Mental Attitude: Asthma May Increase Postpartum Depression Risk.
A review of data concerning over 200,000 new mothers found that those with asthma were 58% more likely to develop postpartum depression within one year of the birth of their child. The researchers conclude, “A close monitoring of signs of depression for pregnant women with asthma is indicated, allowing prompt and efficient interventions if needed.”
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2018
Health Alert: Diabetes Linked to Arthritis and Osteoporosis.
Data from a Danish National Health Survey involving 109,218 adults over the age of 40 showed that those with diabetes were 33% more likely to have osteoarthritis, 70% more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis, and 29% more likely to have osteoporosis. Low back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain were also more common among diabetics. Researchers suspect that the relationship between these conditions and diabetes may be due to the presence of chronic inflammation.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes, October 2018
Diet: Diet May Affect Breast Cancer Risk.
A new animal study suggests that the breast glands have a “microbiome” that’s influenced by diet—just like the gut! In the study, researchers found that monkeys fed a Mediterranean-style diet had a different mix of bacteria in their breast tissue than those fed a Western-style diet. Specifically, the researchers observed a ten-fold increase in lactobacillus in the mammary glands of the monkeys in the Mediterranean-style diet group, which past studies have demonstrated can inhibit breast cancer tumor growth.
Cell Reports, October 2018
Exercise: Fitness May Improve Cancer Survivability!
In this study, researchers found that men with greater cardiorespiratory fitness at the time of their cancer diagnosis were 23% less likely to die during the following five years than those with poor fitness scores.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, October 2018
Chiropractic: Back Pain is a Major Problem for Med School Students.
Brazilian researchers interviewed 629 medical school students and found that 77% of female students and 51% of male students experienced periods of recurrent back pain. One in five said their back pain interfered with social activities, while about 30% noted back pain interfered with either physical activities or school activities. The research team also noted a strong association between the risk of recurrent back pain and poor posture habits among the participants in the study.
Clinical Rheumatology, October 2018
Wellness/Prevention: Coping with Cancer.
The American Cancer Society offers the following advice for individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis: become informed about your cancer and how you can improve your health; face your fears, but don’t dwell on them; express your feelings to a loved one or counselor; enjoy the present, rather than dwelling on the future or past; make time to do what you want; maintain a positive attitude; identify things you feel grateful about; eating well and exercise; rest often; and explore different ways to relax.
American Cancer Society, October 2018