Life After 50 Expo

What do Americans fear?

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Chapman University recently completed its third annual Chapman University Survey of American Fears (2016). The survey asked respondents about 65 fears across a broad range of categories including fears about the government, crime, the environment, the future, technology, health, natural disasters, as well as fears of public speaking, spiders, heights, ghosts and many other personal anxieties.

In addition to the set of fears examined in previous waves, the survey team took a closer look at two fear related phenomena: Americans’ beliefs in conspiracy theories and fear of Muslims, sometimes referred to as “Islamophobia.”

In its third year, the annual Chapman University Survey of American Fears included more than 1,500 adult participants from across the nation and all walks of life. The 2016 survey data is organized into five basic categories: personal fears, conspiracy theories, terrorism, natural disasters, paranormal fears, and fear of Muslims.

The 2016 survey shows that the top 10 things Americans fear the most are:

  1. Corruption of government officials (same top fear as 2015)
  2. Terrorist attacks
  3. Not having enough money for the future
  4. Being a victim of terror
  5. Government restrictions on firearms and ammunition (new)
  6. People I love dying
  7. Economic or financial collapse
  8. Identity theft
  9. People I love becoming seriously ill
  10. The Affordable Health Care Act/”Obamacare“

High blood pressure raises risk of cognitive decline, dementia

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The risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in later life is increased for individuals with high blood pressure, especially middle-aged adults. This is the conclusion of a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in the journal Hypertension.
[A man having his blood pressure measured]
High blood pressure – especially in midlife – may raise the risk of later-life cognitive impairment.

Around 75 million adults – or 1 in 3 adults – in the United States have high blood pressure, orhypertension.

Some well-established complications of high blood pressure include stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Increasingly, researchers have uncovered strong evidence of a link between hypertension and cognitive decline.

In particular, studies have suggested high blood pressure is a risk factor for vascular cognitive impairment, or vascular dementia – defined as a decline in brain function as a result of impaired blood flow to the brain.

to continue reading click on link below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313406.php

Mindfulness meditation helps to control emotions, says study

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Anyone looking for a way to control their negative emotions might benefit from some mindfulness meditation, according to a study published in the journalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience.
[man meditating]
Studies suggest that mindfulness meditation can help to regulate the emotions.

The University of California-Berkeley define mindfulness as: “Maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.”

A Harvard Help Guide tells us that: “Above all, mindfulness practice involves accepting whatever arising in your awareness at each moment.”

Mindfulness has gained popularity in recent years. Rooted in religious practice and prayer, and especially in Buddhism, proponents claimthat it can benefit the immune system, improve attention and memory, and increase the density of gray matter in the brain.

It is said to enhance compassion, to ease relationship behaviors, to help people to overcome addiction, and to reduce stress.

to continue reading click  link below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313216.php

Stress erases benefits of eating ‘good’ fats, study says !

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By now, many of us have heard about “good” versus “bad” fats. But a new study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, suggests that stress eradicates the positive effects of choosing good fats.
[stressed woman eating]
Though opting for “good” fats is a smart health choice, researchers suggest stress cancels out the associated health benefits.

“It’s more evidence that stress matters,” says lead author Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University in Columbus.

She says their study is the first to show how stress can cancel out the benefits of eating healthier fats.

The American Heart Association (AHA) provide guidelines for consuming fats and note that dietary fats are crucial for the body’s energy and cell growth. In addition, dietary fats protect the organs and keep the body warm.

However, certain fats are better than others. Saturated and trans fats are the ones that can raise bad cholesterol levels in the body, while monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can lower bad cholesterol levels. These have been deemed the “good” fats.

to continue reading click link below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313003.php

Heartburn relief !

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There are some things that people can do to prevent and treat the symptoms of heartburn. Not all remedies work or are safe for everyone, however. It is important for people to speak with their doctor about the best remedy for them.

Simple remedies for heartburn relief include:

[gerd]
Heartburn may progress into a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
  1. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
  2. Wearing loose fitting clothing to avoid unnecessary pressure on the stomach
  3. Considering prescription medications:People with heartburn should also speak with their doctor to see if the use of prescription medications is right for them.
  4. Losing weight: People who are in need of losing weight or are obese may want to consider a diet and exercise weight loss program. Each person reacts to these changes differently, however. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider about losing weight.
  5. Raising the head of the bed: There are many ways to raise the head of the bed to allow gravity to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Placing blocks under the top bedposts, raising the bed by around 6-8 inches may work. Foam wedges can also be placed between the mattress and box spring to raise the angle of the head of the bed. Pillows are not effective in reducing heartburn symptoms.
  6. Trying over-the-counter medications: People with heartburn should speak with their doctor about over-the-counter medications to relieve their symptoms. They may be recommended to try antacids, acid reducers like famotidine or ranitidine, or acid blockers such as lansoprazole and omeprazole.
  7. Using herbal preparations: The use of certain herbal preparations may also be useful. The Mayo Clinic report that licorice, slippery elm, chamomile, or marshmallow could help in treating the symptoms of GERD. It is important for people to speak with their doctor about potential side effects and drug interactions before starting any herbal supplements.
  8. Trying acupuncture: Although there is limited evidence to support its use, acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of heartburn in some people.
  9. Relaxing: Stress and tension can wreak havoc on the body. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation could provide the body with calming relief to some symptoms.
  10. Making some simple diet changes: There are certain dietary triggers that can affect the presence and severity of heartburn. People should try avoiding spicy or greasy foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks likecoffee, tomato products, garlic, peppermint, alcohol, and fizzy drinks.

People should sit upright for 3 or more hours after a meal to reduce heartburn symptoms. People should also eat smaller meals and avoid meals in the 2-3 hours before sleep.

for complete article click below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312854.php