Mental Attitude: Thinking About Your Partner Boosts Mood & Energy. If you want to feel better, just close your eyes and think
about your romantic partner for a brief moment. Investigators analyzed blood glucose levels in participants before and after they
thought about their romantic partner and observed a rise in available energy (in the form of higher blood glucose levels) and an increase in positive mood for a short duration. They say their findings are linked to "eustress," which is "good," euphoric stress that is in direct contrast to bad distress. Lead researcher Sarah Stanton explains, "Essentially, love gives you a 'rush' both physically and psychologically. The 'stress' of love is linked with positive emotions, not negative emotions of any kind."
Psychophysiology, June 2014
Health Alert: DEA to Tighten Access to Certain Narcotic Painkillers. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced new controls on painkillers containing hydrocodone, which have been tied to an alarming increase in dangerous addictions across the nation. Medications like Vicodin, Lortab, and generic equivalents will now be in the same regulatory class as painkiller such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Codeine. Patients will only be allowed a three-month supply and will have to see a physician to obtain refills. DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart explains, "Today's action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available." Drug Enforcement Administration, August 2014
Diet: Use Food Labels to Combat Childhood Obesity. One way to fight childhood obesity is to read food labels while grocery
shopping. When reading labels, be sure to check the serving size, as is may be different from the amount your child eats. Look for
foods that provide 20% or greater of the daily recommended amounts of protein, fiber, and some essential vitamins and minerals per serving. It is also recommended to choose foods with less than 5% of the daily recommended value for saturated fats and sodium and to avoid trans fats altogether. Remember, when reading the list of ingredients, the main ingredient is listed first, the next most
common ingredient is listed second, and so on. Food and Drug Administration, August 2014
Exercise: Exercise May Protect Against Irregular Heartbeat in Older Women. Regular exercise may help protect older women
from atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes a life-threatening irregular heartbeat. A study found that physically active
postmenopausal women (ages 50 to 79) have a ten percent lower risk of developing this condition, compared with women who are
more sedentary. Journal of the American Heart Association, August 2014
Chiropractic: How Much Does Lifting at Work Increase Back Pain Risk? Back pain experts have long considered lifting at work
a risk factor for back pain but none had performed a study to assess the thresholds for risk based on the amount of weight lifted or the
number of lifts performed per day by workers. Using data collected from 1,131 workers over a three-year timeframe, a team of Danish
researchers calculated that every 22 lbs (~10 kg) a worker lifts each day on average increases his or her annual risk for a back pain
episode by 11%. Furthermore, every ten lifts he or she performs on average each workday adds and an extra 9% risk for back pain
during the following year. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, August 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Diet & Exercise Saves Diabetics Money. If you’re a diabetic and you want to save hundreds of health care
dollars, you need to eat better and exercise. Study participants who had higher levels of physical activity and maintained a lower body
weight had better diabetes control, blood pressure, sleep, physical function, and fewer symptoms of depression. This group also had
11% fewer hospitalizations and 15% shorter hospital stays during a ten-year follow-up period. The benefits of improved diet and
exercise led to average savings of $5,280 in healthcare costs per person over the course of the decade. Diabetes Care, August 2014
Quote: “In a time of destruction, create something.” ~ Maxine Hong Kingston
To Receive The “Weekly Health Update” (every Monday) and other information from 30-A Medical,
click the 'Subscribe' button below:
(A mobile version of this site is available for access via your smartphone so you can get your Weekly Health Updates on the go.)
