Exergaming (physically active video gaming) for mental health service users in a community mental health care setting: an ethnographic observational feasibility study
“People with severe and enduring mental illness experience health inequalities with premature mortality; lifestyle behaviours are known to be contributing factors with low levels of physical activity reported. Facilitating physical activity to help maintain or improve health for those who are disadvantaged is essential. Exergaming (gaming involving physical movement) is increasingly used to improve physical activity across the lifespan and for those with a range clinical conditions; this might offer a way to increase physical activity for those with severe mental illness. The aim of this study was to explore engagement of mental health service users with exergaming to increase physical activity in a community mental health care setting.”
Minnesota losing obesity battle: One in three adults fits the bill
“Minnesota’s obesity rate has been rising steadily for decades, but the latest federal survey data was a blow for a state that has spent millions to confront epidemic weight gain and its health effects. Minnesota ranked eighth lowest among states with a 17.4% adult obesity rate in 2000. It now ranks 25th with a rate of 33.6%.”
AI coaches from Fitbit and Apple could be great for health – and bad for privacy
“We’re about to give away more health data than ever before. Fitbit made headlines last week for debuting its AI health coach, designed to help you make better use of the mountain of data it collects. Dubbed Fitbit Labs, the service is arriving in 2024 and is said to generate deeper insights in a more accessible way using AI.”
CDC: Arthritis Is Massive Public Health Problem
“With some 53 million people affected, the public health implications are correspondingly massive, the researchers suggested. Because physical activity is well recognized as both preventing arthritis and reducing its impacts when it does occur, clinicians and communities should do more to encourage everyone to exercise.”
CDC study on depression and mortality finds wealth, smoking, and exercise reduce risk of death
“US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers in Atlanta have examined the association between depressive symptoms and mortality in a large, diverse, nationally representative sample of US adults. In a paper, “Depressive Symptoms and Mortality Among US Adults,” published in JAMA Network Open, the CDC team found a higher risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease mortality among adults with moderate to severe depressive symptoms compared to those without depressive symptoms.”
Is the resurgence of weight loss drugs a blow to the body positivity movement?
“NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe speaks to author Virginia Sole-Smith about the future of the body positivity movement in the wake of weight loss drugs like Ozempic.”
Using apps to practice mindfulness improves mental health of children
“Mindfulness in children comes with a lot of benefits. For example, it can help kids manage stress, build self-esteem, maintain openness, and improve overall well-being. But what if children could access all these benefits at home with just an app?”
Why One Professor Stopped Flying to Help the Planet
“A flight from Boston to Mexico City might take you eight hours, including a layover. Parke Wilde took five days to make the same journey by land, and he’s fine with that. This summer, Wilde made the 3,000-mile trip entirely by train and bus to show that eschewing air travel, even when more time consuming, is worth it for the carbon savings. Airplanes, he said, are outsized contributors to climate change, and in his estimation, taking a few extra days to get to his conference in Mexico was an environmental bargain. “I’m aware that most people would view it as difficult, bordering on foolhardy,” he said. “But I absolutely would do it again.””
Survey says the majority of cancer patients are interested in complementary therapies
“Patients and oncologists are supportive of complementary therapies, such as nutrition counseling, exercise, massage, and mediation, for cancer treatment, according to a new survey conducted on behalf of the Healing Works Foundation. However, a disconnect exists between this growing interest and oncologists’ perceptions of patient support. One-third of oncologists said their patients lack interest in these therapies, but only 13% of cancer patients cite lack of interest when asked about barriers.”
