“All great achievements require time.”
~ Maya Angelou
Mental Attitude: Depression Affects Many Caregivers of the Critically Ill.
According to new research, caregivers of critically ill patients often suffer from depression that lasts long after their loved one’s hospital stay ends. Researchers collected information on 280 caregivers of patients who had been in the ICU for seven days or longer. They then evaluated the caregivers a week after the ICU discharge and then again three, six, and twelve months later. Initially, 67% of caregivers had scores that indicated either depressive symptoms or clinical depression. While some improved over time, the researchers observed that 43% of the caregivers in their study continued to report either depressive symptoms or full-blown depression up to one year later.
New England Journal of Medicine, May 2016
Health Alert: Swaddling May Raise Risk of SIDS.
The custom of swaddling infants to promote sleep by making them feel secure and calm may be linked to an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers found that the risk of SIDS is greater among swaddled babies and the risk is increased for infants placed on their stomachs to sleep and for those old enough to roll over on their own. Lead author Dr. Anna Pease writes, “On a practical level what parents should take away from this is that if they choose to swaddle their babies for sleep, always place them on their back, and think about when to stop swaddling for sleep as their babies get older and more able to move.”
Pediatrics, May 2016
Diet: Cleanse Naturally Through Diet.
Are you looking for a way to “detox” your body safely and naturally? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers advice on “cleansing” your body safely: drink plenty of fresh water, eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, eat plenty of whole grains, consider a supplement to ensure proper nutrients, and consume fermented foods or take a quality probiotic to support gut health.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, May 2016
Exercise: Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Cervical Cancer?
A new study reports that just 30 minutes of exercise per week has the potential to reduce a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. In this study, researchers looked at the physical activity levels of 128 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and 512 women without the disease and found that after adjusting for a history of smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of cervical cancer, and body mass index, the women who did not perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who did. Senior author Dr. Kirsten Moysich adds, “We think that this study sends a powerful public health message: that a complete lack of exercise is associated with the greater likelihood of developing a serious disease. Our findings show that any amount of exercise can reduce cervical cancer risk.”
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, May 2016
Chiropractic: Trigger Points & Women with Migraines.
A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in the tissue surrounding a muscle that many people commonly refer to as a “knot.” In this study, researchers examined the head, neck, and shoulder regions of 143 women with either episodic or chronic migraines and found they each had an average of three or four trigger points in those anatomical areas. The research team suspects that these trigger points may either trigger the onset of a migraine headache and/or contribute to head pain once a migraine attack has begun.
The Clinical Journal of Pain, May 2016
Wellness/Prevention: Avoid Multitasking When Driving.
The National Safety Council warns that talking on your phone or attempting to perform other tasks while driving can slow your response time and increase your risk for getting into a collision. They add that talking to someone in the car is different than talking to someone on the phone as passengers are much more aware of oncoming dangers than phone contacts—just make sure to keep both eyes on the road at all times.
National Safety Council, May 2016
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