DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Friday, September 20, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

Mental Attitude: Behavior Affected by Immune System. Scientists have discovered that behavior may be affected by the immune system. While monitoring the brain signals of mice, researchers discovered that higher levels of stress led to greater amounts of immune cells, known as monocytes, traveling to the brain with a resulting rise in anxiety levels. The researchers went on to state, "We're saying something outside the central nervous system - something from the immune system - is having a profound effect on behavior." The Journal of Neuroscience, August 2013

Health Alert: Female Smokers at Higher Risk for Hemorrhagic Stroke. The American Heart Association has released a new study that reveals female smokers are 17% more at risk for hemorrhagic stroke (which is caused by a brain bleed) than male smokers. This risk may be higher in women due to hormones and how nicotine can impact blood fats. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce stroke risk.  Stroke, August 2013

Diet: Food for Thought. Recently, a team compiled the findings from twelve different studies and found that nine of the twelve studies supported the theory that eating a Mediterranean-style diet results in “better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.” Epidemiology, July 2013

Exercise: Walking Benefits Back Pain. Researchers in Israel found that a six-week walking program was just as effective as a muscle strengthening exercise program at improving back pain in chronic low back pain patients.  Clinical Rehabilitation, March 2013

Chiropractic: Chiropractic More Valuable and Cost-Efficient for Work Injuries. A study conducted outside of the chiropractic profession concluded that chiropractic treatment was more effective for work-related low back pain than physical therapy or the care of a medical physician. Chiropractic patients had lower medical costs, fewer disability recurrences, and shorter periods of disability.  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, April 2011

Wellness/Prevention: Red Meat May Increase Alzheimer's Risk. Eating too much red meat may raise iron levels in the brain, thereby increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Increased iron levels in the brain may accelerate the damaging effects of free radicals, leading to cognitive impairment. Iron accumulation in the brain is believed to be the third most likely cause of Alzheimer's disease.   Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, June 2013