DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Friday, October 04, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.”          Margaret Mitchell

Mental Attitude: Playing with Blocks. Regularly playing with blocks may help preschoolers develop spatial skills that will make complex mathematical problem solving easier as they progress through school.   Child Development, September 2013

Health Alert: Hygiene Linked to Alzheimer's Risk. People who live in wealthier countries with better hygiene are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe that reduced exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms may lead to a poorly developed immune system that is unable to combat the inflammation in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study authors add, "The 'hygiene hypothesis,' which suggests a relationship between cleaner environments and a higher risk of certain allergies and autoimmune diseases, is well-established. We believe we can now add Alzheimer's to this list of diseases."  Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, August 2013

Diet: Fruits Linked to Lower Risk of Diabetes. A large cohort study focusing on individual fruit intake and risk of diabetes revealed certain fruits, and not juices, reduce the risk of diabetes in adults. The study involved 187,382 men and women who completed a food frequency questionnaire every four years. The study revealed that 6.5% of the participants developed diabetes, but researchers found that consuming three servings per week of blueberries, grapes, raisins, apples, or pears reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%. British Medical Journal, August 2013

Exercise: Fit Kids are Smarter Kids. Children whose fitness levels fell in the top 30% for their age group demonstrated better learning and memory skills than their peers whose fitness levels scored in the bottom 30% for their age group. This is particularly alarming as many school districts have cut back or eliminated physical education programs to save money.  PLoS ONE, September 2013

Chiropractic: Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms Decrease. A case study of a 78-year-old patient with multiple levels of lumbar stenosis received chiropractic treatment in the form of a special technique called flexion-distraction. Lumbar stenosis often leads to low back pain and leg pain that is relieved in a bent forward position. During care, the patient experienced decreased intensity and frequency of leg symptoms along with the resolution of low back pain. Improvement was maintained five months after the end of care.  Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics, May 2001

Wellness/Prevention: Muscle Cramps. Stretching before and after exercise or sports, along with an adequate warm-up and cool down, can prevent cramps that are caused by vigorous physical activity. Hydration before, during, and after activity is also important. Replacement of lost electrolytes such as sodium and potassium can also be helpful to reduce muscle cramping.  Medicinet.com, April 2012