Dr. Howard Smith Reports

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/QqBcMTR5v4E

Those with increased exposures to urban air pollution in the form of nitrogen dioxide are a greater risk for developing schizophrenia.  This conclusion comes from a Danish study of more than 23,000 men and women just published in JAMA Network Open.

Those children exposed to higher levels of air pollution from birth to 10 years of age were significantly more likely to develop develop schizophrenia later in life.  Their predisposition was only mildly impacted by a genetic history.

Cancer, suffocating lung disease, and nasty infections already top the list of adverse consequences we face when we disrespect Mother Earth.  Now we should add mental illness to that list and vigorously protect our environment.

Horsdal HT, Agerbo E, McGrath JJ, et al. Association of Childhood Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Polygenic Risk Score for Schizophrenia With the Risk of Developing Schizophrenia. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(11):e1914401. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14401

#schizophrenia #airpollution #genetics

Vidcast:   https://youtu.be/cpOEm4MaL74

Look no further than the corner convenience store for the cause of an obesity wave now sweeping our nation killing boomers and millennials.  A George Washington University review article now reports the causes.

Highly processed meats, snacks, and desserts contain emulsifiers that harm gut bacteria, raise blood sugar, and cause overeating.  Real food including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support normal metabolism.  As a result, those consuming Mediterranean-style diets live longer.

Improve your chances for a healthy life by consuming fresh produce with an emphasis on that which is plant-based.  Skip convenience stores and shop the supermarket periphery rather than the processed food-laden aisles.

Janese Laster, Leigh A. Frame. Beyond the Calories—Is the Problem in the Processing? Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 2019; 17 (4): 577 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-019-00246-1

#processedfood #obesity #conveniencestore #emulsifiers

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vFZPVymQHhU

Loneliness is one of the big three that will kill you.  The other two are smoking and obesity.  A newly published study from UC-San Diego outlines the causes and cures for loneliness.

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 30 older adults, and pinpointed 2 causes of loneliness and one effective remedy.  Loss is the primary trigger for loneliness.  Loss of family, friends, a job all take a toll.  Then, the loneliness is exacerbated by a lack of purpose in life.

The chief cure is perspective and the wisdom to focus on new friends and pursuits.  Bond with new allies and begin activities to help others, and you’ll never be lonely at any age. 

Alejandra Morlett Paredes, Ellen E. Lee, Lisa Chik, Saumya Gupta, Barton W. Palmer, Lawrence A. Palinkas, Ho-Cheol Kim, Dilip V. Jeste. Qualitative study of loneliness in a senior housing community: the importance of wisdom and other coping strategies. Aging & Mental Health, 2020; 1 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1699022

#loneliness #longevity #friends #purpose #charity 

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/QqBcMTR5v4E

Those with increased exposures to urban air pollution in the form of nitrogen dioxide are a greater risk for developing schizophrenia.  This conclusion comes from a Danish study of more than 23,000 men and women just published in JAMA Network Open.

Those children exposed to higher levels of air pollution from birth to 10 years of age were significantly more likely to develop develop schizophrenia later in life.  Their predisposition was only mildly impacted by a genetic history.

Cancer, suffocating lung disease, and nasty infections already top the list of adverse consequences we face when we disrespect Mother Earth.  Now we should add mental illness to that list and vigorously protect our environment.

Horsdal HT, Agerbo E, McGrath JJ, et al. Association of Childhood Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Polygenic Risk Score for Schizophrenia With the Risk of Developing Schizophrenia. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(11):e1914401. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14401

#schizophrenia #airpollution #genetics

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vFZPVymQHhU

Loneliness is one of the big three that will kill you.  The other two are smoking and obesity.  A newly published study from UC-San Diego outlines the causes and cures for loneliness.

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 30 older adults, and pinpointed 2 causes of loneliness and one effective remedy.  Loss is the primary trigger for loneliness.  Loss of family, friends, a job all take a toll.  Then, the loneliness is exacerbated by a lack of purpose in life.

The chief cure is perspective and the wisdom to focus on new friends and pursuits.  Bond with new allies and begin activities to help others, and you’ll never be lonely at any age. 

Alejandra Morlett Paredes, Ellen E. Lee, Lisa Chik, Saumya Gupta, Barton W. Palmer, Lawrence A. Palinkas, Ho-Cheol Kim, Dilip V. Jeste. Qualitative study of loneliness in a senior housing community: the importance of wisdom and other coping strategies. Aging & Mental Health, 2020; 1 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1699022

#loneliness #longevity #friends #purpose #charity 

Vidcast:   https://youtu.be/cpOEm4MaL74

Look no further than the corner convenience store for the cause of an obesity wave now sweeping our nation killing boomers and millennials.  A George Washington University review article now reports the causes.

Highly processed meats, snacks, and desserts contain emulsifiers that harm gut bacteria, raise blood sugar, and cause overeating.  Real food including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support normal metabolism.  As a result, those consuming Mediterranean-style diets live longer.

Improve your chances for a healthy life by consuming fresh produce with an emphasis on that which is plant-based.  Skip convenience stores and shop the supermarket periphery rather than the processed food-laden aisles.

Janese Laster, Leigh A. Frame. Beyond the Calories—Is the Problem in the Processing? Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology, 2019; 17 (4): 577 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-019-00246-1

#processedfood #obesity #conveniencestore #emulsifiers

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/SH-X2A-Tc64

A British survey of some 1000 millennial men and women shows that most like the concept of reducing meat consumption but find it inconvenient. 

Seventy-three percent think eating plant-based food is more ethical, 70% rate it more environmentally-beneficial, and 50% consider it healthier.  However, up to 80% feel it takes too much effort and 60% rate it unenjoyable.

Every year the push to boost plant-based diets around the world begins in “Veganuary.”  It should be more successful year after year since the 4 season availability of fruits and vegetables is now joined by plant-based meat substitutes like Impossible beef, pork, and fish.  Get aboard!

Christopher J. Bryant. We Can’t Keep Meating Like This: Attitudes towards Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in the United Kingdom. Sustainability, 2019; 11 (23): 6844 DOI: 10.3390/su11236844

#plantbasedfood #vegan #veganuary #greendiet

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/SH-X2A-Tc64

A British survey of some 1000 millennial men and women shows that most like the concept of reducing meat consumption but find it inconvenient. 

Seventy-three percent think eating plant-based food is more ethical, 70% rate it more environmentally-beneficial, and 50% consider it healthier.  However, up to 80% feel it takes too much effort and 60% rate it unenjoyable.

Every year the push to boost plant-based diets around the world begins in “Veganuary.”  It should be more successful year after year since the 4 season availability of fruits and vegetables is now joined by plant-based meat substitutes like Impossible beef, pork, and fish.  Get aboard!

Christopher J. Bryant. We Can’t Keep Meating Like This: Attitudes towards Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in the United Kingdom. Sustainability, 2019; 11 (23): 6844 DOI: 10.3390/su11236844

#plantbasedfood #vegan #veganuary #greendiet

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vwVsXQfh5-0

Virtual gaming can provoke damaging shoulder fatigue, neck inflammation, and eye strain.  Oregon State University industrial engineers studied 20 male and female GenZ and millennial gamers for repetitive-type injuries as they pointed and painted in VR.

The gamers extended hands led to shoulder discomfort after only 3 minutes as well as later eye strain.  The Oculus Rift headset’s weight sparked annoying cervical spine distress..

The engineers recommend manipulating virtual objects close to your body and keeping visuals at eye level to the extent possible.  Lighter headsets will eventually help.

VR is expanding into healthcare, military, and training environments of all sorts.  Heed these pointers to protect yourself from weird ergonomic injuries.

Sai Akhil Penumudi, Veera Aneesh Kuppam, Jeong Ho Kim, Jaejin Hwang. The effects of target location on musculoskeletal load, task performance, and subjective discomfort during virtual reality interactions. Applied Ergonomics, 2020; 84: 103010 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103010

#vr #virtualreality #repetitiveinjury #shoulderfatigue #eyestrain #cervicalarthritis

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vwVsXQfh5-0

Virtual gaming can provoke damaging shoulder fatigue, neck inflammation, and eye strain.  Oregon State University industrial engineers studied 20 male and female GenZ and millennial gamers for repetitive-type injuries as they pointed and painted in VR.

The gamers extended hands led to shoulder discomfort after only 3 minutes as well as later eye strain.  The Oculus Rift headset’s weight sparked annoying cervical spine distress..

The engineers recommend manipulating virtual objects close to your body and keeping visuals at eye level to the extent possible.  Lighter headsets will eventually help.

VR is expanding into healthcare, military, and training environments of all sorts.  Heed these pointers to protect yourself from weird ergonomic injuries.

Sai Akhil Penumudi, Veera Aneesh Kuppam, Jeong Ho Kim, Jaejin Hwang. The effects of target location on musculoskeletal load, task performance, and subjective discomfort during virtual reality interactions. Applied Ergonomics, 2020; 84: 103010 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103010

#vr #virtualreality #repetitiveinjury #shoulderfatigue #eyestrain #cervicalarthritis