The Health & Wellness section is dedicated to providing new, rapidly developing information about how to keep happy and healthy!
Specifically, these articles focus on healthy eating and exercise as well as tips on how to avoid stress and maintain mental health.
Specifically, these articles focus on healthy eating and exercise as well as tips on how to avoid stress and maintain mental health.
Obesity: It's Not Just What You Eat, But When You EatJessica Lutz, January 6 2021
According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide obesity rate has almost tripled since 1975. Global data from 2016 showed that 39% of adults were overweight and 13% were obese, meaning that over 1 in 10 adults in the world is obese. In the United States, however, over 1 in 3 adults is obese, a value much greater than the global rate. Obesity can increase the risk of having other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, some of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although it is already well understood how diet and exercise contribute to fat accumulation, recent research indicates that the timing of meals also plays a significant role in obesity.
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Body Dysmorphia During the COVID-19 PandemicEmma Raffman, January 6 2021
As of early January 2021, over 86 million people have been infected with COVID-19 and nearly 2 million people have died from the disease. While measures undertaken by countries around the world have been critical to effectively addressing the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no question that they have also disrupted everyday life and caused additional stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this poses another health issue in the midst of the pandemic. Prior studies have shown that stress and anxiety have been significantly correlated with feelings of body dysmorphia, or body dissatisfaction, which may be heightened in the COVID-19 era.
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Beyond Pharmaceuticals: Green Therapy in an Urban WorldAlondra Prado, January 6 2021
In the United States, the leading cause of disability is neuropsychiatric disorders, surpassing even cardiovascular and circulatory diseases. Of these neuropsychiatric disorders, depression and anxiety are the most prevalent, affecting about 264 million and 284 million individuals worldwide respectively. When treating these disorders, there are several well-established options available, including psychotherapy, counseling, and pharmaceutical prescriptions. Beyond these treatments, green therapy—using nature as a means of therapy—is emerging as a technique to help manage common mental disorders (CMDs).
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How Social Belonging Affects Mental Health in College StudentsLily Kiamanesh, January 6 2021
It is common knowledge that college students face not only challenges like continual assignments and exams, but also a range of mental health problems. In 2019, the American College Health Association surveyed almost 68,0000 undergraduate students and found that 25.5% experienced severe depression and 43.6% felt overwhelming anxiety within the month prior to being surveyed, compared to 15.8% and 30.9% respectively in 2008 of students. With these significant increases, researchers are looking toward factors that contribute to psychological well-being. One major indicator is the sense of social belonging that students feel within their communities.
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Intuitive Eating: Dismantling the Diet MentalityRobin Fong, January 6 2021
What’s a quick way to lose weight? Dieting is often the default answer to this question. But calorie counting, calculating macronutrient intake, restricting what and when one eats, and depriving the body of what it craves can lead an individual to feel…lost. Studies have shown that dieting is also a risk factor for detrimental psychological health outcomes, so recent research has investigated alternatives to dieting. One such alternative, intuitive eating (IE), is a mind-body approach to eating that is based on listening to hunger and focuses on building a positive relationship between the body and food.
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Do Dietary Supplements Really Improve Well-Being?Mikayla Kwok, January 6 2021
With the appeal of being quick, supposedly harmless, and potentially lifespan-extending, dietary supplements have been widely integrated into the American lifestyle in recent years. From the rise of gummy vitamins for children to the many promotions for the latest energy bars, it is no surprise that as of 2019, the consumption of these supplements has reached an all-time high: 77% of Americans are taking dietary supplements. While the market for these products has certainly boomed, researchers are still not convinced that they are as effective as they are marketed to be.
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The Correlation Between Self-Esteem and Feelings of GratitudeYun Su Choi, January 6 2021
At first glance, power and gratitude may seem like two very different qualities that would be unlikely to belong together. However, contrary to previous research that indicated powerful individuals feel the least gratitude, a recent study found that people with more power are more likely to experience gratitude. In the context of this study, power was defined as one’s perceived control of different aspects of life, such as wealth or status. In designing their experiments, the researchers predicted that the key to a potential relationship between power and gratitude would be rooted in one’s self-esteem.
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COVID-19’s Impact on the Psychological Well-Being of College StudentsShannon Huang, January 6 2021
On December 31, 2019, a series of pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, China. While the cause of these cases was unknown, the symptoms of the illness were strikingly similar to those caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), coining the new virus’s name: SARS-CoV-2. This virus is responsible for causing coronavirus disease, or COVID-19 for short. Transmission of this illness has continued to climb, and while the threat of COVID-19 to physical health is undeniable, the pandemic’s impact on mental health remains uncertain.
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The Role of Television in Defining BeautyEmma Raffman, July 14 2020
In 2011, the Nielsen Company reported that approximately 96.7% of American households own a television. Whether these households choose to watch the news, sitcoms, or thrillers, it is likely that the female anchors, comedians, and actresses who pop up on their screens are the pinnacle of Western female beauty standards. While exceptions exist, the media selects for the most attractive women. In Western society, this traditionally includes women with slim waists and large hips and breasts.
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Abortion Reversals: Is Abortion Truly Permanent?Pearl Doan, July 14 2020
Abortion, or the termination of a pregnancy, is considered a very set-in-stone idea: once an abortion is performed, there is no going back. Typically, most abortions are done in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and in this early period, these abortions are performed using two different medications and are split up into two different phases. For the first phase, women consume mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy.
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The Hidden Risks of SnackingNoor Chahal, July 14 2020
The diet in the United States and other developed countries has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. This shift can be attributed mainly to the widespread prevalence and availability of processed foods. A food can be labeled as “processed” if it has been altered in any way during its preparation. Although some foods require processing in order for them to be safe for human consumption, many processed foods also contain high amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and sugars.
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You Are Never Too Old for a Positive Lifestyle Change!Ananta Wadhwa, July 14 2020
There is a common misconception that the choices made as a teenager or young adult will greatly impact a person’s health later on in life. Oftentimes, older adults will resign themselves to their habits, whether helpful or hurtful to their health, and let life run its course. This phenomenon is especially characteristic of women who are extremely busy and put their health “on hold” for the sake of their families, work, and education.
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Salt on the Wound for the Immune SystemEmily Zheng, July 14 2020
The standard American diet not only contains a high amount of fat and carbohydrates but also a considerable amount of salt. Table salt is a common seasoning made of a sodium ion and a chloride ion and is often simply referred to as sodium in terms of nutrition. Sodium is a necessary nutrient in a healthy diet, but if consumed in high amounts, it can have negative effects on the human body.
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Prioritizing the Psychological Well-Being of College StudentsShannon Huang, July 14 2020
The emergence of mental disorders mostly develops during the middle-to-late adolescent periods of a person’s life. More specifically, the onset of many disorders can develop during the four years in one’s college career. A survey conducted by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors from 2011 to 2012 found that anxiety was the predominant concern among college students at around 41.6%, and depression was the second most common at 36.4%.
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Milk and Aging: Why Milk Fat Percentage MattersNoor Chahal, April 8 2020
Milk has become a controversial topic in conversations about health and wellbeing. On one hand, milk is a good source for vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. These vitamins and minerals, along with others, help promote the health of the heart, the brain, and the bones. Despite these benefits, it is important to note that not all milk is created equal.
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The Power of Gratitude in Coping with Negative EmotionsLucy Jiayuan Xu, April 8 2020
Gratitude may be defined as an expressed state or emotion of thankfulness for the provisions that help us to succeed in life, such as kind acts toward us, basic sustenance, and the experience of connecting with others. Past research has shown that individuals who regularly reflect on grateful feelings may be able to cultivate increased levels of happiness and well-being, as well as to engage more profoundly with the environment and those around them.
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Would it Really Make a Difference if I Quit Smoking Now?Arina Nisanova, April 8 2020
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Cigarette smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, particularly due to how it harms nearly every single organ system and causes diseases such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. A single puff of cigarette smoke delivers more than 60 carcinogens, substances that cause cancer, into a human’s body.
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Social Media and Psyche: Effects of Social Media on Mental HealthEmma Raffman, April 8 2020
One major factor that has arisen in recent years as a leading contributor to high rates of depression, stress, and suicide among teenagers is social media. In 2018, the Pew Research Center reported that 97% of all adolescents use at least one of the current major social media platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit.
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The Anxiety of Losing SleepRussell Nakasone, April 8 2020
Sleep is the most vital activity in one’s life. In fact, the average time spent sleeping is approximately one-third of the average human lifespan. While long-standing research suggests that chronic sleep deprivation leads to health issues such as hypertension, heart attack and stroke, weight gain, diabetes, impaired brain function, memory loss, and immune system deficiency, a new link to anxiety has also been found.
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Is Blue Light Accelerating Your Aging?Noor Chahal, Jan 5 2020
I It seems like everywhere, there are people glued to some type of screen. Needless to say, an increased usage of digital technologies have led individuals to become more exposed to artificial light. Artificial light is any light source that is produced by electrical means. This can include the LEDs that light up a home, the TV, and even the device this article is being read on. But what’s the big deal about artificial light?
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Rethinking the Alzheimer’s DiagnosisShannon Huang, Jan 5 2020
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive disorder that causes dementia symptoms to worsen over time and brain cells to degenerate and eventually die. In its early stages, Alzheimer's patients experience mild memory loss and a decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills, leading to a completely dependent lifestyle. Later stages involve severe memory impairment, including the inability to carry out a conversation and other everyday tasks.
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Losing Weight: Why Fads may not be your Friend
Emma Raffman, Jan 5 2020
Advice rings out: “fast for a week”, “limit your eating window to six hours per day”, “stop eating two hours before going to bed”. It can often be overwhelming when everyone has a different opinion on how to schedule eating in order to lose weight. Luckily, research has simplified the decision to a simple equation of calories in versus calories out.
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Can Social Media Cause Depression?Kyle Wu, Jan 5 2020
The term “social media” refers to any app or website where one interacts with other people; popular examples being Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, blogs, or virtual worlds like Second Life. Maintaining an online presence demands large amounts of attention and visibility, possibly creating a harmful self-view and unrealistic substitute for face-to-face interaction. Yet, these platforms are very popular: they connect diverse peoples, build relationships across vast distances, and provide accessible entertainment.
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The Health Benefits of Owning a DogLucy Jiayuan Xu, Jan 5 2020
Dogs have certainly earned the title of a man’s best friend, as research shows that petting them releases a third hormone called oxytocin, which is responsible for building trust. Oxytocin has mutual benefits on mental and physical health, as it not only creates a bonding experience, but it also reduces blood pressure and strengthens immunity.
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A Green-Colored Approach to Stress ReliefRussell Nakasone, Jan 5 2020
Although stress may seem like an inevitable health issue, a recent study has looked into a new way to relieve stress and make it more manageable through consumption of a popular Asian beverage: green tea. In a pilot study conducted by the University of Shizuoka, researchers were prompted to explore green tea as a possible form of stress relief because of one major ingredient naturally found in green tea: Theanine.
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Lack of Sleep Increases Risk of Cardiovascular DiseaseOlivia Zhou, Jan 5 2020
In an increasingly industrialized world, sleep deprivation is rising at an alarming rate. Work, school, stress, electronics, certain medications, and sleeping disorders can all contribute to lack of sleep. Commonly known signs of a bad night’s sleep, unsurprisingly, include tiredness, moodiness, irritability, forgetfulness, and reduced cognitive abilities.
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Stressed About Stress: Effects of Childhood and Adult StressorsJane Burgan, July 16 2019
Oftentimes, stress is portrayed as something that only appears in teenagers, young adults, and adults. However, researchers have shown that young children can also experience stress at critical developmental periods. The effects of childhood stress can last well into adulthood, and they can combine with ongoing stressors to further exacerbate adult mental health.
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How Stress-Related Disorders Can Contribute to Cardiovascular DiseaseLekha Yaramada, July 16 2019
Depression and anxiety are two common symptoms that often present themselves to those who are diagnosed with stress-related disorders. Other common symptoms include feeling aggressive, restless, discontent, angry, numb, or disconnected from others. Although it is widely known that stress-related disorders can cause a variety of mental states, new research shows that these disorders are directly linked to physical diseases as well.
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Are You Overfeeding Your Children?Abhishek Parthiban, July 16 2019
Parents and guardians of young children may be under the notion that young ones will stop eating when they feel full. In fact, it has long been thought by researchers that young children can feel how many calories they need from food and will adjust their eating habits accordingly, a process referred to as self-regulation. However, this does not mean that it is okay for parents to put large amounts of food on the plate for children and assume the child will stop eating when he or she feels full.
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Sun’s Out, Screen UpEmma Raffman, July 16 2019
Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a major cause of skin cancer since these potent rays damage human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the genetic material which helps comprise all living things. When DNA becomes damaged, human cells, in this case skin cells, can divide uncontrollably and lead to the onset of cancer. Sunscreen with SPF, or sun protection factor, which ranges from values of 15 to 90 has the capability to diminish many of the negative effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
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Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Chronic PainLucy Xu, July 16 2019
Acupuncture is a form of treatment derived from Eastern medicine that safely integrates the use of gentle needle-insertion to alleviate chronic pain and other ailing health symptoms, such as those of high blood pressure, migraines, and stress. In accordance with the underlying Chinese principle of Yin and Yang—the idea that everything coexists in complementary forces--the practice of acupuncture postulates that health issues arise from imbalanced elemental pressures experienced throughout one’s life.
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Do Certain Behaviors Negatively Affect Mental Health?Anthony Wong, July 16 2019
For many people, struggles with mental health are common and pervasive issues. Conditions like depression and anxiety are known to have detrimental effects on one’s social life, but most people are unaware that it can also wreak havoc on a physiological level, with implications that include nausea, chronic inflammation, and potentially even immune system disorders. This is especially true for an often overlooked segment of the population - college students.
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The Effects of Gardening and Its Positive Health OutcomesDaisy Yan, July 16 2019
The extensive issue of socioeconomic barriers preventing many people access to healthy foods may have an unexpected solution: gardening. When it comes to gardening, there is an abundance of plants that can be grown and cultivated, many of which are fruits and vegetables. There is no limit to the scale of gardening that an individual can take on, and according to recent research done by the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand and the University of Glasgow, habitual gardening may positively impact one’s health.
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Nutrition and Exercise: Finding the Fountain of YouthEmma Raffman, Apr 1 2019
Television screens across the country are filled with advertisements touting the benefits of plastic surgery or anti-aging serums. Frantic to hide their wrinkles or loose skin, people are increasingly on the hunt for the magical product to serve as their fountain of eternal youth. However, research is finding that this magic product turns out to be a nutritious diet and adequate exercise.
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New Year, More Fitness?Emily Ortiz, Apr 1 2019
As the year of 2019 begins to unfold, it is common to notice family, neighbors, friends, and peers around us start the year off with new goals and mindsets. One of the most common new year's resolutions is increasing or taking part in physical activity. However, according to U.S. News and World Report Health, nearly 80% of people fail to follow through with their goal. Now, research is showing that those who continue to neglect physical activity are missing out on many health benefits.
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The Effects of Mental Health on Cardiovascular DiseaseLaila Khorasani, Apr 1 2019
The relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been well studied in recent years. In fact, patients in the aftermath of heart attack and stroke events often experience depression and high stress levels. While this connection between mental health and CVD seems clear, many people are not aware of how positive psychological health can promote a healthy heart. This article will review three ways in which psychological wellbeing can improve heart conditions and how one can take active steps to become heart healthy.
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Detecting Hidden Depression and Anxiety in ChildrenJane Burgan, Apr 1 2019
In the past few years, anxiety and depression have become increasingly prevalent disorders in the U.S. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America in 2018, anxiety affects 18.1% of the U.S. adult population with depression following at a close 15%. Depression and anxiety can lead to a poor quality of life and place adults at a greater risk for other health problems, such as substance abuse and heart disease. Although it is important to treat adults for these disorders, researchers have also started to focus on studies that examine these disorders in young children under the age of 12.
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The Cognitive and Psychological Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness MeditationRyan Cerny, Apr 1 2019
Mindfulness meditation encompasses a variety of practices that promote an elevated state of focus and awareness on the thoughts and sensations in the present moment. This includes sitting in a comfortable position, relaxing the muscles, breathing slower, and focusing on the body’s sensations. While traditional meditation has been practiced as a religious ritual, mindfulness meditation serves as a psychological therapy with the intent of improving one’s mental and emotional well-being.
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Why Practicing Tai Chi Can Benefit Your Body HolisticallyDaisy Yan, Apr 1 2019
Tai chi, also known as tai ji quan, is an ancient Chinese exercise that incorporates martial arts, slow motions, and a strong focus. It is a practice that extends beyond just physical technique; it also values philosophical and spiritual teachings, such as the concept of yin and yang. Despite the notion of this practice as an activity only done by elderly people at the local park, there is more to this exercise than being just a past time of the retired.
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