Mental Attitude: Premature Babies and Stress for Fathers…
In this study, researchers followed 86 parents of premature babies and found that both mothers and fathers had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva while their infant was in the hospital. However, the research team observed that after their baby came home, maternal cortisol levels stabilized while stress hormone levels increased in the fathers. Lead author Dr. Craig Garfield explains, “Dad goes from a situation where the baby and mom are cared for by experts in the hospital to having to simultaneously care for his baby, partner and work. He is supposed to be the ‘rock’ for his partner but the stress can really set in.” The findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on making fathers of premature babies comfortable and confident with their child.
Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, December 2017

Health Alert: Vaping May Lead to Smoking Among Teens.
Surveys completed by 800 high school students revealed that teens who have used an e-cigarette during the previous month are at least four times more likely to smoke a cigarette in the near future.
Pediatrics, December 2017

Diet: Too Much Takeout Food Bad for Kids’ Health.
In a new study, researchers monitored the eating habits and health of more than 1,900 children and found that those who regularly consumed takeout food typically had higher levels of body fat and blood cholesterol than those who usually ate meals prepared at home.
Archives of Disease in Childhood, December 2017

Exercise: Exercise Can Change Gut Microbes.
Researchers have discovered the first definitive evidence that exercise can change gut microbial composition independent of diet. In the study, researchers followed 18 lean and 14 obese sedentary adults for six weeks while they maintained their normal diet. A comparison of pre- and post-study fecal samples revealed increases in concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, which promote healthy intestinal cells, reduce inflammation, and generate energy.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, November 2017

Chiropractic: Improving Thoracic Posture Improves Lung Function.
This case study involved the non-surgical treatment of a 33-year-old male patient with straight back syndrome (lack of normal curve of the spine) using spinal traction and postural correction. After 16 weeks, the patient experienced a ten-degree improvement in thoracic spine curvature, a reduction in back pain, improved breathing, and a greater than two liter increase in lung capacity. The authors note this case study illustrates that non-surgical improvement of thoracic curvature is possible and can positively influence lung capacity, health, and function.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2017

Wellness/Prevention: Preventing Norovirus Infection.
Every year, the highly-contagious norovirus causes up to 21 million illnesses, about 70,000 hospitalizations, and up to 800 deaths in the United States alone. This virus in known to cause vomiting and diarrhea, and often lurks in confined areas. To help protect yourself from the norovirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: wash your hands often with soap and water; prepare food safely; disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated by someone who is sick; and wash laundry with hot water, especially if clothing is stained with contaminated fluids or waste.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2017