In the United States, only 1 in 4 children and youth gets recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a clinical report urging pediatricians to issue prescriptions for physical activity to their patients. (Photo: Vinicius DePizzol, Creative Commons)
Forget fitness fads and miracle diets, a panel of physicians predicts that half of Americans will be obese by 2030, and a quarter of us will be severely obese. Their findings, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, foresees dire consequences for society. Jane Brody of the New York Times reports. (Photo © saje […]
Between the growing opioid crisis and the continuing problem that alcohol and other drugs play in our culture, churches are aware that some of God’s people need real help. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prepared this free, comprehensive guide to help churches in their response. (Photo: Cat Branchman, Creative Commons)
Researchers at MIT have found a strong relationship between students’ grades and how much sleep they’re getting. What time students go to bed and the consistency of their sleep habits also make a big difference. And no, getting a good night’s sleep just before a big test is not good enough — it takes several nights […]
Get healthier – that’s one of the most common New Year resolutions, and sadly, it often goes unfulfilled come the following Dec. 31. Make stewardship of your physical health should a priority this year. This article from WebMD offers commonsense tips. (Photo: Dr. Abdulla Nasar, Creative Commons)
Scientists have long known about the connection between circadian rhythms and performance, but recent research finds that saving stressful meetings, appointments, and encounters for afternoon or early evening may be healthier for you. Learn more about how to harness your body’s natural rhythms to reduce your metabolic stress load and be a healthier, rested, and […]
With parties and special treats coming at you nonstop in the five-week span from Thanksgiving to New Years, it’s no wonder we stray from our healthy eating habits. You don’t have to abstain from your favorite goodies, but you have to be smart about eating. Here are nine tips on how. From Real Simple. (Photo: […]
Early school start times, screen related distractions, and external pressures have contributed to 52 percent of American children ages 6 to 17 getting less than the 9 hours per night recommended by pediatricians. Hoi See Tsao, MD, a pediatrician in Boston, and a co-author of a new pediatric sleep study, calls chronic sleep loss “a serious […]
Some 40 million American adults still smoke, the federal Centers for Disease Control reports, and every day 2,000 minors smoke their first cigarette. Smoking is a big and costly problem in our country, but you can quit. And your congregation can encourage others to quit. The American Lung Association has lots of ideas. (“Bubble pipe?” […]
The demand for organic meats and produce has been booming in recent years. But what, exactly, are the health benefits of going organic? That depends on who you ask and which studies you consult. But if you do choose to buy organic foods, here are some science-backed bonuses you’re likely to get in return. From […]
