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How Do Americans Measure Up?

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How Do Americans Measure Up?

By: Knight Pierce Hirst

Approximately 9% of American adults suffer from phobias and about 33% of those receive treatment - often cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy changes the way the brain thinks about a specific phobic object. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 40 acrophobics received either placebos or small doses of the stress hormone cortisol. When treated with a virtual-reality therapy that simulated a ride in an outdoor elevator, those given the cortisol were better able to focus their minds and understand they weren't going to fall. They achieved a new kind of "high-mindedness".

Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from indoor-outdoor allergies, which are the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. For 9 years the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released a list of the 100 worst U.S. cities for spring allergies. In 2011 Knoxville, Tennessee topped the list followed by Louisville, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Birmingham, Alabama. The ranking is based on 3 factors: tree pollen prevalence, number of allergy medications used by residents in the area and number of allergy specialists in the area. Obviously, this ranking is "nothing to sneeze at".

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 53% of adult Americans took dietary supplements in 2006. The 11% increase from 1988 has made supplements a $27 billion industry. Unlike prescription drugs, the safety and effectiveness of multivitamins, minerals and herbs don't have to be proven to the Food and Drug Administration. Multivitamins are the most popular supplement - taken by 39% of adult Americans. Sixty-one percent of women over age 60 take calcium and 56% take vitamin D - both for bone loss. However, because bitter orange and vitamin B5 are sold in health stores doesn't mean they make you healthy.

In 2010 Gallop conducted a survey asking how Americans and people in 123 other countries rated their life and expectations for the next 5 years. One thousand people from each country were asked questions related to being well-rested, treated with respect, smiling/laughter, learning/interests, enjoyment, physical pain, worry, sadness, stress and anger. Most of the thriving populations were in Europe and the Americas - Denmark (72%), Sweden (69%), Canada (69%). Many of the non-thriving populations were in sub-Saharan Africa - Haiti (2%), Central African Republic (2%), Chad (1%). The United States ranked 12th (59%). It seems for Americans thriving needs to be spelled with more "i's".

Article Source: http://articles.tiptopweb.info

Knight Pierce Hirst has written for television, newspapers and greeting cards. Now she writes a 400-word blog three times a week. KNIGHT WATCH, a second look at what makes life interesting, takes only seconds to read at knightwatch.typepad.com

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