UF Health Podcasts

Unhealthy microbes can thrive behind ears, toes Feb 19, 2025

You may not need to wash your mouth out with soap, but the rest of your body still needs a good scrub.

That includes nooks and crannies like those behind your ears, between your toes, and inside your bellybutton. According to a George Washington University study, doing so keeps the microbiome, or collection of microbes living on and in the human body, balanced — and less healthy strains from taking over.

To test the “Grandmother Hypothesis,” named for a study author’s grandmother’s advice to always wash behind your ears, between the toes and in the bellybutton, researchers had more than 100 graduate and undergraduate students collect their own skin microbiome data, swabbing moist and oily “hotspots” like the navel, between toes and behind ears, as well as dry areas like the calves and forearms.

The researchers’ theory? Areas washed less often, when compared with the skin on arms or legs, could harbor different types of bacteria.

The students extracted and sequenced the DNA in the skin samples, comparing the microbes living in the trifecta of hotspots to those in dry, exposed control regions.

Researchers found that the forearms and calves contained a greater diversity and thus potentially healthier collection of microbes, compared with those from the hotspots.

Why does this matter? Your microbiome hangs in a perfect balance that works for you and your body. When troublemaking microbes threaten to shake up your ecosystem, conditions like eczema or acne can crop up.

Or, better put: Research supports that soaping up everywhere, in all the spots your grandmother suggested, is a recipe for success.

Study: 1 in 5 worldwide have genital herpes Feb 18, 2025

Of the 8 billion people who inhabit our planet, nearly 1 billion of them have a painful infection that’s existed since the antiquities but still has no cure: herpes.

Herpes simplex virus, or HSV-1, mostly causes oral infection in the form of cold sores. HSV-2 causes genital ulcers. Both are contagious.

The World Health Organization research used sophisticated mathematical modeling to find that in 2020, roughly 846 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 carry the herpes virus. That age range is generally when adults tend to be most sexually active.

The researchers said the surprisingly high numbers suggest far more must be done to help stop the virus’ spread. Vaccines are needed. So is better treatment.

Despite the virus having been around for centuries, we don’t talk about it much. The stigma is enough to keep many affected by the virus from discussing it. There is often reluctance to be tested or even to date.

While its symptoms can be obvious, and painful, that is not always the case. Most have few or no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis and helpful antiviral medicines.

Having the virus can be a danger. Research has shown that anyone with HSV-1 or HSV-2 is twice as likely as noncarriers to later develop dementia. A pregnant woman with the virus can pass it to the infant during delivery, which can be fatal. And those who have HSV have much higher odds of HIV infection.

One thing is sure: With 25 million new cases of genital herpes a year, and the cost in health care and lost work time tagged at $35 billion a year, the need for prevention — and a cure — is urgent.

Intermittent fasting might have unintended side effect Feb 17, 2025

It might not just be your waistline that thins if you embark on an intermittent fast. Those lost pounds might take a few hairs with them.

That’s what Chinese scientists suggest in a new study. They report that this style of fasting significantly delays hair regeneration.

Intermittent fasting comes in several flavors. It can involve eating normally during a specific time window, say 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., but then fasting the rest of the day. Some subscribe to alternate day fasting — eating normally on one day, then eating nothing or very little the next.

In the hair study, scientists put 49 young adults on a strict 18-hour daily fast that reduced hair growth by 18%. A separate experiment that involved mice fasting 16 hours a day demonstrated significantly delayed hair regeneration.

The mice who ate normally took just 30 days to regrow lost hair. The dieting mice took 96. But mice have a higher metabolism than humans. So, the impact of fasting is less pronounced in people.

So, what’s going on?

Well, blame it on hair follicle stem cells that fail to adapt to the metabolic upset of fasting. When fasting, our cells tap fat for energy instead of glucose. In doing so, they can be overwhelmed by oxidative stress, causing hair cells to self-destruct.

Some remedies, however, appear to help. For example, topical vitamin E can heighten antioxidant capacity that helps shield hair cells during fasting.

Researchers are quick to point out that they don’t want to scare people from trying intermittent fasting. The benefits, they say, can have a positive impact on health.

Just know that it could have a hairy side effect.

Exercise reduces risk of chronic disease Feb 14, 2025

Health care practitioners rarely measure or ask about a patient’s physical activity during annual wellness exams. But they should.

A new study from the University of Iowa suggests that because a lack of exercise is known to increase risk for many chronic diseases and early death, asking about exercise should be as routine for practitioners as slipping on a blood pressure cuff. In fact, the study suggests that measuring physical activity should be treated like a vital sign.

Over 7,000 patients at the university’s Health Care Medical Center participated in a survey asking about their physical activity.

The results were telling: Those who exercised at least 150 minutes per week — roughly the amount recommended for good health — had a significantly lower risk of developing 19 chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and an array of respiratory diseases.

On the flip side, those who reported little to no exercise were at a higher risk of developing these conditions.

Only 4% of those examined said they get no exercise whatsoever.

The study’s findings highlight a simple but impactful takeaway: Exercise reduces the risk of chronic illness.

The study’s recommendations include that health care practitioners prescribe exercise and dietary counseling to low-activity patients. They note that insurance companies frequently approve payments for exercise counseling services.

In short, the research not only emphasizes the importance of exercise, but calls for a proactive approach to improving patient health — even if it’s by asking one question at a time.

THC-containing cannabis products are toxic to dogs Feb 14, 2025

Now that 24 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, many people have access to cannabis products. But when it comes to dogs, THC— the psychoactive agent in cannabis — doesn’t produce a high. It just makes them sick.

Put simply, any amount of THC is toxic to dogs. It targets their nervous system, causing characteristic signs within an hour of ingestion. Even a small amount of THC can cause a dog to stumble, shake, urinate inappropriately or much worse. Keep in mind that some cannabis products contain up to 90 percent THC.

If your dog shows any abnormal signs that you suspect are due to cannabis ingestion, bring them to a veterinary clinic right away. Make sure to tell the veterinary team exactly what your pooch may have eaten so that they can provide the best care.

Scams involving pet microchips Feb 14, 2025

Microchips are key to reuniting lost pets with their families, but they only work if they’re correctly enrolled with a microchip registry. Unfortunately, over 40 percent of all microchips are unregistered because of faulty enrollment. A big reason for this is scams involving microchip registries.

Legitimate microchip registration is never free, so don’t fall for free online registration. These so-called services are scams to harvest and sell your data or target you with junk emails. They can even enable pet theft. The best way to avoid this is to enroll your pet’s microchip with the company that distributed the chip.

Another scam asks to you to pay for re-registration before your pet’s service expires. Microchip registrations for pets never expire, so don’t fall for this one either.

Pet parents play an important role in detecting mammary cancer in pets Feb 14, 2025

Mammary cancer — akin to breast cancer in people — is one of the most common cancers affecting female dogs and cats. The outcome depends on early detection and timely intervention — both of which can rely on a pet parent’s keen powers of observation.

Although a minority of mammary tumors are benign, up to 90 percent are cancerous and will spread without treatment. Spaying a pet before their first heat cycle dramatically reduces their risk of developing mammary cancer later on.

The most common signs of mammary tumors are small bumps or larger masses that can be seen or felt on a pet’s underside. There might also be sores or discharge involving the mammary glands. Any abnormalities warrant a timely trip to the veterinarian for further evaluation.

Options for dealing with cancer in pets Feb 14, 2025

Nearly one in four dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime. Less is known about the cancer risks in cats, but one thing’s for certain — as our pets live longer lives, their risk of cancer increases.

Cancer treatment for pets relies primarily on surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. And now, some advances in cancer treatment for people — like immunotherapy and targeted radiation — are being applied to animals too. The priority with pets is to ensure the best quality of life possible, so veterinarians concentrate on minimizing the side effects of treatment.

Since most of these therapies are costly, veterinarians can offer other options too. It’s important to discuss your goals before determining if cost is a dealbreaker for treatment.

No amount of alcohol is safe for pets Feb 14, 2025

You might have seen videos of drunk dogs meant to elicit laughs. But alcohol poisoning is no laughing matter. It’s deadly serious for pets.

Our beasty buddies aren’t able to metabolize alcohol as efficiently as we can. Within thirty minutes of ingesting beer or liquor, they can exhibit symptoms ranging from difficulty walking to trouble breathing and even seizures.

Anything containing alcohol should be kept away from pets. That usually means alcoholic drinks but also includes yeasty dough and hops used in homebrewing.

If your pet’s exhibiting symptoms of alcohol exposure, contact the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Pet Poison hotline or take them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Remember, no amount of alcohol is safe for pets.

Just like any other pet, hamsters deserve the best care Feb 14, 2025

Hamsters are often touted as “starter pets,” but that’s as inaccurate as it is callous. In reality, it takes lots of work to care for them properly.

It’s important to know that hamsters are nocturnal and solitary. Each requires a well-ventilated, escape-proof cage with space for daytime sleeping and an exercise wheel for use at night. Soft absorbent bedding helps them form sleeping nests and absorbs some of their waste. However, soiled bedding needs daily replacement, and all bedding should be changed weekly.

Hamsters need to be fed pelleted food formulated just for them. They can occasionally be fed small amounts of seeds or veggies, but just as treats.

Hamsters may only live for up to three years. During that time, they deserve the best life a pet parent can provide.

Frogs appear to be fighting back against their fungal nemesis Feb 14, 2025

For over three decades, frog populations worldwide have been decimated by a fungal organism called Bd for short. While spreading like wildfire through every continent except Antarctica, Bd has caused the possible extinction of up to 200 frog species.

Now, researchers are cautiously optimistic that the tide may be turning. Some frogs appear to be developing natural resistance to Bd. Other species have moved to warmer habitats, exploiting Bd’s sensitivity to higher temperatures. Conservation biologists have been helping in this regard by building so-called frog saunas, easily accessible by frogs looking for warmer places to hang out. Some researchers are even investigating a virus that attacks Bd.

After succumbing to Bd for years, frogs may finally be developing ways to fight back.

The FDA approves a generic antibiotic for freshwater-reared fish Feb 14, 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, recently approved a generic version of florfenicol, called Paqflor [PACK-floor], for certain species of freshwater-reared fish. The medication contains the same active ingredient as the brand name drug, Aquaflor.

Paqflor, like all medically important antibiotics for animals, requires oversight by a veterinarian. It’s a so-called veterinary feed directive drug that is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

The FDA has determined that when used according to the label, any residue of florfenicol left in tissues of fish intended for food will not harm people. In addition, the FDA concluded that approved use of the drug would not result in significant environmental impact.

Tending to your pooch’s physical and mental health in the winter Feb 14, 2025

Our canine companions can suffer from their own form of seasonal depression if we don’t tend to their needs during the winter.

While you may prefer to hole up indoors, your dog counts on the exercise of outdoor walks all year round. Outdoor time is mentally stimulating too. In fact, you might consider sniffing a canine form of social media.

Just make sure you prepare for winter walks by putting a coat on your pooch as necessary. Small dogs and those with short hair are most in need of an extra layer, and all dogs can benefit from winter booties to protect their paws from deicers.

For those days when frigid temperatures increase the risk of frostbite, you might want to pull out the puzzle toys and chew treats for your pooch while you snuggle in for a winter read.

A new digital tool aimed to make racing safer for horses Feb 14, 2025

In efforts to enhance the welfare of racing Thoroughbreds, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has developed a digital tool to assist regulatory veterinarians. Called Horse-in-Sight, it combines aspects of a horse’s racing career with the animal’s medical history to help track veterinarians make timely decisions.

The tool graphs an individual horse’s high-speed furlongs over time, including races, workouts and scratches. That information is supplemented with data on injuries, treatment and outcomes. A Race Day tab also enables veterinarians and other stakeholders to compare data on multiple horses.

Ultimately, Horse-in-Sight aims to identify horses at risk before they suffer catastrophic injuries.

Before offering your dog rawhide treats, consider safer alternatives Feb 14, 2025

How many times have you pampered your pooch by offering a rawhide treat? Chances are, you weren’t aware of the risks involved.

Rawhide is animal skin — usually from a cow — that’s been chemically dried and then flavored. Although chewing rawhide is generally safe for a dog’s teeth, there are other potential dangers that should give you pause. Chief among them is the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction after a dog swallows a chunk of rawhide. That’s because rawhide isn’t easily digested. Dogs can also choke on rawhide pieces, and less commonly, they may be allergic to the flavor additives.

So, in place of rawhide treats, consider safer alternatives — like Yak Chews made of dried cheese, or dehydrated fish skins that are chock full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

A game-changing drug to treat FIP Feb 14, 2025

Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, has been a characteristically fatal viral disease for at least half a century. Using previous therapies, cat parents had little hope that their stricken cats would survive.

But now, there’s a novel compound that could change all that. GS-441524 — the active metabolite of the antiviral, remdesivir [rehm-DEHS-ah-veer] — has been shown to be safe and effective in treating cats with FIP. Clinical trials have been primarily conducted in Australia and the UK, and until now, the injectable drug hasn’t been available in the United States. Now, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the compounding of GS-441524 into an oral formulation when prescribed by a veterinarian.

Talk to your veterinarian if you want to learn more about this game-changing drug

Mending Broken Hearts: Open Heart Surgery for Dogs Feb 14, 2025

One of the most common heart problems seen by veterinary cardiologists is degenerative mitral valve disease. Although any breed of dog can be afflicted with the disease, certain small-breed dogs are more prone to it, and the likelihood of developing the ailment grows as dogs age. The progressive nature of mitral valve disease means that many dogs with it will go on to develop congestive heart failure, and ultimately die. Only open heart surgery, a highly specialized procedure, can offer a definitive treatment. On this show, Dr. Darcy Adin, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist who oversees a new open heart surgery program for dogs at the University of Florida, will discuss how the program is making a difference in the lives of mitral valve disease patients and their owners.

In sickness and in health Feb 13, 2025

Being in a relationship is known to have positive health benefits, like reducing anxiety and boosting longevity. But it can also increase the odds of having something less desirable in common: high blood pressure.

When one partner or spouse has hypertension, it’s more likely that the other partner does, too. That’s the takeaway from a recent study by University of Michigan researchers, who looked at blood pressure metrics among more than 33,000 couples in the U.S., England, China and India.

The study is the first of its kind to look at high blood pressure among heterosexual couples in high- and middle-income countries.

The overall prevalence of hypertension in two partners or spouses was highest in England and the U.S., at 47% and 38%, respectively. Wives in India and China who had a hypertensive spouse were at least 19% more likely to have high blood pressure themselves.

High blood pressure is more common in the U.S. and England than in China and India, but the researchers found a stronger association between couples’ blood pressure in the two Asian countries. The researchers don’t know why that is, but they do have a theory: Cultural norms in India and China emphasize a cohesive family structure. As couples depend on each other, it’s possible their health issues become more closely entwined.

The researchers say the findings are significant because high blood pressure is one of the most modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Health-improvement messages aimed at spouses could be especially effective.

So, there’s one more thing happy couples might consider adding to their wedding registry: a blood pressure cuff.

The secret to good gifts? Personalization. Feb 12, 2025

As Valentine’s Day approaches, and some of us start sweating thoughtful gifts for our loved ones, a new study may put your mind at ease.

Research from the University of Bath shows that personalization can transform a simple present into a powerful experience that boosts self-esteem and makes the recipient feel truly valued.

In a series of studies conducted across the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, researchers found that personalized gifts evoke a unique emotional response — a sense of ‘vicarious pride’ — in the recipient.

In one experiment, participants gave clothes to friends, some of which were personalized. When the recipients were asked to change items they didn’t like, those who received personalized gifts made fewer changes, showing a deeper appreciation.

In another study, participants were shown videos of two T-shirt selection processes: one where the gift was customized, and the other where the gift was simply selected online. The result? The personalized gift was met with more appreciation, regardless of how much effort the giver put into the process.

Studies with a mug and wristwatch confirmed that customization not only boosted appreciation but also enhanced the recipient’s self-esteem.

The takeaway? Personalization is the real gift-giving game-changer.

But it’s not just about picking something custom — it’s also about communicating the thought behind it. Sharing why you chose the elements you did helps the recipient connect with your pride in the gift, too.

And even something small — like adding a personal message or signature — can make all the difference.

Dark chocolate-lovers may be onto something Feb 11, 2025

If you need an excuse to buy more chocolate on Valentine’s Day, this is it. A new study has found that eating dark chocolate might be associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from Boston tracked 192,000 health care professionals who had no initial history of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes for an average of 25 years. Every four years, participants completed detailed food frequency questionnaires. Just under 20,000 participants ended up developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study found that participants who had five servings of dark chocolate every week had a 21% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. They also found that for every extra serving of dark chocolate enjoyed each week, there was a 3% reduction in diabetes risk.

It’s important to note that these findings do not apply to milk chocolate. Increased consumption of milk chocolate contributed to weight gain, which is a Type 2 diabetes risk factor.

The researchers said dark chocolate seems to have a metabolic advantage, even though its fat and calorie content is like that of milk chocolate. This advantage could be attributed to the high levels of flavanols dark chocolate contains. Flavanols have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improvements in brain, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, as well as cell protection and anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers said more study is needed to further examine the relationship between dark chocolate and diabetes.

While raiding the candy aisle for a diabetes cure is probably not the answer, this study suggests that for some, dark chocolate can be a healthy treat when consumed in moderation.

Walking away from depression Feb 10, 2025

Most people would advise against running away from your problems, but when it comes to depression, a recent study says it’s OK to walk it off. That is, people who take more steps in a day are less likely to experience depression.

The study looked at data from nearly 100,000 adults across 13 countries, the most comprehensive exploration of the relationship between depression and step counts. The researchers discovered that the more steps taken, the more depressive symptoms decreased.

The scientists also found 7,000 steps to be the magic number at which benefits become most evident. Taking fewer than 5,000 steps per day is considered a sedentary lifestyle, but just adding an extra 2,000 steps decreases the likelihood of depression by 31%.

The study discusses several factors that lead to these results, including how physical activity can help regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and boost neuroplasticity — that’s the brain’s ability to form new connections. Walking outdoors also offers opportunities for positive social interactions and to be exposed to natural environments.

With the proliferation of smartwatches and other smart health devices, counting steps has never been easier.

And if you’re hard-pressed to find time to go for a walk, get your steps in other ways: Park in the farthest corner of the parking lot, take the stairs, or take the scenic route to the conference room.

Many people count steps in pursuit of cardiovascular health or weight management, but this new study offers strong evidence for its positive mental health benefits as well.

Feeling blue? Going for a walk might help you feel better.

The Super Bowl and your health Feb 07, 2025

The Super Bowl is upon us. Football fans will be debating and dissecting the game. But what does the big game do to our health?

It’s time for a Super Bowl health assessment based on recent medical research.

For starters, we all know many people are going to drink, scream, and pound their feet on game day, depending on how their team is doing. What does all that emotion do to our health? Pennsylvania researchers looking at one hospital noted an uptick in heart failure in the days after the Super Bowl compared with the rest of the month. Luckily, the hike was deemed statistically insignificant.

Still, some evidence suggests a close game may cause heart failure admissions to go up in the losing city. Perhaps that means it’s better for your health if your team loses in a blowout.

Now to the hazards of eating: Given the overeating and alcohol consumption associated with game day, risk of a food blockage is a serious issue. A study led by a University of Florida researcher has found that people who overeat during national holidays and sporting events are 10 times more likely to need emergency medical attention for food obstruction. Chew slowly, people.

Then, there’s the flu. We often gather with friends to view the Super Bowl during the height of flu season. A study in the American Journal of Health Economics noted that people whose home team makes it to the game suffer a notably higher death rate from flu — so wash those hands.

Finally, consider the babies. No, we don’t conceive more of them during the Super Bowl. The NFL has suggested as much, but University of North Carolina researchers say that’s bunk.

Turns out, some passes are dropped off the field, too.

The Top Five Things Your Veterinarian Wants You to Know Feb 07, 2025

Most veterinarians work closely with their pet owning clients about the importance of disease prevention through a routine vaccination schedule, and many talk to them about the importance of nutrition and a proper diet through throughout the pet’s life. But the list is broader, and Dr. Wendy Mandese, a clinical associate professor whose focus is primary care and dentistry, will provide her own take on what pet owner’s need to be aware of, from when a pet first enters the household through its later years.

Cooking method affects indoor air quality Feb 06, 2025

Good health requires that we watch what we eat. Unfortunately, it might also be a good idea to keep an eye on how your food is cooked.

European researchers recently found that cooking methods can affect a home’s air quality, even after the stove is turned off. The research underscores the importance of good kitchen ventilation, especially when frying.

We get this insight thanks to the versatile chicken breast.

Scientists measured two types of pollutants produced by five methods of cooking this delectable entrée. One pollutant is particulate matter — tiny particles that become airborne and once inhaled, can lodge in the lungs.

Levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, a gas released during cooking, were also recorded.

Together, these pollutants can cause a range of short- and long-term health problems, from coughing and wheezing to cancer, stroke and heart troubles.

The chicken breasts were pan-fried, stir-fried, deep-fried, boiled, and air-fried, each using canola oil.

The study found that pan-frying produced the most particulate matter. Stir-frying was the next worst, followed by deep-frying, which produced few particles. Boiling and air-frying produced numbers barely above background levels.

The ranking was similar for VOCs except that deep-frying produced more of the gas than deep-frying.

Pollutants peaked 14 minutes after cooking was completed.

Boiling and air-frying will keep the kitchen pollution-free. But don’t give up on the other methods. Just keep the kitchen ventilated.

Remember: Cooking is part chemistry, minus the Bunsen burner. And not all chemistry experiments come up smelling like roses.

Tea and coffee may help protect you from cancer Feb 05, 2025

You wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and start the coffee. Soon the smell of freshly made java fills the room, and you’re ready to begin your day.

But your morning cup of coffee might be doing much more than keeping you awake at work. A new study published in the journal Cancer indicates that drinking coffee and tea correlates with a lower risk of mouth, throat, and head and neck cancers.

Researchers analyzed data from 14 published studies involving more than 9,500 people with head and neck cancer and nearly 16,000 healthy folks. The investigation found that those who drank more than four cups of coffee each day — compared with those who didn’t drink coffee at all — had a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancer, 30% lower risk for mouth cancer, and 22% lower risk of throat cancer.

It wasn’t the caffeine that tamped down the lowered risks. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with a 25% lower risk of mouth cancer. This was supported by earlier studies, which have found that drinking coffee suppresses biological activity that can trigger cancer development.

Moreover, the researchers found, drinking one cup or less of tea every day lowered the risk of head and neck cancer by 9%. But, with tea, too much of a good thing is not necessarily better. In fact, it can be detrimental.

The study found that consuming more than 1 cup of tea a day is associated with a 38% higher risk of throat cancer.

That higher risk is likely caused by acid reflux, which has long been associated with throat cancer.

So, brew your coffee with pride, knowing that it not only perks you up but could help you avoid cancer with each cup.

Fat can predict Alzheimer’s 20 years ahead Feb 04, 2025

For those in middle age, the secret to whether we will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may be hiding in our girth.

Researchers have linked a type of body fat to unwanted proteins in the brain that are known to appear as long as 20 years before Alzheimer’s does.

The Washington University research team wanted to look at how Alzheimer’s begins in its earliest stages, when people are in their 40s and 50s.

Close to 7 million Americans ages 65 and older now have the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that without a medical breakthrough, the number could nearly double by 2050.

The scientists said that lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing extra pounds in the belly could stem the tide. In Alzheimer’s, brain cells and their connections degenerate and die. It leaves sufferers without memory and in cognitive decline.

The researchers homed in on the links between Alzheimer’s progression and changeable lifestyle factors, such as obesity, body fat distribution, and metabolics.

A pool of 80 people, who on average were 49 years old, were studied … more than half of them women. About 57% of participants were obese.

Participants’ brains were scanned, their glucose, insulin and cholesterol measured. Their bellies were evaluated for the type of fat found just under the skin as well as visceral fat, the kind that tucks itself in around internal organs.

Their findings: Higher levels of deep belly fat are related to increased amyloid and tau, Alzheimer’s signature proteins.

With 3 of 4 Americans overweight or obese, doctors say it’s important to help people find ways to lose weight and control cholesterol, whether it’s with medication or plain old diet and exercise.

AI chats have a ways to go before replacing doctors Feb 03, 2025

Of late, artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have been hailed for their potential ability to lighten health workers’ load … eventually triaging patients, gathering their medical history, or even offering early diagnoses.

But new research suggests these tools have a long way to go before they can replicate real-world interactions between doctors and patients.

A team from Harvard Medical School and Stanford University put four models to the test using a framework called CRAFT-MD, or Conversational Reasoning Assessment Framework for Testing in Medicine.

The models performed well on medical exams, like the ones you take to become a doctor, but struggled when it came to conversations that resembled actual doctor-patient interactions. In fact, the study noted the gap between artificial intelligence’s performance on standardized tests and its ability to handle the dynamic, often unpredictable nature of medical conversations.

In the real world, doctors must ask the right questions at the right time, connect scattered pieces of information, and reason through complex symptoms.

In contrast, when AI tools were asked to gather a patient’s history or respond to open-ended information, their diagnostic accuracy dropped significantly.

Incorporating both AI agents and human experts into the evaluation process could help move the needle toward a tool that is reliably accurate and helpful, as computers can process thousands of conversations far more quickly than humans.

But for the time being, there remains much work before these tools can come close to having the sort of chat you might have with your own flesh-and-blood doctor.

The Big Picture: The Important Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Veterinary Medicine Jan 31, 2025

Advanced diagnostic imaging tools can be life-saving for large and small animals. Expertise in this key area of veterinary medicine is critical for both pinpointing diseases and guiding the treatment process. On this show, Dr. Federico Vilaplana Grosso, a clinical associate professor and diagnostic imaging specialist, will discuss some of the tools used most frequently these days in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases. He’ll also discuss how veterinary specialists can supplement what general practitioners are able to do when the need for diagnostic images arises, and how technology has evolved to enable the veterinary care team to obtain faster and ever more accurate diagnoses in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet or horse.

Hair-care routines might pose health threat Jan 31, 2025

Americans spend billions of dollars on our hair. We shampoo, brush, braid, cut and comb it. Our locks are gelled, moussed, sprayed and blow-dried. Occasionally, our mane coiffed, quiffed and occasionally fluffed. That’s a whole lot of hair care.

But do some of our ’dos endanger our health?

The problem lies in a substance used in many products applied to hair, like gels and sprays. A recent paper from scientists at Purdue and Indiana universities says animal studies show that the substance, siloxane [SI-lok-sayn], accumulates in the body. The compound, which gives hair a shiny, less-frizzy look, has been shown to cause liver, lung and nervous system damage in animals.

Few human studies, however, have examined their long-term health impact.

Scientists worry that products containing siloxanes might be especially dangerous when applied in a confined space. With heated styling tools, the compounds get into the air and the lungs more easily.

The study’s authors recruited volunteers who went through their normal hair-care routine in a lab space. The researchers measured air contamination while participants styled their hair.

Emissions of siloxanes soared in the enclosed space when a styling tool was used at its highest heat setting. They were also present when no heat was applied. Using the bathroom fan dramatically lessened air contamination but did not eliminate it.

The researchers say an investigation of the long-term health impacts of siloxane products is urgently needed.

The study points to the need to do your hair grooming in a well-ventilated area. Open a window. Use a fan.

Don’t make that beehive a buzzkill.

Preop nerves reduced with just a few scents Jan 30, 2025

You’re waiting to have surgery, and you’re a nervous wreck. But what if, instead of hospital antiseptic, you smelled lavender? Or maybe eucalyptus?

A new study from the University of Florida finds that a little aromatherapy before surgery significantly reduces patients’ anxiety while decreasing their blood pressure and pulse rate, too.

The results are so compelling that UF Health Shands Hospital is implementing preoperative aromatherapy treatments for all its surgical units.

In the study, 100 patients were offered aromatherapy as part of their surgical preparation. For 20 minutes, a small pod, loaded with a blend of essential oils, was placed on the patients’ gowns near their chests. The pods contained a base of lavender oil enhanced with ylang ylang [lang lang] and sweet orange oils — each known for their calming properties.

Patients’ blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rates, and self-assessed anxiety levels were measured before and after the aromatherapy session.

Among adult study participants, self-reported anxiety levels dropped an average of 40%. In children ages 12 to 17, anxiety levels declined more than 56%. All vital signs — blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rates — showed significant reductions.

The study originated from an initiative in which nurses at two UF Health hospitals submitted ideas they hoped to study to improve patient care. The initiative was meant to better integrate nursing practice with academic research and give nurses a bigger role in patient-care innovation.

The nurses also want to conduct a follow-up study on how well aromatherapy patients fare in the long term.

So far, their research passes the smell test.

Seasonal depression? Give yoga a try. Jan 29, 2025

If you’re feeling the post-holiday blues, you might want to consider adding a new form of exercise into your routine. Research suggests that regularly attending a yoga class can help reduce short- and long-term symptoms associated with seasonal depression.

Researchers from universities in Massachusetts and New York studied 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Participants were split into two groups, a high-dose group and a low-dose group. Each group attended regular Iyengar [ai-uhn-gaar] yoga and coherent breathing classes for 12 weeks.

Iyengar yoga is a type of yoga style that emphasizes alignment and precision when performing specific yoga poses. Coherent breathing involves taking about four long, deep breaths per minute and has been proved to reduce stress.

Each week, the participants in the high-dose group took three 90-minute yoga classes and completed four 30-minute coherent breathing sessions at home. Those in the low-dose group took two 90-minute yoga classes and three 30-minute coherent breathing sessions.

Researchers evaluated the presence of major depressive disorder symptoms in participants at the study’s beginning, middle, and end. Results showed that the yoga practices contributed to significant improvements in the mental health and depression symptoms of both groups.

After just one month, participants in both groups reported better sleep, less physical exhaustion, and higher levels of positivity and tranquility. Their symptoms of depression and anxiety were also reduced.

So, if January’s got you down, consider giving yoga a go.

Study suggests words your doctor should avoid Jan 28, 2025

We navigate our lives with words and learn the proper language etiquette for many situations. It can, admittedly, be a minefield. After all, words have a habit of flying off tongues before our brains calculate their impact.

As the old joke goes, it’s ill-advised to walk into a bar and ask directions to a boxing venue with the words, “I’m looking for a fight.”

Poor word choice, however, is no joke to seriously ill patients and family members who hang on a physician’s every utterance.

Texas A&M University researchers in a recent paper provide a list of what they called “never-words” for doctors. These are statements that might scare patients or make them feel powerless.

Among the never-words or phrases: There is nothing we can do. Circling the drain. I don’t know why you waited so long to come in. He (or she) will not get better.

The paper also includes some phrases not to offer to cancer patients, such as “Let’s not worry about that now” or “You are lucky it’s only Stage 2.”

Researchers also argue the words “battle” and “fight” should be banished

as they imply an illness can be defeated by sheer will. It also might make patients feel that they are not battling hard enough.

Why some of these examples are poor form is obvious. Others are more nuanced. For example, a declarative statement of fact might be replaced with an expression of concern. “He won’t get better,” investigators said, isn’t great, but adding two words lessens the blow and strengthens the human connection: “I’m worried he won’t get better.”

No one suggests doctors are ever being deliberately rude. Far from it. But we can all benefit by recognizing the importance of language.

The red wine headache, explained Jan 28, 2025

For some, drinking red wine brings on a thundering headache. And it’s not the morning-after hangover from a night of Merlot madness. Red-wine headaches can come on strong less than three hours after that first empty glass.

Explanations have proved elusive but now some scientists have a novel theory. A study by University of California — Davis researchers points to the combination of alcohol and a particular antioxidant known as quercetin [kwur-seh-tn].

In its solo form, quercetin is a plant pigment that’s sometimes used as an anti-inflammatory supplement. But when mixed with alcohol, its effect is undesirable. In the bloodstream, quercetin is converted into a slightly different form of itself. That blocks the metabolism of alcohol, leading to the buildup of another chemical that’s known for causing inflammation. That, the researchers believe, is the origin of the “red wine headache.”

Genetics — and a wine drinker’s preferences — also may play a role.

Some people have a modestly functioning enzyme that lets the headache-inducing chemical build up in their bodies. And some varieties of grapes contain much higher levels of quercetin. Grape clusters that are exposed to more sunlight, such as those used in cabernet sauvignon from California’s Napa Valley, can produce copious amounts of the antioxidant. Production methods also play a role.

Next, the researchers will conduct a human clinical trial to compare the effects of wines with varying amounts of the headache-inducing quercetin.

One day, that glass of red wine could be vine and dandy — with no aspirin required.

How much does exercise extend life? Jan 27, 2025

Ask the family doctor if you’ll live longer by exercising and expect a quick answer: Of course. That’s a no-brainer well established by medical science.

Ask exactly how much longer and the physician will probably offer up a blank stare. After all, we don’t have an expiration date stamped on our foreheads like a carton of milk in the fridge.

New research, however, is beginning to offer surprisingly precise estimates to just that question. How about six hours of additional life for each extra hour walked for the most inactive among us?

That is according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Scientists used a predictive model to estimate life expectancy based on different activity regimens. The study used data on activity levels from a questionnaire filled out by some Americans as part of a large federal survey. That information was then matched with death records.

Investigators found that if Americans exercised as much as the top 25% of the most physically active folks, they’d add more than five years to life expectancy. That’s 160 minutes walking a day at a speed of 3 miles per hour, or a brisk walk.

If the least active folks over 40 joined the elite ranks of the active, longevity is estimated to increase 11 years. This equals six extra hours of life per hour walked.

It’s like savings in a bank. The more you put in, the more that accumulates in the vault.

The kind of walking you do matters less than the length of time doing it or some equivalent exercise. Walk the dog. Walk around the office every half-hour. Walk on a beach. Take up golf without a cart. It’s all good.

It’s a walk in the park.

My Pet Ate What? Foreign Body Ingestions and How to Minimize Risk Jan 24, 2025

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, but unfortunately that can mean trouble when the items they swallow include things like clothing, paper, bones and many other items that can wreak havoc on their gastrointestinal system. Cats often will ingest thread, wool, plant materials and small toys, among other things, and are similarly at risk for foreign body obstruction. On this show, Dr. Kathleen Ham will discuss what happens when something gets stuck and causes a foreign body obstruction, what treatments are needed and what pet owners can do to minimize risks associated with this problem, both inside and outside of the household.

To reduce early death risk, aim for 8,000 daily steps Jan 24, 2025

For more than 50 years, the mantra for reducing the risk of premature death was taking 10,000 steps a day. The idea persisted, even though it lacked a lot of scientific support.

Now, there’s a new number, and it’s backed by scientific proof: 8,000 steps a day. University of Grenada researchers made that conclusion, and it’s similar to other recent studies, which showed many health benefits are obtained at fewer than 10,000 steps.

For their study, the researchers set clear step targets that produce optimal results, something that had not been done before. Their work included a meta-analysis of 12 international studies involving more than 110,000 participants.

Their takeaway message is this: Health benefits are possible even with small increases in the number of daily steps. Even people who are mostly inactive had incremental health improvements with every 500 additional steps. Since not everyone can do thousands of steps a day, the researchers say the findings are good news for those looking to set small, reachable goals that can expand over time.

In the study, men and women benefited equally from consistent walking. It also found that faster walking had the strongest effect on reducing mortality, regardless of the number of steps taken.

So how much is too much when it comes to daily walking? The study found that even 16,000 steps a day poses no risk. But the number of daily steps beyond 7,200 brings diminishing returns: Reductions in mortality risk get smaller as the step count rises.

On your journey to a longer life, remember: Every step counts.

Researchers find a boundary between being alone, loneliness Jan 23, 2025

As many of us know, loneliness is different than being alone. But when does solitary time start to correlate with loneliness? It turns out that science has an answer.

People who spend 75% of their time alone find it difficult to avoid feelings of loneliness. That’s what University of Arizona researchers determined after studying the lifestyle habits of more than 400 people over the past 20 years.

To characterize time spent alone, one of the techniques the researchers used was a smartphone app that recorded the sounds participants made every 12 minutes. On the basis of that and other data, the typical study participant spent 66% of their time alone. Those who were alone more than three-fourths of the time reported feeling the loneliest.

Among older adults, being alone and feeling lonely are more closely linked than they are in younger people. For people over age 67, there was about a 25% overlap between aloneness and being alone. That compares with about 3% among all the study’s participants.

For older adults, the increased sense of loneliness may result from demographic and aging issues. People’s social networks tend to shrink as they get older, as does the ability to spend time with others. The researchers also noted that younger people may have a wider range of responses to solitary time and loneliness: They might feel lonely in a crowd or be perfectly at ease by themselves.

No matter the age or situation, loneliness can be a health determinant. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General noted just that in a 2023 advisory.

So, mind your habits and your social calendar: There’s a definite line between being alone and feeling lonely.

Get some shut-eye to crush your New Year’s goals Jan 22, 2025

If your goal for the year is to eat healthier and exercise more, you might want to focus first on getting some shut-eye.

Research suggests that getting a good night’s rest can make it easier to stick to daily diet and exercise goals.

American Heart Association researchers studied 125 adults who were classified as overweight or having obesity during a yearlong weight-loss program. The program included group sessions and daily calorie-intake goals.

The researchers evaluated participants’ sleep habits at the beginning, middle, and end of the program using a sleep diary, a wrist-worn sleep tracker, and patient questionnaires. Each participant was evaluated on various sleep measures, including regularity, alertness, timing, efficiency, duration, and satisfaction.

They were then assigned a sleep score from zero to six based on their sleep habits, earning one point for each good sleep measure.

Results showed that those with better sleep habits were more likely to follow their daily calorie intake and exercise goals compared with those with who didn’t sleep as well. Participants who slept better also attended more group sessions.

The superior sleepers attended 79% of group sessions in the first six months of the study and 62% in the second half. They met their daily calorie goals 36% of the time in the first half of the study and 21% of the time in the second half.

So, if cramming in gym sessions and dieting has you abandoning your resolutions in the first few weeks of the year, you might first concentrate on getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep.

Prioritize your sleep goals, and the healthier lifestyle might just follow.

Don’t let secondhand germs spoil the fun Jan 21, 2025

For a certain subset, little compares to the thrill of a thrift-store find. A pair of Dolce & Gabanna pants marked down to a squeal-worthy price. Or maybe it’s a pair of vintage Levi’s that fit like they were made for you.

It’s a good, clean hobby that helps fight fast fashion and keeps tons of clothing from clogging landfills.

Wait, did we say “clean?” Experts say no matter how excited you might be to wear your latest finds, it’s vital that you wash and disinfect them first.

Clothes can contain germs — bacteria, fungi, viruses, even parasites — that can make you sick.

Everyone’s skin is coated in millions of germs, which means any item of clothing we wear comes in close contact with them. Sometimes your vintage find has been laundered. Sometimes it hasn’t.

If the clothing hasn’t been cleaned, it could be carrying the bacteria behind staph infections or the dreaded antibiotic-resistant MRSA [mer-sah]. It could carry the virus that causes human papillomavirus, which can cause cancers for those who haven’t been vaccinated. The possibilities, unfortunately, are endless.

The temperature you’re looking to kill the bulk of these germs is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Most home washing machines have a “hot” temperature around 130 degrees, so you might need to select “extra hot” or the “sanitize” setting, if available.

If you can’t wash the item in hot water or bake it in the dryer, a laundry sanitizer added to the wash should do the trick.

Those who are immunocompromised should follow these tips like the law.

If you’re thinking you’ve outsmarted germs because you only buy new clothes, don’t forget: It’s generally been pawed over and tried on, too.

Title: Horse Shopping? Why a Vet Check Matters Jan 17, 2025

Central Florida is home to horses of all breeds and disciplines, and boasts one of the most robust equine industries in the country. With a plethora of horses for sale, how do potential buyers know if a particular horse is healthy and well-suited for the desired job? Most equine sale contracts do not contain buy-back clauses, making it critically important for buyers to obtain as much information as possible before purchasing. A veterinary pre-purchase exam, or PPE, is a great way for buyers to protect their upcoming investment by screening for common health conditions and evaluating for musculoskeletal soundness prior to sale. On this show, Dr. Sally DeNotta, a clinical associate professor and equine extension veterinarian, will share more about this important topic for horse owners.

Obesity in America continues to climb Jan 17, 2025

Next time you’re in any large crowd — at a movie theater, a football game or in the toy department of some store two days before Christmas — take a look around.

Odds are, every other adolescent you see, and 3 out of 4 adults, will be obese or overweight.

That’s the finding in a new, comprehensive study published in the prestigious journal The Lancet. It analyzed data from 132 unique sources in the United States to calculate weight trends from 1990 to 2021, finding three-quarters of adults and half of adolescents are now too heavy. That’s more than 200 million people.

While the survey examined data no later than 2021, scientists are confident the numbers have not since fallen. Indeed, the study says numbers are expected to increase to 80% and 60%, respectively, in about 25 years.

The obesity epidemic is a brake on the average life expectancy in the U.S. Obesity is estimated to cause 335,000 deaths annually. Those extra pounds heighten the risk of many maladies, including diabetes, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and even mental health disorders.

The related health care costs are enormous. By one estimate, the bill over the next decade will be an estimated $9.1 trillion.

It hasn’t always been so, of course. Rates of obese and overweight Americans have tripled since the 1960s.

While new weight-loss drugs and technologic innovations like mobile health apps have helped some shed the pounds, challenges like cost mean they don’t scale well.

To maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed items. Don’t overload your plate. And exercise regularly.

It’s a recipe for a longer life.

Music can alter your memories Jan 16, 2025

If you’ve ever heard a song and been instantly transported back to your senior prom or your first concert, then you know music holds memories.

But you might not know that music can also alter the way you feel about those memories. New research suggests that not only can music trigger memories, it can also change what you remember.

University of Colorado Boulder and the Georgia Institute of Technology researchers conducted a three-day experiment to determine how music, emotion, and memory interact.

On the first day, participants memorized short, emotionally neutral stories. The second day, they were asked to recall the stories while listening to positive music, negative music, or none at all. The researchers also measured the participants’ brain activity using scans that detect changes in blood flow.

On the last day, participants were asked to recall the stories again without music.

The researchers found that when participants listened to emotionally charged or negative music while recalling neutral stories, they were more likely to add emotional elements to the story. When they listened to positive music, they remembered the stories more positively.

The experiment also showed that while participants listened to music, there was increased activity in the parts of their brains that control emotional memory processing.

The researchers say their findings could someday be used for therapeutic purposes, helping people handle difficult memories by reframing them.

For those with post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, musical therapy could help make the past less painful so the present can be more rewarding.

Co-workers can positively influence your lifestyle Jan 15, 2025

When it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, listen to and watch your co-workers. Their positive habits could eventually help you.

That’s the main message from researchers in the Netherlands, who tracked the influence that employees can have on their colleagues when it comes to eating better and working out. While much is known about the effects that neighbors, friends, and relatives have on lifestyle choices, there’s much less evidence about how co-workers influence those behaviors.

Using data from more than 4,300 people across 113 organizations, this is what the researchers found: People are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables when their colleagues encourage them. The same held true for exercise, although the effect was less pronounced.

So why do our co-workers hold more sway over our eating habits than our exercise routines? The researchers theorize it may be a matter of proximity: Most people eat at work — often together — whereas exercise usually happens after work.

The study is one of the first to address co-workers’ influence on healthy behaviors. Unlike some prior research, it used an approach that allowed for a more fine-tuned analysis of the relationship between co-workers and healthier behaviors.

Now, the researchers said, workplace leaders and public policymakers can use the findings when making important decisions about ways to encourage healthier living. Colleagues can now be relevant sources of social support when it comes to healthy behaviors, just like friends and neighbors have been.

So keep up with your work friend in the next cubicle. Their good habits could soon become yours.

A database that may change the stakes for zoo and wildlife animals Jan 14, 2025

Veterinary literature abounds with diagnostic images of common animal species. But what if you need images of nontraditional species?

That was the problem zoo veterinarians faced in 2018 when they performed the first-ever CT scan on an eastern black rhinoceros. The scan appeared to show an abnormal sinus mass, but they had nothing to compare it to.

This has long been a problem for zoo vets. But now, the newly launched Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database allows veterinarians, wildlife biologists and others worldwide to share X-rays, MRIs and CT scans of nondomestic animals online.

So far, the database contains 1,000 images from 50 species, but it aims to include 10,000 images in two years. It looks to be a game-changer.

The mutual benefit of prison pet programs Jan 14, 2025

Sometimes, seemingly strange bedfellows create magical partnerships that reward each individual exponentially. That’s often the case with prison pet programs.

Since they began in the 1980s, these programs have helped shelters care for animals that might otherwise be euthanized. The programs allow inmates to care for dogs or cats, neither of whom judge folks for past wrongdoings. In return, inmates enjoy feelings of love, self-esteem, empathy and responsibility. The programs have improved interpersonal relationships inside prisons, increased inmates’ future employability and reduced recidivism.

Some inmates have said that taking on an animal was the first time they ever allowed themselves to care about anything or anyone. That’s a win any day of the week.

Fish are far from being “starter pets” Jan 14, 2025

If you think fish are the perfect starter pets, think again. They rely on us for all their environmental needs, and that’s a daunting responsibility. So, let’s look at what you should do even before you bring any fish home.

First, you’ll need to research which species of fish can live together. After all, different species need different microclimates. As you set up their tank, you’ll need to factor in the right temperature, water pH — that’s the degree of acidity and alkalinity — as well as light.

It’s crucial to set up a balanced bacterial population before bringing any fish home, and that takes at least two to four weeks. Establishing that so-called biofiltration is key to controlling toxic waste levels that can be lethal to fish.

How Ollie’s Law helps protect pets Jan 14, 2025

This fall, Massachusetts passed a law to protect pets at day care and boarding facilities.

Known as Ollie’s Law, the bill was inspired by the horrific case of a seven-month-old Labradoodle that was mauled by other dogs at a doggy day care. In spite of surgery and two months of intensive care, Ollie died of his injuries.

The law requires all kennels in the state to be licensed and all dogs in their care to be individually licensed. Municipalities must limit the dogs each facility can take in based on kennel accommodations and staffing. Kennels also must establish emergency protocols and report all injuries to animals or people to licensing authorities.

Hopefully, Ollie’s Law will set an example for other states to protect pets.

The devasting choice between housing and keeping a pet Jan 14, 2025

New research shows that housing-related pet relinquishment is one of the most common reasons for pets being surrendered to shelters. In plain English, that means that many tenants or unhoused folks often feel they have no choice but to give up their furry friends.

From 2019 to 2023, pet surrenders due to lost housing increased, while those involving landlord restrictions or conflicts declined. Over that same period, cat surrenders went up while dog surrenders fell.

So, while a pet-inclusive approach to housing may be gaining ground, housing insecurity is growing worse and has devastating consequences for both people and their pets. This points out the need for state and federal policies that recognize the value of the human-animal bond.

The FDA warns not to use aspirin in milk-producing dairy cows Jan 14, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, recently reminded veterinarians and farmers to stop using aspirin to treat fever and pain in milk-producing dairy cows.

Aspirin is not approved for lactating dairy cows, so this is what’s called extra-label use. There are approved products, such as flunixin [flue-NIX-in], for reducing fever and pain — products that already have established withdrawal periods so that the drug doesn’t contaminate milk and meat. In addition, Vazalore [VA-zah-lore] is the only FDA-approved human aspirin product that veterinarians may use in food animals.

It’s important to remember that extra-label drug use can only happen in specific cases and requires a professional veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

What the new Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers mean for One Health Jan 14, 2025

The Center for Veterinary Medicine, part of the FDA, recently announced the funding of four university-based Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers. Those centers will work to develop products and programs that support animal and human health.

The centers will focus on three areas. They’ll research highly pathogenic avian influenza and its potential threat to humans. They’ll analyze the genetic manipulation of animals meant to bolster agriculture resilience, food security, and animal and human health. Finally, they’ll aim to address unmet veterinary needs in animal species that impact public health.

This effort recognizes the importance of One Health — a way of syncing animal and human health now and for future generations.

In celebration of pigeons Jan 14, 2025

Over the next year and a half, a 17-foot sculpture of a pigeon named Dinosaur will grace a Manhattan neighborhood. Among other things, it’s a reminder that birds evolved from T-Rex and company.

Early European settlers brought pigeons to the New World as a food source. As natural cliff dwellers, feral pigeons were at home in city heights, especially as skylines reached ever higher.

In both world wars, their homing ability and visual acuity made pigeons valuable messengers. In fact, they were more honored than any other animal for saving soldiers’ lives.

As the word “pigeonhole” attests, we tend to categorize individuals before we take the time to know them. Maybe pigeons can also remind us that there’s so much more under the surface.

A young dog and the search for a precise diagnosis Jan 14, 2025

When it comes to diagnosing patients, some veterinarians are like dogs sniffing out a bone.

George, a young French bulldog, was referred to the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine after outside veterinarians detected a mass in his chest. The UF veterinary oncologists sampled the mass and — while awaiting test results — started treatment for the most likely diagnosis. George responded well to therapy, even though the tests were nondiagnostic.

So, the oncologists kept digging. Results of CT and MRI scans as well as molecular testing on more samples finally revealed that George had a very rare and aggressive cancer never before diagnosed in a living dog.

George had eight happy months on treatment before the tumor won. Along the way, his case taught veterinarians, students and George’s family to never stop looking for answers.

Getting a bead on canine Addison’s Disease Jan 14, 2025

When it comes to our pets, nailing down a diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. When signs are vague or tend to wax and wane, pet parents and veterinarians may have their work cut out for them.

A case in point is Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism [high-poe-adree-noh-COURT-ah-sizz-um]. This condition — which is more common in dogs than cats — involves decreased production of key hormones by the adrenal glands. Common signs of canine Addison’s disease — like vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite — often involve the digestive tract and may come and go.

These signs are also the same as those caused by other conditions, so veterinarians need to perform blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. The good news is that with consistent treatment, dogs with Addison’s disease can live a good life.

A strike against severe respiratory disease in kittens Jan 14, 2025

Infectious upper respiratory disease, or I-U-R-D, is a scourge to kittens — especially those in multi-cat situations. Beyond targeting the respiratory tract, the pathogens — like herpesvirus — can cause severe eye infections. IURD is one of the main reasons kittens are euthanized in shelters.

IURD treatment often involves the antibiotic doxycycline [dox-uh-CĪ-clin]. But a new study has found that adding the antiviral famciclovir [fam-CĪ-cluh-veer] to treatment plans can lead to quicker recoveries and fewer cases of eye disease.

If mildly affected kittens can be treated with this combined regimen, they may recover and find their forever homes. That’s great for them — and it opens space for another cat in need of shelter care.

When are pets considered ‘seniors?’ Jan 14, 2025

Our senior pets need more attention and care than they did in their younger years. But that begs the question — when is a pet considered a senior?

To a large extent, it depends on the animal’s size. Cats are considered seniors when they reach 10 years of age. It’s more complicated with dogs because of their pronounced size differences. In general, dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last quarter of their breed’s estimated lifespan. For example, dogs weighing under 20 pounds are considered seniors at eight to 11 years of age, but those over 90 pounds reach their golden years when they’re only six to seven years old.

Remember, old age isn’t a disease, but in both people and pets, health issues become more common with age.

Maple syrup a healthier alternative to sugar Jan 14, 2025

Most people know you can’t enjoy a stack of pancakes without a healthy drizzle of syrup. But the sweet breakfast staple might make more than just your tongue happy.

New research suggests that replacing refined sugar with pure maple syrup could decrease risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Canadian researchers studied 42 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 75 with body mass indexes between 23 and 40. The study targeted overweight adults with mild cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Each participant replaced 5% of their daily calories with either a refined sugar syrup or maple syrup for eight weeks. They took a four-week break and then repeated the process for another eight-week cycle.

The researchers found that those who replaced 5% of their calories with maple syrup saw a significant reduction in risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes compared with those who used the refined sugar syrup.

The maple syrup group had better control over their blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduced abdominal fat, and improved gut health. Poor blood pressure control, high blood pressure, belly fat, and harmful gut bacteria have all been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The researchers said maple syrup is beneficial because it has 12% fewer calories than light corn syrup, and it also contains essential nutrients like manganese, calcium, thiamin, potassium, and copper.

Please don’t take this as an invitation to drown your flapjacks in syrup. But in moderation, maple syrup may deserve a spot on your breakfast plate.

High hypertension often undetected in U.S. adults Jan 13, 2025

As we turn the page to 2025 and pack away decorations after another holiday season, it’s a great time to evaluate our own health and well-being.

After all, like many adults in the United States, you could have a health condition and not even know it.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 40% of American adults who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, are unaware of that fact. Left untreated, this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In some cases, it can lead to premature death.

The American College of Cardiology defines hypertension as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 over a diastolic blood pressure of 80.

The new report revealed that just over half of adults with high blood pressure were currently taking medication to lower blood pressure. But only about 20% of adults who knew of their high blood pressure had it under control.

Several factors such as old age, genetics, being overweight, not being physically active, a high-salt diet, and drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of hypertension. Severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea are among its many symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help. From eating more vegetables and fruits to becoming more physically active, there are ways to tackle high blood pressure.

You can also lower your risk by managing stress more effectively, monitoring your blood pressure with regular checks, reducing your exposure to polluted air, and using medications for high blood pressure treatment.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Venom Decoded: Unraveling the Mysteries of Coral Snake Bites Jan 10, 2025

Join us for a riveting episode of Animal Airwaves – Live! featuring Dr. Cory Woliver, an emergency and critical care expert at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Dr. Woliver delves into the lives of coral snakes, discussing what happens from an envenomation and what makes these snakes unique among venomous serpents. Dr. Woliver will also discuss his groundbreaking clinical trial, which is being used to treat dogs envenomated by coral snakes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain potentially life-saving knowledge about this elusive fossorial species and the latest advancement in treatment.

Fat cells, what long memories you have Jan 10, 2025

With the holiday season in the rearview for another year, many of us are looking at getting a fresh start and forgetting about past diet and exercise challenges.

For our fat cells, that’s easier said than done.

A new study shows that fat cells “remember” being overweight, thanks to chemical markers that control which genes are activated in our cells.

These chemical stamps make it easier for fat cells to return to their previously plump state with little effort. This evidence provides a biological reason that confirms the suspicions of many who have struggled to maintain weight loss — that even if you lose weight, it’s incredibly easy to gain it back.

Researchers said that fat cells live for about 10 years on average before being replaced by new ones, which explains the cells’ extended memory. While there are currently no medications available that can erase our fat cells’ memory, it’s an area researchers hope to study more.

In the meantime, researchers emphasize prevention through maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, especially for young people. The best way to avoid regaining weight is not to gain it to begin with.

The same team is also delving into whether other types of cells, like those in our brains or blood vessels, might also harbor weight-gain memories. If that’s the case, the research could offer even more insight into why keeping the pounds off can feel like a losing battle.

While we’d like to forget about times when we were overweight, our fat cells aren’t so quick to move on. Let’s hope that as we take a stroll down memory lane after the 2025 holiday season, we won’t remember any undue weight gain.

Egg consumption is good for women, study finds Jan 09, 2025

When it comes to nutrition, eggs have been a tough nut — or shell — to crack.

The small, oval, protein-packed goodies were once declared a no-no because they are naturally high in cholesterol. More recently, eggs have swung back into the good foods category, thanks to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, and good fats.

Now, a new study offers more evidence favoring the humble egg. Researchers found that women aged 55 and over who ate eggs on a regular basis saw notable improvements in their brain health. The women experienced less decline in executive brain functions and less memory loss over time.

The researchers accounted for a variety of factors, including age, education, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors — and the positive results remained.

So, eggs are good for women’s brain health, but how many eggs should women consume to see these positive benefits? Researchers found that five eggs per week seems to be the optimal number, so nearly an egg per day.

Interestingly, the study did not note any significant link between egg consumption and improved brain health for men.

Researchers said the reason for the healthy brain boost in women isn’t completely clear, but they suggest the lesser-known nutrients packed into eggs, like choline [ko-lean] and lutein [loo-teen], may have something to do with it. These nutrients are known to benefit brain health.

This study ultimately puts another point in the “good” category for eggs and adds to the ever-growing collection of evidence showing that the once-spurned egg may not be as bad as it’s cracked up to be.

Are scented candles bad for you? Jan 08, 2025

Scented candles are a great way to spruce things up at home. But there may be health risks, based on the candle you choose.

The primary concern: candles made from a byproduct sourced from a refinement of petroleum called paraffin. The National Candle Association says paraffin is the most used candle wax in the world.

A paraffin candle releases volatile organic compounds, also known as V-O-Cs, that quickly vaporize into the air at room temperature. These compounds are commonly emitted from paints, cleaning products, car exhaust, and fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, among other things.

VOCs are harmful on their own and react to gases to form pollutants in the air.

Toluene and benzene are two VOCs released from paraffin candles. Toluene [tall-you-een] is a registered toxin with exposure limits because it’s a neurotoxin associated with dizziness and headaches. Benzene is a known carcinogen with long-term exposure linked to blood disorders such as leukemia.

Research shows that candles made from soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, or animal fats are considered healthier. But anything that is burned emits harmful particulates or chemicals — it’s just that paraffin wax is more polluting.

Experts say there are several ways you can minimize health ramifications. Choose candles labeled as 100% soy wax, beeswax, or stearin [steer-in] wax, and ensure the wick is cotton, wood, or synthetic. If you can’t resist scented candles, look for those with essential oils or candles labeled as phthalate-free. It’s also important to avoid dyed candles.

These precautions will go a long way in keeping your room as fresh as it is healthy.

Everyday physical tasks can boost brain health Jan 07, 2025

They say age is just a number. But some days we all wish that number was lower.

Humans have been exploring ways to slow down or even reverse aging for thousands of years. It’s only natural … our mortality reveals itself to us on a regular basis.

But what if you could be four years younger with minimal cost and effort? A new brain study reveals that this is possible, in a way.

According to a new study, engaging in everyday physical tasks like walking the dog and taking out the trash can give a healthy boost to our brain’s processing speed.

The study participants’ cognitive processing speed, the speed at which our brains receive and process information, was on par with a person four years younger on the days they engaged in physical activity. Researchers found the same positive results whether participants went for a short walk or an intense jog.

Researchers said the study did not show enhancements to working memory, the ability to retain and analyze information, but the response time on working memory tasks improved.

While the study reveals the positive short-term effects of physical activity, it did not measure improvements over time, something future studies may explore.

Ultimately, researchers say the study shows the important role that movement plays in our brain health, even if it’s through small, everyday tasks.

Walk the dog, mow the lawn, take out the trash — these activities may not quite be as exciting as stumbling across a flowing fountain of youth, but they still give our brains a healthy boost.

Age may be just a number, but if we can reverse that number just a little bit, why not?

New treatment in the works for asthma, COPD Jan 06, 2025

More than a billion people around the world have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, called COPD [C-O-P-D).

That’s a lot of huffing, wheezing, and coughing. And when those conditions flare up, breathing can be restricted, sending them to emergency rooms for help.

For the past 50 or so years, the standard treatment for flare-ups has been steroid pills. The steroid can reduce lung inflammation, but it also can mean side effects like diabetes and osteoporosis. And it doesn’t always work on the first try.

Now a new study led by researchers in the United Kingdom suggests a new treatment that could shift the landscape for those with asthma and COPD.

Their study finds that an injection given during breathing attacks works better than current treatments and cuts the need for more treatment by 30%.

The drug is called benralizamab [ben-ruh-lie-zoo-mab], a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells to reduce lung inflammation. It is now used to treat severe asthma.

The researchers separated 158 people at high risk of an asthma or COPD attack into three groups. One group received an injection of benralizumab and a placebo tablet, a second received the usual steroid tablets and a placebo injection, and the third group received both the benralizumab injection and steroids.

After 28 days, the groups treated with benralizumab had less coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. After 90 days, they were four times less likely to have had to repeat a treatment, compared with the steroid group.

An extra benefit: Patients can manage the injection themselves, so a flare-up would not necessarily require an ER visit.

What a breath of fresh air.

Researchers find new ways to make habits stick Jan 03, 2025

As is tradition, the new year brings about a flurry of new habits we’d like to form to become our best selves.

But if you’ve ever struggled to break a bad habit — let alone form a good one — you might be interested in some expert tips that could make all the difference.

Irish researchers have uncovered a framework for habit change that taps into your brain’s unique systems for automatic responses and goal-directed control.

The idea is simple: Habits are shaped by two brain systems. One triggers automatic actions based on familiar cues (like scrolling through social media when you’re bored), while the other helps us exercise conscious control (like putting the phone away to focus on work).

The trick, their study discovered, is finding the right balance between these systems. When automatic responses outweigh our conscious control, bad habits take over. But by understanding how these systems work together, we can use it to our advantage.

The study emphasizes the role of repetition and rewards. Repeating a behavior strengthens the brain’s connection between cues and responses, making habits stick. To break a bad habit, the key is to replace old behaviors with new ones, creating competing automatic responses.

Your environment also plays a big role. Adjusting your surroundings to make good habits easier and bad habits harder can help, such as picking a gym that is on your way home from work.

Keep in mind that stress and fatigue can trigger old patterns, so staying mindful and intentional is crucial when trying to form lasting good habits, like reaching for a carrot instead of a candy bar when a deadline draws near.

Flavanols may protect against fatty foods eaten during stress Jan 02, 2025

Picture this: You come home from work, where you spilled your coffee, missed a meeting and forgot your lunch. The only thing on your mind? Chips. Maybe pizza. After all, stress and unhealthy food choices often go hand in hand.

Now, new research from scientists at the University of Birmingham suggests that adding a flavanol-rich cocoa drink to your diet can help protect your vascular health, even after indulging in fatty foods.

The team set out to investigate how food choices impact vascular function during periods of stress. Previous studies show that high-fat foods can impair blood vessel function, affecting oxygen delivery to the brain. On the other hand, flavanols, found in cocoa, green tea, and other plant-based foods, have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.

In their study, researchers asked participants to consume a high-fat breakfast of two butter croissants, cheddar cheese, and whole milk — along with either a high- or low-flavanol cocoa drink. After a rest, folks completed a mentally stressful math test while the team measured various aspects of cardiac function, like blood flow and brain oxygenation.

The results? Those who drank the low-flavanol cocoa experienced a significant decline in vascular function following the test, lasting up to 90 minutes. However, participants who drank the high-flavanol cocoa showed no such decline, indicating that the flavanols helped protect vascular health.

For the average shopper, finding a cocoa powder that isn’t alkalized, a process that lowers flavanol levels, can be tricky. Luckily, the less decadent but more accessible green tea is a good stand-in.

Holiday pounds are the gift that keeps on giving Jan 01, 2025

Eating too much during the holidays is almost an American tradition. In January, cold reality hits with the realization that an expanded waistline doesn’t disappear like our memories of Santa Claus.

Ask yourself: Will you still carry this added weight on New Year’s Day 2026?

For a quarter of us, that is probably going to prove true.

A representative survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research found that 24% of respondents reported they still carried the weight they put on during the holidays a year earlier. That’s an average of 10 extra pounds. And, of course, that’s on top of whatever they gained during the most recent season.

That’s a mountain of turkey, mashed potatoes, and gingerbread cookies.

The poll by the market research firm noted that Americans tend to break with sound eating habits and their diets during the holidays. About 36% of participants admitted breaking a diet because they could not resist rich seasonal foods.

Respondents note how the holidays are simply more enjoyable if they temporarily suspend their worry and anxiety about their weight during these happy days.

Many people say this is especially true as they grow older.

Mouth-watering foods aren’t the only reason we gain weight during this time. The poll notes how stress from current events triggers overeating and weight gain, too.

Doctors suggested mixing those naughty treats with some healthy foods and some physical activity during the holidays. But please, don’t put out celery and a glass of water for Santa. He’ll still expect milk and cookies next year.

Nobody’s expecting the big man to go on a diet.

How long is forever? PFAS found in drinking water in 15 countries. Dec 31, 2024

Water is the elixir of life. We can’t live without it. Fifty-five to 60 percent of our bodies are composed of it. Beach vacations would be very tricky without it. But what happens when drinking water goes awry?

A recent study reveals that drinking water in 15 countries were found to contain PFAS [pea-fass], or forever chemicals, which are synthetic products with applications from firefighting to making fabric stain- and water-resistant.

They are also believed to cause cancer, increase cholesterol, disrupt hormones, and contribute to a variety of other health issues.

The study examined still water, sparkling water, water in glass bottles, and water in plastic bottles. It also compared 55 tap water samples from the United Kingdom and China.

Researchers found that two of the most common forever chemicals were present in 99% of the bottled water they examined. There was no notable difference between the levels of PFAS found in the water, whether it was bottled in glass or plastic bottles, or if it was sparkling or still.

The study also showed natural mineral water sourced from groundwater contained higher levels of PFAS than water advertised as being purified.

Forever chemicals were also found in much higher concentrations in tap water in China versus the U.K.

The researchers did not leave us high and dry, however. They found that boiling or applying activated carbon filtration removes a significant amount of forever chemicals from the water.

Since cutting water out of our diet is not exactly an option, pouring your H2O into a water filtration bottle is a simple solution for now, as more research studies unfold.

Why triplets are less common Dec 30, 2024

When you were growing up, it was very possible that you went to school with someone who was a twin, maybe even a triplet.

If you are in school today, that’s much less likely, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports the rate of triplets, quadruplets, or even more being born in a single pregnancy has declined by 62% since 1998. For every 100,000 total births, nearly 74 are triplets, quadruplets, or more.

The decline appears connected to guidance about the number of embryos transferred through assisted reproductive technologies such as vitro fertilization.

Couples have a higher likelihood of having more babies in a single pregnancy when using assisted reproductive technology. That’s because fertility treatments may involve multiple embryos being transferred into the uterus.

The more embryos there are, the higher the likelihood of a viable pregnancy.

In 1998, the incidence of triplets was at an all-time high of about 194 births per 100,000. Fertility treatments grew in popularity during the 1980s and after.

The decline appears to have come about when the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology began to issue guidelines that called for fewer embryos to be transferred for one pregnancy. This was meant to reduce the risk of health complications, including premature births.

In recommendations three years ago, the guidelines included a suggestion that only one embryo be used for patients 35 years old and younger.

For families undergoing fertility treatments, one healthy baby is a much safer bet.

Skin’s natural elasticity protects against punctures Dec 27, 2024

We slather on moisturizer, dab on makeup and, often begrudgingly, slop on sunscreen. Our skin is our largest organ; something to be protected. But now, a new study from researchers in Illinois reminds us that it’s also our biggest protector.

Although we often think of skin as just a barrier, its innate “stretchiness” transforms it into a defensive structure that can significantly minimize damage from punctures. Specifically, thin, stretchy skin, like that of pigs and humans, outperforms even the best synthetic materials designed to mimic it.

In a series of experiments, researchers tested the puncture resistance of pig skin and underlying tissue against various projectiles. They discovered that the skin’s ability to dissipate energy from sharp objects could considerably reduce damage to the tissues below it. In fact, pig skin reduced puncture damage by up to 73% at high speeds compared with tissue without skin.

That’s right: a mere 2.5 milimeter thick piece of pig skin could outperform synthetic substitutes that were not only thicker, but stiffer.

How? Thanks to the collagen fibers woven into the skin. When these fibers break, they absorb and redistribute the energy of the puncture, preventing deeper tissue damage. Here, synthetic gels fall behind.

So, what does this mean for us? While synthetic materials have their place, they can’t replicate what our largest, even wrinkled or pimply organ does best.

Eventually, it’s possible material scientists someday will be able to better mimic these natural defenses … but if they ever do, will pricking your finger on a rose bush still hurt?

Taurine: A double-edged sword for heart health Dec 26, 2024

When you need a boost, do you quell your caffeine cravings with coffee or reach for a supplement-rich energy drink? If you fall into the latter category, you may want to reconsider your caffeination habits.

One common ingredient found in many energy drinks is the amino acid taurine, which has been touted as offering an array of health benefits to the brain and immune system. It’s also believed to reduce the size of plaque deposits in the heart. Taurine occurs naturally in our bodies but it is often included as an additive in energy drinks and supplements, as it is believed to also aid in energy production.

But too much taurine may increase the risk of heart attack, according to a recent study. Researchers uncovered evidence that despite reducing plaque, taurine might destabilize plaque deposits. This would make the plaques more likely to rupture and lead to heart attack or stroke.

When mice with arterial heart plaques were treated with taurine, results showed that the plaques possessed less collagen and fewer smooth muscle cells than untreated plaques — two important factors in keeping the plaques stable. The reduction in collagen is due to taurine boosting production of enzymes that break down collagen in blood vessel walls.

Researchers suggested the study results don’t necessarily mean people should avoid all taurine, as it is important to several processes in the body.

But the findings should serve as a reminder that you can have too much of a good thing.

Just remember, the next time you’re in need of a caffeine fix, your energy needs might be best served by brewing a pot of coffee.

Standing isn’t the answer to prolonged sitting Dec 25, 2024

If the phrase “sitting is the new smoking” has you scrambling to buy a standing desk, you might want to take a moment.

New research suggests that standing desks might not be the holy grail they’re marketed as, and prolonged standing can bring its own set of health risks.

Researchers from Australia and the Netherlands studied a pool of 83,000 people to find out if standing desks were as beneficial as they are made out to be.

Each participant wore a device that tracked their sitting, standing, and physical activity over several years, providing accurate data about their daily habits.

The study found that sitting for more than 10 hours a day increased the risk of heart attack and stroke. But the researchers also found that standing for the same period did not reduce this risk. Instead, it increased the risk of circulatory problems and conditions like varicose veins, which is caused by blood pooling in the legs.

Standing might not be the answer to your sitting struggles, but hope is not all lost. Our bodies are built to move, so simply incorporating movement in your day can mitigate some of the risks associated with prolonged sitting and standing.

Sit-stand desks can also offer a compromise, encouraging you to change positions and move more often. Taking short, active breaks can make a big difference in your day-to-day health.

Any kind of prolonged static position can be harmful in excess, so before you commit yourself to standing all day, try taking the stairs or doing a lap around the office first.

And if you do decide to get in on the standing desk trend, think of it as an alternative to sitting rather than an antidote.

Take a holiday walk with family Dec 24, 2024

Winter holidays often mean eating big meals and sitting around watching TV with extended family.

These are fun, to be sure, and the laughter over shared memories and stories retold are part of what make family gatherings so special.

But we all want to try to stay healthy, and we all know that a day of overindulging and under-exercising probably isn’t our best bet.

So this year, take your large or small family out for a walk. It is free and not likely to get anyone hurt, unless they’re wearing nonsensible shoes.

If the weather is good, it’s even pleasant. And there are a number of health-related reasons to get everyone out there for an amble.

First, it regulates blood sugar. One study found that even just a 15-minute post-meal walk helped avoid blood sugar spikes for several hours afterward. This can mean fewer unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms later in the day, especially the post-meal “crash.”

It expends calories. Walking one mile, even at a leisurely pace, burns about 100 calories, depending on your size, age, and sex. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the walk will put much a dent in your large meal, but everything helps.

It’s likely to improve your mood. Holidays can be stressful. Walking makes your brain more sensitive to the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which ease the feeling of depression. They also stimulate the release of endorphins, which make us happy.

Parent-child bonds improve and family members get along better when they spend time in nature.

And it’s even a fix for feeling stuffed. Walking eases heartburn. Getting some steps in will help your digestion far better than settling in for a nap.

Can you offset sedentary life with exercise ‘snacks’? Dec 23, 2024

I sit, you sit, we sit — at most of our jobs, after work and even on the weekends. There’s no doubt about it — much to the detriment of our muscle mass and general well-being, sedentary lifestyles are increasing and only becoming more common.

Now, research from the University of Toronto is offering one means of staving off complete muscular atrophy by way of snacks.

Unfortunately, they’re not the tasty kind. “Snacks” are how researchers conceptualize small, active breaks in between the sedentary lifestyles many of us have grown far too accustomed to.

Even something as small as two minutes of walking (how far away is the bathroom, again?) or body weight sit-to-stand squats, encourage the body to use more amino acids from meals to build muscle proteins, thus preserving both muscle mass and muscle quality.

Sitting for extended periods of time can weaken your body’s ability to filter sugar from your blood after a meal, according to the study.

Although long periods of inactivity are sometimes unavoidable, like bedrest after an injury, phases of low muscle activity tend to result in a loss of muscle mass that occurs in tandem with, or because of, our muscles’ inability to build new proteins, even after we eat a meal that contains protein.

But this study indicated that even tiny periods of activity can also improve the efficiency of dietary amino acids used for muscle protein synthesis, or how our bodies repair or replace old or damaged proteins.

In short: A short walk — and a couple squats — are meaningful-but-manageable ways in which you can break up the Zoom meeting marathon or streaming binge.

Harm from smoking can linger for years Dec 20, 2024

The health worries you have after smoking can last for years after you stubbed out your final cigarette.

It all depends, a new research study from South Korea shows, on how long a person smoked and how heavily.

Cardiovascular disease is not the only toll smoking takes, but it’s one of the deadliest. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

The study looked at more than 5.3 million South Koreans. They took a deep dive into the health records of the mostly male participants, who had an average age of almost 46. Roughly 16% were current smokers, almost 2% had quit, and 82% had never smoked.

Researchers tracked the participants an average of 4 years and two months, monitoring cardiovascular disease development. They recorded each participant’s smoking history.

Depending on how much and how long someone smoked, they found, the path to cardiovascular health could take a few years to more than 20.

The study’s “tipping point” was eight so-called “pack years” of smoking. They calculated a pack-year by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years a person smoked.

Smoking one pack a day for eight years would equal eight pack years. So would smoking two packs a day for four years.

Those who quit smoking before eight pack years are lucky. Their cardiovascular risk drops quickly and their heart health returns to that of someone who never smoked between five and 10 years.

For smokers with more than eight pack years, it takes about 25 years to equal the heart disease risk of a never-smoker.

So don’t start smoking. If that ship has sailed, quit as soon as you can. Every extra puff counts.

Worried about holiday weight gain? Hop on a scale. Dec 19, 2024

If you know that Christmas pound cake might result in some extra weight, it might be a good idea to lug out the scale this holiday season.

New research suggests weighing yourself daily could help prevent holiday weight gain. Holiday weight gain is a worry because many adults add weight each year, meaning many become overweight or even obese.

A study from the University of Georgia separated 111 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 into two groups. One group was asked to weigh themselves every day for 14 weeks beginning in November 2018 until after holiday festivities concluded.

Participants in the first group used scales provided by the university that gave researchers insights on weight fluctuations and targets. They were asked to do their best not to gain weight but were given no instruction on how to avoid doing so.

The second group acted as the control and were not asked to weigh themselves every day.

The researchers found that all the participants who completed a daily weight check avoided gaining weight during the holiday season. Some even lost weight. Those who did not weigh themselves every day gained weight.

Researchers think this simple trick to avoiding weight gain worked because constant weight reminders and daily weight targets incentivize people to stick to their diets or work harder to keep extra weight off. They said better weight awareness can lead to behavioral change since many of us are sensitive about the number on the scale.

In short: If you want to emerge this January no heavier than you were in November, it might be time to make friends with that scale. Or ask Santa to bring you one.

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