Mental Attitude: Chatting Before Bedtime…
The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following for enjoying a bedtime conversation with your partner without it affecting your sleep quality: talk about the events of the day or lighthearted topics; avoid emotional conversation that can work you up; put off disagreements until the next day; and don’t worry if you don’t feel like talking as sometimes just lying quietly and cuddling can aid in falling asleep.
National Sleep Foundation, September 2016

Health Alert: “Smoke Waves” Threaten the Western United States.
Persistent smoke waves from wildfires may increase in the future. Investigators examined levels of fine particulate matter in 16 Western states from 2004 to 2009 and estimated that incidents of two or more days of high pollution from wildfires will grow by 57% in frequency and 31% in intensity over the next 40 years. As a result, the smoke-wave season will likely lengthen by about 15 days in nearly two-thirds of the regions assessed. Study author Dr. Jia Coco Liu adds, “More people in the Western [United States] are likely to experience high-pollution episodes from wildfires, and the pollution episodes are likely to be more frequent, last longer, and be more intense.”
Climatic Change, July 2016

Diet: Diet Can Assist in the Healing Process.
Your body requires essential nutrients and calories to help heal itself, so the food you eat plays a significant role in healing. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following to help aid in recovery: eat enough calories and make sure you consume a balanced intake of protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains; drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and opt for low-fat milk, water, tea, 100% fruit juice, and other unsweetened beverages in place of sugary drinks; consult with a registered dietitian if you have wounds that require special care and dietary needs; and control diabetes to help promote better wound healing.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, September 2016

Exercise: Regular Exercise Can Reduce Healthcare Costs.
Researchers reviewed data on more than 26,000 Americans and found that the average adult with heart disease who exercised on a regular basis saved about $2,500 in healthcare costs in 2012. The researchers estimate that if just 20% of physically inactive heart disease patients exercised regularly, it could save the United States billions of dollars a year in healthcare costs. They also estimate that healthy individuals without heart problems who met recommended exercises guidelines saved about $500 per year in healthcare costs in 2012. Study author Dr. Khurram Nasir notes, “The message to the patient is clear: There is no better pill in reducing the risk of disease and healthcare costs than optimizing physical activity.”
Journal of the American Heart Association, September 2016

Chiropractic: Restoring Normal Cervical Curvature Reduces Common Cause of Neck Pain.
A study involving 40 patients examined the benefits of restoring cervical lordosis (normal neck curvature) and reducing anterior head translation (forward neck posture) in individuals with diskogenic cervical radiculopathy. Cervical diskogenic pain originates from a damaged intervertebral disk and can lead to arm pain due to nerve irritation or compression. In the study, researchers found that implementing a program to improve cervical curvature and head posture improved neck and arm pain in those with this condition. Restoring cervical lordosis and improving posture is a common treatment approach of chiropractors when managing such neck pain.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, August 2016

Wellness/Prevention: Diabetes Can Be Tough on Skin.
Skin problems are common among individuals with diabetes, but a daily preventative skin-care routine can offer some protection. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following to protect your skin if you have diabetes: control your blood sugar; moisturize skin well; keep bath/shower lukewarm instead of hot; clean and care for any cuts or scrapes promptly; follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on use of antibiotic ointment; increase the humidity in your home during the dry months; use a mild shampoo and soap; check and care for your feet every day; and talk to your healthcare provider about any skin care concerns.
American Diabetes Association, September 2016