Mental Attitude: Just Believing an Odor is Harmful Could Trigger an Asthma Attack. While certain "triggers" such as
dust, pollen, allergens, and chemical ingredients can cause asthma symptoms, it appears that even the fear that a certain odor is
harmful can increase inflammation in the airways. Research leader Dr. Cristina Jaén explains, "It's not just what you smell, but
also what you think you smell. Asthmatics often are anxious about scents and fragrances. When we expect that an odor is
harmful, our bodies react as if that odor is indeed harmful. Both patients and care providers need to understand how
expectations about odors can influence symptoms of the disease." Journal of Psychosomatic Research, July 2014
Health Alert: Gene Variant in Women Increases Heart Disease Risk. Canadian researchers have found that women with a
variant of the gene called G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 30 (GPER) have an increased risk for high blood pressure, the
greatest risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. In the presence of estrogen, GPER causes blood vessels to relax, thereby
lowering blood pressure. In women who have a less functional version of the GPER gene, this may not occur to the same degree
or not at all. Lead researcher Dr. Ross Feldman adds, "This is one step in understanding the effects of estrogen on heart disease,
and understanding why some women are more prone to heart attack and stroke than others… Our work is a step forward in
developing approaches to treating heart disease in this under-appreciated group of patients."
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, July 2014
Diet: Can Diet Increase Osteoarthritis Risk? Because obesity is a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis, researchers have long
speculated that it is the presence of increased mass that causes joints to wear out. However, this theory fails to explain the
increased risk for arthritis in non-weight bearing joints, like those in the fingers. A new study on mice finds that the link may
instead be dietary in nature. In the study, researchers found that mice fed diets high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids had healthier
joints than mice fed diets high in unhealthy fats (omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats). Lead researcher Dr. Farshid Guilak
concludes, "Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between
obesity and osteoarthritis." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, July 2014
Exercise: Interval Walking? A four-month study found that walking at alternating levels of intensity helped type 2 diabetics
better manage their blood sugar levels compared with walking at a constant speed or not walking at all.
Diabetologia, August 2014
Chiropractic: Disabling Back Pain Increases Female Mortality Risk. Using data collected from 1,174 senior adults,
researchers found that women with disabling back pain have a 40% greater likelihood of suffering an earlier death than women
without back pain or women with non-disabling back pain. No such association was found between men and either disabling or
non-disabling back pain. European Journal of Pain, July 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Shift Work Increases Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. A new study suggests that male shift workers may
have up to a 37% greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who work more traditional hours. The
researchers speculate that working irregular hours may affect testosterone levels in male workers. Previous studies have found
an association between low testosterone levels, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
Occupational & Environmental Medicine, July 2014
Quote: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” ~ Albert Einstein
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.)
