WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Tuesday, December 24th, 2019
Courtesy of: Michael Ellis D.C.
Mental Attitude: Games May Help Keep Aging Brains Sharp. Researchers tested the memory, problem-solving, thinking speed, and general thinking ability of nearly 1,100 seniors every three years until participants reached age 79 and observed that participants who regularly played card and board games exhibited less age-related decline with respect to memory function and thinking speed compared to the older adults who did not play games. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences, November 2019 Health Alert: Preemies at Risk for Diabetes. Though the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood, new research suggests that premature birth is associated with a 21% elevated risk for type 1 diabetes diagnosis before age 18, which rises to 24% in adulthood. Meanwhile, those born premature have a 26% increased risk for type 2 diabetes in childhood, which jumps to 49% after age 18. Diabetologia, December 2019 Diet: Fruits and Veggies May Reduce Depression Risk. Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey concerning 4,349 adults, researchers report that there appears to be an inverse relationship between depression and fruit/vegetable intake. Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, December 2019 Exercise: Being Fit and Early Death Risk. Among a group of 4,700 middle-aged and older women, researchers observed an association between higher exercise capacity and a significantly reduced risk for death in the following 4-5 years. European Society of Cardiology, December 2019 Chiropractic: Soft-Tissue Therapy Beneficial for Shoulder Pain. Shoulder pain and loss of motion is a very common musculoskeletal problem that is responsible for nearly 7 million doctor visits a year in the United States. In a recent study that included 100 patients with shoulder pain, researchers observed that a single session of soft-tissue manual therapy resulted in improved function of the infraspinous muscle and the range of motion of the shoulder. Doctors of chiropractic often utilize a combined treatment approach for patients with shoulder pain that can include soft-tissue therapy along with other forms of manual therapy, shoulder-specific exercises, and nutritional recommendations. Ortopedia, Traumatolgia, Rehabilitacja, October 2019 Wellness/Prevention: Spotting Melanoma. Experts say that about 75% of melanomas—the most dangerous form of skin cancer—emerge as new spots on normal skin. Because melanomas can become life-threatening very quickly, it’s vital to know the early signs of the disease. The DermNet New Zealand Trust lists the following symptoms to watch out for: changes in the color, shape, or size of a spot; a spot that is itchy, painful, or tender; and a spot that stands out from other spots. If you suspect you may have skin cancer, consult with your healthcare provider immediately. DermNet, December 2019 Quote: “Vanity is the quicksand of reason.” ~ George Sand