Weekly Health Update
Week of: Monday, May 29th, 2017
Charlotte Garzon, D.C.
2406 NW 87th Pl
Doral, FL 33172
(305) 463-9697
“Life begins on the other side of despair.”
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
Mental Attitude: Music May Soothe Post-Op Pain.
Patients recovering from major surgery often struggle with pain and anxiety. In this study, 30 post-surgical patients participated in a 30-minute music therapy session within 72 hours of their operation that included singing, rhythmic drumming, and live music. Researchers found that those who participated in the music sessions experienced less subsequent pain than patients who received usual care. The findings suggest that music therapy could be helpful in reducing pain and medication use among post-op patients.
American Journal of Orthopedics, April 2017
Health Alert: Could Gray Hair Mean a Higher Risk for Heart Disease?
Atherosclerosis (the narrowing of the arteries due to the build-up of cholesterol and other substances on arterial walls) and graying hair have similar causes: the damaged DNA that comes with aging, increased oxidative stress, and the aging of cells. An observational study that included 545 adult men found that those with coronary heart disease had greater hair whitening and increased levels of coronary artery calcification than their healthier counterparts.
European Society of Cardiology, April 2017
Diet: How to Correctly Store Cooking Oils.
Heart-healthy cooking oils—such as olive, walnut, or avocado oil—have become popular in the kitchen as people seek to cook healthier dishes; however, you must be careful how you store such oils. The Cleveland Clinic offers these recommendations to ensure that you’re cooking with the best oil: over time, exposure to light or heat can affect the taste of oil, so store it in a cool, dark place; if your oil begins to taste a bit off, replace with a fresh bottle; grapeseed and walnut oils should be stored in the refrigerator, as they can become rancid quickly; most other oils can be refrigerated; and though refrigerated oils may appear cloudy, that effect disappears when they reach room temperature.
The Cleveland Clinic, April 2017
Exercise: Carbs Help with Recovery After Intense Workout.
Current evidence strongly suggests that moderate to intense physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various forms of cancer, and it may even improve longevity overall. However, prolonged, intense physical exercise can have negative effects on the immune system. A new study finds that consuming carbs (such as a banana, for example) during or immediately after exercise reduces exercise-related immunodepression and helps the body to recover, particularly for those who undertake high-intensity activity for sessions of 90 minutes or more.
Journal of Applied Physiology, March 2017
Chiropractic: How Often Do Children Have Back Pain?
Spinal pain is a common condition among children and adolescents. In this study, researchers monitored school children ages eight to fifteen for three years and found 55% experienced one or more episodes of back pain during that time. Though most children had only a few short-lasting episodes of spinal pain, more than one out of five children had three or more episodes during each study year, and 17% of all episodes lasted for more than a month. The investigators note the study demonstrates that spinal pain is a substantial problem among children, and further research is needed to determine preventive measures and management. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat children with musculoskeletal pain.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, March 2017
Wellness/Prevention: A Clean Bedroom Can Aid Sleep.
An organized and comfortable bedroom can help you reduce stress and help you to sleep more soundly. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following to help organize your room: remove all electronics, including the TV; use light bulbs that are 60 watts or less; make sure curtains black out sunlight; check your mattress for signs of wear; consider replacing the mattress if you wake with pain; replace worn sheets, and check that pillows are soft, fluffy, and supportive; keep your bedroom cool by using a fan; and de-clutter your room by clearing out unneeded furniture.
National Sleep Foundation, April 2017
