Research: To Sleep or Not to Sleep

Research Paper Title Association between Perceived Insufficient Sleep, Frequent Mental Distress, Obesity and Chronic Dieases Amnog US Adults, 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Background Although evidence suggests that poor sleep is associated with chronic disease, little research has been conducted to assess the relationships between insufficient sleep, frequent mental distress (FMD ≥14 days during… Read More

The Motivation to Benefit from Exercise

Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes,  and other chronic diseases and conditions. Despite the wealth of information about the benefits of exercise, sedentary adults often find it hard to change their behaviour in a sustainable manner. The development of interventions that support behaviour change is therefore… Read More

Research: Physical Activity, Chronic Pain & Return to Work

Research Paper Title Efficacy of ‘Tailored Physical Activty’ of ‘Chronic Pain Self-Management Program’ on Return to Work for Sick-listed Citizens: Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Background Pain affects quality of life and can result in absence from work. Treatment and/or prevention strategies for musculoskeletal pain-related long-term sick leave are currently undertaken in several health sectors.… Read More

Research: Does Driving + Caffeine = Crash

Research Paper Title Use of Caffeinated Substances and Risk of Crashes in Long Distance Drivers of Commercial Vehicles: Case-control Study. Study Question Is there an association between the use of substances containing caffeine and the risk of crash in long distance drivers of commercial motor vehicles? Summary Answer Consuming caffeinated substances for the purpose of… Read More

Research: Bodybuilding, Just Hot Air!

A 41 year old professional bodybuilder presented with worsening dysphagia and regurgitation. Neck examination and flexible nasolaryngoscopy were unremarkable, but a barium swallow showed an unusual wide mouthed and bilobed pharyngeal pouch. A pharyngeal pouch (or Zenker’s diverticulum) characteristically occurs just above the cricopharyngeus muscle at an area of potential weakness. Although more common in… Read More

Research: Sleep, Food & Weight Gain

It takes just five consecutive days of inadequate sleep to increase food intake in excess of energy needs, leading to weight gain. Scientists found that average expenditure of energy per day increased by about 5% when participants were allowed to sleep for up to five hours, compared with a sleeping period of up to nine… Read More