Health Alert: Chemical Exposure May Drive Earlier Menopause in Women.

Researchers have discovered that women exposed to high levels of certain chemicals found in household items, personal care products, plastics, and the environment typically begin to experience menopause two to four years earlier than women with less exposure to these chemicals (which include PCBs, pesticides, phthalates, and furan). Senior study author Dr. Amber Cooper adds, “Many of these chemical exposures are beyond our control because they are in the soil, water, and air. But we can educate ourselves about our day-to-day chemical exposures and become more aware of the plastics and other household products we use.” The research team recommends further research to determine how much exposure is needed to impact female health.

PLOS ONE, January 2015

Exercise: Make it Fun and Keep Going.

When exercising, it is important to make your routine enjoyable and fun to help ensure that you keep exercising. The American Heart Association suggests the following: wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly, wear clothing that is appropriate for weather conditions, start slow, stick to a consistent workout time, make expectations reasonable for your health and abilities, include fun activities with family and friends, track you progress, and reward yourself for success. American Heart Association, February 2015

Diet: Soda Consumption May Prompt Early Puberty in Girls.

Harvard researchers report that girls who consume a lot of sugary drinks may enter puberty earlier than girls who do not consume such beverages. The female participants in their study who drank more than 1.5 servings of sugary drinks per day began having periods 2.7 months earlier than those who drank two or less sugary drinks per week. Study author Dr. Jenny Carwile adds, “Starting periods early is a risk factor for depression during adolescence and breast cancer during adulthood. Thus, our findings have implications beyond just starting menstruation early.” While this study does prove that drinking sugary drinks causes early puberty, the researchers add that there is no good reason for anyone to drink sugar-sweetened drinks or sodas regularly at any age. Human Reproduction, January 2015