IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today is news that researchers may be on the brink of finding how to predict if medication for depression will or will not work for you. Being able to predict the effectiveness of medication will help to reduce the trial period and help you feeling better faster.

IN MAKING CHANGES today are 6 recommendations for feeling better and boosting your mood - and it isn’t to smile more!

IN FACT OR FICTION you’ll learn that kissing your spouse burns more calories than you might imagine. In fact, double the number you burn just sitting still and watching television!

In The News

Depression is a mental and emotional health disorder that globally may affect 350 million people, as estimated by the World Health Organization. It is the leading cause of disability and a major contributor to the burden of disease. More women than men are affected by the condition.

In the past, figuring out which anti-depressant medication would work for which patient was mostly trial and error. However, a research study from Vanderbilt University has found they can predict the response of patients older than 60 who are depressed to the medication prescribed.

Five to ten percent of the population over 60 suffers from depression, so predicting the effectiveness of medication can help alleviate symptoms and return a person to functional status much more quickly. MRI imaging studies are being used to determine the structural brain changes that are associated with individuals who respond best to specific groups of medication.

SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150910132216.htm

Daily Health Tip

Depression is a mental health condition that is debilitating, affects work performance and impacts social interactions. Your physician or therapist can help you make a decision about the possibilities of using medications to help reduce your symptoms.

But, before you give up hope, it’s also time to take responsibility for your lifestyle choices that may be triggering depression.

Making Changes

1. Your gut health is a big contributor to your mood and emotional health. It is important that your good bacteria and bad bacteria in the colon are at 85 percent to 15 percent ratio. You can accomplish this by including prebiotics in your food, which feeds the good bacteria and encourages growth. Soluble fiber is a significant prebiotic that will feed the good bacteria.

2. Reduce your use of antibiotics by preventing illness, colds and infections.

3. Reduce the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet. These feed the bad bacteria and contribute to an imbalance in your colon.

4. Get exercise! Your body was designed to move and with movement will release hormones and endorphins that affect your mood. Many psychologists recommend exercise to their patients who experience depression or sadness.

5. Get outside. The outdoor air and sunshine will also boost your mood and health.

6. Do something for someone else. The minute we start thinking about someone else, we have less time to think about and be upset by our own circumstances.

My Daily Affirmation

The world is filled with many temptations to take shortcuts in life. But I refrain from allowing those influences to catch my attention. I know that very rarely do easy things bring enduring satisfaction.

Being upfront about my abilities is a sure way to make an honest living. I gain a lot of respect when others realize I produce exactly what I say I am able to.

Fact Or Fiction?

Do you want to spice up your workout routine? You might not have to look any further than your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse!

Did you know that most people will burn 1 calorie per minute as they rest in place. This means that over an 8 hour night of sleep you’ll burn approximately 480 calories. However, while kissing that rate may more than double! Depending upon the intimacy and energy expended, you might burn up to 3 calories per minute while kissing. If you and your spouse take it to the next level, sex will burn approximately 200 calories in 30 minutes.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team