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
Chronic Disease
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?
Unlocking the Mystery of Pediatric Osteosarcoma
Credit: iStock July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. One important topic related to this awareness month (and something that scientists often find fascinating!) is pediatric osteosarcoma. That might sound like a mouthful, but we’ll break it down together. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It’s like an unwelcome guest that decides to … Continue reading Unlocking the Mystery of Pediatric Osteosarcoma
Spotlight On: Epigenetics
Credit: iStock/DariaRen For many years scientists tried to understand how a fertilized egg develops into a multicellular organism with specialized cells. Even though cells in our body share the same set of genes, some cells have “learned” how to perform special functions. Our muscle cells somehow fill themselves with muscle proteins called myosin and actin … Continue reading Spotlight On: Epigenetics
How Does Eating and Exercising at the Right Time Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease?
Karyn Esser, PhD, presents her research at the 2024 American Physiology Summit. Credit: American Physiological Society The role of the biological clock (circadian rhythm) on human health and disease was covered in depth at the 2023 American Physiology Summit. Learning about how the body’s clock works with other organs is a topic scientists are continually … Continue reading How Does Eating and Exercising at the Right Time Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease?
Exercise and Healthspan Go Hand in Hand
Conference attendees listen intently at a 2024 American Physiology Summit session. “Healthspan” is a new buzzword recently added to our vocabulary. It reflects the length of time we stay healthy rather than simply being alive. While the average lifespan in the U.S. is around 79 years, the average healthspan (the age at which someone develops … Continue reading Exercise and Healthspan Go Hand in Hand
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
Celebrating the Role of Kidneys in Health and Wellness
Credit: iStock March is National Kidney Month. While you may not think about your kidneys on a daily basis, these organs are working around the clock to keep you healthy, hydrated and free of toxins. A wide variety of factors can affect kidney function, including heat stress and water pollution. However, the kidneys have an … Continue reading Celebrating the Role of Kidneys in Health and Wellness
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?