May 2020 Health Newsletter

An Australian study of 954 women aged 70 and older has found that the more vegetables older women eat, the less likely they are to develop plaque accumulation in their arteries. Lauren Blekkenhorst, a nutrition researcher at the University of Western Australia and lead author of the study, found that study participants averaged 2.7 servings of vegetables per day. Using a food questionnaire to categorize responses, researchers determined that women who consumed three servings of vegetables per day had artery walls that were about 5 percent less thick than women who ate less than two servings. One of the most beneficial types of vegetables for artery health was found to be the crucifer family — cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. For each third of an ounce more cruciferous vegetables participants ate, they had a corresponding 0.8 percent less artery wall thickness. This means even a small increase in vegetable consumption can have big benefits for vascular health. Blekkenhorst hypothesizes that eating vegetables may make arteries healthier because it leaves less room for junk food. In addition, the vitamins and minerals present in vegetables have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to better cardiovascular health. Although the study was not meant to predict long-term cardiovascular health, it does show how easily your diet impacts vascular health. Adding just a serving or two of vegetables to your diet each day can make help you stay healthier, longer.

"You're only as old as you think you are" has been a popular saying for many years. People who honestly feel this way really do act, and oftentimes look, younger than their age. Conversely, some people seem to age quickly and decline mentally and physically simply because they think they're old once they've reached a certain age. Is there scientific backing for the old saying: "You’re only as old as you think you are?" Research done in 2014 at the University of Montpellier in France studied the correlation between chronological age, subjective age, and changes in memory. What the researchers found is eye-opening. A person's subjective age is the age they feel they are mentally and physically. Someone in good physical and mental shape may be 60, 70 or 80 years of age, but feel like they aren't a day over 50. On the other hand, someone dealing with illness or chronic pain may feel like they’re 80 when they're only 60. Researchers have found that saying, thinking, or feeling older than one actually is can cause depression and memory problems. People who feel younger had a slower memory decline and quicker recall capabilities. A person's subjective age has a lot to do with how they feel physically and mentally. Implementing the following four practices will help one feel younger than ever:
1. Daily exercise
2. Eating nutrient dense foods
3. Regular mental exercises, like puzzles, reading or learning a language
4. Being surrounded by happy, positive people.
Chiropractic treatments are vital in pain reduction and management. In addition to a healthy diet and active lifestyle, getting regular chiropractic treatments are a great way to stay healthy and young.

With the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it's important to understand that chiropractic services are truly essential services and the majority of chiropractic offices around the nation remain open to provide essential care and relief to the public. In fact, Homeland Security has specifically included chiropractors in their list of essential healthcare workers. Obtaining professional chiropractic care earlier may also reduce the likelihood patients will end up in urgent care or the emergency room where increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 is possible. If you're in need of chiropractic care, please contact our office today to ensure you don’t continue to suffer and to avoid entering other healthcare offices where there may be an increased exposure risk to COVID-19.