Mental Attitude: Loss of Certain Brain Cells Linked to Reduced Sleep. Scientists have found that the loss of brain cells that act as
a "sleep switch" may help explain why some seniors have trouble falling and staying asleep. The results of the study showed that
elderly patients can experience a substantial decline in ventrolateral preoptic neurons, and the loss of these brain cells is associated
with sleep issues. Senior author Dr. Clifford Saper writes, "These results may, therefore, lead to new methods to diminish sleep
problems in the elderly and prevent sleep-deprivation-related cognitive [mental] decline in people with dementia." Brain, August 2014
Health Alert: Commonly Prescribed Antibiotic Increases Risk of Cardiac Death. According to investigators, ongoing use of
clarithromycin (a commonly prescribed antibiotic) is linked to an increased risk of cardiac death. The research team found that
clarithromycin increases the duration of the heart muscle’s electrical activity, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), a known risk factor for stroke and cardiac death. Experts are calling for further studies to confirm the results and/or to identify factors that may mitigate cardiac risk to patients who may benefit from this particular class of antibiotics.
British Medical Journal, August 2014
Diet: More Nutrition Education During Medical School? A group of the nation's leading physicians concludes that many medical
doctors lack the necessary training to assist patients in regards to nutrition. Diet is the number one risk factor for disability and early
death in America, yet physician accreditation standards don't even include "nutrition" despite very specific requirements in other
areas. Physicians need adequate training to effectively help and counsel patients in order to make necessary dietary changes in order to improve their wellbeing. The experts believe that nutrition education should be required in all phases of medical training, with a focus on the link between food, lifestyle, and common disease. American Journal of Medicine, September 2014
Exercise: Parents Should Work Out While Kids Are in School. The start of the school year is a great to time for parents to develop
an exercise program that fits into the family schedule. Experts recommend creating a weekly or monthly calendar of work hours,
school commitments, appointments, and other activities. This will help pinpoint time each day when you have a chance to exercise.
Even 10-minute sessions during the day can be beneficial, such as walking or climbing stairs during a lunch break. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should get at minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with at least two strength-building workouts. University of the Sciences, August 2014
Chiropractic: Insomnia Increases Risk for Back Pain. At least half of individuals with back pain also experience sleep difficulty,
but the research has been unclear whether insomnia increases back pain risk or if it's back pain that increases insomnia risk. Using data collected at three instances over the course of about four years from over 2,000 individuals, researchers found that those with insomnia symptoms during the first two collection periods -- but without back pain at those times -- were 40% more likely to have back pain at the end of the study than those without insomnia symptoms. Those who developed back pain during the study without preceding insomnia symptoms were no more likely to have insomnia at the end of the study. The researchers conclude that insomnia is a risk factor for back pain, but there is no evidence that back pain causes insomnia. PLOS ONE, August 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Want to Stay in Good Shape? Leave the Car at Home. Researchers in the United Kingdom found that
individuals who drive to work have body mass index scores about one point higher than those who walk, cycle, or use public transit.
The one point difference is the equivalent of about 6.6 pounds or 3 kilograms of extra weight. British Medical Journal, August 2014
Quote: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis
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