Health Buzz: Stress Levels Up Since 1983

Health Buzz: Stress Levels Up Since 1983

American Women, Young People Most Likely to be Stressed

Who's stressed out? A lot of us, according to a new analysis that shows there's more stress in people's lives today than there was 25 years ago. Stress jumped 18 percent for women and 24 percent for men between 1983 and 2009, say researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The research, based on an analysis of data from more than 6,300 people, is considered the first historical comparison of stress levels nationwide, USA Today reports. Folks with the most stress were women, people with lower incomes, and those with less education. The good news? As people age, stress decreases. Still, high stress is problematic because it can cause increased risk for disease, while also accelerating disease progression. It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

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 Pedicure or Pedicurse? Proceed With Caution

Short of going barefoot, nothing conjures the free spirit of summer like sandals. But given the way we treat our feetâ€"whether we're running marathons or home from work and in shoes that pinch, press, and blisterâ€"it's no wonder they need grooming before flaunting. 

Fact: Your feet require some TLC. More facts: Salon pedicures can be rife with risks. In fact, some foot baths might as well be renamed cesspools, hotbeds of germs that can lead to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Not to sound biblical, but customers have gone home with boils. Unsanitary tools aren't much better, and can spread infections such as hepatitis. 

So the next time you treat your toes to a pedicure, follow these tips for feet as happy as they are healthy. 

1. Shun the razor. Never, ever let a nail technician put a razor to your feet and be wary of doing so yourself. The practice can lead to permanent damage along with upping your risk of infection through cuts and the possible transference of blood between customers. Callouses provide cushioning between you and the ground, and removing too much of the toughened skin can make it hurt to walk. A much gentler option is to soften your feet with a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). 

2. Don't cut corners. Go for a shape that's square, not oval. Round toenails are more likely to dig into skin, causing painful ingrown toenails, says Hillary Brenner, a Manhattan-based podiatric surgeon and an APMA spokesperson. [Read more: Pedicure or Pedicurse? Proceed With Caution]

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10 Best Foods for Your Hair

Move that shampoo and conditioner aside. The pursuit of luscious, shiny locks starts with fish, beans, bananas, and lentils. Indeed, a healthy diet is as good for the 150,000 hair follicles on your head as it is for your body. "Having a balanced diet, while putting a little extra emphasis on things like protein and iron, gives your hair a boost," says Neil Sadick, a clinical professor in the department of dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College. 

Protein, for example, is the building block of hair. If you don't get enough, your mane will grow more slowly, and strands will be weaker. "Pump up the protein," says registered dietician Dawn Jackson Blatner, author of The Flexitarian Diet. "Include a small dose at each meal and with each snack, and you'll keep your hair follicles strong." Safe bets include poultry, lean beef, fish, beans, and nuts.

If you start a hair-healthy diet today, you'll likely see improvements within six months to a year, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Try these 10 foods for your tresses:

1. Lean red meat. Too little iron can cause baldness, according to research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic. Treating iron deficiency may help regrow hair. "People who have problems with hair loss or hair growth tend to be iron deficientâ€"especially women," says dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani, who practices in Vallejo, Calif. Other iron-rich options include turkey, egg yolks, whole grains, dried fruit, and dried beans (soaked and cooked, of course). [Read more: 10 Best Foods for Your Hair]

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Angela Haupt is a health reporter for U.S. News World Report. You can follow her on Twitter or reach her at ahaupt@usnews.com. 

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