It turns out that along with all of the many benefits of consuming omega-3 fats, new research shows that it can help you live longer too.
Cardiologists from the University of California, San Francisco, and other hospitals measured telomere length over five years in 608 patients who had coronary-artery blockage and previous heart attacks. Researchers found that people with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their white blood cells experienced significantly less shortening of telomeres over five years, as compared with patients with lower omega-3 levels.
Telomeres are the part of your …

Think again about keeping little ones so squeaky clean
Research suggests that everyday germs may prevent diseases in adulthood
EVANSTON, Ill. — A new Northwestern University study suggests that American parents should ease up on antibacterial soap and perhaps allow their little ones a romp or two in the mud — or at least a much better acquaintance with everyday germs.
The study is the first to look at how microbial exposures early in life affect inflammatory processes related to diseases associated with aging in adulthood.
Most provocatively, the Northwestern study suggests that exposure …

How Bad Feelings Can Harm Your Health
Studies show impact of apathy, hopelessness on cardiovascular disease
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthDay News) — A depressed emotional state — feelings of hopelessness and apathy — could have a direct effect on your physical health, new research indicates.
A study of stroke survivors found a slower rate of recovery among those experiencing apathy, caring little about themselves and the world around them. And a study of healthy middle-aged women found an association between hopelessness and unexpected thickening of the carotid artery, the …

Passionate engagement in a creative project leads to real health. 
MANHATTAN, Kan., Aug. 26 (UPI) — Employees who are invigorated and dedicated at work carry over their positive work experiences for a happier home life, U.S. researchers say.
Clive Fullagar, a professor of psychology, Satoris Culbertson, assistant professor of psychology, and Maura Mills, a graduate student in psychology — all of Kansas State University in Manhattan — tracked 67 extension agents for two-weeks.
The participants responded to two daily surveys, one at the end of their workday and the other immediately before …

Believe it or not these 4 factors have a huge impact on whether or not  you will have the most common deadly chronic diseases: Never smoking, having a body mass index lower than 30 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), performing 3.5 h/wk or more of physical activity, and adhering to healthy dietary principles (high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread and low meat consumption).  A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (2009;169(15):1355-1362).  Adhering to 4 simple healthy lifestyle factors can have …

The experience of wellness is a marker of the degree to which one is engaged in their life creatively expressed.  All disease and dysfunction physically begins first as lack of full expression in some arena of life.  It is a backward perception that having energy and passion for life follows having more physical energy and physical health and well-being.  In fact the order is just the opposite, passionate engagement in life and creative projects begets high energy and mental clarity begets good health and long life.
The cells in the human …

These days there has been a lot of attention placed on aging and along with that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Emerging research has shown that the simple act of reading, playing crossword puzzles, or doing crafts can decrease your chances of mental decline as you age.  Some neuro-scientists have taken this a step further and have been developing specific, targeted exercises to not only stave off dementia, but to also improve mental sharpness, memory, attention, processing speed and cognitive control (decision making and planning).  I don’t know about you, but …