Dr. Darren Taylor | Daily Health Update | November 10, 2015

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE | Tuesday | November 10, 2015

Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor 

Mental Attitude: Non-Invasive Magnetic Therapy Offers Promise for Stroke Victims. Severe strokes can often lead to a loss of movement in the arm on the stroke-affected side of the body. A new study involving 30 stroke patients has found transcranial magnetic stimulation of the undamaged side of the brain can lead to positive effects on arm movement. Co-author Dr. Rachael Harrington concludes, "These findings offer promise that these patients may be able to gain function, independence, and a better quality of life." Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, October 2015

Health Alert: High Blood Pressure Condition During Pregnancy Associated with Newborn Heart Defects. Babies born to moms with a pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia may have a heightened risk for a heart defect. Approximately 2-8% of pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia, which is marked by high blood pressure and other signs that a woman's organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are not functioning properly. Overall, the researchers found infants born to moms with pre-eclampsia had a higher prevalence of "critical" heart defects (just over 0.1% versus roughly 0.07% among babies whose mothers did not have pre-eclampsia). They stress the risk is still very low, but the results suggest that pre-eclampsia and congenital heart defects share some underlying biological causes. Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2015

Diet: Watch Your Salt Intake. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1,500mg of sodium per day. They also warn against consuming too much of the following foods that can be packed with sodium: rolls, bread, deli meats, cheeses, sauces, poultry, canned soup, and fast food. Checking product labels, reducing consumption of processed foods, and increasing intake of whole foods such as fruits and vegetables are all strategies that can help reduce your sodium intake.                  American Heart Association, October 2015

Exercise: Keep Moving to Keep Your Joints Healthy. Synovial fluid makes up about 80% of the volume of cartilage, and this fluid is needed to support weight and lubricate joint surfaces. When less synovial fluid is present in cartilage, it can result in a reduction in cartilage thickness and an increase in friction, bone degradation, and joint pain. Researchers found synovial fluid naturally leaks out of cartilage but is reabsorbed with motion. Their finding suggests increased movement/exercise can benefit joint health by stimulating the cartilage to reabsorb synovial fluid, thus lubricating the joint. American Vacuum Society (AVS) 62nd Symposium, October 2015

Chiropractic: Less Costly for Spinal Care. Chiropractors have long suggested their approach to managing spinal pain is less costly than traditional medical treatment. A new study suggests they may be correct. A systematic research review comparing costs for patients with spinal pain who received chiropractic care and care from other healthcare providers revealed that overall healthcare costs were lower for those who received chiropractic treatment. BMC Health Services Research, October 2015

Wellness/Prevention: The Number of Moles on Your Arm May Predict Skin Cancer Risk. Between 20% and 40% of melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, and the risk is thought to increase slightly with each additional mole on the body. However, conducting a total body count in a doctor's office can be time-consuming. The results of a new study show the mole count on the right arm can be predictive of the total number of moles on a person's entire body. Researchers found women with more than seven moles on their right arm had a nine-fold increased risk of having more than 50 moles on their body. Those with more than 11 moles on their right arm were more likely to have more than 100 moles on their body, putting them at a higher risk for melanoma. Lead author Dr. Simone Ribero writes, "The findings could have a significant impact for primary care, allowing [primary care doctors] to more accurately estimate the total number of moles in a patient extremely quickly via an easily accessible body part. This would mean that more patients at risk of melanoma can be identified and monitored." British Journal of Dermatology, October 2015

Quote: “Whether you live to be 50 or 100 makes no difference, if you made no difference in the world.”   - Jarod Kintz

Dr. Darren Taylor, Daily Health Update

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE, Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor

Mental Attitude: Are Children with More Caring, Less Controlling Parents Happier Later in Life? According to surveys completed by 5,000 United Kingdom residents, happiness and life satisfaction may be the result of having parents who are both caring and less psychologically controlling. Researcher Dr. Mai Stafford explains, "We found that people whose parents showed warmth and responsiveness had higher life satisfaction and better mental wellbeing throughout early, middle, and late adulthood... By contrast, psychological control can limit a child's independence and leave them less able to regulate their own behavior." The Journal of Positive Psychology, September 2015

Health Alert: One in Ten Pregnant Women Drink Alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims 10% of pregnant women in the United States admit to drinking alcohol, and 30% of these women binge drink. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk the pregnancy will end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery and can also place an unborn child at serious risk for birth defects, developmental problems, and disabilities. Dr. Coleen Boyle, the director of CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, urges women to avoid alcohol completely during their pregnancy.                 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 2015

Diet: High-Protein Diets Improve Blood Sugar Control in Diabetics. High-protein diets appear to improve blood sugar control among those with type 2 diabetes without any harm to kidney function. A small study found that type 2 diabetics who followed a high- protein diet for six weeks experienced improved liver enzyme tests, reduced liver fat and HbA1c values, and had a significant improvement in kidney function. Diabetologia, September 2015

Exercise: Exercise & Diet Improve Fertility Among Women with PCOS. It is estimated that five million women in the United States have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Symptoms include pelvic pain, excess hair growth, weight gain, acne, irregular menstrual periods, and infertility. A new study finds that exercise and weight loss can help improve fertility among women with PCOS. Lead author Dr. Richard S. Legro writes, "The research indicates preconception weight loss and exercise improve women's reproductive and metabolic health. In contrast, using oral contraceptives alone may worsen the metabolic profile without improving ovulation. Lifestyle change is an important part of any fertility treatment approach for women with PCOS who are overweight or obese." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, September 2015

Chiropractic: Slouching Makes Your Upper Body Work Harder. Researchers compared muscle activity in twenty subjects as they raised and lowered their arms from both an upright and slouched sitting position and found slouching resulted in reduced maximum arm elevation and movement velocity. Electromyography of the muscles in the upper back and neck showed increased activity when the participants slouched. Such added effort could lead to muscle fatigue and a greater risk of injury. This study underscores the importance of maintaining good posture while seated. European Journal of Applied Physiology, October 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Retirement May Result in Poor Health. If you want to stay healthier in your senior years, you may want to consider not retiring. New research suggests that seniors who keep working appear healthier than those who quit the workforce. The study consisted of more than 83,000 Americans aged 65 and older and found that being unemployed or retired was associated with a greater risk of poor health. Lead author Dr. Jay Olshansky explains, "We shouldn't be forcing people out of the labor force if it's going to have a harmful effect on their health, and if they want to continue working and they are able to do their job. Remaining in the labor force is healthier for you. It's healthier because working keeps you physically and mentally engaged."Preventing Chronic Disease, September 2015 Quote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” - Brian Herbert

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Dr. Darren Taylor, Daily Health Update Monday October 19, 2015

Courtesy of: Darren Taylor, D.C.

Quote: “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” - J.K. Rowling Mental Attitude: Sleep Apnea May Hurt Kids’ School Performance. Investigators have found that children with sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, perform worse on language arts, math, and science tests than kids without such conditions. The findings come from a review of sixteen studies dealing with sleep apnea or related disorders in children and academic achievement. Lead author Dr. Barbara Galland writes, "Given the potential adverse consequences of sleep-disordered breathing on health, behavioral, and learning outcomes in children, it is important for parents and clinicians to recognize symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing." Pediatrics, September 2015

Health Alert: Almost 50% of Adults in US Have Diabetes or Are at High Risk of Getting It. Nearly half of all American adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, claims a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers say that up to 14% of adults had either diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in 2011-2012, and approximately 38% had diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes. Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2015

Diet: Eat More Nutrient-Rich Foods. Taste is an important part of what makes food appealing, but opting for nutrient-rich foods is essential to give your body the fuel it needs to perform its best. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests these nutrient-rich food choices: whole grains, a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as fish, skinless poultry, beans, and low-fat dairy. American Academy of Family Physicians, September 2015

Exercise: Male Teens Who Exercise Think Better When They Grow Up. Using over thirty years of data from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, researchers found a significant association between greater teenage physical fitness levels among males and better cognitive function two decades later. According to the research team, "The results suggest a stimulating effect of adolescent physical activity in males on executive functions in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle amongst adolescent males." Journal of Physical Activity & Health, September 2015

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Rated High for Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Issues. Past research shows that about 30% of older adults experience dizziness and balance problems. A new study examining the types of treatment sought by patients with balance and dizziness complaints and the success of those treatments revealed that only 4.7% utilized chiropractic care. However, those patients who did see a chiropractor reported the highest treatment success rate for their dizziness and balance issues. The authors speculate that most dizziness and balance problems in older individuals may be caused by dysfunction in the neck that can be successfully addressed by chiropractic care. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, September 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Prevent Macular Degeneration in Some Women. Women who are deficient in vitamin D may be up to 6.7 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than women without who have healthy vitamin D levels. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness, and it affects more than ten million Americans. The study's lead author, Dr. Amy Millen writes, "Most people have heard that you should eat carrots to help your vision. However, there appear to be many other ways that adequate nutrition can support eye health. Having adequate vitamin D status may be one of them." JAMA Ophthalmology, August 2015

Daily Health Update, Friday October 16, 2015

Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor

Mental Attitude: Is Mind Reading Possible? A team of researchers contend it’s possible to link up the brains of individuals in two separate spaces, so that one person can figure out what the other is thinking. They claim it could be done by digitizing the electrical nerve activity of a person's thoughts, translating that activity/thought into a specific signal, and then transmitting that signal over the Internet in patterns that can be understood by another person's brain. Study author Dr. Andrea Stocco writes, "Brain-to-brain interface is a field of research that is just at the very beginning… What we've achieved is already very cool. But what this has the potential to lead to is a whole new form of communication." PLOS ONE, September 2015

Health Alert: Dizziness After Standing May Indicate a Greater Risk of Early Death. Harvard University researchers claim dizzy spells that occur after you’ve been standing for a few minutes may be an early sign of serious neurological disease and an increased risk of premature death. The condition is called orthostatic hypotension and is defined as a drop in blood pressure that occurs within three minutes of standing. In the study, 29-64% of individuals suffering from this condition died during the ten-year follow-up period, depending on how quickly they became dizzy after standing. In comparison, only 9% of healthy people in a control group passed away during this same time frame. Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York adds, "The data warrants a deeper and more extensive evaluation of this type of patient. It appears that consistent drops in blood pressure are not as benign as once thought." Neurology, September 2015

Diet: Fruits & Veggies Help Keep You Thin. Eating more fruits and non-starchy vegetables may help keep you fit and trim. Scientists analyzed over two decades of data collected from more than 133,000 women and men and found that risk of excessive weight gain decreased as the intake of fruits and non-starchy vegetable increased. The findings may provide further food-specific guidance for the prevention of obesity, which is a significant risk factor for the development of health condition such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. PLOS Medicine, September 2015

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Can Reduce Dementia Risk By Nearly a Fifth! Seniors who perform daily aerobic exercise can cut their risk for dementia by 19%. The study followed 15,589 seniors for six years and found those who participated in a daily aerobic exercise program lasting at least 45 minutes were significantly less likely to have been diagnosed with any form of dementia by the end of the study period. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, October 2015

Chiropractic: Obesity a Risk Factor for Spinal Stenosis. A new study involving over 364,000 participants finds obese and overweight individuals have a higher risk for developing spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine. Spinal stenosis is a condition whereby either the spinal canal or one or more vertebral foramina becomes narrowed. It can lead to compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves, potentially resulting in painful symptoms including low back pain, buttock pain, and leg pain and numbness that is made worse with walking and relieved by resting. The findings indicate obesity epidemic may be a novel explanation for the increased rate of clinical lumbar spinal stenosis diagnoses in recent decades. Spine, September 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Vitamin D levels May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk. After reviewing data from ten published studies, researchers report that simply maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may reduce an individual's risk for lung cancer by 5%. However, the best way to reduce one's risk for the disease is to not smoke and limit exposure to secondhand smoke. Cancer Causes & Control, September 2015

Quote: Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. - T.S. Eliot

Daily Health Update, Thursday October 15, 2015

Dr. Darren Taylor

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE Thursday, October 15, 2015

Mental Attitude: Antidepressant Paroxetine Not Safe for Teens. A reanalysis of data from a decade ago finds that paroxetine (also known by the trade names Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat, Brisdelle, and Rexetin) can make some teens suicidal and likely to harm themselves. The reanalysis found that paroxetine was no more effective than a placebo in the treatment of major depression among teenagers, and investigators also considered the increase in potential harm with the drug to be clinically significant. These new findings suggest that the original analysis came to the wrong conclusion when it declared the medication safe and effective for use in teens. Study co-author Dr. David Henry writes, "It's not clear whether it was deliberate or accidental, but it wrongly gave the impression [this] antidepressant drug was effective and safe in children and adolescents." British Medical Journal, September 2015 Health Alert: Daytime Sleepiness and Long Naps Linked to Increased Diabetes Risk. A new research review finds that being sleepy and taking long naps during the day may be a sign an individual is at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis included data from 261,365 participants and found excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with a 56% increased risk of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, while taking a daytime nap of one hour or longer is tied to a 46% higher risk for the same condition. European Association for the Study of Diabetes, September 2015 Diet: Beet Juice Boosts Muscle Strength Among Heart Patients. Foods with high concentrations of nitrates, such as beets and spinach, may help boost muscle strength among patients with heart conditions. Nitrates are converted into nitric oxide inside the body, which helps relax blood vessels and improves metabolism. Study participants given concentrated beet juice experienced a 13% power increase in the muscles that extend the knee two hours after consuming the nitrate-rich juice when compared with those in a control group who did not drink beet juice. Investigator Dr. Andrew R. Coggan writes, "I have compared the beet-juice effect to Popeye eating his spinach… The magnitude of this improvement is comparable to that seen in heart failure patients who have done two to three months of resistance training." Circulation: Heart Failure, September 2015 Exercise: Nearly 10% of Deaths Worldwide Caused by Physical Inactivity. Taking into account the increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, age-associated frailty, and cancer associated with physical inactivity, a study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings estimates that 9.4% of the more than 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008 were caused by simply too much sedentary behavior and not enough physical exercise. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, September 2015 Chiropractic: If You Have Back Pain, Consider Seeing a Chiropractor First… After following 747 patients with low back pain (LBP) for one year, researchers report that LBP patients who initially seek care from a medical doctor regarding their condition are five times more likely to undergo advanced diagnostic imaging and 7.69 times more likely to eventually consult with a surgeon than those who visit a doctor of chiropractic first. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, September 2015 Wellness/Prevention: Keep Blood Pressure in Check. High blood pressure can lead to serious health events if not treated and monitored properly. If you suffer from this condition, you must work with your primary care provider to keep it under control. Experts at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommend eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly checking and keeping a log of your blood pressure to review with your physician at your next doctor visit. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, September 2015

Quote: “The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success.”- Ian Fleming