[toc position='left'] Introduction Light does much more than help us see. It tells the brain what time it is. That signal coordinates sleep and wakefulness, hormone release, metabolism, mood, and hundreds of other processes that follow a roughly 24-hour rhythm. Its effects depend not simply on how much light reaches the eye, but when it arrives. Bright light in the morning and throughout the day strengthens the body's daytime signal. Dim evenings and dark nights allow the biological night to unfold. Modern life often reverses that pattern, giving us biologically dim days and unusually bright n... metabolism sleep depression mental health melatonin eyes circadian rhythm
Read moreRegular exercise is associated with better brain health and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, but less is known about whether everyday walking can influence its earliest biological stages. A long-term Harvard study explored this question by tracking how daily movement related to subtle brain changes that precede memory loss. The team followed 296 older adults with an average age of about 72, who were cognitively unimpaired at the start. At the beginning of the study, each participant wore a pedometer for one week to record average daily steps, then completed yearly cognitive testing for up ... alzheimer's brain exercise
Read more[toc] Alcohol is one of the most heavily used and abused drugs. It's also a very controversial topic, in part because alcohol plays such a large role in societies and cultures around the world. For many, it's a normal part of daily life. There is also a lot of confusion about alcohol. There's no doubt that alcohol can have a personal and public health impact. On the other hand, research in the last few decades suggests that not only may a moderate intake of alcohol not be harmful, but it might also be protective against certain diseases. This idea is heavily debated, and conflicting evidence h... cancer cardiovascular alcohol brain alzheimer's diabetes breast cancer
Read more[toc position='left'] Introduction Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play critical roles in human health, participating in a wide range of biochemical pathways and processes and modulating the expression of genes throughout the lifespan. Omega-3 fatty acids include plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and marine-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others. A growing body of evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent or ameliorate symptoms associated with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease,[ref doi='10.3... cancer depression mortality omega-3 nutrition brain diet aging immune system mental health development intelligence
Read moreSulforaphane may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections. Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound derived from certain cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli (especially broccoli sprouts) and red kale. Robust evidence from epidemiological, clinical, rodent, and in vitro studies indicates that sulforaphane exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties (https://jhu.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/glucosinolates-from-the-brassica-vegetables-and-their-health-effe). Findings from a recent study suggest that sulforaphane is beneficial for the ... sulforaphane covid-19
Read moreSeventy percent of adults living in the United States have overweight (BMI greater than 25) or obesity (BMI greater than 30), putting them at increased risk of metabolic disease. Extra fat stored around the body promotes inflammation and insulin resistance, but extra abdominal fat is particularly dangerous. Findings of a recent report suggest consuming foods rich in unsaturated fat and dietary fiber may improve fat distribution in females. Fat stored in the lower body, called subcutaneous fat, is located just under the skin. Fat stored in the abdominal region, called visceral fat, is wrapped a... nutrition diet obesity metabolic syndrome weight loss visceral fat
Read moreRobust evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads primarily via respiratory droplets in the exhaled air of infected persons. Although the wearing of face masks is a critical component of global public health strategies to prevent spread of the disease, small respiratory droplets that are less than 1 micron in diameter can pass through the masks. A recent study demonstrates that administration of a calcium-rich nasal spray may reduce the number of small respiratory droplets exhaled among people at high risk. Components of the upper respiratory system – the nose... covid-19
Read moreExposure to air pollution promotes oxidative stress and increases the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. Data from a new study indicate that ozone gas and particulate matter present in air pollution claim more lives than wars and other forms of violence by an order of magnitude. Particulate matter in air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets. It is present in fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrograms (PM2.5) or less. Ozone is a reactive, colorless gas with a st... pollution cancer diabetes mortality blood pressure stroke oxidative stress cardiovascular
Read moreThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends (https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Children-and-Media-Tips.aspx) avoiding screen time exposure for children under the age of 18 months and limiting screen time to one hour per day for children between the ages and two and five years. As digital devices become more ubiquitous, however, screen time use among children is increasing. Findings from a new study indicate that screen time exposure begins in infancy and increases as a child ages. The study was part of the Upstate New York Infant Deve... development technology
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