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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE 

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 

Courtesy of: Michael Ellis D.C.

 Health Alert: Women More Likely to See an Early Rise in Blood Pressure. Heart disease is often portrayed as a man’s problem, but a new study that analyzed four decades of data concerning over 32,000 adults suggests that blood pressure tends to increase sooner in women than in men, and blood pressure in females continues to rise at a higher rate than in males throughout life. This is concerning, as high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. JAMA Cardiology, January 2020 Diet: Walnuts Good for the Gut and Heart. New research suggests that eating walnuts daily as part of a healthy diet can increase the population of the bacteria Lachnospiraceae in the gut, which has been associated with lower blood pressure and total cholesterol readings. Journal of Nutrition, January 2020 Exercise: Arm Exercises Benefit Lupus Patients. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage. In a study involving 62 SLE patients, researchers found that those who participated in a 30-minute per day upper limb exercise program experienced improvements in hand function, daily activity performance, and overall quality of life. RMD Open, January 2020 Chiropractic: HVLA Thrust Manipulation Increases Range of Motion. High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation is widely used by chiropractors in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. In a study involving 21 asymptomatic adults, researchers observed that those treated with one session of HVLA manipulation experienced greater improvements in spinal range of motion than participants given a sham treatment or those who received no treatment. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, October 2019 Mental Attitude: Good News for Anxiety Sufferers. Individuals who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively for long periods and struggle to control their discomfort. An analysis of data from a 2019 Canadian mental health survey found that among adults with a history of anxiety, 72% were in remission, 58% were free of mental illness over the past year, and 40% met the criteria for complete mental health. The findings suggest that generalized anxiety disorder can be overcome and should not be thought of as a life sentence. Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2020 Wellness/Prevention: Stop Picking Your Skin! Do you find it difficult to stop the urge to pick at scabs or bumps on your skin? If so, you may have skin picking disorder (SPD). According to Harvard Medical School, SPD affects at least 5 million Americans. To help address this issue, the school suggests the following: know your triggers, as it can help your primary care provider decide which treatment to pursue; make it more difficult to pick by keeping your nails short; distract your hands with silly putty, a stress ball, or fidget toy; and consider therapy if you find it difficult to manage the condition on your own. Harvard Medical School, January 2020 Quote: “As knowledge increases, wonder deepens.” ~ Charles Morgan