Health Alert: Endometriosis May Increase Some Pregnancy Risks.
Endometriosis is a potentially painful condition that occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. A review of findings from 39 studies revealed an association between endometriosis and an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental abruption, cesarean section, and stillbirth.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2021
Diet: Food Choices Can Affect Breast Cancer Survival.
For breast cancer patients, the current data suggests that a diet pattern featuring a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes and avoids added sugars, sugary drinks, and calorie-dense foods is associated with increased survivability from the disease.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, February 2021
Exercise: Grip Strength May Identify Individuals at Risk for Heart Disease.
Handgrip strength is a tool used by researchers to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. A study that reviewed health records of over 3,000 middle aged and older adults identified an association between reduced grip strength and greater calcium build-up in the aortic artery, a risk factor for heart disease.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, November 2020
Chiropractic: Sit-to-Stand Rotation and Low Back Pain.
An experiment that included 24 individuals revealed that standing with seated breaks at a 3:1 ratio may be an effective strategy for mitigating one’s risk for experiencing back pain associated with prolonged standing.
Ergonomics, December 2020
Mental Attitude: Regular Cannabis Use Linked to Declining IQ.
A review of long-term data concerning over 6,000 individuals revealed that frequent cannabis use from adolescence onward is associated with a drop in IQ of approximately two points by around age 40. Senior author Dr. Mary Cannon adds, “Previous research tells us that young people who use cannabis frequently have worse outcomes in life than their peers and are at increased risk for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Loss of IQ points early in life could have significant effects on performance in school and college and later employment prospects.”
Psychological Medicine, January 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Winter Wellness Tips.
The following tips may help one stay healthy during the colder months: shift your sleep cycle earlier by one hour; take magnesium, which is a common deficiency; practice simple breathing techniques to keep calm, focused, and energized; avoid drinking alcohol more than three days per week; improve vitamin D status with sun exposure, diet, or supplementation; exercise; increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids; take pre-biotics and probiotics; eliminate refined sugar and carbohydrates; and connect with others.
Forbes, January 2021