DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Thursday, April 3, 2014 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it.” ~ L.M. Montgomery

Mental Attitude: Meditation Beneficial for Teens with Cancer. New research suggests that mindfulness-based meditation can improve mood and sleep for teen cancer patients. This type of meditation has been described as a group program that practices various meditation techniques, including those focused on breathing and body awareness. The study included thirteen teens who completed a series of questions pertaining to emotions, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life. They then took part in a once a week, eight-week meditation program. The results showed decreased depression and improved sleep quality after the program ended. The findings suggest mindfulness-based interventions for teenagers with cancer can lighten the psychological inconveniences of living with the disease. American Psychosomatic Society Annual Meeting, March 2014

Health Alert: Every Minute Counts During a Stroke. A new report shows that for every minute treatment is accelerated, a stroke patient gains 1.8 days of healthy life. However, every 15-minute delay in treatment results in a loss of one month of healthy life. Researchers note that the clot-busting drug used to treat ischemic stroke should be administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, as the sooner it is given, the better the outcome. Stroke, March 2014

Diet: The Five-Second Rule. Researchers have found that the time food spends on the floor and type of flooring affects how many germs are transferred to the food we drop. They found that carpet was least likely to transfer germs, while solid surfaces increased the risk of germ transfer after five or more seconds. Furthermore, they surveyed individuals’ willingness to eat dropped food. Dr. Anthony Hilton, a professor of microbiology at Aston University in England, says, "Our study showed, surprisingly, that a large majority of people are happy to consume dropped food, with women the most likely to do so, but they are also more likely to follow the 5-second rule, which our research has shown to be much more than an old wives' tale.” Aston University, March 2014

Exercise: Genes Affect Seniors' Response to Exercise. Exercise has been repeatedly shown to slow age-related declines in physical function and is highly recommended for seniors. However, the way that older people respond to exercise varies. New research suggests that a specific genotype called ACE I/D may be a significant factor in how their bodies respond to a particular fitness regimen. These finding may be used to develop more effective, individualized exercise recommendations for seniors to aid in improving physical function and preventing disability. Physiological Genomics, March 2014

Chiropractic: Ease Your Headaches. When compared with various soft tissue treatments, previous studies have shown that a course of spinal manipulation produces sustained improvements in the frequency and pain severity of cervicogenic headaches. Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, February 2001

Wellness/Prevention: Gut Bacteria Important for Immunity. A new study involving mice reveals that gut bacteria play an essential role in the development of white blood cells. White blood cells are very important as they provide the first line of defense against invading pathogens. The researchers also found that when gut bacteria were killed by antibiotics, infection rates increased. Cell Host & Microbe, March 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.)