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Music and the Mind. Despite not having played an instrument in 40 years, researchers found that people who completed 4-14 years of music training early in life had a one millisecond faster response to speech sound than people who did not play an instrument during their youth. This finding suggests that musical training, early in…
Read MoreNeck Ribs? A cervical rib in humans is an extra rib which comes off of the seventh cervical vertebra. Sometimes known as “neck ribs”, their presence is a congenital abnormality located above the normal first rib, which comes off the first thoracic vertebra. A cervical rib is present in only about 1 in 500 (0.2%)…
Read MoreImprove Your Mood. Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself…
Read MoreHoliday Survival Guide. 1. Re-think appetizers. Incorporate healthier pre-meal snacks. Include berries, pineapple, and apples. 2. smaller portions. You can still taste all the foods without overeating. 3. Don’t get stuffed. Just because there is more food sitting around does not mean you need to eat more. 4. Have a calorie-free chat instead of second…
Read MoreNew Knees Please! Each year in the United States, over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed. Younger patients who are obese may experience the same amount of (or more) pain and functional disability as older patients. Over half of knee replacement patients under age 65 were considered technically obese compared to 43% of knee replacement…
Read MoreStress and Eating. Nearly half of Americans believe their stress has increased over the past five years, and 33% say they are living with extreme stress. People who overindulge and those who shun food in times of stress compensate for their behavior when positive events occur. Stress eaters eat less following a positive experience, while…
Read MorePhysical Fitness Helps the Heart Too! Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death among both men and women in the United States. After following 9,800 coronary heart disease patients for an average of 11 years, researchers found that the patients with higher levels of physical fitness were less likely to suffer a…
Read MorePain Relief! Patients with chronic spinal pain (either neck, mid-back, or low back) were randomized to receive NSAIDs (pain relief medication), acupuncture, or spinal adjustments. Care was provided for four weeks, followed by assessment of improvement. After 30 days, spinal manipulation was the only intervention that achieved statistically significant improvements in pain and disability. Journal…
Read MoreExercise Helps Arthritis. Seniors who participated in classes that promoted the self-management of arthritis through exercise reported decreased pain, improved mobility, reduced stiffness, more energy, and an improved quality of life. According to Dr. Linda Russell, a rheumatologist and chair of the Public and Patient Education Advisory Committee at Hospital for Special Surgery, “Getting seniors…
Read MorePickled Turnips? Scientists have discovered that the bacteria Lactobacillus brevis may prevent the flu. Lactobacillus brevis comes from Suguki, a pickled turnip popular in Japan. When a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis was eaten by mice, it showed protective effects against influenza infection. Suguki enthusiasts have often cited its protective powers, but it is not…
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