Ten (Research-Tested) New Year's Resolutions

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Need help choosing a New Year's resolution? Research from the University at Buffalo can provide some direction. Below is a summary of useful health and wellness tips assembled from studies published by UB researchers in 2010.

Have a happy, healthy and safe new year.

1. Take care of a loved one and boost your own well being. Research by UB assistant professor of psychology Michael J. Poulin shows that helping sick family members can reduce stress and anxiety.http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11480

2. Losing a few pounds may help you survive a car crash. Research by UB's Dietrich V. Jehle, M.D. and professor of emergency medicine, found that moderately obese drivers are more likely to die in a severe car crash. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12116

3. Hit the sack early. UB researcher Lisa B. Rafalson found that seven hours of sleep may decrease the risk of developing diabetes. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11811

4. 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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10830

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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11868

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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11562

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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12051

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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/11622

9. Pay with cash at the grocery store to avoid junk food. 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. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018174345.htm

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. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/12072

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.