Health Alert: Deaths Rising Due to High Blood Pressure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the overall death rate attributable to hypertension has increased 23% since 2000. Sadly, cardiac care experts agree that many fatal heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if individuals took measures to better manage their high blood pressure. Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California adds, “There is a critical need to facilitate and incentivize improvement in blood pressure control and heart health, as well provide optimal patient care.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2015

Mental Attitude: This Herb May Be a Potential Alternative Treatment for Depression.

Promising new research indicates that roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) could one day serve as an alternative treatment option for those suffering from mild-to-moderate depression. The herb has traditionally been used to promote work endurance, increase longevity, and promote resistance to several health conditions such as fatigue, altitude sickness, and depression. Researchers found that although study participants receiving a common anti-depressant were more likely to report improvements in their symptoms than those given the roseroot extract, the differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, 63% of patients who received the anti-depressant reported side effects compared with only 30% of those in the roseroot group. Phytomedicine, March 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Are 80% of Strokes Preventable?

According to an article in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, four out of every five strokes could be prevented if individuals took measures to avoid cigarette smoke, eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise on a regular basis, and better control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, among other strategies. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, March 2015

Quote: “Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” ~ George Lucas

Exercise: Type 2 Diabetics Should Exercise After Dinner.

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that people with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by exercising after eating supper. Participants in the study performed resistance exercises such as leg curls, calf raises, and abdominal crunches either before dinner, after dinner, or not at all. Compared with blood sugar tests conducted on non-exercise days, the researchers found that exercising either before or after dinner led to reductions in blood glucose levels. However, only exercise conducted after dinner was associated with reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Researcher Dr. Jill Kanaley explains, “This study shows that it is not just the intensity or duration of exercising that is important but also the timing of when it occurs… Results from this study show that resistance exercise has its most powerful effect on reducing glucose and fat levels in one’s blood when performed after dinner.” Journal of Applied Physiology, December 2014

Health Alert: Statins Linked to Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may significantly increase a user’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The authors of a new study found that statins increase insulin resistance and also appear to impair the pancreas’ ability to secrete insulin. They also found that the risk of developing diabetes increased with higher statin doses. Diabetolgia, March 2015

Mental Attitude: Are Men the More Narcissistic Gender?

Based on information collected over 30 years from more than 475,000 people, researchers from the University of Buffalo School of Management claim they can explain why some females fail to break the corporate glass ceiling: women just aren’t narcissistic enough. The results of the study showed that men scored consistently higher than women in narcissism, regardless of age. Study author Dr. Emily Grijalva explains, “Narcissism is associated with various interpersonal dysfunctions, including an inability to maintain healthy long-term relationships, unethical behavior, and aggression. At the same time, narcissism is shown to boost self-esteem, emotional stability, and the tendency to emerge as a leader. By examining gender differences in narcissism, we may be able to explain gender disparities in these important outcomes.” Psychological Bulletin, March 2015

Staying motivated to achieve your health and fitness goals can be easier if you have a strong support system. The American Council on Exercise recommends communicating with a partner or loved one about your goals, finding an accountability buddy to encourage you, and connecting with others who are focused on improving their health. The American Council on Exercise, March 2015

Diet: Vitamin B1 Deficiency May Affect from 1 in 6 to Nearly 1 in 3 Obese Adults.

Between 15.5% and 29% of obese patients seeking bariatric surgery are thiamine (also known as vitamin B1) deficient. Though important for metabolism, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction, thiamine is not produced by the body and must be derived from food sources. Thiamine deficiency has been associated with weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage. While obesity is thought to be a disease of excess nutrition, this finding suggests that it may also be a disease of malnutrition. Advances in Nutrition, March 2015

Health Alert: Nearly Two Out of 3 People with Invasive Cancer Are Surviving 5 Years or More.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the overall five-year survival rate for patients following a cancer diagnosis is now just over 60%. While prostate and breast cancer — the two most common body sites for cancer in the United States — have high five-year survival rates (97% and 88%, respectively), there’s significant room for improvement with lung cancer patients as their five-year survival rate is just 18%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2015

Mental Attitude: Are Parents to Blame for Narcissistic Kids?

If you want to avoid raising a narcissistic child, then the authors of a new study recommend not overvaluing your son or daughter. The researchers found the children whose parents described them as “more special than other children” and who “deserve something extra in life” scored higher on tests of narcissism. Study co-author Dr. Brad Bushman adds, “Children believe it when their parents tell them that they are more special than others. That may not be good for them or for society.” Dr. Bushman and his colleagues recommend that parent training interventions could teach parents to express affection toward their children without telling them that they are better than others. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 2015