Preventing Disease & Staying Healthy

We all know that it’s good to exercise, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and get a good night’s sleep. But it’s hard to change our habits, especially if we don’t have persuasive proof that it will improve our lives and health.

The National Center for Health Research is constantly reviewing new research to determine what we can do that will prevent diseases and keep us healthy.

Excellent research is being conducted to learn exactly what kinds of foods and exercise will help you prevent specific diseases, and what exposures to avoid in your daily life. The results are sometimes confusing because new products to prevent diseases are aggressively advertised, whether they work or not. Sometimes the best strategies are ones that don’t cost anything – but who is going to pay to advertise those?

We cut through the hype. We scrutinize new research, and call the researchers to learn even more. Then we translate it into plain language that you can understand.

To find the information you need, please use our search box to search for exactly what you are looking for or browse through our various topics on the right. →

If you’re looking for information about how to prevent cancer, go to our Cancer Prevention and Treatment web site at www.stopcancerfund.org . If you don’t see what you’re looking for on any health topic, contact us through our online health helpline at info@center4research.org. We’ll try to get the information you need within a few days.

Tanning Beds: Safe Alternative to Sun?

This article focus on skin cancer concerns related to artificial tanning.

Are Bisphenol A (BPA) Plastic Products Safe for Infants and Children?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make plastics, and is frequently used in baby bottles, sports equipment, water bottles, medical devices, and as a coating in food and beverage cans.

Early Morning Classes, Sleepy Students, and Risky Behaviors

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, most schools started between 8:30-9:00 and many students barely stayed awake all day. Today, many high schools start at 7:30 or earlier, and a growing number of studies show that these early school schedules can undermine teenagers’ ability to learn, to drive safely, and to get along with others. They can even increase the likelihood of smoking, drug abuse, and teen pregnancy.

Sexual Violence on Campus: What Numbers Can and Can’t Tell Us

Sexual assault on campus has become a hot-button issue. This article looks at the best data regarding sexual violence on campus, including a 2015 study and two larger, previous studies. These three studies vary somewhat in precise numbers, but all three reach the same conclusion—sexual assault exists at high rates on college campuses.

What’s the Deal with Keratin Treatments and Other Hair Straighteners?

Have you ever gotten a keratin treatment? A Brazilian Blowout? Maybe you’ve heard that they make hair silky smooth and relaxed and cost about $400. Or maybe you’ve heard that they can cause cancer. But which is true?