Working Too Much is Bad for Your Heart!
After following 6000 British male and female civil servants who were free of coronary heart disease (CHD) at the beginning of the study for about 11 years, investigators report that those who worked 3-4 extra hours per day faced a 60% increase in risk of heart disease, compared to those who didn't work any overtime.…
Read MoreLoneliness is Dangerous
Loneliness is dangerous stuff. When researchers at the University of Pittsburg studied it, they found that loneliness was associated with a 76% increased risk of coronary heart disease compared to women who were not lonely. PositiveTip: If you feel lonely, try joining a social organization or a church where you can form solid, enjoyable relationships with…
Read MoreReduction in Number of Cigarettes Smoked Reduces Mortality
Smoking is a well-established risk factor of heart disease. Many individuals try to quit but fail to achieve complete abstinence. Researchers in Israel followed over 1500 patients for an average of 13.2 years who were admitted to hospital following their first heart attack. Not surprisingly, those who had never smoked or who had quit prior…
Read MoreTV Viewing Ups Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease
The association between the time spent viewing TV and the development of obesity and diabetes is well known. In a study just published, researchers in Australia discovered additiional hazards of TV viewing. This study tracked TV viewing and disease development in 8800 adults followed for nearly 7 years.
Read MoreOptimism is a Good Medicine!
We all love to be around people with a sunny disposition! Not only are they happy, they will probably live longer too! At least women will according to a new sub-study of the Women's Health Initiative. Investigators followed nearly 100,000 women for 8 years who were free from cancer and heart disease at enrollment. After adjustment for…
Read MoreAmerican Heart Association says “Limit added sugar.”
The increasing epidemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease in America has prompted the American Heart Association (AHA) to issue "prudent" upper limits on the consumption of added sugar. These sweeteners include sugars and syrups added to foods during processing, preparation, or at the table. Today, Americans consume an average of 22.2 teaspoons per day (355…
Read MoreSo Much for So Little
If people would simply start a walking program of at least 30+ minutes of brisk walking daily beginners: start slower, work up, and break it up into 15 minute sessions), they could positively impact their own health. Many research reports show that compared to sedentary persons, those who exercise regularly have a:45% reduced risk of…
Read MoreExchange SA for PUFA!
Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) Science Advisory concluded that an adequate intake of dietary polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) may help lower serum cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.This is not hard to do with all the choices available in the grocery store today. “Use soft margarine as a substitute for butter, and choose soft…
Read MoreGood News, Bad News!
Analysis of Americans between 40 and 85 years of age reveals that between 1999 and 2006 the prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke remained stable, but diabetes rose 2%. Significant improvements were found in control of blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and total cholesterol. However, gaps between white and nonwhite patients did…
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