Credit: iStock/ibusca Mississippi has had its moments in the spotlight: the 2022 water crisis, political scandals and its continued thread of racism. Despite the grim persona the state often reflects at the national level, Mississippi has several opportunities that could help it overcome this negative identity. As a biased Alabamian-turned-Mississippian, I tend to see Mississippi … Continue reading Mississippi’s Heart Beats for the Jackson Heart Study
Cardiovascular System
Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Credit: iStock/FangXiaNuo Playgrounds, red balloons, lollipops, sandcastles on the beach and jump ropes are just some of the images that come to mind when you think of a happy childhood. Many people grow up with curiosity, play and the building of foundational memories that shape who they become. From learning to ride a bike to … Continue reading Ripples in Childhood, Waves in Adulthood: Early Childhood Stress and Your Health
Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
Credit: iStock/baona We have all heard that drinking enough water is good for our health, but we don’t often hear about the benefits of being in a “blue space” near water. Can you get a boost in wellness simply by being close to a body of water? Blue spaces are outdoor areas with water such … Continue reading Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water
What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?
Credit: iStock/bymuratdeniz Lightheadedness, nausea, ringing ears, blurred vision. Suddenly you lose consciousness and wake up on the ground. These are your “mayday” signals when vasovagal syncope attacks. Vasovagal syncope, also known as vasodepressor syncope, is the most common cause of fainting. It can be triggered by various situations, including dehydration, extreme heat or standing for … Continue reading What Are the Mayday Signs of a Vasovagal Syncope Attack?
How Does the Heart Adapt during Pregnancy?
Credit: iStock/Onfokus When someone is pregnant, the body goes through many changes, and these can vary from person to person. Common experiences include morning sickness, swelling in the legs and feet, a faster heartbeat and increased fatigue. These changes are mainly due to the hormonal shifts and changes in the heart and blood vessels during … Continue reading How Does the Heart Adapt during Pregnancy?
Spotlight On: Coronary Artery Disease
Credit: iStock/Michail_Petrov-96 Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. CAD affects 1 in 20 adults. When the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients (called coronary arteries) become narrowed or obstructed over time, this is referred to as coronary artery disease. The narrowing of vessels is … Continue reading Spotlight On: Coronary Artery Disease
High Hopes for Marijuana Research
Credit: iStock Marijuana legalization has been a controversial topic among the public, health care professionals and policymakers for decades due to the federal government’s classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug. The categorization—defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”—places marijuana … Continue reading High Hopes for Marijuana Research
Physiology Continues to Help You Protect Your Health
American Physiology Summit attendees attend the poster reception in April 2023. Scientists who study physiology are gathering in Long Beach, California, this week for the 2024 American Physiology Summit—a conference dedicated to sharing discoveries on the cutting-edge of bioscience. Studies highlighted at the Summit span from racial differences in small artery disease in prostate cancer … Continue reading Physiology Continues to Help You Protect Your Health
Are You at Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Credit: iStock Peripheral arterial disease, also called peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease that affects the blood vessels in the limbs. Roughly 6.5 million people age 40 and older in the U.S. have PAD. This number is expected to increase due to the number of people with diabetes, which is a major risk factor … Continue reading Are You at Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Spotlight On: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
Credit: iStock Atherosclerosis, a disease that affects the large vessels of the body and typically progresses over time, is one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke. It begins with the development of fatty streaks in the blood vessels, which can start forming as early as childhood. Compounds that cause inflammation (including cholesterol … Continue reading Spotlight On: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol