By Nanette Wiser
SAVE A LIFE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Week, with many local fundraisers and awareness campaigns and one of the best sources of information is the Susan G. Komen Foundation. No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. Their website has the latest evidence-based information on breast cancer risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment, metastatic breast cancer, survivorship and more. www.komen.org/breast-cancer
CAFFEINE MATTERS
Dr. Mark Hyman reminds us that if you love your morning cup of coffee, a recent study found positive neurobiological impacts from drinking coffee using functional MRIs such as boosted connectivity in the higher visual network and the right executive control network, which are linked to working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior. These same effects were not found from caffeine-infused water, meaning the coffee was impacting the brain through ways other than its caffeine content. Researchers found that individuals drinking coffee exhibited a heightened state of preparedness, being more responsive and attentive to external stimuli compared to the control group. This could mean even decaf coffee may hold some brain-boosting benefits, though more data is needed.
TEED OFF
Beginning 10/1, Florida teens can’t drive golf carts on public roads without a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit, according to a new state law and Dr. Meghan Martin at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital hopes it will improve safety. According to WUSF Health News, Martin said that golf cart injuries have increased over the last three years and some of the injuries are significant. The pediatric emergency medicine physician says All Children’s has treated 16 children and teens for serious golf cart injuries this year, according to the hospital’s trauma registry. And for parents who allow young children to sit on their laps while riding in the carts, she recommends parents use car seats for their little ones and prevent them from falling off the cart.
HANGRY?
You may be lacking protein, a key in managing appetite. According to a recent study, people with higher protein intake feel fuller and think less about food. Other contributing factors include poor sleep which inhibits leptin production, a hormone linked to feeling full or dehydration where you confuse feeling thirsty with feeling hungry (increase water and water-rich foods like watermelon to stay hydrated). Distracted eating can increase appetite, calorie intake, and weight gain. Do you drink smoothies or meal replacement shakes instead of eating solid foods or eat too fast? Slow down and chew to help curb your appetite. Consider talking to your physician if you’re still hungry to see if an underlying health condition may be contributing to your excess hunger.