Dr. Brad’s Weekly Health Update: The Dangerous New Superbug that’s now in the US
Superbug fungal infection now in the US.
13 cases of a potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungal infection have been reported in the US. According to the CDC, Candida auris fungal infection is becoming a health threat worldwide, and it appears to spread in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Nearly three-quarters of the C. auris strains from US patients had some resistance to antifungal medications, making it difficult to treat. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden adds, “We need to act now to better understand, contain and stop the spread of this drug-resistant fungus… This is an emerging threat, and we need to protect vulnerable patients and others.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 2016
Screens can cause eye strain.
A problem called computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, can develop from staring at your TV, computer, smart phone, or tablet. The American Optometric Association recommends taking frequent breaks when interacting with such devices. Warning signs of digital eye strain include: headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and pain in your shoulders and neck. American Optometric Association, October 2016
High heels change spinal posture.
Previous studies have linked wearing high-heeled shoes with chronic neck, low back, and knee pain; however, the mechanism has not been fully understood. In a new study, researchers investigated the influence of high-heeled shoes on the balance of the spine in order to identify any biomechanical causes for musculoskeletal pain related to wearing such footwear. Researchers analyzed 23 female participants and found that all participants wearing high heels experienced increased flexion of the knees and ankles. Some participants also experienced an increased cervical lordosis (curvature) to adapt to the shift of the body’s center of gravity. European Spine Journal, November 2016
A peanut allergy patch?
A skin patch that delivers small amounts of peanut protein may soon help treat peanut allergies. In a recent study, 74 children and young adults aged 4 to 25 with a peanut allergy were randomly assigned to wear either a high-dose patch, a low-dose patch, or a placebo patch. After a year, 46% of the low-dose group and 48% of the high-dose group were able to consume at least 10 times more peanut protein than they could at the start of the study, while only 12% of those on the placebo patch could. The researcher said that children aged 4 to 11 had a superior response when compared with the older participants. Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, chief of the section of pediatric allergy and immunology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami adds, “This is a promising and exciting study for those of us who are affected by peanut allergy.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 2016
Adding eggs to salads increases vitamin E absorption.
Vitamin E is commonly under-absorbed by the digestive system, which is problematic because it exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Purdue University researchers have found that adding whole eggs to a colorful salad improves vitamin E absorption by 4 to 7 times, even though eggs are generally a poor source of the vitamin. The findings reveal how one food can improve the nutritional value of another food when they are consumed together. Journal of Nutrition, September 2016
Yours in health,
Dr. Brad Butler, DC
