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.

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.

Stressed? Take a Break from the Computer

The neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and low back pain so common to desk-bound office workers may not be caused by poor posture and uncomfortable chairs alone. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, workplace stress may also play a role. Both mental and physical stress on the job may be caused by a common factor: an inability to take short breaks and step away (either literally or figuratively)from the desk.

At least every 15 minutes, take a slow, deep breath, roll your shoulders back, and find at least one positive thought or image.

Stress Can Increase Body Fat

While we have long suspected a connection between stress and weight gain, the relationship was thought to be psychological, as emotional overeating is one of the major causes of weight gain. For many people, the first response to feeling overwhelmed is to reach for food, particularly comfort foods that tend to be high in sugar or fat. However, the link between stress and weight gain is much stronger than originally thought. New research suggests an actual physiological reason that people under stress tend to gain weight. A recent study by the Georgetown University Medical Center showed that mice under stress gain extra weight even if their calorie intake doesn't increase. Stress appears to release a chemical reaction that triggers fat cells to grow and multiply in number.

The extra pounds caused by stress tend to be stored around the belly, as stress may stimulate an enzyme present in particularly high amounts in abdominal fat. This is the most dangerous place for fat to build up, as it increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

The bottom line is that mental and physical relaxation techniques should be incorporated into a weight-loss program.

Coffee May Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Women

According to a recent study from the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, which was published in the August 7, 2007 issue of Neurology, caffeine may help safeguard the cognitive skills of older women. Researchers discovered that women who drank 3 or more cups of coffee per day were 30% less likely to experience a decine in memory than those who drank 1 cup or less. They also found that the benefits appear to increase with age, as women over age 80 who drank 3 or more cups of coffee were 70% less likely to experience memory decline. The protective effect was not found in men.

The researchers believe that caffeine is a cognitive stimulant that may help to reduce thelevels of the protein beta amyloid in the brain. Accumulation of beta amyloid contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Over 7000 men and women in 3 cities in France who were free of dementia when the research began were studied.

(Before consuming 3 or more cups of coffee per day, keep in mind that caffeine consumption can lead to symptoms of anxiety.)

High Omega 6 and Low Omega 3 Fatty Acids Associated with Depressive Symptoms and Neuroticism

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine (November, 2007) found that adults with high concentrations of omega 6 and low concentrations of omega 3, as determined from fasting blood levels, had more symptoms of depression and neurotic personality traits.

Most Americans consume a diet that is very high in omega 6 oils, which are commonly found in most commercial baked goods, prepared foods and salad dressings. Most diets tend to be deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, which are available from fish, walnuts and flax seeds.

For patients with depression, supplementing their diets with high levels of good quality fish oil, has been very effective.

Worry Episodes Result in Increased Heart Rate

While a great deal of research has looked at the effects of stressful events on the heart, this study, which was published in Psychosomatic Medicine (November, 2006), found that worrying elevated heart rate. Worrying, particularly if it is about work or in anticipation of a future event that might be stressful, might have substantial cardiac effects.