Health Alert: Early Signs of MS Often Missed.
Researchers examined the insurance records of nearly 198,000 adults and found that those eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) were more likely to make doctor visits for issues such as urinary problems, visual disturbances, abnormal skin sensations, impaired movement, and dizziness in the time preceding their diagnosis. Recognizing these clusters of symptoms could help doctors identify patients who may be at increased risk for MS earlier in the course of the disease when treatment may be more effective.
Neurology, June 2021
Diet: Western Diet Linked to Skin & Joint Inflammation.
New research suggests that the high-fat, high-sugar Western diet can negatively affect the population of bacteria in the gut, contributing to skin and joint inflammation symptoms such a psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On the other hand, switching to a healthier dietary pattern may help to reduce these issues.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, June 2021
Exercise: Benefits of Using Dumbbells.
The American Council on Exercise notes that incorporating dumbbells into your workout can offer the following benefits: promotes muscle growth, improves cardiovascular health, aids in weight loss, leads to greater muscle activation, improves muscle endurance, benefits contractile and elastic components of muscle tissues, and helps maintain bone health.
American Council on Exercise, July 2021
Chiropractic: Myofascial Release Offers Benefits to Those with Back Pain.
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. A recent meta-analysis concluded that myofascial release offers significant benefit for reducing disability in patients with low back pain. This form of treatment is often used in combination with other manual therapies and specific exercises in the management of low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, June 2021
Mental Attitude: People with Anorexia or Depression Feel Things Differently.
According to a study that included over 1,200 participants, half of whom have a history of mental illness, individuals with bipolar disorder, anxiety, major depression, anorexia, and schizophrenia exhibit altered brain activity in a region of the brain called the dorsal mid-insula, which helps manage how the body senses internal sensations like pain, hunger, and the need to use the restroom.
American Journal of Psychiatry, June 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Nail Fungus.
A fungal nail infection presents as thickening of the nail, often with a yellow, brown, or chalky white tinge. Once a fungal infection begins, it can be difficult to manage, hence the importance of taking steps to prevent an infection in the first place. WebMD offers the following prevention tips: be careful around fungal hotspots by wearing shoes in locker rooms, at swimming pools, or in public showers; clip nails carefully to avoid skin cuts, which invite infection; and clean your nails with soap and water, using a nailbrush if needed.
WebMD, July 2021