Amanda Ghosh

Amanda Ghosh, MS, BA, is a freelance writer and secondary education teacher. Amanda has experience in nutrition, research, education, and public health. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and daughter.

Articles by Amanda Ghosh

• Study: Differences in height across nations explained by poor nutrition during school-age years

  Thursday, December 10, 2020

  A massive, long-term study published in The Lancet by Imperial College London reveals concerning truths about the impact of diet on height, weight, and health. The study followed 65 million children between ages five and 19 in 193 countries from 1985 to 2019. Here’s what we learned.

• Study: Normal lung function remains intact during exercise despite mask wearing

  Monday, December 07, 2020

  There's no question that masks are uncomfortable, and they're more uncomfortable when you exercise. But evidence confirms — the lungs are no worse for wear when healthy people wear a face mask and work out. A study published last month in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that "there is little empirical evidence that wearing a facemask significantly diminishes lung function, even when worn during heavy exercise."

• Study: Vitamin D low in 80% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients

  Monday, November 30, 2020

  The body of research examining the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 is growing. Now, a study published recently confirms a correlation between low vitamin D levels and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and health professionals are theorizing whether vitamin D supplementation could increase the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine. "Vitamin D Status in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection" appeared in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, confirming a relationship between low vitamin D and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

• Take a hike, for your health

  Friday, November 20, 2020

  There are 60,000 miles of hiking trails in the United States. A brisk walk will boost your mood, but it could also improve your body’s response to vaccination, and that’s worth talking about during flu season and a global pandemic. When you get a vaccine, your body responds by improving your immunity to the disease the vaccine prevents. So, while vaccines are important, vaccination response is equally essential. Behavioral alterations that improve vaccination response, like exercise, are fantastic because they can significantly affect immunity quickly and affordably. Yes, a hike (or even walk) can make a difference.

• 4 COVID-19-related changes that could outlast the pandemic

  Friday, October 23, 2020

  COVID-19 is changing the landscape of daily life. While some changes are minor and easy to adopt, changes like working from home create significant shifts in our social lives. Masks, virtual learning, ghost restaurants, and increased use of hand sanitizer are just a few of the pandemic-related changes that could stick around after the health crisis ends.

• 4 outdoor adventure companies that pivoted to mask manufacturing and how they’re doing now

  Tuesday, October 20, 2020

  The air is crisp, the foliage is spectacular, and the mountains are calling. Fall is the perfect season for an outdoor adventure. This year, in addition to wearing your favorite cycling jersey, headband, waders, or hiking pack, you'll add a face mask. Check out how these four outdoor adventure companies pivoted to mask making and see how they're doing now.

• How COVID-19 is changing the exercise industry

  Tuesday, September 22, 2020

  COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital fitness solutions, pushing the exercise industry toward a hybrid model. People will still attend brick-and-mortar gyms when the pandemic is over, but digital fitness classes will have increased their foothold in the market. Of course, the adoption of these solutions is not surprising. Many experts believed that the future of fitness was headed this way anyway, with pioneering companies like Peloton, MIRROR, Mindbody, Tonal, and NordicTrack paving the way.

• Study: Dryer weather connected to an increase in COVID-19 cases

  Monday, September 14, 2020

  There is yet another reason to wear your mask. A recent study published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases confirms that drier air is associated with an increase in COVID-19 cases. The study, entitled "Humidity is a Consistent Climatic Factor Contributing to SARS‐CoV‐2 Transmission," is the second to confirm the impact of humidity on the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, a 1% drop in relative humidity was associated with a 7-8% increase in COVID-19 cases.

• Fruit and veggie powders gain traction for consumers, companies

  Thursday, August 27, 2020

  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to stay out of the doctor's office. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults consume approximately five fruits and vegetables per day. In reality, the average adult eats about half the recommended amount. However, the tide is turning. Rising interest in optimal health is driving demand for convenient and nutritious ways to close the gap on 5-A-Day, and companies are taking note.

• The impact of COVID-19 and remote work on the housing market

  Wednesday, August 19, 2020

  Almost six months into quarantine, we have started to hear stories about people buying homes in the suburbs because they are working remotely. But, what does the data say — has homebuying in the suburbs truly been affected by COVID-19? And, perhaps more importantly, is it realistic to believe that companies will continue to allow their employees to work remotely when COVID-19 is no longer a threat?

• 4 ways healthcare tech has been impacted by COVID-19 and what the future may hold

  Tuesday, July 28, 2020

  COVID-19 forced most healthcare institutions to offer more telehealth services. Now that patients have a taste for home-based care, they will expect more of such services in the future. In essence, COVID-19 has pushed the idea of a healthcare system built on consumerism to the forefront of the discussion in medical circles. Here are four ways COVID-19 is having an impact on healthcare, and a glimpse of what the future may hold for patients and practitioners.

• Sending kids back to school this fall: Yay or nay?

  Thursday, July 23, 2020

  August is when we start to think about the upcoming school year. But so far, August looks like it will hold more uncertainty and anxiety. Even if schools reopen, parents may opt to redshirt the year. One thing is for sure — the 2020-21 school year will be drastically different from all previous academic years.

• Emerging COVID-19 complications in children

  Wednesday, July 01, 2020

  The reopening of some daycare programs and summer camps gives parents another reason to monitor their children for signs of a COVID-19 infection carefully. Current data indicates that children are less vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a small proportion of those infected have developed severe complications.

• How llama antibodies could help fight COVID-19

  Friday, June 26, 2020

  Scientists around the globe are exploring ways to fight COVID-19 as we self-quarantine and wait. Though a potential treatment for COVID-19 may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you hear your kids watching episodes of "Llama Llama" on Netflix during your Monday morning conference call, llamas may be part of our ticket back to normalcy.

• Chia or flax: Which is better for your health?

  Thursday, May 28, 2020

  Acai, blueberries, hemp, moringa, cacao, maca, alfalfa...the list goes on and on. It can be difficult to decipher which superfoods you should be investing in with so many on the market. Let’s tackle chia and flax and decide which one is better for you.

• Milk: Does it do what we think it does?

  Monday, May 11, 2020

  Most of us grew up hearing, "drink your milk; it's good for your bones." But is it? Let's look at what the research is saying about milk. A meta-analysis of cohort studies on milk consumption and hip fracture published in the Journal of Bone Mineral Research found that there is no association between milk consumption and hip fracture risk in adult women and possibly men. A meta-analysis assesses the results of many research studies to conclude a research question. So, the results of this study were not merely the results of one study, but the results of several studies.

• What’s so great about saffron? A lot, apparently

  Thursday, April 23, 2020

  Saffron is a spice. It's derived from the saffron crocus, a striking deep purple flower with stunning crimson stigma and styles. Though saffron is among the costlier spices by weight, the saffron crocus' stigma and styles are frequently used as seasonings and food dyes. Middle Eastern cultures have used saffron for medicinal purposes for centuries, and its popularity as a "wonder drug" is increasing worldwide. Learn more in this article about its uses in managing Alzheimer's and depression.

• Study: Sweet tooth gene related to lower body fat, with some caveats

  Tuesday, April 07, 2020

  FGF21, or fibroblast growth factor 21, is a hormone secreted by the liver. It suppresses sugar and alcohol intake, stimulates the uptake of glucose by fat cells, and acts as an insulin sensitizer. At least one variant of the FGF21 gene, rs838133, is associated with higher consumption of sugar and alcohol and lower consumption of fat and protein. Approximately 20% of Europeans are homozygous for the rs838133 variant, and they consume more sugar and alcohol as a result. But, to what effect? A study published in Cell Reports investigates.

• Feeling restless? Follow these tips.

  Friday, March 27, 2020

  More than 50% of adults experience insomnia. Unfortunately, a lack of sleep isn't just annoying; it's deadly. Sleep deprivation increases your risk for accidents, heart attack, diabetes, and other scary maladies. If you're not getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, you may want to invest in this sleep trick.

• Turmeric: An anti-cancer superfood?

  Tuesday, March 03, 2020

  Turmeric is an Indian spice. Usually, we find it in curries and curry powder. Research, dating back to at least the 1980s, has noted the powerful effects of turmeric. But why is turmeric good for you, and how much do you need to consume to get its benefits? Read on to find out.

• Happy hygge! Get cozy this Valentine’s Day to boost your happiness

  Monday, February 10, 2020

  According to World Happiness Reports, Denmark consistently ranks in the top three happiest countries on earth. Their practice of hygge (pronounced "hyoo-ga") may be the secret to their exceptional happiness. But what is hygge, and how can you gain happiness from it? Read on to find out.

• Red in February isn’t just for Valentine’s Day

  Monday, February 03, 2020

  Heart disease is the single greatest threat to women's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death amongst women; it's estimated that one in five will die from cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, the future doesn't need to be so bleak. The American Heart Association states that 80% of cardiac events are preventable so long as you're taking the proper steps to prevent them.

• Intermittent fasting: A yay or nay for healthcare professionals?

  Tuesday, January 07, 2020

  Intermittent fasting (IF) is trending in the health and fitness industry. As a style of eating, it involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. But should healthcare professionals use it as a way to manage their weight? For shift workers, it may have some appeal. At its most basic level, IF involves periods of eating and fasting. However, there are several ways to schedule periods of eating and fasting.

• Give the healthcare gift that keeps on giving this Christmas: Concierge medicine

  Tuesday, December 03, 2019

  Concierge medicine is on the rise. The number of concierge practices has risen each year by about 3 to 6%. Patients who can afford the fees associated with this practice model benefit from more access to their physician and additional opportunities to focus on preventative health. If you or a loved one is looking for a doctor that acts more like a "health coach" with a medical degree, then concierge medicine is a terrific Christmas gift this year.

• Today’s trends in family caregiving

  Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Community and family caregiving can be overlooked. Yet, they are vital components of our healthcare system. The number of seniors requiring care is ballooning, and the availability of caregivers is shrinking. Caregiving is becoming increasingly complex, but more elderly individuals are providing care instead of receiving it. The list goes on and on. So, this November — National Family Caregivers Month — let’s reflect on what’s happening in family caregiving.

• How to identify depression in the healthcare field and provide support

  Thursday, October 24, 2019

  Medical professionals are at higher risk for depression given the difficulties in creating a healthy work-life balance, the stressors of the profession, and the emotional toll of caregiving. With National Depression Screening Day having just passed, now is the perfect time to assess your workplace for at-risk employees. Here are a few strategies to prevent and identify depression among healthcare workers.

• Healthy aging in the nursing profession

  Monday, September 23, 2019

  If you’re a nurse, you may not be aging well. According to the ANA's Healthy Nurse Survey, 82% of nurses believe they are at risk for workplace stress. Stress at work can reduce your quality of life and lead to significant health problems — two significant hurdles in the path to fit and active golden years. September is Healthy Aging Month, so now is a great time to step back and assess your health. Are you aging gracefully? If not, here are a few ways to combat nursing-related health problems.

• Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month with companies who are advancing breastfeeding practices

  Thursday, August 08, 2019

  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and breastfeeding in addition to complementary foods for up to one year. After one year, mom and baby can decide how much longer to nurse together. In celebration of the mental, physical, and emotional benefits provided by breastfeeding, August was coined National Breastfeeding Month by the United States Breastfeeding Committee in 2011. This August, we take a look at the most unique and useful breastfeeding innovations on the market.

• A group of modern-day Nightingales strive to improve healthcare with SONSIEL

  Tuesday, July 23, 2019

  Rebecca Love, a nurse entrepreneur and TEDx speaker, reminded us by mentioning of the work of Florence Nightingale that it was nurses who transformed the "dark ages" of medicine, and nurses who will likely do so again. Love is the first nurse to be featured on the main TED.com platform, and her argument was noteworthy. Nurses who feel called to improve healthcare with transformational ideas will be interested in the organization that she, along with other notable "rockstars" — as she calls them — have founded: SONSIEL.

• Research explains why bullying exists, inspires strategies for change in healthcare settings

  Monday, June 24, 2019

  Anyone who has experienced bullying at work knows how mind-boggling it is to see professionals misbehave. Fortunately, we’ve learned why bullying exists, so we know how to design safer workplaces. For example, not all uncivil behavior constitutes bullying. According to the American Nurses Association, bullying is "repeated, unwanted, harmful actions intended to humiliate, offend, and cause distress in the recipient." Incivility is "one or more rude, discourteous, or disrespectful actions that may or may not have a negative intent behind them."

• Understanding how millennial nurses view their prospective employers

  Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Out of the four generations in today’s workforce, the millennial generation is the largest. They’re also the future of healthcare. Although the delayed retirement of older nurses has provided a buffer against low retention rates among new nurses, it’s only a matter of time before this buffer wanes. It’s time to tailor our work environments to meet their needs. Is your organization ready to attract and retain new nurse grads from the millennial generation? We can start by understanding what they want.

• A 4-step process for making changes in your nursing department

  Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Although difficult, it is possible to get your staff on board with a change. A recent study published in Nursing Open shares how a group of nurse managers successfully changed aspects of their wards. A four-step process emerged from their stories. Echoing the principles of emotional intelligence, the four steps included (1) identifying, (2) prioritizing, (3) implementing, and (4) evaluating. These steps can be used to spearhead changes in your department.

• New study: Effective change depends on 4 key attributes of nurse managers

  Wednesday, March 20, 2019

  Anyone who's ever worked in healthcare knows there’s a seemingly endless battle between administration and staff. Change can be extremely difficult to implement in any facility when the pressure to cut costs and improve metrics is high. But, a new study, published in Nursing Open, offers hope. According to the study, nurse managers who exhibit four key attributes have an easier time implementing changes in their wards. The four attributes are empathy; proactivity; respect for personal beliefs as well as external standards; and "having both micro and macro perspectives."