DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Saturday, March 29, 2014 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“One of my main regrets in life is giving considerable thought to inconsiderate people.” ~ Jarod Kintz

Mental Attitude: Music and Singing Can Relieve Anxiety and Depression. A recent review published in the journal Mental Health Practice recommends that healthcare facilities catering to the elderly incorporate listening to music and singing as a means to help decrease pain, anxiety, depression, and improve the overall quality of life and wellbeing of their patients. Karen Eeells, the author of the review, writes, “Listening to music and/or singing represent a safe, evidence-based nursing intervention, and staff should be encouraged to study and use it.” Mental Health Practice, February 2013

Health Alert: Common Strep Bacteria May Become Superbug. A new report conveys concern that the bacteria group B streptococcus has become resistant to vancomycin, considered an antibiotic of last resort. The report presents two unrelated cases that indicate that bacterial genetic mutation is appearing in different geographical locations. The report notes that, "group B streptococcus has emerged as an important cause of invasive bacterial infection among adults, particularly in those who are elderly or have diabetes." New England Journal of Medicine, February 2014

Diet: Diminish Kidney Stone Risk With DASH. Kidney stones are formed when calcium and oxalate bind while urine is produced by the kidneys. A common approach to lower kidney stone risk is to adopt a low-oxalate diet. However, newly published research suggests adopting the DASH diet -- a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and low in animal proteins, refined grains, and sweets -- is twice as effective for reducing kidney stone risk. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and has become very popular due to its health benefits. The authors of the study suggest that eating or drinking calcium and oxalate-rich foods in accordance with the DASH diet could be a better approach than limiting oxalate, as these compounds are likely to bind in the stomach and intestines before the kidney has a chance to process them, thus decreasing kidney stone formation. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, February 2014

Exercise: Exercise and Red Meat May Keep Body and Mind in Peak Condition. Researchers have found that a protein-rich diet combined with strength training improves the size and strength of muscles in older women in addition to improving their mental health and wellbeing. Lead author Dr. Robin Daly writes, "If the results of our new study are as positive as we hope, this protein/exercise combination could provide the greatest benefits in terms of ensuring that older adults can live independently and relatively disease and disability free into old age." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2014

Chiropractic: Quicker Shoulder Pain Recovery. A past study involving 150 patients with shoulder girdle dysfunction revealed that manipulative therapy of the shoulder girdle, in addition to medical care, accelerated recovery of shoulder symptoms.  Annals of Internal Medicine, September 2004

Wellness/Prevention: Avoiding Secondhand Smoke Important During Pregnancy. Exposure to secondhand smoke may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy. Researchers found that women with the highest secondhand smoke exposure were 61% more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy, 55% more likely to have as stillbirth, and 17% more likely to miscarry compared with women who never smoked and had minimal exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco Control, February 2014

For More Information on Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Whiplash, and To Sign Up For Our Daily Health Update Emails, Go To:www.DrJeffAllynBlog.com or our website at:www.berkleychiropracticclinic.com 

(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.)