DAILY HEALTH UPDATE | Thursday | November 12th, 2015
Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Does Birth Order Determine Personality? Previous studies have associated birth order with an individual's adult personality, but a review of data regarding more than 20,000 adults finds birth order does not influence any of the "big five" personality traits (extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness, or openness to experience). The researchers report they were unable to find any pattern of personality traits based on where an individual fell within the family. Dr. Toni Falbo, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin comments, "Birth order theories make intuitive sense, and since most of us on planet Earth today grew up with siblings, some psychologists and the general public will continue to think that birth order really matters." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2015
Health Alert: Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke at Increased Risk of Tooth Decay. A report published in the British Medical Journal claims exposure to secondhand smoke at four months of age can increase a child's risk for both tooth decay and dental caries during childhood. The authors of the report believe secondhand smoke may affect teeth in a number of ways including inflammation of the oral membrane, damage to the salivary glands, decrease the serum concentration of vitamin C levels, as well as immune dysfunction. British Medical Journal, October 2015
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Protect Against Brain Aging. According to researchers, following a Mediterranean-style diet may protect against age-related brain shrinkage. The Mediterranean diet typically involves consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats such as olive oil. The study found those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet had a greater total brain volume than those who consumed a less-healthy diet. Researcher Dr. Yian Gu writes, "These results are exciting, as they raise the possibility that people may potentially prevent brain shrinking and the effects of aging on the brain simply by following a healthy diet." Neurology, October 2015
Exercise: Aerobic Fitness Linked to Higher GPA in Teen Boys. Among a group of 500 high school-aged boys, researchers found an association between greater levels of aerobic fitness and better grades. This adds to a growing body of research linking daily exercise to improved academic performance at all stages of the educational process. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, October 2015
Chiropractic: Shoulder Injury Heals Well Without Surgery. For patients with a common shoulder injury called acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation, a new study finds surgery may not be necessary. The study involved 83 individuals with severe AC joint dislocations and found those who sought non-surgical treatment returned to work sooner, experienced less disability during the first months after injury, and had fewer complications than those who elected for a surgical procedure to address their injury. The study authors conclude doctors should "think twice" before recommending surgery for an AC joint dislocation, no matter how severe. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Tech Tips for Parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following suggestions for parents in today's digital world: set limits for technology, monitor what sites and apps your child uses, enjoy games and online learning with your child, create technology-free time, have face-to-face conversations, don’t use technology to calm a child, and step in if use of social media leads to bullying or inappropriate conversation. American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2015
Quote: “Stop worrying about growing old. And think about growing up.” ~ Philip Roth