When parents are opposed to drinking alcohol, kids drink less.

Repeated surveys on college-aged men and women (mean age, 20; 98% living away from home) about drinking behavior and communication with their parents indicate that students drank 43% fewer drinks when the parents opposed drinking alcohol than when students did not perceive any message about drinking. When parents promoted moderate and careful drinking, students actually drank 156% more drinks. Conveying a negative attitude toward drinking reduces drinking, even when students are away from home.

PositiveTip: While it may not be popular, one of the most effective ways to reduce drinking is for parents to oppose it.

Sexual dysfunction associated with poor health habits

Danish researchers found that certain lifestyle habits were associated with sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction. Women experienced increased risk of sexual inactivity when they were overweight and smoked tobacco; sexual dysfunction when they used hashish.  Risk for sexual dysfunction in men was associated with being underweight or obese, a large waist circumference, physical inactivity, high alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, and use of hard drugs (800% increase).

PositiveTip:  Avoid high-risk lifestyle habits to enhance every aspect of life.