DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Thursday, November 07, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Health is not valued until sickness comes.”   ~Thomas Fuller

Mental Attitude: Sleeping Longer Could Leads to Faster Decline in Brain Function. A new study has revealed that individuals in their 60s and 70s who slept an average of nine hours per night showed an increased decline in cognitive function compared to those who slept six to eight hours per night. Journal of Psychiatric Research, September 2013

Health Alert: Aircraft Noise Increases Cardiovascular Disease Risk? Researchers say that people exposed to high levels of aircraft noise are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. On average, zip codes with an aircraft noise above 10db had a 3.5% higher hospital admission rate for cardiovascular disease. The researchers concluded, "Our results provide evidence of a statistically significant association between exposure to aircraft noise and cardiovascular health, particularly at higher exposure levels. Further research should refine these associations and strengthen causal interpretation by investigating modifying factors at the airport or individual level." British Medical Journal, October 2013

Diet: Eat Your Polyphenols for Longevity. A recent study associated high polyphenols intake (>650 mg daily) with a 30% reduction in mortality. Polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. They are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, nuts, legumes, and cereals. Journal of Nutrition, September 2013

Exercise: Moderate Exercise and Depression. A review of nearly three decades of research finds that even low levels of physical activity, like gardening or walking for 30 minutes a day, may actually prevent depression over time. According to the study's author, PhD candidate George Mammen, "It's definitely worth taking note that if you're currently active, you should sustain it. If you're not physically active, you should initiate the habit. This review shows promising evidence that the impact of being active goes far beyond the physical."   American Journal of Preventive Medicine, November 2013

Chiropractic: The United States Government Supports Chiropractic Care. “The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. It recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.”  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December 1994

Wellness/Prevention: Low Vitamin D Linked to Anemia. New research finds that children with low levels of vitamin D are also at greater risk for anemia. Vitamin D deficiency combined with anemia can lead to a host of problems including organ damage, skeletal deformities, frequent fractures, and premature osteoporosis later in life. 10% of American children have severe vitamin D deficiency and nearly 70% have sub-optimal vitamin D levels.  The Journal of Pediatrics, October 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.)