DAILY HEALTH UPDATE Wednesday, November 11th, 2015
Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Big Brain Doesn't Equal Big Smarts. A review of 148 studies that included more than 8,000 individuals confirmed that having a big brain does not guarantee a higher IQ. While the researchers found men tend to have larger brains than women, there were no differences in overall IQ levels between the sexes. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, October 2015
Health Alert: Dietary Supplements Send Many to the ER. A first-of-its-kind study finds an average of 23,000 people visit the emergency room (ER) each year due to harm caused by dietary supplements. According to investigators, supplements for weight loss and energy are the most dangerous, and heart issues were the most common problem with those types of supplements. Study leader Dr. Andrew Geller writes, "People may not realize that dietary supplements can cause... adverse events, but every year thousands of Americans are treated in emergency rooms for symptoms attributed to dietary supplements." However, Dr. Duffy Mackay, the senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, points out that over 150 million Americans take dietary supplements each year, which means less than one-tenth of one percent of supplement users will visit the ER due to supplement use. New England Journal of Medicine, October 2015
Diet: Use Cooking Oil Wisely. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes using a little cooking oil is a great way to add flavor and healthy fat to a meal. Canola oil has a mild flavor that can be used to marinate, bake, or fry. Olive oil is a good choice for roasting, grilling, and sautéing. Peanut oil can be used for stir-frying, baking, roasting, and frying. Sesame oil, with its light and bold flavors, works well for Indian, Korean, and Chinese dishes. AHA experts add the key to using any cooking oil is to not overdo it. American Heart Association, October 2015
Exercise: Quick Exercise Breaks in the Classroom? Researchers are working on ways to redesign classrooms and develop a curriculum that would allow two-minute exercise breaks throughout the day. Initial findings suggest that incorporating low-, medium-, or high-intensity activity in the classroom will not only encourage kids to burn 100-300 more calories a day but it will also help them focus on their schoolwork, improving their academic performance. University of Michigan, October 2015
Chiropractic: Back Pain at Work? Back pain while sitting at work may be a sign that you need to adjust your chair or the way you sit. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends: sitting with your back in an arched position that feels comfortable, choosing a chair that supports the form of your lower back, making sure your head and shoulders are straight and supported, adjusting your work surface to avoid having to lean or reach too far, and taking an hourly break to stretch and walk around. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Are You Getting Enough Potassium? Potassium is an essential nutrient that helps regulate blood pressure. To ensure that you are getting an appropriate amount of potassium, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests eating potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, beans, dairy products, fruits, and fish. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, October 2015
Quote: “For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson