Fitness May Lower Low Back Risks in a Physically Demanding Job.
Questionnaires completed by 204 warehouse workers revealed that one in four had low back pain. However, the researchers found greater handgrip strength—a measure used to assess physical fitness—is associated with a lower risk for pain in the low back. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Research, February 2023
Read MoreEven Exercise Once a Month Helps!
An analysis of data concerning 1,417 adults born in 1946 revealed that engaging in any intensity of physical activity at least once a month is associated with better cognitive function later in life. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, February 2023
Read MoreToo Little Sodium May Harm Heart Failure Patients.
To reduce fluid build-up and swelling, heart failure patients are advised to reduce their sodium intake to 2.5 grams a day (most Americans consume 3.4 grams in their daily diet). However, an analysis of data from nine studies found that cutting sodium to less than 2.5 grams a day does not confer additional heart benefits…
Read MoreCheck Your Water Heater Settings.
Between 2016 and 2018, more than 52,000 Americans visited the emergency room to receive treatment for scalding burns caused by hot tap water. Researchers note that water from a water heater set at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (~54 degrees Celsius) can cause a second-degree burn in 25 seconds, while setting the water heater to 140 degrees…
Read MoreLiving Near Green Spaces Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Following an analysis of long-term data on nearly 380,000 adults, researchers report that living within 1,000 feet of a residential green space is associated with a 14.4% lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes over the following twelve years. Science of the Total Environment, March 2023
Read MoreAlcohol May Speed Alzheimer’s Progression
In a recent study, researchers observed that mice at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease experienced faster increases in brain atrophy and amyloid plaque build-up if they consumed the human equivalent of 1-2 alcoholic drinks a day for about ten years. The findings suggest that alcohol consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s, though…
Read MoreSpinal Manipulation for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Among a group of 83 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, those who received six treatments of spinal manipulative therapy—the primary form of treatment provided by doctors of chiropractic—experienced improvements in low back-related pain, disability, and range of motion. Medicine (Baltimore), February 2023
Read MoreExercise Lowers the Risk for Many Diseases
The Mayo Clinic reports that regular exercise can help lower the risk and aid in the management of several diseases including stroke, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety disorder, arthritis, and some cancers. Mayo Clinic, February 2023
Read MorePsyllium Fiber May Protect Against Colitis
A recent animal study found that mice on a psyllium fiber-rich diet were less likely to develop colitis than rodents on a standard diet. The researchers note this is likely due to suppression of pro-inflammatory activity in the digestive tract. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 2023
Read MoreRegular Laxative Use Linked to Dementia.
An analysis of data concerning more than a half million adults revealed that regular laxative use increases the risk for dementia over the following decade by 28% and regular use of two or more laxatives boosts the risk up to 90%. Study author Dr. Feng Sha adds, “Regular use of laxatives, even without short-term severe…
Read More