No one knows for sure, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 13 and 20 percent of youth ages 3 to 17 experience a mental health problem each year. This includes diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders and Tourette syndrome. [Read more…]
What’s the Best Way to Treat Mental Health Problems in Kids?
April 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment
What Do We Really Know About Mindfulness?
April 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The concept of mindfulness is in the media constantly. We’ve written about it several times on the Evidence-based Living blog. Many people see meditation as a magic bullet that can reduce pain, relieve depression, and sharpen our focus. [Read more…]
Are Nutrition Labels an Effective Weapon Against Obesity?
March 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Millions of Americans make goals to lose weight every year. Diet books, weight-loss apps, and meal supplements abound. But research shows changing our environments may have a more significant influence on our food choices, and ultimately our health. [Read more…]
Boost Your Health With a Pet
March 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The saying “a dog is a man’s best friend” originated hundreds of years ago, but its sentiment continues today. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, with dogs and cats being the most popular. [Read more…]
New Evidence Finds Vitamins Are Often Unnecessary
February 20, 2018 By 1 Comment
Americans spend more than $36 billion a year on vitamins and nutritional supplements – all in the hopes for leading healthier lives. More than half of Americans take at least one vitamin a day, and millions take more than that. But do vitamins actually improve your health? [Read more…]
Meditation Does Not Make You a Better Person
February 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Many people think of meditation as a magic bullet that can improve our health, sharpen our focus, and make us better people overall.
But in reality, the evidence on meditation is mixed. According to reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration, there is little evidence that mindfulness can help improve health problems such as fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, and neck pain. There are some credible data that demonstrate meditation can improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease. And research on brain function shows that meditation can reduce feelings of pain. [Read more…]
New Evidence Links Sugary Drinks and Obesity
February 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
You have, no doubt, heard the statistics about obesity in the U.S: Nearly forty percent of adults and nineteen percent of youth are obese, the highest rate the country has ever seen, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics. We hear all sorts of reasons why people gain weight such as too many sugary drinks, not enough physical activity, and a lack of access to healthy foods. [Read more…]
Sexual Harassment Training Is Largely Ineffective
January 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
More than 40 politicians, actors, news journalists and high-profile managers have stepped down from their posts in recent weeks after being accused of sexual harassment. [Read more…]
What We Do and Do Not Know About Phones and Driving
December 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Many people will soon travel to visit family and friends to celebrate the holidays, and car travel is the most popular transportation option. But the evidence shows it’s becoming more dangerous. [Read more…]
Giving Is Good For You!
November 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment
If you head out shopping this weekend, you will likely see an iconic bell ringer, standing next to a basket or bucket to collect donations for a local charity.
On the whole, it’s a popular time of year for charitable donations. Some people make donations for tax purposes before the end of the calendar year. Others incorporate giving into Christmas traditions, or make an effort to spread some holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate. [Read more…]
How To Beat The Common Cold
November 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
The season has arrived for running noses, sore throats and hacking coughs.
While typically not a life-threatening illness, the common cold is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and a leading cause of doctor visits and absenteeism from school and work. Beyond that, having a cold is just plain uncomfortable. So what does the evidence say about preventing and treating colds? [Read more…]
Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Unnecessary?
August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
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…]
