My Choices Weekly News
Empower yourself with knowledge.
Weekly news updates are currently posted on our homepages, weekly news pages and sent directly to your inbox to provide up-to-date information on what has been covered in the news regarding nutrition, exercise, complementary health, and wellness in the previous week.
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | December 30, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
FDA Updates “Healthy” Claim, Providing a Refreshed Tool for Consumers
“SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing a final rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy.” There is an ever-growing crisis of preventable, diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S. that requires immediate action. The updated “healthy” claim marks an important step in fulfilling the FDA’s nutrition priorities, which are part of a whole-of-government approach to address this crisis. This rule will help ensure that consumers have access to more complete, accurate, and up-to-date nutrition information on food labels.”
Exercise and Diet Combine to Improve Liver Health in People With MASH
“A combination of exercise and diet significantly improved metabolic and liver health in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), according to study results published in the Journal of Hepatology. People who reduced their calorie intake and exercised regularly for 10 months saw clinically meaningful benefits including weight loss, improved cardiovascular fitness, increased insulin sensitivity, reduced liver fat and better liver health.”
‘Rucking’ Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here’s Why
“Walking remains an accessible and popular exercise for many reasons — you don’t need any fancy equipment, it’s good for your heart health, helps you sleep better, feel better and is a simple way to get your daily dose of fresh air. There are plenty of methods that can help keep your walks engaging and interesting. Lately, “rucking” ― a new walking trend ― has picked up steam on social media as a way to spice up your regular daily stroll.”
Health Department Finds Most Adult New Yorkers Infected With COVID-19 Experienced Symptoms Lasting One Month or Longer
“December 26, 2024 — Today, the New York City Health Department announced that 80 percent of adult New Yorkers infected with COVID-19 who were surveyed experienced at least one symptom lasting one month or longer. According to the results of the COVID-19 Experiences Survey in 2022, the most common symptoms were fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. While post-acute symptoms may resolve within 12 weeks, many people will go on to develop Long COVID, an infection-associated chronic condition characterized by symptoms lasting three months or longer.”
When kindness becomes a habit, it improves our health
“It’s that time of year when it’s customary to be a little kinder and do nice things for others. Well, here’s something interesting: Research suggests that when we make acts of kindness a habit, it’s also good for our health. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, or taking soup to a sick neighbor, there’s lots of evidence that when we help others, it can boost our own happiness and psychological well-being. But there’s also growing research that it boosts our physical health too, says Tara Gruenewald, a social and health psychologist at Chapman University.”
Dancing Helps People With Parkinson’s In More Ways Than One
“Key Takeaways: Parkinson’s patients who take dance classes have less depression. Patients scored progressively lower on depression tests following dance lessons. Their brains showed reduced signals from a region associated with depression.”
Why You Should Take Research on What Foods Are and Aren’t Healthy With a Grain of Salt
“Food research should be taken with a grain of salt. The science behind it is less certain than you might think. Over the past five decades, millions of Americans have made changes in their eating habits because often conflicting studies have found health benefits from various diets and foods. Some Americans have cut fat from their diets while increasing consumption of sugary foods; others have spurned carbohydrates while gorging on protein; still others have stopped eating staples of the past like grains, dairy, meat, and potatoes while gobbling up kale, blueberries, soy milk, and other supposed “superfoods.” Are people any healthier as a result? It isn’t clear.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | December 18, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mortality Rates Rising in the US, Driven by Alcohol and Metabolic Liver Diseases
“A recent study examined the rising trajectory of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates in the United States, highlighting stark disparities across age, sex, race, and liver disease etiologies. Conducted as a cross-sectional study, the analysis encompassed over 188,000 HCC-related deaths from 2006 to 2022, with projections extending to 2040. The findings underscore the growing public health challenge posed by liver cancer, particularly due to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).”
Transcendental Meditation most effective at treating PTSD in largest review to date
“Researchers from Maharishi International University (MIU) and Augusta University have conducted the largest review and meta-analysis to date on meditation for PTSD treatment. Analyzing 61 studies with over 3,400 participants, the study compared four categories of meditation: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Other techniques (MBO), Other Meditations (OM), and Transcendental Meditation (TM).”
Holiday Consumerism Can Leave Teens Feeling Inadequate
“Flex High School helps teens give thanks, not gifts. “High school students who are overcoming personal and environmental obstacles behind the scenes, face an even larger burden during the holidays””
VA and Veterans Yoga Project partner to enhance Veteran well-being
“VA offers free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the nation. VA hosts these classes through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., which is maintained by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP). The classes provide a no-cost opportunity to Veterans seeking to improve their mental, physical and emotional health through yoga and mindfulness practices.”
Reiki therapy demonstrates significant symptom relief for cancer patients receiving infusion treatments
“A recent study conducted at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health has evaluated a Reiki program designed for outpatients with cancer and receiving infusion treatments at two University Hospitals infusion centers.”
Delicious Bacon Highlights Food That Enraptures Our Senses but Endangers Our Health
“Some foods, no matter how simply prepared, contain many substances linked to disease.”
Study explores how culture impacts body image for Hispanic women
“While culture is intertwined with values surrounding food and body image, cultural differences have historically been overlooked by researchers and clinicians seeking to identify and treat eating disorders.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | December 11, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
Eating more plant protein may lower the risk of heart disease as much as 27%
“A recent study examined the potential effects that consuming different forms of protein may have on heart health. The researchers were interested in the ratio of plant vs. animal-based protein people consumed and their long-term health outcomes. The researchers learned that consuming a higher ratio of plant to animal protein could lead to a reduction of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).”
Nutritional Immunology Across the Lifespan
“Special Issue Published in The Journal of Nutrition
Diet plays a critical role in regulating immunity in health and disease across the lifespan. In particular, recent discoveries from basic mechanistic research, epidemiological analyses, behavioral studies, and clinical trials provide increasing evidence that specific dietary patterns and nutrients program innate and adaptive immunity. Thus, diet is a major modifiable target for intervention to improve immunological responses.”
Poor Diets May Increase Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer
“In the recent study, the researchers discovered that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, and dairy were potentially protective against gastrointestinal cancers. The findings supported the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research guidelines that advocate for diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes—while limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and processed foods.”
Short bursts of vigorous activity may lower cardiovascular risk in women
“Short bursts of incidental vigorous physical exertion, lasting less than a minute each, may almost halve the risk of a major cardiovascular event, such as heart attack or heart failure among women who don’t exercise regularly, finds research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.”
New survey finds 56% say ‘alone time’ is vital to their mental health
“COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some say the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, the hectic holiday season may be the most stressful. A new national survey of 1,000 Americans commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine shows that 46% of Americans say they don’t get the alone time they need during the holidays.”
Research reveals how fructose in diet enhances tumor growth
“Fructose consumption has increased considerably over the past five decades, largely due to the widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in beverages and ultra-processed foods. New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that dietary fructose promotes tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer and cervical cancer. However, fructose does not directly fuel tumors, according to the study published Dec. 4 in the journal Nature. Instead, WashU scientists discovered that the liver converts fructose into usable nutrients for cancer cells, a compelling finding that could open up new avenues for care and treatment of many different types of cancer.”
How sweet! A daily dose of dark chocolate may cut your risk of diabetes
“The idea that eating cocoa-rich, dark chocolate may offer health benefits is not new. Cocoa is loaded with compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to help our bodies fend off inflammation, lower blood pressure and maybe even improve our moods. Now, a new study finds people who have a habit of eating a little dark chocolate — about an ounce per day — have a 21% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, compared to people who don’t consume it.”
Ultraprocessed Foods Account for More than Half of Calories Consumed at Home
“A new analysis led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of calories consumed at home by adults in the U.S. come from ultraprocessed foods. Ultraprocessed foods contain substances with little or no nutritional value, such as colorings, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and sweeteners. Examples cover a wide range of products, from chips and hot dogs to prepackaged meals. Researchers have long understood that a substantial proportion of the U.S. diet comes from ultraprocessed foods but it was not clearly understood where those calories were consumed.”
Public Health at Work in Uncertain Times
“The day made clear that, even in uncertain times, it’s through evidence-based tactics and strategies, combined with indefatigable passion and dedication, that public health work gets done.”
Scientific Report of 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Now Available Online
“WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2024 — The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is now available on DietaryGuidelines.gov. The report contains the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (Committee) independent, evidence-based findings and advice to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Scientific Report, alongside public comments and federal agency input, will inform the two departments as they develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, which is expected to be published in late 2025.”
Walking Daily May Add Years to Your Life—But You Should Aim for This Speed
“A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that the most active American adults walk the equivalent of 160 minutes per day at about 3 mph. According to the findings, if the least active adults walked an extra 111 minutes at this pace each day, they could extend their lives by almost 11 years. Setting the treadmill to 3 mph and walking for 111 minutes won’t magically add that extra decade to your life. But, finding ways to make walking—or other moderate-intensity exercises—part of your regular routine can help improve your lifelong health.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | November 13, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.”
Video:
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.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | November 5, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | October 29, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.”
Blog:
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.
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | October 23, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | October 16, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | October 3, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
‘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.”
My Choices News Update
by Lorren | September 24, 2024 | Weekly News | 0 Comments
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.””
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