No New Year Resolution Yet? Take Your Pick from Here

Can't think of a New Year's resolution this year? Take your pick from this list of resolutions compiled by University at Buffalo researchers.

1. Take care of a loved one: Research by UB assistant professor of psychology Michael J. Poulin shows that helping sick family members can reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Lose those pounds: Losing a few pounds may help you survive a car crash. Research by UB's Dietrich V. Jehle found that moderately obese drivers are more likely to die in a severe car crash.

3. Hit the sack early: UB researcher Lisa B. Rafalson found that seven hours of sleep may decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

4. Prevent kids from overeating: Keep kids involved with friends to prevent 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.

5. Don't give up hope when the going gets tough. 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.

6. Talk to your kids about current events. 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.

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.

8. Encourage your kids to walk to school: 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.

9. Pay 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.

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.

Source: ANI