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Healthy Highlights

SELF-EXAMS HELP FOIL SKIN CANCER

Cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, have been on the rise. But a work-based program in California cut its employees’ odds for high-risk skin cancer by 69 percent. Self-examination was a hallmark of the program. To conduct your own skin self-exam, follow these tips from the National Cancer Institute:

• Use a full-length and hand-held mirror to check your skin.
• Check all parts of your body. Don’t forget your feet, scalp, and fingernails.
• Look for new moles that look abnormal and moles that have changed in size, shape, color, or texture. Also, watch for sores that don’t heal.
• Report any findings to your doctor.

WORK OUT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Physical activity may be good for more than your body. Nearly 20,000 people ages 16 and older were asked about their activity level. Researchers wanted to know how often they did at least 20 minutes of leisure-time sports, walking for any reason, and domestic physical activity, such as heavy housework and gardening. They also were asked about their mental health. The results? Physical activity was linked with better mental health. Twenty minutes per week was all it took to lower risk for mental distress by up to 24 percent. Twenty minutes every day reduced risk by 41 percent.

DID YOU KNOW? READING MOTHER GOOSE ALOUD TO YOUR LITTLE ONE MAY OFFER MORE THAN CATCHY RHYMES. RESEARCHERS REVIEWED THE EFFECTS OF READING ALOUD TO CHILDREN AT A YOUNG AGE. THEY FOUND THAT CHILDREN HAD HIGHER SCORES ON FUTURE LANGUAGE MEASURES AND MORE INTEREST IN READING WHEN OLDER.

DRINK COFFEE, LIVE LONGER?

Drinking coffee has been linked with a lower risk for diabetes and some types of cancer. A study suggests that it also may help lower the risk for death from any cause. Over two decades, more than 100,000 adults were asked every two or four years about their coffee intake. As coffee intake went up, death rates went down, especially in women. In fact, women who drank four to five cups per day had a 26 percent lower risk than those who rarely drank the brew.

AFRICAN-AMERICANS AT HIGHER RISK FOR DIABETES

Nearly 4 million African-Americans have diabetes. They also are twice as likely as whites of similar age to develop diabetes. Modest lifestyle habits can keep the disease away—even in people who have a high risk of developing diabetes. Losing weight and becoming more physically active may delay—or even prevent—the development of type 2 diabetes, say researchers. Keeping a food and exercise log—writing down what you eat and how much you exercise—can help you stay on track.