Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Stress could be link between HPV and Cancer

Elevated levels of chronic, daily stress could be the reason why some women infected with the malignancy-linked types of humabn papillomavirus (HPV) develop cervical cancer. In a study conducted at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, women diagnosed with cervical dysplasia (precancerous cervical lesions)who were also experiencing stressful life events were found to have a lowered immune system response to the HPV virus. According to the researchers, HPV infection alone may not be sufficient to cause cervical cancer.

Most HPV infections in healthy women disappear over time without progressing to precancerous lesions or cancer. Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and positive thinking, may help boost the immune response to HPV.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Adults with ADHD Respond Impulsively to Problems

In a recent study published in Neurospychology, adults with ADHD favored speed over accuracy when faced with a problem. When compared with a control group, those with ADHD did not take more time to plan as the problems became harder. Instead, they plowed through at the same pace as when they were asked to solve easier problems. The group without ADHD gave themselves more time to figure out what they were going to do. The adults with ADHD employed ineffective, haphazard strategies.

One very effective way to counter impulsive tendencies when problem solving is to tune in to the breath. By purposively slowing down your breathing, the body quiets and more blood is sent to the centers of the brain that control executive functions such as planning, organizing, and problem solving. Identifying and stopping negative thinking (this is so hard, I'm going to fail) is another effective approach.