KNIGHT WATCH

HOW DO WE RELATE TO RELATIONSHIPS?

Women who eat with men eat less. Psychologically, that’s not surprising. However, men who eat with men also eat less. Even after multiple factors were correlated with how much people ate, a study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found when women ate with women, they ordered an average of 833 calories. When they were with men, the average was 721. When men ate with women, they ordered an average of 1162 calories. When they were with men the average was 952. It seems both genders react to an unconscious script when eating with men. It’s some sort of “men-tal reservation”.

People pick friends that are just like them. According to a study published in the journal Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, the more choices you have, the likelier you are to pick friends with your beliefs. Friends at a large university, as well as at several rural colleges, were asked questions about politics, moral beliefs, prejudices and health-related activities. On larger campuses friends tended to share the same beliefs. On smaller campuses friendships were more diverse and friends rated their friendships as closer. It seems “Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends” – that’s according to Shirley MacLaine.

Women prefer men with deep voices. In a study published in the journal Memory & Cognition, women were shown various objects while hearing the objects’ names spoken by both high-pitched and low-pitched voices. Not only were the women much likelier to recall objects correctly when the objects were introduced by deep voices, but they also expressed a strong preference for those voices. It seems deep voices are likelier to be associated with emotional warmth and other highly desirable traits. Of course, if a woman had to choose between 2 men with low-pitched voices, it would be a “pitched battle”.

Americans are more monogamous. A study published in the journal Family Process included 6,864 people. Responses from 6,082 were from 1975 and the rest from 2000. The percentage of married/straight men having affairs dropped from 28% in 1975 to 10% in 2000. For married/straight women the percentage dropped from 23% to 14%. Among gays and lesbians (in civil unions or committed relationships) the percentage dropped from 83% to 59% and from 28% to 8% respectively. It seems the increase in monogamy can be attributed to fear of sexually transmitted diseases. Obviously, “in sickness and in health” doesn’t cover everything.

 

WHERE DID THAT IDEA COME FROM?

The U.S. Postal Service has changed its stamp policy. Since January 1, 2007 a person had to be dead for at least 5 years before being on a stamp. Before that it was 10 years. Former presidents were the only exception. They were remembered on a stamp the year after their death. However, as of September 26, 2011 living people became eligible for the honor. The advisory committee receives approximately 40,000 suggestions for new stamps every year, reduces that number to about 50 finalists and sends them to the postmaster general for a final decision – his “stamp of approval”.

Bay Minette, Alabama (population approximately 8,500) may have the answer to overcrowding in big city jails. As of October 2011 when “Operation Restore Our Community” was initiated, the city judge can let misdemeanor offenders work off their sentence in jail or go to church every Sunday for a year. If offenders choose church, they can choose their place of worship; but they must check in with the pastor and police weekly. If the 1-year attendance is completed, the offenders’ cases will be dismissed. Bay Minette, 35 miles outside of Mobile, may be on an inside track for criminal justice.

Southern California is home to the growing trend of divorce parties – complete with divorce party planners. These events can be as elaborate as weddings or can cost just a few hundred dollars. They can be themed – “Lemon Party”. They can have music – “I Will Survive” and cocktails – “Marriage on the Rocks”. A cake can be topped with the bride and groom figures in a variety of poses. Divorce parties are an event to mark the closure of a marriage and the beginning of a new life. Of course, if this idea doesn’t appeal to you, you can “divorce yourself from it”.

Denmark is the first country to pass a fat tax. As of October 1, 2011 there is a tax of $2.90 per 2.2 pounds of saturated fat. For example, the price of a burger increased about $0.15 and the price of a small package of butter, about $0.40. The average life expectancy of Danes is below the international average of 79 years. The goal of the tax is to increase life expectancy by 3 years over the next 10 years. However, considering the prevalence of butter in Danish cooking, it may be difficult to take the fat out of the “fat-herland”.

 

OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER ABOUT HEALTH?

  Middle-aged women who drink alcohol in moderation are likelier than non-drinkers to stay healthy as they age. A study published in the journal PLoS Medicine followed nearly 14,000 women from an average age of 58 to age 70. One to 2 drinks daily increased the likelihood of good overall health later in life 28%; 1/3-1 drink increased the likelihood 19%. Even 1-2 drinks weekly provided an 11% increase. However, women who spread their consumption over a week were the likeliest to be healthy at 70. Unfortunately, the findings don’t necessarily apply to men – they were “un-men-tioned” in the study.

In a study of 1,017 men and women age 60 and older, those with diabetes were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. They were also 1.75 times likelier to develop dementia of some kind. The participants were all dementia-free at the start of the study. Fifteen percent had diabetes and 23% had pre-diabetes. After 15 years 27% of the participants with diabetes developed dementia compared to 20% of those with normal blood sugar levels. Those with pre-diabetes also had a higher risk of dementia, but not as high. Obviously, when it comes to blood sugar levels, we need to be “levelheaded”.

Middle-aged men and women with blood pressure only slightly higher than normal are 68% likelier to have a stroke than those with normal blood pressure. “Pre-hypertension” is defined as a systolic pressure (top number) of 120-139 and a diastolic pressure (bottom number) of 80-89. People in the upper half of the pre-hypertension range are 79% likelier to have a stroke. According to a study published in the journal Neurology, 31% of U.S. adults have pre-hypertension. Weight loss, exercise, limiting salt intake and not smoking are recommended for people with slightly elevated blood pressure – people in this new “pressure group”.

Nevertheless, people of any age who eat lots of white fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of stroke. A 10-year study published in Stroke included more than 20,000 people ages 20 to 65 – none of whom had cardiovascular disease. In their food frequency questionnaires fruits and vegetables were divided in 4 groups: green, orange/yellow, red/purple and white. For every 25-gram increase of white foods eaten every day stroke risk went down 9%. The white group includes apples, pears, bananas, cauliflower, chicory, cucumbers and mushrooms. An average apple weighs 120 grams. No wonder an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

 

WHAT'S RECEDED IN THE RECESSION?

 The recession changed America’s lifestyle. According to the Census Bureau’s 2010 American Community Survey, Americans are marrying later. Since 2006 the median age of men’s first marriage went from 26.7 to 28.7. For women it went from 25.9 to 27.5. Between 2008 and 2010 there were 200,000 fewer births to women ages 20 to 34 – even though the number of women in that age group increased by more than 1 million. There were also 7% fewer divorces. Finally, between 2006 and 2010 households with 2 or more cars dropped from 58% to 57.1% - as the recession “drove down” the economy.

Fewer Americans went to church, synagogue or temple during the recession. According to a 10-year study conducted by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, more than 25% of congregations had fewer that 50 worshippers in 2010 and just under 50% had fewer than 100. Overall, median weekend worship attendance dropped from 130 to 108 in 10 years. Financial support also dropped. Thirty-one percent of congregations reported excellent financial health in 2000. In 2010 it was only 14%. In an attempt to improve attendance by being both innovative and contemporary, 41% of congregations used Facebook to communicate with congregants. It’s a religious “face-lift”.

The recession also decreased the number of traffic fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration analyzed unemployment and traffic fatalities data for 2008 and found metropolitan areas with the biggest increases in unemployment had the biggest decreases in traffic deaths. For example, both Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada were hard hit by the 2007-2008 recession and their traffic deaths fell 19% and 27% respectively. Nationwide, unemployment rose from 5% in 2007 to 7.3% in 2008. Traffic fatalities fell 10%. There were 37,261 fatalities in 2008; 33,808 in 2009; and 32,788 in 2010. These numbers “drive home” the point.

Nevertheless, the recession didn’t decrease the number of people who drove to work alone. According to the Census Bureau, the number has increased every 10 years since the 1960 census; and according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the number increased again in 2009. As of then, more than 75% of workers drove to work alone. About 10% carpooled, 5% took public transportation and the rest walked, biked or worked from home. As of 2009, the average commute time was about 25 minutes – a few minutes more than in 1980. That’s long enough to “drive someone to distraction”.

 

HOW ARE THE UNITED STATES DIVIDED?

 New Hampshire – median income $66,303 – is the richest state in 2011. Its 7.1% poverty rate is the nation’s lowest; its 5.2% unemployment is 4^th lowest. Connecticut - $65,958 – is second. Its 8.3% poverty rate is second lowest; its 9.1% unemployment is 19^th highest. New Jersey - $65,173 – is third. Its 9.8% poverty rate is 7th lowest; its 9.5% unemployment is 14^th highest. Mississippi is the poorest state. Its median income is $36,850; its 21.3% poverty rate is the nation’s highest; and its 10.4% unemployment is 7^th highest. This list was based on the 2010 census – which Mississippians may want censured.

In 2011 New York is the state with the highest cigarette tax - $4.35 per pack. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids, “Tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking and other tobacco use, especially among kids”. Every 10% increase in cigarette prices supposedly reduces youth smoking by about 7% and total cigarette use by about 4%. Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax - $0.17 followed by Virginia - $0.30; Louisiana - $0.36; Georgia - $0.37; and Alabama - $0.425. Because the national average is $1.46, it seems some states are just “blowing smoke”.

Fort Collins, Colorado is the city with the safest drivers. That’s according to Allstate’s 2011 “America’s Best Drivers Report”. For the second year in a row the average driver was involved in a collision every 14 years – 29% below the national average. The other cities completing the top 10 were Boise, Idaho; Lincoln, Nebraska; Chandler, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; Knoxville, Tennessee; Springfield, Missouri; Reno, Nevada; Eugene, Oregon; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Washington D.C. was 200^th among the 200 largest cities for the third year straight. The accident rate was 60% higher than the national average – proof politicians “drive us crazy”.

However, Washington, D.C. is #1 when it comes to traffic congestion. That’s according to the 2011 Urban Mobility Report. Washington averages a 74-hour delay for commuters yearly. Chicago was second with 71 hours followed by Los Angeles with 64, Houston with 57, New York with 54 and Baltimore with 52. More commuting hours means more gas. For Washington it was an extra 37 gallons per commuter; for Chicago, 36; for Los Angeles, 34; for Houston, 28; and for New York and Baltimore, 22. Nationally, that was a cost of about $750 in time and gas per commuter – a cost that requires “paytience’.

 

WHAT CAN YOU BUY FOR $226,920?

 They say it takes a village to raise a child. Soon it may take a village to pay for raising a child. In 10 years the cost increased 40%. According to the Department of Agriculture, in 2010 it cost a middle-income, two-parent family approximately $226, 920 to raise a child to age 18. Six percent was for clothing, 8% for healthcare, 8% for miscellaneous, 14% for transportation, 16% for food, 17% for childcare and education and 31% for housing. During the same 10 years the median household income decreased 7%. Soon there may be a luxury tax on children.

The money that buys food for a child can also buy less risky behavior for that child. According to a Columbia University Study, teenagers who ate with their family 5-7 times weekly were almost 4 times less likely to try tobacco, more than twice less likely to drink alcohol and 2.5 times less likely to use marijuana than teens who had fewer than 3 family dinners weekly. Also, female adolescents who usually ate family dinner were less likely to purge or binge. Meals are times for families to connect – which means disconnecting electronics.

Sleep also reduces risky behavior. In a 2011 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey of more than 12,000 teenagers, 68.9% said they slept less than 8 hours on an average school night. In 10 of 11 categories those teens were likelier to participate in risky behavior. Over 50% of sleep-deprived students said they’d drunk alcohol in the previous 30 days compared to 36.7% of those who slept more than 8 hours. Sleep-deprived students were less likely to exercise, more likely to smoke, more sexually active and more likely to fight or contemplate suicide. According to this study, it’s possible to “sleep off” risky behavior.

Finally, it’s possible for a best friend to reduce stress. In a study done at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 103 fifth and sixth graders who had a best friend filled out diaries 5 times a day for 4 school days. They also filled out a questionnaire about how they felt about themselves and other people and had their saliva tested for the stress hormone cortisol. Children didn’t produce as much cortisol in response to unpleasant experiences when they had the calming influence of a best friend. They also felt better about themselves overall. It seems a best friend can depressurize peer pressure.

 

CAN INFORMATION MAKE US WORLDLY?

 Switzerland in 2011 – and for the third consecutive year - was ranked as having the world’s most competitive economy. The World Economic Forum based its ranking on economic data and a survey of 15,000 business executives. Singapore moved up to second place, bumping Sweden down to third; and Finland moved up to fourth from seventh place in 2010. The U.S. had been in fourth place in 2010, having fallen from first place in 2008. Due to rising government debt and declining faith in both political leaders and corporate ethics, the U.S. slipped down to fifth place in 2011. That wasn’t a “slip-up”.

The country that’s perceived the most corrupt in the world is Somalia. That’s according to Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perception Index, which measures how people in 178 countries and territories view corruption in their homeland. On a scale of 0-10 (0 being worst) Somalia scored 1.1 followed closely by Myanmar and Afghanistan at 1.4. Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore scored highest at 9.3. The United States scored 7.1, tying with Belgium for 22^nd overall. Mexico, the U.S.’s neighbor to the south, scored 3.1; but Canada, the neighbor to the north, scored 8.9. It seems the U.S. should “look up to” Canada.

In 2011 – and for the second year in a row - Thailand was home to the best city in the world. That’s according to Travel + Leisure magazine’s survey of its readers. In fact, Bangkok has been in the top 10 since 2002. Attractions, arts and culture, food, shopping and value were among the categories that determined the ranking. Florence was ranked second followed by Rome, New York, Istanbul, Cape Town, Siem Reap, Sydney, Barcelona and Paris. Despite the economy, travel was up in 2011.There were more than 270 million travelers – 270 million people who turned domestic into “domestiCITY”.

If you are wondering in which world category the U.S. is #1, the social networking site Badoo surveyed 30,000 people in 15 countries to find out which nationality is the coolest. According to the 2011 results, the Spanish are the coolest Europeans and the Brazilians are the coolest Latin Americans. However, the Americans are the coolest nationality in the world. Brazilians came in second followed by the Spanish, Italians, French, British, Dutch, Mexicans, Argentineans and Russians. Supposedly, the Belgians are the least cool nationality in the world. Perhaps we should remember that when we order a Belgian waffle.

 

SHOULD DOCTORS HAVE "WEIGHTING" ROOMS?

 Half of Americans – more than 164 million – will be obese by 2030. That’s the shocking prediction of a report published in The Lancet. In 2011 there are 99 million. The increase would likely increase the rates of obesity-related diseases – 8 million new cases of diabetes, 7 million of coronary heart disease and stroke, as well as 500,000 new cases of cancer. The report also estimated that U.S. spending on obesity-related problems would increase up to 16% yearly. By 2030 related healthcare spending would increase $66 billion yearly. It shouldn’t be hard for Americans to think thin if we just “THINk”.

If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t drink sugary beverages – sodas; energy, sports or fruit drinks; and sweetened waters. According to nutrition experts, sugar-sweetened beverages are the #1 single source of calories in the American diet and account for about half of all added sugars consumed. A 2005-2008 government survey of 17,000 people found 50% of Americans consume sugary drinks daily and 25% consumed at least 200 calories from them. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 450 calories (less than 3 cans) from sugar-sweetened beverages weekly - requiring Americans to have a “can-don’t” attitude.

Another way to try to lose weight is by switching hands. When mindless eating becomes a habit, people become unaware of how much they are eating. According to a study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, people who snacked with their non-dominant hand reduced their total intake by 30% compared to those who used their dominant hand. It seems by “disrupting the physical sequence of action that is automatic eating”, you can gain some control over how much you eat. The inconvenience enables you to question if the food really tastes good and if you are really hungry. Switching hands makes snacking “handwork”.

If you’re trying to get rid of belly fat – the fat around internal organs considered a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease and cancer – jog. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology divided 198 overweight, sedentary people into 2 groups. Those who worked out with weights three times weekly for 8 months lost small amounts of under-the-skin fat. Those who jogged 12 miles weekly lost belly fat, as well as experienced improved liver enzymes and insulin resistance. Also, aerobic exercise burned 67% more calories. For those who can’t jog, walk. Don’t “walk out on” aerobic exercise.

 

DO CHILDREN NEED MORE OR LESS?

 When it comes to sleep, the majority of children need more. Research has proven lack of sleep combined with genetic vulnerabilities can cause heart disease, depression, a weakened immune system and obesity-related diabetes. Sleep is also crucial for learning. It helps the brain retain and sharpen information. Elementary school children need 10 hours of sleep; middle and high schoolers need at least 9 hours. Unfortunately, catch-up sleep on weekends can increase sleepiness by throwing off children’s body clocks. Even more unfortunately, telling children to get more sleep is often an example of parental “Do what I say, not what I do”.

Children need less whole milk. Although milk is important for bone health, although it contains calcium and vitamin D, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say children age 2 and older should consume low-fat milk and milk products to avoid unnecessary fat and calories. According to a 2007-2008 CDC report, about 73% of children drink milk; but only about 20% drink low-fat milk. Older children, white children and children in the highest income category drink more low-fat milk than their counterparts. Considering the high obesity rate among children, this is a subject that should be “milked” for all it’s worth.

Children need smoke-free environments. According to another study published in the journal Pediatrics, 50% of adult smokers living with children smoke in the house; and those children miss more school. Children living with one at-home smoker miss about 1 extra day yearly. With 2 at-home smokers it’s 1.54 days. In fact, up to 33% of all missed school days by children of smokers can be attributed to second-hand smoke. When children get sick, working parents have to stay home, which adds up to about $227 million in lost wages yearly. It’s time to “smoke out” second-hand smoke.

Finally, in a 2011 policy statement published in the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society “vigorously opposed” boxing for children under age 19. In addition to concussions and other head injuries, there is the risk children might develop “chronic traumatic encephalopathy” – a condition caused by repeated head blows that can lead to dementia later in life. According to government records, the rate of head injuries for 12- to 17-year-olds is the same as for older boxers – 3 for every 1,000 participants. When it comes to children’s sports, it seems parents should think “outside the box”ing.

 

NEED SUNGLASSES FOR THESE BRIGHT IDEAS?

 Mobile blood pressure monitors are used in Britain to provide more accurate hypertension diagnoses. According to a 2011 report in The Lancet, one-time readings in doctors’ offices are often falsely high. Thus as much as 25% of the population may be using hypertension drugs unnecessarily. Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends people with blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher in doctors’ offices be sent home with a mobile monitor. The device straps around the waist and takes readings for 24 hours. For many people mobile monitoring takes the “pressure” out of blood pressure tests.

Hungary has a “fat tax”. On September 1, 2011 the Hungarian parliament implemented the most comprehensive tax on unhealthy foods to date – foods with high fat, salt and sugar content. Taxable products include soft drinks and energy drinks with added sugar, pre-packaged sweetened products, salty snacks, high-salt-content condiments, soup mixes and gravy mixes. The fat tax of $0.53 is expected to provide over $99 million annually to be used for health care costs, including those addressing Hungary’s 18.8% obesity rate – which is more than 3% higher than the European Union average of 15.5%. It seem Hungary’s parliament contains some “fat cats”.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a non-profit that trains shelter dogs to rescue disaster victims. In 2011 there are approximately 250 dog and handler teams certified by FEMA. However, Wilma Melville - the 77-year-old founder - thinks 500 teams are needed. Shelter dogs testing well for drive, focus and high energy receive a year’s training. Those completing the training are paired with firefighters or rescue workers, who will live, train and work with their dog. The foundation supplies food and health insurance for the dogs, ongoing training for the dogs and handlers and hope for those trapped at disaster sites.

Finally, naming hurricanes after women started with Naval meteorologists. The National Weather Service thought it was such a bright idea it adopted the practice in 1953. In 1979 male names were alternated with female names. There are 6 lists of names for Atlantic storms selected by the World Meteorological Organization that rotate annually. The 2011 list (which included Irene) won’t be reused until 2017. However, names of devastating storms (Katrina) are replaced with new names. A storm must start as a Tropical Depression and become a Tropical Storm before being named. This is done “in the name of” science.