Mental Attitude: Self-Harm Often Follows Economic Ruin.
Researchers in the United Kingdom report that self-harm behavior among middle-aged men increased 50% in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Senior study author Dr. Nav Kapur writes, “[Men] in midlife are a group we are particularly worried about because of their high rate of suicide… Our research highlights the potential importance of economic factors, so providing advice for unemployment, housing, and financial problems is likely to be helpful. But improving access to services and tackling alcohol misuse could have a big impact, too.”
British Journal of Psychiatry, May 2019
Health Alert: Many Middle-Aged Men Have Thinning Bones.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are often seen as a woman’s health issue, but a new study involving 173 middle-aged adults revealed that low bone mass in the hip was common in both sexes. The findings suggest that men should take steps to help ensure their bone health by eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium, getting adequate vitamin D, and performing weight-bearing exercise.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, May 2019
Diet: Healthier Diet Leads to Healthier Breastmilk.
A study involving 354 breastfeeding mothers and their children found that kids are less likely to be heavy for their age at six months when their mom eats a healthy diet. The researchers hypothesize that such children will also have a reduced risk for childhood obesity.
Nutrients, May 2019
Exercise: Exercise May Improve Depression, Diabetes Outcomes.
Past research suggests that diabetics have an elevated risk for depression. In a study involving type 2 diabetics under treatment for depression, those who also participated in an exercise program were significantly more likely to experience a resolution of their depressive symptoms.
Diabetes Care, May 2019
Chiropractic: Back Pain Is Common Among Blue Collar Workers.
An analysis of data concerning nearly 2,000 blue collar workers from different regions of the United States revealed that 25% experienced low back pain lasting longer than seven days during the previous year and 10% missed work due to the condition. However, only 14% sought care for their back pain.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, May 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Children & Pets.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) believes that teaching children how to care for a pet is an invaluable experience that can help kids develop much needed social skills and help them learn how to treat others nicely. The AACAP offers the following guidelines and advice to parents and guardians: children under the age of four should be monitored with pets at all times; children under ten are unable to care for large animals by themselves; parents must always oversee the pet’s care, regardless of the child’s age; and if a child neglects the pet, parents must take over or find a new home for the animal.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, June 2019