“Growth begins when we begin
to accept our own weakness.”
~ Jean Vanier
Health Alert: Combustion Pollution Raises Cardiovascular Hospitalization Risks.
Fine-particulate matter is a mixture of microscopic particles and liquid droplets in the air, primarily produced by combustion processes such as vehicle emissions and the burning of wood and coal. An analysis of Medicare data over a 16-year period revealed that living in areas with higher exposure to fine-particulate matter is associated with an elevated risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.
Environmental Research, September 2025
Diet: Carotenoid Intake May Protect Against Colorectal Cancer.
Carotenoids are compounds with antioxidant properties that give yellow, orange, and red fruit and vegetables their color. A study that looked at diet quality of 1,953 colorectal cancer patients and 4,154 adults without a history of colon cancer found that a higher carotenoid intake is associated with up to a 41% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2025
Exercise: Weightlift for Stronger Bones.
Lifting heavy weights places mechanical stress on bones, stimulating bone formation and increasing bone density. For stronger, healthier bones, experts recommend resistance training at least twice a week, particularly with compound movements such as squats and deadlifts.
The Conversation, August 2025
Chiropractic: Upper Cervical Spine Dysfunction Can Affect Neck and Shoulder Movement.
New research suggests that mobility restrictions in the joint connecting the base of the skull to the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) may cause persistent motor control deficits affecting both the neck and upper limbs. Restoring normal motion at this atlanto-occipital joint—through interventions such as chiropractic care—could help improve neck and shoulder mobility.
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, July 2025
Mental Attitude: Early Lead Exposure May Cause Memory Issues Later in Life.
Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of leaded gasoline emissions in childhood were more likely to experience memory difficulties in middle and old age. The findings highlight how environmental toxins can have lasting effects on the body.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 2025
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Deficiency Too Common During Pregnancy.
An analysis of data from 116 studies revealed that between 68% and 81% of expectant mothers have deficient vitamin D levels during pregnancy, which is associated an elevated risk for several adverse outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, Cesarean delivery, infection and immune complications, mood disorders, preterm birth, low birthweight, neonatal infections, and neonatal hypocalcemia.
Nutrition Reviews, September 2025
