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In the News: Study Looks at Fat and Sleep

tracyg — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:01 +0000

How did you sleep last night? We’ve heard all our lives about how important sleep is to our overall health and energy levels, but recent studies also indicate that sleep — or the lack thereof — can have an impact our on waistlines as well.

A study released today by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that the lack of sleep could lead to an increase in fat accumulating around vital organs, resulting in higher rates of metabolic diseases.

The results showed a connection between getting six or fewer hours of sleep and unhealthy visceral fat. The study also showed a connection in those who slept more than eight hours a night, though more slight.

“We put a lot of stock in diet,” said Dr. Kristen Hairston, an assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism and lead author on the study. “But this study brings up some interesting questions about the way we live.

“We may need to start looking at other behaviors — besides daily food choices — that could be contributing to the obesity epidemic in younger age groups.

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In the News: Is There a PMS Gene?

tracyg — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:39:56 +0000

There has always been discussion about the differences between men and women, but recent research is continuing to show us more about how women’s moods and emotions are affected by their hormones. An article today on newsweek.com asks, is there a PMS gene?

“Scientists who have been studying the interplay between hormones and mood disorders say this newest gene research adds one more significant piece of evidence to the growing body of studies showing that PMS and PMDD are biologically based conditions that affect a small group of women who have an unusual mood response to monthly hormonal fluctuation.”

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First Lady Launches “Let’s Move” Campaign

tracyg — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:49:52 +0000

First Lady Michelle Obama this week announced the details of her “Let’s Move” initiative in an effort to battle childhood obesity.

This campaign is the latest step in her efforts to bring better nutrition to the forefront.

“One-third of American children are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other illnesses. Billions of dollars are spent every year treating obesity-related conditions. And public health experts say today’s kids are on track to have shorter lifespans than their parents.

“‘None of us wants this future for our kids,’ Obama said at the White House. ‘We have to act, so let’s move.’”

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