Playing a "Weighting" Game With Children's Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has been linked to a number of cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown that children who suffer from high blood pressure are more likely to have high blood pressure as adults, and that increased blood pressure levels may be related to an increase in body mass index (BMI). Few of these studies, however, have examined the affects of high blood pressure in children and teenagers.

To examine possible changes in blood pressure levels in children and adolescents, researchers compared data from two large national studies: one from 1988 to 1994; the other from 1999 to 2000. After adjusting for age, race and sex, the average child's systolic blood pressure in 1999-2000 was 1.4 mmHg higher, and the diastolic blood pressure was 3.3 mmHg higher, compared with children from 1988-1994. The authors of the study also noted a strong link between systolic blood pressure and increased BMI, and theorized that the increase in blood pressure could partly be the result of an increased number of children in the 1999-2000 study being overweight or obese.

As the saying goes, it's never too late to change, but as the results of this study show, it's never too early to change. Have your child's blood pressure checked regularly, and talk with your doctor of chiropractic about dietary and lifestyle changes for your children that will pay off with years of healthy benefits in the future.

To read summaries of previous studies on pediatric health click here.

Reference: Muntner P, He J, Cutler JA, et al. Trends in blood pressure among children and adolescents. Journal of the American Medical Association, May 5, 2004;291(17):2107-13.

The Family That Eats Together, Stays Together

In today's fast-paced society, the idea of the family sitting down to eat together may seem almost unnatural; according to recent research, however, it may be the healthy thing to do. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine shows that while some teenagers rarely sit down with their families for dinner, eating together can be an important factor in a teenager's well-being, with benefits that go far beyond the dinner table.

More than 4,700 teenage boys and girls were surveyed and asked how often they ate meals with their families, and how close they felt to their parents. The researchers found that the more often teens ate meals with the family, the less likely they were to use drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Eating frequent family meals was also associated with fewer mental health problems, lower rates of depression and suicidal thoughts, and higher self-esteem. Teens who ate with their families were also more likely to do well in school.

Most people take the importance of a family meal for granted, but as this study shows, the family meal provides children with more than just a comfortable routine; it also offers them the opportunity to learn about manners, nutrition and good eating habits - and gives them an avenue to talk to, and connect with, their parents. Take the time to eat with your child at least once or twice a week - you'll both feel good about it.

For more on healthy living click here.

References: Eisenberg ME, Olson RE, Neumark-Sztainer D, et al. Correlations between family meals and psychosocial well-being among adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine August 004;158(8):792-796.

Exercising in Spurts May be Better Than Continuous Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial if you're looking to maintain health and fitness levels, and prevent conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Typically, practitioners recommend that people exercise continuously and vigorously for 20 to 60 minutes per day. Unfortunately, you probably realized a long time ago that it's difficult to schedule a set block of time to complete a full workout. Well, here's some good news: New research suggests that you can achieve the same benefits by exercising in short 10-minute bursts of activity as if you had exercised for one continuous workout.

In the study, 18 inactive young men and women were asked to perform three types of protocols on different days: eating a high-fat meal, without exercising; eating a high-fat meal following a 30-minute session of continuous exercise; and eating a high-fat meal following a session of intermittent exercise (three 10-minute exercise sessions separated by 20-minute rest periods). Triglyceride levels (the chemical form in which most fats exist in the body) were measured just before eating the high-fat meal and at two-hour intervals afterward. Results indicated that peak triglyceride levels were reduced by 27 percent in the people who engaged in intermittent exercise; those who participated in continuous exercise reduced their triglyceride levels by only 15 percent.

Whether you choose to exercise continuously or intermittently, the overriding message is: get out and exercise! Along with eating a sensible, well-balanced diet, it's one of the best things you can do to get healthy and remove fats from your bloodstream. Talk with your doctor of chiropractic about designing an exercise program that fits your work schedule and lifestyle.

For more information on the benefits of exercise click here.

Reference: Altena TS, Michaelson J, Ball SD, et al. Single sessions of intermittent and continuous exercise and postprandial lipemia. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise August 2004;36(8):1364-1371.

Your Doctor ... of Chiropractic

For years, many people believed that chiropractors dealt only with back and neck pain. While it's true that adjusting the spine is a primary area of expertise, it's certainly not the only reason to visit a chiropractor. In fact, for a growing number of people, their primary "doctor" is a doctor of chiropractic.

A recent survey of U.S. chiropractors revealed that more than 80 percent reported providing information to their patients regarding exercise, diet, stress reduction and injury prevention, and obtaining information on physical activity, stress, dietary habits, medication use, and occupational hazards. More than 50 percent of those surveyed said they believed in providing patients with information on tobacco risks/cessation, skin cancer prevention, substance abuse and cessation options, and breastfeeding and diet during pregnancy. Other information some chiropractors agreed they should obtain from patients related to depression/anxiety, alcohol abuse/dependence, domestic violence, seat belt use, and helmet use.

The point? Doctors of chiropractic do a whole lot more than just "crack your back." In an era of increasing patient dissatisfaction with traditional medical care, doctors of chiropractic are dedicated to preventing health problems and maximizing the health of every patient in undeniable, lasting ways.

To learn more about how you can benefit from chiropractic care click here.

Reference: Hawk C, Long CR, Perillo M, Boulanger KT. A survey of US chiropractors on clinical preventive services. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics June 2004;27(5):287-98.

Don't Be Afraid of a Little Fat

Fat intake has become an obsession in this country; every day, it seems as if a new fat-free product hits the market, or an existing product is modified so that it has less fat than before. But some fat intake isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, a recent study shows that specific amounts of some fats appear to improve the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, which may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Researchers in Iowa studied a group of young men and women between the ages of 19 and 28 who ate salads topped with a dressing that contained 0, 6, or 28 grams of canola oil, respectively. Blood samples were taken hourly for up to 12 hours after each meal. Results showed that when the study participants consumed salads with the fat-free dressings, they absorbed virtually no beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. However, when they consumed salads with reduced-fat or full-fat dressings, they had higher absorption rates of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene, all of which help fight conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

The lesson here? Some fat might not be as bad as you think; in fact, consumed in moderation, it may actually be good for you. Look for salad dressings and other foods that derive their fat content from olive oil or canola oil, both of which are high in monounsaturated fat. And if you insist on fat-free dressings, mix a few slices of avocado or cheese in your salad to help absorb nutrients.

To learn more about the benefits of sound nutrition click here.

References: Brown MJ, Ferruzzi MG, Nguyen ML, et al. Carotenoid bioavailability is higher from salads ingested with full-fat than with fat-reduced salad dressings as measured with electrochemical detection. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition August 2004;80(2):396-403.

When Headaches Strike, Even the Elderly Aren't Spared

If you've been to a bowling alley, you know the sound by heart - pins struck by balls, over and over, frame after frame. Sometimes, it's almost enough to cause a headache. Well, you don't have to be in a bowling alley to get a headache and as recent research shows, it doesn't matter what age you are, either.

Evidence suggests that headache prevalence (with the exception of chronic tension-type headache) declines progressively, particularly after 55-60 years of age. However, in this study, researchers analyzed the clinical charts of 282 patients age 65 and older, diagnosing primary headaches in 81.6 percent of the cases. Among the most common primary headaches diagnosed were migraine without aura, transformed migraine, and chronic tension-type headache.

It's been estimated that 50 million people in the U.S. suffer severe, recurring headaches. If you are one of these people, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about ways to relieve your headache pain. It may be that your symptoms are due to an identifiable cause - stress or improper eating habits, for example. Also, a number of clinical studies have noted the effectiveness of chiropractic care in relieving headache symptoms, so a chiropractor may be just the person you're looking for.

For more information on senior health click here.

Reference: Lisotto C, Mainardi F, Maggioni F, et al. Headache in the elderly: a clinical study. Journal of Headache and Pain 2004;5:36-41.