Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor
Mental Attitude: Unsocial Older Adults at Greater Risk of Depression. Seniors who have little face-to-face contact with family and friends are nearly twice as likely to develop depression when compared with their more gregarious peers. In a recent study, researchers found that only 6.5% of participants who had face-to-face contact with friends and family at least three times per week had symptoms of depression, compared with 11.5% who had in-person contact only once every few months or less. The team also found frequency of telephone, written, or email contact had no effect on depression risk. Lead author Dr. Alan Teo writes, "Research has long supported the idea that strong social bonds strengthen people's mental health. But this is the first look at the role that the type of communication with loved ones and friends plays in safeguarding people from depression."
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2015
Health Alert: Bedtime Texting Bad for Teens' Health. A new study finds that many American teens text while in bed, leading to less sleep, daytime drowsiness, and poorer academic performance. Investigators analyzed 3,200 middle and high school students and found nearly 62% of those polled used their smartphones after bedtime; nearly 57% texted, tweeted, or messaged in bed; and nearly 21% awoke to texts. Dr. Sushanth Bhat, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Seton Hall writes, "Since getting the proper amount of sleep is very important for brain development and learning in the teenage years, our study should prompt parents and guardians to consider placing reasonable limitations on adolescent smartphone usage at night." Journal of Adolescence, October 2015
Diet: Larger Food Pack Sizes Increase Portion Size Estimates. The European Food Information Council released a new study that claims larger food pack sizes can increase consumer estimates of portion sizes. The researchers found participants overestimated portion size when chips, chocolate, lasagna, and cola-type drinks were presented in larger pack sizes. This tendency to overestimate portion sizes also occurred with foods made up of multiple items like chicken nuggets, sweets, and biscuits. Study author Dr. Sophie Hieke adds, "Our results indicate a small but significant 'pack size effect' across all countries and for different types of food and drinks. If people were to actually consume the portions they estimate in this study, there would be a substantial increase in energy intake in each of these eating occasions." Appetite, October 2015
Exercise: Exercise Before Pregnancy Helps Reduce Pelvic Pain. Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is a common complaint and can be associated with disability, depression, reduced quality of life, and increased sick leave both during and after pregnancy. Investigators found that women who performed high-impact exercises such as running, jogging, and aerobics three to five times a week before becoming pregnant had a 14% lower risk of developing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2015
Chiropractic: Non-Surgical Treatment is Better for Chronic Low Back Pain. Currently there are no clearly defined guidelines related to surgical intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the absence of serious structural problems. A new study comparing surgical vs. non-surgical treatment for CLBP indicates non-surgical treatment is more effective, feasible, and safe based on outcomes assessment scores and pain scales. Several studies have shown chiropractic care is a favorable non-surgical option for patients with chronic low back pain in regards to pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Cut Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease! The World Health Organization reports cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death worldwide, accounting for 31% of all global deaths. An analysis of thirteen years of data collected from 161,809 women finds those who eat a heart-healthy diet, stay active, avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and maintain healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are nearly seven times less likely to develop cardiovascular disease when compared with women who fail to meet any of these criteria. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, October 2015
Quote: “Don't follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you.” - Margaret Thatcher
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