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WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE

WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE

 Thursday, March 12th, 2020 

Courtesy of: Michael Ellis D.C.

Health Alert: Daylight Savings Time May Exacerbate Afib. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that is known to significantly increase the risk of stroke. New research suggests that the risk for hospital admission for Afib increases in the week following the start of daylight savings time each spring. Sleep Medicine, January 2020 Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. The results of a ten-year study suggest that older women who consume a Mediterranean-style diet—which focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars—have a reduced risk for breast cancer. Public Health Nutrition, February 2020 Exercise: Exercise Helps Meth Recovery. For individuals recovering from methamphetamine abuse, the current research suggests that engaging in regular exercise can offer the following benefits: improved emotional state, enhanced cognitive function, reduced relapse risk, higher overall quality of life. Frontiers in Psychiatry, January 2020 Chiropractic: Musculoskeletal Pain Common in Young Children. An analysis of data from the Generation R study involving 6,200 children revealed that 10% had experienced an episode of musculoskeletal pain in the previous quarter, with a third having a chronic pain condition. The researchers also note that kids who spent more than two hours a day watching TV had a higher risk for musculoskeletal pain, and children with musculoskeletal pain early in life were more likely to have behavioral problems. Pain, January 2020 Wellness/Prevention: Green Tea Plus Exercise May Reduce Fat in the Liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver from causes other than excessive alcohol consumption. In this study, researchers observed that mice given a green tea extract and access to an exercise wheel for 16 weeks had significantly fewer fatty deposits in the liver than rodents given only one of these options or neither. Further research is needed to determine if this combination can benefit humans with NAFLD or those at risk for the condition. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, December 2019 Mental Attitude: Most Seniors Don’t Get Enough Protein. Dietary assessments of 256 seniors revealed that less than 50% of participants met current recommendations for protein intake per day. Researcher Dr. Bernard Corfe writes, “We know protein consumption, especially when combined with exercise, helps to slow down the loss of muscle mass and strength that comes with aging… Inadequate protein intake contributes to muscle wastage, impacting physical function and increasing the risk of frailty and mortality through falls. This risk is again increased in older adults with obesity, who may be unable to exercise or move freely, as their weight may mask the problem.” Geriatrics, February 2020 Quote: “With every mistake, we must surely be learning.” ~ George Harrison