Friends for Life = Friends for Health

It is pretty self-evident that spending time with those close to us, that we can share with, laugh with and just spend time with make us feel better about ourselves and our lives.  Evidence is now coming out that the benefits are not only emotional they are truly physical.

Most of us have heard that pets and deep friendships with others can extend life and improve quality of life.  A recent study appearing in the from Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual meeting in New Orleans has found why.

Researchers found people who were more lonely showed signs of elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and produced more inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress than people who felt more socially connected. 

It seems that loneliness boosts inflammation.  Inflammation is linked to coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and most other chronic disorders.  Inflammation can lead to

tissue damage throughout the body accelerating aging and predisposing you to other disease processes.  Currently these chronic conditions are typically addressed with anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).  Listening to the news and the disclaimers on advertising we should understand that this approach is not without significant risks.

It is clear from previous research that poor-quality relationships are linked to a number of health problems, including premature mortality and all sorts of other very serious health conditions. And people who are lonely clearly feel like they are in poor-quality relationships," stated the lead author.

So as you are taking steps in the New Year to keep yourself healthy, make sure you include time with friends, family and other companions in your daily or at least weekly schedule to improve your well-being.  

Yours for Better Health,

Dr. Heller 

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Chiropractic and Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence May Improve

With Chiropractic Care

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS
 

81% of chiropractic case showed improvement

Comparatively, 50% improved with pharmacological trials.  

Urinary incontinence (UI), occurs when there is leakage of urine that is involuntarily. It affects 4 of 10 women and 1 of 10 men during their lifetime, and about 17% of children younger than 15 years.

In a survey of 2,500 women aged 55–95, 64% reported that urinary incontinence was of great concern to them, but only 25% perceived that it was being adequately addressed by their healthcare providers. Urinary incontinence was associated with poor quality of life, poor self-rated health, social isolation, depressive symptoms, decline in instrumental activities of daily living and out-of-pocket expenses. The majority of older women with urinary incontinence remain under-treated. 

Based upon the prevalence of urinary incontinence in our population and the conclusion that the vast majority of the population is being under treated, the public must take an honest look at treatment choices.
 
In this study of 21 patients, that were followed for 6 years; in 48% of the case, the UI symptoms resolved totally, another 33% considerably improved and a further 19% slightly improved. That equates to 81% of the case studies showing improvement with urinary incontinence with chiropractic care. Comparatively, the authors reported that only 50% improved with pharmacological (drug) trials.  

Chiropractic, based upon the study results shouldn't be considered an alternative choice, but the first line of care with no side effects to consider from medications.
 
Contact our office for more information.  

For your better health!

Dr. Heller




Full article can be found at:  http://www.uschiropracticdirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/352-chiropractic-care-improves-urinary-incontinence-a-6-year-study
 

How Safe Is Your Elderly Family or Friend On The Road

Being independent is one of the greatest joys for the elderly.  Being able to drive an automobile to get out in the community gives one a great sense of independence.  We must realize though that there will most likely come a time when an individual's health and ability makes their time behind the wheel hazardous not only to themselves but those they share the roadways with.  Statistics show that older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The site, agingcare.com,  can give you some tips on what to watch for with elderly family, neighbors and friends that may indicate that they should no longer be driving.  The site also gives some suggestions on how to approach and address an elder who's driving habits may be hazardous.

Stay safe,

Dr. Heller