Your lifestyle does affect your health

Local chiropractors Dr. Trevor Clark and Dr. Jane Peterson from Connect Chiropractic reflected this week on some new studies within their field.

Smoking can cause pancreatic cancer

An analysis of the data of over 350,000 adults over 13 years showed that current smokers are around 81 per cent more likely to get pancreatic cancer than those who have never smoked.

"The survival rate in one year of that diagnosis [of pancreatic cancer is] about 20 per cent and within five years it's about seven per cent," said Clark.

"Another great reason to quit smoking."

Neck pain may lead to mid-back pain

"We always tell our patients that we always check the full spine every time they come in because we need it all to work together for their benefit."

Proof of this was found in a study done in April 2019 found in the Journal of Biomechanics, where researchers reported that after inducing neck pain, participants experienced a reduction in mid-back stability.

"The findings suggest that pain in one area of the spine can affect stability in other spinal regions," said Clark, something that could also increase the risk of pain in those areas.

Juice and diet drinks may not be helping your kids' health

In a study where over 7,000 children participated, those who regularly drank low-calorie sweet drinks or sugary beverages consumed 200 more calories on average per day than those who drank water, said Peterson.

When it comes to choosing, then, between soda and a low-calorie fruit juice, there isn't much benefit to selecting the fruit juice.

"There really isn't that big of a difference between the two," Peterson shared, "so it's always better to be reaching for a water bottle for your children.

Lifestyle can affect cancer rates

"Lifestyle is really important and that's what we talk a lot about, is living a healthy lifestyle," explained Peterson.

Chiropractic care, however, is just one part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

A study from the Journal of Diabetes, published in May 2019, revealed an even better reason to regularly check in with your doctor and maintain healthy habits.

400,000 test subjects with type 2 diabetes were found to have an elevated risk for blood, thyroid, lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer, the study revealed.

"With a subject pool like that, there is a correlation between those who have type 2 diabetes and the increased risk of cancer."

Children can receive chiropractic care, too

"A lot of people that come into our office are actually surprised that we do treat children as well," Peterson commented.

But the benefits of chiropractic care for your child are immense.

A study from April 2019 surveyed over 1,000 mothers whose children received chiropractic care, and the majority of mothers in the study reported that chiropractic care was "safe, effective, and cost effective."

Children were observed to have a decrease in pain, and an increase in their range of motion, and a decrease in crying and better sleeping.

The mothers benefited from their children's care, as well, reporting an overall increase in life and motherhood.