Health Alert: Antibiotic Resistance. Overexposure to antibiotics has long been a concern in the medical community, most specifically the development of antibiotic resistant infections as a result of repeated use. Ophthalmologic antibiotics have been found to promote antimicrobial resistance too, prompting a call from Vanderbilt Eye Institute physicians to be more judicial in the administration of certain classes of antibiotics. Archives of Ophthalmology, Dec 2011

Diet: Protect Your Bones. A calorie-restricted diet higher in protein (mostly from dairy foods) and lower in carbohydrates, coupled with daily exercise, demonstrated a major positive impact on bone health. Bone health improvements were particularly evident due to the diet’s high density of bone-supporting nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D and dairy-based protein. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dec 2011

Exercise: It’s Harder To Run As You Age. Runners who find it more difficult to run as they age can make the experience easier on themselves by adding strength training and flexibility exercises to their fitness routine. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 2011

Chiropractic: Bad Posture. Asymmetries in posture and motion can cause tethering, the adverse prolonged stretching of the central nervous system. This can result in spinal cord ischemia (lack of blood flow) and consequently motor, sensory, and autonomic neurological dysfunction. Tethering of the spinal cord has been linked to demylenating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Koch, 2002

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 50s. Cancer is more likely to show up in men over 50 years old. That’s why the majority of cancer screening exams begin at age 50. Finding and treating cancer as early as possible is one of the best ways to beat this disease. In the case of prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men), treating the disease at an early stage means men may be less likely to experience long-term side effects, like impotence. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011

Quote: “Money cannot buy health.” ~ Dorothy Parker

Health Alert: Hard To Swallow. 70,000 emergency visits each year are due to unintentional overdoses by children under the age of 18. Alarmed by this statistic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set up the PROTECT Initiative, a collaboration of public health agencies, private sector companies, professional organizations, consumer/patient advocates and academic experts to stop unintended medication overdose in children. The study found that of the cases of accidental poisoning in young children in the United States, exposure to prescription medications accounts for 55% of emergency visits, 76% of admissions and 71% of significant harm. Journal of Pediatrics, Dec 2011

Diet: Have A Beer? Beer containing 5% alcohol and consumed at the rate of one pint a day compares to wine regarding positive effects on cardiovascular health. The study emphasizes that there is no place for binge drinking or any other form of heavy consumption. European Journal of Epidemiology, Dec 2011

Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise increases your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max-perhaps the best measure of your physical working capacity of your lungs). Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Pain and Posture. Patients demonstrating postural instability (body swaying while standing upright) are more likely to suffer from chronic neck or back pain. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, May 2011

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 40s. As we age, our metabolism decreases, especially as we reach age 40! Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help keep off unwanted pounds that may raise the risk of cancer. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011

Quote: “Come to think of it attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance.” ~ Plato

Health Alert: Low-Dose Aspirin. The risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding needs to be considered when determining the potential preventive benefits associated with low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The risk is increased with the use of cardiovascular disease-preventing therapies. Low-dose aspirin is defined as 75 to 325 mg. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dec 2011

Diet: Soda Consumption. The average American drinks 44.7 gallons of soda a year. That much soda weighs about 375 pounds! AdAge, Dec 2011

Exercise: Benefits For Breast Cancer Survivors. For breast cancer survivors, the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks, including those who develop lymphedema, a chronic swelling that commonly occurs after breast cancer treatment. Balance the pros and cons of the activity one chooses, but keep in mind that even remaining sedentary has risks and being active is beneficial in many ways, including possibly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, December 2011

Chiropractic: Nerve Interference. The pressure caused by just the weight of just one United States quarter on a spinal nerve can decrease nerve transmission by as much as 60%. Chang Ha Suh, PhD

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 30s. One begins to lose muscle mass after age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss, build bone density and help the body burn calories faster to keep you at a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help decrease the risk of cancer. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011

Quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ~ Jackie Robinson

Health Alert: Uninsured! Approximately 50.2 million Americans live without health insurance. U.S. Census Bureau, Sept 2011

Diet: Fish And Alzheimer’s Risk. 5.1 million people in the US have Alzheimer’s disease. Eating fish once a week is good for brain health, as well as lowering your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. This is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer’s risk. Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain’s gray matter by making them larger and healthier. This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain’s resistance to Alzheimer’s disease and lowers risk for the disorder. Eating dried or fried fish does not seem to help preserve brain volume or lower Alzheimer’s risk. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dec 2011

Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps prevent intestinal ulcers. It also increases the density and breaking strength of ligaments, tendons and the disks of your spine. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Ringing In The Ears. Patients with somatosensory tinnitus may find relief from cervical adjustments. Clinics, Feb 2011

Wellness/Prevention: Probiotics. The average American experiences two to six colds each year, usually mild viral infections that resolve themselves after a few days. Probiotics seems to provide both children and adults with protection against many upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. People who consume probiotics are also less likely to end up taking prescription antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, soy yogurt, kefir and in supplement form. The Cochrane Library, Dec 2011

Quote: “The trouble about always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

Mental Attitude: Resist Temptation? How do you defeat the impulse to gratify desire and stick to your long-term goals of slimness or sobriety? Just say, “no thanks” and move on. Don’t stop and think about it. The presence of temptation twists your cognitive abilities in ways that promote impulsive behavior. Psychological Science, Oct 2011

Health Alert: Prescription Painkiller Abuse Epidemic! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdoses involving prescription painkillers have tripled in the past 10 years and now kill more Americans than heroin and cocaine combined. A significant proportion of deaths are from people who obtain prescription painkillers without a prescription and use them for recreational use. CDC Vital Signs, Oct 2011

Diet: The Skinny On Coffee. The more coffee an adult drinks, the lower the risk seems to be for developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common type of skin cancer. Women who had at least 3 cups of coffee daily had a 20% lower chance of developing BCC, compared to those who consumed less than one cup per month. Men who consumed at least three cups of coffee per day had a 9% lower risk of BCC. Harvard Medical School, Oct 2011

Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise gives you more energy to meet the demands of daily life, and provides you with a reserve to meet the demands of unexpected emergencies. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Posture and Health. Posture and normal physiology are interrelated. Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormonal production. Abnormal posture is evident in patients with chronic and stress related illnesses. Observe people over 50 and you will see that people with bad posture look unhealthy. American Journal of Pain Management, 1994

Wellness/Prevention: Preventable Strokes. One in six people will suffer a stroke and someone dies from a stroke every 6 seconds. 85% of these people have risk factors that can prevent a stroke, if identified. 6 steps to reduce stroke risk: 1) Learn the warning signs of a stroke: sudden numbness, in particular if it only affects one side of the body, loss of balance or sudden vertigo, sudden difficulty in speaking or seeing, and severe headaches with no apparent cause. 2) Check your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. 3) Exercise regularly and keep physically active. 4) Eat a healthy diet and avoid becoming obese. 5) Avoid cigarette smoke and seek help to stop if you are a smoker. 6) Restrict your alcohol consumption. World Stroke Organization, Oct 2011

Quote: “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” ~ Gautama the Buddha, 563 BC

Mental Attitude: A Long, Happy Life. Older people have a 35% lower chance of dying if they are content, excited or happy during their typical day. This was true even after taking into account such factors as a person’s financial situation, physical health, mental health, chronic disease, physical activity, alcohol intake, depression and age. Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, Oct 2011

Health Alert: For The Young. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the world’s largest non-governmental organization working in sexual and reproductive health, is calling to renew the focus on young people’s reproductive health. Currently, 16 million adolescent girls become mothers every year and almost 40% of the 6,800 new HIV infections each day are among young people. International Planned Parenthood Federation, Oct 2011

Diet: Alcohol, Good Or Bad? Red wine has been shown in many studies to benefit the immune system and cardiovascular system, but women who drink even moderately (as few as three drinks a week) increase their risk of breast cancer. Women who abstain from all alcohol may find that a potential benefit of lower breast cancer is more than offset by the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Harvard Medical School, Oct 2011

Exercise: Obesity Gene’s Effect Reduced By Exercise. With exercise and a physically active lifestyle, the genetic predisposition to obesity caused by the ‘fat mass and obesity associated’ (FTO) gene can be significantly reduced. The effect of the FTO gene on obesity risk is 27% weaker among physically active adults, compared to those who are physically inactive. These findings challenge the common excuse that “obesity is in my genes.” PLoS Medicine, Oct 2011

Chiropractic: A Benefit For The Elderly. Elderly patients suffering from dizziness experienced significant clinical improvement after just one month of Chiropractic care. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2009

Wellness/Prevention: Remember Your Fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids may provide men with protection against bladder cancer as the fluids may flush out potential carcinogens before they have the opportunity to cause tissue damage that could lead to the cancer. High total fluid intake (more than 2,531 milliliters per day) was associated with a 24% reduced risk for bladder cancer among men. Cancer Prevention Research, Oct 2011

Quote: “In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.” ~ Henri-Frederic Amiel

Mental Attitude: Brain Games. Researchers have found risk/reward scenarios (such as playing games) stimulate nearly all areas of the brain. Since the brain’s primary purpose is to maximize our chance of survival and reproduction, it makes sense reward should be important for all cognitive functions, and thus most brain regions. Neuron, Oct 2010

Health Alert: Antibiotics. After 70 years, antibiotics are still the primary treatment for bacterial infections. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance is now outpacing the rate of new drug discovery and approval. The economic costs and health threats of antibiotic resistance have become so serious that the World Health Organization dedicated World Health Day to call global attention to the issue. Antibiotics are routinely sprayed on crops and fed to livestock, which helps cause antibiotic resistant bacteria to develop. That antibiotic resistance is then transferred to humans when they eat the food containing the antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is resistant to a broad range of antibiotics, causes infections in people with compromised immune systems, such as HIV and cancer patients. It’s also responsible for hospital-related infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia and infections from burns. The fatality rate is about 50%. Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections by P. aeruginosa alone cost more than $3.5 billion a year in the US. WHO, Oct 2011

Diet: A Slice Of Watermelon! Watermelon reduces atherosclerosis in animals. The study involved mice with diet-induced high cholesterol. By week 8, animals given watermelon juice had lower body weight, due to decreased fat mass. They experienced no decrease in lean mass. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower, with modestly reduced intermediate and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. University of Kentucky, Oct 2011

Exercise: Reduces Productivity? Exercise may reduce work productivity in employees with high stress jobs. The study’s authors recommend employees with more stressful jobs utilize other techniques to manage stress. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct 2011

Chiropractic: Yoga & Low Back Pain. A 12-week yoga program for adults with chronic or recurrent low back pain improved back function better than back pain education booklets. Annals Of Internal Medicine, Nov 2011

Wellness/Prevention: Stop Smoking! Smokers are twice as likely to have strokes, and on average, they have them 10 years earlier than non-smokers. Heart and Stroke Foundation, Oct 2011

Quote: “You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.” ~ Bill Cosby

Mental Attitude: Commuting To Work Is Bad For Your Health! Spending hours each day behind the wheel or crammed in a public train or bus, commuting to and from work is bad for your health. Those who commuted reported more everyday stress, exhaustion, missed work days and generally poorer health. Those with longer commutes reported even worse health. Duke University, Oct 2011

Health Alert: Under Construction! Nearly all construction workers will experience one or more work-related injuries or illnesses over a lifetime, plus a greater risk of premature death. Over a 45-year career, a construction worker has a 75% chance of a disabling injury, and a one in 200 chance of being fatally injured on the job. An individual who begins construction work at the age of 20 has a 15% chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an 11% chance of developing dust-related parenchymal chest X-ray changes. Center for Construction Research and Training, Oct 2011

Diet: Strawberries & Stomach Ulcers. Scientists discovered strawberry consumption might help reduce and or slow the formation of stomach ulcers caused by alcohol consumption, viral infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen. Plos One, Oct 2011
Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps speed recovery from chemotherapy treatments, increases the ability to supply blood to the skin for cooling and increases the thickness of the cartilage in your joints. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Chiropractic: Wound Healing & Mechanical Stress. Exerting mechanical forces on an injury site immediately after healing begins significantly inhibits vascular growth into the bone defect region. However, after healing is underway, introducing mechanical forces on the injury site can lead to a more robust vascular network. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Oct 2011

Wellness/Prevention: Cranberry Juice vs. Cranberry Extracts. Cranberries have been recognized for their health benefits for years, especially in preventing urinary tract infections. However, it was found that drinking actual cranberry juice is much more effective in preventing a Urinary Tract Infection than simply consuming cranberry extracts. Food Science and Biotechnology, Oct 2011

Quote: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.