Sleep Behaviors That Increase Stroke Risk.
Using data from the INTERSTROKE study, researchers report the following sleep characteristics are associated with an elevate risk for stroke: short sleep (less than five hours), long sleep (longer than nine hours), poor quality sleep, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, prolonged napping, snoring, and sleep apnea. Neurology, April 2023
Read MoreGreenspaces May Help Protect Eyes of Diabetes Patients.
Adding to a growing body of research on the benefits of greenery on public health, an analysis of data from a long-term study that included nearly 60,000 diabetics found that living in a neighborhood with better access to greenspaces is associated with a lower risk for diabetic retinopathy. Environmental Research, March 2023
Read MorePoor Sleep Late in Pregnancy Linked to Postpartum Depression.
A systematic review that included ten studies concluded that poor sleep in the weeks prior to giving birth is associated with a 2.71 times increased risk for postpartum depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, April 2023
Read MoreLow Back Pain Is Common in Adolescents.
Questionnaires completed by 2,000 teenagers revealed that 57% experienced an episode of low back pain in the previous year. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, September 2022
Read MoreJust 20 Minutes of Exercise a Day Can Lower Risk for Hospital Stays.
For adults in middle and old age, a recent study found that getting just twenty minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risk of hospitalization from pneumonia, stroke, diabetes complications, and severe urinary tract infections by as much as 23%. JAMA Network Open, February 2023
Read MoreFoods to Avoid for Reducing Salt Intake.
The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences notes that the following foods may be most responsible for excessive sodium intake in the American diet: pizza; bread, rolls, and buns; cold cuts and cured meats; soups; burritos and tacos; savory snacks; poultry; cheese; pasta dishes; burgers; cookies, brownies, and cakes; bacon, frankfurters, and…
Read MoreParents Often Give Fever Meds to Kids Too Soon.
A survey of nearly 1,400 parents revealed that a third would still give their child fever-reducing medication at a temperature below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and half would provide such pharmaceuticals at a temperature below 101.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, one-in-four parents would give their child an additional dose in an effort to keep such a low-grade…
Read MoreLifestyle Changes for Better Blood Pressure Management
The Mayo Clinic offers the following natural recommendations for individuals to lower their blood pressure: lose weight, get regular exercise, reduce sodium intake, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, learn to manage stress, get adequate sleep, monitor blood pressure at home, and let your family and friends know your goals so they can support your…
Read MoreBreathing Exercises May Hasten Concussion Recovery
In this study, researchers recruited 30 teenagers with concussion symptoms lasting longer than one month to participate in a breathing exercise intervention with or without aerobic exercise and found that the combination of breathing and aerobic exercise contributed to a speedier recovery. American Academy of Neurology, April 2023
Read MoreMany People Are Misguided on Low Back Pain
A recent survey found that 68% of adults falsely believe that rest is the best treatment for low back pain and incorrectly think remaining physically active while dealing with low back pain is unnecessary. Doctors of chiropractic routinely advise patients to stay active within pain tolerance and avoid prolonged bed rest when managing an episode…
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