DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Friday, August 30, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Mental Attitude: Mental Conditions Linked To Genetics. Researchers analyzed common genetic variations in thousands of individuals with disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results of the analysis showed overlaps in common gene variants for the following disorders: Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - 15%, Bipolar disorder and depression - 10%, Schizophrenia and depression - 9%, Schizophrenia and autism – 3%. This genetic evidence may have important implications for future diagnosis and research.    Nature Genetics, August 2013

Health Alert: Acetaminophen Warning For Rare Skin Reactions. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the popular pain reliever acetaminophen may cause rare, but potentially serious, skin reactions. Although the reactions are rare, they can include rash, blisters, and widespread damage to the surface of skin. The FDA advises anyone taking acetaminophen who develops a rash or other skin reaction to "stop taking the product immediately and seek medical attention right away."   Food and Drug Administration, August 2013

Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Prevent Oral and Skin Cancers. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help in the prevention of early and late stage oral and skin cancers. The research mainly focused on a type of cancer called squamous-cell carcinoma. In vitro tests were performed by adding fatty acids into cell cultures and the results showed that omega-3 fatty acids induced cell death in malignant and pre-malignant cells in doses that did not affect normal cells. This suggests Omega-3 fatty acids could be used for the prevention and treatment of oral and skin cancers in the future.  Carcinogenesis, July 2013

Exercise: Walk or Cycle to Work. A recent study found that people who walked or cycled to work were about 25% less likely to be overweight than commuters who got to work by taxi or car.  American Journal of Preventive Medicine, July 2013

Chiropractic: Have Fibromyagia? Try Chiropractic. The authors of a study of 21 fibromyalgia patients concluded that chiropractic treatment resulted in significant improvement in flexibility of the neck, low back, and hips, as well as a decrease in pain levels.    Journal of Manipulative Therapeutics, July 1997

Wellness/Prevention: What is Your Vitamin D Blood Level? Having a blood tests to measure the amount of vitamin D in your blood is the only way to know if you’re getting enough or too much vitamin D. The test you need is called the 25(OH)D blood test. You can obtain a blood test at your Medical Physician's office, you can order an in-home test online, or find the nearest laboratory that tests blood. Your tests results will show whether you’re getting the right amount of vitamin D or not, and whether you may need to adjust your sun exposure or supplement dosage. The Vitamin D Council suggests 50 ng/ml as an ideal level. The Vitamin D Council, July 2010