Health Alert: DNA Test May Help Spot a Range of Cancers.
Scientists have developed a new test that looks for cell-free DNA in blood samples, which is a telltale sign of nearly 50 types of cancerous tumors. Study leader Dr. Eric Klein “[The test] sets the stage for a new paradigm of screening individuals for multiple cancer with a single blood test, as opposed to the current situation where we screen for individual cancers.”
Annals of Oncology, June 2021
Diet: Start the Day with Chocolate?
A study involving 19 postmenopausal women found that consuming 100 grams of chocolate in the morning positively influenced fat burning and glucose levels throughout the day.
FASEB Journal, June 2021
Exercise: How Get Active in a Sedentary Job.
To offset some of the dangers associated with prolonged work-related sedentary activity, researchers recommend setting an alarm on your phone to go off every 30 minutes to initiate a quick, two-minute exercise session that may include walking in place, jogging in place, jumping jacks, walking lunges, sitting down and getting back out of your chair repeatedly, push-ups on the floor or on the edge of your desk, triceps-dips on the floor or on the edge of your desk, and wall sits.
Life and Health Network, July 2021
Chiropractic: Joint Gliding Improves Postural Stability and Pain.
Sustained natural apophyseal gliding (SNAGS) is a form of manual therapy provided by doctors of chiropractic that combines sustained facet (joint) gliding with active motion followed by overpressure. A study involving 64 patients suffering from flexion-dominant chronic low back pain found that SNAG is effective for reducing pain and improving postural stability patients with this condition.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, May 2021
Mental Attitude: Romantic Couples Often Start Out As Friends.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,900 college students and adults and found that 68% had current or recent romantic relationships that began as a friendship. Researcher Dr. Danu Anthony Stinson explains, “Relationships are super important for people’s lives. People want to choose good partners. They want to make choices that are going to help support their well-being, their goals, all these kinds of things.”
Social Psychological and Personality Science, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Playground Safety Tips.
Each year, more than 200,000 children end up in the emergency room as the result of a playground-related injury. To help reduce the risk for such injuries, Children’s Health recommends the following: choose the right playground equipment for your child’s age and skills; when possible, choose playgrounds with surfaces made from wood chips or shredded rubber to lessen the risk of injury; dress your child properly and avoid necklaces, scarves, purses, or clothing that could get caught around their neck or pose a hazard; use play equipment properly (don’t climb slides or jump from swings); and supervise your child closely while playing on the monkey bars, which cause half of all serious playground falls.
Children’s Health, July 2021