Mental Attitude: Kids Can Suffer from Migraines Too.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, about 6% of children and more than 25% of teens ages 15-17 suffer from migraines. Many factors can contribute to childhood migraines, including too little or too much sleep and abnormal stress. Children with migraines should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for potential treatment options. American Migraine Foundation, February 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Young Children Cavity-Free.
Starting good dental habits at an early age is vital when it comes to the health of a child’s teeth. Dr. Gretchen Henson, a dentist at Interfaith Medical Center in New York, recommends that parents clean infant gums with a soft cloth after feeding and never let infants and toddlers sleep with bottles of milk or juice. Because tooth decay bacteria are highly contagious, she recommends that parents never lick a pacifier to clean it or share utensils with their child. Her other recommendations include limiting sugary drinks, avoiding all day snacking, brushings teeth twice daily, and start flossing early when two teeth touch. Interfaith Medical Center, February 2015
Chiropractic: Quick Recovery for Spinal Degeneration?
Lumber spinal stenosis is a condition that eventually leads to compression/choking of spinal nerve roots in the lower back that can produce tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs. A recent study found that just one spinal adjustment resulted in immediate improvements in perceived pain, spinal mobility, and hip flexion among men who suffer from osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. Further long-term studies are needed, but the findings are hopeful for those who are searching for relief from spinal degeneration symptoms. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, September 2014
Diet: Meat-Heavy Diet Increases Kidney Failure Risk for Kidney Disease Patients.
Individuals who suffer from kidney disease and routinely consume meat appear to have a greater risk for kidney failure due to the acidic nature of their diet. An analysis of nearly 1,500 kidney disease patients over a 14-year period revealed that those who consumed meat-heavy high-acid diets had a 300% greater risk for kidney failure than those who consumed fruit and vegetable-heavy low-acid diets. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, February 2015
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
Exercise: Combination of Coconut Oil & Exercise Reduces High Blood Pressure.
Brazilian researchers have discovered that combining exercise and daily consumption of coconut oil can reduce high blood pressure, at least in animal subjects. Using hypertensive rats, the researchers found that the combination of a daily intake of coconut oil and exercise restored baroreflex sensitivity and reduced oxidative stress, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure. Study co-author Dr. Valdir de Andrade Braga explains, “This is an important finding as coconut oil is currently being considered a popular ‘superfood’ and it is being consumed by athletes and the general population who seek a healthy lifestyle.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, February 2015
Aberdeen Chiropractic 