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Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Bipolar Disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder tend to have lower plasma levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids. Because omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in brain cell communication and are a major player in immune and inflammatory systems, researchers speculate that consuming more omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may benefit…
Read MoreObesity Linked to More Severe Bone and Joint Injuries. An analysis of data regarding 300 patients treated for multiple orthopedic injuries found that obesity complicates the treatment of broken bones and other major joint injuries. The authors of the analysis found that the more obese a patient was, the more likely they’d require surgery to…
Read MoreSlow Walking Speed May Be a Sign of Approaching Alzheimer’s Disease. In a recent study, researchers found an association between slow walking speed and the presence of amyloid in key regions of the brain involved in motor function. The development of amyloid plaques in the brain is thought to trigger the disruption and destruction of…
Read MoreVitamin D supplements may improve exercise performance and lower the risk of heart disease. Researchers say that vitamin D can block the action of an enzyme called 11-ßHSD1, which assists in making the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of this hormone can increase blood pressure by restricting the arteries, narrowing blood vessels, and encouraging the…
Read MoreLow back pain can be a significant safety risk for a pilot, as it can become a distraction during flight. In a recent case study, a pilot sought a non-pharmacological and noninvasive therapy option for his chronic low back pain. After just three sessions of manual treatment to address sacral, pelvic, and lumbar dysfunction, the…
Read MoreThe odds of being depressed after a heart attack appear to be significantly lower for those who had been physically active during the years before their heart attack. Researchers found that those who engaged in regular physical activity in the ten years prior to their first heart attack had nearly a 20% lower risk for…
Read MoreRestaurants that list calorie counts on their menus offer more lower-calorie choices than those that don’t provide such information. An analysis of menus from one hundred of the largest chain restaurants in the United States found those with voluntary calorie labeling averaged 140 fewer calories per selection. Co-author Dr. Julia Wolfson writes, “The biggest impact…
Read MoreSerum tests of 188 seniors living in a community setting showed 20% were dehydrated at the time their blood was drawn. Dehydration can be a serious problem among the frail elderly, as it can impair cognition and renal function. The researchers note thirst was not associated with hydration status in this group, suggesting caregivers need…
Read MoreAfter adjusting for depressive symptoms, individuals with high anxiety appear to have a greater risk for dementia later in life. Researchers used data from the Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging, a multi-decade study that has followed twins who were separated early in life. They found when only one twin (either identical or fraternal) had…
Read MoreJust a few bad habits can affect sleep quality. The National Sleep Foundation lists the following sleep-stealing practices you should avoid: consuming caffeine within six hours before bedtime; drinking alcohol or eating a large meal or snack before bed; insufficient exercise; having a TV or other technology in the bedroom; and sleeping late during weekends.…
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