Individuals who enjoy spicier foods appear to eat less salt and have lower blood pressure. A study that involved 606 adults found that those who had a preference for spicier foods had an 8mm Hg lower systolic and 5mm Hg lower diastolic blood pressure and they consumed less sodium than individuals who largely avoided such fare. Additionally, brain scans showed that the areas stimulated by salt and spice overlap, and that spice consumption further increases brain activity in these areas. The researchers speculate that this may cause these individuals to be more sensitive to salt so that they can enjoy their food without having to consume very much of it.
Hypertension, October 2017

In comparison to working out alone, exercising with a group of friends can reduce one’s stress levels by up to 26%.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, October 2017

Past research has linked heavy backpack use by children and teens with postural changes and an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. The results of a recent study indicates that a heavy backpack can also lead to problems for young adults. In the study, researchers assessed participants as they stood with no backpack and while wearing a backpack loaded with 5%, 10%, and 15% of their body weight. The investigators found carrying a backpack equivalent to 15% of one’s body weight leads to increased forward posture of the head on the neck, which could raise one’s risk for neck pain and headaches.
Work, June 2017

Senior women who completed a four-month moderate-intensity exercise program found that they awoke less often during the night than they had at the start of the study.
Behavioral Sleep Medicine, October 2017

Researchers from China’s Qingdao University report walking briskly for three hours per week can cut one’s risk for developing dementia by 10-13%.
BMJ Open, October 2017

Among a group of 48 university students, researchers found that those who used their electronic device for more than five hours per day had a larger median nerve cross section in their dominant hand than participants who utilised their device less often. Heavy users were also more likely to report numbness, tingling, and pain in their dominant hand, symptoms commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Muscle & Nerve, November 2017

A review of data from 24 published studies indicates that a diet rich in fish and vegetables may reduce the risk of depression by 14-18%.
Journal of Affective Disorders, January 2018

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common cause of shoulder pain. A recent literature review found that shoulder-specific exercises combined with manual therapies are beneficial for reducing pain in patients with SIS. Both techniques are commonly used by doctors of chiropractic in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder impingement.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, September 2017