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Weekly Health Update

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE 

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 

Courtesy of: Michael Ellis D.C.

Mental Attitude: COPD Linked to Increased Dementia Risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A review of data concerning nearly 40,000 COPD patients suggests that those with the chronic lung condition also have a 46% increased risk for developing dementia. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra, July 2019 Health Alert: Later Bedtimes Could Translate to Bigger Waistlines for Teen Girls. The results of a long-term study involving 800 teenagers suggest that going to bed later may be associated with a risk for a slightly larger waistline and higher amounts of body fat among female adolescents. Study author Dr. Elizabeth Cespedes Feliciano advises parents to “encourage consistency in their children's sleep schedules and their bed and wake times, as well as improvements in their sleep hygiene by limiting electronic media and caffeine use in the evening.” JAMA Pediatrics, September 2019 Diet: Vitamin D for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? Among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain who had insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels and who also failed to respond to therapies such as physical therapy, medication, or injections, researchers observed that those given a 50,000 IU dose of vitamin D once a week for twelve weeks experienced a substantial improvement in their symptoms. Past research has shown that poor vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk for musculoskeletal pain. The Permanente Journal, August 2019 Exercise: Alzheimer’s Slowed By Exercise? According to a study that involved more than 600 older adults (ages 60-85) at a high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, researchers observed that those with abnormal amyloid beta accumulation experienced slower brain degeneration over the course of the year if they regularly exercised. Lead researcher Dr. Rong Zhang writes, “What are you supposed to do if you have amyloid clumping together in the brain? Right now doctors can't prescribe anything… If these findings can be replicated in a larger trial, then maybe one day doctors will be telling high-risk patients to start an exercise plan. In fact, there's no harm in doing so now.” Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, September 2019 Chiropractic: Foam Rolling Enhances Motion. The purpose of foam rolling is to mimic the effects of manual therapy and to address dysfunctions in skeletal muscle and connective tissue. In an experiment involving 16 volunteers, researchers observed that 60 seconds of foam rolling on the front of the thigh improved flexion range of motion of the knee and the mobility of the deep fascia. Doctors of Chiropractic often teach foam roll techniques to aid in the management of common musculoskeletal conditions. Human Movement Science, September 2019 Wellness/Prevention: Soothe Itchy Skin. Conditions such as eczema, allergic dermatitis, and contagious diseases like ringworm are common causes of itchy skin. The American Academy of Dermatology says that regardless of the cause of the itchiness, it’s important to avoid scratching the affected area as it will further irritate the skin. To soothe itchy skin, the academy recommends the following: apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the affected area; take an oatmeal bath; and moisturize with a fragrance-free product. American Academy of Dermatology, September 2019 Quote: “There is no moment more precious than the exact moment you are living now.” ~ Obert Skye