DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Saturday, November 16, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“I like flaws. I think they make things interesting.” ~ Sarah Dessen

Mental Attitude: Mindfulness Helps Lower Blood Pressure. A new study shows that borderline hypertension patients lowered their blood pressure when they followed a mindfulness-based stress reduction program (such as yoga, meditation, or body scan exercises). According to lead author of the study, Dr. Joel W. Hughes, "Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an increasingly popular practice that has been purported to alleviate stress, treat depression and anxiety, and treat certain health conditions." Researchers believe this approach could prevent or delay the need for prescription medications to treat hypertension. Psychosomatic Medicine, October 2013

Health Alert: Higher Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack in Irritable Bowel Disease Patients. A recent analysis of data from 150,000 patients finds that individuals with irritable bowel disease have a 10-25% increased risk for stroke and heart attack. The Mayo Clinic, October 2013

Diet: Oreo Cookies Addictive as Cocaine? Recent research conducted on rats has shown that high-fat, high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way as addictive drugs like cocaine or morphine. This may explain why some individuals cannot resist sugary and fatty foods despite the fact that they already know how bad the food is for them. Connecticut College, October 2013

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Key to Strong Memory for People with MS. Half of all people who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) experience atrophy of their hippocampus, which can lead to a decline in their memory. A recent study by the Kessler Foundation offers new hope, and it is as simple and accessible as aerobic exercise. After three months of 30-minute exercise three times a day, MS sufferers saw a 53.7% increase in their memory, according to study metrics. Kessler Foundation, November 2013

Chiropractic: Superior Health. A study comparing the health of children of chiropractors and children of pediatricians found that "children raised under chiropractic care are less prone to infectious processes such as otitis media and tonsillitis, and that their immune systems are better able to cope with allergens, such as pollen, weeds, grasses, etc. compared to children raised under [medical] care."  Journal of Chiropractic Research, 1989

Wellness/Prevention: Smoke-Free Homes Reduces Smoking Among Lower Income Population. Researchers have found that individuals who adopt smoke-free homes end up smoking less and those who quit smoking are more likely to still be smoke-free 90 days later. This is especially true in lower income households. Unfortunately, individuals living below poverty are less likely to live in smoke-free homes. American Journal of Public Health, December 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.)