Health Updates: Brief Health-Related Headlines for Today

Health Updates: Brief Health-Related Headlines for Today

Here's Your Hottake on 2022:

It's almost time to say goodbye to 2021 and embrace the new year. I hope it treats us all well. As the clock ticks closer to January 1, you may find yourself pondering New Year's resolutions. Personally, I'm not a fan of the tradition - largely because, when I set a goal, I like to dive in headfirst. I also think the all-or-nothing approach of some resolutions can be a stumbling block.

But if you're into the New Year, New Me vibe, here's some interesting research. According to a study, people who establish approach-oriented goals - that is, goals focused on achieving positive outcomes - tend to be more successful in sticking to their resolutions than those who opt for avoidance-oriented goals, which involve avoiding negative behaviors or outcomes[1].

Let's use the example of drinking sodas. It might be tough to swear off soda completely after New Year's Eve (an avoidance goal). Instead, consider setting an approach goal, like drinking more water during the day, especially the sparkling kind[2]. As you focus on increasing water consumption, you might find yourself naturally cutting back on soda.

Chatting In-Depth

You know what's not cool? Small talk. But guess what? Research shows we're not alone, and many people prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations - even with strangers[4]. Surprised? Don't be. We tend to shy away from deep dives because we think they'll get awkward. But will they really?

Scientists from the American Psychological Association conducted 12 studies with 1,800 participants and found that people overestimated the awkwardness of either type of conversation[4]. Participants also expressed feelings of connection and enjoyment from the deeper chats. So don't be afraid to get a little personal next time you strike up a conversation.

Omicron: The New Kid on the Block

You've probably heard the hype around Omicron, a SARS-CoV-2 variant[6]. It's a hot topic these days. To break it down, Omicron is responsible for over 90% of new cases in a couple of South African cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg[5]. Younger people aged 20-30 are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms[5].

But let's get one thing straight: We still don't fully understand this new variant, and researchers are hard at work studying it. While we don't have all the answers yet, it's a good time to prioritize getting vaccinated. If you're 18 or older, you're eligible for a booster shot. I can't stress this enough!

COVID and Kids: Still a Concern

Don't forget that kids aged 5 and up can now get the COVID-19 vaccine. In November, child cases of COVID-19 skyrocketed for the sixteenth week running[7]. Cumulative hospitalization and mortality rates for kids are relatively low, but it's important to remember that kids can still experience symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 after initial recovery.

Books, Brews, and Bites

For the sci-fi fanatics out there, Greatist's book editor Naomi Farr rounded up the best fantasy reads of 2021[8]. And if coffee and sweets are more your thing, Greatist editor Samantha Kostaras sampled all the Starbucks holiday drinks to give you her honest opinions[9].

Happy holidays and happy new year, my friends. Stay safe and healthy!

Enrichment Data Summary:

Approach-oriented vs. Avoidance-oriented Resolutions

1. Approach-oriented resolutions: powerful motivators that foster a sense of self-efficacy and boost psychological well-being[1].
2. Avoidance-oriented resolutions: while effective for some, they don't build as much positive momentum as approach-oriented resolutions.

Strategies for Successful Resolutions

• Break down large resolutions into smaller, manageable steps.
• Practice self-compassion when faced with setbacks.

Omicron Insights

• Omicron is responsible for over 90% of new COVID cases in Pretoria and Johannesburg, with symptoms primarily affecting younger people[5].
• The impact of Omicron on transmissibility and disease severity is still being studied.
• Prioritizing vaccination is crucial, especially getting booster shots when eligible, as scientists continue to learn about Omicron[5].

[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562406[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sparkling-water-vs-soda#bottom-line[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358611/[4] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1542346599225007[5] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/08/health/omicron-covid-south-africa.html[6] https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants[7] https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/12/08/covid190121[8] https://greatist.com/health/best-fantasy-books-2021[9] https://greatist.com/eat/starbucks-holiday-drinks-review

1. In the upcoming year, aiming for goals focused on positive outcomes, such as enhancing general health by drinking more water instead of avoiding sodas, can lead to a higher success rate and better psychological well-being.
2. The new SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron, has resulted in over 90% of new cases in cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg, primarily affecting younger people, but researchers are still studying its transmissibility and disease severity.
3. Despite concerns about potential awkwardness, meaningful conversations with strangers can lead to feelings of connection and enjoyment, according to research by the American Psychological Association.
4. As the weather turns colder in 2022, prioritizing getting vaccinated or receiving a booster shot is crucial, especially for those aged 18 or older, to stay healthy amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even as new variants like Omicron emerge.

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