Health Alert: E-Cigarettes Increase Risk for Lung Disease.
An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System revealed that e-cigarette usage is associated with a 26% increased risk for asthma and a 44% elevated risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tobacco Induced Diseases, April 2021
Diet: Nuts Are Good for the Heart.
Experts from the Mayo Clinic note that regularly eating nuts can improve low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels; make arteries healthier; reduce the risk for blood clots; and lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood that are associated with heart disease.
Mayo Clinic News Network, March 2021
Exercise: Exercise Is Good for the Brain.
Reduced blood flow to the brain and stiffer blood vessels in the neck are often seen in patients with mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. In a recent experiment that included 70 older men and women with MCI, researchers observed that participants who engaged in a brisk walk exercise program experienced improved blood flow to the brain, as well as increased blood vessel flexibility in the neck. Study leader Dr. Rong Zhang writes, “This [study] is part of a growing body of evidence linking exercise with brain health… We’ve shown for the first time in a randomized trial in these older adults that exercise gets more blood flowing to your brain.”
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, March 2021
Chiropractic: Acute Back Pain Can Become Chronic Back Pain.
A review of records involving 5,233 patients who sought treatment for acute low back pain revealed that 32% went on to develop chronic low back pain. Further analysis suggests the following are associated with an increased risk for progression to chronic low back pain: obesity, smoking, severe disability, depression/anxiety, and a prescription of opioids within the first 21 days.
JAMA Network Open, February 2021
Mental Attitude: Vitamin B7 May Be Important for Mental Health.
Assessments completed by 7,387 adults revealed that a high intake of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is associated with a lower risk for depression, anxiety, and stress. Dietary sources of biotin include eggs, legumes, nuts/seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, broccoli, and avocados.
Journal of Affective Disorders, March 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Reduce Parkinson’s Risk?
The current research suggests that regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet are two lifestyle choices that may reduce an individual’s risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, March 2021
