Credit: iStock Did you know that some data suggest physical inactivity increases your risk of dying from any cause more than smoking? Although this argument is still debated, in theory, you could go for a run and have a cigarette and be less likely to die than someone who does neither (you still shouldn’t smoke). … Continue reading Physical Inactivity: We Got To Move It, Move It
Heart Health
Thinking about Spring
Credit: iStock According to the calendar, it’s spring—and depending on where you live, the trees may already be blooming as the temperatures begin to climb. If you live in a colder climate, don’t worry, your time will come for warmer days and balmy evenings. “What does spring have to do with physiology?” you may ask. … Continue reading Thinking about Spring
A New Way to ‘Beet’ High Blood Pressure
Credit: iStock Beets may not be the most popular vegetable, but they can’t be “beet” for good health. Beets are rich in nitrate—a compound found naturally in plants that can lower your blood pressure. A recent study in rats found that beetroot juice prevented the blood pressure-raising effects of eating too much salt. This research … Continue reading A New Way to ‘Beet’ High Blood Pressure
Why ‘Springing Forward’ Isn’t Good for Your Heart
Credit: iStock Ahh, spring is in the air again! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and warmer weather has finally arrived—at least in some parts of the country. However, likely everyone’s least favorite phrase associated with this time of year is: “spring forward!” That’s right, with springtime comes our annual ritual of turning … Continue reading Why ‘Springing Forward’ Isn’t Good for Your Heart
Holiday Time: Not So Good for the Heart
Credit: iStock With the holiday season coming up, you may be rejoicing about much-needed time off from school or work. For many of us, the winter holidays mean great food and an opportunity to see friends and family. For many researchers, however, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day represents a spike in cardiac … Continue reading Holiday Time: Not So Good for the Heart
Decreasing Your Risk of Heart Disease: Wine Not!?
Credit: iStock There are few things I enjoy more than having a nice glass of red wine and cuddling with my dog, Bowie, after a long workday. You may have heard that red wine may be protective against heart disease, and if you’re like me, maybe use this as an excuse to have a glass … Continue reading Decreasing Your Risk of Heart Disease: Wine Not!?
Healing the Physical and Metaphorical Heart
Credit: iStock Scientists who study physiology and in other biomedical research fields—including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology—network, collaborate and communicate about the latest research at the American Physiological Society (APS) annual meeting at Experimental Biology (EB). This week’s post explores how exercise can improve health in people who have experienced traumatic childhood experiences. We know from published research … Continue reading Healing the Physical and Metaphorical Heart
New Research on Weight Cycling, Chemotherapy Side Effects, COVID-19 Severity and Concussion Presented at Experimental Biology 2022
Credit: American Physiological Society Scientists who study physiology and other biomedical research fields—including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology—network, collaborate and communicate about the latest research at the APS annual meeting at Experimental Biology (EB). Read on to learn more about how food insecurity affects the heart, why taking vitamin C may counter chemotherapy side effects, how saliva could be … Continue reading New Research on Weight Cycling, Chemotherapy Side Effects, COVID-19 Severity and Concussion Presented at Experimental Biology 2022
Love, Physiology Style
Credit: iStock Love is described in many ways, both good and bad: “Love is blind” is first attributed to English author Geoffrey Chaucer. American author and activist Helen Keller said love is like a beautiful flower. According to the (perhaps jaded?) Greek philosopher Plato, love is a “grave mental disease.” Love is also physiology. Our … Continue reading Love, Physiology Style
The Skin Is a Mirror to the Heart
Credit: iStock It’s been said that the eyes are the mirror to the soul, but have you heard that the skin is a mirror to the heart? As your largest organ, your skin is literally your armor, the protective barrier between the outside world and inside your body. It turns out, how quickly your skin … Continue reading The Skin Is a Mirror to the Heart