Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, December 29th, 2014

 Mental Attitude: People Want Leaders to Look Healthy.

Dutch researchers say that it is more important for potential business or political leaders to look healthy than to appear intelligent. Their statement is based on the response of 148 adults who were asked to choose a new CEO by looking at photos of individuals made to look more or less intelligent or more or less healthy. The researchers found that participants chose a healthier look 69% of the time. Lead author Dr. Brian Spisak adds, "Here we show that it always pays for aspiring leaders to look healthy, which explains why politicians and executives often put great effort, time, and money in their appearance."
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, November 2014

Health Alert: COX-2 Inhibitors Associated with Increased Risk of Death from Stroke.
Some commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis and pain may increase a patient's risk of dying from a stroke. According to a new study, users of COX-2 inhibitors are 19% more likely to die after a stroke when compared with non-users. COX-2 inhibitors include medications such as diclofenac, etodolac, nabumetone, meloxicam, celecoxib, and rofecoxib. Study author Dr. Morten Schmidt adds, "While newer versions of these COX-2 inhibitor drugs have been pulled off shelves, older ones are still frequently prescribed. Our study provides further important evidence solidifying the risks of certain arthritic pain relievers and death from stroke."
Neurology, November 2014

Diet: Gluten May Not Be the Only Culprit in Celiac Disease.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and is known to cause health problems in individuals with celiac disease. New research suggests that some individuals with celiac disease also react to non-gluten proteins. The authors of the study note that the role of non-gluten proteins in celiac disease has been largely ignored and further research is needed.
Journal of Proteome Research, November 2014

Exercise: Exercise May Help Recovering Methamphetamine Addicts.
An animal study conducted by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute has found that exercise appears to reduce drug-seeking behavior in rats during methamphetamine withdrawal.
Brain Structure and Function, October 2014

Chiropractic: Highly Rated By Patients!
According to the American Chiropractic Association, "Chiropractic physicians are the highest-rated healthcare practitioners for low-back pain treatments with their patient-centered, whole-person approach that provides greater interaction and communication for appropriate diagnosis and developing more cost-effective treatment planning."
American Chiropractic Association, June 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Increased Risk of Asthma Attacks.
Adults who are vitamin D deficient and suffer from asthma are 25% more likely to experience an asthma attack than asthmatics with normal vitamin D levels, suggests research from Tel Aviv University in Israel. Study author Dr. Ronit Confino-Cohen explains, "Our results add more evidence to the link between vitamin D and asthma, suggesting beneficial effects of vitamin D on asthma exacerbations. We expect that further prospective studies will support our results. In the meantime, our results support a recommendation for screening of vitamin D levels in the subgroup of asthma patients who experience recurrent exacerbations. In those with vitamin D deficiency, supplementation may be necessary."
Allergy, October 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Mental Attitude: Shift Work Can Impair Brain Functioning.
Working shifts, rather than fixed hours, may impair brain function over time. Investigators found that long-term shift work for ten or more years has a negative impact on brain health. The researchers believe that disruption of circadian rhythms is the most likely cause of psychological stressors that lead to impairment. They note that the effects can be reversed, but the process may take up to five years. The research team writes, "The cognitive impairment observed in the present study may have important safety consequences not only for the individuals concerned, but also for society as a whole… given the increasing number of jobs in high-hazard situations that are performed at night."
Occupational & Environmental Medicine, November 2014

Health Alert: Medicare Penalties Will Hurt Vulnerable Patients with COPD.
Experts say that new polices regarding hospital readmissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will penalize at-risk patients. Since 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reduced payments to hospitals that exhibit excessive readmission rates for conditions like heart failure, heart attack, and pneumonia. Recently, they added elective hip and knee replacements and chronic lung disease to this list. Poor or medically complex patients are at a higher risk for readmissions because of an assortment of socioeconomic and health factors. Many are seen at teaching hospitals and “safety-net” hospitals, which will bear the brunt of the new guidelines. The experts explain that no interventions are known to effectively reduce COPD readmissions so it's unclear what a hospital can do to prevent them. Their findings suggest that the policy should be changed due to penalties that target hospitals that care for vulnerable patients.
American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, November 2014

Diet: Drink More Water and Less Cola to Avoid Kidney Stone Recurrence.
Recently released evidence-based guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend that patients with a history of kidney stones can help reduce their risk for kidney stone recurrence by increasing their fluid intake so as to produce at least two liters of urine per day and decreasing their cola consumption, the most common dietary source of phosphoric acid.
Annals of Internal Medicine, November 2014

Exercise: Fun Physical Activity Helps Young Students.
New research reveals that just four minutes of high-intensity interval exercise can improve the behavior of elementary school students. Researchers found that a brief period of in-classroom physical activity led to reduced fidgeting and inattentiveness in the classroom during the following 50 minutes.
Nutrition and Metabolism, October 2014

Chiropractic: Smoking Associated with Chronic Back Pain.
If you’re a smoker and have low back pain, here's another reason to kick the habit. A new study has found that people who smoke are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain than those who do not smoke. Using MRI, researchers observed that smoking increases brain activity in an area of the brain that has previously been associated with chronic pain development. Bottom line, in addition to seeking care to treat their back pain, smokers with chronic pain should also engage in a smoking cessation program.
Human Brain Mapping, October 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Pro-Inflammatory Diet Increases Prostate Cancer Risk.
Using data provided by about 2,700 adult Italian males, researchers have linked pro-inflammation diets to increased prostate cancer risk. A pro-inflammatory diet is one that includes high levels of sugar, polysaturated vegetable oils, trans fats, dairy products, feed-lot raised meat, red meat and processed meat, alcohol, refined grains, and artificial food additives.
British Journal of Nutrition, November 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, December 15th, 2014

Mental Attitude: A Purpose in Life is Important for Longevity.
Having a sense of meaning and purpose in your life may do more than just give you focus, it may help you live longer. Researchers interviewed more than 9,000 older adults and found that those who professed having a sense of purpose in life were less likely to die during the eight-year study. Research leader Dr. Andrew Steptoe adds, "[There] are several biological mechanisms that may link well-being to improved health, for example through hormonal changes or reduced blood pressure. Further research is now needed to see if such changes might contribute to the links between well-being and life expectancy in older people."
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 2014

Health Alert: Cigars Contain Harmful Toxins.
Many cigar smokers believe that cigars pose fewer health risks than cigarettes; however, a new report reveals that cigar smokers are exposed to high levels of cancer-causing agents, as well as other toxic substances. Investigators found that cigar smokers had higher levels of cotinine, NNAL, cadmium, and lead in their bodies than people who did not use tobacco. Lead author Dr. Jiping Chen writes, "Cigar smoking exposes users to similar types of harmful and cancer-causing agents as cigarette smoking." This is alarming as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cigar use doubled between 2000 and 2011.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, November 2014

Diet: Micronutrient Levels in Female College Students.
Blood samples from 308 female college students showed that nearly 44% had below-normal iron levels, 11.3% had low vitamin B12 levels, and nearly 100% had excess folate (vitamin B9) levels. It's hoped that future research will investigate the food choices and dietary behaviors that may be most responsible for these results.
Nutrients, November 2014

Exercise: Tips to Avoid Over-Training.
Over-training or over-exercising can be counterproductive to achieving your fitness goals. Over-training usually occurs when you do not allow your body to adapt, adjust, and recuperate in response to an exercise training regimen. Signs that you are over-training include decreased performance, increased resting heart rate and blood pressure, increased muscle fatigue, poor sleep, gastro-intestinal disturbances, depression, irritability, apathy, and even low self-esteem. Dr. Adrian Shepard from Butler University suggests the following to avoid over-training: gradually work your way into exercise, ask the staff at your fitness center about how to correctly use the equipment, and ask for a fitness assessment to determine current physical health status and fitness level so appropriate exercises can be recommended and goals can be set.
Butler University, January 2010

Chiropractic: Providers Should Consider Vitamin D for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.
Because vitamin D deficiency is very common and has been associated with a myriad of health problems, many Chiropractors recommend vitamin D supplements to their patients as part of a healthy lifestyle. For patients with chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain, vitamin D supplementation is known to help reduce symptoms and has little-to-no documented side effects.
The Lead South Australia, November 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Epinephrine Injections Save Lives in Schools.
Epinephrine injections are given when an individual is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction to an insect sting or food. In the United States, about 15% of school-aged children with food allergies have had an allergic reaction at school, and about one-fourth of epinephrine injections given at schools involved children who didn't know they had an allergy. Dr. Bryan Martin, vice president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, adds, "Stocking emergency epinephrine is a medical necessity for schools in every state."
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, December 8th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Binge Drinking During Teens Linked to Long-Term Brain Changes.
According to a new animal study, binge drinking during the adolescent years has lasting effects on brain function. In rat subjects, researchers found that binge drinking reduced myelin in the region of the brain crucial for decision-making and regulating emotions. The findings suggest that alcohol may negatively affect brain development in humans and have long-term consequences in parts of the brain that are important for controlling impulses and making decisions.
The Journal of Neuroscience, October 2014

Health Alert: Young Biker’s Brains Benefit from Universal Helmet Laws.
Young American motorcyclists who live in states that have mandatory universal helmet laws are 2.5 times less likely to experience a traumatic brain injury in the event of a crash than those living in states with less-strict or no helmet laws.
American College of Surgeons, October 2014

Diet: Mediterranean-Style Diet May Lower Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.
Individuals who eat a Mediterranean-style diet may have up to a 50% lower risk for chronic kidney disease. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the high-consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and whole grains, eating fish and poultry at least twice a week, reducing red meat consumption, and replacing butter with healthy fats.
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, October 2014

Exercise: A Popular Supplement May Reverse the Effects of Exercise.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in red grapes and known for many health benefits, appears to negate the effects of exercise, according to the results of a recent double-blind study. Researchers found that after a four-week exercise trial, men who received resveratrol supplementation failed to see improvement in their fitness levels. Meanwhile, those who received a placebo, experienced the benefits typically associated with an exercise program. Research leader Dr. Brendon Gurd comments, "The results we saw suggest that concurrent exercise training and resveratrol supplementation may alter the body's normal training response induced by low-volume high-intensity interval training. The data set we recorded during this study clearly demonstrates that resveratrol supplementation doesn't augment training, but may impair the effect it has on the body."
Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. November 2014

Chiropractic: 1 in 5 Americans Experience Chronic Pain.
A new survey involving roughly 35,000 households in the United States reveals that nearly 20% of Americans suffer with chronic pain. Among individuals with chronic pain, more than two-thirds have constant pain, while more than 50% say their pain can be unbearable and excruciating at times. Medications only relieve about a third or less of the chronic pain and can be completely ineffective in treating some types of chronic pain. The author suggests a variety of potential interventions, including physical and occupational therapy, exercise, dietary changes, weight loss, massage and psychotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, and chiropractic services to help patients manage chronic pain.
Journal of Pain, October 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Future Saliva Test May Detect Diseases Earlier and Easier.
Researchers are working on a simple saliva test that could be capable of the early detection of diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. In a comprehensive analysis of RNA molecules in human saliva, researchers found that saliva contains many of the disease-revealing molecules that are found in the blood. The overriding conclusion is that saliva has tremendous medical and scientific value, and in the future, saliva samples could indicate the presence of a variety of diseases.
UCLA, October 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, December 1st, 2014

Mental Attitude: Is Telomere Length a Risk Factor for Depression in Young Girls?
Researchers found that 12-year-old girls with a family history of depression have shorter telomere lengths than girls with no family history of depression. Telomeres are found on the ends of chromosomes and help keep them from fraying or sticking together. They have been observed to naturally shorten in length with age, but oxidative stress and other DNA-damaging processes can also cause reduce their length. The research team states, "The results of this study indicate that healthy children at familial risk for depression have shorter telomeres than do their non-risk peers. Thus, telomere shortening appears to be an antecedent to, and potentially a risk factor for, the onset of depression."
Molecular Psychiatry, September 2014

Health Alert: Less Competition Among Doctors Results in Higher Medical Costs.
A new study has found that competition between medical practices leads to lower healthcare costs in the surrounding vicinity. Investigators found that medical practices charged 3.5 to 5.4% more for their services in regions of the United States with fewer competing clinics than in the areas with the most competition. These higher charges could translate to tens of billions of dollars in extra spending across the entire country each year.
Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2014

Diet: Reduced Epileptic Seizures Noted with Low-Carb, High-Fat Diets.
A review of the current research shows that diets high in fats and low in carbohydrates could be an alternative treatment for reducing epileptic seizures. Currently, about 35% of epileptics fail to respond to medications, so alternative treatments are very important. The investigators found that across all studies, 32% of ketogenic diet-treated patients and 29% of modified Atkins diet-treated patients achieved 50% or greater seizure reduction. They also found 9% of the ketogenic diet and 5% of the modified Atkins diet-treated patients achieved greater than 90% reduction in seizures. Unfortunately, most people eventually stop these types of diets in the long-term because of the cooking and social restrictions.
Neurology, October 2014

Exercise: Shoe Technology Detects Valuable Information for Runners.
Is it possible for a shoe to prevent injuries? One shoe company is working on a prototype running shoe that contains a microelectronic measuring system that can collect biomechanical parameters that characterize a runner’s technique. The information can be transmitted wirelessly to a cell phone or mobile application to provide real-time feedback such as whether a runner should change their running pattern or simply stop running in order to reduce their risk of injury.
Asociación RUVID, October 2014

Chiropractic: Teen Sleep Difficulties Can Lead to Musculoskeletal Problems!
Fifteen-year-old boys and girls with sleep problems are more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain two years later when compared with their peers who did not report having sleep problems at age 15. This finding suggests that difficulties such as disturbed sleep, daytime drowsiness, oversleeping, and poor sleep quality are risk factors for musculoskeletal pain (such as back pain and neck pain) among adolescents.
Pain Research & Management, September-October 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Colon Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Adults Under 50.
An analysis of data from 1975 to 2010 found that overall colon cancer rates in the United States fell by about 1% each year during that time span. However, rates rose by 2% per year among those ages 20 to 34 and nearly .5% annually among those aged 35 to 49. It is unknown why rates are increasing in this group but the researchers believe that doctors "should be more aggressive investigating reports of minor rectal bleeding in younger adults, which is usually dismissed as hemorrhoids but may in fact indicate colorectal cancer."
JAMA Surgery, November 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, November 24th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults Associated with Dementia Risk.
After reviewing the available data on nearly 52,000 individuals in California who had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), researchers believe the data indicate that such persons may have a 1.45 times greater risk for a dementia diagnosis later in life. In particular, the risk was greatest among older individuals (ages 65 and up) who suffered a mild TBI, and those between ages 55 and 64 who suffered a moderate-to-severe TBI. The authors of the study add that the brains of younger adults may be more resilient to the effects of a traumatic brain injury.
JAMA Neurology, October 2014

Health Alert: Biggest Cause of Fatal Allergic Reactions is Medications.
More than half (59%) of allergy-related deaths are caused by medications, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In 40% of cases in which a specific drug was identified, it was an antibiotic. The next most common allergy-inducing drugs were radiocontrast agents, followed by chemotherapy medications. The researchers say that the number of fatal drug reactions nearly doubled between 1999 and 2010, and this increase could be due to increased medication use, more tests with contrast material, and to some degree, coding changes entered by hospital personnel.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, September 2014

Diet: Fried Foods Increases Risk of Gestational Diabetes.
Research involving over 21,000 single-child pregnancies reveals that regularly eating fried food before conception increases the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. Investigators found that those who ate fried food one to three times a week before becoming pregnant had a 13% higher risk of gestational diabetes. Those who ate fried foods four to six times a week were at a 31% increased risk, and the risk more than doubled in women who consumed seven or more servings per week.
Diabetologia, October 2014

Exercise: Yoga Pose Improves Spine Curvature in Scoliosis Patients.
Performing a single yoga pose for 90 seconds three times a week may reduce spine curvature in patients with scoliosis in as little as three months. In a recent study, scoliosis patients who did the side plank pose on the side their spine was curved toward experienced a significant improvement in their spinal curvature. Researchers found that spinal curvature improved by about 32% in all patients and it improved by 40.9% for the patients who performed the pose for at least three days a week. Among these patients, adolescents saw a 49.6% improvement in curvature, while adults saw a 38.4% improvement. The authors of the study conclude that asymmetrically strengthening the convex side of the primary scoliosis curvature with a side plank exercise performed daily appears to reduce curvature.
Global Advances in Health and Medicine, September 2014

Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Helps Child with Chronic Headaches.
A recent case study involved the chiropractic treatment of a 6-year-old boy who had experienced chronic headaches for previous two years. Past medical care consisted of ibuprofen, which provided minimal relief. After ten chiropractic treatments to address joint dysfunction found in the boy's neck, the patient had complete resolution of his headache symptoms. This finding supports the use of spinal manipulation in the care of children with cervicogenic headaches.
The Journal of Headache and Pain, September 2014

Wellness/Prevention: RNA Biomarker Could Be New Screen for Prostate Cancer.
Screening for prostate cancer currently involves testing a blood sample to see whether or not high concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are present; however, many researchers consider this method to be imperfect. Soon, the PSA screening test may be a thing of the past as scientists have observed higher levels of a biomarker known as lncRNA in urine samples of prostate cancer patients when compared with samples provided by men without prostate cancer. Researcher Dr. Ranjan J. Perera explains, "We have identified a set of lncRNAs that appear to have an important role in prostate cancer diagnostics. The findings advance our understanding of the role of lncRNAs in cancer biology and, importantly, broaden the opportunity to use lncRNAs as biomarkers to detect prostate cancer."
The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, October 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, November 10th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Dementia is a Significant Problem for Those Under Age 65.
Younger onset dementia (YOD) is defined as the onset of dementia symptoms before age 65. Researchers in Sydney, Australia contacted local health professionals and hospitals to determine how many patients were classified as having YOD. Then, they compared that information with recent census data. The research team found that YOD affects 11.6 per 100,000 people ages 30-44 years and 132.9 per 100,000 people ages 45-64 years, with an overall prevalence rate of 68.2 per 100,000 people for ages 30-64.
International Psychogeriatrics, October 2014

Health Alert: No Proof Vitamin D Prevents Development of Type 2 Diabetes.
Previous research has suggested that high levels of vitamin D may protect individuals from developing type 2 diabetes; however, a new study has found no evidence that high levels of vitamin D can prevent type 2 diabetes and that the only proven way to prevent type 2 diabetes is through a combination of diet and exercise. Study author Dr. Nita Forouhi writes, "Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing concentrations of vitamin D are not currently justified. Observational studies that show a strong and consistent higher risk of type 2 diabetes with lower levels of vitamin D may do so because they have thus far not been able to adequately control for distorting or confounding factors, such as physical activity levels."
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, September 2014

Diet: Organic Foods May Offer Greater Health & Safety.
A survey of prior research concludes that organically grown foods are about 48% lower in cadmium than conventionally grown foods. Cadmium is a heavy metal that has become a major cause of vascular disorders, common cancers, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and can damage the reproductive and neurological systems. Researcher Dr. James J. DiNicolantonio adds, "For years, nutritionists and consumers have struggled with the question, 'is organic really better?'… What analysis of this research reveals is that, due to the serious health impacts of cadmium exposure and the markedly lower levels of [cadmium] in organically grown foods, the long-term consumption of such foods is likely to be notably protective with respect to a wide range of common pathologies."
British Journal of Nutrition, September 2014

Exercise: Exercise Less Daunting When Focused on Target.
Physiology researchers have found that having your 'eye on the prize' makes exercise less of a chore. They found that when walking, individuals who stay focused on a specific target ahead of them feel the distance is shorter and they walk faster towards it. Researcher Dr. Shana Cole writes, "Interventions that train people to keep their 'eyes on the prize' may play an important role in health and fitness. When goals appear within reach, and when people move faster and experience exercise as easier, they may be especially motivated to continue exercising. Given the alarming obesity epidemic in America, strategies that encourage or improve exercise may be particularly important for aiding the nationwide effort to combat obesity and promote healthier living."
Motivation and Emotion, October 2014

Chiropractic: Joint Stiffness Associated with Higher Risk for Disability in Older Population.
Using data provided by 680 seniors (age > 70 years) regarding mobility limitations and joint stiffness upon waking, researchers say that morning joint stiffness more than one body site is associated with a 64% greater risk developing new or worsening mobility problems over the following 18 months. The authors of the study recommend that doctors discuss strategies for improving joint mobility with their patients to prevent or slow the progression of age-related disability.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Living Close to a Highway May Raise Your Blood Pressure.
If you have high blood pressure and you live close to a major highway, you may want to move. According to a new report, participants in a study who lived within 109 yards (~100 meters) of a busy road had a 22% higher risk for developing high blood pressure compared with those who lived at least a half a mile away (~.8 km). Further research is needed to determine if reducing exposure to traffic noise and traffic-related air pollution can reduce a nearby resident's risk of high blood pressure.
Journal of the American Heart Association, October 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, November 3rd, 2014

Mental Attitude: Anxiety, Jealousy, & Moodiness May Increase Alzheimer's Risk in Women.
A woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if she is anxious, jealous, or moody during middle-age. Over a 38-year period, researchers followed nearly 800 women who completed on-going personality tests regarding neuroticism, extraversion, and introversion. The study's results show that women with the highest scores for neuroticism were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as those with lower neuroticism scores. However, this association appeared to be greater among participants who had experienced long periods of stress. They also found that women who scored high on both neuroticism and introversion were at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer's. Researcher Dr. Lena Johannsson writes, "Personality may influence the individual's risk for dementia through its effect on behavior, lifestyle, or reactions to stress."
Neurology, September 2014

Health Alert: Living Near Major Roads a Risk Factor for Cardiac Death in Women.
According to the American Heart Association, living within 50 meters (~164 feet) of a major road increases a woman's risk of dying from a sudden cardiac death by 38%. Lead researcher Dr. Jaime E. Hart notes, "It's important for healthcare providers to recognize that environmental exposures may be under-appreciated risk factors for diseases such as sudden cardiac death and fatal coronary heart disease."
Circulation, October 2014

Diet: Family Meals During Childhood May Prevent Obesity.
Family meals could protect children against obesity, as such meals tend to include fruits, vegetables, calcium, and whole grains. A new study indicates that even having as few as one to two family meals a week during adolescence significantly reduces the odds of an individual being overweight or obese ten years later when compared with those who reported never having family meals during their teen years.
Journal of Pediatrics, October 2014

Exercise: Genes May Affect Exercise's Ability to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
Most agree on the benefits of exercise in its role for weight management and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, a new study claims that some may have a tougher time than others due to their genes. In the study, researchers examined interactions between physical activity, genetics, and diabetes risk in more than 8,100 Americans. They found that exercise provided less protection against diabetes in individuals with a high genetic risk for insulin resistance. However, the lead author of the study stresses that this finding is no reason for people battling obesity to stop exercising.
Diabetologia, September 2014

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain and Pregnancy.
Questionnaires completed by a sample of 105 women who recently gave birth indicate that low back pain is a sizeable problem for expectant mothers. Of the 105 women surveyed, 67.6% suffered from low back pain during pregnancy. More than half (57.7%) reported that back pain prevented them from performing their daily activities with 77.5% of those women claiming their back pain increased as their pregnancy advanced. Because 93% of these women received no back pain-related treatment, the authors of the study advise health care professionals to be proactive in asking expectant mothers about their back pain.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Atopic Dermatitis in Children Improved with Vitamin D Supplements.
A small study involving 100 school children in Mongolia has found that daily treatment with 1000 IU of a vitamin D supplement significantly reduced the symptoms of winter-related atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, which is uncomfortable and makes patients more vulnerable to bacterial infection. The condition is most commonly seen in children and more so during the winter. The study's author recommends that parents of children with symptoms that worsen in the winter try a vitamin D supplement for a few weeks when such symptoms flare-up, after first discussing the study and their plan with their pediatrician.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, October 27th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Could Cerebellum Injury Be a Possible Cause of Autism? Princeton University scientists say their research indicates that an injury to the cerebellum early in life may make a child 36 times more likely to score highly on autism screening tests. Study author Dr. Sam Wang adds, "What we realized from looking at the literature is that these two problems - autism and cerebellar injury - might be related to each other. We hope to get people and scientists thinking differently about the cerebellum or about autism so that the whole field can move forward." Neuron, August 2014 Health Alert: E-Cigarettes a Possible Gateway to Drug Use, Addiction, and Tobacco Smoking. An alarming report claims that using electronic cigarettes may lead to tobacco cigarette smoking and increase the likelihood of illicit drug use and addiction. The researchers discovered that when mice were exposed to nicotine, the substance triggered biochemical alteration in the brain and activated a gene linked to the reward response. This process enhanced a subsequent response to cocaine in the mice, suggesting that nicotine may be a gateway drug for cocaine. Study author Dr. Denise Kandel writes, "We don't yet know whether e-cigarettes will prove to be a gateway to the use of conventional cigarettes and illicit drugs, but that's certainly a possibility. Nicotine clearly acts as a gateway drug on the brain, and this effect is likely to occur whether the exposure comes from smoking cigarettes, passive tobacco smoke, or e-cigarettes." The New England Journal of Medicine, September 2014 Diet: Soy May Promote Breast Cancer? Researchers suggest that women with breast cancer should only eat soy foods in moderation and avoid supplements containing soy. This recommendation is based on findings that soy protein consumption may increase activity in genes linked to breast cancer growth. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, September 2014 Exercise: Sit Less! Shortening the amount of time spent sitting can protect your aging DNA. A newly published study looked at how physical activity affects telomere length. Telomeres can be found on the ends of chromosomes and stop them from unraveling or clumping together and "scrambling" the genetic code they contain. The researchers found that spending less time sitting each day had more of a positive impact on telomere health than increasing the time spent performing physical activities, like exercise. They add, "There is growing concern that not only low physical activity level in populations, but probably also sitting and sedentary behavior, is an important and new health hazard of our time." British Journal of Sports Medicine, September 2014 Chiropractic: Migraines Reduced with Chiropractic Care. A past study found that chiropractic manipulation combined with therapeutic massage resulted in a 68% reduction in the intensity of migraine headaches within one hour of treatment. The findings add to previous research indicating the benefits of chiropractic care for the treatment of migraines. Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, March 2012 Wellness/Prevention: Improved Sleep May Reduce Time Away from Work. It appears that absence from work due to sickness is related to a lack of good sleep. A new study has found that people who regularly get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night are less likely to be absent from work due to an illness. The study further noted that the risk of being absent from work due to sickness for 10 days or more rose significantly among people who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours a night. The researchers note that the optimal sleep duration each night for adults is 7 hours 46 minutes for men and 7 hours 38 minutes for women. Sleep, September 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, October 20th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Could Type AB Blood Be a Risk Factor for Dementia?

Individuals with blood type AB appear to be more likely to develop the thinking and memory problems that lead to dementia, according to a new study involving over 30,000 participants. However, because more studies are needed to confirm their findings, the researchers advise people with type AB blood not to be overly worried and that instead they (including those with other blood types) should focus on living a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, exercising on a regular basis, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and controlling their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

American Academy of Neurology, September 2014

Health Alert: Smoke-Free Homes Have Doubled!

The results of a recent study indicate that the national prevalence of smoke-free homes in the United States (US) has increased from 43% in the early 1990s to 83% at the start of the current decade. The authors of the study hypothesize that the increase in smoke-free homes may be a byproduct of state and local laws prohibiting smoking in public places and places of work, as well as a result of the overall decline in smoking in the US.

MMWR, September 2014

Diet: Eat More Fruit to Reduce Heart Disease Risk.

A study including 450,000 participants in China revealed that eating fruit every day lowers an individual's risk for cardiovascular problems by up to 40%. The authors recommend adding fruit to your cereal, keeping an apple with you for a snack, or having fruit for dessert as ways to increase your daily fruit intake.

European Heart Journal, September 2014

Exercise: Exercise Curbs Nightly Trips to the Bathroom for Men.

If you’re a male and you have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate, you may want to engage in more activity during the day. Compared to men who were inactive, those who were physically active for one or more hours per week were 13% less likely to have nocturia and 34% less likely to have severe nocturia. Nocturia is a common lower urinary tract symptom in men that can be caused by an enlarged prostate, overproduction of urine, low bladder capacity, and sleep problems. Nocturia becomes more common with age and is believed to occur in more than 50% of men 45 and older.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, September 2014

Chiropractic: Walk More to Reduce Neck Pain Risk.

Workers who are mostly sedentary can lower their risk for neck pain by simply walking an extra half mile per day. Researchers followed 367 office workers for one year and monitored how many steps they took each day via a pedometer. The scientists followed up with participants on a monthly basis to see if they had experienced any musculoskeletal pain in the preceding 30 days. Overall, 16% of participants experienced neck pain during the course of the study but those who took more steps were less likely to report neck pain. The researchers conclude that taking an extra 1,000 steps each day could reduce a person's risk for neck pain by 14%.

European Spine Journal, September 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Tips to Prevent Children from Falling Out a Window.

A young child can fall from an open window in a moment's notice, so it's vital for parents and caregivers to take measures now to help prevent such a tragedy. The National Safety Council recommends always supervising young children, keeping windows locked when children are near, making sure a child can't reach an open window, teaching your child to stay away from windows and patio doors, keeping furniture that a child could climb on away from windows, and remembering that a screen will not prevent a child from falling out a window.

National Safety Council, April 2009

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, October 13th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Marital Stress Strains Parent-Child Relationships.
An analysis of more than 200 families revealed that when parents reported conflict and tension in their marriage, their interactions with their children were also strained in the immediate future. Study author Dr. Chrystyna Kouros writes, "The quality of that relationship spills over into each parent's interactions with the child. So if mom and dad are fighting, it will show up initially -- and in some cases on the second day -- in a poorer quality relationship with their kids."
Journal of Family Psychology, August 2014
Health Alert: Germs Follow Families When Moving.
Microbiologists at the United States Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory claim that a unique population of bacteria follows families when they move to a new home. The research team notes that it took less than a day for a family's new home to have the same bacteria populations as their old home. The findings suggest that analyzing bacteria in a home could predict if a person has lived in a specific location and how recently with a great deal of accuracy.
Science, August 2014
Diet: Salt Problematic for MS Symptoms.
There may be a link between salt consumption and multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. In a newly published study, individuals who consumed moderate or high amounts of salt had approximately three more episodes of progressing symptoms and were four times more likely to have exacerbations when compared to individuals who consumed the least salt per day. The researchers add, "High salt intake is implicated in various aspects of poor health. Findings suggest further research into whether dietary salt reduction could ease MS symptoms or slow the progression of the disease might now be warranted."
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, August 2014
Exercise: Exercise While Watching Television.
The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions to get some exercise while you watch TV: ditch the remote and change the channel yourself, walk around the house or up and down the stairs during commercials, perform resistance exercises while watching TV, use a treadmill or stationary bike, and perform activities that involve standing, such as ironing clothes.
The American Council on Exercise, August 2014
Chiropractic: Acute Neck Pain Patients Satisfied with Spinal Manipulation.
According to a recent study, individuals with acute and sub acute neck pain were more satisfied with receiving spinal manipulation or home exercise/advice than taking medication prescribed by a physician. Overall, participants who received spinal manipulation performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic were the most satisfied of the three groups in the study in regards to the general care they received.
Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, September 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Smartphone Could Screen for Jaundice in Newborns.
A team from the University of Washington is developing a smartphone app called BiliCam that could make it easier for doctors and parents to monitor newborns to determine if blood tests are needed to confirm jaundice. Caregivers can use the app by placing a calibration card on the baby's naked torso and then taking a photo with their smartphone. The app then uses an algorithm to analyze the photo and report on the likely levels of bilirubin in the baby. Bilirubin is a substance that builds up in the blood causing a yellowing of skin and happens in newborns when the liver is not yet optimally functioning. The team hopes the app will also be useful in developing countries where jaundice accounts for many newborn deaths.
University of Washington, August 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, October 6th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Differences in Brains of People with Dyslexia.
Dyslexia causes problems with reading and writing and is the most commonly diagnosed learning disorder in the United States. Researchers have discovered that people with this condition have disrupted network connections in their brains. Using functional MRI, the research team found that individuals with dyslexia have less connectivity between a number of the brain regions used during the reading process when compared to MRI scans of people without dyslexia. Study author Dr. Emily Finn writes, "Compared to typical readers, dyslexics had weaker connections between areas that process visual information and areas that control attention, suggesting that individuals with dyslexia are less able to focus on printed words."
Biological Psychiatry, August 2014
Health Alert: Kidney Stones Increase Risk of Heart Disease.
A new study suggests that kidney stones can increase an individual's risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. The results of the study found that patients with kidney stones have a 19% increased risk for coronary heart disease and a 40% higher risk for stroke. Thomas Manley, director of scientific activities at the National Kidney Foundation, writes, "Kidney stones are common, and with their association to coronary heart disease and stroke found in this study, it suggests that a thorough cardiovascular assessment should be considered in patients who develop kidney stones."
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, August 2014
Diet: Avoid Eating When You're Not Hungry.
If you want to avoid eating when you’re not hungry, it is important to avoid common triggers that can lead to consuming extra calories and packing on pounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that common triggers include seeing favorite snacks in the pantry, watching TV, close proximity to a vending machine, stressful situations, and being bored. The CDC recommends developing strategies for avoiding such triggers or finding healthier options if such situations are unavoidable.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2011
Exercise: Daily Moderate Exercise Reduces Disability Risk in Seniors.
Daily moderate exercise can mean the difference between becoming housebound or keeping up with everyday activities later in life. Researchers found that daily moderate exercise among participants ages 70 to 89 reduced loss of mobility by 28% and increased walking ability by 18%. The exercise involved walking 150 minutes a week as well as strength, flexibility, and balance training. Co-principal investigator Dr. Jack Guralnik adds, "The very purpose of the study is to provide definitive evidence that physical activity can truly improve the independence of older adults."
Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2014
Chiropractic: Chronic Disease Increases Musculoskeletal Pain Risk!
An analysis of musculoskeletal injuries among police officers in South Korea found that officers who suffer from one or more chronic diseases (diabetes, for example) are 1.78 times more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder, neck, waist, hands/wrists/fingers, arms, and legs.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, June 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Best Time for Sun Exposure.
Sun exposure is important for vitamin D synthesis, but too much sun can increase an individual's risk for skin cancer. In a newly published study, a research team from Oslo University Hospital recommends the best times for optimal vitamin D production with minimal risk of skin cancer development are between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Lead author Dr. Johan Moan adds that the common recommendations to avoid the sun altogether between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM may be wrong.
Advanced in Experimental Medicine and Biology, August 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, September 29th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Gardens Can Calm People with Dementia.
A review of 17 previous studies has found that gardening tasks -- such as watering plants or sitting or strolling in a garden -- can help sooth anxiety in some dementia patients. Experts say the findings are encouraging, and ongoing research into the potential calming power of outdoor space continues…
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, July 2014

Health Alert: Heart Attack Survival Rates Affected by Arrival Time at Hospital.
The American Heart Association has found that heart attack patients who present to a hospital at night, during the weekend, or on a holiday have a 13% increased risk of dying compared with heart attack patients who are admitted during regular hours. The authors found that, on average, it takes 56 minutes for patients arriving at the ER during regular work hours to receive the angioplasty procedure necessary to open their blocked blood vessel compared with an average of 72 minutes during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Circulation, July 2014

Diet: Are Five Portions of Fruit & Veggies a Day Enough?
Consuming fruits and vegetables is important to reduce the risk of mortality from illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, but past studies have failed to come to a consensus on the ideal amount that should be consumed. A new study indicates that five portions of fruits and vegetables a day is optimum for reducing the risk of death from all causes. Investigators found a 5% average reduction in the risk of death from all causes and a 4% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease for each additional portion of fruit and vegetables consumed per day up to a threshold of five portions per day.
British Medical Journal, July 2014

Exercise: Improves Motor Skill Development.
Researchers have demonstrated that a single bout of acute cardiovascular exercise can improve an individual’s ability to learn new motor skills up to a week after performing the activity.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, August 2014

Chiropractic: Lower Premature Birth Risk Observed…
Does consulting with a Doctor of Chiropractic have any effect on birth outcomes? An analysis of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health indicates that the answer may be yes. Researchers found that pregnant women who sought chiropractic services were less likely to deliver prematurely than women who did not receive treatment. Of course, more research is needed to determine if the relationship is causative.
Midwifery, March 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Smartphone App Could Help Doctors Diagnose Hereditary Diseases.
Hereditary diseases can be difficult to detect, as they can present an array of symptoms similar to other illnesses. Researchers have created a smartphone app called “Phenomizer” that can help simplify diagnosis for these types of conditions. Doctors begin by entering the symptoms of their patient into the app. Then, the system scans a large database that stores over 10,000 disease characteristics and links them to 7,500 diseases. Researcher leader Dr. Marcel Schulz writes, "The doctors no longer have to research in databases or books for several hours. The list supports them in detecting the disease more quickly. Moreover, doctors can ask patients about their symptoms in greater detail. This makes it easier to assess which aspects they need to pay attention to."
American Academy of Neurology's 66th Annual Meeting, April 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, September 22nd, 2014

Mental Attitude: Stress During Pregnancy May Increase Asthma Risk in Children.
Past studies have shown that exposure to stress during pregnancy can increase a child’s risk for premature birth, low birth weight, and development problems. Now, a new animal-based study suggests that maternal stress during pregnancy, even just one high-stress episode, can also increase an offspring's risk for developing asthma.
American Journal of Physiology, July 2014

Health Alert: Today’s Young Adults.
Compared with previous generations, today’s young adults (ages 18-24) are more likely to be high school graduates, attend college, and less likely to smoke cigarettes.
National Institutes of Health, July 2014

Diet: Kidney Disease Patients Should Avoid Southern-Style Diet.
Newly published research suggests that a “Southern-style diet” is linked with higher death rates among kidney disease patients. Researchers found that individuals with kidney disease who regularly consumed a Southern diet had a 50% higher risk for death compared to those who did not regularly consume a Southern-style diet. Lead author Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez writes, "This is the first study to identify a regionally specific diet pattern that is highly associated with adverse outcomes among persons with kidney disease. It's well known that the Southern region has poor health outcomes in a number of different areas including stroke, heart disease and sepsis, and that the style of diet plays a role."
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, July 2014

Exercise: Small Amounts of Exercise Protect Against Memory Loss in Elderly.
An animal study involving rats found that small amounts of exercise protected older rodents from memory loss and exaggerated inflammation in their brains following infection. This is the first study to show that voluntary exercise reduces aging-induced susceptibility to the cognitive impairments that follow a bacterial infection.
The Journal of Neuroscience, August 2011

Chiropractic: Back Pain and Anger.
Do people with back pain have shorter fuses? Using data provided by chronic back pain patients and their spouses, researchers have found that individuals with back pain appear to be quicker to anger and get angry to greater levels the more their pain interferes with their ability to function normally.
Healthy Psychology, August 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Protect Your Eyes When Using a Swimming Pool.
Swimming in chlorinated pools can wash away the outer film layer of the eye, increasing a swimmer’s risk for infections such as pink eye. Chlorine can also lead to red and irritated eyes, as well as blurry vision. The following tips can be helpful in preventing or easing eye problems associated with swimming in chlorinated pools: wear water-tight goggles, remove contact lenses, use lubricating eye drops, and flush eyes with clean drinking water after swimming. Swimmers should seek medical attention if they suffer from any of the following after leaving the pool: red eyes that are draining fluid, blurry or distorted vision, or severe pain.
Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center, July 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, September 15th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Low Vitamin D Levels May Increases Alzheimer's Risk.
Older adults with low levels of vitamin D in their blood may have double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to seniors with sufficient vitamin D levels. In the study, the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's significantly increased when vitamin D levels fell below 20 ng/ml. Experts believe that vitamin D may clear plaques in the brain linked with the development of dementia.
Neurology, August 2014

Health Alert: Big Rise in Drug-Related Suicide Attempts.
In the last six years, drug- related suicide attempts in the United States have jumped 51% among people 12 and older. In 2011, 96% of ER visits for attempted suicide involved the nonmedical use of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, August 2014

Diet: Dining Out Equals Eating More Food.
If you regularly dine out, you may be eating more than you should. A new study has found that people who regularly eat at restaurants average about 200 more calories more per day compared with those who cook at home. Study co-author Dr. Lisa Powell writes, "We always underestimate large portions, so people don't realize that restaurant portions are as excessive as they are… This is why we need menu labeling on all restaurant meals, not just the fast-food and larger chains."
Public Health Nutrition, August 2014

Exercise: Exercise Positively Impacts Anxiety.
New research sheds light on how exercise and relaxation activities can positively impact people with social anxiety. Researcher Dr. Adam Heenan found that exercise and activities like yoga can change the way people perceive the world and change it in a way that they view the environment as less threatening and negative. For individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, this may be an important breakthrough.
PLOS ONE, July 2014

Chiropractic: Lower Extremity Joint Mobilization for Knee & Ankle Pain.
Manual therapy in the form of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the lower extremity was found to be successful in restoring normal movement patterns and pain-free function in a 40-year-old patient with chronic anterior knee pain and ankle sprain symptoms. The patient had suffered for one year from patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is characterized by pain or discomfort originating from the contact of the posterior surface of the kneecap with the thighbone.
Journal of Manual Manipulative Therapies, May 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Is the PSA Test Worth It?
The debate continues over the value of the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test to screen men for prostate cancer. A new study points out that testing reduces prostate cancer deaths, but overdiagnosis occurs in roughly 40% of cases detected by screening. This results in a high risk of overtreatment that can lead to incontinence and impotence. Further research is needed on ways to reduce overdiagnosis so that unnecessary biopsy procedures and treatments can be avoided.
The Lancet, August 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, September 8th, 2014

ental Attitude: High Blood Pressure in Middle Age May Weaken Brain Later.
If you let your blood pressure get too high in midlife, you may pay the price of mental decline when you are older. A study involving nearly 14,000 individuals found that hypertension in those aged 48 to 67 years was tied to a 6.5% drop in mental ability 20 years later.
JAMA Neurology, August 2014

Health Alert: Low Income People with Diabetes More Likely to Lose a Limb.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that the odds of having a limb amputated are up to ten times greater for diabetics who live in low-income neighborhoods. The authors of the study note that the majority of these amputations are preventable if these patients are diagnosed and receive proper medical care sooner.
University of California, Los Angeles, August 2014

Diet: Chili Peppers May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer.
Capsaicin, the active ingredient found in chili peppers, may help reduce colorectal cancer risk. An animal study showed that capsaicin activated a pain receptor in mice that reduced tumor development in the gut and extended the lives of test subjects by more than 30%. Further research is needed to determine if capsaicin produces similar benefits among humans.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation, August 2014

Exercise: Survival More Likely with Exercise-Related Cardiac Events.
According to new research, individuals who have a cardiac arrest during or shortly after exercise are three times more likely to survive (45% survival rate) compared with those who have a cardiac arrest that is not related to exercise (15% survival rate). Lead author Dr. Arend Mosterd writes, "More research is needed to determine why, after taking into account favorable factors such as age, location of the event and initiation of CPR, persons who exercise during or shortly before having a cardiac arrest still have a better prognosis than people who have a cardiac arrest that is unrelated to exercise."
European Society of Cardiology, August 2012

Chiropractic: High Satisfaction.
Using survey responses from nearly 500 patients from chiropractic clinics throughout Australia, researchers found that nearly all patients (97.5%) were satisfied with their care and would seek chiropractic services again in the future. About seven out of ten (68.7%) sought chiropractic care for a musculoskeletal injury and 21.2% did so for general health purposes.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Older Women May Benefit from Mammograms.
The results of a new study indicate that women who are age 75 and older may still benefit from routine mammograms; however, not all experts agree with this finding. Guidelines from organizations such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force claim there isn't enough evidence on routine mammograms for older women while the American Cancer Society recommends that women continue to have mammograms annually as long as they remain in good health. The study found that breast cancer survival was about 10% better in women over 75 years old whose cancer was detected early during a routine mammogram versus those whose cancer was detected later.
Radiology, August 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, September 1st, 2014

Mental Attitude: Ultrasounds May Detect Autism in Utero.
A newly published study using ultrasound scans to check for fetal defects found that children who went on to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had a greater head and abdominal size at 20 weeks in the womb compared with children who did not develop ASD. This discovery could offer a small window into fetal development that could help doctors diagnose and treat ASD earlier. However, these findings were presented at a medical conference and are considered preliminary since they have not yet undergone a peer review process.
International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, June 2014

Health Alert: Pavement Sealer Ban Linked to Cleaner Lake Water.
A ban of certain types of pavement sealants made from coal tar has led to lower levels of cancer-causing compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an Austin, Texas lake. In 2006, Austin was the first city in the United States to ban these types of pavement sealants. Past studies have shown that PAHs cause cancer in animals, and there are concerns that these compounds could be harmful to human health as well.
Environmental Science & Technology, June 2014

Diet: Treat High Blood Pressure with Vitamin D?
An analysis of more than 146,500 individuals revealed that for every 10% increase in vitamin D blood levels, researchers found a corresponding 8% decreased risk for developing high blood pressure. According to study leader Dr. Elina Hypponen, "In view of the costs and side effects associated with antihypertensive drugs, the potential to prevent or reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of hypertension with vitamin D is very attractive."
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, June 2014

Exercise: Sports During Adolescence Has Mental Health Benefits During Young Adulthood.
Participating in school sports during adolescence appears to have a protective effect on mental health in young adulthood. Researchers surveyed 850 students for five years about their participation in school sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, wrestling, and gymnastics. Three years following graduation, the researchers followed up with these former students to find out how often they experienced depressive symptoms, how much stress they experienced, and how they rated their mental health on a scale of 1 to 5. Those who participated in sports were less likely to be depressed, were better able to handle stress, and were more likely to rate their mental health as excellent.
Journal of Adolescent Health, June 2014

Chiropractic: How Chronic Back Pain Can Affect Quality of Life.
Nearly a third (32.9%) of patients receiving pharmaceutical treatment for chronic low back pain report that their current medication does not improve their pain, according to a study of over 3,000 chronic low back pain patients in South Korea. Among the patients surveyed, 67% classified their pain as moderate to severe, 43.5% had been in pain for more than two years, 32.4% had trouble sleeping because of their pain.
Asian Spine Journal, June 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Men Who Have Smoked Should Be Screened for Aneurysms.
A panel of American health experts recommends that older men who smoke or who are ex-smokers should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the main blood vessel that takes blood from the heart and can be fatal if it bursts without warning. The risk for an abdominal aneurysm in men who have smoked is approximately 7% compared to just 2% for men who have never smoked. Because the risk for women who have smoked is less than 1%, screening for females is not recommended.
Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, August 25th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Ultrasounds May Detect Autism in Utero.
A newly published study using ultrasound scans to check for fetal defects found that children who went on to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had a greater head and abdominal size at 20 weeks in the womb compared with children who did not develop ASD. This discovery could offer a small window into fetal development that could help doctors diagnose and treat ASD earlier. However, these findings were presented at a medical conference and are considered preliminary since they have not yet undergone a peer review process.
International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, June 2014

Health Alert: Pavement Sealer Ban Linked to Cleaner Lake Water.
A ban of certain types of pavement sealants made from coal tar has led to lower levels of cancer-causing compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an Austin, Texas lake. In 2006, Austin was the first city in the United States to ban these types of pavement sealants. Past studies have shown that PAHs cause cancer in animals, and there are concerns that these compounds could be harmful to human health as well.
Environmental Science & Technology, June 2014

Diet: Treat High Blood Pressure with Vitamin D?
An analysis of more than 146,500 individuals revealed that for every 10% increase in vitamin D blood levels, researchers found a corresponding 8% decreased risk for developing high blood pressure. According to study leader Dr. Elina Hypponen, "In view of the costs and side effects associated with antihypertensive drugs, the potential to prevent or reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of hypertension with vitamin D is very attractive."
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, June 2014

Exercise: Sports During Adolescence Has Mental Health Benefits During Young Adulthood.
Participating in school sports during adolescence appears to have a protective effect on mental health in young adulthood. Researchers surveyed 850 students for five years about their participation in school sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, wrestling, and gymnastics. Three years following graduation, the researchers followed up with these former students to find out how often they experienced depressive symptoms, how much stress they experienced, and how they rated their mental health on a scale of 1 to 5. Those who participated in sports were less likely to be depressed, were better able to handle stress, and were more likely to rate their mental health as excellent.
Journal of Adolescent Health, June 2014

Chiropractic: How Chronic Back Pain Can Affect Quality of Life.
Nearly a third (32.9%) of patients receiving pharmaceutical treatment for chronic low back pain report that their current medication does not improve their pain, according to a study of over 3,000 chronic low back pain patients in South Korea. Among the patients surveyed, 67% classified their pain as moderate to severe, 43.5% had been in pain for more than two years, 32.4% had trouble sleeping because of their pain.
Asian Spine Journal, June 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Men Who Have Smoked Should Be Screened for Aneurysms.
A panel of American health experts recommends that older men who smoke or who are ex-smokers should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the main blood vessel that takes blood from the heart and can be fatal if it bursts without warning. The risk for an abdominal aneurysm in men who have smoked is approximately 7% compared to just 2% for men who have never smoked. Because the risk for women who have smoked is less than 1%, screening for females is not recommended.
Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, August 18th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Dementia Risk Rises with Traumatic Brain Injury.
A review of data on 188,774 veterans (ages 55 and up) found that 1,229 had been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). During the study's nine-year follow-up period, 16% of veterans with a TBI developed dementia compared with only 10% of veterans without a TBI.
Neurology, June 2014

Health Alert: Watching TV for Three or More Hours Daily May Increase Risk of Early Death.
Most people enjoy taking time to watch a favorite television show in order to relax and unwind. New research suggests that watching three hours or more of television per day could double an individual's risk of premature death. Investigators recommend adults reduce TV watching to no more than one to two hours per day. Lead researcher Dr. Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez writes, "As the population ages, sedentary behaviors will become more prevalent, especially watching television, and this poses an additional burden on the increased health problems related to aging. Our findings suggest adults may consider increasing their physical activity, avoid long sedentary periods and reduce television watching to no longer than 1-2 hours each day."
Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2014

Diet: Your Child May Be Consuming Too Many Vitamins & Minerals.
The Environmental Working Group believes that fortifying foods with vitamins and minerals is placing children in danger. The report summarizes how millions of American children under eight years of age are getting too much vitamin A, zinc, and niacin from fortified food products and supplements. The problem is the result of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on voluntary food supplementation (last updated 34 years ago) that do not take current scientific evidence into account. The report recommends that until the FDA makes the Daily Values on food labels reflect up-to-date science and show values for children, parents should limit their child's intake of fortified food to no more than 20-25% of the adult Daily Value for vitamin A, zinc, and niacin.
Environmental Working Group Report, June 2014

Exercise: Exercise May Benefit Pregnant Women with High Blood Pressure.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, are the most common and dangerous pregnancy complications, occurring in 5-8% of pregnancies. An animal study revealed that placental ischemia-induced hypertension in rats was alleviated by exercise. Researcher Jeff Gilbert explains, “The data from our study raise the possibility that exercise regimens, if started before pregnancy and maintained through most of gestation, may be an important way for women to mitigate the risk of preeclampsia."
Journal of the American Heart Association, December 2012

Chiropractic: Back Pain Patients Have Less Flexible Hamstrings.
Evaluations of 72 patients with low back pain indicate a possible relationship between mechanical back pain and hamstring tightness. Researchers found that patients with more severe back pain had tighter hamstrings than patients with more mild or moderate pain. They recommend this data be considered when designing both prevention strategies and rehabilitation protocols for low back pain.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, June 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Breast Cancer Detection Rate Improves with New Screening Technique.
Adding a 3D imaging technique called tomosynthesis to digital mammography appears to result in both a reduction in the number of patients being called back for additional testing and an increase in breast cancer detection rates. Digital tomosynthesis takes multiple X-ray pictures from different angles. The breast is positioned as it is for a conventional mammogram, but less pressure is applied. Instead of a single image with conventional mammograms, this technique offers a 3D image for a better evaluation of the breast. Dr. Sarah M. Friedewald writes, "The association with fewer unnecessary tests and biopsies, with a simultaneous increase in cancer detection rates, would support the potential benefits of tomosynthesis as a tool for screening. However, assessment for a benefit in clinical outcomes is needed."
JAMA, June 2014

Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, August 11th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Tinnitus Affects How Sufferers Process Emotions. Tinnitus is a condition in which patients hear noises that aren’t really there such as ringing, whooshing, whistles, and whines. According to experts, individuals with persistent tinnitus are more likely to experience increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and depression. To investigate how tinnitus affects the brain, researchers evaluated brain responses to different emotions by individuals both with and without tinnitus using functional magnetic resonance imaging. When compared to participants with normal hearing, they found tinnitus patients had decreased brain activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain that processes emotion and stress; however, they had increased activity in the parahippocampus and insula, areas of the brain that are also associated with emotions. This indicates that in order to cope with the stress of persistent noise, the brains of tinnitus patients have reduced activity in the amygdala and rerouted some of its functions to other regions. Brain Research, June 2014 Health Alert: Serious Allergic Reactions with Some Acne Products. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers who use certain over-the-counter skin products for acne due to the risk of extreme allergic reactions. The active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are suspected to cause these reactions, which can include feeling faint, breathing difficulties, throat tightness, and swelling of the eyes, lips, face, and tongue. Products containing the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are available as face washes, solutions, cleansing pads, gels, lotions, toners, and face scrubs. The FDA recommends consumers to stop using products containing these ingredients if they develop hives or itching. Food and Drug Administration, June 2014 Diet: Fruits & Veggies May Not Help Weight Loss. Adding more servings of fruits and vegetables is often recommended for individuals trying to lose weight, but according to researchers, doing so may not help them shed excess pounds. A review of seven studies found that increasing fruit and vegetable intake without reducing total calories consumed appears to have a near-zero effect on weight loss. Researcher Dr. Kathryn Kaiser adds, "In the overall context of a healthy diet, energy reduction is the way to help lose weight, so to reduce weight you have to reduce caloric intake." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2014 Exercise: Exercise Improves Body Composition for Kids. A recent study referred to as “FITKids” demonstrated the extent to which physical activity can improve body composition, which is important as it contributes to overall health. The study included 220 eight- to nine-year-olds who were assigned to either a nine-month physical activity program that required 70 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity five days a week or a control group. Researchers measured baseline and follow-up cardiorespiratory fitness, percent fat mass, percent central fat mass, and estimated abdominal fat tissue. The FITKids showed improved cardiovascular fitness, less body fat, and carried less fat around their abdomens. The opposite was true for the control group who maintained their regular after-school routine. Pediatrics, April 2014 Chiropractic: Strong Support for Manual Therapy to Treat Back Pain. Two independent reviewers analyzed data from 360 studies published between 2000 and 2013 related to the use of manual therapies -- such as chiropractic care -- to treat acute, subacute, and chronic non-specific low back pain. For all levels of low back pain, the reviewers found strong evidence for the use of manual therapy to both decrease pain and improve function. The Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, May 2014 Wellness/Prevention: Keep Teens Safe During Sports. Participating in sports is a key part of many children's high school experience, but injuries can and do occur. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests the following ways to reduce the risk of sport-related injuries: wear protective equipment, ensure proper training and conditioning, build strength and stamina, follow rules and practice good sportsmanship, play only one sport per season, and don't play just one sport all year-long. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, May 2013