Ten (Research-Tested) New Year’s Resolutions

December 30, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Need help choosing a New Year’s resolution?  

 

Well, research from the University at Buffalo (UB) purports to offer ten “research-tested” New Year’s resolutions: 

 

(1) Take care of a loved one and boost your own well being in the process. 

 

Research by UB assistant professor of psychology Michael J. Poulin shows that helping sick family members can reduce stress and anxiety.  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11480    

 

(2) Lose a few pounds – it could help you survive a car crash.  

 

Research by UB’s Dietrich V. Jehle, M.D. and professor of emergency medicine, found that moderately obese drivers are more likely to die in a severe car crash.  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12116   

 

(3) Early to bed – and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.   

 

UB researcher Lisa B. Rafalson found that seven hours of sleep may decrease the risk of developing diabetes. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11811   

 

(4) Get your kids involved with friends – and prevent their overeating.  

 

Research by UB’s Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, associate professor of pediatrics, shows that childhood friendships can be a substitute for food and therefore can help stem obesity in children.  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10830   

 

(5) When the going gets tough – keep going!   

 

Research by UB’s Mark D. Seery, assistant professor of psychology, found that adverse life experiences appear to make us more resilient and adaptable to stress. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11868   

(6) Talk to your kids about current events – and help them with math.   

Research by UB’s Ming M. Chiu, professor of learning and instruction, found that children who discuss current events with their parents develop better math and reasoning skills.  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11562   

 

(7) Jack-up your consumption of soy.  

 

Research by UB’s Anne M. Weaver and co-researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute shows that soy products are associated with a reduced risk of developing invasive breast tumors.  http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12051   

 

(8) Encourage your kids to walk to school.  

 

Aside from the obvious health benefits, research by UB’s James N. Roemmich, associate professor of pediatrics, shows that a simple morning walk could help curb stress-related spikes in heart rate and blood pressure in children, potentially reducing their risk of heart disease later in life. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11622   

 

(9) Avoid junk food – by paying with cash at the grocery store. 

Research by UB’s Satheeshkumar Seenivasan found that people who bought groceries with credit and debit cards were more likely to load up on unhealthy foods.  www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018174345.htm   

 

(10) Have a few drinks to boost romance.  

 

Drinking in moderation with your spouse or partner can increase intimacy, according to research by Ashley Levitt of UB’s Research Institute on Addictions. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12072   

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