Grab Some Health News

A new study from Penn researchers shows just getting up and moving every ten minutes can lower our chances of dying, even for people who regularly exercise. 

The findings, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercisecomes from data that included approximately 3,000 people between 50 and 79 years of age.

Tracking the health benefits of just moving

Ezra Fishman, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania and a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging and other scientists placed accelerometers on study participants for seven days to gather information about the subjects' movements. 

They then looked at who died over the next 8 years. 

Sitting still boosts death risk five-fold

When the researchers compared the most sedentary people to those who just moved about doing dishes or other activities they found a five-fold higher chance of dying from being a couch potato or from sitt…

Researchers say seeking like-minded people seems to be the norm when it comes to friendships and relations, contrary to the popular belief that opposites attract. 

Researchers at Wellesley College and University of Kansas say the finding is a warning to couples who think their partner could change over time. 

Surprise finding

A surprise finding is that people really don't change. It just seems that way. When we form a relationship there are already similarities between friends and couples that most people fail to notice. 

Assistant Professor of psychology Angela Bahns said in a media release:

"Picture two strangers striking up a conversation on a plane, or a couple on a blind date. From the very first moments of awkward banter, how similar the two people are is immediately and powerfully playing a role in future interactions. Will they connect? Or walk away? Those early recognitions of similarity are really consequential in that decision."
Professor of psychology Chris Crandal…

A good night's sleep has everything to do with memory. If you fail to get enough sleep, chances are you could find yourself forgetting where you put your keys. 

Important information stored during sleep

University of Bristol researchers explain when we sleep our brain sorts through a ton of information. Getting a good night's sleep can help keep memory intact. 
The finding is especially important for people with Alzheimer's disease and for understanding how to prevent memory loss with aging. 
The finding, published in the journal Cell Reportshighlights how the events of a day's activities are replayed in fast forward when we sleep. The brain then stores those memories in the hippocampus.  Sleep strengthens brain cell connections Sleep strengthens nerve cells in the brain when things we learn throughout the day are filed. A good night's sleep can keep us from experiencing forgetfulness and might help prevent cognitive decline. 
Dr. Jack Mellor from the School of Physiolog…

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be challenging. A new study shows Transcendental Meditation can help protect caregivers' health and well being. 

The new study was conducted by researchers at Marashi University of Management. 

Caregiver stress relieved by meditation

Lead study author Dr. Sanford Nidich points out in a media release that most caregivers are family members who may not be aware of the importance of taking care of themselves. 

Chronic stress can lead to health problems that include heart disease, decreased immune function and early death. 

Transcendental meditation was found to improve spiritual well-being, boost energy and relieve psychological stress among 23 study participants enrolled in the study.

The study is published in International Archives of Nursing and Health Careand funded by the David Lynch Foundation.

Most of the study participants were caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease. 

Dr. Charles Elder, a physician and researche…

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found men over age 65 might benefit from testosterone therapy. 

Studies about the benefits of testosterone treatment have been mixed. Some studies suggest there are no benefits in boosting the hormone that naturally declines in men with aging.

Testosterone boosts sexual function in older men, trial finds

The new study took a look at the results of the first 3 of 7 Testosterone Trials, also known as T Trials involved in an analysis of the effect of testosterone replacement therapy on sexual function, physical function and mood.

Treatments restored testosterone levels to the mid-level of that of younger men, boosted the men's desire for sex, improved erections and resulted in increased sexual activity.

Improvements in mood and depression were small, the study found. There was no change in physical activity among the men studied.

Cora E. Lewis, MD of the University of Alabama at Birmingham who co-authored the study said the find…