Dr. Brad’s Weekly Health Update: There’s WHAT in our water?!
Germs thrive in America’s water systems.
The corroding pipes that bring water to Americans may be carrying dangerous drug-resistant bacteria, including legionella, pseudomonas, and mycobacteria. An analysis of 100 million Medicare records from 1991 to 2006 found that more than 617,000 older Americans were hospitalized as a result of becoming infected with these 3 common bacteria. Despite treatment in public water systems, when chlorinated water leaves the treatment plant, it may have to travel such a long distance that chlorine content becomes depleted and no longer kills bacteria lurking in pipes. Lynn Thorp, the national campaigns director of Clean Water Action writes, “We are only beginning to understand what goes on inside our buildings in the plumbing… I don’t think people should be alarmed; I think they should understand that this is something we can’t ignore.” Journal of Public Health Policy, September 2016
Concussion symptoms improve with chiropractic care.
A recent case study involved a 14-year-old male hockey player who suffered from post-concussion symptoms for 13 days. Prior to chiropractic care, he had failed to respond to traditional medical treatment and was unable to return to play or pass concussion tests. His symptoms included occipital headache, upset stomach, blurry vision, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, a “foggy feeling,” difficulty with concentration, difficulty with memory, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, and irritability. After 5 sessions of chiropractic treatment that included spinal manipulation, soft tissue work, and exercises, he was able to pass his concussion tests and return to play. The case demonstrates the benefit of chiropractic care in the management of post-concussion syndrome. Journal of Chiropractic Management, September 2016
How to manage daily stress.
Stress can lead to serious emotional and physical health problems, but learning to manage your daily stressors can help you handle whatever comes your way. To reduce stress, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests the following: try not to spend time worrying about things that you can’t control; find ways to tackle small problems, giving you a better sense of control; view changes as challenges to embrace, rather than as threats; find ways to resolve problems with others; lean on friends, loved ones, or counselors for support; avoid a cluttered schedule; keep your goals realistic; exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and get adequate sleep; and blow off steam with a hobby or sport. American Academy of Family Physicians, October 2016
Prescription NSAID painkillers raise heart failure risk.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used pain relievers, and according to a new study that involved an analysis of medical records on nearly 10 million patients, these medications may raise an individual’s risk of heart failure by nearly 20%. BMJ, September 2016
Mediterranean diet could lower CVD risk.
The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts—while low in red meats and unhealthy fats. A new study suggests the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. Researchers analyzed survey data from nearly 24,000 healthy adults in the U.K. and found that participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 6-16% less likely to develop CVD than those with low adherence to the diet. The team estimates that if healthy individuals in their country followed a Mediterranean-style diet, about 3.9% of new-onset CVD cases and 12.5% of CVD deaths could be prevented. BMC Medicine, September 2016
Yours in health,
Dr. Brad Butler, DC
