Just like parents can’t tell when their children are too heavy for their age, there still are thousands, if not millions, of people out there who are not aware of the connection between excess fat and cancer. As a new study points out, the number of cancer cases from obesity has almost doubled over the past years, which means this is just the time to start paying attention to the aforementioned connection.

“The stark fact is that every year in these countries, many thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer that could have been prevented if they had maintained a healthy weight. This is a real cause for concern and the problem is only going to get worse if the number of people who are overweight continues to rise.” Professor Martin Wiseman, WCRF medical and scientific adviser, says for the Daily Mail. People do not know, Wiseman says, that, after smoking, obesity is the second biggest threat of our times, which is why they should be educated on the matter.

“After not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing you can do. But a recent survey showed almost 40 per cent of people still do not know excess fat is a cause of cancer. We need to do more to spread the message.” Professor Wiseman states for the same publication. At the same time, he says, people should be made aware, by one means or another, that body fat encourages the production of growth factors and hormones, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the risk of developing cancer. [Read more...]

Women who spend more time socializing with female friends are less likely to feel stress and have health issues later in life, a new study seems to indicate. Researchers at the University of California have established a clear connection between the time spent with friends, engaging in fun activities, and overall health past a certain age. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, has also determined that the benefits of socializing extend beyond the health of women. In baboons at least, researchers have established that the offspring of socializing females also live longer than those whose mothers do not bond with other females. This comes to confirm the findings of previous studies, this time on humans that friends actively act to improve health and reduce mortality and health issues.

The benefits of friendship and sincere bonding are more obvious in women, researchers point out. “Females who formed stronger bonds with their mothers and adult daughters experienced higher offspring survival rates.” Dr. Joan Silk of the University of California says of the findings in baboons. However, this also applies to humans, especially in the context in which previous research has established there is a very strong connection between friendship and joy, and stress management on the other hand.

“Being able to connect with women on various emotional levels can assist in lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. And since stress wreaks havoc on blood glucose levels, [Read more...]