Mental Attitude: Could a Childhood Infection Lead to Mental Health Issues? After reviewing the health records of more than one million persons, researchers report that individuals who had been hospitalized with an infection as children were 84% more likely to have received a diagnosis for one or more mental health conditions (schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality and behavior disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or tics, for example) later in life. Lead researcher Dr. Ole Kohler- Forsberg writes, “The findings linking infections with mental disorders in the developing brain do add more knowledge to this growing field, showing that there exists an intimate connection between the body and the brain.” JAMA Psychiatry, December 2018 Health Alert: Air Pollution May Raise Diabetes Risk. A review of existing research suggests that individuals with greater exposure to air pollution may be at an elevated risk for impaired glucose metabolism, a condition known to precede type 2 diabetes. Current Epidemiology Reports, November 2018 Diet: Mediterranean Diet During Pregnancy Linked to Healthier Development in Children. According to a new study that followed 2,700 children until age four, those whose mothers most closely followed the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy were 32% less likely to experience an abnormal growth pattern through age four. Study author Dr. Dora Romaguera adds, “These results support the hypothesis that a healthy diet during pregnancy can have a beneficial effect for child development.” Journal of Pediatrics, November 2018 Exercise: Benefits Parkinson’s Patients. The current research suggests that physical exercise (such as aerobic exercises, treadmill training, dancing, traditional Chinese exercise, yoga, or resistance training) can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, December 2018 Chiropractic: Active or Static Stretching for Neck Pain? Among a group of 24 sedentary workers with neck pain, researchers found that both active and passive stretching resulted in similar improvements in range of motion, pain threshold, and perceived disability. Doctors of chiropractic commonly incorporate these types of stretches into their treatment plans for patients with neck issues. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, November 2018 Wellness/Prevention: Are You at Risk for AFib? Currently, 2.7 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The American Heart Association lists the following risk factors for AFib: advanced age, high blood pressure, heart disease, drinking alcohol, family history, and sleep apnea. American Heart Association, November 2018 Quote: “The best revenge is massive success.” ~ Frank Sinatra

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