Dr. Darren Taylor | Daily Health Update | November 10, 2015

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE | Tuesday | November 10, 2015

Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor 

Mental Attitude: Non-Invasive Magnetic Therapy Offers Promise for Stroke Victims. Severe strokes can often lead to a loss of movement in the arm on the stroke-affected side of the body. A new study involving 30 stroke patients has found transcranial magnetic stimulation of the undamaged side of the brain can lead to positive effects on arm movement. Co-author Dr. Rachael Harrington concludes, "These findings offer promise that these patients may be able to gain function, independence, and a better quality of life." Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, October 2015

Health Alert: High Blood Pressure Condition During Pregnancy Associated with Newborn Heart Defects. Babies born to moms with a pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia may have a heightened risk for a heart defect. Approximately 2-8% of pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia, which is marked by high blood pressure and other signs that a woman's organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are not functioning properly. Overall, the researchers found infants born to moms with pre-eclampsia had a higher prevalence of "critical" heart defects (just over 0.1% versus roughly 0.07% among babies whose mothers did not have pre-eclampsia). They stress the risk is still very low, but the results suggest that pre-eclampsia and congenital heart defects share some underlying biological causes. Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2015

Diet: Watch Your Salt Intake. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1,500mg of sodium per day. They also warn against consuming too much of the following foods that can be packed with sodium: rolls, bread, deli meats, cheeses, sauces, poultry, canned soup, and fast food. Checking product labels, reducing consumption of processed foods, and increasing intake of whole foods such as fruits and vegetables are all strategies that can help reduce your sodium intake.                  American Heart Association, October 2015

Exercise: Keep Moving to Keep Your Joints Healthy. Synovial fluid makes up about 80% of the volume of cartilage, and this fluid is needed to support weight and lubricate joint surfaces. When less synovial fluid is present in cartilage, it can result in a reduction in cartilage thickness and an increase in friction, bone degradation, and joint pain. Researchers found synovial fluid naturally leaks out of cartilage but is reabsorbed with motion. Their finding suggests increased movement/exercise can benefit joint health by stimulating the cartilage to reabsorb synovial fluid, thus lubricating the joint. American Vacuum Society (AVS) 62nd Symposium, October 2015

Chiropractic: Less Costly for Spinal Care. Chiropractors have long suggested their approach to managing spinal pain is less costly than traditional medical treatment. A new study suggests they may be correct. A systematic research review comparing costs for patients with spinal pain who received chiropractic care and care from other healthcare providers revealed that overall healthcare costs were lower for those who received chiropractic treatment. BMC Health Services Research, October 2015

Wellness/Prevention: The Number of Moles on Your Arm May Predict Skin Cancer Risk. Between 20% and 40% of melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, and the risk is thought to increase slightly with each additional mole on the body. However, conducting a total body count in a doctor's office can be time-consuming. The results of a new study show the mole count on the right arm can be predictive of the total number of moles on a person's entire body. Researchers found women with more than seven moles on their right arm had a nine-fold increased risk of having more than 50 moles on their body. Those with more than 11 moles on their right arm were more likely to have more than 100 moles on their body, putting them at a higher risk for melanoma. Lead author Dr. Simone Ribero writes, "The findings could have a significant impact for primary care, allowing [primary care doctors] to more accurately estimate the total number of moles in a patient extremely quickly via an easily accessible body part. This would mean that more patients at risk of melanoma can be identified and monitored." British Journal of Dermatology, October 2015

Quote: “Whether you live to be 50 or 100 makes no difference, if you made no difference in the world.”   - Jarod Kintz

Dr. Darren Taylor, Daily Health Update

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE, Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Courtesy of:  Dr. Darren Taylor 

Mental Attitude: Most Patients in Addiction Treatment Programs Smoke. A review of 54 studies that included more than 37,000 people found that 84% of those in treatment for drug and alcohol problems were smokers compared with only 31% of the general population. Study leader Dr. Joseph Guydish adds, "Every person who enters substance abuse treatment ought to have their tobacco use evaluated and treated. If they don't want to be treated and quit right away, they should have some education to help them think more about quitting." He adds that a number of previous studies have strongly suggested that addressing patients' smoking can improve the outcomes of substance abuse treatment. Addiction, September 2015

Health Alert: Vitamin D Deficient Individuals at Increased Risk for Acute Rhinosinusitis! Compared with those whose vitamin D levels are considered adequate, adults with low levels of vitamin D are at a 33% greater risk for acute rhinosinusitis — a condition that occurs when the tissues of the nasal cavity are inflamed, usually a result of the common cold, allergies, or bacterial or fungal infections. This finding adds to a growing body of research regarding the poor health outcomes of individuals who fail to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Medicine, October 2015

Diet: Americans Eating All Day Long. Researchers asked 150 adults to track the food they ate during a three-week period. They found the majority of participants in the study regularly ate throughout their waking day and consumed a majority of their calories after 6:00 pm. Dr. Lona Sandon, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas adds, "I see this a lot in those that I work with in my weight-loss classes. There is a lack of planning and stability in their eating schedules, so eating just happens whenever. Many skip breakfast, have a light lunch, then find themselves hungry and tired in the afternoon and seeking a pick-me-up from the vending machine, only to get home from work ravenous and wanting to eat anything and everything with no energy to exercise. They then spend the night snacking before bed. This is a common phenomenon. [So] planning ahead for regularly scheduled meals is an important strategy for weight loss or just simply eating healthier." Cell Metabolism, September 2015

Exercise: Physical Activity Helpful for Mental Health of Bullied Adolescents. Exercising four or more days per week is associated with about a 23% reduction in both suicidal thoughts and attempts among bullied teens. Bullying is a growing public health burden and is associated with academic struggle, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and self-harm. Based on the findings, the authors conclude that exercise may be a safe, economical, and potentially effective option for teenagers who have been the target of bullies. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, October 2015

Chiropractic: Pillow Height Affects Muscle Activity and Comfort. Chiropractors often recommend cervical pillows to their patients to promote spinal alignment and reduce neck pain. A new study suggests that pillow height can affect muscle activity in the neck/upper back, as well as user comfort. In the study, 21 asymptomatic participants used foam pillows of three different heights (5 cm, 10 cm, and 14 cm). The participants gave the 10 cm high pillow the highest comfort rating while electromyography showed laying on the 10 cm and 14 cm high pillows resulted in less neck/upper back muscle activity than the 5 cm pillow height. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, July 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Nearly 3 of 10 Cancer Cases in Australia Link to 4 Preventable Risk Factors! Australian researchers estimate that 29.1% of all cancers diagnosed in their country in 2010 were caused by four preventable risk factors. These factors include smoking (13.4%), too much sun exposure (6.2%), poor diet (6.1%), and being overweight or obese (3.4%). The most common types of cancer caused by these risk factors are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma of the skin. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, October 2015

Quote: “Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” - Franz Kafka

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Dr. Darren Taylor 

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Dr. Darren Taylor, Daily Health Update

DAILY HEALTH UPDATE, Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

Courtesy of: Dr. Darren Taylor

Mental Attitude: Are Children with More Caring, Less Controlling Parents Happier Later in Life? According to surveys completed by 5,000 United Kingdom residents, happiness and life satisfaction may be the result of having parents who are both caring and less psychologically controlling. Researcher Dr. Mai Stafford explains, "We found that people whose parents showed warmth and responsiveness had higher life satisfaction and better mental wellbeing throughout early, middle, and late adulthood... By contrast, psychological control can limit a child's independence and leave them less able to regulate their own behavior." The Journal of Positive Psychology, September 2015

Health Alert: One in Ten Pregnant Women Drink Alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims 10% of pregnant women in the United States admit to drinking alcohol, and 30% of these women binge drink. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk the pregnancy will end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery and can also place an unborn child at serious risk for birth defects, developmental problems, and disabilities. Dr. Coleen Boyle, the director of CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, urges women to avoid alcohol completely during their pregnancy.                 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 2015

Diet: High-Protein Diets Improve Blood Sugar Control in Diabetics. High-protein diets appear to improve blood sugar control among those with type 2 diabetes without any harm to kidney function. A small study found that type 2 diabetics who followed a high- protein diet for six weeks experienced improved liver enzyme tests, reduced liver fat and HbA1c values, and had a significant improvement in kidney function. Diabetologia, September 2015

Exercise: Exercise & Diet Improve Fertility Among Women with PCOS. It is estimated that five million women in the United States have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Symptoms include pelvic pain, excess hair growth, weight gain, acne, irregular menstrual periods, and infertility. A new study finds that exercise and weight loss can help improve fertility among women with PCOS. Lead author Dr. Richard S. Legro writes, "The research indicates preconception weight loss and exercise improve women's reproductive and metabolic health. In contrast, using oral contraceptives alone may worsen the metabolic profile without improving ovulation. Lifestyle change is an important part of any fertility treatment approach for women with PCOS who are overweight or obese." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, September 2015

Chiropractic: Slouching Makes Your Upper Body Work Harder. Researchers compared muscle activity in twenty subjects as they raised and lowered their arms from both an upright and slouched sitting position and found slouching resulted in reduced maximum arm elevation and movement velocity. Electromyography of the muscles in the upper back and neck showed increased activity when the participants slouched. Such added effort could lead to muscle fatigue and a greater risk of injury. This study underscores the importance of maintaining good posture while seated. European Journal of Applied Physiology, October 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Retirement May Result in Poor Health. If you want to stay healthier in your senior years, you may want to consider not retiring. New research suggests that seniors who keep working appear healthier than those who quit the workforce. The study consisted of more than 83,000 Americans aged 65 and older and found that being unemployed or retired was associated with a greater risk of poor health. Lead author Dr. Jay Olshansky explains, "We shouldn't be forcing people out of the labor force if it's going to have a harmful effect on their health, and if they want to continue working and they are able to do their job. Remaining in the labor force is healthier for you. It's healthier because working keeps you physically and mentally engaged."Preventing Chronic Disease, September 2015 Quote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” - Brian Herbert

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Dr. Darren Taylor

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Dr. Darren Taylor, Daily Health Update Monday October 19, 2015

Courtesy of: Darren Taylor, D.C.

Quote: “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” - J.K. Rowling Mental Attitude: Sleep Apnea May Hurt Kids’ School Performance. Investigators have found that children with sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, perform worse on language arts, math, and science tests than kids without such conditions. The findings come from a review of sixteen studies dealing with sleep apnea or related disorders in children and academic achievement. Lead author Dr. Barbara Galland writes, "Given the potential adverse consequences of sleep-disordered breathing on health, behavioral, and learning outcomes in children, it is important for parents and clinicians to recognize symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing." Pediatrics, September 2015

Health Alert: Almost 50% of Adults in US Have Diabetes or Are at High Risk of Getting It. Nearly half of all American adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, claims a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers say that up to 14% of adults had either diagnosed or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in 2011-2012, and approximately 38% had diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes. Journal of the American Medical Association, September 2015

Diet: Eat More Nutrient-Rich Foods. Taste is an important part of what makes food appealing, but opting for nutrient-rich foods is essential to give your body the fuel it needs to perform its best. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests these nutrient-rich food choices: whole grains, a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as fish, skinless poultry, beans, and low-fat dairy. American Academy of Family Physicians, September 2015

Exercise: Male Teens Who Exercise Think Better When They Grow Up. Using over thirty years of data from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, researchers found a significant association between greater teenage physical fitness levels among males and better cognitive function two decades later. According to the research team, "The results suggest a stimulating effect of adolescent physical activity in males on executive functions in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle amongst adolescent males." Journal of Physical Activity & Health, September 2015

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Rated High for Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Issues. Past research shows that about 30% of older adults experience dizziness and balance problems. A new study examining the types of treatment sought by patients with balance and dizziness complaints and the success of those treatments revealed that only 4.7% utilized chiropractic care. However, those patients who did see a chiropractor reported the highest treatment success rate for their dizziness and balance issues. The authors speculate that most dizziness and balance problems in older individuals may be caused by dysfunction in the neck that can be successfully addressed by chiropractic care. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, September 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Prevent Macular Degeneration in Some Women. Women who are deficient in vitamin D may be up to 6.7 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than women without who have healthy vitamin D levels. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness, and it affects more than ten million Americans. The study's lead author, Dr. Amy Millen writes, "Most people have heard that you should eat carrots to help your vision. However, there appear to be many other ways that adequate nutrition can support eye health. Having adequate vitamin D status may be one of them." JAMA Ophthalmology, August 2015