My Choices Weekly News

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.”

To lower prescription drug costs, states head to the courthouse
“Legislative change has been slow, so some states are enlisting their chief lawyers to take on corporations instead.”

Association between fast eating speed and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a multicenter cross-sectional study and meta-analysis
“With the fast pace of modern life, people have less time for meals, but few studies have examined the association between the habit of fast eating and metabolic diseases.”

Why Do You Get More Mosquito Bites Than Others? It Could Be Your Diet
“It’s monsoon season and mosquitoes are everywhere. Ever wondered why you’re always the one covered in mosquito bites while your friends escape unscathed? It’s not just bad luck; there might be deeper reasons why these pesky insects find you irresistible. Integrative Health Coach Urvashi Agarwal sheds light on the factors contributing to mosquito attraction, with a particular focus on diet. By making dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you can potentially reduce your chances of becoming a mosquito magnet. Let’s find out more about it.”

Identifying ‘stealth’ sources of saturated fat, added sugar in the diet
“A newly compiled list of foods and drinks commonly consumed in the United States hints at why many adults unknowingly overdo it on saturated fat and added sugar in their daily diet, a new study suggests. Beyond the biggest sources of each dietary category – cheese for saturated fat and soft drinks for added sugar – the study identifies a longer list of popular sources that helps explain why it’s so hard to limit fat and sugar to the recommended 10% of daily calories. With that overconsumption of unexpected sources like chicken and ketchup, for example, comes a risk for a variety of ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.”

FDA wants to cut sodium in packaged and processed foods by about 20%
“The agency wants to lower how much salt we consume over the next three years to an average of 2,750 milligrams per day. That’s still above the recommended limit of 2,300 mg.”

Researchers reveal why a diet rich in magnesium is so important for your health
“In a recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, Australian researchers examined whether magnesium deficiency in the healthy middle-aged Australian population was independently or in combination with increased homocysteine levels associated with in vivo deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. Overall, the study established that low magnesium levels independently and along with high homocysteine levels cause increased DNA damage. The increase in DNA damage biomarkers associated with low magnesium levels indicated an elevated risk of age-related diseases such as cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the results suggested that an optimal intake of vitamin B12 and magnesium can help maintain the integrity of the genome and lower homocysteine levels, contributing to healthy aging.”

DNA study challenges thinking on ancestry of people in Japan
“A genetic study led by researchers from RIKEN’s Center for Integrative Medical Sciences has uncovered evidence that people in Japan descend from three ancestral groups.”

Is It Possible to Naturally Shrink Bunions?
“A bunion is a common cause of foot pain. Here are 4 home remedies experts recommend to relieve symptoms.”

Muscle Proteins Trigger Desire for Exercise
“Summary: A new study reveals that certain muscle proteins activated during exercise can increase the desire to stay active, shedding light on a muscle-brain signaling pathway. The research suggests that this mechanism could play a crucial role in promoting regular physical activity, particularly in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. The findings also hint at the potential for developing targeted therapies to encourage exercise in those less inclined to do so.”

Physical Activity Identified as Critical Factor in Lowering MAFLD Risk
“A new study revealed physical activity was the most critical lifestyle factor influencing Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD).1 Other lifestyle factors, such as sleep duration and diet, also had associations with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease. The study suggests interactions between these lifestyle factors are important to consider when determining an individual’s overall MAFLD risk.”

Enhancing Cancer Care With Integrative Oncology
“Integrative oncology is a growing field with the goal of improving cancer treatment through the incorporation of holistic approaches alongside conventional medical care. These therapies have also proved to be effective in reducing adverse effects like anxiety and depression in patients with cancer.”

Alternative cancer clinics’ use of Google listings and reviews to mislead potential patients
“Alternative cancer clinics, who provide treatment associated with earlier time to death, actively seek to create favorable views of their services online. An unexplored means where alternative cancer clinics can shape their appeal is their Google search results.”

How to Change your Diet: Five Tips for Healthy Eating
“What you eat has a major influence on your health. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, for example, can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, vision issues, digestive problems, and some cancers. Yet, the average American consumes only 0.9 cups of fruit and 1.4 cups of vegetables per day, significantly less than the recommended 5 servings. Conversely, consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods has been associated with increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and cancers like breast and colorectal. These foods make up about 60% of an American adult’s diet and 70% of a children’s diet! Clearly, there is an opportunity to improve the average American’s diet. But what should you eat for better health and how can you make changes to your diet?”

Can fasting reduce disease risk and slow aging in people?
“A nutritious diet that mimics the biological effects of fasting was associated with reduced disease risk factors and slowed biological aging in healthy adults, according to an NIA-funded study. The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest this diet may hold promise as a dietary intervention for promoting metabolic health, reducing disease risk, and extending healthy lifespan.”

Plant-based diet proven to combat hypertension
“Doctors recommend making fruits and vegetables a foundational part of the treatment of patients with hypertension. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are found to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health due to their base-producing effects. A new study in The American Journal of Medicine, published by Elsevier, details the findings from a five-year interventional randomized control trial.”

Exercise and physical activity guidelines updated to reflect prevalence of weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery
“Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center led the first comprehensive update in 15 years to a consensus paper on the role of physical activity in the prevention of weight gain and obesity published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The paper, “Physical Activity and Excess Body Weight and Adiposity for Adults,” released in July 2024, expands and extends prior ACSM positions published in 2001 and 2009.”

Norton Introduces Bill to Establish National Effort to Promote Healthy Lifestyles through Nutrition and Exercise
“WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced the Promoting Healthier Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise Act, or the LIFE Act, to encourage exercise and healthy eating habits nationwide. The bill would provide $75 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat obesity and sedentary lifestyles in three ways: conducting national education campaigns about how to recognize and address obesity; training health professionals to recognize the signs of obesity early and to educate people concerning healthy lifestyles; and developing intervention strategies to be used in everyday life, such as in the workplace and in community settings. This initial funding would be for a pilot program to develop best practices and give the country a coherent national strategy for combating overweight and obesity.”

Daily marijuana use linked to increased risk of deadly head and neck cancers, study finds
“(CNN) — Using marijuana daily for years may raise the overall risk of head and neck cancers by 3.5% to 5%, according to a new study that analyzed millions of medical records. “Our research shows that people who use cannabis, particularly those with a cannabis use disorder, are significantly more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to those who do not use cannabis,” said senior study author Dr. Niels Kokot, a professor of clinical otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.”

FDA’s ‘hands-off approach’ to additives may allow unsafe ingredients in food, experts suggest
“A loophole means manufacturers don’t need approval before adding new ingredients, such as natural sweeteners and texture enhancers, to foods, researchers say in an editorial.”

Short, Intense Bursts of Exercise May Improve Stroke Recovery
“A new study found that stroke survivors who performed short bouts of HIIT exercise doubled their cardiorespiratory fitness levels.”

Potatoes are an unexpected ally for heart health
“Potatoes may have long been overshadowed by their less starchy counterparts, but new research reveals that these humble tubers could be a game-changer for those managing Type 2 diabetes and looking to improve heart health.”

Association between lifestyle factors and mental health in apparently healthy young men
“A Significant correlation was found between sedentary time, body composition and mental health, and baseline body composition predicted changes in mood three months later.”

Exercise or snack? How our brain decides
“Should I go and exercise, or would I rather go to the café and enjoy a delectable strawberry milkshake? Until now, what exactly happens in our brain when we make this decision has been a mystery to science, but researchers at ETH Zurich have found the solution. They have deciphered which brain chemical and which nerve cells mediate this decision: the messenger substance orexin and the neurons that produce it.”

Effectiveness of acupuncture in treating patients with pain and mental health concerns: the results of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project
“Conclusion: Integrating acupuncture with usual care demonstrates promise in enhancing mental health, alleviating chronic and general pain, and improving overall quality of life. The findings suggest that integrative programs, such as ABCHIP, present an effective approach to addressing pain and mental health concerns in vulnerable populations, providing valuable insights for future healthcare interventions.”

More US schools are taking breaks for meditation. Teachers say it helps students’ mental health
“Schools across America have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help young students manage stress and emotions.”

Boost your brain: the power of a healthy diet
“LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug 5, 2024) – Recent research has shown that our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining not just our physical well-being, but also our brain health. A diet high in sugars and processed foods can weaken brain function and negatively impact mental health. Your brain requires healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meat to keep it running smoothly.”

VR meditation game enhances breath awareness
“Pine trees blow in the wind and sunlight glitters on the sea in a virtual reality meditation program designed by Northeastern University researchers, called Stairway to Heaven.”

Alarming heavy metal levels found in US cocoa products
“Many of the cocoa products tested in the current study were contaminated with cadmium and lead levels that may exceed Prop 65 legal restrictions. Thus, there remains an urgent need for improved food monitoring and additional research into cumulative heavy metal exposure from diets.”

Exercise may counter damage to health from sitting too much
“Folks who are sedentary for eight or more hours daily can lower their overall risk of death — and especially their risk of dying from heart disease — if they perform 140 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity every week, results show.”

Positive impacts of personalized dietary advice based on socio-demographic and cognitive characteristics
“02 Aug 2024 — Personalized dietary advice that increases fruit and vegetable consumption and reduces the intake of saturated fat and sugar based on individuals’ socio-demographic, cognitive and sensory aspects can effectively increase health, according to a new study.

Understanding the impact of dip on calorie consumption
“The latest study conducted in the center, housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences, investigated how eating behavior changes when consumers are served a dip with a salty snack. The findings, available online now and to be published in the November issue of Food Quality and Preference, suggest that they eat more -; a lot more. The chips and dip together yielded a 77% greater caloric intake, and a faster total eating rate compared to the just chips, no-dip control.”

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: An Integrative Review With a Focus on the Gut Microbiome
“Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research indicates a significant link between IBD and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. This review examines the association between IBD and CVD, emphasizing the role of the gut microbiome in this relationship.”

Moms and caregivers facing family food insecurity need help with more than just food
“A study by Virginia Tech researchers shows that mothers’ mental health suffers when their families lack food resources.”

Project ECHO pilot enhances health, education in Oklahoma K-12 school communities
“For K-12 educators, enhancing student wellness is crucial. Understanding its impact on academic and personal success, they seek resources to equip students with essential life skills.”

Comparing Surgical, Acupuncture, and Exercise Interventions for Improving the Quality of Life in Women With Endometriosis: A Systematic Review
“Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of affected women. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of surgical interventions, acupuncture, and exercise programs on the QoL in women with endometriosis.”

CBT and Mindfulness-Based Therapies for Fibromyalgia
“Targeting the various symptoms of fibromyalgia requires a multifaceted approach that is personalized to each patient. Accumulating research supports the benefits of psychological approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.”

Eating carrots can be a simple way to get a nutritional boost
“Vegetables are great not only for their versatility – they can be eaten raw or cooked, whole or chopped – but also for their health benefits. However, those looking to incorporate more veggies into their diet may be overlooking one in particular. Eating three servings of baby carrots a week can give a significant boost of important nutrients found in the orange root vegetables, according to a new unpublished study presented June 30 in Chicago at Nutrition 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.”