Health Headlines for Parents
Soy May Be Beneficial After Breast Cancer
Breast cancer survivors may benefit from eating moderate amounts of soy products, a new study finds. The study, which analyzed a large group of breast cancer survivors in China, reveals that a higher intake of soy food (up to 11 grams daily) is associated with a lower risk of death or recurrence of breast cancer during follow up. Researchers analyzed the dietary habits of more than 5,000 women aged 20 to 75 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer between March 2002 and April 2006.
The women were also followed up through June 2009. Researchers found that women who ate the most soy protein had a 29 percent lower risk of dying during the study period, and a 32 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to women who ate the least amount of soy protein. Soy foods are rich in compounds called isoflavones, which possesses both estrogen-like and anti-estrogen actions.
Secondhand Smoke Linked to Sleep Problems
Young children exposed to tobacco smoke have poorer sleep quality, according to a new study. Recent research has found that children with asthma have more sleep issues when exposed to tobacco smoke. The study in the February issue of Pediatrics examined 219 children enrolled in an asthma trial who were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. Researchers found that exposure to secondhand smoke are associated with sleep problems among children with asthma. Symptoms include difficulties falling asleep, more sleep-disordered breathing and increased daytime sleepiness. Sleep efficiency has been shown to improve with effective asthma treatment, but researchers also say the reduction or elimination of secondhand smoke can have significant influence on physical and emotional health as well as school performance among children.
Earlier Bedtimes May Curtail Teen Depression
Adolescents with earlier parental-set bedtimes are less likely to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts, according to new study. The study suggests that earlier bedtimes could have a protective effect by lengthening sleep duration and increasing the likelihood of more sleep. The results showed that adolescents with parents who set bedtimes of midnight or later were 24 percent more likely to suffer from depression and 20 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts than bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier. Likewise, adolescents who reported that they slept five or fewer hours per night were 71 percent more likely to suffer from depression and 48 percent more likely to think about suicide than those who reported eight hours of sleep. Researchers noted that lack of sleep may affect emotional brain responses that hinders the ability to cope with stress and affects judgment, concentration and impulse control.
Women's Scent Triggers Hormone Surge in Men
The natural scent of a woman during her most fertile time may attract a mate, according to a new study. When men smell T-shirts worn by women while ovulating, it causes a surge in sex-hormone testosterone. The researchers say it's the first study to show that the sense of smell during a woman's ovulation stimulates biological response in men that may affect mating behavior. Men smelled T-shirts worn by women when they were near or far from ovulation according to their menstrual cycle as well as unworn shirts. Researchers then collected saliva samples from the men and measured their testosterone levels before and after smelling each of the shirts. The results indicated that men preferred the scent of the T-shirts worn by the women close to ovulation and they had higher testosterone levels than men who smelled shirts of non-ovulating women or unworn shirts.
Friendship May Curb Child Obesity Rise
Children's friends may influence how much they eat, according to one study. The study involved 54 overweight and non-overweight children. Each child was assigned randomly to bring a friend or to be paired with an unfamiliar peer. Participants worked on a computer game to earn points exchangeable for "food" or "time" to spend with their friend or an unfamiliar peer. Participants matched with an unfamiliar peer showed that when working for "food" was difficult, they switched to "time" with the unfamiliar peer, and when working for peer activity became harder, they switched to earn food. However, participants assigned to the friend continued to work for time with their friends instead of working for food. The study showed that individuals are influenced by the eating and activity norms set by those around them and suggest that friendship can provide an alternative to eating.
Sources: www.msnbc.com, www.medicalnewstoday.com, www.webmd.com, www.sciencedaily.com.