Posts by Dr. Youdeem
Extra Body Fat Increases Risk of Breast Cancer.
Older women who have extra body fat may face a greater risk of breast cancer, even when their weight falls in the normal range. An analysis of data concerning 3,460 women, aged 50 to 79, showed that those with higher body fat levels had up to double the risk for developing estrogen receptive positive breast…
Read MoreFacing Death Brings Wisdom.
Terminal illness appears to bring newfound and profound wisdom. In this study, patients in hospice care admitted that facing their own mortality and imminent death changed how they viewed wisdom, and they often desired to find peace or acceptance as their health declined. Researcher Dr. Lori Montross-Thomas explains, “It wasn’t passive ‘giving up,’ but rather…
Read MoreChew Gum to Protect Your Teeth?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which can neutralize and wash away harmful acids produced by chewing food, offering some protection to the teeth. Currently, the ADA grants a Seal of Acceptance to companies that provide proof that their gum can safely and effectively…
Read MoreHow to Improve Your Chances for a Successful Outcome.
While nearly all of us will experience an episode of neck or back pain during our lifetime, not everyone recovers and many go on to experience chronic pain. In this study, researchers reviewed data from seven clinical trials and found that the more time a patient waited before seeking treatment for a musculoskeletal condition, the…
Read MoreAerobic Exercise May Delay or Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms.
A review of data from 19 published studies found that older adults either at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who engaged in an aerobic exercise program experienced an improvement in their cognitive function. Interestingly, the researchers observed that participants who performed only aerobic exercise fared better in regards to mental function than those…
Read MoreLow-Carb Diets Boost Risk for Serious Birth Defects.
Following a low-carb diet while pregnant may increase the risk of serious birth defects. In a new study, researchers found the pregnant women who reduced or eliminated carbs were 30% more likely to have babies with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly than women who didn’t restrict their carbs while pregnant. Study…
Read MoreAnother Reason to Quit Smoking…
According to a new study, smokers who abstain from tobacco products following a hospital stay are 30% more likely to report good health and 19% less likely to experience psychological distress during the following six months. Preventative Medicine, February 2018
Read MoreConcussions Tied to Increased Dementia Risk.
Experiencing a serious head injury appears to increase one’s risk for dementia later in life. A new large-scale study found that an individual’s risk for dementia can remain elevated by up to 25% even three decades after their head injury occurs. PLOS One, January 2018
Read MoreKeeping Drivers with Dementia Off the Road.
In this study, researchers analyzed data concerning nearly 137,000 older drivers in the United States who had been hospitalized after a crash and found that those in states with in-person license renewal laws were about 38% less likely to have dementia. Study co-author Dr. Steven Albert writes, “The results of our study point to age-based…
Read MorePoor Balance Linked to Back Pain.
A recent research review found that chronic low back pain can impair an individual’s standing balance. The authors of the review conclude, “Results from balance assessments should be used to indicate areas of improvement and help guide the course of treatment…” Disability and Rehabilitation, January 2018
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