Mental Attitude: Glaucoma Linked to Alzheimer’s? Glaucoma is an incurable eye disease that typically affects
older people. It causes an increase in pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, eventually leading to
vision loss. A review of data from six published studies found that individuals with glaucoma have about a 50%
increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The authors of the review recommend further studies to understand the nature
of this relationship. Acta Ophthalmologica, April 2019
Health Alert: Nearly Half of Young Asthmatics Misuse Inhalers. Too many children with asthma fail to use their
inhalers properly and don’t get a full dose of medicine. Researchers evaluated inhaler use among 113 children who
were hospitalized for asthma and found that at least one crucial inhaler technique was missed by 42% of the patients.
Furthermore, about 18% of the children did not use a spacer with their device, which helps deliver the right amount
of asthma medication. Lead author Dr. Waheeda Samady explains, “Our study suggests that as healthcare providers
we can do a better job showing patients and families the correct inhaler and spacer technique, and checking it
frequently to ensure they master it.” Journal of Hospital Medicine, April 2019
Diet: A Late Dinner and No Breakfast Are a Killer Combo for Heart Attack Survivors. New research suggests
that in the 30 days following discharge from the hospital, heart attack patients have an elevated risk for another heart
attack, angina, or death if they routinely eat a late dinner and skip breakfast the following day.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, April 2019
Exercise: Exercise Improves Mental Wellbeing of Cancer Patients. Among a group of 252 older cancer patients
under chemotherapy treatment, those who participated in a six-week structured exercise program reported
improvements related to anxiety and mood. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 2019
Chiropractic: Trigger Points Linked to Tension-Type Headaches? Though tension-type headaches (TTH) are
among the most common headaches experienced by adults, their cause is not well-understood. Examinations of 53
TTH patients and 33 individuals without a history of headaches revealed that TTH patients are more likely to have
myofascial trigger points in the head, neck, and shoulder regions. The findings suggest that dysfunction in these
areas may contribute to the TTH process. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat trigger points with manual therapy
techniques. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, April 2019
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes mellitus
(GDM) is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. Among a group of over 300 women whom
researchers monitored during pregnancy, those with poor vitamin D status were up to four times more likely to
develop GDM. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, April 2019
Quote: “No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.” ~ Shanina Shaik