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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 |
Monday, October 27, 2014
Weekly Health Update For The Week Of Monday, October 27th, 2014
Monday, October 20, 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
Monday, October 13, 2014
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
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
Monday, October 6, 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
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
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