DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“Laughter is the sun which drives the winter from the human face.” ~ Victor Hugo

Mental Attitude: Are You Happier in a Crowd? Why are some people stressed in large crowds while others feel right at home? A new study suggests that individuals who are happier in large crowds are able to share a social identity with members of the crowd and do not feel that others are invading their personal space. PLoS One, November 2013  

Health Alert: Fungus May Cause Parkinson's Disease Symptoms. New research suggests that a compound emitted by mold called 1-octen-3-ol (more commonly known as mushroom alcohol) may be linked to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This compound may cause defects in two genes involved in the creation and transportation of dopamine. Lack of dopamine affects parts of the brain leading to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 2013

Diet: Steaming Cruciferus Vegetables Preserves Potential Power to Fight Cancer. New research shows that the way you prepare broccoli and other vegetables can change their potentially cancer-fighting powers. Sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has been shown to have strong anti-cancer properties. Researchers found the enzyme myrosinase is needed for sulforaphane to form. When comparing cooking methods, researchers determined steaming the vegetables for up to five minutes was the best way to retain myrosinase, while boiling and microwaving were found to destroy the majority of the needed enzyme. American Institute for Cancer Research, November 2013

Exercise: Aerobic Exercise Better than Resistance Training For Obese Teen Girls. In the past 30 years, adolescent obesity has tripled. Researchers divided 44 obese teenaged girls into three groups: 1) one hour of aerobic activity performed on a treadmill or elliptical trainer three times a week for three months; 2) one hour of resistance training using weight machines, also performed three times a week for three months; and 3) no structured physical activity for three months. Compared with the sedentary group, girls in both exercise groups had less total fat and intramuscular fat after the training period ended. However, the participants in the aerobic activity group also lost visceral and liver fat and experienced improved insulin sensitivity. In addition, they appeared to enjoy their workout more than the girls in the resistance training group. The authors of the study conclude, "Therefore, given the superior improvements in metabolic health with aerobic exercise and the enjoyment factor, we propose that aerobic exercise may be a better mode of exercise for adolescent girls of this age group." American Physiological Society, November 2013

Chiropractic: Helpful for Chronic Whiplash Symptoms. A past case study reveals that chronic whiplash injury patients can respond well to conservative management including chiropractic spinal manipulation, soft tissue work, and post-isometric relaxation techniques in addition to active rehabilitation exercises, self stretches, and proprioceptive exercises. After seven treatments, a patient with chronic whiplash-associated disorder reported no neck pain, no headaches, and had unrestricted cervical spine range of motion. Four months after treatment ceased, the patient reported only mild, intermittent neck pain. Clinical Chiropractic, March 2003

Wellness/Prevention: Road map to Treat Adults Affected by Obesity. A new report recommends that healthcare providers determine body mass index (BMI) at annual visits or more frequently to identify adults at higher risk of heart disease and stroke because of their weight. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight while 30+ is considered obese. Healthcare providers are recommended to develop individualized weight loss plans that include a moderately reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity, and the use of behavioral strategies to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Journal of American College of Cardiology, November 2013

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

(This information 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.)