A University of Illinois-Urbana study showed that there might be something uniquely beneficial to the brain from social dancing compared with other exercise. Scientists analyzed the impact of country dance (with intricate moves from partner to partner) on older people’s brain function, compared with brisk walking and stretching/balance training. After six months, only the dance group showed improvement in “white matter” brain health (i.e., memory and processing speed). Researchers concluded movement mixed with socializing might be a potent force in slowing brain changes that come with aging.
Study: A Hot Bath Delivers Health Benefits Similar to Exercise
Most cultures believe in the benefits of thermal bathing, whether it’s a hot bath, sauna or hot spring. A small new study from Loughborough University (UK) had eye-opening findings: an hour-long hot bath burned as many calories as a 30 minute walk and led to positive changes in inflammatory response – similar to effects post-exercise.
New Back Pain Guidelines: Try Acupuncture, Massage, Tai Chi or Yoga Before Pills
The American College of Physicians just issued new guidelines for lower back pain: try safe alternative approaches like acupuncture, massage, exercise, tai chi, heat wraps or mindfulness/yoga first – and prescription drugs only as the last resort. As NBC News reported, it may represent a big change for doctors, who often turn to pills first to treat pain.
New Study: Chronic Stress Associated with Higher Levels of Obesity
A new study from University College London compared stress levels and body weight (for over 2,500 men and women), and found that higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol were associated with significantly higher levels of obesity/being overweight. The study was notable for testing cortisol levels in the hair (not in the blood or saliva, which vary during times of day), so it better captured the impact of long-term stress levels on weight.
Wellness Evidence: Hot Springs Found to Relieve Chronic Pain, Depression and Insomnia
A just-released study from Australia’s RMIT University (surveying 4,000+ hot springs users) found that bathing in hot springs provided significant relief for severe back pain, arthritis, injury, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Study: One Week at Wellness Retreat Results in Health Improvements
Wellness retreats use many complementary, holistic therapies, yet there have been no published studies on the health outcomes on wellness tourists that experience these immersive environments. A new study from Australia’s RMIT University represents the first, measuring multiple health/wellbeing dimensions of guests at arrival, on departure and six weeks later. The findings: a one-week retreat including educational, therapeutic, and leisure activities and an organic, mostly plant-based diet resulted in substantial improvements in everything from weight to blood pressure to psychological health – and sustained at six weeks.
