DAILY HEALTH UPDATE Friday, October 30th, 2015
Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Midlife Hopelessness May Lead to Later Alzheimer's Disease... A team of Finnish and Swedish researchers reports individuals who lack confidence in the future during their middle years are 37% more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease during their senior years. The researchers write, "Our results suggest that feelings of hopelessness already in midlife may have long-term implications for cognitive health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life." PLOS ONE, October 2015
Health Alert: Low Vitamin D & Obesity When Younger May Accelerate MS. According to new research, the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) could be delayed by spending more time in the sun during adolescence. The study involved 1,161 individuals with multiple sclerosis and found that 88% of those who spent time in the sun every day as teens developed the disease later than those who spent less time in the sun. Additionally, the researchers report people who were overweight at age twenty developed the disease earlier than those who were not. The study's lead author, Dr. Julie Hejgaard Laursen adds, "The relationship between weight and MS might be explained by a vitamin D deficiency, but there's not enough direct evidence to establish this yet. It appears that both UVB rays from sunlight and vitamin D could be associated with a delayed onset of MS. However, it's possible that other outdoor factors play a role, and these still have to be identified." Neurology, October 2015
Diet: Sugary Drinks Raise Risk for Many Health Conditions. About 50% of the American population consumes sugar-sweetened drinks every day, despite evidence these beverages lead to excess weight gain and an elevated risk of disease. Researchers found that consuming one or two servings of sugar-sweetened drinks a day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%, heightens the risk of heart attack or fatal heart disease by 35%, and raises the risk of stroke by 16%. Research leader Dr. Frank Hu and his team conclude, "Although reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or added sugar alone is unlikely to solve the obesity epidemic entirely, limiting intake is one simple change that will have a measurable impact on weight control and prevention of cardiometabolic diseases." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, September 2015
Exercise: Walking Recommendations. Walking is a great form of exercise with a low risk of injury, but it’s still possible to injury yourself if done wrong. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends walking slowly and easily for five minutes to warm up, increasing your speed for about 15 minutes after warming up, swinging your arms, walking with your abdomen flat, keeping your back straight and head up, pointing your toes forward, walking with a comfortable long stride, ending with a five-minute cool- down, and finishing with gentle stretches. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, September 2015
Chiropractic: Neck and Shoulder Pain Common Among Teens with Migraines. Surveys completed by 601 adolescents find neck pain and shoulder pain are common complaints for those who also live with migraine headaches, especially for those who deal with such headaches at a greater frequency. Teens who experience migraines less than once a week are 40% more likely to experience neck and shoulder pain, and those who suffer from migraines more than 15 days a month are 7.27 times more likely to have neck and shoulder pain than their peers who don't have a history of migraines. Previous research has shown treatment aimed at restoring function in the neck and shoulders can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. Cephalalgia, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Don't Drink & Drive. Alcohol-related car crashes result in thousands of deaths each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following strategies to reduce the risk you, your friends, and your loved ones will be involved in such an incident: make the decision not to drink and drive, designate an alcohol-free driver, take a taxi if needed, don’t allow a friend to drink and drive, drink responsibly, avoid binge drinking, and encourage friends to drink in moderation. Talk to your healthcare provider about alcohol programs if you struggle with drinking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2015
Quote: “Today is always here... Tomorrow, never.” - Toni Morrison
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Dr. Darren Taylor
www.globalbodyhealth.com