It’s long been an accepted “truth” that people with lower incomes eat more junk food. But a new U.S. study revealed some surprises: poorer people are actually less likely to eat fast food than middle-class populations and only slightly more likely than the rich. With obesity skyrocketing globally, research like this could inform smarter policy.
Children that Spend Too Much Time on Social Media Experience Higher Mental Illness Symptoms
A new report from a UK think-tank concludes that there’s a strong correlation between too much social media time and mental illness. For instance, 12 percent of children who don’t spend time on social media sites on a school day have symptoms of mental illness—but that figure more than doubles to 27 percent for kids who spend more than three hours/day on social media. Read more about how gaming sites are starting to take action to limit kids’ online playing time.
Study: Long Workdays Are Bad for the Heart
A new, large European study indicated that people that put in long work hours increase their risk for atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats) that can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Compared with people who worked 35-40 hours a week, those working more than 55 hours had a 40 percent increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Singapore’s New Airport Terminal Brings Trees & Greenery Inside
Singapore’s Changi airport has been rated #1 worldwide for five years running, in part because they’ve offered stressed travelers so much wellness – from spas to a rooftop swimming pool. And its new terminal (opening soon) focuses heavily on biophilic design with dozens and dozens of indoor trees and green walls.
GWI’s Global Mentorship Program Rolls Out Online Mentoring Platform
The need for more well trained managers in the spa/wellness industry is a massive issue. So the GWI initiative, the Global Mentorship Program, has just launched a new online mentoring platform, which allows experienced “mentors” in spa, wellness and hospitality management to easily connect with “mentees” worldwide. This goal of this web-based “matchmaker” is more successful leaders in spa and wellness.
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Must-Reads from the Wellness World (Week of August 1, 2017)
Cognitive-load theory posits that brains have only so much bandwidth, so to best take in information, we must also limit it. As “infobesity” is becoming an ever-growing problem, apply a simple solution: don’t multitask and focus instead on the task at hand. If this doesn’t work, apply an extreme solution and go silent. Stop talking or take a break from technology… or both.