A new study has found that being exposed to advertising for tobacco significantly increases the probability that children will start smoking. Researchers examined the frequency that children saw the ads, and followed their behavior over several years. Children who saw many tobacco ads were twice as likely to become daily smokers than children who saw… [Continue Reading]
Seeing Tobacco Advertising Strongly Increases the Probability of Children Starting Smoking
June 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Binge Drinking Linked to Sleep Difficulties
June 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that people who often binge drink tend to report trouble sleeping. While there was not a higher rate of sleep problems in those binge drinking occasionally, frequent bingers reported a significantly higher rate of insomnia. A new study suggests that frequent binge drinking is associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults. Results… [Continue Reading]
Smoking Cessation Medications Significantly Boost Success Rate
May 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A review of medications that are aimed at helping people quit smoking concludes that the drugs are effective. The study has found a higher rate of success with the drugs compared to placebos, including drugs that aren’t approved in all countries. Nicotine replacement therapy and other licensed drugs can help people quit smoking, according to… [Continue Reading]
Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Offspring’s Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Smoking during pregnancy is known to be harmful to the fetus, and a new study suggests that there are long-term effects on the child, which could even impact the health of the third generation. Researchers have found that women whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are at a higher risk of obesity and gestational diabetes. Women… [Continue Reading]
Occasional Binge Drinking Can Lead to Long-Term Health Problems
May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Binge drinking is linked to long-term health risks, a new study suggests. Researchers say that the practice can sensitize the liver to long-term damage, as well as lower the level of functioning of many other organ systems over time. Long after a hangover, a night of bad decisions might take a bigger toll on the… [Continue Reading]
Strong Arguments are Key to Effective Anti-Smoking Ads
April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
For anti-smoking advertisements, convincing content and arguments are key, a new study suggests. Researchers examined the content and format of different anti-smoking ads, and found that ads with strong arguments against smoking were more effective than those that focused on presentation, with more complex editing, scene changes, or sound editing. Researchers from the Perelman School… [Continue Reading]
Genetic Factors Influence Likelihood of Cigarette Addiction
March 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The probability of becoming addicted to tobacco is influenced by genetics, a new research study suggests. Previous studies have correlated certain variants with smoking in adults, and new work has found that these markers can predict which teenagers will become daily smokers, and later, which have more success quitting. Researchers have identified genetic risk factors… [Continue Reading]
Smoking Impedes the Healing of Bone Fractures
March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
It is well-established that smoking harms the lungs and cardiovascular system, but it may also block the proper healing of bone fractures. A recent study presented at a scientific meeting shows a significant risk of improper healing and increased healing time for smokers with broken bones. In a new study presented today at the 2013… [Continue Reading]
Benefits of Quitting Smoking for the Heart Significant, Even With Weight Gain
March 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Many people quitting smoking find themselves gaining weight, and have asked whether kicking the habit actually leads to an overall increase in cardiovascular health. A new study finds that despite weight gain’s effect on the cardiovascular system, the benefits of quitting smoking are by far more significant. An analysis of data from the Framingham Offspring… [Continue Reading]
Qigong Therapy May Help Cocaine Addicts in First Stages of Rehab
February 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
An ancient Chinese system of physical postures, breathing, and meditation called qigong may be effective in helping cocaine addicts deal with cravings and withdrawal, according to a new study. The study found that patients undergoing treatment who were given qigong therapy were less likely to report depression, and reported fewer cocaine cravings. Cocaine is one… [Continue Reading]