Two new studies have found that exercise and vitamin D can help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. In a 20 year study of 1,200 residents of Framingham, MA, people who regularly did moderate to heavy exercise were 40% less likely to have Alzheimer’s. Those who did the least physical activity were 45% more likely to develop the disease, of which severe memory loss is a key symptom. In the second study, British researchers found that vitamin D deficiency made subjects 42% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. While vitamin D is naturally produced in the body, studies have shown that many older Americans don’t have enough of it because the body’s ability to produce the vitamin wears down. These people could benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. Read more.

New research shows that eating healthy is not only good for your heart, it can also be good for your vision. In a recent study of 1,800 women aged 50-79, researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that healthy diets may reduce the chances of developing cataracts by 37%. Elements of a healthy diet that supports general health and eyesight include ample fruites, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (such as beans, fish, and eggs) and little fat and salt. Avoiding tobacco products lowered the chances of developing cataracts even further. The study also found that certain medications may slightly increase the risk of cataracts for people who are sensitive to sunlight. Read more.

A study conducted by the Princeton Neuroscience Institute finds that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is leading to considerable weight gain and signs of obesity, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes in lab rats. Read more about the study.

Brushing your teeth twice a day means more than just fresh breath. Some illnesses and diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature birth are linked to poor oral hygiene. Read the seven reasons why you should be brushing twice a day.

A new report released by the University of Wisconsin ranks the health of all 64 Louisiana parishes, with St. Tammany parish ranked as the healthiest and Madison parish as the least healthy in the state. The report shows how multiple factors influence health, including smoking, obesity, binge drinking, teen pregnancy and more. The report also stresses the importance of parish-wide engagement and the role of health policy in local and state health improvement efforts. View the report online at www.countyhealthrankings.org, which includes a snapshot of each parish in Louisiana with a color-coded map comparing each parish’s overall health ranking. Graphic: The Times Picayune

Author and nutrition researcher, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, is on a mission to redefine what many of us have been taught about “good nutrition.” In his book, The China Study, Dr. Campbell seeks to prove, through evidence-based research, that people who eat the most animal-based foods tend to get the most chronic diseases, and people who eat the most plant-based foods are healthier and tend to avoid chronic diseases. Learn more about the book and the underlying study.  Also, get tips from the USDA on how to add more veggies to your diet.

According to a new study, women who consume sugary soft drinks prior to conception face an increased risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study, which monitored thousands of women over the course of ten years, also found that that their children also face an increased risk of early onset diabetes, childhood obesity and glucose intolerance. Read why.  Photo from: Comstock

The United Health Foundation recently released America’s Health Rankings and Louisiana finds itself up 3 slots, showing marked improvement by moving from 50th to 47th place. However, while smoking rates and obesity are declining, health experts say Louisiana has a long way to go to keep the numbers moving in the right direction. Read why. Graphic: The Times Picayune

Every 10 years The Department of Health and Human Services updates health data collected from each state and uses it to inform the Healthy People program, a national initiative designed to try to help individuals improve their lives and communities improve their quality of life through preparedness and prevention. On October 30th, the Healthy People 2020 program will begin collecting health information from Louisianans through a voluntary and anonymous online questionnaire. Visit www.healthypeople.gov to participate and be a part of the national effort to help make Louisiana a healthier place to live.

Tanning beds have been moved into the top cancer risks category, making them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. This new classification means tanning beds are a definite cause of cancer. Makers may claim that they use “harmless” UVA rays, but both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage. Find out easy ways you can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, as well as how to recognize the signs of skin cancer.