Previous studies have suggested that physical activity decreases the risk of certain cancers. Working in a job that requires a continuous level of high physical effort may decrease the likelihood of a man to develop prostate cancer. Anusha Krishnadasan, from the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) compared the physical activity of 392 workers who developed prostate cancer with 1,805 men similarly employed and of similar age. Amongst a group; of aerospace workers,the majority -- 64% - were involved in work that required sustained and high levels of physical activity; among this group, the odds for prostate cancer was 45% lower than that of less active coworkers. Amongst a group of nuclear power workers, only 34% of whom were involved in physically demanding work on a continual basis, the odds for prostate cancer did not differ with respect to physical activity levels. The researchers suggest that the difference in the level of physical activity -- that is, if it is sustained or intermittent -- may explain the difference in prostate cancer risk.

This study provides an interesting glimpse into the beneficial value of continual or prolonged occupationally based physical activity. Coupled with other studies that demonstrate the benefits of leisure-time physical activity, it is difficult to ignore the evidence regarding the role of regular physical activity to ward off disease.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In a new randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted by Hiroko Dodge, from Oregon State University (USA), and colleagues, 118 men and women, age 85+, with no memory problems, received either a ginkgo biloba extract (240 mg daily) or placebo for 3 years. In those participants who took the supplement every day as stipulated, the team found a 68% lower risk of the development of memory problems during the study period. Ginkgo contains potent antioxidants called flavoglycosides that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects.
A number of previous clinical trials have suggested long-term improvements in cognitive function in older adults with dementia, though several other studies have shown no such benefits. This is the first randomized clinical trial (RCT) to report clear dementia preventive results of ginkgo extract among older study subjects, and as such this study suggests a strong protective benefit for the compound

Dieter Schrenk , from the University of Kaiserslautern (Germany), and colleagues, have found that apple pectin and apple juice are high in a compound known as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid. Butyrate not only contributes to the maintenance of healthy colon tissue, but the team found the compound exerts an anti-cancer effect on the colon, by inhibiting the enzymes necessary for tumors to develop.\

Colorectal cancer is the fourth commonest form of cancer occurring worldwide. Most prevalent in industrialized countries, colorectal cancer represents 12.6% of all incident cancer in westernized nations in men and 14.1% in women. Many researchers believe that a majority of colorectal cancer cases are a result of dietary factors, such as a lack of adequate daily fruit and vegetable consumption. This study is promising in its identification of a simple, adoptable dietary habit that may offer protection against colon cancer

The Mental Health Foundation (United Kingdom) reports that problem anger is often left unaddressed. The Boiling Point Report says chronic and intense anger is linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, colds and fly, as well as depression, self-harm, and substance misuse. The Foundation suggests intervention comes too late and that we could save many lives from being damaged if the situation is tackled earlier. Comments Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation: "Some experts think that rapid social changes over the last few decades are leading to an increase in mental and emotional health problems, such as problem anger."

Anger is a vital emotion, essential to our survival. But when it becomes a routine part of everyday life and interferes with thinking, feeling, and behaviors, problem anger causes misery for the individual and those around them. Psychological health is an important component of the anti-aging lifestyle, and people need to fill their lives with positive emotions rather than destructive ones.

Previously, an analysis of stroke prevalence rates in the United States from 199 to 2004 revealed that middle-aged women (ages 35 to 54) were more than twice as likely as men of similar age to have a stroke. Amytis Towfighi, from the University of Southern California (USA), and colleagues analyzed data from women who participated in selected timeframes of the National Health and Nutrition Surveys (NHANES) study. The team found that 1.79% of women ages 35 to 54 who participated in the more recent NHANES study years, versus 0.63% in the earlier survey. The researchers further observed that women in the more recent study were "significantly more obese than women a decade prior," with increased BMI (28.6 versus 27.1) as well as waist circumference (4 centimeters greater), and higher glycated hemoglobin (an indicator of poor blood sugar control).

Abdominal obesity is a known predictor of stroke, especially in women, and extra pounds may be a key factor in the surge in the rates of midlife stroke in this population. This study underscores the importance to intensify efforts to curb the obesity epidemic

Christina Bamia, from the University of Athens (Greece), and colleagues have revealed a connection between early retirement and early death among people who are otherwise in good health. The team studied nearly 17,000 Greek adults, ages 20s to 809s, who were followed for more than 7 years. During that time, the researchers found the number of deaths among retirees was nearly 51% greater than among the same-aged counterparts who were not retired. In particular, early retirement seemed to increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

For many people, early retirement may bring a higher quality of life, but it may also usher in a number of new negative effects, such as financial concerns, reduction in daily physical activity, or depression. This is the latest among studies that suggest that by keeping both mentally and physically active, we can promote health and longevity.

In the latest of studies studing the association between dietary food intake and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, Raquel Villegas, from Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center (Nashville, Tennessee USA), and colleagues followed over 64,000 women residing in China, ages 40 to 70, for nearly 5 years, assessing their daily fruit and vegetable intakes and the onset of diabetes. Those women who consumed the most vegetables -- averaging 428 grams, or 15 ounces, daily -- had a 28% lower risk of developing the disease.

Analyzing data from a study involving 1,282 men and women ages 65 to 95 (participants in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam), Witte Hoogendijk, from the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center (The Netherlands), and colleagues found that low levels of vitamin D along with higher levels of parathyroid hormone were associated with higher rates of depression. Among those with major and minor depression, blood vitamin D levels were 14% lower, while parathyroid levels were 5% and 33% higher, respectively, as compared to study participants who were not depressive. The researchers comment that by boosting vitamin D intake (either by vitamin supplementation or increased exposure to sunlight), those prone to depression may be able to positively impact their mood.