Your health: Fitness social networks can help your work out more

Community groups increase workouts

When people join a fitness social network, they exercise 100 percent more than those who work out without online buddies, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania, Shape magazine reports.

Seeing how often others with the same goals are exercising and what they're doing builds a competitive spirit that motivates you to exercise more, says lead study author Damon Centola, Ph.D.

For inspiration, join the Daily Herald Fittest Loser community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheFittestLoserDH.

Or if you have a Fitbit or Jawbone, tap into those built-in communities. Or download a free app such as ActiveX, which lets you join a group of like-minded exercisers.

Study: Link between PPIs and dementia

A new study has shed light on a long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

These drugs are commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and peptic ulcers.

Research published online last month in JAMA Neurology showed that there may be an association between chronic use of PPIs and an increased risk of dementia. Experts compared prescription PPI intake and diagnosis of dementia among about 74,000 adults ages 75 and older.

In the study, chronic PPI use was defined as at least one prescription every three months in an 18-month window. All participants were free of dementia at the study's beginning. Yet, after the eight-year follow-up, chronic PPI users had a 44 percent increased risk of dementia compared with those who did not take any medication. Occasional users of PPIs had a much lower risk.

Mental health in the workplace

"Beyond Accommodation - Mental Health in the Workplace," an interactive panel discussion presented by the Chicagoland Business Leadership Network in conjunction with The Kennedy Forum, will feature national leaders who will explore effective strategies to accommodate individuals with mental illness and/or addiction.

The discussion is from 8-10 a.m., Thursday, March 31, at Northern Trust, 50 S. LaSalle St., Chicago. Tickets cost $50-$75. For more information, visit www.chicagolandchamber.org.