KCTR: We’re Montana’s Own » Health Check

Could the Dangers of Driving and Using a Cell Phone Be a Bunch of Baloney? — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:27 +0000

In recent years, study after study has raised the alarm about the dangers of talking on the phone while driving, with some saying you could be four times as likely to have a crash if you’re using a phone behind the wheel.

But new research indicates it may have been much ado about nothing.

'Why Do We Shiver?' and Other Mysterious Winter Health Questions Answered — Health Check

Kathy Landin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:19 +0000

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of those beautiful, warm places, where the weather never changes, you are now settling in for a season of gloves, static, chapped lips and chills to the bone. But what do we really know about how our bodies react to winter?

Need an Energy Boost? Skip the Coffee, Take a Nap — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:04 +0000

If you find yourself dragging in the middle of the day, don’t reach for the coffee pot — reach for a pillow instead. Experts say naps may be a good way to make up for the sleep deficit many of us have from not getting enough shut-eye at night.

Sorry Smokers, It's Better to Avoid Short Cuts When Quitting — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:00:30 +0000

While surveys consistently show that more than 3 out of 4 smokers would like to quit, only about 10 percent of those who try each year are successful.

Fortunately, new studies show one way to raise those numbers is to treat smoking as a chronic disease — like high blood pressure — for which long-term treatment is offered.

'Morning Person?' Laziness? There's a Gene for Them — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:00:58 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered why some people can get by on just a few hours of sleep while others need much more, scientists may have found an answer.

Research conducted on 4,000 Europeans discovered that those who had two copies of a particular variant of a gene called ABCC9, which influences sleep duration, generally reported sleeping less than those who had two copies of a different version of the gene.

Can Singing Help Heal Depression, Improve Parkinson's Conditions? — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:00:35 +0000

Parkinson’s Disease is a frustrating and frightening medical condition, and treatment options are few. However, a group in Canterbury, England may have made a surprising discovery that could benefit not only them, but everyone else in the world – singing seems to make them feel better. Canterbury Christ Church University’s Skylark choir is comprised entirely of [...]

Smarter Kids May Be Experimenting More with Drugs — Health Check

Shauna Wright — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:45 +0000

A new study of 8,000 kids published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health finds those who had high IQs were more likely to use certain illicit drugs as they aged. Smarter girls in particular may tend to experiment with marijuana, cocaine, and other illicit drugs later on.