July Health Pearls

 July Health Pearls:

1.  Babies Conceived in Spring More Likely to be Born Prematurely: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.  This study was conducted by Princeton University researchers, on 1.4 million births from NYC, NJ and PA.  It showed a 10% higher risk for premature births in these babies.  It was thought that by early winter, at the peak of the flu season, mothers of these babies might not be so healthy. This could lead to preterm labor and delivery.  It is important, therefore, for mothers of babies conceived in spring to have flu shots to prevent prematurity.

Babies conceived in the summer, on the other hand, showed an increase in birth weight, proving how seasonal variations in nutrition can improve a baby’s weight.  

2.   Running Biomechanic Change during Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods: 2013 Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 

This study, conducted by Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit of the running clinic at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, showed how the stretching of the deep abdominal muscles can lead to the change in stride and the “swaying” of the pelvis, causing discomfort and less efficient running performance.  By doing exercises to strengthen deep abdominal muscles including performing the plank, bridges and squats, running performance would be improved during pregnancy    

3.  A Large Waist is the Single most Important Risk Factor in Progressing to Diabetes: Diabetes Care, May 6, 2013   

This study, conducted by Dr. Barbara Bardenheier, PHD at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showed that having a large waist circumference is the strongest direct effect in developing diabetes in patients with prediabetes.  Abdominal fat, not general obesity, is more likely to affect insulin resistance and lead to type 2 diabetes. Where we accumulate fat is determined by our genes – we probably are shaped like one of our parents – but those who end up with more belly fat should take this as even more incentive to try to lose weight.

4.  Alzheimer’s patients have a 50% drop in cancer risk, and cancer patients have a 35% reduction in risk for having Alzheimer, July 10, Neurology.   

Author of this study, Dr. Massimo Musicco, at the National Research Council of Italy in Milan, hoped that this discovery someday will help scientists find the protective factors for these diseases.  Further studies might lead to developing protective medications for these conditions.