Evidence is mounting that exercise helps the mind as well as the body. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older women. The study included 5,925 predominately white women over the age of 65 who showed no signs of cognitive decline at the onset of the study. When researchers measured cognitive functioning again six to eight years later, the women who had higher levels of physical activity at the beginning of the study were less likely to develop cognitive impairments.
Archives of Internal Medicine, July 23, 2001
The Bush Administration's proposed $1,000 tax credit for the purchase of individual health insurance would not make health insurance affordable for many women, according to a report from Families USA. In 25 states surveyed, the average annual cost of health insurance for healthy, non-smoking, 55-year-old women was $4,734. In 18 of those states, no $1,000 plans were available for that group. In the seven states where $1,000 plans were available for that group, the plans came with huge deductibles and limited coverage. Young women did not fare much better. The average cost of coverage for healthy, non-smoking, 25-year-old women was $2,395.
A 10-Foot Rope for a 40-Foot Hole: Tax Credits for the Uninsured, Families USA, September 2001
Popular women's health and fitness magazines may not be healthy for young women. Researchers from Brigham Young University found more eating disorders and unhealthy weight-control methods among female students who frequently read the magazines. The study included 498 girls from two Utah high schools. In the previous year, 10.9% had used laxatives; 61% of these were frequent readers. 14.7% had taken diet pills; 72.6% were frequent readers. 8.6% had made themselves vomit; 79% were frequent readers.
American Journal of Health Education, May/June 2001
