Active for Life, From the health and wellness experts at IU  






"Helicopter parents" stir up anxiety, depression

Helicopter parenting picture Indiana University psychologist Chris Meno said that over-involved "helicopter parenting" is taking a serious toll on the psychological well-being of college students who have not begun to negotiate a balance between asking for consultation and independent decision making. Read Meno's tips to see if you are a helicopter parent.  Full Story

 Shingles awareness can prevent long-term pain

Needle/Syringe

The painful, burning twinge and irritated skin that can be early warning signs of shingles are often overlooked or misdiagnosed at the time when antiviral medications can be effective in shortening the outbreak. One person in 100 over the age of 60 typically will develop shingles.

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 Summer sizzle no match for water exercise

Water Exercise

Is the summer heat putting a chill on your exercise and activity plans? It might be time to give water exercise a try -- that is, if cool water, strength and balance training, a little cardio and a low-stress environment sound appealing. Read on to learn more about this joint-friendly activity that should be part of every fitness enthusiast's cross-training repertoire.

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 When schoolwork becomes a pain

Heavy Backpacks

Heavy backpacks and bags have been known to cause pain and fatigue in children and adults. While these conditions should be a concern for parents and students alike, healthcare professionals increasingly are concerned about the role these bags play in the development of more serious conditions, such as chronic back pain and functional scoliosis, which is caused when the spine becomes twisted because one shoulder muscle is stronger than the other.

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 Non-smoking spouse, smoke-free workplace help quitters win

cigarette butt in ashtray

Smoking has been on the rise for young adults in recent years, adding urgency to research efforts to identify ways to help these 18- to 25-year-olds successfully quit a habit that typically takes multiple attempts to break. A non-smoking spouse and smoke-free workplace play key roles in long-term success for young adults who quit smoking, according to Indiana University research, which found environmental factors to be more influential than individual behaviors and beliefs when it comes to kicking the habit.

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 Tools to help parents of children with developmental disabilities share information with caregivers

Vicker book cover

For parents of typical children, leaving the babysitter with a list of emergency contacts and a basic bedtime routine may be sufficient. But for parents of children with autism or other developmental disorders, there's a great deal more information to convey, said Beverly Vicker, a speech pathologist with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University's Indiana Institute on Disability and Community.

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 Blog: Yoga, a contact sport

Tracy James

There's Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhatki Yoga, among other branches. In the James-Gordillo household, there's also full-contact yoga, where kids get squooshed, Mom gets scaled like Mount Everest, warriors get tickled and grouchy moods become a casualty of the contest. Read on to see how Tracy's kids "help" her with her yoga poses and how yoga can help lift spirits.

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 Previous issue

Phishing comic

The July 12, 2007 issue of Active for Life features a story about cyber sharks who pose as "friends" in order to steal personal and financial information. Also included in this installment of the newsletter are the following features: How to fan (or rekindle) the flame of romance, patient-centered care from a pharmacist, how to shed pounds by talking and writing, tips for diabetics to help avoid blindness, and Mitch Rice's blog about biking around Lake Monroe.

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