Even light activity is healthier than previously thought, new studies show

Two new studies with one from Harvard University show several surprising findings, including that light exercise has even more benefits in decreased mortality than previously thought. As a doctor board certified in rehabilitation I will be sharing these findings with my patients. I am always encouraging them to be more active even when they have very painful conditions because we now know that a little activity can go a long way!
Does this surprise anyone?Even light activity is healthier than previously thought, new studies show

New research shows marathoners have less arthritis than non-runners

Many people have heard that higher mileage running is bad for the knees and increases the chance of arthritis. There has never been any good evidenceto support that contention. A new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery showed that long term marathoners had half the incidence of knee and hip osteoarthritis as matched controls of non runners.
Does this surprise anyone?
New research shows marathoners have less arthritis than non-runners

Feeling sleep-deprived? Doctors and police officers are too, study says

A newly released study from Indiana's Ball State University says one-third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Lack of sleep is associated with numerous mental and physical health problems.
Feeling sleep-deprived? Doctors and police officers are too, study says

JAMA Study: Opioids No Better Than Nonopioids in Improving Pain-Related Function, Intensity for Chronic Back Pain, Hip/Knee OA

Another comparison study showing no differences in long term outcomes using opioids vs non-opioid drugs for chronic back pain, hip/knee osteoarthritis.
I have seen several of these comparison studies showing no better outcomes in the opioid groups. Does this surprise anyone?JAMA Study: Opioids No Better Than Nonopioids in Improving Pain-Related Function, Intensity for Chronic Back Pain, Hip/Knee OA

Using chiropractors to reduce lower back pain

Here is a recent video interview of a professor from Logan Chiropractic College. He notes that the average age of the onset of back disorders is 32 and unfortunately the average age to begin chiropactic care is 47. He also mentions the recent study showing that in a chiropractic treatment group there was a 49% reduction in opioid use.
Using chiropractors to reduce lower back pain

Joint injections of cortisone may not be safe

The extremely common procedure of injection of cortisone into joints has until recently been considered safe if not overused. New evidence is showing that may not be true. A new study in the journal Radiology showed that 8% of patients who had injections in the hips or knees had complications that worsened the state of the joint. Recent studies show little or no benefit. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons do not recommend them.
A Warning From a Doctor Who Has Done Thousands of Steroid Injections for Arthritis

High rate of disabililty after senior patients leave the hospital

We now have overwhelming evidence of the benefits of activity and I spend much time encouraging more activiity for my patients. This Kaiser Health News article references a study showing that one-third of patients age 70 and older leave the hospital more disabled than when they arrived because many times they are restricted from getting out of bed.
Can you imagine how much disability this creates?
‘Fear Of Falling’: How Hospitals Do Even More Harm By Keeping Patients In Bed