subject: Who Is Watching Our Health? [print this page] According to research done in 2009, Americans spend 60% more per person on health care than citizens in any other advanced country. Nevertheless, U.S. life expectancy at 50 ranks 29th in the world. A few explanations for this discrepancy include the facts that one-third of Americans are overweight, one-sixth don't use seatbelts and American children are 9 times more likely to be injured in a gun accident than children in any other developed country. Although cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death for people 50 and older worldwide, Americans often die from bad choices.
According to a 2008 national survey of 22,000 adults done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of smokers rose for the first time in 15 years - from 19.8% in 2007 to 21% in 2008. Although people tend to smoke less when they have less money, the tobacco industry discounted cigarettes to offset tax increases. In the mid-1960's 2 out of 5 adults smoked. In 2009 it was 1 out of 5. Federal health goals to have only 1 out of 10 adults smoking by 2010 are in ashes - no "butts" about it.
According to a dermatology professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, sleep is good for skin. Hormonal changes boost blood flow to the skin brightening it. Skin temperatures are higher so commercial age-fighting potions go deeper, providing better results. Also studies show cell turnover is 8 times faster at night, increasing wrinkle softening. According to a sleep medicine doctor at Tucson's Canyon Ranch, not getting 8 hours of sleep causes pasty-looking skin and dark circles under eyes. It also increases the stress hormone cortisol, which can slow collagen production and promote wrinkles. This information certainly puts a new wrinkle into not getting enough sleep.
Finally, according to Dr. Alan Hirsch, author of "What Flavor Is Your Personality?", food cravings have physical and personal components. For example, salt cravings are a sign of a mineral deficiency - people who crave salt are easy-going. Chocolate is an antidepressant - dark chocolate lovers are extroverts and milk chocolate lovers are introspective. Many who crave spicy food are addicted to the rush of spiked blood pressure and accelerated heart rate - spicy food cravers are detail-oriented. Those who crave sweets are low on energy - sugar cravers are pleasure seekers. If this is true, we eat what we are.
