Courtesy of: Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna

Mental Attitude: Does a Higher IQ Equal a Longer Life?

Scottish researchers analyzed data on nearly 66,000 people who were born in 1936 and discovered that those with a higher IQ test score in childhood had a 28% reduced risk of death from respiratory disease, a 25% lower risk of death from heart disease, and a 24% reduced risk of death from stroke. The study also showed that a higher IQ in childhood was significantly associated with a lower risk of death from injury, smoking-related cancers, digestive disease, and dementia. Senior study author Dr. Ian Deary writes, “We don’t know yet why intelligence from childhood and longevity are related, and we are keeping an open mind. Lifestyles, education, deprivation, and genetics may all play a part.” BMJ, June 2017

Health Alert: Some Prostate Drugs May Cause Harm.

A popular hormone-based medication for the treatment of an enlarged prostate may increase men’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke. A review of records of 460 men treated for enlarged prostate at a single urologist’s office in Germany revealed that men taking the drug dutasteride for three years developed higher blood sugar and cholesterol levels than men taking a prostate drug that does not affect male hormones.

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation, June 2017

Diet: Key Elements of Mediterranean Diet Important for Colorectal Health.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, and a moderate consumption of lean meats. In a new study, researchers examined 808 patients undergoing screening or diagnostic colonoscopies and found that the diets of the patients with advanced polyps contained fewer elements of the Mediterranean diet. When the research team adjusted for other risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, they found that increased fish and fruit consumption and a low intake of soft drinks may reduce the risk of advanced polyps.

ESMO 19th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, June 2017

Exercise: Exercise May Be the Key to Becoming More Successful.

Exercise is known to protect against several diseases, such as diabetes and stroke. Now, a new study suggests that exercise helps people socialize and accomplish more. Researchers recruited 179 college students and asked them to record each time they exercised during a 21-day span. The investigators found that students tended to participate in more social and achievement-oriented activities on days they exercised than on days when they did not engage in physical activity.  

Personality and Individual Differences, March 2017

Chiropractic: Scoliosis Associated with Neck Pain.

Knowledge is sparse regarding neck problems in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. A recent observational study set out to investigate the prevalence of neck problems among individuals with or without idiopathic scoliosis and found that 42% of the participants with scoliosis had neck pain compared with only 20% of those without the spinal condition.

Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, June 2017

Wellness/Prevention: Limit Allergens in Your Bedroom.

Allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and sniffling, can prevent you from having a good night’s sleep. To rid your bedroom of allergens, the National Sleep Foundation suggests the following: if you’re allergic to pets, keep them out of the bedroom and bathe them weekly; cover your mattress and pillows with dust mite covers; wash sheets regularly in hot water; use blankets made of synthetic materials, not wool; limit mold by keeping windows open in the bathroom, fix leaks and clean up water promptly; skip candles, scented laundry detergent, air fresheners, and other heavy fragrances in your bedroom; and clean furnace, air conditioner, and vacuum filters regularly.

National Sleep Foundation, July 2017

Quote: “Decisions are made by those who show up.” ~ Aaron Sorkin

Your Napa Chiropractor Dr. Joseph T. Megna