Having an optimistic mind-set may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and early death, found a review of studies published in JAMA Network Open. An analysis of 10 studies that looked at heart disease, which pooled data on 209,436 people, found that compared with pessimists, people with the most optimistic outlook had a 35% lower risk for cardiovascular events. Nine studies with data on all-cause mortality included 188,599 participants and found that optimists had a 14% lower risk of premature death than the most pessimistic people. "It seems optimists have better health behaviors," said the lead author, Dr. Alan Rozanski.

CDC urges pregnant women to get vaccines

Millions of pregnant women in the United States are not getting two vital vaccines that protect not only their health, but their babies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Only about 35% of pregnant women are receiving vaccines against both flu and whooping cough and just more than half receive one. When a woman receives vaccines during pregnancy, antibodies are transmitted to the fetus.

Myopia skyrockets among Tokyo students

Ninety-five percent of junior high school students and 77% of elementary school students in Tokyo are nearsighted, said a study published in an online ophthalmology journal. The rise is believed to be due mainly to the fact that people are spending more time looking at things that are close to them, such as when using a smartphone or studying. Those with severe nearsightedness are prone to having their optic nerve or retina damaged and are at risk of blindness.

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