In Today’s Note:

• Benefits of Young Reading Later in Life📚

• “forever chemicals” Found in 45 Percent of U.S Tap Water💧

• Smartwatches Detecting Parkinson’s Years Before Diagnosis⌚

• Overconfidence dictates who gets “Top jobs”💼

“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.”

Benefits of Young Reading Later in Life📚

1/The Power of Early Reading for Pleasure

Reading for pleasure in early childhood has been linked to improved test scores and better mental health outcomes in teenagers, according to a recent study. Researchers found a strong connection between reading approximately 12 hours a week and enhanced cognitive performance later in adolescence. This study highlights the important relationships between early reading, cognitive development, and mental well-being.

2/Benefits of Reading for Pleasure

Reading is not only an enjoyable experience but also stimulates thinking, creativity, empathy, and stress reduction. The study reveals that reading for pleasure is associated with significant evidence of improved cognition, mental health, and brain structure in children, which are fundamental for future learning and well-being. Parents are encouraged to foster a love for reading in their children early on, as it not only brings pleasure but also supports their development and cultivates long-term reading habits.

3/Positive Outcomes of Early Reading

Participants who started reading for pleasure between the ages of two and nine demonstrated better test scores in verbal learning, memory, speech development, and school performance during adolescence. These children also exhibited fewer signs of stress and depression, improved attention, fewer behavioral problems, reduced screen time, and longer sleep. Brain scans revealed that early readers had moderately larger brain areas and volumes, particularly in regions crucial for cognitive function.

"Forever Chemicals" in Your Water💧

1/Widespread Presence

A federal study reveals that approximately 45 percent of tap water in the United States contains toxic "forever chemicals," known as PFAS. These substances, which linger in the environment and human body, have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and thyroid disease. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, analyzed samples from 716 locations and found higher concentrations of PFAS in urban areas and regions like the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central and Southern California.

2/Varied Detection of PFAS Offers Some Optimism

While the study highlights the widespread presence of PFAS in U.S. tap water, it also provides a glimmer of hope. Notably, the research shows that certain regions of the country, particularly rural areas, have a lower prevalence of these chemicals. Additionally, the study indicates that not all taps within the areas where PFAS was detected had levels exceeding the proposed limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although the issue of PFAS contamination remains significant, these findings offer encouragement that efforts to address and mitigate the presence of "forever chemicals" can be effective.

Smartwatches detecting Parkinson’s⌚

1/Smartwatches as Early Detection Tool for Parkinson's Disease

Scientists have conducted a study using smartwatches worn by participants to identify early markers of Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals, including those already diagnosed with Parkinson's and those who were later diagnosed. By using artificial intelligence to analyze movement patterns recorded by the smartwatches, researchers were able to detect mobility decline and sleep disturbances several years before the diagnosis, potentially enabling early intervention and treatment.

2/Potential Impact on Parkinson's Diagnosis and Treatment

The findings from the smartwatch study offer hope for early detection and intervention in Parkinson's disease. With the ability to predict Parkinson's diagnosis up to seven years in advance, this technology could provide valuable tools for healthcare professionals. Detecting subtle motor and non-motor symptoms earlier opens the possibility of implementing experimental treatments during the prodromal phase of the disease, which may help slow down its progression. However, further research and the establishment of data collection platforms are necessary to ensure the practical implementation of this technology.

Overconfidence dictates who gets “top jobs”💼

1/The Impact of Overconfidence on Career Outcomes

Overconfidence among men can affect career outcomes, contributing to the gender pay gap and underrepresentation of women in top jobs. Men are 19% more likely to overrate their abilities, leading to higher chances of securing well-paid and secure positions. Research shows that 24% of men compared to 16% of women are in top jobs by the age of 42, and this disparity starts to emerge in adolescence.

2/Factors Influencing Gender Gap in Top Jobs

Success at school, university attendance, and subject choice play a significant role in paving the way to top jobs by mid-career. Overconfidence accounts for 6% of the gender gap in top jobs after considering university attendance and subject. The gender gap is larger among graduates (15 percentage points) compared to non-graduates (6.5 percentage points), with overconfidence playing a more significant role for university attendees.

3/Other Factors Contributing to Career Gender Gaps

Apart from overconfidence and educational factors, having children also influences career gender gaps. Working mothers are 27% less likely than working fathers to reach top jobs by mid-career, indicating the impact of family responsibilities on women's career trajectories. However, overconfidence does not explain this particular gender gap, suggesting that women's decisions to change working patterns after starting a family contribute to the disparity.

Disclaimer: This health newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Any information presented should be carefully evaluated and discussed with a healthcare provider before making any changes to medical or lifestyle choices.