Study: Frequent Religious Service Attendance Linked To Reduced Death Risk In Women

Much have been said about how faith and spirituality can lower stress levels and improve mental health. It makes sense considering that there are people who rely on faith at some point to get them through the hard times. Now, a new study adds to the growing body of evidence citing the connection between faith and mortality.

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

The study reveals that attending religious services more than once a week is linked to lower mortality rate among women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study from 1992 to 2012 where 74, 534 Catholic and Protestant women answered questionnaires about their lifestyle, health, and diet every two years and attendance in religious services every four years. The incidence of mortality (either from all-cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer) was monitored for more than 16 years in the follow-up period, and findings showed that 2,721 women died due to CVD and 4,479 from cancer.

Women who went to religious services regularly have been found to be 33 percent less likely to die during the follow-up period, compared to non-attenders. The authors also emphasize that regular attendance at religious services was linked to 27 percent lower risk of death from CVD, and 21 percent lower risk of dying from cancer.

So what could explain the connection? According to the researchers, religious participation can influence behavior and emotions and promote well-being. But its impact on health remains obscure.

The researchers also accounted a variety of factors, including, alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index, social integration, depression, race, and ethnicity. Although no more than 25 percent of the association can be clearly explained by the factors mentioned, the researchers are quick to point out that the “finding should not be ignored but rather explored in more depth.”

Image source: redletterchristians.org

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is board-certified physician with over a decade of experience in handling critical care, internal medicine, and pulmonary disease. Like this Facebook page for more interesting features and updates on medicine and healthy living.

Newborns Struggling to Breathe: Understanding the Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, also known as hyaline membrane disease, is one of the most common disorders that often occur in premature babies. According to a research conducted by American Thoracic Society, 10 percent of infants in the Unites States develop RDS. How does it occur?

                                           Image source: medicaldaily.com

In the lungs, there are small air sacs called alveoli. A substance called surfactant coats the air sacs. It helps the newborns open their lungs so they can fully breathe. By week 34 of pregnancy, most babies have already produced enough surfactant. Thus, if the baby is born prematurely, the surfactant produced may not be sufficient. The insufficient surfactant may cause the air sacs to collapse. However, RDS can also happen to babies even though they were carried to full term. Some risk factors include underweight newborn and if the baby’s mother is diabetic. Signs and symptoms are evident immediately after the baby is born. These include grunting respirations, blue-colored lips and toes, nasal flaring, and rapid, shallow breathing.

                                                Image source: abc.net.au

Fortunately, according to Boston’s Children Hospital, more than 90 percent of babies with RDS survive. The treatment includes ventilator support and direct medication to the lungs called artificial surfactant.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine. For the latest updates on health and medicine, follow this Twitter account.