Do Concealed Weapons Keep People Safer?

Today, all 50 U.S. states allow residents to carry concealed weapons in public, and eight states extend this right without requiring a special permit.

Laws allowing people to carry concealed weapons in public places (often called right-to-carry or RTC laws) were passed over the past several decades as gun advocates argued that they would promote safety. The perspective is based on the premise that everyday citizens who carry handguns will be able to fight back against armed criminals. [Read more…]

Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Unnecessary?

Some 2 million people undergo arthroscopic knee surgery each year.  The procedure involves making slits in the skin around the knee joint, and then using a tiny camera and surgical instruments to repair damage to the knee joint – usually tears in the knee cartilage. [Read more…]

The Summer Slump: Do Kids Backslide During Summer Vacation?

Kids across the nation are well into summer days of swimming, day camps and – in many cases – extra time in front of TVs. For most children, this also means less time engaged in educational pursuits like reading, math and problem solving. [Read more…]

The evolving evidence on obesity in children

You have, no doubt, heard the statistics about youth and obesity: Approximately 12 million American youth are obese; that is 17 percent of people ages 2 to19. Youth who are obese are more likely to live in low-income neighborhoods, and are more likely to be black, Hispanic, or native American.  And we hear all sorts of reasons why young people gain weight such as too may sugary drinks, less physical activity and a lack of access to healthy foods.

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What we know about gratitude and giving back

There is no question that gratitude is good for you. There is significant scientific literature showing that people who feel gratitude are less likely to be depressed and worried, and more likely to feel satisfied with their lives. [Read more…]

Playing To Win: Should Youth Specialize in Sports?

If you spend any time at a baseball field during this season, you’ll pick up on all sorts of philosophies about kids and sports.

There are the laid back parents who don’t mind that their kid is picking dandelions in the outfield. There are the intense parents who are watching their kids’ every move and critiquing their play. There are coaches working to instill the values of hard work and sportsmanship, and those who are out there simply to win. [Read more…]

Can You Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease with Diet and Exercise?

An estimated 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2020 that number could reach 16 million. More people die from Alzheimer’s disease than from breast and prostate cancer combined. [Read more…]

The Evolving Evidence on Chiropractors for Low Back Pain

The majority of people experience low back pain at some point during their lives—and it can be a miserable experience. Research shows that low back pain is the most common cause of missed work days. [Read more…]

Coffee and Health: What’s The Verdict?

CC0 Public DomainDo you start your day with a warm cuppa joe? Most Americans do. More than 80 percent of U.S. adults drink coffee every day. And the average person drinks just over two cups each day. That’s a lot of coffee! While most people think it tastes delicious and provides an energy boost, is it good for us? [Read more…]

What’s the Best Way to Help Low-Income Mothers?

Robyn Wishna / Cornell Marketing Group

For 40 years, an intervention program called the Nurse-Family Partnership has been sending public health nurses to visit first-time, low-income mothers to encourage healthy behaviors and offer advice on child development. [Read more…]

What Motivates Us and Why

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Much of society today is focused on striving – for better grades, a raise or promotion, fitness achievements and more. Teachers, business managers and even community leaders are looking for ways to motivate people. [Read more…]

What We Know About Aging and Pain

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Do you think that growing older involves experiencing more pain?  You’re right.

Research shows that older adults experience more frequent pain compared to their younger counterparts, and they are less likely to receive treatment for that pain. A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shows that approximately 50 million older adults experience significant or chronic pain every year – a result of stiff, aging joints, diseases such as cancer, injuries and surgeries. And a significant number – up to 40 percent – don’t receive adequate treatment for their pain. [Read more…]

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