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Health benefits of moderate drinking may be overstated, study finds

A recent study analyzed over 9,000 middle-aged adults in England and found that moderate drinkers who also smoked experienced more health problems than those who drank lightly or abstained. The researchers suggest that other lifestyle factors, such as education and smoking habits, may be more influential on midlife health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMay 24, 2017

For richer or poorer, we all eat fast food

A nationwide study found middle-income Americans were most likely to eat fast food, with rich people also consuming fast food regularly. The study also showed that people with changing income levels didn't alter their eating habits, and heavy users of fast food often have less leisure time.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateMay 4, 2017

The high cost of surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome

A new study found that nearly half of ARDS survivors were jobless one year after hospital discharge, with an estimated average loss of $27,000 in earnings. The research also identified risk factors for joblessness and highlighted the need for occupational rehabilitation strategies to support survivors' return to work.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 28, 2017

Life skills are important for wellbeing in later life

Researchers found that people with more life skills, such as emotional stability and control, enjoyed better health outcomes, including lower cholesterol levels and smaller waistlines. The study also found a link between increased life skills and reduced loneliness, depression, and improved physical functioning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2017

Brain fatty acid levels dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that six unsaturated fatty acids are associated with Alzheimer's disease cognitive symptoms and neuropathology. The researchers analyzed brain tissue samples from older individuals with healthy brains, those with tau or amyloid proteins but no memory problems, and those with Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 21, 2017

Sustained enjoyment in older age linked to longer life

A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2016

Healthy living equals better brain function

A study published in Frontiers found that individuals with greater self-control tend to engage in healthier behaviors, which in turn improve their executive function. The research suggests a bidirectional relationship between physical activity, executive function, and healthy behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2016

Pesticide exposure linked to increased risk of ALS

Researchers found a strong link between pesticide exposure and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Pesticide exposure was associated with increased risk in survey data and blood measurements, highlighting the need for further studies on environmental factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 9, 2016

Are money problems and violence related?

Researchers found that women are more likely than men to experience financial stressors and report violence, but the study doesn't prove a direct link. The study's findings affirm the complexity of domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 25, 2016

Physical activity encouraged more in boys than in girls

A study of over 550 Australian children found that girls were 19% less active than boys, with lower fitness levels and weaker home and school support. The authors suggest strategies to increase physical activity for girls should focus on home, school, and extracurricular activities

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2016

Fewer heart problems in people who drink moderately and often

Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, with studies showing a lower risk of heart failure and acute myocardial infarction among frequent drinkers. However, high levels of alcohol consumption were associated with increased risks of other diseases and social problems.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Predicting if young men will live with their kids

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an adolescent male's attitude toward risky sex, pregnancy, and birth control can predict whether he will end up living with his future offspring. Young men who felt more favorable towards pregnancy had a higher chance of becoming nonresident fathers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 16, 2016

More than half of 'children' misperceive or reject parents' political party affiliations

A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that more than half of children in the US either misperceive or reject their parents' political party affiliations. The study suggests that parent-child communication and social support do not necessarily lead to accurate transmission of political values.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 19, 2015