Posts by Dr. Youdeem
FDA Bans Lead in Hair Dyes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that lead acetate will no longer be approved as a hair color additive. Tom Neltner, the chemicals policy director at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains, “In the last several decades, we’ve seen tremendous progress in reducing exposure to lead from major sources. Given this progress and wide…
Read MoreCertain Chemicals Tied to Language Delays in Children.
A new study suggests that children may suffer a delay in language development if their mothers come into frequent contact with chemicals called phthalates early in their pregnancy. In a study that involved 1,370 pregnant women in Sweden and the United States, researchers found that children with higher exposure to two phthalates (dibutyl phthalate and…
Read MorePrevent Swollen Gums.
Unhealthy gums are often swollen, red, and painful. Triggers for swollen gums usually include poor dental care, malnutrition, poorly fitted dentures, or side effects of a medication. To prevent swollen gums, the National Library of Medicine recommends the following: consume a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; skip foods that…
Read MoreA Frozen Shoulder Causes More Than Pain.
Adhesive capsulitis (AC), also known as frozen shoulder, is described as a painful restriction of the shoulder’s range of motion and about 3% of adults will develop the condition in their lifetime. In this study, researchers examined 148 adults, half of whom had AC, and identified a strong association between pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance…
Read MoreCardiorespiratory Fitness Linked to Vitamin D Levels.
Among a group of 1,995 adults, researchers found that those with higher vitamin D serum levels also tended to have better cardiorespiratory fitness than participants with sub-optimal vitamin D readings. Researcher Dr. Amr Marawan adds, “Our study shows that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better exercise capacity… We also know from previous…
Read MorePlant-Based Diets Are a Great Option for Type 2 Diabetics.
A review of data from eleven clinical trials involving diabetics has identified an association between adopting a plant-based diet and improved physical and emotional quality of life. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, October 2018
Read MoreA Dangerous Synthetic Opioid Now Showing Up in Crack Cocaine.
Fentanyl-laced crack cocaine is causing life-threatening overdoses. According to researchers, within a four-day period, 18 patients in a Philadelphia hospital were treated for an apparent opioid overdose after using crack cocaine. Lead study author Dr. Utsha Khatri explains, “None of them had intended to use opioids or fentanyl, but their drug testing as well as…
Read MoreStigma of Autism Can Affect Psyche.
Social stigma may play a significant role in depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a study involving 111 autistic adults, researchers found that 72% of psychological distress reported by participants was due to social stigma such as discrimination and rejection. Study author Dr. Monique Botha writes,…
Read MoreWhen to Wash Your Hands.
Frequent hand washing is an excellent way to prevent illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that you should always wash your hands in the following instances: before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning…
Read MoreSleep Troubles May Predict Chronic Widespread Pain.
Over the course of an 18-year study, researchers observed that participants who developed problems with initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, early awakening, and non-restorative sleep had about double the risk for developing chronic widespread pain. Past research has uncovered a two-way relationship between poor sleep and musculoskeletal pain, underscoring the importance of seeking care to manage…
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