Small increases in sleep improve grades

Elementary school-age children who improved their sleep habits also improved in their academic performance, according to a new study.

Originally published at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160405114756.htm

Altered circadian rhythm worsens Parkinson's disease, researchers show

Chronic lack of sleep and irregular sleep-wake cycles may be risk factors of Parkinson's disease, new work suggests. In an animal model, the researchers show that disturbances in circadian rhythm that exist before Parkinson's onset dramatically worsen motor and learning deficits brought on by the disease.

Originally published at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160405093112.htm

Yes, CACTUS really is the latest superfood! Prickly plant can ease a hangover, aid weight loss and fights diabetes and heart disease, nutritionist reveals

New York City nutritionist Amy Shapiro explained cactus, the prickly desert plant, is high in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and electrolytes - and only contains 14 calories per cup.

Read the rest at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3523527/Yes-CACTUS-really-latest-superfood-Prickly-plant-ease-hangover-aid-weight-loss-fights-diabetes-heart-disease-nutritionist-reveals.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Giving toddlers antibiotics 'increases their risk of diabetes': Repeated doses before the age of 3 'disrupts good gut bacteria'

Scientists from Athens University Medical School, in Greece, revealed antibiotics reduces the amount of beneficial bacteria in a child's gut, altering nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Read the rest at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3522995/Giving-toddlers-antibiotics-increases-risk-diabetes-Repeated-doses-age-3-disrupts-good-gut-bacteria.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Pituitary insufficiency is prevalent after blast concussion in military veterans

A study in military veterans finds that explosive blast-related concussions frequently result in hormone changes leading to problems such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression and poor quality of life. The research evaluated hormone levels in 41 male veterans who had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Originally published at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160404091320.htm

Brain Health & Wellness

Find the latest on enhancing brain health, and get tips on memory improvement and stress management. Live smart and stay sharp at any age.

Source: http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/

Can you be obese but still healthy? Apparently so - if you don't have other bad habits

Over half of obese workers are 'metabolically healthy' - showing no changes which indicate a raised risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease, a study by Hospital del Mar, Spain, found.

Read the rest at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3517497/Can-obese-healthy-Apparently-don-t-bad-habits.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490