“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” ~ Socrates … [Read more...]
Health News
In-Car Breathalyzers Prevent Drunk-Driving Deaths
After examining trends in alcohol-related fatal car accidents from 1982 to 2013, researchers estimate ignition interlock laws have prevented about 1,250 deaths. Study leader Dr. Emma McGinty notes, "Our study suggests that [ignition interlocks] are … [Read more...]
Myofascial Pain Syndrome Common Among Neck Pain Sufferers
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional pain syndrome described as myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle that can refer pain to nearby regions. A recent study discovered the presence of MPS in a group 224 patients with chronic … [Read more...]
Cycling While in Bed Good for ICU Patients
In this study that included 33 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, researchers found patients who used special in-bed cycling equipment for 30 minutes a day had better physical function at discharge, which … [Read more...]
Immune System Reboots During a Good Night’s Rest
T-cells are a type of lymphocyte (a subtype of white blood cell) that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. In this study, researchers took blood samples from fourteen healthy men and found the levels of all types of T-cells fell when they … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Diet May Give Your Boost Brain a Boost
The Mediterranean diet may preserve brain health among older adults. Investigators collected dietary information and performed brain scans on almost 1,000 people around the age of 70. They found that those who followed the dietary habits common in … [Read more...]
Living Near Major Roads May Boost Dementia Risk
Living near a major roadway may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Researchers followed 6.6 million Canadians for a decade and found those living within 160 feet of a major highway had a 7% greater risk for … [Read more...]
Quote of the Week
“You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down.” ~ Charlie Chaplin … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Feeling Tired
If you’re not getting enough sleep and feel groggy when you wake up, you don’t need to turn to caffeine to stay awake. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following to feel more alert: avoid alcohol before bed; set a sleep schedule, waking … [Read more...]
Surgery No More Effective Than Conservative Care for Disk Herniations in the Long-Term
A recent study sought to compare the effectiveness of surgical and conservative treatment for patients with a lumbar disk herniation in regards to sciatica symptom severity and quality of life. Researchers followed 370 lumbar disk herniation patients … [Read more...]
Set a Health Goal That Lasts
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to become healthier? The American Council on Exercise offers the following tips to help one continue to strive towards their goal as the year progresses: set a small, specific, actionable goal, such as going for a … [Read more...]
Eating Rare Meat Safely
If you prefer your meat cooked rare versus well done, it is important that it is prepared safely. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests: use a food thermometer to make sure rare meat is hot enough to destroy any germs; avoid using the color … [Read more...]
Flameless Candle Batteries Pose Dangers to Kids
The tiny button batteries that light up flameless "tea candles" pose a significant risk to children when swallowed. These lithium batteries, which are commonly used in these candles, account for 14% of all the button batteries swallowed by children … [Read more...]
Is Vitamin D Deficiency a Risk Factor for Dementia?
Vitamin D is created in the body by way of exposure to sunlight, though it can also be acquired by diet or supplementation. A review of data from six cohort studies indicates that men and women with serious vitamin D deficiency have a 54% greater … [Read more...]