Health Alert: Fluoridated Drinking Water Associated with Higher Rates of Thyroid Problems.

United Kingdom researchers have found a correlation between the amount of fluoride in public drinking water and an increase in the incidence of underactive thyroid. They found that when fluoride levels exceed 0.3 milligrams per liter, the risk for having an underactive thyroid increases by 30%. The researchers believe that efforts to strengthen dental health should move away from fluoridated water and focus on topical fluoride-based and non-fluoride-based interventions. Dr. Terry Davies, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City writes, “This dramatic increase in thyroid dysfunction associated with fluoridation of the water supply adds to previous studies indicating that fluoride has an inhibitory effect on the thyroid gland.” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, February 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Mobile App Promotes Sun-Safety.

Personalized, real-time sun protection advice provided by a smartphone app may help keep users from receiving a harmful dose of ultraviolet radiation by encouraging them to seek out shade. Participants in a recent study who used the Solar Cell mobile app were more likely to use wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, protective clothing, and stay in the shade than non-app users when researchers followed up with them seven weeks later. JAMA Dermatology, February 2015

Quote: “There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.” ~ Adrienne Rich

Wellness/Prevention: Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that can quickly lead to deadly consequences. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the Colorado State University Extension suggests the following: never run your car inside the garage, don’t burn charcoal inside an enclosed living area, don’t attempt to install or service a combustion appliance without proper knowledge, never attempt to heat your home with a gas range or dryer, and do not run an unvented gas-burning appliance inside a building. Colorado State University Extension, February 2015 Quote: “There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.” ~ Kazuo Ishiguro

Exercise: Yoga Gaining in Popularity in the United States.

Between 2002 and 2012, the percentage of adults who tried yoga increased from just under 6% to over 10%, with a similar trend observed among children and seniors. Yoga is described as an ancient art based on harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit which can lead to a sense of peace, well-being, and a feeling of being at one with the environment. National Center for Health Statistics, February 2015

Mental Attitude: Violent Crime Risk Rises with Depression.

An analysis of more than 47,000 Swedish men and women suggests that individuals with depression may be more likely to commit a violent crime that those without depression. Investigators found that nearly 4% of depressed men and 0.5% of depressed women in the study committed a violent crime in the three years following their depression diagnosis. In comparison, during the same time frame, the violent crime rates were just over 1% of men and 0.2% of women among Swedes in the general population without a depression diagnosis. Study author Dr. Seena Fazel adds, “One important finding was that the vast majority of depressed persons were not convicted of violent crimes, and that the rates reported are below those for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and considerably lower than for alcohol or drug abuse.” Lancet Psychiatry, February 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Blood Pressure Program Could Save Millions of Lives Globally.

Experts claim that treating half of individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure may prevent 10 million heart attacks and strokes worldwide over the next decade. In an attempt to get individuals around the globe into treatment and reduce their risk of premature death, a new program called the Global Standardized Hypertension Treatment Project has been launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization. CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden adds, “Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and the question is not whether treatment of hypertension should be undertaken on a global scale, but how quickly effective programs can be established.” The Lancet, February 2015

Quote: “Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that’s what makes you strong.” ~ Sarah Dessen

Chiropractic: Chronic Pain May Increase Fall Risk for Seniors!

Serious injuries resulting from falls can significantly impact both independence and quality of life among elderly patients. While impaired motor function is typically associated with greater fall risk, a new report finds that older adults with normal motor function and chronic musculoskeletal pain in multiple body sites also have an elevated risk for falling down. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, March 2015