Health briefs: Parent anxiety, handshakes

Like mother ...

Parental social anxiety should be considered a risk factor for childhood anxiety, according to a new study. Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that kids with parents who have social anxiety disorder -- the most common form of anxiety -- are at greater risk for developing an anxiety disorder than kids whose parents have other forms of anxiety. The study revealed parental behaviors that contributed to children's anxiety included a lack of warmth and affection as well as high levels of criticism and doubt.

A good shake

A study provides scientific evidence a handshake helps you make a good impression. The handshake is believed to date to ancient times as a way of showing that you had no weapons; a firm, friendly handshake has long been recommended in the business world. University of Illinois researchers used MRI scans to monitor brain activity in volunteers who watched videos of people interacting. The scans showed a positive "social evaluation" response when volunteers saw people shake hands.

-- HealthDay