Mental Attitude
Infections Affect Memories. Researchers have found that inflammation in the brain following an infection can affect how memories are formed. A new study finds that inflammation lowers glucose metabolism within an area of the brain called the medial temporal lobe. This area is the brain’s memory center and a change in metabolism appears to affect spatial memory performance. Study leader Dr. Neil Harrison writes, "Our findings suggest that the brain's memory circuits are particularly sensitive to inflammation… If we can control levels of inflammation, we may be able to reduce the rate of decline in patients' cognition."
Biological Psychiatry, January 2014
Health Alert
Toddlers Suffer Many Burns and Scalds. According to research conducted in the United Kingdom, one-year-old children receive ten times more burns and scalds than their older siblings. Most of these accidents happen at home when a child reaches up and pulls down on a hot water faucet. Other burns result from touching hot devices such as hair straightness and clothing irons. Nearly 20% of burns are serious enough for the child to be admitted to a specialist burns unit.
Archives of Diseases in Childhood, February 2014
Diet
Mediterranean Diet Better than Low-Fat Diet for Heart Health. A literature review of over a half-century of studies shows
that people who eat a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of heart attack and cardiovascular-related death
compared to those who follow a low-fat diet. Investigators analyzed studies from 1957 to present and believe their findings show
consuming a variety of cardioprotective foods in a diet is better at preventing heart disease by just eating less fat. The Mediterranean
diet focuses on an increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, nuts, and eating less meat.
American Journal of Medicine, December 2013
Exercise
Heading Soccer Balls May Affect Cognitive Function. Dr. Tom Schweizer, director of the Neuroscience Research Program of St. Michael's Hospital, recently conducted a literature review of studies related to head injuries among soccer players caused by "heading" the ball. According to existing studies, players who head the ball most often were found to have greater memory, planning, and perceptual deficits and were more likely to perform poorly on verbal and visual memory tests. Other studies noted that older and retired players were more likely to report significantly impaired conceptual thinking, reaction time, and concentration. Dr. Schweizer also found that nearly two-thirds of high school soccer players suffered from concussion symptoms during their playing careers and that girls' soccer ranked second in concussion injuries among all high school sports.
Brain Injury, February 2014
Chiropractic
Helpful for Cancer Patients in Pain. Based on case-study data, an article published in 2001 suggests that chiropractic care may improve quality of life and help cancer patients better manage pain resulting from the disease itself or from side-effects to treatment. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, January 2001
Wellness/Prevention
Scientists Suggest Mammograms Every Two Years. Researchers suggest doctors follow the United States (US) Preventive Services Task Force's guideline that women ages 50-74 only receive biannual mammograms unless they're considered high-risk for breast cancer. They note that screenings every two years have proven just as effective as annual exams, and this change in practice could save the US health care system over 4 billion dollars a year.
Annals of Internal Medicine, February 2014
Quote
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
~ Dr. Seuss
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