Dr. Brad’s Weekly Health Update: A Good Night’s Sleep May Save Your Life
A Good Night’s Sleep May Save Your Life
Good sleep quality for men may mean the difference between life and death. In this study, researchers analyzed long-term data on more than 823,000 men in the United States and found that men under the age of 65 who slept just three to five hours per night were 55% more likely to develop fatal prostate cancer than those who slept seven hours nightly. Study author Dr. Susan Gapstur adds, “If confirmed in other studies, these findings would contribute to evidence suggesting the importance of obtaining adequate sleep for better health.” American Association for Cancer Research, April 2017
Neck Pain Is a Major Problem in the Dental Field…
An analysis of health questionnaires completed by dentists, dental assistants, and dental technicians reveals that neck pain is a surprisingly common complaint in dental offices. While nearly 76% of the dentists, almost 91% of dental assistants, and 40% of dental technicians experience cervical discomfort, only 40% of those surveyed have sought care for their symptoms. The authors of the analysis conclude, “Considering the fact that the said discomforts affect performing both professional and everyday activities, its prevention is necessary in order to avoid the consequences they carry.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, March 2017
Stronger Muscles Pump Up Kids’ Memory Skills
An evaluation of 79 children between the age of nine and eleven indicates that those with greater muscle fitness also have a more accurate memory. Dr. Bradley Sandella, the fellowship director for sports medicine at Christiana Care Health System notes, “I think we always think about the benefit of physical activity on overall health, but not specifically for cognitive function.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, April 2017
‘Mindfulness’ Probably Won’t Cure Your Back Pain
Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment. Health experts claim that mindfulness-based stress reduction can improve relationships, mental health, weight, and more; however, according to new research review, it’s unlikely to fix lower back pain. In the study, researchers reviewed data concerning over 900 lower back pain patients and found that while patients may experience short-term improvements in pain intensity following a mindfulness intervention, such improvements were not sustained over longer periods of time. Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2017
Waist Size May Be Key to Life Span
Waist size may predict your risk for an early death. Researchers looked at almost 43,000 participants in the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Survey and compared each person’s BMI and waist-to-hip ratio against their health history during a ten-year period. The study showed that people who carry extra weight around the middle (central obesity), but have a normal BMI have a 22% higher risk of early death than those whose fat is stored elsewhere in their bodies. Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2017
Yours in health,
Dr. Brad Butler, DC
