Bridging the gap between research and real life
In addition to traditional benefits, such as health care coverage and 401(k) plans, employers across the globe are increasingly offering programs designed to boost employees’ mental health—free massages, mindfulness classes, online wellness apps, and more. [Read more…]
Nearly 42 percent of adults in the U.S. are considered obese, up from 30 percent in 2000.
Obesity is linked to many health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, and sleep problems. A body of research also demonstrates a link between obesity and socioeconomic status; in particular, people who are overweight tend to earn less money.
As we head into Thanksgiving week—filled with roasted turkeys, football games, and family gatherings—it’s important to remember the sentiment that goes along with the season: gratitude.
Researchers long ago established that gratitude promotes well-being. While we may feel thankful for something specific, like a gift or a meal, a broader outlook of gratitude—the mindset of noticing and appreciating the positives in your life—is proven to protect people from psychological distress. [Read more…]
Work is a major component of most people’s lives. On average, Americans spend 41 hours working outside the home each week, according to the International Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. [Read more…]
More than 125,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 – more than at any other point during the pandemic. Most of these patients are seriously ill, with low oxygen levels and potential organ failure. Most need constant monitoring and many need a ventilator because they are not able to breathe. [Read more…]
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…]
The other day, a friend who is nearing retirement age stopped me in the gym locker room. “I want to know what the evidence says,” she told me. “Is retirement going to be good for me?” [Read more…]
If you pay any attention to news stories about health and wellness, you’ve likely read or heard that sitting for long periods of time can harm your health.
There is evidence to suggest that sitting for hours at a time leads to a host of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, bone and joint problems, poor posture, weak muscles and even some types of cancer. [Read more…]
The founders of our nation set out to create a place where people could build a life for themselves. Their original idea was that U.S. citizens would be free to pursue happiness and prosperity. But more than 200 years later, a body of evidence shows the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. [Read more…]
For a few decades now, major employers across the United States have focused on providing wellness programs that encourage employees to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as nutritional eating, exercise and smoking cessation. This is based on the premise that a healthy workforce will be more productive, and ultimately will help reduce health insurance costs. [Read more…]
I have certainly had times in my life where, at the end of the work day, all I wanted to do was have a few glasses of wine to help me relax. For some people, the ritual of having a drink or two after work becomes a habit that’s hard to break. A systematic review published recently finds that this sort of habit can lead to unhealthy behaviors. [Read more…]
The cold and snowy winter has inspired my family to take a last-minute, warm-weather vacation. The idea of escaping frigid temperatures to lounge in the sunshine seems like it will lift our spirits. But now that our plane tickets are booked, I’m wondering what the evidence says. [Read more…]
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