Alcohol Use Among College Students: An International Perspective

More comprehensive studies with systematic methodologies in the world regions reviewed here are needed to yield representative results on alcohol use and related risk and protective factors in college settings. College students in many countries are at elevated risk for heavy drinking, with serious immediate health risks, such as drink-driving and other substance use; and longer term risks, such as alcohol dependence. The prevalence of hazardous drinking in Australasia, Europe and South America appears similar to that in North America, but is lower in Africa and Asia.

Elie Karam; Kypros Kypri; Mariana Salamoun

The effect of long term combined yoga practice on the basal metabolic rate of healthy adults
This study shows that there is a significantly reduced BMR, probably linked to reduced arousal, with the long term practice of yoga using a combination of stimulatory and inhibitory yogic practices.

MS Chaya, AV Kurpad, HR Nagendraand R Nagarathna

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006, 6:28 doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-28

LIFE EVENTS AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Life events research has thus been an area of immense interest since the 1960s. The problems defined and the hypotheses generated are so varied in this area, that there is very little scope of exhaustion. Although literature suggests that life events play an important role in the precipitation and relapse of psychiatric disorders, the relationship is not all that straight forward. The relationship between stress and illness varies with pre existing vulnerability factors. That is, differences in social support system, skills, attitudes, beliefs, and personality characteristics render some persons relatively immune to stress induced illness & other relatively susceptible. Hence, future research should focus on

identifying these intervening variables and understanding their effect on stress – illness relationship.

Rita Chatterjee, M.A., M. Phil (Medical and Social Psychology Trainee); Manu Arora, M.D., D.P.M., Senior Resident; Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India.

Accessed from <http://www.psyplexus.com/mhr/.html> on November 30, 2006

STRESS AFFECTS FERTILITY

‘Stress affects the hormonal system, which may result in decreased fertility. Stress causes tremendous changes in th body’s biochemistry and rhythms. It upsets the body’s natural balance, and over time can lead to chronic health problems. After prolonged stress the sympathetic nervous system can become hyperstimulated. Ahyperstimulated nervous system sends less blood to the uterus and ovaries, thereby impairing their optimal functioning. (Lewis, R. P. ‘The Infertility Cure’. Little, Brown and Company, January 2004. Pg 193.)

The use of hypnosis during embryo transfer doubles the IVF/ET (embryo transfer) outcome in terms of increased implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. Furthermore it seems the patients’ attitude to treatment was more favourable. (‘Impact of hypnosis during embryo transfer on the outcome of in vitro fertilisation- embryo transfer: a case-control study.’ Fertility and Sterlity Journal. May 2006:8(5): 14040-8)

Delayed Blood Pressure Recovery After Stress Is Linked to Atherosclerosis

Slow blood pressure normalization after psychological stress is associated with carotid intima-media thickness. The findings suggest a link between psychosocial factors and cardiovascular disease.

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2006;26:2547-2551

Oral Contraceptive Use Increases Risk for Premenopausal Breast Cancer

Oral contraceptive (OC) use is associated with increased risk for premenopausal breast cancer, according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the October issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Laurie Barclay, MD

Mayo Clinic Proc. 2006;81:1287, 1290-1302.

(Added on 6 July 07)