SCD HEALTH HEADLINES: Coloring Book Fosters Self-Awareness, Alcohol Increases Risk of Cancer
By Dr. James Palermo // January 11, 2016
17 CHARTS TO HELP YOU EAT HEALTHY
Topics Include: No Redeeming Health Aspects Of Booze; Put That Smoothie Down; More Kids, Longer Maternal Life — and More.
UK HEALTH GUIDELINES ON DRINKING ALCOHOL: DON’T!
According to new guidelines from British health officials, there is no justification to drink for health reasons, and consumption of any level of alcohol increases the risk of a range of cancers.
The new recommendations, chronicled in the British news website Independent, are based on scientific evidence which shows that alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer, in addition to other health problems caused by binge-drinking. (Kashmira Gander, Independent, 01/08/2016)
COLORING BOOKS ARE NO LONGER JUST FOR KIDS
Coloring–yes, using crayons or colored pencils and staying within the lines of images in a book–is now thought to have therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring about more mindfulness in adults.
Like meditation, coloring allows the brain to switch off other thoughts and focus
In this CNN report the author takes a look at the mental health benefits that are helping drive the sales of coloring books for adults. (Kelly Fitzpatrick, CNN, 01/06/2016)
IS YOUR SMOOTHIE DOING YOU MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
That thick, cold, refreshing, fruity beverage that has always been touted as a healthy adjunct to any diet may not be all it’s acclaimed to be.
According to a Daily Mail report, the popular Smoothie may, in fact, do more nutritional harm than good. (Madlen Davies, Daily Mail, 01/07/2016)
17 CHARTS TO HELP YOU EAT HEALTHY
Looking for help to keep your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier?
Check out these 17 charts offered by Buzzfeed that include not only comprehensive dietary guidelines, but also tips on how to store to maximize food freshness and how to best prepare specific types of foods. (Linsay Hunt, Buzzfeed, 01/08/2016)
HAVING MORE CHILDREN COULD SLOW AGING
Motherhood is a greatly rewarding experience, however most mothers are unlikely to consider the sleepless nights and temper tantrums as beneficial for aging.
Nevertheless, a surprising new study recently published in PLOS ONE suggests that the more children a woman has, the slower she ages.
The lead author of the 13-year study of a subset of Guatemalan women hypothesizes that their findings may be explained by an increase in the hormone estrogen that arises during pregnancy.
Estrogen functions as a potent antioxidant that protects cells against telomere shortening, a chromosomal phenomenon that is related to aging.
Researchers also concluded that social environment may play a role in the association between the number of children a woman has and her pace of aging, noting that the women included in this study who had multiple children had greater social support from family and friends. (Honor Whiteman, Medical News Today, 01/08/2016)
FUTURE OF THE STETHOSCOPE IN QUESTION
A stethoscope hanging around a physician’s neck is an iconic image in medicine, and its skillful use is an integral aspect of the art of medicine.
However, as reported in The Washington Post, with the rise of sophisticated imaging devices, experts are now debating if the stethoscope still has a place in cardiovascular care
Perhaps the strongest argument in support of the historically indispensable tool invented in the 19th Century, is that the act of using a stethoscope on a patient helps physicians facilitate a human connection that the other devices can’t replicate. (Lenny Bernstein, Washington Post, 01/02/2016)
