DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Friday, November 15, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” ~ Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Mental Attitude: Assess the Stress. Cognitive reappraisal is a coping strategy that involves reframing one's thoughts about a given situation in order to change its emotional impact. New research shows that when individuals use cognitive reappraisal for situations that are within their control (like poor work performance), they may do more harm than good. These persons may become less inclined to change the situation, leading to increased stress and depression later on. Researchers believe this technique is better utilized in situations where stress derives from factors outside of the individual’s control, such as a loved one's serious illness. Association for Psychological Science, October 2013

Health Alert: High Smog Levels Associated with Serious Heart Problems. A new study has discovered that high levels of smog raise the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, and men over age 65 are the most vulnerable. Lowering exposure to smog may be an important strategy in lowering heart disease risk.  European Society of Cardiology, October 2013

Diet: One-Third of American Adults are Obese. A new federal report finds that adult obesity in the United States remains as high as ever but the rate (35%) has not increased in recent years.  National Centers for Health Statistics, October 2013

Exercise: Exercise May Boost Male Fertility. After studying nearly 4,500 men, researchers found that those who lift weights or spend more time exercising or working outdoors have about a 50% higher sperm count than men who exercise less than one hour per week. Exercise should be considered as a treatment option to improve a couple’s chances of conception. International Federation of Fertility Societies/American Society for Reproductive Medicine, October 2013

Chiropractic: TMJ Syndrome and Associated Pain Relieved. A 41-year-old woman with ear pain, tinnitus, vertigo, headaches, and decreased hearing as the result of temporomandibular joint syndrome presented for chiropractic care after she failed to respond to medical and dental care. After a trial of nine chiropractic adjustments, her symptoms resolved.  Journal Of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics, January 2002

Wellness/Prevention: FDA Urges Caution when Using Nasal-Rinsing Products. Neti pots and nasal rinsing devices are a popular at-home treatment for colds, allergies, and sinus infections, but they do carry risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using distilled or sterile water to avoid bacteria and other infections. Washing and drying hands before using one of these devices is important, as is washing the device with distilled, sterile, or boiled water after use. The Food and Drug Administration, September 2013

(This information is solely advisory, and 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.)