The positive and negative effects of social media influencers on adolescents

The positive and negative effects of social media influencers on adolescents

In a recent review published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers assess previous research on the impact of social media influencers (SMI) on adolescent health. The study findings indicate that although SMIs can harm mental and physical health, their influence can encourage healthier habits and promote effective health messaging. Study: Social media influencers and adolescents’ health: … Read more

IU researchers receive $5 million grant to improve care for adolescents with opioid use disorder

IU researchers receive $5 million grant to improve care for adolescents with opioid use disorder

IU School of Medicine researchers are taking steps to improve the accessibility and quality of care for adolescents experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs), thanks to a new $5 million grant from the National Institute of Health’s Helping to End Addiction Long-Term (HEAL) Initiative. The grant will fund the new … Read more

Fluoride and sealants win against youth dental caries, a robust review informs US health policy

Fluoride and sealants win against youth dental caries, a robust review informs US health policy

In a recent systematic review published in the journal JAMA Network, researchers synthesized available literature on interventions aimed at preventing oral health issues, especially dental caries, in young people between the ages of five and 17. They identified three systematic reviews, 22 clinical trials, and an observational study comprising over 35,700 participants. Their findings revealed … Read more

Two reproductive health conditions associated with increasing cardiovascular disease risk in women

Two reproductive health conditions associated with increasing cardiovascular disease risk in women

Two reproductive health conditions common in women, polycystic ovary syndrome and dysmenorrhea, are each associated with increasing cardiovascular disease risk, according to two preliminary studies to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting, to be held Nov. 11-13, in Philadelphia, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, … Read more

Diet, sleep patterns, and blood pressure in young individuals

Diet, sleep patterns, and blood pressure in young individuals

In a recent study published in Hypertension Research, a group of researchers examined the relationship between dietary and sleep rhythms and blood pressure (BP) levels in children aged 6-15 from Chongqing and Sichuan provinces and identified optimal rhythm interventions to prevent Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) onset potentially. Study: The impact of dietary and sleep rhythms on blood … Read more

Parents alone can tackle childhood obesity just as effectively as whole-family interventions, new study shows

Parents alone can tackle childhood obesity just as effectively as whole-family interventions, new study shows

In a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity, scientists reviewed available literature to investigate the effectiveness of parent-only group-based interventions on the health status and behaviors of children. Study: The effectiveness of group-based, parent-only weight management interventions for children and the factors associated with outcomes: A systematic review. Image Credit: Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock.com Background … Read more

Physical activity patterns associated with changes in cardiometabolic risk factors during adolescence

Physical activity patterns associated with changes in cardiometabolic risk factors during adolescence

A follow-up study found unfavorable changes in glucose metabolism, HDL cholesterol levels, and body mass index in adolescents whose physical activity decreased between the ages of 15 and 19. Reduced blood pressure were observed among adolescents with increased physical activity. The health benefits of physical activity don’t concern just the older population. A study from … Read more

Review examines how underage youth access e-cigarettes despite age sales restriction laws

Review examines how underage youth access e-cigarettes despite age sales restriction laws

In a recent study published in BMC Public Health, researchers reported ways in which underage adolescents acquire electronic cigarettes (ECs) in nations with minimum age sales regulations (or where sales are prohibited). Study: How do underage youth access e-cigarettes in settings with minimum age sales restriction laws? A scoping review. Image Credit: Tikhonova Yana/Shutterstock.com Despite … Read more

Are energy drinks putting your heart and mind at risk?

Are energy drinks putting your heart and mind at risk?

In a recent review published in Nutrients, researchers examine the reported effects of consuming energy drinks on human health, particularly the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Study: The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body. Image Credit: Pheelings media / Shutterstock.com Background The aggressive promotion of energy drinks as a portable source … Read more

Probation disproportionately affects the health outcomes of Black Americans

Probation disproportionately affects the health outcomes of Black Americans

“Mistrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful,” warned Friedrich Nietzsche more than a century ago. Instead, the impulse to punish appears to have grown more and more powerful in the U.S criminal justice system. Annually, more than 9 million people a year in the U.S. are arrested, and on any given day … Read more