Parkinson’s disease is the breakdown of neurons in the brain responsible for smooth, purposeful movements resulting in tremors and stiffness in the joints. Now it seems that dancing,
especially salsa and tango, may have a positive effect in slowing the disease. The fast rhythms of Latin music can bypass movement blocks by providing auditory clues that engage the brain. Since Latin music has complex footwork, turns and social interaction, it can stimulate motor pathways and boost mood. The basic steps of salsa require constant weight shifting which strengthens core muscles, improves stability, as well as balance and coordination. This can reduce the freezing episodes which are a common occurrence with Parkinson’s. The upbeat, positive atmosphere of a salsa class can help combat the isolation and stress which is often a part of the disease. “Dance for PD” is a program that was initiated 16 years ago in Brooklyn. It is now offered in 16 countries and is now a part of Stanford University. The program works with people struggling with speech and movement. It is both physically therapeutic and psychologically uplifting. So, get out your old record player and put on some Tito Puente just for the fun of it.
Category: Medical World
Iodine Rich diet…
When we think of iodine what comes to mind is either something from a saltshaker or a brown liquid antiseptic. Iodine is as important a mineral as
magnesium and calcium in our diet. It is an antiviral, an important sleep agent as well as the regulator of the hormone cortisol. It supports organ health especially the thyroid which regulates almost every cell in the body.Deficiencies are associated with fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and a host of other health risks. Since the body is incapable of making iodine, it must be ingested through food. Sardines, cod, and salmon are rich in iodine. Seaweed contains the highest levels of iodine which is especially important for vegans. If you are not fond of fish but are a sushi lover, you are getting a good dose of iodine from raw fish and seaweed. Dairy is also a good source especially milk, cheese and yogurt. Another important source are egg yolks. Unfortunately, meats, vegetables and fruit do not contain large amounts of iodine so if the above foods do not sit well with your eating schedule, and you feel you may be deficient, speak with your physician about an iodine supplement.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-iodine
https://columbiasurgery.org/news/iodine-important-and-you-may-not-be-getting-much-you-think
Bringing Sound to Deaf Children…
A new therapy from the company Regemeron called Otarmeni, has been approved by the FDA to restore hearing in children with a rare genetic, inherited form of deafness. Otoferlin deafness is caused by a mutated gene that destroys a protein in the inner ear that is required to transmit sound to the brain. Up to now the only treatment was a cochlear implant which would restore sound of a very tinny quality. To perform this gene therapy researchers had to reach the genes of the cochlea which lies in the center of the scull, is filled with fluid and contains thousands of tiny inner hair cells. The gene in question is present in these hair cells which are already intact in these patients, so it was a matter of introducing a working copy of this gene. In other words, the cells of Otoferlin deafness are normal yet they are not yet transmitting sound. Otarmeni therapy so far has been successful at a rate of 80% with 30% of children having normal hearing restored without needing a hearing aid. The next target is a more difficult situation which is the GJB2 gene. This is a more common cause of deafness in which the cells of the cochlea are damaged. Another is tackling hearing loss caused by loss of the hair cells in older people.
https://investor.regeneron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/otarmenitm-lunsotogene-parvec-cwha-approved-fda-first-and-only
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-ever-gene-therapy-treatment-genetic-hearing-loss-under-national-priority-voucher
Grip-Strength and Health…
Is grip strength important? Is there a connection between grip strength and 
health? In business, a strong handshake will generally make a good first impression. However, the strength of your handshake may be an indication of overall health and longevity. Researchers are connecting grip strength to overall muscle strength, heart health, and doing simple tasks as people age (carrying objects, preventing falls etc.). Grip strength is measured in 3 ways. “Crushing Strength” refers to how strongly you can grip using all your fingers as well as the palm of your hand. “Supporting Strength” indicates how you can hold onto something or hang from something. “Pinching Strength” is how firmly you can pinch an object between your fingers using your thumb. If you are into weight training, grip strength will enable you to increase weight load. If your aim is to increase grip strength, walking carrying heavy bags, wrist curls, or just hanging from a bar are some simple ways to accomplish this. More research needs to be done so that the connection between grip strength and health can be better understood. Education focusing on increasing grip strength can influence the outcome of a person’s health.