Topic of Study: Unemployment carries health risks
Study subjects: 13,000 middle-aged and older adults older than 18 years
Location of study: U.S.
Results: Repeatedly being out of work might be as dangerous as smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes for one’s health, says research out of Duke University. Unemployed people ages 50-75 have heart risks at a 35 percent higher rate than the employed who have similar risk factors. That number appears to rise each time the person loses work.
Significance: Stress was said to be a possible link between joblessness and heart attacks, and the loss of health insurance and extra cash that can come with unemployment are thought to be contributing factors as well.
Topic of Study: Minutes around secondhand smoke boosts pollutants
Study subjects: 22 assessments of the air quality inside a stationary vehicle after three cigarettes had been smoked over the course of an hour
Location of study: U.S.
Results: Researchers found that a child in the backseat of a car being operated by a smoking adult had an increased daily exposure to dangerous toxins by up to 30 percent within just 10 minutes. Researchers found that levels of pollutants were higher in the car than those found in restaurants, bars and casinos.
Significance: In 44 of 50 U.S. states, there are no public bans on smoking in cars, leaving children particularly vulnerable to regular harmful exposure.
Topic of Study: Low muscle strength and longevity
Study subjects: 1,000,000 male adolescents ages 16-19 over a period of 24 years
Location of study: Sweden
Results: New research at BMJ.com has found that poor muscle strength in male adolescents may be a factor in premature death and should be monitored along with weight and blood pressure. The study found similarities in the effects of low muscle strength, high body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure on longevity.
Significance: The researchers recommended regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence to built muscle strength.
Topic of Study: Resveratrol supplementation for seniors
Study subjects: 32 men and women ages 66 to 80
Location of study: U.S.
Results: A study results presented at the 65th Annual Scientific Meeting of The Gerontological Society of America found that Reserveage Organics Resveratrol capsules taken by mentally competent seniors increased their cognitive function over a 90-day period. Resveratrol is a compound produced by plants and is found naturally in peanuts, grapes and red wine.
Significance: The findings seem to support short-term Resveratrol supplementation to combat age-related memory problems and other cognitive degeneration.
