DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." ~ Napoleon Hill

Mental Attitude: Lower ADHD Rates in Sunny Regions. A new study suggests that sunlight may lower the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers mapped the number of ADHD diagnoses in the United States along with nine other countries and then compared this data to the sunlight intensity in those regions. They discovered that the regions with the most sunlight had ADHD diagnosis rates 50% lower than the regions with the least sunlight. Further research is needed to determine the link, as it could be sleep patterns, fitness levels, or other lifestyle differences. Previous studies have ruled out Vitamin D as a factor in ADHD prevalence. Biological Psychiatry, October 2013

Health Alert: Malaria Cases Reach Highest Levels in US in 40 Years. In 2011, 1,925 cases of malaria were reported in the United States (US). This is the highest level since 1971 and a 14% increase from 2010. Almost all cases were acquired overseas, supporting the importance of taking recommended precautions to guard against malaria when traveling to certain international destinations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2013

Diet: Do Calorie Labels Decrease Fast Food Consumption? In an effort to fight the obesity epidemic in the United States, the federal government now requires all restaurants with more than 20 locations to include caloric information on their menus. In low-income, urban areas, this strategy appears to have failed as researchers found that calorie labeling did not alter how many calories were purchased or how often fast food was consumed. Lead researcher Dr. Brian Elbel concludes, "Given the limits of labeling reported here and in other studies, it's clear that just posting calories is often not enough to change behavior among all populations. We need to consider other, more robust interventional policies in places where obesity is most prevalent."  NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine, November 2013

Exercise: Prehabilitation. Previous research has established that physically fit patients have a reduced risk for post-surgical complications. New research finds that even elderly cancer patients can reduce their risk for post-surgical complications (and the length of their hospital stay) by exercising just two days a week during the four weeks leading up to their surgery.  European Association of Urology, November 2013

Chiropractic: Purpose and Benefit. “The services provided by doctors of chiropractic (DCs)—which may include spinal adjustments or manipulation, rehabilitation, exercises, nutrition recommendations and ergonomic and lifestyle suggestions—can in some cases provide a healthy, natural alternative to mainstream drugs and surgery…or complement and enhance care from your medical provide.” American Chiropractic Association

Wellness/Prevention: Get Eight Hours of Consistent Sleep! A study involving 300 female college students found that those who went to sleep and woke up at around the same time every day and who also slept between 8 and 8.5 hours per night had the lowest levels of body fat. American Journal of Health Promotion, November 2013

(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.)