healthbriefs


Risks of waxing down there R


emoving pubic hair could put people at greater risk of sexually-


transmitted diseases (STDs) according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers studied over 7,500 men and women. Those who admitted to waxing the pubic area had a higher rate of STDs. Waxing can cause


microtears in the skin leaving the skin more vulnerable to infection, especially with the resultant increased skin-to-skin contact with a partner. Those who remove pubic hair with either waxing or shaving are advised to cut back on these practices or to abstain from sex until the skin fully heals.


Source: thomashealthblog.com


COMBO PROBIOTICS EASE HAY FEVER A


study from the University of Florida, in Gainesville, has found that the probiotic combination of lactobacilli and bifi dobacteria (sold as Kyo-Dophilus) helps relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Researchers split 173 healthy adults with mild seasonal allergies into two groups during the height of the spring allergy season. The fi rst group was given the probiotic combination, while the other group received a placebo. The subjects fi lled out a weekly online survey for eight weeks about their allergy symptoms and discomfort levels. The probiotic combination resulted in fewer allergy- related nasal symptoms plus quality-of-life improvements.


Tart Cherry Aids Runner Performance A


young adult athletes into two groups. Eleven participants were given a daily powered tart cherry


supplement for 10 days, and 16 were given a rice fl our placebo. All completed a half-marathon near the end of the 10-day trial. The researchers tested fasting blood samples and a quadriceps muscle soreness rating prior to the run, 60 minutes after the run and 24 and 48 hours post-run. The tart cherry group reported 13 percent faster average running times, as well as signifi cantly lower infl ammatory markers. They also reported 34 percent lower quadriceps soreness prior to the run. Tart cherry supplementation also increased immunity and resulted in better muscle metabolism.


12 Central Florida natural awakenings


Tax and Pricing Policies Spur Healthier Eating


A


meta-study from Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts, documents


study of distance runners by Texas A&M University, in College Station, determined that short-term supplementation of dried tart cherry powder improved running times, decreased infl ammation and increased muscle metabolism and immunity. The researchers divided 27 endurance-trained


a revealing relationship between diet and food prices. The researchers found that taxation of unhealthy foods and price reductions of healthy foods help shift consumers to healthier purchases. They reviewed data from 11 studies on the impact of adding tariffs to unhealthy foods that lead to higher prices and 19 studies that examined the effects on the demand of reducing the prices of healthy foods. They discovered that consumers purchased 14 percent more fruits and vegetables when prices were reduced by 10 percent. Other healthy food price reductions produced similar results, with a 16 percent increase in consumption with each 10 percent price drop. The researchers examined the impact of increases in the price of sugary drinks and fast foods. Following 10 percent price hikes, consumption of these items decreased by 7 percent and 3 percent, respectively. “The global food system is exacting a staggering toll on human health, and this is very costly, both in terms of real healthcare expenses and lost productivity,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, senior author of the meta-study and dean of the university’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Our fi ndings suggest that subsidies and taxes are a highly effective tool for normalizing the price of foods toward their true societal cost. This will both prevent disease and reduce spiraling healthcare costs, which are causing a tremendous strain on both private businesses and government budgets.”


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