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]
Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Offspring’s Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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]
Public Smoking Bans Associated with Fewer Pre-Term Births
February 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A new study has found a strong correlation between the implementation of smoking bans in public places and the rates of pre-term births. Researchers suggest that the data mean secondhand smoke in restaurants and workplaces has a significant impact on the health of pregnancies. The study supports the notion that smoking bans have public health… [Continue Reading]
Alcohol Pricing Has Big Impact on Drinking-Related Deaths
February 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Changing pricing laws for alcoholic drinks has a big impact on alcohol-related deaths, a new study has found. The study reports that a 10% increase in the price of certain drinks results in a stunning 30% fewer alcohol-related deaths. A new study made available online today in ‘Addiction‘ shows that, between 2002 and 2009, the… [Continue Reading]
Shaming in Alcoholism May Impede Recovery from Addiction
February 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Using shame to try and convince an alcoholic to stop drinking may be counter-productive, new research suggests. The study has found that shame-related behaviors are linked to a higher rate of relapse and more severe lapses. Feeling shame about past instances of problem drinking may increase the likelihood of relapse and other health problems, according… [Continue Reading]