Do You Have A Healthy Curiosity?

Lack of deep sleep contributes to high blood pressure. In a study published in Hypertension, approximately 800 men over age 65 – without hypertension – had at-home sleep tests and had their blood pressure monitored for 3 years. Those getting the least deep sleep were 80% likelier to develop high blood pressure. Lack of deep sleep prevents blood pressure from dropping sufficiently, which damages blood vessels. Parts of the brain controlling hormones and other substances to maintain proper blood pressure also work less efficiently. Because high blood pressure can cause heart disease, lack of deep sleep can make you "heartsick".

However, those lacking sufficient deep sleep could eat purple potatoes. In a study presented to the American Chemical Society, 18 overweight, hypertensive participants were divided into 2 groups. One group ate 6-8 small, purple potatoes with skins at lunch and dinner for 4 weeks. The other group ate none. Then the groups reversed regimens. On average, diastolic pressure (bottom number) dropped 4.3% and systolic pressure (top number) dropped 3.5%. In addition to experiencing lower blood pressure, none of the participants gained weight. Of course, none of the participants fried the potatoes, which would have increased the calories sixfold.

Then there's hospital clothes – from white coats to surgical scrubs – worn by doctors and nurses. According to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, more than 60% of the 135 health workers' uniforms examined tested positive for pathogens, including those causing pneumonia, bloodstream infections and drug-resistant infections. AORN (Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses) and other health groups have suggested rules for hospital uniforms. For example, hospitals should supply laundry facilities and health workers shouldn't be allowed to wear scrubs outside hospitals. Supposedly, the contaminated uniforms and the 33%-50% of health workers with poor hand-washing practices go " hand in hand".

Finally – and more happily – in a review of 7 studies, 5 linked chocolate to a 37% reduction for cardiovascular disease risk, 31% for diabetes risk and 29% for stroke risk. These findings held up even when factors like age, diet, physical activity, body mass index and smoking were controlled. In spite of not proving a cause and effect relationship, the researchers concluded dark chocolate – 60% cocoa and higher – as well as liquid cocoa, had potential cardiac benefits and they wanted to establish a therapeutic window – similar to that for red wine. For many Americans that would be a "window of opportunity".