WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Thursday, November 7th, 2019
Courtesy of: Michael Ellis D.C.
Mental Attitude: Hearing Loss May Predict Cognitive Decline. Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study concerning 20,193 older women, researchers found that mild self-reported hearing loss was associated with a 35% increased risk for subjective cognitive decline within the next decade. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, October 2019 Health Alert: Low Vitamin D Levels and Diabetic Foot Problems. A review of data from ten studies involving 1,644 diabetic patients revealed an association between poor vitamin D status and an increased risk for diabetic foot ulcer and/or infection. The authors of the review add, “Knowing the beneficial effect of vitamin D on wound healing, it is likely that recognizing and supplementing with vitamin D could prevent or improve the outcomes of diabetic foot complications.” Wound Repair and Regeneration, October 2019 Diet: Gut Bacteria May Protect Against Processed Foods. Fructoselysine is part of a class of chemicals that can be found in processed foods and has been linked to diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. A new study found that the gut bacterium Collinsella intestinalis can break down fructoselysine, rendering it harmless. The findings suggest that probiotics containing this bacterium could help combat the adverse effects of processed food. Cell Host & Microbe, October 2019 Exercise: Benefits of Strength Training During Pregnancy. Engaging in low- to moderate-intensity resistance training twice a week eased fatigue and increased energy among a group of 26 expectant mothers. Though experts say that strength training is safe for most pregnant women, consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, October 2019 Chiropractic: Poor Classroom Ergonomics May Increase Neck/Shoulder Pain Risk. Interviews with 394 elementary school students revealed that 35.8% experienced neck pain in the last month, while 30.9% had shoulder pain. The following factors were identified as classroom risks for neck and/or shoulder pain in young students: desk too high or too low, seat pan inclined too far backward or forward, and difficulty viewing the blackboard. The findings suggest that improving classroom ergonomics could reduce the risk for neck and shoulder pain in elementary school students. BMC Public Health, October 2019 Wellness/Prevention: Risks of Carrying Extra Weight. The National Institutes of Health notes that extra weight can increase your risk for several health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, problems with pregnancy, and certain cancers. National Institutes of Health, October 2019 Quote: “The will to succeed is important, but what's more important is the will to prepare.” ~ Bobby Knight