📰 Children’s health declines in last 17 years, study finds
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a concerning decline in the physical and mental health of U.S. children over the past 17 years. The study, conducted from 2007 to 2023, identified 170 indicators from eight data sources all pointing to a generalized deterioration in kids’ health. U.S. children were found to be 15% to 20% more likely to have chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea compared to 2011. Childhood obesity rates increased from 17% to about 21% during the study period, along with rises in early menstruation, sleep issues, activity limitations, and depressive symptoms. American children were also 1.8 times more likely to die than kids in other high-income countries, with higher rates of premature births, sudden unexpected deaths, firearm incidents, and motor vehicle crashes among U.S. youths. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” plan aimed to address children’s health, but concerns were raised that the Trump administration’s policies, including cuts to federal health agencies and Medicaid, could exacerbate the health decline. Pediatricians like Dr. Frederick Rivara emphasized the need to address broader health issues in America, viewing children as indicators of larger health problems in society.
📰 Never smoked? You could still be at risk of developing lung cancer, doctors warn
The article discusses how lung cancer, the second-most common cancer in the U.S., is not only linked to smoking but can also affect non-smokers or those with minimal smoking history. The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend lung cancer screening for non-smokers due to potential risks outweighing benefits. There is a rise in lung cancer cases among non-smokers, particularly women and younger adults, attributed to factors like reduced smoking rates, improved imaging, and environmental pollutants. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary behavior, and exposure to pollutants like radon and asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer even in non-smokers. Screening guidelines currently target high-risk individuals based on age and smoking history, but there is growing interest in including non-smoking risk factors, though potential risks like overdiagnosis and false positives exist.
📰 Stanford scientists ‘totally surprised’ by potential Parkinson’s treatment discovery
A recent study from Stanford Medicine revealed a promising approach to slowing Parkinson’s disease progression by targeting enzymes. Lead author Suzanne Pfeffer and her team were surprised by the significant improvement seen in restoring neuron and cell communication in mice by inhibiting the overactive enzyme LRRK2. The study focused on a specific genetic form of the disease but suggested potential benefits for multiple types of Parkinson’s patients and other neurodegenerative diseases. Early intervention is crucial in Parkinson’s, as symptoms often appear years after the disease starts, and identifying and treating at-risk individuals sooner could potentially halt or reverse neuron loss. The research, funded by organizations like The Michael J. Fox Foundation, highlights the importance of genetic testing for patients to determine their suitability for future treatments and clinical trials.
📰 Morning workouts can boost weight loss if one key habit is followed, experts say
Exercising in the morning has numerous benefits for mental and physical health, including potential weight loss advantages. A study published in the journal Obesity found that individuals who exercised in the morning had a lower risk of obesity, lower BMI, and smaller waist size compared to those who exercised later in the day. Morning workouts can help release chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, leading to improved mood and energy levels. While daily exercise may not be necessary, getting at least two hours of movement per week is highly beneficial. Proper rest and recovery, including 7-8 hours of sleep, are crucial for muscle repair and growth, and can enhance the impact of exercise.
📰 Miley Cyrus reveals the ‘powerful’ therapy that helped her conquer stage fright
Miley Cyrus, a pop icon, overcame stage fright with the help of EMDR therapy, which she described as life-saving and effective. EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a therapy used by public figures like Prince Harry to process painful memories and unresolved trauma. The therapy involves bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess upsetting memories and shift them from the emotional part of the brain to the rational part. EMDR is particularly effective for performance anxiety as it addresses underlying causes and aims to replace negative beliefs with empowering ones. By sharing her experience with EMDR, Cyrus helps reduce the stigma around mental health and shows that therapy can lead to quick and profound healing with the right support.
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