Manual Therapy Helps COPD Patients Breathe Better
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. A study that included 33 COPD patients found that including muscle energy technique (MET) sessions in a COPD rehabilitation program led to better outcomes with respect to subjective breathing. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the delivery of MET and other forms of manual therapy. Journal of Integrative Medicine, March 2023
Sleep Behaviors That Increase Stroke Risk
Using data from the INTERSTROKE study, researchers report the following sleep characteristics are associated with an elevate risk for stroke: short sleep (less than five hours), long sleep (longer than nine hours), poor quality sleep, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, prolonged napping, snoring, and sleep apnea. Neurology, April 2023
Fasting Can Reduce Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes
New research suggests that restricting eating to a four-hour window at least three days a week can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within six months, which may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. Nature Medicine, April 2023
Older Adults Benefit from High-Intensity Exercise
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves short intervals of near-maximal effort—such as sprinting or stair climbing—separated by intervals of moderate-intensity exercise—such as jogging or fast walking. A study that included 68 physically inactive older adults found that those who participated in an HIIT intervention experienced greater improvement in knee muscle strength and working memory and similar improvements in blood pressure and oxygen intake as participants who performed medium-intensity continuous training. Journals of Gerontology: Series A, March 2023
Depression May Be Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease
Among a group of 1,028 adults whom researchers monitored for more than five years, those with more severe anxiety and/or depressive symptoms were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2023
Tips for Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
The Mayo Clinic reports that 1-in-4 seniors fall every year, which can dramatically affect their ability to remain independent. To reduce the risk for falls, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following: keep clutter off the floor; secure throw rugs to the floor or remove them; keep stairs and walkways clear; and clean up spills right away. Mayo Clinic, April 2023
“The right time is any time that one is still so lucky as to have.” ~ Henry James
This information 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.
