DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Friday, January 03, 2014 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you're born to stand out?” ~ Oliver James

Mental Attitude: Youth Suicide Attempts May Lead to Mental Health Problems Later. According to a new study, individuals under the age of 24 who attempt suicide have an increased risk of developing mental health and/or social problems later in life. The authors of the study conclude, "Our results suggest that young suicide attempters may warrant long-term follow-up and supportive care in the years after their attempt(s)… In an era of economic stress and scarce financial resources, young suicide attempters may be an important target for intervention and secondary prevention services." JAMA Psychiatry, December 2013

Health Alert: A Diagnostic Pill You Can Swallow. Scientists have developed a tiny capsule that can perform a chemical analysis in the stomach to identify the presence of blood in the digestive tract, thereby aiding in the detection of early-stage stomach cancer. Once the pill completes its task, the device is excreted with other solid waste without harm to the stomach or intestine. International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, December 2013

Diet: Eating Tomatoes May Help Prevent Breast Cancer! For postmenopausal women, their risk for developing breast cancer rises as their body mass index (BMI) increases. A 10-week study involving 70 postmenopausal women found that consuming tomatoes and tomato-based products containing at least 25 mg of lycopene each day increased levels of the hormone adiponectin by 9%. Adiponectin helps regulate blood sugar and fat levels, which in turn, could help women achieve and maintain a more healthy BMI score, thus decreasing their risk for breast cancer. According to study author Dr. Adana Llanos, "Eating fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals such as lycopene, conveys significant benefits. Based on this data, we believe regular consumption of at least the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables would promote breast cancer prevention in an at-risk population."  Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, December 2013

Exercise: High-Tech Athletic Shoe Can Improve Performance and Prevent Injury. Researchers have developed specialized running shoes that use sensors and microelectronics integrated into the sole to measure a runner's biomechanical data. The data can be transmitted to a smartphone to give the runner immediate feedback on training performance while also providing suggestions on improving his/her form and training routine. According to Dr. Andreas Heinig, a researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems, "The app could recommend running more slowly, for example, or rolling off the foot differently, suggest seeking a different running surface or stopping if necessary." Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, December 2013

Chiropractic: Immediate Improvements. New research reveals that a single cervical adjustment can greatly improve the neck's range of motion and joint function. This finding may help to explain why some patients experience reduced neck pain after just one chiropractic visit. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, May 2013

Wellness/Prevention: Compression Stockings as Treatment for Leg Ulcers. Venous leg ulcers occur when the veins in the leg become blocked or damaged. As a result, impaired healing and tissue breakdown occurs. These recurrent chronic wounds are painful and impact quality of life. New research shows that leg ulcers can be treated with compression stockings as opposed to using four-layer bandages with less recurrence and fewer nurse visits. This approach would most likely result in lower health care costs.  The Lancet, December 2013

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(This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic   advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice   and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.)