Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Can Happiness Make Your Heart Healthier? A positive attitude can lead to better outcomes for individuals with heart disease. A new study that followed more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease found those with higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better, refrain from smoking, and follow their prescribed treatment regimen. Penn State, October 2015
Health Alert: Americans Spend More, But Fare Worse When it Comes to Healthcare. A new report finds that money doesn’t buy everything when it comes to healthcare in the United States. Compared with other industrialized nations, Americans have a shorter life expectancy despite shelling out the most cash for healthcare services. The authors of the report note each American spends more than $9,000 per year on healthcare, roughly 50% more than the healthcare expenditures of any other country in the study. Commonwealth Fund President Dr. David Blumenthal writes, "We have to look at the root causes of this disconnect and invest our healthcare dollars in ways that will allow us to live longer while enjoying better health and greater productivity." Commonwealth Fund, October 2015
Diet: Does Eating Carrots Help Aging Eyes? We have all heard that saying “Eat your carrots, they’re good for your eyes,” and now a new study suggests it’s correct. Carotenoids, which give the orange color to carrots as well as other vegetables, may help ward off an age-related vision ailment called macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, leading to declines in sharp central vision and even blindness. In the study, people who consumed the very highest amount of carotenoids from foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes had a 25-35% lower risk of developing the advanced form of AMD. Further research is needed to determine the actual levels of carotenoids needed through diet or supplementation to prevent this condition. JAMA Ophthalmology, October 2015
Exercise: Regular Exercise Reduces Asthma Symptoms. Just thirty minutes of exercise a day can help relieve the symptoms of asthma in adults. In a recent study, researchers analyzed physical activity levels among 643 participants previously diagnosed with the chronic respiratory condition. Those who exercised for thirty minutes on a regular basis were almost 2.5 times more likely to have good control of their asthma symptoms than asthma sufferers who didn’t perform routine exercise. Lead author Dr. Simon Bacon adds, "Just 30 minutes a day of walking, riding a bike, doing yoga - anything active, really - can result in significant reduction of asthma symptoms... It would be great to see physicians recommending physical activity to patients with asthma, alongside traditional pharmacological treatments." BMJ Open Respiratory Research, October 2015
Chiropractic: Spinal Mobilization Reduces Postnatal Low Back Pain. Previous studies have shown roughly 25% of new mothers may experience back pain up to three months following the birth of their child. A new study has found lumbar mobilization, a treatment commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic, significantly reduces pain intensity and improves function in postnatal women with mechanical low back pain. The Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: When to Seek Care for a Cut. Most minor cuts can be properly treated at home, but there are times when even a small cut may need the attention of a healthcare provider. The American Academy of Family Physicians says potential warning signs for a cut that needs medical attention include one that has dirt inside you can’t remove; bleeds excessively; causes numbness, inflammation, or tenderness; oozes thick abnormal colored fluid; is accompanied by a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (~37 degrees Celsius); has red streaks around the edges; or is deep and you have not had a tetanus shot in over five years. American Academy of Family Physicians, October 2015
Quote: “At the end of the day, let there be no excuses, no explanations, no regrets.” -Steve Maraboli
For More Information on Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Whiplash, and To Sign Up For Our Daily Health Update Emails
Go To: www.drdarrentaylorblog.com
Dr. Darren Taylor
www.globalbodyhealth.com