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Center for Advancing Health


Women and men differ on adopting healthy behaviors

A recent study found that men are more likely than women to adopt healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and quitting smoking. Women, on the other hand, were less confident in their ability to make these changes. The researchers hope their findings can be used to assist both men and women with adopting healthier lifestyles.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateNov 17, 2003

School program cuts number of student smokers

Project ALERT reduced new smoker and marijuana user rates among seventh and eighth graders by 24%. The program also decreased binge drinking by 24%, counteracting critics who claim school programs fail to reach existing smokers and drinkers. Early users face increased risks for various high-risk behaviors.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 30, 2003

Parents favor counseling over meds for kids' anxiety

A study found that parents' attitudes towards social anxiety disorder treatment can significantly impact their children's benefits from therapy. Parents who had used medication or counseling in the past were more favorable towards these treatments, and those with a history of emotional problems preferred counseling.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 10, 2003

Exercise for elders: It's never too late

Research highlights the importance of exercise for older adults, dispelling stereotypes that age means poor health. Regular physical activity can benefit elderly individuals as much as younger people, enabling them to maintain independence and manage daily functions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 8, 2003

Anxiety hits women harder after heart attack

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that women have higher levels of anxiety after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers also discovered that both men and women under age 60 reported higher anxiety levels, while older individuals experienced lower anxiety due to their expectation of illness.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 6, 2003

Stress leads kids to unhealthy diets

A recent study of 4,320 schoolchildren found that stress leads to unhealthy dietary habits, including a preference for fatty foods and snacks, while ignoring recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. This could have long-term consequences, such as increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 2003

Mirrors can make women feel worse about working out

A study found that exercising in front of a mirror reduces women's energy, relaxation, and positivity. This effect persists even among those with good body image, suggesting mirrors may hinder physical activity motivation. The findings have implications for exercise promotion guidelines and the use of mirrors in workout centers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 2003

Parents' income, education influence teen smoking

A recent US study found that parents' income and education significantly influence their teenager's likelihood of smoking. Adolescents from lower-income families, with less-educated parents, face a higher risk of smoking. The study suggests that tailoring smoking cessation programs for adults with low incomes or educational levels coul...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 18, 2003

For healthy diet, learning level counts more than earning level

A recent study found that individuals with higher education levels have better diet quality compared to those with lower education levels. The gap in diet between higher and lower educated groups may explain the disparity in health between socioeconomic groups in the US. Despite overall improvements in dietary habits, there are still s...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003

Strategies to boost women’s multivitamin use fall short

A study by Kaiser Permanente found that targeted interventions to increase multivitamin use among women of childbearing age had no significant long-term impact. Despite efforts to educate healthcare providers and pharmacists, the success of these interventions was hampered by inadequate implementation and lack of behavioral change.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003

Cigarette smoke linked to low folate levels

Research suggests a significant association between cigarette smoke exposure and lower folate levels, potentially increasing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and breast cancer. The study found that red blood cell folate levels were 20% lower in current smokers compared to nonsmokers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 25, 2003