Latest Research Issue 12
Mental Attitude: Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Tobacco Increases ADHD Risk.
Children whose mothers drink or smoke during pregnancy are roughly 50-250% more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than children who receive no alcohol or tobacco exposure while in utero. More specifically, if a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, her child's risk for ADHD is 1.55 times greater than if she doesn't drink. If she smokes, her child will have a 2.65-fold greater risk for ADHD.
Psychiatry Research, January 2015
Health Alert: Obesity Tied to Half a Million Cancers Worldwide.
A new report indicates that obesity is associated with nearly 500,000 new cancer cases worldwide every year, and almost two-thirds of obesity-related cancers occur in North America and Europe. Study leader Dr. Melina Arnold explains, "Our findings add support for a global effort to address the rising trends in obesity. The global prevalence of obesity in adults has doubled since 1980. If this trend continues, it will certainly boost the future burden of cancer, particularly in South America and North Africa, where the largest increases in the rate of obesity have been seen over the last 30 years."
The Lancet Oncology, November 2014
Diet: Calorie Counts Will Be Mandatory for Chain Restaurants.
The Food and Drug Administration has announced that new rules under the Affordable Care Act that will require many restaurant chains to post calorie counts on their menu if they have more than 20 locations. While listing calorie counts on menus won’t solve the obesity epidemic, it may help consumers make healthier food choices when they dine out.
Food and Drug Administration, November 2014
Exercise: Some Women May Not Benefit from Exercise as Easily as Men.
Researchers at the University of Missouri claim that certain exercises that benefit obese men may not benefit obese women. The team found that obese men achieved cardiovascular improvement after aerobic exercise training, while women failed to experience any benefit when measuring heart rate recovery and blood pressure. Researcher Dr. Jill Kanaley adds, "When you exercise, you want your blood pressure to rise, but you don't want it to get too high. Your blood pressure should return to normal relatively quickly after the end of your workout. In our study, the recovery rate for women was not as rapid as for men. After the men trained, they got an even better recovery time, whereas women's time stayed about the same." The research indicates that certain exercises may not be enough for women, and the researchers recommend that healthcare providers keep this in mind when developing targeted exercise interventions for obese women.
Metabolism, April 2012
Chiropractic: Resolution of Urinary Incontinence Following Chiropractic Care.
A recent case study documented the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a patient suffering from urinary incontinence. The case involved a 63-year-old woman with a recent history of urinary incontinence and spinal pain. She received chiropractic treatment in addition to exercises and traction. During the course of 22 visits, she experienced complete resolution of urinary incontinence, improvements in spinal alignment, and near resolution of spinal pain.
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, August 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Americans Not Receiving Dementia Screening.
More than 50% of Americans with dementia appear to never have undergone screening of their thinking and memory skills, according to a new study. Dementia affects one in eight people over the age of 65 in the United States and one in three individuals over the age of 80. Despite this rate of dementia, there are no established guidelines for screening. This finding is important as early evaluation and identification of individuals with dementia may help them receive care sooner in the course of the disease. The author of the study adds that with an early diagnosis of dementia, families can watch loved ones for problems, help them with daily tasks, and make plans for care. Dr. Gayatri Devi, a neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City explains, "Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maintaining quality of life in this debilitating condition… There are economic benefits to society as well."
Neurology, November 2014