DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Thursday, April 17, 2014 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Mental Attitude: Do Violent Video Games Affect Children's Behavior? Researchers in Singapore have found that among a group of 3,000 children, the boys and girls who spent the most time playing violent video games showed the highest increases in self-reported aggressive behavior over a three-year period. The authors note that video games aren't all bad as previous studies have shown positive benefits to children who play games featuring helpful, caring, and cooperative behaviors. JAMA Pediatrics, March 2014

Health Alert: Air Pollution Responsible For 1 in 8 Global Deaths. The World Health Organization reports that each year approximately seven million deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution, more than double previous estimates. This makes air pollution the world’s largest single environmental health risk. The evidence signals the need for concerted action to clean up the air we breathe on a global scale. World Health Organization, March 2014

Diet: Vitamin D Supplements Help Depression? An analysis of two previous studies found that taking a vitamin D supplement appears to help reduce depressive symptoms in clinically depressed patients who are also on anti-depressant medication. Psychosomatic Medicine, March 2014

Exercise: Active Moms = Active Kids. According to a study involving 554 British moms and kids, mothers are fitness role-models for their children. Researchers found that mothers who achieved at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week were more likely to have physically active children. Unfortunately, only 54% of moms in the study did so. Study author Dr. Kathryn Hesketh explains, "There are many competing priorities for new parents and making time to be active may not always be top of the list. However, small increases in maternal activity levels may lead to benefits for mothers and children. And if activity in mothers and children can be encouraged or incorporated into daily activities, so that more time is spent moving, activity levels are likely to increase in both. In return, this is likely to have long-term health benefits for both." Pediatrics, April 2014

Chiropractic: Good-Bye Sports-Related Elbow Pain. A 41-year-old man injured his left elbow while playing basketball and was unable to perform daily activities or play sports without pain. After five weeks of pain and disability, he started chiropractic treatment. His doctor's evaluation revealed a tendon injury of the elbow as well as joint dysfunction of the mid-back and poor shoulder posture. Treatment involved skilled spinal manipulation of the thoracic spine, as well as acupuncture, and a specific soft tissue therapy to release fibrous adhesions of the left elbow. Posture exercises where also prescribed during his course of care. After just one week of treatment, the man reported near resolution of his symptoms and he could engage in activity with only minimal pain. Relief was still noted six weeks later. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, March 2014

Wellness/Prevention: Smoking Slows Recovery from Fractures. New research suggests that fracture healing in non-smokers is faster, as their bone healing cells are of better quality, are more active, and quicker at dividing compared with those of smokers. The study evaluated stem cell growth and development in patients with tibia fracture and noted abnormal bone repair and hampered cellular processes in smokers. University of Lincoln, March 2014

For More Information on Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Whiplash, and To Sign Up For Our Daily Health Update Emails, Go To:www.DrJeffAllynBlog.com or our website at:www.berkleychiropracticclinic.com 

(This information is brought to you in conjunction with www.Chiro-Trust.org, it 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.)