Researchers from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom say they have created the first blood test for detecting early-stage osteoarthritis (OA). Not only can this simple blood test detect OA before damage to the bone occurs but it can also distinguish between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lead researcher Dr. Naila Rabbani says, “This is a remarkable and unexpected finding. It could help bring early-stage and appropriate treatment for arthritis, which gives the best chance of effective treatment.” Scientific Reports, March 2015

Quote: “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” ~ Mark Twain

Chiropractic: Obesity, Smoking, & Drinking Associated with Low Back Pain.

New research presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting suggests that low back pain sufferers who smoke, drink, and/or are obese may possibly ease their agony by making healthier lifestyle choices. A review of data from 26 million men and women found that people who are smokers, are alcohol-dependent drinkers, and/or are categorized as obese are between four and five times more likely to currently experience back pain than individuals who don’t smoke or drink, and maintain a healthy weight. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 2015

According to new report, getting up and moving around at a normal pace after eating could save older people from falls caused by the sudden loss in blood pressure known as post-prandial hypotension. Researcher Dr. Renuka Visvanathan explains, “Simple, practical and cheap lifestyle interventions that older people can implement are highly desirable. The results showing that walking can be an effective strategy are pleasing, and will help in better understanding the overall picture of this common problem.” The University of Adelaide, March 2015

Taking vitamin D supplements may slow or reverse the progression of low-grade prostate tumors. In a new study, many of the men who received vitamin D supplements demonstrated improved outcomes while the men who received a placebo either experienced no change to their tumors or their tumors got worse. Researcher Dr. Bruce Hollis comments, “We don’t know yet whether vitamin D treats or prevents prostate cancer. At the minimum, what it may do is keep lower-grade prostate cancers from going ballistic.” American Chemical Society, March 2015

Children whose parents smoke have a higher risk of developing heart disease when they reach adulthood than children raised in smoke-free households. In a newly published study in the journal Circulation, researchers found that adults who were exposed to secondhand smoke from one or both parents during childhood were 1.7 times more likely to have carotid artery plaque buildup than those whose parents did not smoke. The authors note that their findings add to growing evidence that childhood exposure to secondhand smoke can have long-lasting effects on heart health. Circulation, March 2015

A recent study has discovered that adopted children tend to have a slightly higher IQ than their siblings who were raised by their biological parents. The difference, which equated to about 4 IQ points, appears to be the result of above average educational levels among the adoptive parents. While four points may not seem like much, it is the equivalent to moving up 10% in cognitive ability compared with the rest of the population. Study co-author Dr. Eric Turkheimer adds, “The more educated the adoptive parents are, the bigger the advantage for the child.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 2015