According to a study published in "Psychosomatic Medicine", feeling lonely - even when surrounded by family and friends - is linked to an increase in the risk of heart disease. The study covered more than 3,000 people over 19 years. After having a physical and an extensive personal interview, all participants' heart health was tracked. The women who were loneliest at the beginning of the study were 76% more likely to develop heart disease. Researchers hypothesize that loneliness affects only women in this way because women are more concerned about relationships. It seems men can have fulfilling relationships with remote controls.
According to a recent study, high and borderline-high cholesterol levels in midlife increase the risk of Alzheimer's 30 years later. The cholesterol levels of 9,844 people ages 40-45 were determined between 1964 and 1973. When their medical records were reviewed between 1994 and 2007, the risk of Alzheimer's was 57% higher for people who had cholesterol levels of 240 and above in midlife. Their risk of vascular dementia also increased. Even those who had borderline-high cholesterol levels of 200-239 in midlife had an increased risk of 50%. Considering nearly 100 million Americans have high or borderline-high cholesterol levels, it's time to level off.
According to a study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, severe sleep apnea increases the risk of early death by 46%. Severe sleep apnea causes sleepers' airways to be blocked for 20-30 seconds, waking them about every 2 minutes. Of the 6,400 people in the 8-year study, 8.2% of the men had severe cases and 3% of the women. The NHLBI estimates that 12 million adult Americans have sleep apnea and recommends weight loss as the best treatment. Unfortunately, most people aren't diagnosed or treated - in spite of their losing sleep over the problem nightly.
Nevertheless, in spite of all the bad health news, the National Center for Statistics reports that U.S. life expectancy has reached a new high. The average life expectancy for a baby born in 2007 is nearly 78. That's almost 3 months more than for babies born in 2006. This increase is primarily due to the decreasing death rates in almost all leading causes of death. However, about 30 countries have longer estimated life spans, with Japan having the longest. The average life expectancy for Japanese babies born in 2007 is 83. Products made in Japan do seem to last longer.
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