Meat 'ups prostate cancer risk'

"Eating meat and dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer, research suggests.

Such a diet raises levels of a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) which promotes cell growth."

These studies are just  beginning, but are consistant with other research. Moderation and exercise should inform our lifestyle choices.

Why Andorrans live longer

"Besides the clean air and stunning mountain views from every window, Andorrans have what the WHO ranks as the third-best public health system in the world to maintain them."

Genetics, clean air, plenty of natural exercise and a great healthcare system.

Comments?

'Illusions driving market havoc'

"The mind naturally creates illusions and superstitions at times of stress - and this could be adding to the global financial crisis, say scientists."

This ties in with what we are studying about the brain and stress.

Music tastes link to personality

Musical tastes and personality type are closely related, according to a study of more than 36,000 people from around the world.

What do you think? Does this match your music tastes?

MUSICAL STYLES VERSUS PERSONALITY TRAITS

BLUES

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease

JAZZ

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease

CLASSICAL MUSIC

High self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease

RAP

High self-esteem, outgoing

OPERA

High self-esteem, creative, gentle

COUNTRY AND WESTERN

Hardworking, outgoing

REGGAE

High self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease

DANCE

Creative, outgoing, not gentle

INDIE

Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle

BOLLYWOOD

Creative, outgoing

ROCK/HEAVY METAL

Low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, at ease

CHART POP

High self-esteem, not creative, hardworking, outgoing, gentle, not at ease

SOUL

High self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, at ease

Running 'can slow ageing process'

Running on a regular basis can slow the effects of ageing, a study by US researchers shows.

"Elderly joggers were half as likely to die prematurely from conditions like cancer than non-runners.

They also enjoyed a healthier life with fewer disabilities, the Stanford University Medical Center team found.

Experts said the findings in Archives of Internal Medicine reinforced the importance that older people exercise regularly."

Aging is associated with disuse. The more active we are the more fit we remain as we age.

Music 'boosts exercise endurance'

A study has confirmed what many gym users already knew - listening to music can boost your capacity for exercise.

This ties in with what we are studying in Ch 4. Music effects brain chemistry. Also notice the the beat for exercise is 120 or 140/min. Entrainment with an exercise heart rhythm.

Human touch may have some healing properties

"A new study from researchers in Utah finds that a warm touch — the non-sexual, supportive kind — tempers stress and blood pressure, adding to a growing body of research on how emotions affect health."

The study "found that massage and other supportive and caring touch lower stress hormones and blood pressure, particularly among men, while also enhancing oxytocin, a hormone thought to calm and counter stress."

This study not only demonstrates the benefits of regular massage, but massage as a "self-care" among couples. Massages were give for 30 minutes, three times a week. Oxytocin also can be linked with bonding. As a couples activity, this practice would benefit both health and the relationship. It also points to the benefits of infant massage.