Can exercise prevent depression? Here’s what the science says
(Jamie Ducharme/ Time) — Ask anyone who’s ever felt better after a workout, and they’ll tell you that exercise and mental health are related. Science backs up that gut feeling. Many studies have found that physical activity is linked to a lower risk of developing depression, and better outcomes for people who have it.
But does exercise …
Washington measles outbreak shows anti-vaxxers are literally making us sick
(Josh Bloom and Alex Berezow/ Newsweek) — The State of Washington has declared an emergency because of a measles outbreak in Clark County, which is across the river from Portland, Oregon. To the surprise of no one, the outbreak has occurred, almost exclusively, among the unvaccinated. The motivation of those who refuse to vaccinate …
The health risks of being a night owl
(Tim Newman/ Medical News Today) — The first international review to compare night owls with early risers outlines the health risks associated with preferring late nights. However, these risks may not be set in stone.
Most individuals fit one of two chronotypes: We are morning people or evening people.
Either we prefer to stay …
Scientists may be able to restore Alzheimer’s disease memory loss
(Tauren Dyson/ UPI) — Researchers may have identified a method for restoring memory to people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.
A team of researchers temporarily reversed epigenetic factors in mice that cause memory loss during Alzheimer’s progression, they report in research published Tuesday …
Millions of Canadians are at risk of a serious sleep condition — here’s why so few are diagnosed
(Duncan McCue/ CBC News) — No matter what time 67-year-old Carolyn McCann hits the sack, she’s wide awake by 4:30 a.m.
“I don’t think I have a lot of nights where I sleep eight hours solid. I haven’t done that for a long time now,” says McCann, a retired nurse and grandmother.
She knows she’s …
This season’s flu shot far more effective than last year’s, Canadian team finds
(Canadian Press) — Canadian researchers say this season’s influenza vaccine appears to have reduced the risk of infection with the dominate circulating flu strain by 72 per cent — far higher than what was seen with last year’s shot.
Lead researcher Dr. Danuta Skowronski of the BC Centre for Disease Control says that level …
Scientists identified a protein in the blood that could predict Alzheimer’s
(Katherine Ellen Foley/ Quartz) — Although doctors can use brain scans or spinal taps to detect Alzheimer’s in patients with symptoms, there’s no way to test for the disease in seemingly healthy individuals. Yet Alzheimer’s can degrade the brain for years—even decades—before a person recognizes anything is wrong. The inability …
Canada’s revamped Food Guide has finally caught up with scientific evidence
(Leslie Beck/ Globe and Mail) — Three years ago, when the federal government asked Canadians about their needs and expectations for their national food guide, I offered a wish list of changes in my column. Turns out, my wishes were granted this week when Health Canada revealed its overhauled Canada’s Food Guide.
This version …
National hugging day: what are the mental health benefits of hugging?
(Olivia Petter/ The Independent) — It might sound simple, but the humble hug is more powerful than you think.
Hence why there is an entire day dedicated to hugging, and it happens every year on 21 January.
While National Hugging Day is primarily observed in the US, countries around the world participate in the celebrations, …