Exercise: Access to Physical Activity Could Reduce Health Costs.

New research finds that standardizing access to physical activity services such as classes or counseling to encourage exercise could help reduce costs associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Past research has linked lack of physical activity to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Lead researcher Dr. Cameron Moore adds, “These services can range from something as informal as an organized walking group, to something as structured as an aerobics class or counseling session. Physical activity services are certainly part of the broader health promotion picture, but they are unique in their cost-effectiveness and ability to improve health and well-being for all patients, not just those with a chronic condition.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, February 2015

Diet: Low-Fat, Plant-Based Vegan Diet Appears to Reduce Heart Disease Risk in Obese Minors.

Obese children and adolescents can reduce their risk of heart disease by adopting a low fat, plant-based vegan diet. Participants in a new study ate plants and whole grains, consumed no added fat or animal products, and limited consumption of avocado/nuts. This resulted in a reduced intake of animal protein from 42 grams a day to 2.24 grams a day, while their percentage of calories from fat and saturated fat fell to 18% and 3.6%, respectively. The research team found that this diet approach was effective in reducing a number of risk factors for heart disease such as body mass index and total cholesterol. The Journal of Pediatrics, February 2015

Health Alert: Teens Getting Less Sleep.

According to new research, the problem of American teens not getting enough sleep continues to worsen. In 1991, 71% of 15-year-olds reported getting seven of more hours of sleep per night. As of 2012, this percentage has decreased to 63%. The study shows that at age 13, approximately two-thirds of teens get at least seven hours of sleep a night and by age 18, that percentage drops to about one-third. Sleep experts have noted that too little sleep increases the risk of weight gain, poor school performance, depression, and other problems. Pediatrics, March 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Stay Healthier By Avoiding Menopausal Weight Gain.

The health consequences of weight gain during and after menopause can have significant health implications for aging women. The Mayo Clinic notes that women can help avoid menopausal weight gain by getting plenty of aerobic and strength training exercise, reducing calories by eating a healthier diet, and receiving support from loved ones and friends. The Mayo Clinic, February 2015

Quote: “The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have.” ~ Leonard Nimoy

Chiropractic: Resolution of Shoulder Pain Following Chiropractic Care.

A new case study sheds light on the benefits of chiropractic care for shoulder pain. A 73-year-old woman with a one-year history of shoulder pain presented for chiropractic care. Her working diagnosis included brachial neuritis, cervicalgia, arthritis, and cervical spinal joint fixations. She reported resolution of pain, and improvements in both function and quality of life following just eleven chiropractic treatments over the course of ten weeks. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, February 2015