Posts by Dr. Youdeem
Obesity Rates Holding, But Still High.
While obesity rates appear to be leveling off in the United States, experts say that rates are still far too high. The data show adult obesity rates exceeded 30% over the last year in 25 states, and rates topped 35% in five states. Overall, forty-six states had an obesity rate above 25%—a sharp contrast to…
Read MoreDementia on the Decline Among Older Americans.
An analysis of data from the Einstein Aging Study indicates that today’s older adults are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than those from the previous generation. Experts suspect this decrease may be due to efforts aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease, which studies show may play a role in the…
Read MoreAvoiding Animal Bites.
The majority of animal bites are caused by a pet, either yours or someone else’s. While wild animal bites are rare, they can happen if the animal feels threatened or sick. To prevent animal bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: never pet or feed an animal that you don’t know;…
Read MoreDoes Osteoporosis Affect Spinal Alignment?
Women with osteoporosis are more likely to have greater curvature in their thoracic and lumbar spine than other females their age, suggesting they may have a greater risk for neck and back pain. This study also found that individuals with osteoporosis tend to score lower on quality of life assessments for physical activity, bodily pain,…
Read MoreResistance Training Benefits Those with MS.
New research suggests that resistance training can slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In a new study, researchers followed 35 individuals with MS for six months. Half of the participants engaged in resistance training twice a week, while the others continued to live their normal routine. Using MR scans, researchers observed that participants who…
Read MoreLow-Calorie Diet May Slow Aging.
A study involving mice suggests that a low-calorie diet can slow the natural aging process. In the study, investigators discovered that as mice age, the biological clock in their stem cells shift its focus onto other cell processes. Basically, the stem cells become less concerned with maintaining tissue and more focused on dealing with activities…
Read MoreOpioid-Linked Fatal Car Crashes on the Rise.
The number of drivers killed in car crashes under the influence of prescription painkillers has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In this study, researchers focused on male drivers who died within one hour of a motor vehicle crash and found that the prevalence of prescription narcotics increased from around 1% between 1995 and…
Read MoreVitamin E and Alzheimer’s Disease.
An evaluation of data from 17 published studies indicates an association between low serum levels of vitamin E and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, possibly due to the vitamin’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, August 2017
Read MoreCool That Heat Rash.
During hot and humid weather, people can develop the bumpy, itchy skin referred to as a heat rash. To combat this problem, the American Academy of Family Physicians advises the following: stay indoors when it is hot and humid, run air conditioning or use fan to stay cool; apply a cold compress to the rash;…
Read MoreMusculoskeletal Pain Is a Common Cause of Sick Leave During Pregnancy.
An electronic survey of 6,686 new mothers from twelve European countries revealed that about 50% took sick leave during their pregnancy. Of those who missed work, one in six did so because of pain in their neck, back, or pelvic girdle. The findings reveal the need for musculoskeletal care during pregnancy to help reduce pain…
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