Breaking up can be hard to do, but it can also be physically painful.
Some people describe getting dumped like a "punch in the gut" and they may be closer to the truth than they thought.
Researchers have found that physical pain, like from being hit or maybe twisting an ankle, and the pain of rejection, like getting dumped, may actually "hurt" in the same way. It turns out that both of these things activate the same pain processing pathways in our brains.
Researchers used functional MRI's to examine volunteers. One group looked at pictures of their ex-partner and thought about the breakup, the other group experienced pain similar to that of picking up a hot cup of coffee. Surprisingly the same area of the brain responded in both cases. So, it seems like what most of us have felt from time to time, that rejection hurts, is actually true.
But besides simply being something interesting, this new finding gives researchers more insight into how social rejection could lead to more physical symptoms. And since some of us handle pain and or rejection better than others, it can also help us figure out how to treat both.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colon cancer affects thousands every year, but is preventable.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month and although we are at the end of the month it's still a good time to bring up some reminders about this disease, reminders that could save your life.
Every year nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer and unfortunately around 50,000 die from it. Some of these deaths could be prevented by an early diagnosis and that means screening, and in particular getting your colonoscopy.
The highest risk for colon cancer is in those older than fifty, those that smoke, are overweight and sedentary. Also, too much alcohol and red or processed meats can up your chances as well.
Your best ways to prevent colorectal cancer are to eat right and exercise regularly, quit smoking and limit alcohol to one or two drinks per day. But your other best bet is to get screened since that is the best way to detect early intestinal growths before they turn into cancer. That means for most of us the test we often joke about, the colonoscopy, starting at age 50. Again, detection is your best bet for fighting this still deadly disease.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month and although we are at the end of the month it's still a good time to bring up some reminders about this disease, reminders that could save your life.
Every year nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer and unfortunately around 50,000 die from it. Some of these deaths could be prevented by an early diagnosis and that means screening, and in particular getting your colonoscopy.
The highest risk for colon cancer is in those older than fifty, those that smoke, are overweight and sedentary. Also, too much alcohol and red or processed meats can up your chances as well.
Your best ways to prevent colorectal cancer are to eat right and exercise regularly, quit smoking and limit alcohol to one or two drinks per day. But your other best bet is to get screened since that is the best way to detect early intestinal growths before they turn into cancer. That means for most of us the test we often joke about, the colonoscopy, starting at age 50. Again, detection is your best bet for fighting this still deadly disease.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Bed Wetting
There is some new information out about bed wetting and you might be surprised to hear just who it affects the most.
Bed wetting is pretty common in young kids, but it looks like boys are twice as likely to have this issue.
A new study published in the Journal Pediatrics found that about 7 out of 100 boys have issues with bed wetting, while only 3 out of 100 girls do.
It also turns out that bed wetting can be hereditary and passed down from a family member 40% of the time. Luckily, most kids outgrow this issue as they get older and by age 15, almost all children in the study had stopped wetting their beds at night.
For younger kids still having these nighttime issues, experts recommend using a bed wetting alarm. This device has a sensor in the underwear connected to an alarm placed near the child's head or on a wristband. It goes off when bed wetting occurs and this helps children train their bladders. Basic models cost around $50. If that doesn't work, there are medicines that can help, but like all medicines they can have some side effects.
Bed wetting is pretty common in young kids, but it looks like boys are twice as likely to have this issue.
A new study published in the Journal Pediatrics found that about 7 out of 100 boys have issues with bed wetting, while only 3 out of 100 girls do.
It also turns out that bed wetting can be hereditary and passed down from a family member 40% of the time. Luckily, most kids outgrow this issue as they get older and by age 15, almost all children in the study had stopped wetting their beds at night.
For younger kids still having these nighttime issues, experts recommend using a bed wetting alarm. This device has a sensor in the underwear connected to an alarm placed near the child's head or on a wristband. It goes off when bed wetting occurs and this helps children train their bladders. Basic models cost around $50. If that doesn't work, there are medicines that can help, but like all medicines they can have some side effects.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Garden Zest For Life
Do you want a little more zest for life? Then maybe gardening is your answer.
Talk about perfect timing. We are getting close to early gardening time and since it looks like putting in a garden can help keep you healthy, you might want to think about getting into the habit.
Besides getting a bit of sunshine's vitamin D and sneaking in some exercise, it looks like gardening can also help you get some zest back into your life. A recent survey found that people aged 50 and above who gardened were more likely to have a greater outlook on life. As a matter of fact, gardeners had more overall life satisfaction and energy levels because of it. In addition, they also were planning ahead because of their gardening, with most of them agreeing with the statement "I have made plans for things I'll be doing a month or a year from now." This type of future planning helps keep depression at bay, especially as we get older and hit retirement. Plus, as an added benefit, gardeners also tended to eat more vegetables.
Talk about perfect timing. We are getting close to early gardening time and since it looks like putting in a garden can help keep you healthy, you might want to think about getting into the habit.
Besides getting a bit of sunshine's vitamin D and sneaking in some exercise, it looks like gardening can also help you get some zest back into your life. A recent survey found that people aged 50 and above who gardened were more likely to have a greater outlook on life. As a matter of fact, gardeners had more overall life satisfaction and energy levels because of it. In addition, they also were planning ahead because of their gardening, with most of them agreeing with the statement "I have made plans for things I'll be doing a month or a year from now." This type of future planning helps keep depression at bay, especially as we get older and hit retirement. Plus, as an added benefit, gardeners also tended to eat more vegetables.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Acne & Depression
Acne is more than just a teenage nuisance, it can affect their overall life.
Remember back to your teen days and how devastating pimples were, especially the ones you got right before a date? Well, they still affect today's teens and in more ways than you might think.
This might not be anything new to any teenager, but researchers have confirmed that acne, low self esteem and depression tend to go together.
Besides just being one of those "things" we all have to make it through, acne has also been linked to greater rates of anxiety and depression. And those with hard to treat acne issues also had higher suicidal thoughts.
So besides being the scourge of teen years, acne can also lead to severe emotional problems. But the good news behind this is that acne is mostly treatable. There are a variety of over the counter and prescription medications that are very effective. And luckily most of us outgrown acne in our early twenties.
But for today's teenagers and their parents remember that no matter how bad acne is it's truly in the eye of the beholder. So if your teen thinks it needs treatment than it probably does.
Remember back to your teen days and how devastating pimples were, especially the ones you got right before a date? Well, they still affect today's teens and in more ways than you might think.
This might not be anything new to any teenager, but researchers have confirmed that acne, low self esteem and depression tend to go together.
Besides just being one of those "things" we all have to make it through, acne has also been linked to greater rates of anxiety and depression. And those with hard to treat acne issues also had higher suicidal thoughts.
So besides being the scourge of teen years, acne can also lead to severe emotional problems. But the good news behind this is that acne is mostly treatable. There are a variety of over the counter and prescription medications that are very effective. And luckily most of us outgrown acne in our early twenties.
But for today's teenagers and their parents remember that no matter how bad acne is it's truly in the eye of the beholder. So if your teen thinks it needs treatment than it probably does.
Monday, March 21, 2011
How Soon After Birth Can Moms Get Pregnant
How soon can you get pregnant after giving birth. The answer may surprise you.
How about three weeks. That means if you aren't ready for another baby so soon, you should think about using birth control right after having a child, but you need to be careful with this medication as well.
Most women don't start ovulating until around six weeks after having a baby. Breastfeeding can delay that even more. But a new review just published in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that in some cases women started ovulating just three weeks after giving birth. That means they could get pregnant after just having delivered.
Experts say that means women, especially if they aren't breastfeeding, might need to start birth control sooner than they think. But they also need to be careful with this medication since combining birth control with normal post-pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of developing blood clots. This is especially true up until six weeks postpartum.
So, if you're pregnant your best bet is to talk with your doctor before you deliver to figure out if you need to start birth control soon after.
How about three weeks. That means if you aren't ready for another baby so soon, you should think about using birth control right after having a child, but you need to be careful with this medication as well.
Most women don't start ovulating until around six weeks after having a baby. Breastfeeding can delay that even more. But a new review just published in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that in some cases women started ovulating just three weeks after giving birth. That means they could get pregnant after just having delivered.
Experts say that means women, especially if they aren't breastfeeding, might need to start birth control sooner than they think. But they also need to be careful with this medication since combining birth control with normal post-pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of developing blood clots. This is especially true up until six weeks postpartum.
So, if you're pregnant your best bet is to talk with your doctor before you deliver to figure out if you need to start birth control soon after.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Postpartum Depression & Dads
Postpartum depression is something that doesn't just affect new mothers.
Turns out it also affects dads and issues with it even trickle down to the children.
Postpartum depression is known to affect some mothers after the birth of their child. But dads also get depressed. According to the findings of a new study, 7% of dads experience the same type of postpartum depression. And those fathers suffering from this also tend to spank their children more than other fathers. The concerning thing is that they more often spank children less than one-year-old, a time when they are more likely to get injured. This depression also tends to rob fathers of motivation they might otherwise have to read to their children, instead opting for less hands on time occupying activities like television or video games.
The concern from child experts is that fathers with postpartum depression are getting missed. The recommendation is that pediatricians talk with both mom and dad about this condition during child checkups so it can be more easily spotted and addressed.
Turns out it also affects dads and issues with it even trickle down to the children.
Postpartum depression is known to affect some mothers after the birth of their child. But dads also get depressed. According to the findings of a new study, 7% of dads experience the same type of postpartum depression. And those fathers suffering from this also tend to spank their children more than other fathers. The concerning thing is that they more often spank children less than one-year-old, a time when they are more likely to get injured. This depression also tends to rob fathers of motivation they might otherwise have to read to their children, instead opting for less hands on time occupying activities like television or video games.
The concern from child experts is that fathers with postpartum depression are getting missed. The recommendation is that pediatricians talk with both mom and dad about this condition during child checkups so it can be more easily spotted and addressed.
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