Northwestern’s positive-emotion toolbox with its listeners
“CHICAGO — Anyone tuning into NPR’s Morning Edition today, Sept. 30, will hear the launch of a new program, “Stress Less: A quest to reclaim your calm,” which will help listeners cope with life’s challenges. The series will broadcast an opportunity from Northwestern University — the Resilience Challenge — to its listeners and include pieces that feature experts in the field of resilience research (e.g. resilience in health, forming habits, coping with stress).”

Conceptualization and teaching health advocacy in undergraduate medical education: a document analysis
“Health advocacy is conceptualized mostly as related to social responsibility for future physicians. Its teaching is mostly embedded in public health and social medicine courses and community-based settings. A wider implementation is warranted, extending its teaching to the full width of medical teaching, with longitudinal learning pathways providing a promising route for more integrative health advocacy teaching.”

New Report Highlights Overlooked Cancer Risk Factor: Alcohol
“Sept. 18, 2024 – Cancer is becoming a more survivable illness in the U.S., but a lack of awareness about the risks linked to alcohol and unhealthy lifestyle choices could slow this progress.”

AI chatbots rival doctors in accuracy for back pain advice, study finds
“A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain. Conducted by an international team, the research sheds light on the potential of AI in addressing one of the world’s leading causes of disability.”

BRIAN COX WARNS THE WORLD ABOUT WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH THREAT IN PSA FOR ASICS
“ASICS enlists Brian Cox to take on the role of the world’s scariest boss to highlight the real threat to our mental health – the desk we work at every day. A global study shows our mental state starts to decline after only two hours of continuous desk-based working with stress levels rising significantly after four hours. However, ASICS’s Desk Break experiment shows just 15 minutes of exercise can help to reverse the effects. The Public Service Announcement urges office workers to take a Desk Break to move their minds.”

Yoyo dieting alters gut health, driving weight regain and inflammation
“In a recent review published in the journal Nutrients, researchers at Deakin University, Australia, explored the impact of yoyo dieting (the repeated cycle of losing and regaining weight) and post-obesity weight loss on gut health, focusing on gut inflammation, microbiota changes, sympathetic nervous system responses, and potential therapeutic targets for preventing weight regain.”

Just one egg daily reduces nutrient gaps among U.S. adolescents, study shows
“In a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers in the United States analyzed data from the US NHANES study to evaluate the nutritional status of US adolescents and the impacts of added egg consumption on observed patterns. Alarmingly, over 60% of adolescents were at risk of inadequacy in one or more of calcium, magnesium, choline, and essential vitamins ((e.g., vitamins D and E), potentially due to unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g., late-night snacks).”

Mindfulness Meditation May Have Downsides
“Key points: For some individuals, mindfulness practices may worsen anxiety or lead to other negative side effects. Many mindfulness programs fail to address or detect negative experiences effectively. Selecting a qualified instructor and appropriate practice is crucial for those with mental health concerns.”

Study finds many supermarket baby foods are unhealthy. Here’s what parents should know
“For many parents, feeding their infant or toddler healthy foods is a priority. But a recent study found that nearly two-thirds of baby foods sold in U.S. grocery stores don’t meet nutrition guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Pediatric nutritionist and dietitian Jill Castle joins Ali Rogin to discuss what parents need to know to ensure they are giving their children a balanced diet.”

Living in food deserts during early childhood raises long-term obesity risk
“Children in low-income areas face a higher risk of obesity when exposed to limited food access early in life. Efforts to improve food availability during pregnancy and infancy could significantly reduce childhood obesity rates.”

Memorial Hospital Pembroke Launches First Medical Nutrition Therapy Comprehensive Center in South Florida
“SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 – Memorial Hospital Pembroke has launched a comprehensive medical nutrition therapy program, which provides patients with medical nutrition therapy independent of specific health issues. The Outpatient Nutrition Program offers personalized nutrition plans to address conditions such as weight management, heart health, diabetes, food allergies, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Available to individuals aged 18 and over, the program provides expert nutrition counseling from registered dietitians. Tailored, evidence-based plans help patients meet their health goals and make sustainable lifestyle change.”

Hazardous chemicals in food packaging can also be found in people
“Thousands of chemicals used in food packaging and food production are leaching into food itself. “It’s [from] your soda can, your plastic cooking utensils, your nonstick frying pan, the cardboard box that your fries come in,” says Jane Muncke, a toxicologist based in Zurich. “It’s retail food packaging, but also the processing equipment, and your [kitchenware] and tableware at home.””

Understanding the social determinants of cardiovascular health in Asian Americans
“Numerous social and structural factors, including immigration status, socioeconomic position and access to health care, contribute to differences in cardiovascular health and heart disease risk for Asian Americans, and these factors affect Asian ethnic subgroups in different ways, according to a new scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation.”

High-Dose Vitamin D3 Does Not Help Most Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
“However, study results suggest higher doses may benefit patients with tumors on the left side of the colon or rectum.”

Overcoming Barriers to Yoga Implementation in Cancer Care: A Call for Integration
“Integrating yoga into cancer care is gaining attention due to its potential benefits, including improved quality of life, reduced treatment-related side effects, and enhanced psychological health. However, its adoption in clinical practice is hindered by various barriers. These barriers include limited access and availability, particularly in rural or low-resource settings; cultural and psychological misconceptions; skepticism among healthcare providers; and a lack of standardized protocols. Additionally, the perceived lack of rigorous scientific evidence and insufficient funding for research pose significant challenges to its acceptance in oncology care. This editorial explores these barriers and proposes solutions to promote the integration of yoga into standard cancer treatment. By addressing these challenges, yoga can move from being an adjunctive therapy to becoming a core component of comprehensive cancer care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.”

Elle Macpherson says she refused chemotherapy after breast cancer diagnosis. Here’s what oncologists think.
“Newswise — After being diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, Elle Macpherson made a controversial choice: She refused chemotherapy, the model has revealed in her new memoir, Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself. Macpherson did undergo a lumpectomy — surgery to remove the malignant breast tissue — but she then went against the advice of 32 doctors and instead followed “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach,” the 60-year-old told Australian Women’s Weekly. Macpherson says she’s now considered in remission.”

Your flexibility might predict your lifespan. Take this test to find out
“In addition to regularly moving, reducing stress, and eating nutritious, whole foods, there’s another essential element to aging well: Flexibility.”

Breast cancer research: New studies show how post-treatment lifestyle choices shape long-term outcomes after diagnosis
“Three studies led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have encouraging implications for patients with breast cancer. Two studies focus on breastfeeding after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The studies found it was safe and feasible for young patients carrying specific genetic variations to breastfeed without raising their risk of a cancer recurrence or a cancer in the other breast, and that it was safe and feasible to breastfeed for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who conceived after a temporary interruption of endocrine therapy. The third study shows that a telephone-based coaching program can significantly increase physical activity in overweight patients, potentially improving their outcomes. The studies were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.”

New CDC Data Show Adult Obesity Prevalence Remains High
“New CDC population data from 2023 show that in 23 states more than one in three adults (35%) has obesity. Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Currently, at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state is living with obesity.”

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation. Teachers say it helps students’ mental health.
“The third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had only a few days until summer vacation, and an hour until lunch, but there was no struggle to focus as they filed into the classroom. They were ready for one of their favorite parts of the day.”

Kathy Bates Shows Off Her 100-Lb Weight Loss And Reveals That ‘Mindfulness’ Helped Her ‘Know How To Push My Plate Away’
“Kathy Bates looks incredible following an epic 100-lb weight loss, which she said took her six to seven years to achieve.”

Recent studies underscore the importance of diet for the prevention of cancer
“In a recent review article published in Nutrients, researchers summarized the latest evidence on diet and its role in preventing cancer, aiming to update the American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines. Their findings indicate that dietary patterns like Mediterranean and vegetarian/pescetarian diets, along with certain nutrient intakes, can reduce cancer risk. In contrast, factors such as excessive fasting and high iron intake may increase it.”

Long-term exercise leads to healthier fat storage in obese individuals
“People with obesity who are long-time exercisers have healthier belly fat tissue and can store fat there more effectively than nonexercisers with obesity, according to a new study from a team of researchers at the University of Michigan. The research team also grew fat tissue in the lab from cells collected from both exercisers and nonexercisers, and cells from the exercisers developed into a tissue that stored fat more effectively.”

Arthritis medications could reverse COVID lung damage
“Arthritis drugs already available for prescription have the potential to halt lingering lung problems that can last months or years after COVID-19 infections, new research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai suggests. By examining damaged human lungs and developing an innovative new lab model, the scientists identified faulty immune processes responsible for the ongoing lung issues that plague an increasing number of people after they’ve otherwise recovered from COVID-19.”

What ultra-processed foods are the least heart-healthy?
“September 10, 2024 — Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to increased risk of a range of health problems including chronic diseases, poorer brain health, and early death. But this is a diverse category of foods, running the gamut from whole grain breads and plant milks to hot dogs and sodas. When it comes to heart health, some are worse than others, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.”

Vitamin D supplementation shows promising impact on cardiometabolic health
“A latest systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by scientists from institutions across China and the United States has uncovered promising insights into how vitamin D supplementation can significantly impact cardiometabolic health. The study, which was published in Engineering, has implications for tailored therapeutic strategies targeting cardiovascular diseases and related risks. The comprehensive review analyzed 99 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 17 656 participants.”

Benefits of inclusive sport training on fitness and health of athletes with and without intellectual disability
“Sedentary behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) negatively impact health-related determinants and increase the risk of physical dysfunction or chronic health issues. Inclusive sport practice can enhance social inclusion and fitness, benefiting overall person development and life quality.”

Supporting Student Mental Well-Being with Mindfulness Programs
“A variety of mindfulness-based programs are increasingly being used in schools to help support and improve students’ mental, emotional and behavioral health. A new study looks at the evidence about their effectiveness.”

Why Does Time Seem to Speed Up as We Get Older?
“Key points – Our experience of time is highly flexible and subjective. One major factor is information processing. The more information our minds process, the slower times passes. Time speeds up with increasing age because we have fewer new experiences and our perception is less vivid. We can stop time speeding up by bringing new experiences into our lives and by living mindfully.”

Common Weight-Loss Diet May Come With a Serious Downside, Long-Term Study Finds
“Popular ‘weight-loss’ diets that are hyper-focused on carbohydrates, like the keto diet, may be doing more harm than good in the long run. Sticking to a low-carb meal plan can help some with diabetes manage their weight and blood sugar levels, but a new study from Australia questions the long-term effectiveness and safety of this approach for those without diabetes.”

Pediatrician Creates First Ever Black-Owned Virtual Autism Clinic for Kids in the U.S.
“Dr. Hokehe Eko is a board-certified pediatrician and the owner of “Glow Pediatrics,” the first Black-owned virtual autism clinic for children in the U.S., AfroTech reports. A mom of three with over a decade of experience working with children, Dr. Eko trained extensively to conduct autism diagnostic evaluations using the CARS standardized test. Now, she is able to help children get diagnosed all over the U.S.”

Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease’s Changing Demographics
“Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a significant global health concern, accounting for approximately 5% of all disease and injury. In the United States, the prevalence of ALD has increased since 2014, and the trajectory accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Exploring the health benefits and production challenges of alternative proteins
“As the global population is expected to approach 9.7 billion by 2050, it remains crucial to ensure the adequate and sustainable production of nutritious food. The demand for protein is especially concerning, as traditional sources like livestock are insufficient and significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

How exercise influences addiction recovery is focus of UB research
“BUFFALO, N.Y. – A University at Buffalo neuroscientist whose focus is the brain’s reward system and its role in addiction is helping to illuminate how exercise can aid the brain in addiction recovery. Over the past year, this research has revealed that because exercise acts on the same areas of the brain that addiction does, it has the potential to become an important treatment tool for people with substance use disorder.”

Feds Killed Plan To Curb Medicare Advantage Overbilling After Industry Opposition
“A decade ago, federal officials drafted a plan to discourage Medicare Advantage health insurers from overcharging the government by billions of dollars — only to abruptly back off amid an “uproar” from the industry, newly released court filings show.”

OHSU Eliminates Rolfing, Massage and Other Pain-Relief Methods as Part of “Strategic Alignment”
“Another casualty of the budget cuts at Oregon Health & Science University? “Non-allopathic integrative medicine services.”  In less technical terms, that means that OHSU will no longer offer chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture or Rolfing starting next year, according to an email announcing the cuts obtained by WW.”