DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Thursday, November 14, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well lived.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Mental Attitude: Communication During Weight Loss Key to Successful Relationships. Losing excess weight and embarking on the path to a healthier lifestyle is a positive life change; unfortunately, if couples aren't supportive of one another, it can also cause tension in the relationship. In fact, new research shows some people struggle with insecurities if one partner changes their lifestyle and diet and the other does not. If both partners are not supportive of one another and do not encourage each other in a positive way, the relationship can suffer. North Carolina State University, October 2013

Health Alert: Breast Milk Bought Online Dangerous? The first study to examine the safety of breast milk sold online found that 74% of the breast milk samples contained high bacterial counts that could cause infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. The researchers emphasize that breast milk banks are a "safer alternative" to purchasing breast milk online for mothers who are unable to produce their own. Pediatrics, October 2013

Diet: Cabbage Compound Protects Tissue From Radiation. Laboratory studies on rats have found that a compound called 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) protects healthy tissue when it's exposed to lethal doses of radiation. This could serve as a possible treatment for humans undergoing radiation therapy. DIM is present in cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.   PNAS, October 2013

Exercise: Physiology Improved by Making Music at the Gym. New research from Germany has found that making music while doing strenuous activity reduces perceived effort. In this study, electronic sensors were applied to gym equipment that produced a range of tones when used. Participants worked out in groups of three and their combined actions produced a melody that encouraged them to keep up their efforts. Additionally, metabolic measurements showed the participants' muscles used less energy, making them more effective physiologically. PNAS, October 2013

Chiropractic: Unfreeze that Shoulder. A 53-year-old woman diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) had been unable to obtain relief with medications, analgesics, and physical therapy. At the start of chiropractic care, her shoulder was almost completely immobile and she suffered from severe pain. Instrument mechanical low-force adjustments were delivered to the shoulder and neck, ultimately resolving her symptoms.   Journal of Manipulation Physiological Therapeutics, February 1995

Wellness/Prevention: Weight-Loss Groups Better than Self-Help Approach. A new study suggests that community-based weight loss programs, such as Weight Watchers, help dieters lose more weight than those who try on their own. Researchers found that the participants in the weight-loss group lost an average of 10.1 pounds (~4.5 kg) in six months, compared with a loss of just 1.3 pounds (~.6 kg) in the self-help group. The American Journal of Medicine, 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.)