Researchers seek sources of Sturm und Drang that buffet youngsters during adolescence

Article Abstract:

The complexity of the changes that occur during puberty are daunting. Not only are there the obvious physical changes, which portend coming adulthood, but there are storms and stress (Sturm und Drang, loosely) associated with changes in mood, behavior, and social relations. Researchers are attempting to untangle the hormonal and environmental contributions to the turmoil of this period of life. One result to emerge from this research is the striking influence of hormones on mood and behavior. One study examined the development of children with adrenal hyperplasia; girls with adrenal hyperplasia have higher levels of some masculine hormones. These girls were more likely to play with traditional ''boy'' toys, such as trucks, and were less likely to play with toys such as dolls. In fact, their choice of toys was comparable to that of control boys. Other researchers have found that some mood changes which occur in girls during puberty correlate with the changes in hormone levels, rather than with the development of externally visible changes. This does not mean that the environment is insignificant; just the opposite is true. The alterations in hormonal function provide a malleable base upon which social influences may exert their forces. Some researchers indicate that although the number of negative life events experienced by an adolescent girl is important, the most important factor is how the number of negative events experienced by a girl compares with the number experienced by her peers. Researchers remain somewhat awed by the enormity of the task of investigating the intricate interactions of hormonal, behavioral, and social aspects of adolescence, but they take some comfort in the striking progress which is being made. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Human behavior, Hormones, Puberty, Adolescent psychology, editorial

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Cardiac demands of heavy snow shoveling

Article Abstract:

The physical demands of manual snow shoveling may be the cause of the increased number of heart attack-related deaths that occur during the winter. Ten men with no history of heart or lung disease were evaluated. Blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured during laboratory exercise tests and during 10 minutes of manual and 10 minutes of automated snow removal. Systolic blood pressure in all participants averaged 198 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) during manual snow shoveling. This was significantly higher than the average of 161 mm Hg measured during automated snow removal and the 152 mm Hg measured during arm-crank testing. The average heart rate after two minutes of manual shoveling was 86% of the maximal heart rate at 154 beats per minute. After 10 minutes, heart rate increased to 97% of maximal heart rate at an average of 173 beats per minute. Exertion as rated by the participants indicated that the laboratory exercise tests and manual snow shoveling were equivalent to very hard work while automated snow removal was equivalent to fairly light work.

Causes of, Heart attack, Snow removal, Heart function tests

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Respiration During Snow Burial Using an Artificial Air Pocket

Article Abstract:

A device that creates an air pocket and diverts expired carbon dioxide away from the air pocket can extend the life of victims caught in an avalanche. Researchers tested a device called AvaLung, manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment Ltd, in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 6 male and 2 female volunteers. The device is built into a vest that is worn over all other clothing. The device substantially extended the time the volunteers could spend under snow until their blood oxygen levels became too low, from 10 minutes to one hour.

Prevention, Avalanches, Asphyxia

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