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Health care, research failing to adapt to US's growing multiracial population

New research suggests that multiracial individuals may be healthier than minority peers who consistently identify as monoracial. Health care systems continue to use outdated approaches to racial categorization, masking health conditions and obscuring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among multiracial populations.

Link between mood, pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Researchers link positive and negative mood to daily pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting that interventions targeting depression and momentary mood may improve pain and quality of life. The study's findings may have implications for individuals with chronic pain beyond rheumatoid arthritis.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJul 28, 2015

Shift to gay, lesbian, bisexual identities in early adulthood tied to depressive symptoms

A new study found that people who transitioned to same-sex attraction in early adulthood reported more depressive symptoms than those whose sexual orientations did not change or changed in the opposite direction. The study highlights the need for social support during periods of sexual identity transition.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 31, 2015

Couples more likely to get healthy together

Researchers at UCL found that people are more successful in quitting smoking, starting exercise, or losing weight when their partner makes a change. The study of over 3,722 couples aged 50+ shows that men and women are equally affected by their partners' behavior changes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2015

Note to young men: Fat doesn't pay

Researchers analyzed data from Sweden, UK, and US, finding obese teen boys earn up to 18% less than peers. The study attributes the penalty to lower cognitive and non-cognitive skills linked to obesity, bullying, and discrimination. Targeting early-life obesity could reduce socio-economic inequalities.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalDemography·DateSep 23, 2014

Young dads at high risk of depression, too

Depressive symptoms increased by 68% in young fathers over the first five years of fatherhood. Early intervention is crucial to help young men transition through this critical period and mitigate the detrimental effects on their children's language, reading, and behavior development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 14, 2014

Study gives Catholic schools poor marks

Catholic schools do not offer superior academic performance compared to public schools, according to a national study led by Michigan State University. The study found that math scores for Catholic students dropped between kindergarten and eighth grade, while public school students showed slight improvements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateOct 31, 2013

What a difference a grade makes

Children with attention problems in first grade perform significantly lower on reading achievement scores after fifth grade compared to their peers. In contrast, second-grade attention issues have little impact on later academic performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 22, 2013

Body weight influences both the physical and mental quality of life

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that increased body weight deteriorates physical health, but improves mental well-being in women. The researchers analyzed data from over 3000 people, revealing the complex relationship between body weight and overall health.

New medical conditions more likely to spark healthy changes among better-educated middle-aged people

A new study finds that better-educated middle-aged Americans are more inclined to make healthy behavior changes in response to new medical conditions. The research reveals significant differences in health habits between education levels, with college graduates more likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateAug 29, 2013

Patients leaving hospital against medical advice more likely to be readmitted or die

A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients who leave hospital against their doctors' orders are more likely to be readmitted or die. The research, which analyzed over 1.9 million adult admissions, shows that leaving hospital against medical advice is associated with a higher risk of readmission and deat...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 26, 2013

High debt could be hazardous to your health

A new Northwestern University study has found that high financial debt is associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and poorer self-reported general and mental health in young adults. Individuals with high debt reported higher levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms, as well as worse self-reported general health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 15, 2013