WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE
Week of: Monday January 5, 2009
Courtesy of: Bob Moulas, D.C., 714-974-2505
Mental Attitude: Researchers comparing the IQ of children raised in orphanages to those who were rescued at some point by foster parents discovered a dramatic difference. In some cases, it meant the difference between borderline retardation and average intelligence. One-on-one care at a young age has a definite impact on cognitive and intellectual development. According to this work, the earlier children are taken out of the institutional environment, the less stunting occurs. Children rescued before age 2 showed a 15-point IQ increase. For some of the age groups, each month spent in the orphanage translated to a half-point lower IQ score. Children raised by their biological parents still did much better than both groups - at about 10-20 points higher than the foster care group. ~ Associated Press, Dec 2007
Health Alert: Incontinent Memories - A study from Chicago's Rush University Medical Center suggests people taking anticholinergic drugs face a risk of memory and cognitive problems. Such drugs are used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson's disease and incontinence. Those taking the medications showed a 50% faster decline in cognitive skills and memory. ~ Associated Press, April 2008
Diet: Breast Cancer and Weight. Keeping off weight after being diagnosed with breast cancer greatly increases a woman's chance of survival. Comparing survival rates with body mass index calculations, researchers found that for every 11 lbs gained after the initial diagnosis, the risk of death from breast cancer or other causes increased by 14%. Women classified as obese died at twice the rate of normal-weight females. ~ Reuters, Dec 2007
Exercise: Calories burned at rest! Our bodies burn calories as a result of workouts, increased daily activity, and something called "afterburn," which is an added attraction of strength training exercise. "Depending on how hard you work out, your metabolism can stay elevated for up to 48 hours after you've finished lifting." ~ Gary R. Hunter, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Chiropractic: Simple Back Pain Demonstration - Try this: Sit-up straight and have a friend put their hand flat on your low back. Then pretend to drive, work on the computer, read a book, etc. You should feel the muscles of the low back tighten. This is a simple demonstration of how the low back fatigues as everyone holds these postions all day long, over the entire workweek, over their entire lives. Daily stretching and routine chiropractic care can help diminish the effects of everyday activities.
Wellness/Prevention: The Secret of Longevity. Researchers from the University of Cambridge report they have found four basic lifestyle habits that can add 14 years to your life when all are observed: Don't smoke; get regular physical activity; eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily; and drink alcohol only in moderation.
Quote: "The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop." ~ Quentin Regestein
These weekly health updates are fantastic! So much info. I hope you will continue with them.
ReplyDeleteGreat article,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your blog. I hope you will publish your blog more frequently.
Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteYour article on Incontinent Memories was eye opening! My mother had dementia which may have been more severe due to taking those drugs.
Very valuable information!!
Pete Baca
Wow i didn't know your body burned more calories resting after a work out. And that the additional burning could last up to 48 hours. Makes me want to work out more! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBobby B.