News by Subject Social & Behavior

Evidence shows that higher levels of physical activity -- regardless of intensity -- are associated with a lower risk of early death in middle aged and older people.

Pilot study shows promising evidence that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, and by doing so may boost their cognitive reserve.

A team of researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine designed a study to see whether older adults who are physically active before having surgery had less delirium after surgery. The research team had previously found that people who enjoy activities such as reading, doing puzzles, or playing games experienced lower rates of delirium. The team published new findings on physical activity in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

For children and teens with migraine, the pain and symptoms that accompany migraine attacks can be debilitating, resulting in missed school days, absence from social or sporting events, and affected home activities. Now the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society have developed two guidelines that include recommendations for preventing and treating migraine in children and teens.

An increased concentration of cardiac troponin (a regulatory protein) in the blood after prolonged walking is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. This was the conclusion of a study involving 725 participants in a long-distance walking event (Nijmegen Four Days Marches) that was published in the journal Circulation.

People in middle-age need to keep up their physical activity levels if they are to enjoy a fit and healthy retirement -- according to a new report. The study reveals that over-55s in particular should be doing more to keep fit as they approach retirement age -- because of the physical, mental and social benefits of being active. But health problems, not having enough time or energy because of work, and a lack of motivation are leaving many approaching retirement in poor shape.

Moderate exercise is not only good for memory as people age, it also appears to help prevent the development of physical signs of Alzheimer's, known as biomarkers, in those who are at risk for the disease, according to research presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.

An analysis of published studies found that Nordic walking -- a low impact aerobic activity consisting in walking with poles -- can benefit patients with breast cancer by having a positive impact on swelling, physical fitness, disability, and quality of life.

New research from the University of South Australia presents the strongest evidence yet of a causal relationship between obesity and a wide range of serious conditions.