Health Alert: Sleep Apnea Can Affect the Autonomic Nervous System.
A review of data from 71 studies suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can affect autonomic nervous system functions related to relaxation, digestion, stress response, and heart rate. The authors of the review speculate this may be the mechanism by which sleep apnea increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Sleep Medicine Reviews, March 2021
Diet: Poor Diet is Bad for Brain and Gums.
New research suggests that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet—an eating pattern characterized by a high intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy products, and refined grains—is associated with an elevated risk for both periodontitis and cognitive dysfunction.
Nutrients, March 2021
Exercise: Avoid Uninterrupted Sedentary Time.
Past research has shown that prolonged periods of sedentary behavior can lead to the accumulation of biomarkers in the blood that are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. In this study, researchers found that breaking up sessions of sedentary activity every 15 minutes with just a small amount of physical activity of any intensity can counteract much of the negative effects of prolonged inactivity.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, April 2021
Chiropractic: Manual Therapy Effective and Safe for Cervicogenic Cephalic Syndrome.
Cervicogenic cephalic syndrome is a condition characterized by headaches and dizziness caused by dysfunction in the neck. A recent literature review found that manual therapies, such as those provided by doctors of chiropractic, are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with cervicogenic cephalic syndrome.
Medicine, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Suicide Risk Elevated Among Nurses.
Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers report that individuals in the nursing profession have an 18% increased risk for suicide compared with the general population. The authors of the study note that further research is necessary to gain a greater understanding of why nurses are at elevated risk for suicide and to identify interventions to address the issue.
JAMA Psychiatry, April 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Take Microbreaks to Stay Sharp at Work.
Microbreaks are short timeouts from work functions that usually involve activities like getting a snack, chatting with co-workers, stretching, or doing a crossword puzzle that can help workers maintain their energy levels and stay productive throughout the day.
Journal of Applied Psychology, March 2021
