Health, Personal Health

A Survey of Pet- and Non-Pet-Owning Swedish Adolescents: Demographic Differences and Health Issues

Carol L. Glasser — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This study examines the level of adolescents' attachment to companion animals and the effects of living with companion animals on self-rated health. Over 8,000 Swedish teens were surveyed about their health, activities and companion animals. Overall, those with dogs (male and female) and females with horses indicated the highest levels of attachment to their companion animals. Those without companion animals had higher levels of physical activity than those with companion animals. Those with companion animals who reported the highest levels of health, also attributed the most importance to their animal(s).

A Vegan or Vegetarian Diet Substantially Alters the Human Colonic Faecal Microbiota

Carol L. Glasser — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This study examines the levels of intestinal microbes in omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. Vegans were found to have the least and omnivores the most. This is due to not consuming contaminated meat as well as a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, which are fibrous and help keep the intestines clean.

‘Globesization’: Ecological Evidence on the Relationship Between Fast Food Outlets and Obesity Among 26 Advanced Economies

Carol L. Glasser — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This study examines the impact of fast food restaurants on levels of obesity in the populations of 26 affluent nations. Researchers statistically analyzed the relationship between the number of Subway restaurants and the proportion of people who are obese. Even after controlling for various environmental factors a strong relationship was found--the more Subways in a country, the higher rates of obesity.

Large Prospective Investigation of Meat Intake, Related Mutagens, and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Carol L. Glasser — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

Researchers investigated the link between meat eating and risk of developing a type of cancer of the kidney called renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study found that increased consumption of red meat increased the risk of developing RCC.

Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose

Carol L. Glasser — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800

This white paper is the summary of talks coming from a 2011 symposium addressing the use of antibiotics in animals raised for food. The symposium, sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, had talks addressing possible human health risks associated with antibiotic use as well as consumer attitudes and concerns about the use of antibiotics. The paper also discusses how to communicate with consumers regarding this issue to assuage their concerns.

U.S. Health Habits Continue Sharp Winter Decline

Carol L. Glasser — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:45:00 -0800

The Gallup Poll highlights a decline in the health habits of U.S. adults during the winter months. Survey findings of particular interest to vegetarian advocates show that the consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases in the winter months as well.

Returning to Meat: Who is Doing It, How it Happens, and What This Means for the Veg'n Movement

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:45:00 -0800

For my master's thesis I sought to answer a very simple but important question that may offer assistance to both the strength and future of vegetarianism: Why do vegetarians go back to meat? What I call "vegetarian recidivism" or "backsliding." To begin to answer this question I thought of “going veg” within the context of a social movement. Within this body of literature researchers have investigated both what mobilizes and stabilizes members of a social movement, but there is scant research addressing why people disengage from a social movement. Further, within the body of research addressing vegetarianism specifically, there were several reputable studies investigating the process of becoming vegan, but very little about the barriers and struggles to maintaining the practice.

Sex With Animals Linked to Penile Cancer

Carol L. Glasser — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:45:00 -0800

This study examines the link between having sex with animals (SWA) and penile cancer. Researchers found that SWA significantly increases the risk of penile cancer. Of the 492 men from rural Brazil surveyed, 35% had had SWA. Of the 118 penile cancer patients, 45% reported having SWA, compared with 32% of healthy men.

Relationship of Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Duration of Vegetarian Diet in Chinese Male Vegetarians

Carol L. Glasser — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:45:00 -0700

This study compared 171 vegetarian men to 129 age-matched omnivores in China, to determine the effects on cardiovascular disease. The vegetarian men were healthier than meat-eaters on a number of factors: weight, blood pressure, arterial walls, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Egg, Red Meat, and Poultry Intake and Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer in the Prostate Specific Antigen-Era

Carol L. Glasser — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:45:00 -0700

This research tracked more than 27,000 men from 1994-2008, specifically examining their meat and egg consumption in relation to their risk of prostate cancer. The study found a link between egg consumption and prostate cancer, with those men who ate 2.5 eggs or more per week increasing their risk of prostate cancer by 81%.