Dr Beecher’s November 24 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

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. 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

 

Quote: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Beecher’s November 17 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, November 17th, 2014

 

Mental Attitude: Mental Stress Affects Male and Female Hearts in Different Ways. Past studies have suggested that mental stress can influence heart health. Now, researchers have found that women under mental stress are more likely than men to experience reduced blood flow to the heart and are also more prone to clots due to platelet aggregation. On the other hand, men experience greater changes in blood pressure and heart rate in response to mental stress. Researcher Dr. Zainab Samad adds, “The relationship between mental stress and cardiovascular disease is well-known. This study revealed that mental stress affects the cardiovascular health of men and women differently. We need to recognize this difference when evaluating and treating patients for cardiovascular disease.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, October 2014

 

Health Alert: Possible Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer. An international research group has concluded that breast implants can cause a new subtype of rare, yet malignant, lymphoma known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This type of cancer is usually found in lymph nodes, skin, lung, liver, and soft tissue, but is not usually found in the breast. The researchers found that cases in which ALCL developed in the breast were almost exclusively involved individuals with breast implants. The actual reasons why breast implants can cause lymphoma are currently unknown, but the research team suspects the cause is an abnormal immune response. In many cases, the lymphoma subsided once the implants were removed. Mutation Research, August 2014

 

Diet: A Chemical in Broccoli May Help Treat Autism. Sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, shows promise for improving some behavioral symptoms of autism. Researchers found that about two thirds of participants who received sulforaphane saw their scores on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist reduced by 34%, while their scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale fell 17%. They hope to discover the biology underlying the effects observed and to study them at a cellular level. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2014

 

Exercise: Heavy Exercise Can Produce Asthma-Like Symptoms in Healthy Kids. Researchers have found that children who undergo brief periods of intense exercise can exhibit lung dysfunction and other symptoms similar to those experienced by asthma patients. These symptoms can happen even when the child has no history of asthma. Lead researcher Dr. Alladdin Abosaida adds, “We did not expect to see pulmonary function abnormalities after short periods of heavy exercise in such a large number of healthy children in our subject population.” Further research is needed to determine the mechanism of lung dysfunction in children following heavy exercise and identify possible interventions. American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference, May 2010

 

Chiropractic: Immediate Changes in Brain After Manual Therapy in Patients with Pain. New research focused on the effects of manual therapies on pain modulation has revealed that therapies such as chiropractic spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, and therapeutic touch have an immediate effect on the functional connectivity between brain regions involved in processing and modulating the pain experience. The results were gathered by using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain combined with measurements of pain sensitivity and intensity. The findings suggest that manual therapies may lead to neurophysiologic changes that result in pain relief. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 2014

 

Wellness/Prevention: Babies Benefit if Mothers Follow Lifestyle Advice During Pregnancy. In the largest study of its kind, researchers gave nutrition and exercise advice to pregnant women who were either overweight or obese. Women who received such advice increased their fruit and vegetable intake and reduced saturated fat intake. They also engaged in 15-20 minutes of brisk walking on most days of the week. Their babies were more likely to have a healthier birth weight, less likely to have a moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome, and were able to go home sooner than babies born from mothers in a control group that did not receive any diet or exercise advice. BMC Medicine, October 2014

 

Quote: “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

Dr Beecher’s November 10 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

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

 

Quote: “Don’t confuse poor decision-making with destiny. Own your mistakes. It’s ok; we all make them. Learn from them so they can empower you!” ~ Steve Maraboli

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

 

 

Dr Beecher’s November 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter

“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.” ~ Isaac Asimov

If you suffer from fatigue, persistent gas or bloating, recurrent yeast infections, constipation or diarrhea, migraines, weight gain, depression, or skin issues, then this might help you…

Probiotics!

What are probiotics?  What do they do? 

Do they make you healthier?  Should you take expensive probiotic supplements or is there a much cheaper and superior way to get all the probiotics your body needs?

 

Also this month:

  • STUDY: Even a Small Amount of Stress is Harmful to Your Health, Unless You Do This…
  • What’s Better For Depression, Working or Taking Time Off? The Answer May Surprise You.
  • Why You Should Not Use Your Smartphone in Bed…
  • How a Man with Dwarfism Turned People’s Daily Ignorance and Cruelty Into an Incredible Message of Inspiration – All Summed Up in One Sentence…

 

            You may have also noticed trends in the area of personal health.  Sometimes they may be caused by a breakthrough diagnostic procedure or a new treatment.  Other times, they can be motivated by less-than-pure intentions.

For example, you have probably seen a recent influx of advertisements (especially on the internet) for probiotics.  One video on the internet in particular goes into depth about a government conspiracy to get people hooked on sugar and all the health problems eating too much sugar causes, namely Candida (or yeast) overgrowth.  Then, the video offers the solution: their probiotic supplements, auto-shipped and billed monthly.

The purpose of this is not to get into the validity of the “sugar conspiracy” but to lay out a few facts regarding processed sugar consumption, candida or yeast, and probiotics.

Without going into great detail, it is no secret that excess sugar and processed food are not good for you and that it can be a large contributing factor to yeast overgrowth. (Stress, antibiotics, and prolonged birth control pill use are a few other possible contributors.)

What is Yeast Overgrowth

and How Does it Affect You?

The gut is your body’s gatekeeper, letting in helpful compounds and evicting harmful ones.  It is home to 70 to 80% of your immune cells.  When the gut is in good shape, your systems run efficiently, but when it’s not, you may experience upset stomach, be at risk for weight gain or digestive problems (like heartburn and constipation), or just feel vaguely out of sorts.

The gut is swarming with about 100 trillion bacteria, or flora, which outnumber human cells in the body 10 to 1.  These bacteria are often referred to as either “good” or “bad” because they can have either a positive or negative effect on your health.  The key is to eat things that promote the growth of “good” bacteria and inhibit the growth of “bad” bacteria.

What are the symptoms of

bad bacteria overgrowth?

  1. Painful and persistent gas and bloating
  2. Recurrent yeast infections in women
  3. Constipation or diarrhea
  4. Migraines
  5. Weight gain
  6. Depression and brain fog
  7. Skin issues like eczema and acne
  8. Food sensitivities
  9. Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome

Here is some pretty incredible information from a CNN article posted on June 14, 2014:

“Incredibly, some bacteria might even make you fat: A recent study of twins published in “Nature,” found that when bacteria from an obese human twin were introduced into the digestive systems of lean mice, the mice turned fat; when bacteria from the thin sibling were introduced into lean mice, the mice stayed lean.  Studies also suggest that diabetic and obese patients tend to lack a diversity of bacteria, and the Cleveland Clinic found that some bacteria metabolize components of egg and meat to produce a compound that aids in the clogging of arteries.

            “This might explain why some unhealthy eaters get heart disease while others don’t.”

As you can see, keeping your “gut” flora in the right balance so the correct bacteria grow is vitally important for your health and the way you feel.

How do you do that?

The first thing you want to do if you have an overgrowth of yeast is to STARVE IT.  Because yeast thrives on sugar and processed foods, stop eating them.  There is no “magic bullet” like some probiotic supplement marketers will tell you.  You cannot simply take their probiotic supplements and continue eating whatever you want.

Does that mean you should not take probiotic supplements?  No.  Probiotics are the “good” kind of bacteria that you want in your gut.

There are many supplements being sold, but probably the best way to get probiotics is to eat naturally fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut. In fact, an analysis has shown that the amount of probiotics in naturally fermented sauerkraut is as much as 10 times greater than the commonly used supplements the investigators compared them with.

Even better, making sauerkraut is easy and cheaper than buying many supplements.

A simple YouTube or Google search will walk you through exactly how to do it.  It is nothing more than cutting up some green cabbage, mixing and squeezing it in a large bowl with the proper amount of salt (1.8 teaspoons per pound of cabbage) to create a “brine” and then letting it ferment for approximately three weeks.

And here is something very important most people miss:  Sugar and processed foods are a major cause of bad bacteria (yeast) overgrowth because processed foods and sugar are food for the yeast.  That’s why we said to stop eating those foods to starve the yeast.

Now that you put good bacteria into your gut by either eating naturally fermented foods or taking a supplement, wouldn’t it make sense to “feed” the good bacteria so they flourish?

That’s where prebiotics come in.  Prebiotics are basically probiotic food.  A prebiotic is a specialized plant fiber that beneficially nourishes the good bacteria already present in the large bowel or colon.  The body itself does not digest these plant fibers; instead, the fibers act as a fertilizer to promote the growth of many of the good bacteria in the gut.

Like probiotics, you can get prebiotics from supplements or by eating a natural source.  Here are some natural sources of prebiotics…

In parentheses is the prebiotic fiber content by weight, followed by the amount of food required to obtain 6 grams of prebiotic fiber:

  • Raw chicory root (64.6%) – 1/3 oz.
  • Raw Jerusalem artichoke (31.5%) – 3/4 oz.
  • Raw dandelion greens (24.3%) – 1 oz.
  • Raw garlic (17.5%) – 1.2 oz.
  • Raw leek (11.7%) – 1.8 oz.
  • Raw onion (8.6%) – 2.5 oz.
  • Cooked onion (5%) – 1/4 lb. or 4 oz.
  • Raw banana (1%) – 1.3 lb.

One last thing:  This was just an introduction to a vast topic.  It is best to consult a healthcare professional who is an expert in this issue and it is NOT recommended to simply experiment by yourself.  A trained healthcare professional can give you expert advice that is best for your individual case.

Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.

Inspirational Story Of The Month

(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

 

 

How a Man with Dwarfism Turned People’s

Daily Ignorance and Cruelty Into an Incredible Message

of Inspiration – All Summed Up in One Sentence…

 

“I don’t think there is a certain point in anyone’s life where they grow up.  I think that we’re growing up all the time and we always will be.”  These are the words of Jonathan Novick.  Pretty wise words for someone who is just 22 years old, don’t you think?

Jonathan has achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism.  Even though the term “achondroplasia” literally means “without cartilage formation,” his problem is not in forming cartilage but in converting it to bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs.

All people with achondroplasia are short – the average male is 4’4” (~1.3 meters) and the average female is 4’1” (~1.2 meters).  Achondroplasia is the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism.  The condition occurs in 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 newborns.  Jonathan grew up in a small town and said even though he had a few negative experiences, for the most part, he was surrounded by family and friends who supported him.  Things changed drastically when he moved to New York City and started experiencing some appalling behavior.  People yelled terrible things at him.  Others harassed him.  Some even took pictures.  Jonathan said this stuff happened to him on a daily basis and he was sick and tired of it.  He was also tired of telling his family and friends about what was happening. So, he decided to show them and the rest of the world what a day in his life was like.

Jonathan started wearing a tiny button camera to shoot video of his daily experiences.  What he captured on video was shocking.  One child yelled, “What is he?”  People walked by and held out their cell phone to take a picture, acting as if they were being clever and he would not notice.  One man asked if he had been on TV.  When he said no, the man told him he looked like the reality-TV star Zach Roloff.  (The two look nothing alike, except that they are both dwarfs.)

Other people randomly yelled stuff as they walked by like “Hey short stuff!” or “Are you from one of those shows with the little people?”

One has to wonder what these people are doing with the pictures and videos they try so hard to take.  Do they post them on social media so all of their friends can have a good laugh?  Maybe they’ll get a few likes out of it.

It seems as though if you are unlucky enough to do something embarrassing, like trip and fall in public, then someone is likely to catch it on video and post it on social media.  Imagine how it would feel if that happened to you?  You may have thick skin and you may be okay with that.  Well, now imagine if EVERY SINGLE DAY was an opportunity for people to snap pictures and videos of you because of the way you looked.

The last thing Jonathan said on his video summed it up nicely…

“I don’t want to tell anyone what to do or what to think or how to feel.  But instead, what I’ll do is I’ll ask.  I’ll ask that the next time you see someone who is different than you, think about what their day might be like.  Think about all of the events of their life leading up to that point.  Then think about their day.  And think about what part of their day you want to be.”

We never know the true impact and how far reaching our actions are.  A simple act of cruelty or kindness can change someone’s life. One simple act of cruelty or kindness performed each day can change countless lives over your lifetime.  It’s all making a choice as to what part of someone’s day or life you want to be…

 

We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and

getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!

Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!


Did You Know?…

 

Sitting All Day is Risky!

Prolonged sitting significantly impacts your cardiovascular and metabolic function and can leave you at greater risk for heart failure and other heart-related problems.  One study claims that exercise may not even be able to counter the cardiovascular risk caused by sitting. In fact, the authors of the study write that the positive health benefits of one hour of exercise can be counteracted by six hours of uninterrupted sitting.  The good news is that you have virtually unlimited options when it comes to breaking up your sitting.  From standing desks and office-friendly intermittent exercise to short walks, all of it counts.  Standing up or bending down increases the force of gravity on your body, and this is the key to counteracting the cellular degeneration that occurs when you’re sitting down. A recent study has been found that taking a five-minute walk for every hour you spend in your chair can reduce the heart disease risks associated with chronic sitting.

 

Tip Of The Month

 

STUDY: Even a Small Amount of Stress is Harmful to Your Health, Unless You Do This…

There are two facts we know about stress.  Fact #1:  Stress is bad.  Fact #2:  Stress cannot always be avoided.  Many “experts” give advice on how to “lower your stress levels,” but for the vast majority of people, that is simply not an option.  Stress is simply a built-in part of modern life.  That’s the bad news.  But there is GOOD news and here it is…

According to a study published in Experimental Gerontology, it is not the amount of stress you are under that is important but how you perceive and react to the stress that determines its effect on your life expectancy.  For example, Dr. Carolyn Aldwin, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University states, “It’s not the number of hassles that does you in, it’s the perception of them being a big deal that causes problems.  Taking things in stride may protect you.”  Dr. Aldwin went on to say, “Don’t make mountains out of molehills.  Coping skills are very important.”  Stress will always be part of your life.  If you want to live longer (and happier), take action and change what you can and do not worry about the things you cannot.

 

What’s Better for Depression, Working or Taking Time Off?

A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Melbourne is the first to estimate the long-term health care costs and health outcomes of taking time off work versus continuing to work during an episode of depression.  According to the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Fiona Cocker, “We found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer employees certain health benefits, while depression-related absence from work offers no significant improvement in employee health outcomes or quality of life… This is important information for employers, health care professionals (e.g. GPs) and employees faced with the decision whether to continue working or take a leave of absence.  It suggests that future workplace mental health promotion strategies should include mental health policies that focus on promoting continued work attendance via offering flexible work-time and modification of tasks or working environment.” 

 

Why You Should Not Use Your Smartphone in Bed…

The American Macular Degeneration Foundation now warns that retinal damage caused by blue light may eventually lead to macular degeneration and the loss of central vision.  Blue light is emitted by smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other LED screens.  It seems as though the most danger occurs when holding a screen close to the eyes, which can occur while lying in bed.  Nighttime exposure to this blue light can also suppress production of the hormone melatonin and can interfere with your natural sleep cycles.

 

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal

and maintain the pain free body you deserve.

 

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

 

Houston – Trends are a big part of Western culture and cultures around most of the world.  Most entertainment and fashion trends are blatantly obvious.  A celebrity wears big headphones, glasses, or gets a certain haircut and in no time, countless people all over the world will do or wear the same thing.

Dr Beecher’s November 3 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter , please click here!

WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

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

 

Quote: “I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best.”

~ Jim Henson

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .