Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may blame their daytime difficulties on simple sleepiness, but new research suggests that their brains may be to blame. Specifically, their cognitive challenges may be caused by structural deficits in gray matter, brought on by the intermittent oxygen deprivation that comes with obstructive sleep apnea. The good news is that… [Continue Reading]
Yoga: The Super Exercise
November 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Find out why yoga reduces anxiety and improves your mood better than other forms of exercise.
Process Leading To Type 1 Diabetes Preventable With Dietary Intervention
November 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A study confirms the hypothesis that infant feeding plays a role in the initiation of the disease process leading to type 1 diabetes in children carrying increased genetic disease risk. The study population comprised 230 newborn infants with at least one family member affected by type 1 diabetes and a predisposing genotype based on screening… [Continue Reading]
Resistance Exercise Has Specific and Important Heart Benefits
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to a study, resistance exercise (such as lifting weights) produces a different pattern of blood vessel responses than aerobic exercise, suggesting that it may have specific and important benefits for cardiovascular health. “Resistance exercise may offer greater benefits from the increases in blood flow to active muscles and could be implemented as companion to… [Continue Reading]
Depression Associated With Disturbance in Body’s 24-Hour Clock
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Depression appears to be associated with a molecular-level disturbance in the body’s 24-hour clock, new research suggests. Scientists examined genes that regulate circadian rhythm in people with and without a history of depression. As a group, those with a history of depression had a higher level of activity of the so-called Clock gene, which has… [Continue Reading]
Why Chocolate Protects Against Heart Disease
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Numerous studies have shown that cocoa has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The reason for this has now been uncovered by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden. When a group of volunteers devoured a good-sized piece of dark chocolate, it inhibited an enzyme in their bodies that is known to raise blood pressure. ”We… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Identify New Breast Cancer Risk Factor
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The risk factor involves a modification (DNA methylation) to the BRCA1 gene. BRCA1 is known for its involvement in breast and ovarian cancer. Women with mutations in this gene, which inactivates its function, are predisposed to these diseases. The DNA methylation modification is known as an epimutation and acts to turn off the BRCA1 gene… [Continue Reading]
Music Therapy Potentially Effective Depression Treatment Alternative
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A Swedish study that appears in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics applies music therapy to the treatment of depression. Evidence suggests that music therapy should be further explored as a possible treatment for depression. Music therapy is generally not associated with negative side effects and can be easily implemented. These factors contribute to… [Continue Reading]
Link Found Between Adrenal Gland Hormone and Brain in Hypertension
November 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A hormone already responsible for increasing blood pressure by prompting the kidneys to retain salt appears to moonlight as a major stimulator of the brain centers that control the vascular system and blood pressure. Researchers studied patients who overproduce aldosterone to see whether the hormone had any effect on sympathetic nerve activity responsible for blood… [Continue Reading]
Smoking Bans Have Significant Impact on Health of Infants and Mothers
November 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
New research takes a look at birth outcomes and maternal smoking, building urgency for more states and cities to join the nationwide smoke-free trend that has accelerated in recent years. According to the new data, strong smoke-free policies can improve fetal outcomes by significantly reducing the prevalence of maternal smoking. The study compared maternal smoking… [Continue Reading]