A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that journaling about both thoughts and emotions after a traumatic event can lead to increased awareness of benefits, such as improved relationships and personal strength. In contrast, focusing solely on emotional aspects may not produce similar benefits.
A study by Seth C. Kalichman found that HIV-positive men who were sensation seekers were more likely to have unprotected sex, regardless of alcohol use. Alcohol also predicted unsafe sex, independent of sensation seeking. The study suggests cognitive approaches can help improve risk reduction interventions for HIV-positive men.
A study found that tailored telephone and mail reminders increased mammography screenings in women over 51. The combination of both methods led to more than twice as many follow-up screenings compared to usual care.
A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that religious individuals who cope with grief through religion experience better physical and mental health outcomes. After four months, these individuals reported similar health status to less religious counterparts, but had fewer doctor visits.
A recent study found that alcoholics experience a 'blunted' cortisol response after undergoing stressful tasks, which can lead to memory impairments. The researchers also discovered that the number of alcohol withdrawals is a strong predictor of memory deficits, but not problem-solving ability.
Researchers followed 205 California-born children and their parents from birth to age 6, finding no evidence that bedsharing leads to sleep disorders or psychosexual development problems. The study suggests responsible bedsharing may even promote intimacy and positive relationships in childhood.
A study found that emotional outbursts are linked to a higher risk of dropping out of treatment, while seeking alternative rewards can help. Participants who engaged in rewarding activities not involving chemical use had lower risk of relapse and longer stay in treatment.
A study by Sandra L. Morzorati found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism exhibit greater feelings of intoxication after consuming alcohol, but adapt quickly to its effects. This adaptation may lead to increased drinking in people with a family history of the disease.
A recent study found that teenagers value honesty, nonjudgmental care, and a provider's expertise in building trust. Long-term relationships with doctors who take the time to listen and understand their concerns are essential for adolescents' medical care and well-being.
Research reveals that participation in weight-dependent sports increases the risk of disordered eating behaviors in girls. Risk factors include depression, history of sexual abuse, or substance abuse, but low body weight is not a reliable indicator.
Researchers found physicians and patients were equally likely to use sun protection when going outside for an hour or more. However, the specific forms of sun protection used differed, with physicians using sunscreen more frequently but less often staying in the shade or wearing protective clothing.
A school program called CATCH significantly increased moderate to vigorous physical activity, decreased fat in meals, and reduced sodium content. The program's effects were more pronounced than expected, with substantial increases in physical activity levels.
A study found that middle school students who participated in a nutrition program with repeated messages and support had significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, while those without the program saw no change. Researchers emphasize the need for intensive, multi-component interventions to reach these children.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with older homes in urban areas have sidewalks, denser street networks, and mix of business and residential uses, which encourages walking. Men and non-Hispanic whites were more likely than women and other racial groups to walk at least a mile 20 times a month.
A new study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that exercising boosts the confidence of older adults. By promoting fitness-related variables like weight, energy and eating habits, public health interventions can help build confidence to continue exercising, leading to long-term behavioral change.
Participants with lower physical functioning experienced rapid progress toward higher functional levels after taking Tai Chi classes. Additionally, those with lower health perceptions and depression reported more significant improvements in physical function.
A study found that participants receiving automated, computer-based telephone intervention increased their level of physical activity after three months. However, the effectiveness dropped off by six months. The researchers suggest continued refinement of automated telephone interventions.
A study found that cigarette advertising and promotions can circumvent the protective effects of authoritative parenting. Teens from less authoritative households are more susceptible to tobacco ads and promotions. Parents can counter this by discussing marketing tactics with their teenagers.
A recent study found that only 14 out of 81 clinical obstetric texts recommend abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy. Many texts instead offer vague or contradictory advice, leading to concerns about physician behavior and patient safety. The lack of clear guidance may stem from the absence of a safe level of drinking during pregnancy.
A recent study found that 31.7 percent of Americans had been sunburned within the previous 12 months, with white men being the most likely to experience sunburn at 44 percent. Higher education and income levels were also associated with higher rates of sunburn, highlighting a concerning trend among young adults.
Research suggests that even moderate drinking habits can increase hypertension risk in Japanese men, contrary to previous US studies. Obesity and genetic factors may contribute to this difference in findings.
Researchers found that adenylyl cyclase activity levels were more sensitive to recent alcohol consumption in subjects with a family history of alcoholism. Chronic marijuana users had substantially higher adenylyl cyclase activity levels, suggesting possible abnormal metabolism or product of marijuana use.
Only 19% of physicians report screening new patients for domestic violence, despite its prevalence. However, once identified, physicians are more likely to intervene with counseling and follow-up care.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that individuals experiencing cardiac reactors showed a greater immunologic response to stress, as measured by lymphocyte redistribution. This response may play a role in inflammatory diseases and heart attack.
Researchers followed 1,000 adults over nine years to explore the effects of health-promoting behaviors on quality and quantity of life. The study found that those who exercised regularly had a lower risk of mortality and reported greater psychological well-being, while smokers had a higher risk.
A recent study found that Air Force recruits are disproportionately affected by smoking, with high rates among white women and black men. The study suggests the need for culturally sensitive cessation interventions to address these disparities.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that workers with little control in their jobs were 43-50% more likely to die during a five-to-ten year period. The research team suggests that 'alienating' work could lead to social disengagement and high-risk behaviors, increasing mortality risk.
A study found that individuals with strong social connections scored better on a measure of aging, including lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and hormonal imbalances. Strong relationships with family members also had a positive impact on health outcomes.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that an at-home exercise program significantly reduced depression and stress among caregivers of demented relatives. The program provided regular counseling sessions to help participants work up to a home exercise routine.
Lonely college students exhibited increased blood pressure from mentally stressful tasks, with higher vascular resistance and lower cardiac output compared to non-lonely peers. In older subjects, systolic blood pressure rose with age in lonely individuals, suggesting a pervasive cardiovascular risk associated with loneliness.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in men. The research, led by Peter P. Vitaliano, identified a general pattern connecting chronic stress to heart disease, including poor health habits and changes in body composition and metabolism.
A study of 679 black women in Detroit's low-income neighborhoods found that tangible aids like child care, transportation, and money are crucial for their overall well-being. The research suggests that strengthening both emotional and instrumental support is necessary to reduce chronic stress and promote better health outcomes.
A study of nearly 2,000 Asian immigrants found that hypertension rates rise with duration of residence in North America. Immigrants who lived for four or fewer years had a prevalence below 3%, while those living ten or more years had over 13%.
A new study found that women hospitalized for a heart attack or unstable angina are less likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation programs despite being good candidates. Women with lower family income and less confidence in their ability to improve their heart health face significant barriers to participation.
A new study found that nearly a quarter of head and neck cancer patients continue to smoke, scoring lower on quality of life measures. Depression was also prevalent among these patients, with both smoking and depression associated with significantly poorer quality of life.
A new study found that an anti-depression medication called bupropion (Zyban) is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in helping women quit smoking. Women who took bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free compared to those on nicotine replacement, with similar success rates after a full year of treatment.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force emphasizes the importance of personalized advice from doctors to motivate patients to change unhealthy behaviors. Effective methods include engaging patients in self-management practices and shared decision-making, prioritizing patient autonomy and choice.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that teen habitual smokers who believed they could quit anytime had a higher risk of progressing to established smoking. Teenagers who were highly receptive to tobacco advertising also had a higher risk, with 70% more likely to have progressed to established smoking.
A new study found that young adults do not change their health behaviors when a close family member suffers a heart attack or stroke. Despite this, researchers note that these events can signal increased personal risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new study shows that problem-solving skills training can help mothers of children with serious illness reduce their emotional distress and improve their well-being. The training also boosts their sense of well-being, increasing positive rational thinking and constructive behaviors.
A study published in Health Education & Behavior found that community programs aimed at preventing teen pregnancy can reduce birth rates. The implementation of these programs led to a 15% decrease in birth rate in one area, while the other saw a slight increase.
Teenagers are more likely to drive safely when their parents set restrictions and monitor their activities. The study found that adolescents who lack self-control or engage in deviant behaviors are at a higher risk of driving dangerously.
Researchers found that reducing medication costs by 40% can add up to 90 years of life for heart patients over 75. Lowering prices from average wholesale price (AWP) to 20% below AWP extends life by 63 years, compared to only 48 years at AWP.
A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that students were significantly less likely to report considering suicide after the Columbine incident, but the incidence of attempts remained unchanged. The fear of unsafe schools varied depending on location, with urban teens showing a notable increase in safety concerns.
Research emphasizes the role of environmental factors in promoting physical activity, including accessibility, pleasant surroundings, and convenience. The study found that people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities when there are safe and accessible paths, bikeways, and health clubs nearby.
Innovative programs addressing infant mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and immunization show promise. Community-based initiatives, including churches, prisons, and barber shops, are key to building trust and addressing socio-economic factors contributing to health disparities.
A review of eight randomized studies on biomarkers and health behavior change found that providing quantitative information about harm exposure and disease risk increased motivation for healthy behaviors. However, lasting change may require appropriate treatment.
Research finds that exposure to movie stars smoking increases positive attitudes toward smoking among adolescent never-smokers. High exposure is linked to a greater intent to start smoking and lower resistance to peer offers.
Research reveals husbands of fibromyalgia sufferers experience more depression and loneliness but have similar physical health scores as those with healthy wives. Despite these findings, the men's overall psychosocial well-being is comparable to that of the control group.
A study shows that black teen girls who rarely talked to their parents about sex and STD prevention were less likely to report condom use. Parents can help motivate their daughters to discuss safe sex techniques with partners, according to researchers.