19 June 2020
FRIDAY, June 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The coronavirus pandemic is adding to the mood issues that many pregnant women and new moms experience, according to a new study.
One in 7 women experience anxiety or depression immediately before or after giving birth -- and researchers say the pandemic has made it even worse.
"The social and physical isolation measures that are critically needed to reduce the spread of the virus are taking a toll on the physical and mental health of many of us," said study co-author Margie Davenport, an associate professor of kinesiology, sport and recreation at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
The study included 900 women -- 520 who were pregnant and 380 who'd given birth in the past year. They were asked about their depression and anxiety...
17 June 2020
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Athletes who play contact sports may develop subtle brain changes -- even if they don't suffer a concussion, researchers say.
Their study involved 101 female college athletes -- 70 who played rugby and 31 who either rowed or swam. All were concussion-free six months before and during the study.
Some rugby players had suffered a concussion before that time, while the rowers and swimmers had never had one.
Some rugby players were followed for two years, while swimmers and rowers were followed for one.
Thirty-seven rugby players and nine rowers wore devices to record head impacts. Rowers did not experience any, but 70% of the rugby players averaged three impacts during two practices and one game.
MRI scans revealed that the rugby players'...
17 June 2020
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- A combination of healthy habits -- such as a good diet and regular exercise -- may lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease by as much as 60%, a new study suggests.
Data from nearly 3,000 people in the United States was scored on five beneficial lifestyle factors: high-quality diet, physical activity, not smoking, brain-challenging activities, and light-to-moderate alcohol consumption.
Compared to people with none or just one of the healthy lifestyle factors, the risk of Alzheimer's was 37% lower in those with two to three, and 60% lower in those with four to five healthy lifestyle factors.
The study, which was funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA), was published online June 17 in the journal Neurology.
"This observational...
15 June 2020
MONDAY, June 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Gyms are finally reopening across the United States, but your workout will not be the same.
Some chains are offering individual workouts while group classes are still on hold, post-workout showers will be done at home, the 6-foot rule is in place for gym patrons, and sanitizing your hands and equipment frequently is a must.
"Y members should expect that facilities will look and operate different than what they're used to," said Ryan O'Malley, national director of public relations at the YMCA.
"We know our members are anxious to rejoin us, but we have to do this safely and responsibly," he said.
According to data from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a trade group, nearly 61 million Americans are members of...