DAILY HEALTH UPDATE: Saturday, February 15, 2014 Dr. Jeff Allyn, Berkley Chiropractic Clinic

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer

Mental Attitude: Love Hormone Causes Oversensitivity. According to a recent study, too much of the "love hormone" oxytocin in the body can result in oversensitivity to other hormones. Study participants who were given oxytocin reported more intense feelings when shown pictures of different emotional states compared with participants who did not receive oxytocin. Some doctors prescribe oxytocin for patients who suffer from mild social issues; however, these finding suggest this practice could present other problems for patients. Emotion, November 2013

Health Alert: Dangers of Texting and Walking. A new study reveals that texting while walking affects posture and balance while also adding additional risk when navigating obstacles or crossing the road. Researchers noted that subjects moved differently, were less able to walk in a straight line, and had abnormal neck movements while walking and texting compared to when they walked normally. PLoS ONE, January 2014

Diet: Folic Acid Linked to Breast Cancer Growth. Research involving rats suggests that high amounts of folic acid in the diet could increase the risk of breast cancer. The research team showed that folic acid in doses two-and-a-half to five times the daily requirement promoted the growth of existing pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the mammary glands of rats. The current folic acid daily recommendation is 400 micrograms. Folic acid intake has increased over the past 10 years as a result of mandatory folic acid fortification of food to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in newborns. Further research is needed to gain a full understanding of the role folic acid has in breast cancer development. PLoS ONE, January 2014

Exercise: Cancer Survivors Can Exercise to Live Longer. A new study involving over 1,000 male cancer survivors suggests that physical activity increases longevity. Researchers found that men who burned over 3,000 calories per week through exercise were nearly 50% less likely to die from any cause over a 20-year follow-up period than men who burned less than 500 calories per week. The study's authors concluded, “Engaging in physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with better survival among men." Journal of Physical Activity & Health, January 2014

Chiropractic: Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome? A 45-year-old woman with numbness in her little finger presented for chiropractic evaluation and treatment. After a thorough examination, she was given a diagnosis of ulnar tunnel syndrome. This is a rare compression of the ulnar nerve in the wrist usually causing numbness in the little finger, grip weakness, and sometimes pain. Care included chiropractic adjustment procedures to the wrist. Her symptoms resolved within four office visits.   Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, November 2003

Wellness/Prevention: Omega-3 Fatty Acids = Bigger Brain. A recent study reveals that people with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have a larger brain volume in old age. Brain shrinkage is a part of the aging process and an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Dietary changes to increase intake of these fatty acids may hold promise for delaying cognitive aging and/or dementia. Neurology, January 2014

For More Information on Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Whiplash, and To Sign Up For Our Daily Health Update Emails, Go To:www.DrJeffAllynBlog.com or our website at:www.berkleychiropracticclinic.com 

(This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.)