In this issue:
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the September 2008 issue of True North's Tune-Up. We continue to emphasize "up stream" strategies for health in the areas of nutrition, mind-body, and lifestyle. Studies are from peer-reviewed scientific journals. View archived prior issues of the Tune-Up.
CONFERENCE UPDATE! Our annual health care conference, "Relationship: Integrating the Science and Spirit of Healing" is almost here...October 15-18. For more information about the conference, which is approved for 19.5 CMEs and nursing contact hours, visit the conference section of our website.
To your health,
B. Joseph Semmes, MD
Director of Research, True North
Diplomate, American Boards of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (ABIM) and Emergency Medicine
bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org
Lower levels of vitamin B12 are associated with loss of brain volume and cognitive decline in the elderly.
This prospective study (designed to look at subjects going forward in time) followed non-demented elderly over a five year period. Low brain volume does correlate with cognitive impairment. B vitamin status may be a cost effective way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's dementia. Foods high in B12 include liver, oysters, sardines, poultry, fish and eggs.
Read the vitamin B12 study
According to the Alzheimer's Society website, one in three over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
Learn more on the Alzheimer's Society website
Higher Vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk of life threatening hip fracture in elderly women.
This study of 800 community-dwelling women showed an inverse correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and life threatening hip fractures. In 2005 close to 16,000 Americans died from falls. Vitamin D is especially missed during the dark months at northern latitudes. Sardines and salmon are especially rich in Vitamin D. The second link is a nice summary for patients provided by the Annals of Internal Medicine. Remember to strengthen your quads.
Learn more about this Vitamin D study from PubMed
Read the summary for patients
The following links are strategies for preventing falls, home exercise workouts and Tai Chi class locations. Tai Chi improves balance and prevents falls.
View strategies from the PubMed website
View strategies from the American Tai Chi website
View strategies from the Strong Women website
View strategies from the Health Aging Programs website
Acupuncture significantly improves rates of pregnancy and live births when added to in vitro fertilization.
10% to 15% of couples seek help for infertility. This metaanalysis of more than 1300 women in 8 studies who underwent in vitro embryo transfers for infertility showed significantly higher (65% higher pregnancy and 91% higher live birth) rates among women who also received acupuncture (versus sham needling) within a day of their transfer procedures.
Read this acupuncture study
Massage may help cancer patients with anxiety, pain or nausea.
The striking result of this "high quality" metaanalysis is that only 10 of 1325 published papers on massage in cancer patients met the criteria of a Cochran Collaboration review. Therefore no firm conclusions can be drawn. Clinical research not comparing pills to placebo is a continuing challenge.
Read this massage metaanalysis
STAY "TUNED"!
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in the True North Tune-Up is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and links in this e-publication are intended to provide general education on the topics listed, but you should not use the information or links to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. True North advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioner prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
