Mental Attitude: Marriage Tied to a Longer Life.
It’s common knowledge that married people live longer than singles, but new research suggests the longevity gap is growing. In a study that compared data from 2017 to 2010, researchers found that the age-adjusted death rate for married individuals fell 7% during this time compared with only a 2% decline among those who were never married and no change for divorcees. On the other hand, the age-adjusted death rate for widows increased 6% during this time.
National Center for Health Statistics, October 2019
Health Alert: Heart Patients Often Have Sleeping Problems.
A review of the health histories of 202 patients at a cardiology clinic revealed that 60% had at least one sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. This adds to a growing body of research that suggests that sleep disorders may play a role in several negative health outcomes.
Laryngoscope, September 2019
Diet: Home Cooked Meals Linked to Fewer Harmful Chemicals (PFAS).
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals found in packaged foods, which past animal studies have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, liver and kidney disease, adverse effects on the immune system, and carcinogenic effects. In a new study, researchers reviewed diet information and blood work concerning 10,106 adults and identified a correlation between eating at home and having lower levels of PFAS in the blood. Furthermore, those who more frequently dined at restaurants, consumed fast food, or ate microwave popcorn had more PFAS in their blood. Co-author Dr. Kathryn Rodgers explains, “The general conclusion here is the less contact your food has with food packaging, the lower your exposure to PFAS and other harmful chemicals… These latest findings will hopefully help consumers avoid these exposures and spur manufacturers to develop safer food packaging materials.”
Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2019
Exercise: Pick Up the Pace for Better Cognitive and Overall Health.
New research that looked at data concerning nearly 1,000 individuals who participated in a 40-year study suggests that a faster walking pace is associated with higher scores on cognitive assessments, a more robust immune system, and healthier teeth and lungs.
JAMA Network Open, October 2019
Chiropractic: Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Alignment.
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one spinal vertebra slips over the one immediately underneath it. In a recent study, researchers reviewed lateral lumbar radiographs of 104 patients with low back pain and found that high pelvic incidence and increased lumbar lordosis were significant predictors for anterior slippage of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The findings suggest that maintaining proper spinal and pelvic alignment could reduce the risk for spondylolisthesis. Doctors of chiropractic often treat spondylolisthesis with spinal manipulation and exercise instruction.
Journal of Orthopedic Science, October 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Easing Hot Flashes.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that about two-thirds of menopausal women in North America suffer from hot flashes. To relieve hot flashes, the clinic recommends identifying and avoiding triggers such as heat, smoking, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress.
Cleveland Clinic, September 2019
