Psychological Trauma & Adversity May Accelerate Biological Aging (2024 Analysis)

Adversity accelerates biological aging through health-compromising behaviors like smoking and possibly social disconnection, and future research needs to focus on causal methodologies to better understand these processes and develop effective interventions. Highlights: Mechanisms of Accelerated Aging: Recent studies suggest that adversity accelerates biological aging, with health-compromising behaviors, especially smoking, playing a significant role in this …

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Kava & Valerian Combo for Stress-Related Insomnia

A new pilot study investigates using kava and valerian, two herbal remedies, to treat stress-induced insomnia. Key Facts: 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia took part in the 6-month crossover study. All patients took kava for 6 weeks, then valerian for 6 weeks, then a combination of both for 6 weeks. Both kava and valerian significantly …

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Most Effective Drugs for Acute Stress Disorder in Chinese Pilots (According to Medical Experts)

A panel of Chinese medical experts has reached a consensus on recommended medications for rapidly and effectively treating symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) in pilots. The goal is to quickly relieve symptoms and restore cognitive function to ensure flight safety. The experts recommended different medications based on the specific ASD symptoms present. Key Facts: …

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Soil Bacteria Mycobacterium Vaccae Reduces Anxiety, Stress, Inflammation

Researchers have discovered that a common soil bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae) may help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation in the brain. Key Facts: M. vaccae is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil, mud, and water. It is considered harmless to humans. When heat-killed M. vaccae is injected into rats, it reduces stress-induced …

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Chronic Stress & Drug Abuse: Overlapping Epigenetic Effects in the Brain

Experiencing chronic stress or taking addictive drugs like cocaine can change your brain and behavior in similar ways, making you prone to anxiety or addiction. Key Facts: Chronic stress and chronic drug abuse both impair the striatum, which can make people become rigid in their thinking and unable to update information. This can promote anxiety, …

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Suicide Rates by Industry & Occupation (2000-2017)

A new report from the CDC provides insight into suicide rates among different industries and occupations in the United States. The key takeaways: Suicide rates have increased 40% from 2000 to 2017 among working-age adults (ages 16-64). Men who work in the mining, construction, and other manual labor jobs have the highest suicide rates. Women …

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