Uncategorized Vitamin D and cardiorespiratory fitness

Vitamin D and cardiorespiratory fitness

Vitamin D levels in the blood are linked to cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a study published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a publication of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).1 “Our study shows that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better exercise capacity,” said Dr Amr Marawan, assistant professor of …

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Uncategorized Most Americans don’t know suicide more common than homicide in US

Most Americans don’t know suicide more common than homicide in US

In the United States, suicide is twice as common as homicide — and more often involves firearms — but public perception is just the opposite. News reports, movies and TV shows may contribute to the perception of a high risk of firearm homicide, authors of a new study say, leaving a substantial gap between ideas …

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Uncategorized The scents of taking action

The scents of taking action

Researchers are just beginning to elucidate the neural pathways and mechanisms responsible for odour-induced behavior. . A first step was made by showing the existence of a neural pathway connecting the olfactory and motor centers of the brain in invertebrates with the worm C. elegans and in vertebrates with the lamprey, a primitive, eel-like fish …

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Uncategorized Sedative prescriptions for older adults vary by location

Sedative prescriptions for older adults vary by location

A new study shows wide variation in prescriptions of sedative drugs, called benzodiazepines, to people with Medicare coverage. Some counties, especially in southern and rural western states, had three times the level of sedative prescribing as others. The study also highlights gaps at the level of individual prescribers: Some primary care providers prescribed sedatives more …

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Uncategorized Recognizing the perfect teacher

Recognizing the perfect teacher

Youngsters learn many important behaviors by imitating adults. But young learners are selective in who they copy, and scientists don’t understand how they choose the right teacher. Young male zebra finches must learn to copy the song of an adult tutor in order to ultimately attract a mate. Researchers already knew that juveniles don’t copy …

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Uncategorized Factors linked to opioid misuse among university students

Factors linked to opioid misuse among university students

In a survey-based study of 9,449 university students at a large, public Midwestern university, misusers of prescription opioid medications were more likely to live off campus, have a lower grade point average, and exhibit increased impulsivity. In the American Journal of Addictions study, prescription opioid misusers were also more likely to report earlier age of …

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Uncategorized The man box: toxic masculinity

The man box: toxic masculinity

The study defines “The Man Box” as a set of societal beliefs that place pressure on men to be a certain way – like being tough, not showing emotions, being the breadwinner, using violence to solve problems, and having many sexual partners. Some men are boxed into the stereotypes of being “a real man” (about …

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Uncategorized Effects of exercise on cognitive performance

Effects of exercise on cognitive performance

The investigators found that both aerobic exercise and upright posture improved visual working memory compared with passive and seated conditions. Their analyses also suggest where the neural origins of these observed effects take place. “Our findings hold implications not only for the field of cognitive psychology, wherein our knowledge has been primarily derived from seated, …

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Uncategorized Lung cancer deaths 28 percent lower in California

Lung cancer deaths 28 percent lower in California

Early adoption of tobacco control efforts in California led to fewer people ever smoking, reduced the amount used by those who do smoke and helped smokers quit at a younger age — when their risk of developing lung cancer is lowest. As a result, say the authors of a new study published online October 10 …

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Uncategorized Statins have little promise beyond heart disease

Statins have little promise beyond heart disease

Previous studies had suggested the cholesterol-cutting drugs – called statins – might help people with non-heart related conditions too, including cancer, dementia and kidney disease. Experts reviewed hundreds of studies and found positive signs the drugs could benefit people with certain conditions, in addition to their proven effects on heart disease, but the results are …

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