Health
Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.
Standing up straight can help symptoms of depression: study
Have you ever been told to stand up straight? Well, you should. In a recent study, researchers from the University of Auckland found that standing up straight not only improves self-esteem and mood in healthy people, but can also reduce the symptoms of people with mild-to-moderate depression. The Read More...
A positive outlook can completely change the outcome of cancer
New research from the University College London shows that a patient’s psychological response to disease plays a key factor in their chance of survival. In fact, researchers found that those who are anxious or distressed about their cancer diagnosis are up to four times more likely to die from Read More...
Acupuncture boosts effectiveness of standard medical care for chronic pain
Health specialists at the University of York have found that acupuncture treatment can boost the effectiveness of standard medical care, lessening the severity of chronic pain and depression. In a report published in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Journals Library, the Read More...
For a healthier mind, trust your gut
Typical treatments for depression and anxiety include prescription medications and talk therapy, but new research has revealed an unexpected treatment: A strong dose of microorganisms. The human-bacteria relationship is a deeply symbiotic one, says Ted Dinan, a leading expert in Read More...
Groundbreaking system allows locked-in syndrome patients to communicate
Doctors have used a brain-reading device to hold simple conversations with “locked-in” patients in work that promises to transform the lives of people who are too disabled to communicate. The groundbreaking technology allows the paralysed patients – who have not been able to speak Read More...
Study: Living in the mountains decreases the risk of heart disease
A major risk factor for development of heart disease, stroke and diabetes is lower in people that live at higher altitudes. This also applies to people with a family history of these diseases, according to a new Read More...
Being ‘hangry’ exists: why a lack of food can change your mood
Ever felt hungry and angry at the same time? There’s evidence that “hanger” is a real phenomenon, one that can affect your work and relationships. The main reason we become more irritable when hungry is because our blood glucose level drops. This can make it difficult for us to Read More...
New study shows mindfulness motivates people to make healthier choices
"Smoking causes wrinkles that age you prematurely. What are cigarettes costing you?" "150 minutes of exercise a week reduces the risk of cancer." "2,000 calories a day is all most adults should eat." We hear so many well-meaning and well-researched messages about how to be healthier, and for many, Read More...
Boosting the solar protection factor with nature-inspired sunscreens
The ideal sunscreen should block UVB and UVA radiation while being safe and stable. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, Spanish scientists have introduced a new family of UVA and UVB filters based on natural sunscreen substances found in algae and cyanobacteria. They are highly stable and enhance the Read More...
France bans unlimited soda refills in an effort to reduce obesity
Despite the fact that the level of obesity in France is below the EU average, research shows it's on the rise. That’s why lawmakers in France have banned all restaurants and other spaces catering to the public from offering unlimited sugary soft drinks. The World Health Organization has shown Read More...