DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Saturday, September 21, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“The eyes are useless when the mind is blind.” ~ Unknown

Mental Attitude: Junk Food During Pregnancy Increases Mental Disorders in Children. A study recently tracked the diet of 23,000 pregnant mothers and then the behavior of their offspring. The results of the study revealed that mothers who ate more unhealthy foods such as sweet drinks, refined cereals, and salty foods during pregnancy had children with increased behavioral problems, such as aggression and tantrums.  Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, July 2013 

Health Alert: Traffic Pollution Increases Asthma. Asthma sufferers who are frequently exposed to heavy traffic pollution were shown to experience an 80% increase in asthma symptoms. Respirology, August 2013

Diet: Eating Fruit Reduces Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Researchers in Sweden have discovered that eating more fruit can lower risks for an often-lethal form of aortic aneurysm. The study followed 80,000 people for 13 years and grouped them based on the amount of fruit and vegetables they consumed. They found that 1,086 people had abdominal aortic aneurysms, of which 222 ruptured. The results showed that those who ate the most fruit (>2 servings/day) had a 25% lower risk of developing an aneurysm and a 43% lower risk of a ruptured aorta compared to the group that ate one or fewer serving of fruit per day.   Circulation, August 2013

Exercise: Side Bridge is a Great Core Exercise. To perform, lie on your side with your forearm on the floor under your shoulder to prop you up with your feet stacked side by side. Contract your core and press your forearm against the floor to raise your hips until your body is straight from ankles to shoulders. Hold for 15 to 45 seconds, and then repeat on the other side. Contract your abdominal and gluteal muscles forcefully to keep your body straight.  Men's Health, March 2007

Chiropractic: Good-Bye Carpal Tunnel Symptoms. A case study involving a 42-year-old female with a diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome received chiropractic care three times a week for four weeks. Treatment consisted of adjustments to the neck, elbow, and wrist. Significant improvement in grip strength and reduction in symptoms were noted during care.   Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics, May 1994  

Wellness/Prevention: Reduce Snoring With Singing. Joining a choir or taking singing lessons may reduce chronic snoring by strengthening the throat muscles while also alleviating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Participants who followed a program of singing exercises for 20 minutes per day for three months reported a decrease in the severity, frequency, and loudness of their snoring and also improved sleep quality.  International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, May 2013