1. Do the risks outweigh the benefits of statins?
Statins are often given to healthy people to prevent health problems, where as most other medications are prescribed to treat disease. While there are researched benefits to taking statins if you have already had a heart attack, there is no conclusive research stating that healthy people who take statins will live longer. (NYT)
2. Lack of sleep may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
New research shows higher levels of beta-amyloid levels in the brains of people with acute sleep deprivation. “In Alzheimer’s disease, beta-amyloid clumps together to form amyloid plaques, negatively impacting communication between neurons.” (ScienceDaily)
3. This one thing can reduce falls, heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, dementia and some forms of cancer.
For adults over 65, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force is not advising against taking Vitamin D to prevent falls and instead saying exercise is more effective. (WedMD)
4. Debunking myths behind artificial sweeteners. Are they really all that bad?
While switching to diet sodas and artificial sweeteners might seem like the smart thing to do while trying to reduce your sugar intake, “recent studies suggest that consuming fake sugar actually trains your insulin response to store more fat, not less.” (PopularScience)
5. This type of music can help motivate you to workout and improve your performance.
Motivation to exercise can feel like trying to run through a brick wall. How do you get it and keep it? Researchers that have been studying the link between exercise performance and music have discovered the type of music that can get you up and going and going and going. (PopularScience)
6. Will Russian Track & Field athletes ever be able to compete under their country’s flag again?
Track and field’s governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations is in a deadlock deciding the fate of Russia’s Track & Field athletes. Although Olympic official have welcomed back Russian athletes after the PyeongChange Winter Games, the I.A.A.F. said it won’t lift its ban until the World Anti-Doping Agency declares that Russia is in 100% compliance with all of its regulations. (NYT)
