Research from Warwick Medical School published February 2011 in the European Heart Journal shows that prolonged sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep patterns can have long-term, serious health implications. Leading academics from the University have linked lack of sleep to strokes, heart attacks and cardiovascular disorders which often result in early death.
It is becoming well accepted that, as well as too little exercise, too much sitting is bad for people’s health. Now a study has found that it is not just the length of time people spend sitting down that can make a difference, but also the number of breaks that they take while sitting at their desk or on their sofa. Plenty of breaks, even if they are as little as one minute, seem to be good for people’s hearts and their waistlines.
For many women, irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles may not sound like such a bad thing. But a condition that can cause irregular periods – polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS – can present women with numerous health concerns, ranging from excess hair growth to fertility issues to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Taking medications to treat insomnia and anxiety increases mortality risk by 36%, according to a study conducted by Geneviève Belleville, a professor at Université Laval’s School of Psychology. The details of this study are published in Canadian Journal of Psychiatry (September 2010).
Long gone are the days when health care providers told people with arthritis to “rest their joints.” In fact, physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mobility, mood, and quality of life for most adults with many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. But what sort of exercise should you do and for how long? What if it hurts?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It can be fatal. What are the risk factors and what about sun tanning. Get the facts so that you can make good decisions about sunbathing.
Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. In a review article, a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders.
Cancer can be a scary word. Arm yourself with practical information that can help protect you against cancer or deal with it if you get cancer. Based on scientific research this information is easy to read and gives you information you can use straight away.
Research suggests that people who smoke do so for short-term benefits like oral gratification, sensory pleasure and social camaraderie. Once the habit is established, people continue to smoke in response to cues and in situations that become associated with smoking. Smoking may be more of a habit than an addiction.
Whilst folklore undoubtedly has its part to play in Moon lore, the results of medical trials cannot be denied and next time you are considering becoming pregnant or tackling a major health issue, remember to give the Moon phase due consideration. It has long recognised by many that the Moon affects us all on both on a physical and psychological level, although the majority of us remain blissfully unaware of the lunar influence on our lives.