Mental Attitude: Bullied Teens at Risk for Depression Later in Life.
Teens who are bullied appear to be at a higher risk for depression when they reach early adulthood when compared with their peers who were not bullied during adolescence. The study involved 4,000 teens and found that teenagers who were frequently bullied at age 13 were twice as likely to be depressed at age 18. Of the 4,000 teens involved in the study, 700 reported being bullied more than once a week.
BMJ, June 2015
Health Alert: Poorly Controlled Diabetes Results in Longer Hospital Stays.
Two new studies presented at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association state that diabetics who fail to control their blood sugar levels tend to have longer and more costly hospital stays. According to researchers, hospital stays for diabetics with poor blood sugar control can last an average of three days longer at a total cost nearly $2,500 greater than diabetics who do a better job at managing their blood sugar levels.
Scripps Health, June 2015
Diet: BPA in Canned Foods Less Common.
A new report claims that up to 30% of canned foods contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their linings. According to previously published research, BPA exposure may be associated with abnormal fetal development, obesity, and reproductive health issues, among other health problems. The good news is that fewer food manufacturers are using BPA to line the inside of their cans when compared with the available historical data. Renee Sharp, a Director of Research at the Environmental Working Group adds, “Definitely the trend is moving away from BPA, but there is a long way to go.”
Environmental Working Group, June 2015
Exercise: Certain Physical Activities Associated with Better Sleep.
Participating in activities such as walking, aerobics, calisthenics, running, weight training, yoga, and Pilates may improve your sleeping habits. Researcher leader Dr. Michael Grandner adds, “Although previous research has shown that lack of exercise is associated with poor sleep, the results of this study were surprising. Not only does this study show that those who get exercise simply by walking are more likely to have better sleep habits, but these effects are even stronger for more purposeful activities, such as running and yoga, and even gardening and golf.”
Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 2015
Chiropractic: Back Pain Associated with Knee Pain.
According to researchers at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, patients with knee complaints are significantly more likely to also have a history of lower back pain. Though the researchers were unable to conclude whether or not the relationship between back pain and knee pain is causative in either direction or if both may be secondary to another issue, they do recommend that doctors consider a patient’s back pain history when assessing and managing knee pain complaints.
The Journal of the Pakistani Medical Association, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Bug Bites & Bee Stings.
While most insect bites aren’t serious, experts advise going to the emergency room if you or your child develop the following ailments after a bite or sting: difficulty breathing, a feeling that your throat is closing, swelling lips, swelling tongue or face, chest pain, racing heartbeat, dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Also, beware of a red rash that looks like a bullseye target or a fever with a spreading red or black spotty rash. Dr. Margaret Parsons, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California writes, “Although most bug bites and stings do not turn into a severe or even fatal illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms.”
American Academy of Dermatology, May 2015