DAILY HEALTH UPDATE | November 17, 2015
Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Gratitude Vital for Wedded Bliss. Simply saying "thank you" may be the secret to marital success. A survey of nearly 500 married people regarding finances, communication, and gratitude found the most important predictor of marriage quality was gratitude from a spouse. Study co-author Dr. Ted Futris writes, "We found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last." Personal Relationships, October 2015
Health Alert: Heartburn Meds Tied to Risk of Kidney Disease. Based on the results from two recent studies, researchers warn common heartburn medications called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) appear to be linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. One study involved more than 24,000 patients who developed chronic kidney disease between 2001 and 2008. It revealed 25% of the kidney patients had been previously treated using a PPI, and furthermore, those taking a PPI had nearly twice the risk of premature death. The second study followed over 10,000 adults with normal kidney function from 1996 to 2011. Researchers found that PPI users were up to 50% more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than non-PPI users.
The American Society of Nephrology Annual Meeting, October 2015
Diet: Eating Processed Meats Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk. The World Health Organization released a new report that suggests regularly eating processed meats can raise an individual's risk for colon cancer by 18%. In the report, processed meat was defined as any meat that has been subject to processes that boost flavor or improve preservation. Common examples of processed meats include bacon, deli meats, sausages, and hot dogs. The Lancet Oncology, October 2015
Exercise: Lack of Exercise Responsible Nearly 1 in 6 Deaths from Cardiovascular Disease. By comparing data regarding self-reported physical activity levels and deaths due to heart disease and stroke, Argentinean researchers estimate roughly 17% of deaths due to cardiovascular disease in their country are caused by lack of exercise. Previous studies have shown that regular exercise not only lowers an individual's risk for cardiovascular disease but can also increase their odds of survival should a cardiovascular event occur. Argentine Society of Cardiology Congress, October 2015
Chiropractic: Resolution of Cervicalgia, Paraesthesia, and Chronic Adhesive Capsulitis. A 67-year-old man suffering from neck pain and right arm paraesthesia during the previous two years with a twenty-year history of adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder presented for chiropractic care. After just four chiropractic treatments spread over a four-week period, the patient regained full range of motion in his left shoulder with a significant reduction in his neck pain and a complete resolution of his right arm symptoms. This case study suggests chiropractic treatment can have a positive effect on cervicalgia and adhesive capsulitis. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, October 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Broader Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Recommended By Task Force. The United States Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screening all adults between 40 and 70 years of age who are overweight or obese for elevated blood sugar levels. They add those with elevated blood sugar levels should be referred to intensive counseling that emphasizes healthy eating and regular exercise. Task force member Dr. Michael Pignone writes, "People with abnormal blood glucose have a higher risk for progression to [type 2] diabetes. By finding abnormal blood glucose early, you may prevent that pathway by starting lifestyle interventions early." Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2015
Quote: “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” - Jane Goodall