Health in a Heartbeat show

Health in a Heartbeat

Summary: Health in a Heartbeat is a daily radio series that features two-minute segments providing consumer-health information and the latest news on medical research, patient-care breakthroughs and health-care industry trends. A production of the University of Florida Health Science Center News & Communication staff and WUFT-FM in Gainesville, Fl, Health in a Heartbeat airs on public radio stations in more than 55 markets nationwide.

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Podcasts:

 Air pollution wipes out health benefits of walking on city streets | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Just as in real estate, it seems a key component to success in exercise may come down to three little words: location, location, location. British researchers took two groups of older adults, ages 60 and up, on a two-hour walk in two areas of London to assess the impact air pollution had on their lung […]

 How much sleep do you need? It depends on your genes | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Some people wilt with less than eight hours of sleep, while others thrive energetically with only six hours. What gives? While all humans need sleep to survive, the number of hours of sleep an individual needs to be healthy and well-rested varies widely, and sleep continues to be an mystery to researchers. Scientists studying sleep […]

 For a healthy brain, veg out — on salad | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Many of us heard early on from mom that we should eat our veggies, but rarely did mom say WHY we needed to eat them, beyond telling us that they are “good for you.” Now mom might have another reason to push you to eat those greens on your plate. A recent study published in […]

 Beware of the bite from rattlesnake pills | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

In the old days, traveling hucksters would peddle potions known as snake oil from the backs of wagons to gullible people looking for remedies for a host of afflictions. Today, modern-day miracle-workers are slinging rattlesnake pills — consisting of dried, ground-up rattlesnake meat — to a new generation of customers. Experts say the pills not […]

 Expensive drugs lead people to feel more painful side effects | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Our wallets can take a painful punch when we buy expensive medications. But do our bodies take a hit as well? A recent study by scientists in Europe and the U.S. showed that people who thought they were using an expensive medication, but who actually got a placebo, reported more painful side effects. The scientists […]

 Spring clean your medicine cabinet | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Planning to spring clean your home? Don’t forget to look through your medicine cabinet. Chances are, your medicine cabinet is full of half-used prescription bottles and cold medicine. Leftover drugs stored in these cabinets can fall into the wrong hands. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, two-thirds of teens that report abuse of prescription […]

 Heavy drinking, smoking can make you look older | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Looking your age isn’t necessarily about vanity, it can be a sign of good health. By contrast, scientists are increasingly finding that looking older than your biological age suggests a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems. Danish researchers recently examined whether heavy smoking and drinking makes you look older. Why bother? After […]

 Life expectancy for men drops again in U.S. | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Despite all of the advances in medicine in recent years, one key indicator of health in America is not looking good: Life expectancy has fallen for the second straight year. For men, that is. Women’s life expectancy remained the same, and they now live on average five years longer than men — 81 years versus […]

 Long kisses transfer bacteria from one mouth to another | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Before you pucker up, ponder this: There’s something lurking in that kiss. A study published in the journal Microbiome showed that people share more than saliva during a passionate embrace. In fact, a kiss that lasts more than 10 seconds transfers about 80 million bacteria from one mouth to another, proving that it’s more than […]

 Hot tea may reduce glaucoma risk | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

If you drink hot tea, you might be getting an unexpected health benefit: A cup a day might reduce the risk of glaucoma. Researchers from Brown University and the University of California made the discovery while studying whether drinking caffeinated and not-caffeinated beverages influences the risk of the sight-stealing eye disease. Glaucoma damages the optic […]

 When you lose fat, where does it go? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Picture this: Breathe in and fill those lungs — and breathe out fat. The image may be an exaggeration, but it’s not much of one. Matter is neither created nor destroyed. So, the widely held belief that fat is burned off as extra energy or heat, or is converted into muscle, is incorrect, according to […]

 Hidden fat in fast-food healthy options | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

You’re hungry, in a hurry and you hear the siren song of a fast food eatery. Your conscience pipes up, however, so you decide to seek something healthy rather than give in to your inner carnivore. But are those innocent-sounding menu items really all that? Don’t believe the hype, says the website Everyday Health, which […]

 Family meal time can give children’s long-term health a boost | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

For families, eating together provides time for bonding and conversation after a long day. New research shows it also has physical and mental health benefits for children. Researchers at the University of Montreal looked at children who had been tracked since they were 5 months old as part of a developmental study. Their parents started […]

 Canola oil may harm memory | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

Canola oil has gained popularity because it’s among the healthier fats used for cooking. However, a new study suggests it could cause memory problems. Using mouse models, researchers found a diet rich in canola oil led to memory problems over six months — as well as weight gain. The findings by Temple University scientists were […]

 Exercise for busy bees | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 2:00

The American Heart Association recommends healthy adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity every week. When you’re balancing long hours at work and family responsibilities, carving out time for exercise may be difficult. Fortunately, recent studies show light activities reap plenty of health benefits. With that in mind, here are five ways to sneak exercise […]

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