Health Alert: Big Rise in Meth and Fentanyl Use in Recent Years.
According to a study that compared urine drug test result data from 2013 and 2019, positive tests for methamphetamine increased from 1.4% in 2013 to 8.4% in 2019, while the detection rate for fentanyl increased from 1% to 5%. The findings suggest that methamphetamine- and fentanyl-related overdose deaths may continue to increase in the United States.
JAMA Network Open, January 2020
Diet: Beans Reduce Depression Risk?
Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey concerning over 46,000 Brazilian adults, researchers have identified an association between greater consumption of beans and up to a 26% reduced risk for depression.
Public Health (Brazil), December 2019
Exercise: High-Intensity Exercise May Help Epileptic Seizures.
In a recent case study, a woman with drug-resistant focal epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizure frequency upon switching from a moderate-intensity exercise program to a high-intensity fitness routine.
Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, December 2019
Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care for Seniors with Neck Pain.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 people aged 70 and older suffer from neck pain. A recent survey of 288 Australian chiropractors revealed that seniors account for about a third of their patients, with neck pain affecting roughly half, often with co-morbid headaches. Among responders, the most common treatment approach for older adults with cervical pain included a combination of manual therapies (including manipulation and mobilization), neck-specific exercises, and self-management techniques.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, December 2019
Mental Attitude: Worrying Too Much?
Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive worrying that prevents a person from leading a normal life. According the National Institute of Mental Health, your worrying may be out of control if you worry intensely about everyday matters, have trouble controlling worries or feelings of nervousness, know that you worry more than you should, feel restless and have trouble relaxing, have difficulty concentrating, are easily startled, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, feel tired all the time, sweat a lot, and feel light-headed or out of breath. If you think your worrying may be out of control, speak with your doctor.
National Institute of Mental Health, January 2020
Wellness/Prevention: Help Your Child Lose Weight.
Obesity during childhood has been linked with several negative health outcomes that can persist and worsen in adulthood. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles notes that minor changes can help a child maintain a healthy weight: reduce or eliminate sweetened beverages, including soda; add more vegetables to family meals; make sure your family is eating a high-fiber diet; make sure your child is getting enough sleep; eat together as a family as often as possible; be a good role model by enjoying healthy food in front of your child; limit your child’s screen time to no more than two hours per day; and encourage your child to be active.
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, January 2020
