Health
Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.
Acupuncture boosts effectiveness of standard medical care for chronic pain
Health specialists at the University of York have found that acupuncture treatment can boost the effectiveness of standard medical care, lessening the severity of chronic pain and depression. In a report published in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Journals Library, the Read More...
For a healthier mind, trust your gut
Typical treatments for depression and anxiety include prescription medications and talk therapy, but new research has revealed an unexpected treatment: A strong dose of microorganisms. The human-bacteria relationship is a deeply symbiotic one, says Ted Dinan, a leading expert in Read More...
Groundbreaking system allows locked-in syndrome patients to communicate
Doctors have used a brain-reading device to hold simple conversations with “locked-in” patients in work that promises to transform the lives of people who are too disabled to communicate. The groundbreaking technology allows the paralysed patients – who have not been able to speak Read More...
Study: Living in the mountains decreases the risk of heart disease
A major risk factor for development of heart disease, stroke and diabetes is lower in people that live at higher altitudes. This also applies to people with a family history of these diseases, according to a new Read More...
Being ‘hangry’ exists: why a lack of food can change your mood
Ever felt hungry and angry at the same time? There’s evidence that “hanger” is a real phenomenon, one that can affect your work and relationships. The main reason we become more irritable when hungry is because our blood glucose level drops. This can make it difficult for us to Read More...
New study shows mindfulness motivates people to make healthier choices
"Smoking causes wrinkles that age you prematurely. What are cigarettes costing you?" "150 minutes of exercise a week reduces the risk of cancer." "2,000 calories a day is all most adults should eat." We hear so many well-meaning and well-researched messages about how to be healthier, and for many, Read More...
Boosting the solar protection factor with nature-inspired sunscreens
The ideal sunscreen should block UVB and UVA radiation while being safe and stable. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, Spanish scientists have introduced a new family of UVA and UVB filters based on natural sunscreen substances found in algae and cyanobacteria. They are highly stable and enhance the Read More...
France bans unlimited soda refills in an effort to reduce obesity
Despite the fact that the level of obesity in France is below the EU average, research shows it's on the rise. That’s why lawmakers in France have banned all restaurants and other spaces catering to the public from offering unlimited sugary soft drinks. The World Health Organization has shown Read More...
Research: Boost your brain power by eating these things
The harsh reality is that we're not getting any younger, and with aging come consequences, like losing your mental acuity. Translation: Forgetting names! OK, I'll speak for me. But it does happen more frequently now that I'm north of 40. You meet someone over lunch, perhaps a prospective new client Read More...
The fascinating way age will improve your personality
There are three things that naturally happen to people’s personality with age. People get nicer as they get older, in contrast to the stereotype of the grumpy senior. The finding may be a surprise to those that believe people never change. They do — even if only a little. The three Read More...