Dr Beecher’s December 15 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, December 15th, 2014
Mental Attitude: A Purpose in Life is Important for Longevity. Having a sense of meaning and purpose in your life may do more than just give you focus, it may help you live longer. Researchers interviewed more than 9,000 older adults and found that those who professed having a sense of purpose in life were less likely to die during the eight-year study. Research leader Dr. Andrew Steptoe adds, “[There] are several biological mechanisms that may link well-being to improved health, for example through hormonal changes or reduced blood pressure. Further research is now needed to see if such changes might contribute to the links between well-being and life expectancy in older people.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 2014
Health Alert: Cigars Contain Harmful Toxins. Many cigar smokers believe that cigars pose fewer health risks than cigarettes; however, a new report reveals that cigar smokers are exposed to high levels of cancer-causing agents, as well as other toxic substances. Investigators found that cigar smokers had higher levels of cotinine, NNAL, cadmium, and lead in their bodies than people who did not use tobacco. Lead author Dr. Jiping Chen writes, “Cigar smoking exposes users to similar types of harmful and cancer- causing agents as cigarette smoking.” This is alarming as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cigar use doubled between 2000 and 2011. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, November 2014
Diet: Micronutrient Levels in Female College Students. Blood samples from 308 female college students showed that nearly 44% had below-normal iron levels, 11.3% had low vitamin B12 levels, and nearly 100% had excess folate (vitamin B9) levels. It’s hoped that future research will investigate the food choices and dietary behaviors that may be most responsible for these results. Nutrients, November 2014
Exercise: Tips to Avoid Over-Training. Over-training or over-exercising can be counterproductive to achieving your fitness goals. Over-training usually occurs when you do not allow your body to adapt, adjust, and recuperate in response to an exercise training regimen. Signs that you are over-training include decreased performance, increased resting heart rate and blood pressure, increased muscle fatigue, poor sleep, gastro-intestinal disturbances, depression, irritability, apathy, and even low self-esteem. Dr. Adrian Shepard from Butler University suggests the following to avoid over-training: gradually work your way into exercise, ask the staff at your fitness center about how to correctly use the equipment, and ask for a fitness assessment to determine current physical health status and fitness level so appropriate exercises can be recommended and goals can be set. Butler University, January 2010
Chiropractic: Providers Should Consider Vitamin D for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Because vitamin D deficiency is very common and has been associated with a myriad of health problems, many Chiropractors recommend vitamin D supplements to their patients as part of a healthy lifestyle. For patients with chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain, vitamin D supplementation is known to help reduce symptoms and has little-to-no documented side effects. The Lead South Australia, November 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Epinephrine Injections Save Lives in Schools. Epinephrine injections are given when an individual is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction to an insect sting or food. In the United States, about 15% of school-aged children with food allergies have had an allergic reaction at school, and about one-fourth of epinephrine injections given at schools involved children who didn’t know they had an allergy. Dr. Bryan Martin, vice president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, adds, “Stocking emergency epinephrine is a medical necessity for schools in every state.” American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November 2014
Quote: “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” ~ J.K. Rowling
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s December 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor.” ~ Robert Frost
Important information if you eat foods
with artificial sweeteners such as
aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose…
Possible Health Problems Associated with Artificial Sweeteners
Evidence from a recent study suggests
consuming the maximum acceptable daily intake of artificial sweeteners may negatively
affect gut bacteria, potentially causing glucose
intolerance within a short period of time.
Also this month:
- Camera lenses that can “scan for cancer” may soon be in cell phones…
- Is multi-tasking bad for your brain?
- The Pampanga Project – An amazing movement based on giving that started in a barbershop in the Philippines and how it reached New York City and other major American cities…
Houston – No one wants to be overweight or have any of the health problems associated with it such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancer, just to name a few. And, nearly everyone’s ears perk up if they hear someone offering simple and easy “short-cut secrets” to lose extra weight so they can look and feel great.
That’s why the weight-loss industry is BIG BUSINESS. Estimates put the value of the weight-loss industry at 60.5 BILLION (with a “B”) in 2013 with expectation that it will continue to grow for many years to come.
One of the biggest “breakthroughs” in the diet industry was the invention of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. There has been quite a bit of debate as to the safety and effectiveness of these products for weight loss. According the research published in Nature, “Non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are among the most widely used food additives worldwide, regularly consumed by lean and obese individuals alike. NAS consumption is considered safe and beneficial owing to their low caloric content, yet supporting scientific data remain sparse and controversial.”
Artificial sweeteners are often referred to as non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS). NAS are synthetic substitutes for sugar that can be up to 20,000 times sweeter than their natural counterpart.
The biggest selling point for these NAS is that they aren’t considered to contain calories. Holding all other variables constant, logic assumes that digesting fewer calories leads to weight loss.
But because some of the research regarding NAS is conflicting, the Weizmann Institute conducted a series of experiments on both mice and humans to try to get to the bottom of all this once and for all.
To start, they added the maximum acceptable intake for humans of NAS (as defined by the FDA) to the water of laboratory mice. The artificial sweeteners used in the study were aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.
Results: “After 11 weeks, mice consuming NAS showed significant glucose intolerance as compared to control mice consuming only water or water with added glucose. They also repeated the experiments with different breeds of mice and found the same thing.”
The researchers theorized that artificial sweeteners have a negative effect on good gut bacteria, which may be the cause of the glucose intolerance they observed. They checked the gut bacteria population in the mice, and the results indicated their theory was correct.
Next, the researchers gathered data on 381 humans to see if their results were the similar.
“They found an association between self-reported NAS consumption and glucose intolerance and also differences in gut microbiome profiles between those consuming lots of NAS and those that did not consume them.”
In other words, for the NAS the researchers tested, it appears they have the same result on humans as they did on mice in their initial studies.
Here is the conclusion reached by the researchers in the study published in Nature: “Collectively, our results link NAS consumption, dysbiosis and metabolic abnormalities, thereby calling for a reassessment of massive NAS usage.”
As with all research, one study is not a definitive answer, and more research must be done. But, people who are consuming large quantities of these artificial sweeteners might want to re-think this habit.
Cell Phones with Cameras
That Detect Cancer?
It seems like science fiction, but some researchers say it will be a reality in the near future.
How? It’s because Mother Nature can already “see” cancer and recently, scientists figured out how she does it.
This is pretty amazing. The Mantis Shrimp is known as one of the most ferocious predators –pound-per-pound — in the ocean. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its toughness and incredible power.
But what is even more amazing are the eyes of the Mantis Shrimp. According to researchers in Australia, the Mantis shrimp has a very unique pair of “compound eyes.”
As reported in ScienceAlert: “This type of eye is superbly tuned to detect polarised light – a type of light that reflects differently off different types of tissue, including cancerous or healthy tissue.”
New Technology Can Mimic
the Mantis Shrimp’s Eye!
According to Dr. Justin Marshall of the Queensland Brain Institute, “The camera that we’ve developed in close collaboration with [United States] and [United Kingdom] scientists shoots video and could provide immediate feedback on detecting cancer and monitoring the activity of exposed nerve cells.
“It converts the invisible messages into colours that our visual system is comfortable with.”
Dr. Marshall also added, “Nature has [developed] elegant and efficient design principles, so we are combining the mantis shrimp’s millions of years of evolution – nature’s engineering – with our relatively few years of work with the technology.”
The possibilities for this are almost endless and can be life-saving. Theoretically, such cameras can be included in cell phones that could be used to scan the body and detect cancer. It is well-known that surviving many forms of cancer is directly related to how early it’s detected and appropriate treatment is commenced.
This would be an extremely valuable early detection system that could save an unimaginable amount of lives.
Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.
Inspirational Story Of The Month
(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
The Pampanga Project
From the Phillipines to NYC… How an Amazing Hairstylist Spreads Hope with Every Haircut…
“We never know how far reaching something we may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.” Those were the words B.J. Palmer (1882-1961), known as the “developer” of chiropractic and the son of its founder, D.D. Palmer.
But, who B.J. Palmer was is not nearly as important as the relevancy his words have for the incredible story you are about to discover. This story brings that powerful statement to life and demonstrates exactly how powerful the seemingly insignificant things you do each and every day can change the lives of countless people in the future. It’s amazing how much power and impact the actions of a single human being can have on thousands or even millions of people.
Here is the story…
The scene is almost surreal. A young man is kneeling down cutting the hair of a woman in the middle of the sidewalk in Manhattan. At first glance, this seems strange. Upon closer examination, things are even more odd than expected.
You see, the man doing the hair cutting is Mark Bustos. Mark is a 30-year-old hair stylist who works in New York City. Mark is quite talented, and his hair cuts start at $150. But who would pay $150 or more to get their hair cut in the middle of the sidewalk?
Probably no one. On this day, Mark is cutting the hair of a homeless woman for free. And this is not an unusual day. Mark does this all the time, and his selfless actions have started an international movement.
Most pass right by the homeless without even looking at them or try to scurry by them as quickly as possible. To the contrary, Mark seeks out homeless people and asks them if he can do something nice for them, if he can give them a great hair cut and make them feel awesome.
What’s incredible is that Mark’s acts of kindness started in a small town in his parent’s homeland of the Philippines. In 2012, Mark and his girlfriend (a hair color specialist) rented a small barber shop in Magalang, Pampanga to start his project by giving away free haircuts to children who could not afford them.
This was the birth of the Pampanga project, and since that time, Mark has given free haircuts in New York City, Los Angeles, California, Jamaica, and Cost Rica.
Here’s what Mark said when interviewed in The Philippine Star, “The experience is always different, yet very similar. No matter what part of the world you are in, everybody loves the feeling of having a haircut. It is a universally known luxury that every demographic and walk of life can appreciate.”
The real story here is not the haircut itself. The real story here is that Mark cares. In a sea of people rushing by the homeless and not so much as giving them a glance, Mark stops and shows them some humanity. He shows them compassion. He gives them hope and love no haircut alone could ever give. Mark happens to be a very skilled hair stylist, but the magic is in the act itself and the kind words he shares.
The real lesson is that you do not need Mark’s hair cutting skills to make a difference in the world. In fact, you do not need any special skills at all. The only thing you need is empathy and the willingness to show people you care.
We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and
getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!
Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!
Did You Know?…
Four Plants with Health Benefits!
Cranberry: While current research doesn’t support the notion that drinking cranberry juice will cure a urinary tract infection (UTI), it has shown that regularly consuming cranberries does indeed help prevent UTIs. Researchers have observed that daily consumption of cranberries “significantly reduced” the incidence of UTIs over the course of a twelve-month study involving 150 women.
Pomegranate: While it won’t replace toothpaste anytime soon, there is evidence that shows that an extract from pomegranate has antibacterial properties that can help control dental plaque bacteria in the mouth.
Purple Passion Flower: An extract from purple passion flower may help those suffering from uncomfortable, or even debilitating, anxiety. In a four-week study that compared the extract to both a standard pharmaceutical treatment and placebo, researchers observed no significant difference between the extract and drug in reducing anxiety, except that participants who took the extract were less likely to report job performance issues when compared with those who received the medication.
Echinacea: Recent studies indicate that those who took a daily echinacea supplement were about half as likely to get a cold when exposed to rhinovirus. If you do happen to get sick, at least one meta-analysis has concluded that echinacea can reduce the length of your cold by 1.4 days.
Tip Of The Month
Is Multi-Tasking Bad for Your Brain?
If you are a proud multi-tasker and think you are more productive because of your “gift” for multi-tasking, what you are about to discover may be a rude awakening for you. Here is why: A recent study conducted at Stanford University found that multi-taskers are LESS productive than those who do one thing at time and multi-tasking might ever harm your brain.
According to Forbes, “Research conducted at Stanford University found that multi-tasking is less productive than doing a single thing at a time. The researchers also found that people who are regularly bombarded with several streams of electronic information cannot pay attention, recall information, or switch from one job to another as well as those who complete one task at a time.”
But what about those people who have a special skill for multi-tasking? Glad you asked. The study compared two groups: those who multi-task a lot and think multi-tasking makes them more productive and those who prefer to do one thing at a time until that one thing is completed. Results: People who claimed to be more productive when multi-tasking were actually worse at multi-tasking than people who usually do one task at a time until completion. Also from Forbes, “The frequent multi-taskers performed worse because they had more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information, and they were slower at switching from one task to another.” The reason for these results seems to be because the brain functions best when focusing on one thing at a time. When time is split between two or more things, performance is decreased for all tasks involved.
But it gets even worse… There is evidence multi-tasking actually lowers your IQ! According to the Forbes article: “A study at the University of London found that participants who multi-tasked during cognitive tasks experienced IQ score declines that were similar to what they’d expect if they had smoked marijuana or stayed up all night.” Not only that, the evidence suggests the damage done by multi-tasking may be permanent. MRI scans of people who are high multi-taskers found that areas of the brain responsible for empathy and cognitive and emotional control were less dense. If you want to be more productive and maybe even smarter, then stop multi-tasking and do one task at a time until completion.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr Beecher’s December 8 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, December 8th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Binge Drinking During Teens Linked to Long-Term Brain Changes. According to a new animal study, binge drinking during the adolescent years has lasting effects on brain function. In rat subjects, researchers found that binge drinking reduced myelin in the region of the brain crucial for decision-making and regulating emotions. The findings suggest that alcohol may negatively affect brain development in humans and have long-term consequences in parts of the brain that are important for controlling impulses and making decisions. The Journal of Neuroscience, October 2014
Health Alert: Young Biker’s Brains Benefit from Universal Helmet Laws. Young American motorcyclists who live in states that have mandatory universal helmet laws are 2.5 times less likely to experience a traumatic brain injury in the event of a crash than those living in states with less-strict or no helmet laws. American College of Surgeons, October 2014
Diet: Mediterranean-Style Diet May Lower Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease. Individuals who eat a Mediterranean-style diet may have up to a 50% lower risk for chronic kidney disease. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the high-consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and whole grains, eating fish and poultry at least twice a week, reducing red meat consumption, and replacing butter with healthy fats. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, October 2014
Exercise: A Popular Supplement May Reverse the Effects of Exercise. Resveratrol, an antioxidant compound found in red grapes and known for many health benefits, appears to negate the effects of exercise, according to the results of a recent double-blind study. Researchers found that after a four-week exercise trial, men who received resveratrol supplementation failed to see improvement in their fitness levels. Meanwhile, those who received a placebo, experienced the benefits typically associated with an exercise program. Research leader Dr. Brendon Gurd comments, “The results we saw suggest that concurrent exercise training and resveratrol supplementation may alter the body’s normal training response induced by low-volume high-intensity interval training. The data set we recorded during this study clearly demonstrates that resveratrol supplementation doesn’t augment training, but may impair the effect it has on the body.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. November 2014
Chiropractic: 1 in 5 Americans Experience Chronic Pain. A new survey involving roughly 35,000 households in the United States reveals that nearly 20% of Americans suffer with chronic pain. Among individuals with chronic pain, more than two-thirds have constant pain, while more than 50% say their pain can be unbearable and excruciating at times. Medications only relieve about a third or less of the chronic pain and can be completely ineffective in treating some types of chronic pain. The author suggests a variety of potential interventions, including physical and occupational therapy, exercise, dietary changes, weight loss, massage and psychotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, and chiropractic services to help patients manage chronic pain. Journal of Pain, October 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Future Saliva Test May Detect Diseases Earlier and Easier. Researchers are working on a simple saliva test that could be capable of the early detection of diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. In a comprehensive analysis of RNA molecules in human saliva, researchers found that saliva contains many of the disease-revealing molecules that are found in the blood. The overriding conclusion is that saliva has tremendous medical and scientific value, and in the future, saliva samples could indicate the presence of a variety of diseases. UCLA, October 2014
Quote: “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” ~ Albert Einstein
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s December 1 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, December 1st, 2014
Mental Attitude: Is Telomere Length a Risk Factor for Depression in Young Girls? Researchers found that 12-year-old girls with a family history of depression have shorter telomere lengths than girls with no family history of depression. Telomeres are found on the ends of chromosomes and help keep them from fraying or sticking together. They have been observed to naturally shorten in length with age, but oxidative stress and other DNA-damaging processes can also cause reduce their length. The research team states, “The results of this study indicate that healthy children at familial risk for depression have shorter telomeres than do their non-risk peers. Thus, telomere shortening appears to be an antecedent to, and potentially a risk factor for, the onset of depression.” Molecular Psychiatry, September 2014
Health Alert: Less Competition Among Doctors Results in Higher Medical Costs. A new study has found that competition between medical practices leads to lower healthcare costs in the surrounding vicinity. Investigators found that medical practices charged 3.5 to 5.4% more for their services in regions of the United States with fewer competing clinics than in the areas with the most competition. These higher charges could translate to tens of billions of dollars in extra spending across the entire country each year. Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2014
Diet: Reduced Epileptic Seizures Noted with Low-Carb, High-Fat Diets. A review of the current research shows that diets high in fats and low in carbohydrates could be an alternative treatment for reducing epileptic seizures. Currently, about 35% of epileptics fail to respond to medications, so alternative treatments are very important. The investigators found that across all studies, 32% of ketogenic diet-treated patients and 29% of modified Atkins diet-treated patients achieved 50% or greater seizure reduction. They also found 9% of the ketogenic diet and 5% of the modified Atkins diet-treated patients achieved greater than 90% reduction in seizures. Unfortunately, most people eventually stop these types of diets in the long-term because of the cooking and social restrictions. Neurology, October 2014
Exercise: Shoe Technology Detects Valuable Information for Runners. Is it possible for a shoe to prevent injuries? One shoe company is working on a prototype running shoe that contains a microelectronic measuring system that can collect biomechanical parameters that characterize a runner’s technique. The information can be transmitted wirelessly to a cell phone or mobile application to provide real-time feedback such as whether a runner should change their running pattern or simply stop running in order to reduce their risk of injury. Asociación RUVID, October 2014
Chiropractic: Teen Sleep Difficulties Can Lead to Musculoskeletal Problems! Fifteen-year-old boys and girls with sleep problems are more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain two years later when compared with their peers who did not report having sleep problems at age 15. This finding suggests that difficulties such as disturbed sleep, daytime drowsiness, oversleeping, and poor sleep quality are risk factors for musculoskeletal pain (such as back pain and neck pain) among adolescents. Pain Research & Management, September-October 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Colon Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Adults Under 50. An analysis of data from 1975 to 2010 found that overall colon cancer rates in the United States fell by about 1% each year during that time span. However, rates rose by 2% per year among those ages 20 to 34 and nearly .5% annually among those aged 35 to 49. It is unknown why rates are increasing in this group but the researchers believe that doctors “should be more aggressive investigating reports of minor rectal bleeding in younger adults, which is usually dismissed as hemorrhoids but may in fact indicate colorectal cancer.” JAMA Surgery, November 2014
Quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~ George Eliot
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s November 24 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 24th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults Associated with Dementia Risk. After reviewing the available data on nearly 52,000 individuals in California who had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), researchers believe the data indicate that such persons may have a 1.45 times greater risk for a dementia diagnosis later in life. In particular, the risk was greatest among older individuals (ages 65 and up) who suffered a mild TBI, and those between ages 55 and 64 who suffered a moderate-to-severe TBI. JAMA Neurology, October 2014
Health Alert: Biggest Cause of Fatal Allergic Reactions is Medications. More than half (59%) of allergy-related deaths are caused by medications, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In 40% of cases in which a specific drug was identified, it was an antibiotic. The next most common allergy-inducing drugs were radiocontrast agents, followed by chemotherapy medications. The researchers say that the number of fatal drug reactions nearly doubled between 1999 and 2010, and this increase could be due to increased medication use, more tests with contrast material, and to some degree, coding changes entered by hospital personnel. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, September 2014
Diet: Fried Foods Increases Risk of Gestational Diabetes. Research involving over 21,000 single-child pregnancies reveals that regularly eating fried food before conception increases the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. Investigators found that those who ate fried food one to three times a week before becoming pregnant had a 13% higher risk of gestational diabetes. Those who ate fried foods four to six times a week were at a 31% increased risk, and the risk more than doubled in women who consumed seven or more servings per week. Diabetologia, October 2014
Exercise: Yoga Pose Improves Spine Curvature in Scoliosis Patients. Performing a single yoga pose for 90 seconds three times a week may reduce spine curvature in patients with scoliosis in as little as three months. In a recent study, scoliosis patients who did the side plank pose on the side their spine was curved toward experienced a significant improvement in their spinal curvature. Researchers found that spinal curvature improved by about 32% in all patients and it improved by 40.9% for the patients who performed the pose for at least three days a week. Among these patients, adolescents saw a 49.6% improvement in curvature, while adults saw a 38.4% improvement. The authors of the study conclude that asymmetrically strengthening the convex side of the primary scoliosis curvature with a side plank exercise performed daily appears to reduce curvature. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, September 2014
Chiropractic: Spinal Manipulation Helps Child with Chronic Headaches. A recent case study involved the chiropractic treatment of a 6-year-old boy who had experienced chronic headaches for previous two years. Past medical care consisted of ibuprofen, which provided minimal relief. After ten chiropractic treatments to address joint dysfunction found in the boy’s neck, the patient had complete resolution of his headache symptoms. This finding supports the use of spinal manipulation in the care of children with cervicogenic headaches. The Journal of Headache and Pain, September 2014
Wellness/Prevention: RNA Biomarker Could Be New Screen for Prostate Cancer. Screening for prostate cancer currently involves testing a blood sample to see whether or not high concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are present; however, many researchers consider this method to be imperfect. Soon, the PSA screening test may be a thing of the past as scientists have observed higher levels of a biomarker known as lncRNA in urine samples of prostate cancer patients when compared with samples provided by men without prostate cancer. Researcher Dr. Ranjan J. Perera explains, “We have identified a set of lncRNAs that appear to have an important role in prostate cancer diagnostics. The findings advance our understanding of the role of lncRNAs in cancer biology and, importantly, broaden the opportunity to use lncRNAs as biomarkers to detect prostate cancer.” The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, October 2014
Quote: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s November 17 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter , please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 17th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Mental Stress Affects Male and Female Hearts in Different Ways. Past studies have suggested that mental stress can influence heart health. Now, researchers have found that women under mental stress are more likely than men to experience reduced blood flow to the heart and are also more prone to clots due to platelet aggregation. On the other hand, men experience greater changes in blood pressure and heart rate in response to mental stress. Researcher Dr. Zainab Samad adds, “The relationship between mental stress and cardiovascular disease is well-known. This study revealed that mental stress affects the cardiovascular health of men and women differently. We need to recognize this difference when evaluating and treating patients for cardiovascular disease.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, October 2014
Health Alert: Possible Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer. An international research group has concluded that breast implants can cause a new subtype of rare, yet malignant, lymphoma known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This type of cancer is usually found in lymph nodes, skin, lung, liver, and soft tissue, but is not usually found in the breast. The researchers found that cases in which ALCL developed in the breast were almost exclusively involved individuals with breast implants. The actual reasons why breast implants can cause lymphoma are currently unknown, but the research team suspects the cause is an abnormal immune response. In many cases, the lymphoma subsided once the implants were removed. Mutation Research, August 2014
Diet: A Chemical in Broccoli May Help Treat Autism. Sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, shows promise for improving some behavioral symptoms of autism. Researchers found that about two thirds of participants who received sulforaphane saw their scores on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist reduced by 34%, while their scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale fell 17%. They hope to discover the biology underlying the effects observed and to study them at a cellular level. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2014
Exercise: Heavy Exercise Can Produce Asthma-Like Symptoms in Healthy Kids. Researchers have found that children who undergo brief periods of intense exercise can exhibit lung dysfunction and other symptoms similar to those experienced by asthma patients. These symptoms can happen even when the child has no history of asthma. Lead researcher Dr. Alladdin Abosaida adds, “We did not expect to see pulmonary function abnormalities after short periods of heavy exercise in such a large number of healthy children in our subject population.” Further research is needed to determine the mechanism of lung dysfunction in children following heavy exercise and identify possible interventions. American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference, May 2010
Chiropractic: Immediate Changes in Brain After Manual Therapy in Patients with Pain. New research focused on the effects of manual therapies on pain modulation has revealed that therapies such as chiropractic spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, and therapeutic touch have an immediate effect on the functional connectivity between brain regions involved in processing and modulating the pain experience. The results were gathered by using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain combined with measurements of pain sensitivity and intensity. The findings suggest that manual therapies may lead to neurophysiologic changes that result in pain relief. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Babies Benefit if Mothers Follow Lifestyle Advice During Pregnancy. In the largest study of its kind, researchers gave nutrition and exercise advice to pregnant women who were either overweight or obese. Women who received such advice increased their fruit and vegetable intake and reduced saturated fat intake. They also engaged in 15-20 minutes of brisk walking on most days of the week. Their babies were more likely to have a healthier birth weight, less likely to have a moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome, and were able to go home sooner than babies born from mothers in a control group that did not receive any diet or exercise advice. BMC Medicine, October 2014
Quote: “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s November 10 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter , please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 10th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Dementia is a Significant Problem for Those Under Age 65. Younger onset dementia (YOD) is defined as the onset of dementia symptoms before age 65. Researchers in Sydney, Australia contacted local health professionals and hospitals to determine how many patients were classified as having YOD. Then, they compared that information with recent census data. The research team found that YOD affects 11.6 per 100,000 people ages 30-44 years and 132.9 per 100,000 people ages 45-64 years, with an overall prevalence rate of 68.2 per 100,000 people for ages 30-64. International Psychogeriatrics, October 2014
Health Alert: No Proof Vitamin D Prevents Development of Type 2 Diabetes. Previous research has suggested that high levels of vitamin D may protect individuals from developing type 2 diabetes; however, a new study has found no evidence that high levels of vitamin D can prevent type 2 diabetes and that the only proven way to prevent type 2 diabetes is through a combination of diet and exercise. Study author Dr. Nita Forouhi writes, “Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing concentrations of vitamin D are not currently justified. Observational studies that show a strong and consistent higher risk of type 2 diabetes with lower levels of vitamin D may do so because they have thus far not been able to adequately control for distorting or confounding factors, such as physical activity levels.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, September 2014
Diet: Organic Foods May Offer Greater Health & Safety. A survey of prior research concludes that organically grown foods are about 48% lower in cadmium than conventionally grown foods. Cadmium is a heavy metal that has become a major cause of vascular disorders, common cancers, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and can damage the reproductive and neurological systems. Researcher Dr. James J. DiNicolantonio adds, “For years, nutritionists and consumers have struggled with the question, ‘is organic really better?’… What analysis of this research reveals is that, due to the serious health impacts of cadmium exposure and the markedly lower levels of [cadmium] in organically grown foods, the long-term consumption of such foods is likely to be notably protective with respect to a wide range of common pathologies.” British Journal of Nutrition, September 2014
Exercise: Exercise Less Daunting When Focused on Target. Physiology researchers have found that having your ‘eye on the prize’ makes exercise less of a chore. They found that when walking, individuals who stay focused on a specific target ahead of them feel the distance is shorter and they walk faster towards it. Researcher Dr. Shana Cole writes, “Interventions that train people to keep their ‘eyes on the prize’ may play an important role in health and fitness. When goals appear within reach, and when people move faster and experience exercise as easier, they may be especially motivated to continue exercising. Given the alarming obesity epidemic in America, strategies that encourage or improve exercise may be particularly important for aiding the nationwide effort to combat obesity and promote healthier living.” Motivation and Emotion, October 2014
Chiropractic: Joint Stiffness Associated with Higher Risk for Disability in Older Population. Using data provided by 680 seniors (age > 70 years) regarding mobility limitations and joint stiffness upon waking, researchers say that morning joint stiffness more than one body site is associated with a 64% greater risk developing new or worsening mobility problems over the following 18 months. The authors of the study recommend that doctors discuss strategies for improving joint mobility with their patients to prevent or slow the progression of age-related disability. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Living Close to a Highway May Raise Your Blood Pressure. If you have high blood pressure and you live close to a major highway, you may want to move. According to a new report, participants in a study who lived within 109 yards (~100 meters) of a busy road had a 22% higher risk for developing high blood pressure compared with those who lived at least a half a mile away (~.8 km). Further research is needed to determine if reducing exposure to traffic noise and traffic-related air pollution can reduce a nearby resident’s risk of high blood pressure. Journal of the American Heart Association, October 2014
Quote: “Don’t confuse poor decision-making with destiny. Own your mistakes. It’s ok; we all make them. Learn from them so they can empower you!” ~ Steve Maraboli
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s November 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.” ~ Isaac Asimov
If you suffer from fatigue, persistent gas or bloating, recurrent yeast infections, constipation or diarrhea, migraines, weight gain, depression, or skin issues, then this might help you…
Probiotics!
What are probiotics? What do they do?
Do they make you healthier? Should you take expensive probiotic supplements or is there a much cheaper and superior way to get all the probiotics your body needs?
Also this month:
- STUDY: Even a Small Amount of Stress is Harmful to Your Health, Unless You Do This…
- What’s Better For Depression, Working or Taking Time Off? The Answer May Surprise You.
- Why You Should Not Use Your Smartphone in Bed…
- How a Man with Dwarfism Turned People’s Daily Ignorance and Cruelty Into an Incredible Message of Inspiration – All Summed Up in One Sentence…
You may have also noticed trends in the area of personal health. Sometimes they may be caused by a breakthrough diagnostic procedure or a new treatment. Other times, they can be motivated by less-than-pure intentions.
For example, you have probably seen a recent influx of advertisements (especially on the internet) for probiotics. One video on the internet in particular goes into depth about a government conspiracy to get people hooked on sugar and all the health problems eating too much sugar causes, namely Candida (or yeast) overgrowth. Then, the video offers the solution: their probiotic supplements, auto-shipped and billed monthly.
The purpose of this is not to get into the validity of the “sugar conspiracy” but to lay out a few facts regarding processed sugar consumption, candida or yeast, and probiotics.
Without going into great detail, it is no secret that excess sugar and processed food are not good for you and that it can be a large contributing factor to yeast overgrowth. (Stress, antibiotics, and prolonged birth control pill use are a few other possible contributors.)
What is Yeast Overgrowth
and How Does it Affect You?
The gut is your body’s gatekeeper, letting in helpful compounds and evicting harmful ones. It is home to 70 to 80% of your immune cells. When the gut is in good shape, your systems run efficiently, but when it’s not, you may experience upset stomach, be at risk for weight gain or digestive problems (like heartburn and constipation), or just feel vaguely out of sorts.
The gut is swarming with about 100 trillion bacteria, or flora, which outnumber human cells in the body 10 to 1. These bacteria are often referred to as either “good” or “bad” because they can have either a positive or negative effect on your health. The key is to eat things that promote the growth of “good” bacteria and inhibit the growth of “bad” bacteria.
What are the symptoms of
bad bacteria overgrowth?
- Painful and persistent gas and bloating
- Recurrent yeast infections in women
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Migraines
- Weight gain
- Depression and brain fog
- Skin issues like eczema and acne
- Food sensitivities
- Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome
Here is some pretty incredible information from a CNN article posted on June 14, 2014:
“Incredibly, some bacteria might even make you fat: A recent study of twins published in “Nature,” found that when bacteria from an obese human twin were introduced into the digestive systems of lean mice, the mice turned fat; when bacteria from the thin sibling were introduced into lean mice, the mice stayed lean. Studies also suggest that diabetic and obese patients tend to lack a diversity of bacteria, and the Cleveland Clinic found that some bacteria metabolize components of egg and meat to produce a compound that aids in the clogging of arteries.
“This might explain why some unhealthy eaters get heart disease while others don’t.”
As you can see, keeping your “gut” flora in the right balance so the correct bacteria grow is vitally important for your health and the way you feel.
How do you do that?
The first thing you want to do if you have an overgrowth of yeast is to STARVE IT. Because yeast thrives on sugar and processed foods, stop eating them. There is no “magic bullet” like some probiotic supplement marketers will tell you. You cannot simply take their probiotic supplements and continue eating whatever you want.
Does that mean you should not take probiotic supplements? No. Probiotics are the “good” kind of bacteria that you want in your gut.
There are many supplements being sold, but probably the best way to get probiotics is to eat naturally fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut. In fact, an analysis has shown that the amount of probiotics in naturally fermented sauerkraut is as much as 10 times greater than the commonly used supplements the investigators compared them with.
Even better, making sauerkraut is easy and cheaper than buying many supplements.
A simple YouTube or Google search will walk you through exactly how to do it. It is nothing more than cutting up some green cabbage, mixing and squeezing it in a large bowl with the proper amount of salt (1.8 teaspoons per pound of cabbage) to create a “brine” and then letting it ferment for approximately three weeks.
And here is something very important most people miss: Sugar and processed foods are a major cause of bad bacteria (yeast) overgrowth because processed foods and sugar are food for the yeast. That’s why we said to stop eating those foods to starve the yeast.
Now that you put good bacteria into your gut by either eating naturally fermented foods or taking a supplement, wouldn’t it make sense to “feed” the good bacteria so they flourish?
That’s where prebiotics come in. Prebiotics are basically probiotic food. A prebiotic is a specialized plant fiber that beneficially nourishes the good bacteria already present in the large bowel or colon. The body itself does not digest these plant fibers; instead, the fibers act as a fertilizer to promote the growth of many of the good bacteria in the gut.
Like probiotics, you can get prebiotics from supplements or by eating a natural source. Here are some natural sources of prebiotics…
In parentheses is the prebiotic fiber content by weight, followed by the amount of food required to obtain 6 grams of prebiotic fiber:
- Raw chicory root (64.6%) – 1/3 oz.
- Raw Jerusalem artichoke (31.5%) – 3/4 oz.
- Raw dandelion greens (24.3%) – 1 oz.
- Raw garlic (17.5%) – 1.2 oz.
- Raw leek (11.7%) – 1.8 oz.
- Raw onion (8.6%) – 2.5 oz.
- Cooked onion (5%) – 1/4 lb. or 4 oz.
- Raw banana (1%) – 1.3 lb.
One last thing: This was just an introduction to a vast topic. It is best to consult a healthcare professional who is an expert in this issue and it is NOT recommended to simply experiment by yourself. A trained healthcare professional can give you expert advice that is best for your individual case.
Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.
Inspirational Story Of The Month
(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
How a Man with Dwarfism Turned People’s
Daily Ignorance and Cruelty Into an Incredible Message
of Inspiration – All Summed Up in One Sentence…
“I don’t think there is a certain point in anyone’s life where they grow up. I think that we’re growing up all the time and we always will be.” These are the words of Jonathan Novick. Pretty wise words for someone who is just 22 years old, don’t you think?
Jonathan has achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism. Even though the term “achondroplasia” literally means “without cartilage formation,” his problem is not in forming cartilage but in converting it to bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs.
All people with achondroplasia are short – the average male is 4’4” (~1.3 meters) and the average female is 4’1” (~1.2 meters). Achondroplasia is the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism. The condition occurs in 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 newborns. Jonathan grew up in a small town and said even though he had a few negative experiences, for the most part, he was surrounded by family and friends who supported him. Things changed drastically when he moved to New York City and started experiencing some appalling behavior. People yelled terrible things at him. Others harassed him. Some even took pictures. Jonathan said this stuff happened to him on a daily basis and he was sick and tired of it. He was also tired of telling his family and friends about what was happening. So, he decided to show them and the rest of the world what a day in his life was like.
Jonathan started wearing a tiny button camera to shoot video of his daily experiences. What he captured on video was shocking. One child yelled, “What is he?” People walked by and held out their cell phone to take a picture, acting as if they were being clever and he would not notice. One man asked if he had been on TV. When he said no, the man told him he looked like the reality-TV star Zach Roloff. (The two look nothing alike, except that they are both dwarfs.)
Other people randomly yelled stuff as they walked by like “Hey short stuff!” or “Are you from one of those shows with the little people?”
One has to wonder what these people are doing with the pictures and videos they try so hard to take. Do they post them on social media so all of their friends can have a good laugh? Maybe they’ll get a few likes out of it.
It seems as though if you are unlucky enough to do something embarrassing, like trip and fall in public, then someone is likely to catch it on video and post it on social media. Imagine how it would feel if that happened to you? You may have thick skin and you may be okay with that. Well, now imagine if EVERY SINGLE DAY was an opportunity for people to snap pictures and videos of you because of the way you looked.
The last thing Jonathan said on his video summed it up nicely…
“I don’t want to tell anyone what to do or what to think or how to feel. But instead, what I’ll do is I’ll ask. I’ll ask that the next time you see someone who is different than you, think about what their day might be like. Think about all of the events of their life leading up to that point. Then think about their day. And think about what part of their day you want to be.”
We never know the true impact and how far reaching our actions are. A simple act of cruelty or kindness can change someone’s life. One simple act of cruelty or kindness performed each day can change countless lives over your lifetime. It’s all making a choice as to what part of someone’s day or life you want to be…
We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and
getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!
Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!
Did You Know?…
Sitting All Day is Risky!
Prolonged sitting significantly impacts your cardiovascular and metabolic function and can leave you at greater risk for heart failure and other heart-related problems. One study claims that exercise may not even be able to counter the cardiovascular risk caused by sitting. In fact, the authors of the study write that the positive health benefits of one hour of exercise can be counteracted by six hours of uninterrupted sitting. The good news is that you have virtually unlimited options when it comes to breaking up your sitting. From standing desks and office-friendly intermittent exercise to short walks, all of it counts. Standing up or bending down increases the force of gravity on your body, and this is the key to counteracting the cellular degeneration that occurs when you’re sitting down. A recent study has been found that taking a five-minute walk for every hour you spend in your chair can reduce the heart disease risks associated with chronic sitting.
Tip Of The Month
STUDY: Even a Small Amount of Stress is Harmful to Your Health, Unless You Do This…
There are two facts we know about stress. Fact #1: Stress is bad. Fact #2: Stress cannot always be avoided. Many “experts” give advice on how to “lower your stress levels,” but for the vast majority of people, that is simply not an option. Stress is simply a built-in part of modern life. That’s the bad news. But there is GOOD news and here it is…
According to a study published in Experimental Gerontology, it is not the amount of stress you are under that is important but how you perceive and react to the stress that determines its effect on your life expectancy. For example, Dr. Carolyn Aldwin, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University states, “It’s not the number of hassles that does you in, it’s the perception of them being a big deal that causes problems. Taking things in stride may protect you.” Dr. Aldwin went on to say, “Don’t make mountains out of molehills. Coping skills are very important.” Stress will always be part of your life. If you want to live longer (and happier), take action and change what you can and do not worry about the things you cannot.
What’s Better for Depression, Working or Taking Time Off?
A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Melbourne is the first to estimate the long-term health care costs and health outcomes of taking time off work versus continuing to work during an episode of depression. According to the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Fiona Cocker, “We found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer employees certain health benefits, while depression-related absence from work offers no significant improvement in employee health outcomes or quality of life… This is important information for employers, health care professionals (e.g. GPs) and employees faced with the decision whether to continue working or take a leave of absence. It suggests that future workplace mental health promotion strategies should include mental health policies that focus on promoting continued work attendance via offering flexible work-time and modification of tasks or working environment.”
Why You Should Not Use Your Smartphone in Bed…
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation now warns that retinal damage caused by blue light may eventually lead to macular degeneration and the loss of central vision. Blue light is emitted by smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other LED screens. It seems as though the most danger occurs when holding a screen close to the eyes, which can occur while lying in bed. Nighttime exposure to this blue light can also suppress production of the hormone melatonin and can interfere with your natural sleep cycles.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Houston – Trends are a big part of Western culture and cultures around most of the world. Most entertainment and fashion trends are blatantly obvious. A celebrity wears big headphones, glasses, or gets a certain haircut and in no time, countless people all over the world will do or wear the same thing.
Dr Beecher’s November 3 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter , please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 3rd, 2014
Mental Attitude: Anxiety, Jealousy, & Moodiness May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk in Women. A woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if she is anxious, jealous, or moody during middle-age. Over a 38-year period, researchers followed nearly 800 women who completed on-going personality tests regarding neuroticism, extraversion, and introversion. The study’s results show that women with the highest scores for neuroticism were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as those with lower neuroticism scores. However, this association appeared to be greater among participants who had experienced long periods of stress. They also found that women who scored high on both neuroticism and introversion were at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Researcher Dr. Lena Johannsson writes, “Personality may influence the individual’s risk for dementia through its effect on behavior, lifestyle, or reactions to stress.” Neurology, September 2014
Health Alert: Living Near Major Roads a Risk Factor for Cardiac Death in Women. According to the American Heart
Association, living within 50 meters (~164 feet) of a major road increases a woman’s risk of dying from a sudden cardiac death by 38%. Lead researcher Dr. Jaime E. Hart notes, “It’s important for healthcare providers to recognize that environmental exposures may be under-appreciated risk factors for diseases such as sudden cardiac death and fatal coronary heart disease.” Circulation, October 2014
Diet: Family Meals During Childhood May Prevent Obesity. Family meals could protect children against obesity, as such meals tend to include fruits, vegetables, calcium, and whole grains. A new study indicates that even having as few as one to two family meals a week during adolescence significantly reduces the odds of an individual being overweight or obese ten years later when compared with those who reported never having family meals during their teen years. Journal of Pediatrics, October 2014
Exercise: Genes May Affect Exercise’s Ability to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Most agree on the benefits of exercise in its role for weight management and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, a new study claims that some may have a tougher time than others due to their genes. In the study, researchers examined interactions between physical activity, genetics, and diabetes risk in more than 8,100 Americans. They found that exercise provided less protection against diabetes in individuals with a high genetic risk for insulin resistance. However, the lead author of the study stresses that this finding is no reason for people battling obesity to stop exercising. Diabetologia, September 2014
Chiropractic: Low Back Pain and Pregnancy. Questionnaires completed by a sample of 105 women who recently gave birth indicate that low back pain is a sizeable problem for expectant mothers. Of the 105 women surveyed, 67.6% suffered from low back pain during pregnancy. More than half (57.7%) reported that back pain prevented them from performing their daily activities with 77.5% of those women claiming their back pain increased as their pregnancy advanced. Because 93% of these women received no back pain-related treatment, the authors of the study advise health care professionals to be proactive in asking expectant mothers about their back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, September 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Atopic Dermatitis in Children Improved with Vitamin D Supplements. A small study involving 100 school children in Mongolia has found that daily treatment with 1000 IU of a vitamin D supplement significantly reduced the symptoms of winter-related atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, which is uncomfortable and makes patients more vulnerable to bacterial infection. The condition is most commonly seen in children and more so during the winter. The study’s author recommends that parents of children with symptoms that worsen in the winter try a vitamin D supplement for a few weeks when such symptoms flare-up, after first discussing the study and their plan with their pediatrician. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2014
Quote: “I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best.”
~ Jim Henson
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s October 27 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter , please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, October 27th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Could Cerebellum Injury Be a Possible Cause of Autism? Princeton University scientists say their research indicates that an injury to the cerebellum early in life may make a child 36 times more likely to score highly on autism screening tests. Study author Dr. Sam Wang adds, “What we realized from looking at the literature is that these two problems – autism and cerebellar injury – might be related to each other. We hope to get people and scientists thinking differently about the cerebellum or about autism so that the whole field can move forward.” Neuron, August 2014
Health Alert: E-Cigarettes a Possible Gateway to Drug Use, Addiction, and Tobacco Smoking. An alarming report claims that using electronic cigarettes may lead to tobacco cigarette smoking and increase the likelihood of illicit drug use and addiction. The researchers discovered that when mice were exposed to nicotine, the substance triggered biochemical alteration in the brain and activated a gene linked to the reward response. This process enhanced a subsequent response to cocaine in the mice, suggesting that nicotine may be a gateway drug for cocaine. Study author Dr. Denise Kandel writes, “We don’t yet know whether e-cigarettes will prove to be a gateway to the use of conventional cigarettes and illicit drugs, but that’s certainly a possibility. Nicotine clearly acts as a gateway drug on the brain, and this effect is likely to occur whether the exposure comes from smoking cigarettes, passive tobacco smoke, or e-cigarettes.” The New England Journal of Medicine, September 2014
Diet: Soy May Promote Breast Cancer? Researchers suggest that women with breast cancer should only eat soy foods in moderation and avoid supplements containing soy. This recommendation is based on findings that soy protein consumption may increase activity in genes linked to breast cancer growth. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, September 2014
Exercise: Sit Less! Shortening the amount of time spent sitting can protect your aging DNA. A newly published study looked at how physical activity affects telomere length. Telomeres can be found on the ends of chromosomes and stop them from unraveling or clumping together and “scrambling” the genetic code they contain. The researchers found that spending less time sitting each day had more of a positive impact on telomere health than increasing the time spent performing physical activities, like exercise. They add, “There is growing concern that not only low physical activity level in populations, but probably also sitting and sedentary behavior, is an important and new health hazard of our time.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, September 2014
Chiropractic: Migraines Reduced with Chiropractic Care. A past study found that chiropractic manipulation combined with therapeutic massage resulted in a 68% reduction in the intensity of migraine headaches within one hour of treatment. The findings add to previous research indicating the benefits of chiropractic care for the treatment of migraines.
Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, March 2012
Wellness/Prevention: Improved Sleep May Reduce Time Away from Work. It appears that absence from work due to sickness is related to a lack of good sleep. A new study has found that people who regularly get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night are less likely to be absent from work due to an illness. The study further noted that the risk of being absent from work due to sickness for 10 days or more rose significantly among people who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours a night. The researchers note that the optimal sleep duration each night for adults is 7 hours 46 minutes for men and 7 hours 38 minutes for women. Sleep, September 2014
Quote: “I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in the world.” ~ Margaret Mead
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
