Here are some of the latest developments in the world of medicine:
• Excessive cola consumption has already been linked to such problems as tooth decay, bone loss and diabetes. Now you can add one more problem to the list: hypocalcaemia, a decrease in blood potassium that can lead to severe muscle weakness and even paralysis. Researchers in Greece discovered the link, but noted that the condition can be reversed by eliminating cola drinks from the diet and taking potassium supplements. And just what is “excessive cola consumption”? People in the study were drinking between 2 and 9 liters per day. Whether the cola was made with sugar or artificial sweeteners made no difference; the culprit appears to be caffeine. So maybe it’s time to cut down on the coffee, too.
• British researchers believe there is a strong link between teenagers who engage in “self-harm” (hitting, cutting, intentionally overdosing on drugs) and their “emotional intelligence,” that is, their ability to regulate their feelings. In their study of 490 high school-aged students, the researchers found that 27 percent admitted to engaging in “self-harm” behavior, and that these same individuals scored below average on emotional intelligence tests. Sixty-five percent of self-harmers were also found to suffer from mild to severe depression. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better strategies for dealing with adolescents who engage in physically self-destructive activities.
• Recent studies have suggested that a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to stay slim. Now, researchers at Merck Research Laboratories believe they may know why: During slumber, the brain releases chemicals called T-Type calcium channels, which appear to inhibit weight gain in mice, even those fed a high-fat diet. So did you just indulge in a late-night burger and fries? The best thing you can do is sleep on it.
• People of Asian descent are becoming an increasingly large segment of the population, especially in California, where 10 percent of the population is now Asian-American. As Asians become increasingly Westernized, they are facing many medical problems frequently associated with the American lifestyle, including obesity, high blood pressure and now, skin cancer. Researchers at California’s Stanford University’s School of Medicine report that the more “Westernized” an Asian-American, the more likely he or she is to practice unhealthy sun habits, including long-term sunbathing and using tanning booths, often without the benefit of sunscreen. Ironically, in Asia, tans are associated with manual labor while lighter skin is regarded as a sign of wealth and class. Conversely, in America, a tan is considered a sign of health and affluence. Too many Asian-Americans believe their naturally dark pigmentation will protect their skin from sun damage, which is not the case. The Stanford researchers believe these misconceptions will lead to an epidemic of skin cancer—some forms of which can be deadly—in the rapidly growing Asian-American community.
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