Health News
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Phones and kids – What’s the right age to let youngsters have a smartphone? According to parents in a recent study, 11.9 years is the average age they say they gave kids a phone. —Family Online Safety Institute“While there is no exact age when kids should get a smartphone, it’s imperative that parents discuss the responsibility that comes with having one. Parents should also monitor their child’s phone use, including text messages, Internet and social media. I highly suggest having the child sign a ‘contract’ outlining the rules for having a phone.” —Michelle Mayer, M.D., Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics, Woodcliff Lake“While there is no exact age when kids should get a smartphone, it’s imperative that parents discuss the responsibility that comes with having one. Parents should also monitor their child’s phone use, including text messages, Internet and social media. I highly suggest having the child sign a ‘contract’ outlining the rules for having a phone.” —Michelle Mayer, M.D., Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics, Woodcliff Lake
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Eat fruit, be happyYou already know that taking in the recommended daily amounts of fruits (two cups) and veggies (three cups) has health benefits, but new research shows that eating more—eight cups per day—can boost your happiness. —American Journal of Public HealthYou already know that taking in the recommended daily amounts of fruits (two cups) and veggies (three cups) has health benefits, but new research shows that eating more—eight cups per day—can boost your happiness. —American Journal of Public Health
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Curb road rageYou’re 78 percent more likely to be in a car crash if you’re an angry driver— so stay calm. —Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthYou’re 78 percent more likely to be in a car crash if you’re an angry driver— so stay calm. —Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
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Gut check for chronic fatigueBacteria found in the gut is being used to diagnose—with 83 percent accuracy—chronic fatigue syndrome. Blood and fecal samples look for “abnormal” bacteria, that is, bacteria that is less diverse with fewer good bacteria, the kind that has anti-inflammatory properties. About 1 million Americans suffer from the condition. —Cornell UniversityBacteria found in the gut is being used to diagnose—with 83 percent accuracy—chronic fatigue syndrome. Blood and fecal samples look for “abnormal” bacteria, that is, bacteria that is less diverse with fewer good bacteria, the kind that has anti-inflammatory properties. About 1 million Americans suffer from the condition. —Cornell University
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Counteract the effects of that desk jobYou don’t have to worry about being stuck at your desk for hours on end— as long as you’re exercising an hour or more each day, that is. A recent metaanalysis of 16 studies of more than 1 million people found no correlation between how much time people spent sitting and how soon they died—as long as they stayed active. —The LancetYou don’t have to worry about being stuck at your desk for hours on end— as long as you’re exercising an hour or more each day, that is. A recent metaanalysis of 16 studies of more than 1 million people found no correlation between how much time people spent sitting and how soon they died—as long as they stayed active. —The Lancet
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5+The number of servings of nuts per week that folks need to eat to reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease and cancer. Walnuts are especially heart healthy because they’re chock full of omega-3s. —Brigham and Women’s HospitalThe number of servings of nuts per week that folks need to eat to reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease and cancer. Walnuts are especially heart healthy because they’re chock full of omega-3s. —Brigham and Women’s Hospital
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Bookworms live longerFolks who read books more than 3.5 hours a week had a 23 percent decrease in mortality compared with those who didn’t read at all. And those who averaged 3.5 hours of book reading had a 17 percent lower risk. Researchers theorize that because books are longer and more complicated than, say, websites and streaming screens, and have more complex plots and characters, they require more brainpower. —YaleFolks who read books more than 3.5 hours a week had a 23 percent decrease in mortality compared with those who didn’t read at all. And those who averaged 3.5 hours of book reading had a 17 percent lower risk. Researchers theorize that because books are longer and more complicated than, say, websites and streaming screens, and have more complex plots and characters, they require more brainpower. —Yale
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Vitamin A gets an ‘A’ for allergy reliefEating a diet high in vitamin A and fiber can beat food allergies by boosting the immune system. It’s believed that fiber helps bacteria in the stomach make short-chain fatty acids, which control allergic reactions, while the vitamin A helps those cells function at peak performance. —University of AustraliaEating a diet high in vitamin A and fiber can beat food allergies by boosting the immune system. It’s believed that fiber helps bacteria in the stomach make short-chain fatty acids, which control allergic reactions, while the vitamin A helps those cells function at peak performance. —University of Australia
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8.9 million – The number of fractures that occur annually worldwide. To combat osteoporosis, get plenty of exercise and eat a diet rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D. —American Bone Health“Weight-bearing exercises such as walking may be very helpful in preventing osteoporosis. Performing this modest exercise several times a week, combined with a bone-healthy diet, is a good way to combat osteoporosis.” —Michael A. Kelly, M.D., HackensackUMC, Hackensack“Weight-bearing exercises such as walking may be very helpful in preventing osteoporosis. Performing this modest exercise several times a week, combined with a bone-healthy diet, is a good way to combat osteoporosis.” —Michael A. Kelly, M.D., HackensackUMC, Hackensack
Categories: Bergen Health & Life
