Orangetown Chiropractic Center

08/31/2025

08/26/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, August 25, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Whatever the mind can
conceive and believe,
the mind can achieve.”
~ Jake LaMotta

Health Alert: Type 2 Diabetics at Elevated Fall Risk.
Examinations of 66 type 2 diabetics and 66 age-matched non-diabetic adults revealed that diabetics are more likely to exhibit proprioception errors and postural instability in the lower extremities, which can increase the risk for serious falls. The research team notes the type 2 diabetics with poor glycemic control and/or peripheral neuropathy experienced the greatest sensorimotor deficits.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, June 2025

Diet: Lower-Sodium DASH Diet Can Help Manage High Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetics.
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is an eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy designed to lower blood pressure and promote heart health. A recent study found that a low-sodium version of the DASH diet to accommodate diabetes and kidney disease concerns reduced systolic blood pressure in hypertensive type 2 diabetics by 5 mmHg—a reduction associated with meaningful decreases in stroke, cardiovascular events, and heart failure risk.
JAMA Internal Medicine, June 2025

Exercise: Tips for Safer Outdoor Workouts.
While exercise outdoors has been shown to provide both physical and mental health benefits, it’s not without risk. To more safely engage in physical activity on the streets or in more natural settings, experts recommend gradually increasing duration and intensity, stretching, wearing proper footwear, staying visible, paying attention, and listening to your body.
Health & Wellness Journal, June 2025

Chiropractic: Trends in Modifiable Risk Factors for Low Back Pain.
Over the last 30 years, the burden of low back pain attributed to smoking has declined and has nearly been eclipsed by poor metabolic health. However, occupational exposures continue to be a leading cause of low back pain-related disability.
Arthritis Care & Research (Hoboken), March 2025

Mental Attitude: Teen Night Owls More Likely to Be Impulsive.
Among 210 teenagers, researchers found that those who preferred late bedtimes were more likely to display impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. Since these traits are linked to a higher risk of substance abuse, the findings suggest that encouraging healthier sleep habits in adolescents may help reduce alcohol and drug use in this population.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, June 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Fitness Trackers May Be Less Accurate for Some Body Types.
Researchers at Northwestern University report that calorie-burn estimates are often less accurate for overweight and obese individuals due to differences in gait and body mechanics. The good news: with a few adjustments, app and device makers can update their algorithms to better reflect the energy expenditure of a more diverse user base.
Scientific Reports, June 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

08/18/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, August 18, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Being aware of your fear is smart.
Overcoming it is the mark
of a successful person.”
~ Seth Godin

Health Alert: Only About 1 in 5 Middle-Aged Women Have a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle.
The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 is a set of health-related behaviors and clinical measures—including not smoking, good sleep hygiene, maintaining a healthy weight, a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and healthy levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure—that are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. An analysis of data concerning nearly 3,000 middle-aged women revealed that only 21% routinely meet the Essential 8 criteria, suggesting there is ample opportunity to improve the cardiovascular health of women at midlife.
Menopause, July 2025

Diet: Is the Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Mood Disorders?
The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern focused on fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish, olive oil, and whole grains while avoiding red and processed meats, dairy, saturated fats, and refined sugars. Questionnaires completed by 400 older adults revealed that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Aging & Mental Health, June 2025

Exercise: Overall Fitness May Preserve Cognitive Abilities.
A systematic review that included 19 studies concluded that overall physical fitness may delay or even prevent the onset of mild-cognitive impairment. The findings add to a growing body of research linking physical and cognitive health.
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, June 2025

Chiropractic: Lifestyle Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Teens.
A comparison of 80 adolescents with low back pain and 80 without revealed that physical inactivity, poor posture while completing homework, and prolonged computer use are each associated with an elevated risk for low back pain.
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, June 2025

Mental Attitude: Positive Outlook May Protect Cognitive Health.
Assessments completed by more than 10,000 middle-aged and older adults revealed that greater feelings of autonomy, purpose, and life satisfaction are linked with better memory recall over a 16-year time frame.
Aging & Mental Health, June 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Keep Middle-Age Spread at Bay.
Between their 20s and 40s, the average American may gain between 10-25 lbs. due to factors such as slowing metabolism, unchanged appetite, and declining muscle mass—a phenomenon known as middle-age spread. To counter this trend, the National Institutes of Health recommends the following: eat a nutrient-dense diet, avoid snacking, stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, get sufficient sleep, and stay active.
National Institutes of Health, June 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

08/12/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, August 11, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Patience and perseverance
have a magical effect
before which difficulties
disappear and obstacles vanish.”
~ John Quincy Adams

Health Alert: In Utero Toxin Exposure Linked to Lower Birthweight.
Mycoestrogens are naturally occurring, estrogen-like compounds produced by certain fungi that may be ingested through contaminated cereals and grains. In a recent study, researchers observed that exposure to the mycoestrogen zearalenone among expectant mothers who also carry a gene variant called ABCG2 Q141K resulted in an increased risk of low birthweight. The findings highlight how genetics and environmental exposures may jointly affect fetal development.
Environmental Health Perspectives, March 2025

Diet: Low-Fiber Diet May Lead to Unstable Plaques in Arteries.
An analysis of data concerning more than 24,000 adults revealed an association between low-fiber intake and an increased risk of unstable plaque in the coronary arteries, which is linked to an elevated risk of heart attack.
Cardiovascular Research, June 2025

Exercise: Everyday Biking May Promote Healthy Brain Aging.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that adults who primarily travel by bicycle have a 19% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease—with the greatest risk reduction in those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's. The research team hypothesizes that the combination of physical activity and balance requirements required to cycle may stimulate the brain more than other forms of transportation like walking, driving, or using public transportation.
JAMA Network Open, June 2025

Chiropractic: Forward Head Posture Makes Balancing More Taxing on the Brain.
Forward head posture is a postural misalignment in which the head protrudes in front of the body’s center of gravity, increasing strain on the neck and upper back muscles. Examinations of 64 adults under age 25 revealed the brain must expend more cortical resources to maintain stability when forward head posture is present—especially during more physically demanding balance tasks.
Scientific Reports, July 2025

Mental Attitude: Sedentary Behavior Linked to Depression in Older Teens.
A systematic review that included 25 studies revealed a link between more time spent engaged in sedentary behaviors and up to a 69% increased risk of depression in late adolescents.
BMC Public Health, July 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Early Pregnancy Blood Test May Predict Preeclampsia Risk.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. According to a recent study, blood samples collected during early pregnancy may show signs of cell-free RNA that indicate an increased risk of preeclampsia up to 18 weeks in advance. The finding may pave the way for a blood test to identify expectant mothers at risk for the condition.
Human Reproduction, June 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

08/04/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, August 4, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Unhappiness is not knowing
what we want and
killing ourselves to get it.”
~ Don Herold

Health Alert: Women Who Work Night Shift May Be at Elevated Risk of Asthma.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that women who routinely work nights have a 50% increased risk of asthma. Interestingly, the risk is even greater for postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy, suggesting the underlying cause may be hormonal in nature. The research team did not observe a link between night shifts and asthma in men.
ERJ Open Research, June 2025

Diet: Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Early Adulthood May Raise Diabetes Risk.
Altered glucose homeostasis refers to a disruption in the body’s ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels, often involving impaired insulin production, insulin resistance, or abnormal glucose metabolism—which can set the stage for type 2 diabetes. An analysis of data from the Meta-AIR study revealed that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with altered glucose homeostasis in early adulthood. The findings are especially alarming as ultra-processed foods account for the majority of calories in the average young adult’s diet.
Research Square, July 2025

Exercise: Fitness May Protect Against Depression.
An analysis of data pooled from national cohort studies in the United States and United Kingdom revealed that depression affects about 22% of the population, and higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a reduced risk for the mood disorder.
BMC Medicine, July 2025

Chiropractic: Buttock Pain May Be a Symptom of Lumbar Disk Herniation.
Examinations of 321 disk herniation patients revealed that buttock pain is a common and independent symptom affecting three out of four such individuals—particularly those with contained herniations and an intact annulus.
Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, March 2025

Mental Attitude: Frequent Nightmares May Increase Risk of Premature Death.
Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, acting as a biological clock that contributes to cellular and overall aging. A recent study found that individuals who experience recurring nightmares show accelerated telomere shortening, likely driven by elevated cortisol levels released in response to stress-inducing dreams. This faster cellular aging is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases at younger ages and may increase the likelihood of premature death.
European Academy of Neurology, June 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Locomotive Syndrome Linked to Metabolic Syndrome.
Locomotive syndrome is a condition characterized by reduced mobility due to impaired musculoskeletal function. A study that included 4,301 middle-aged and older adults revealed that locomotive syndrome raises the risk of metabolic syndrome by up to 34%. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders may also benefit the metabolic health of the population.
Preventative Medicine, June 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

08/03/2025

Spinal Pain in Schoolkids from Backpack Use
JULY 1, 2025

While findings vary across studies, research generally agrees that some degree of spine pain is common in school-aged children—from elementary school through middle and high school. Multiple factors can contribute to spine pain in students, and one that routinely appears in the literature is backpack use. The issue is not necessarily backpack use itself, but the stress heavy, poorly fitted, or improperly worn backpacks place on a child’s developing body.

In an experiment conducted in 2015, a female volunteer walked on a treadmill for five minutes using different types of bags: a two-strap backpack, a one-strap backpack, a shoulder bag, and a cross-body messenger bag. The two-strap backpack was associated with the least spinal muscle activity, suggesting it may be the least likely to contribute to back pain. Unfortunately, a 2025 study of 384 preteens found that even among students with two-strap backpacks, about half routinely slung their backpack over one shoulder, a habit that can put uneven stress on the spine and surrounding tissues.

When a backpack is too heavy, it increases strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and spinal discs of the neck, mid- and low back, and pelvis. Carrying excessive weight also affects a child’s balance and posture, forcing the body’s center of gravity to shift to accommodate the burden. Experts generally recommend that a backpack weigh no more than 10–15% of a child’s body weight. However, the 2025 study found that more than half of students exceeded this guideline. Other research has shown that for every one-kilogram increase in backpack weight, the risk of developing back pain rises by as much as 45%.

Additionally, the amount of time spent wearing a backpack can also elevate injury risk as tissues fatigue and postural adaptations accumulate. A 2016 study of more than 5,300 students across all grade levels found that even though the relative backpack weight declines as children age, the overall rate of spine pain increases over time. Further analysis revealed that the duration of backpack use increases with each grade level, making it an important risk factor for spine pain.

Of course, backpacks are not the only cause of pediatric spine pain. Other common risk factors include excessive sitting and screen time, low physical activity, poor diet, and inadequate sleep. Fortunately, proper backpack habits, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way toward reducing spine pain in students. If pain is persistent or worsening, parents and students should consult a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, for a thorough evaluation and guidance on safe, effective management.

07/28/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, July 28, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“As long as you don't forgive,
who and whatever it is will occupy
rent-free space in your mind.”
~ Isabelle Holland

Health Alert: About One-in-Nine Seniors Suffer a Fall Each Year.
Among a group of nearly 3,000 older adults, researchers observed that 12% had experienced at least one fall during the previous year, and one-in-seven fall episodes resulted in a fracture, most often the wrist, knee, or hip. A review of mortality data revealed falls are associated with a 65% increased risk of death within the following five years.
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, June 2025

Diet: Tea and Dark Chocolate May Help Lower Blood Pressure.
Flavanols are natural compounds found in fruit, tea, and chocolate that help plants defend against pests, fungal infections, and ultraviolet radiation. A meta-analysis of data from 145 randomized clinical trials revealed that a high intake of flavanols is associated with enhanced endothelial function, benefiting blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, May 2025

Exercise: Women's Physical Activity is More Consistent Than Men's.
An analysis of six months of data collected from nearly 600 adults revealed that women have less variability in their physical activity levels than men. Interestingly, the data also show that menstrual cycles do not significantly affect a woman’s physical activity levels, contrary to long-standing assumptions.
Journal of Medical Internet Research, May 2025

Chiropractic: Hunched Posture Raises Neck Pain Risk in Low Back Pain Patients.
Compared with a normal seated posture, working at a desk in a hunched posture for just 30 minutes significantly increased fatigue in the sternocleidomastoid neck muscle among individuals with chronic low back pain, potentially raising their risk of developing co-occurring neck pain.
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, February 2025

Mental Attitude: Early-Life Risk Factors for Dementia.
Using data from the UK Biobank study, researchers report that several early-life factors are associated with an increased risk of dementia, including maternal smoking during the perinatal period, below-average height at age ten, low or high birth weight, and childhood physical neglect.
Journal of Affective Disorders, June 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Affordable Blood Test May Detect Alzheimer’s Early.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a low-cost blood test that detects five proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In a study involving 63 participants, the test accurately distinguished individuals with Alzheimer’s from those without the condition. With further refinement and validation, the test could improve early screening—potentially identifying the disease before symptoms appear—allowing for earlier intervention and preventative strategies.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, May 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

07/24/2025

DUE TO UNFORSEEN REASONS
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
WEDNESDAY 7/30 & THURSDAY 7/31

Normal office hours will resume MONDAY 8/4 @ 9am

07/21/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, July 21, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Doubt is the origin of wisdom.”
~ René Descartes

Health Alert: Broken Heart Syndrome More Common in Women, More Fatal to Men.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced or "broken heart" syndrome, is a temporary heart condition characterized by sudden weakening of the left ventricle, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. It’s estimated that between 6,000 and 7,000 people are diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy each year. While 83% of broken heart syndrome cases occur in female patients, the risk of death from the condition is more than doubled in men (11% vs 5%).
American Heart Association, May 2025

Diet: Try Matcha?
Matcha is a powdered green tea that contains less caffeine than coffee but is rich in antioxidants and L-theanine—a compound that may reduce caffeine-related jitters and promote relaxation. Because it offers similar cardiovascular benefits to coffee but with a gentler stimulant effect, matcha may be a preferred choice for individuals sensitive to caffeine.
The Conversation, May 2025

Exercise: Lifting Weights Benefits Future Moms.
A systematic review of nine clinical trials found that strength training during pregnancy may help mitigate excessive weight gain, alleviate low back and sciatic pain, and improve both mental and physical health in expectant mothers.
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, July 2025

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain Trends Attributable to High Body Mass Index.
Past research has established high body mass index (BMI) as a significant risk factor for low back pain. Drawing on data from the Global Burden of Disease study, researchers reported a 171% increase in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs)—a metric that reflects years lost to illness, disability, or premature death—attributable to obesity-related low back pain between 1990 and 2021. This substantial rise highlights the growing public health burden of obesity and its contribution to chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Frontiers in Nutrition, January 2025

Mental Attitude: Hearing Loss May Contribute to Dementia.
Following an analysis of data from 49 studies, researchers report that even mild hearing loss in both ears raises the risk of dementia by 32%, and the risk rises to 66% in more severe cases. It’s suspected the risk may be a combination of pathological processes common to hearing loss and dementia, as well as factors like social withdrawal.
Aging & Mental Health, June 2025

Wellness/Prevention: Are Half of Dementia Cases Preventable?
Nearly half of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Yet, most research and interventions tend to focus on midlife, despite the fact that many of these risk factors emerge much earlier. Experts emphasize that promoting healthier lifestyle habits across the entire lifespan—not just in middle age—could significantly enhance brain health and reduce the overall incidence of cognitive decline and dementia.

The Conversation, May 2025
Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

07/14/2025

Weekly Health Update
Monday, July 14, 2025
Courtesy of:

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

“Kind words do not cost much.
Yet they accomplish much.”
~ Blaise Pascal

Health Alert: Remnant Cholesterol Linked to Cardiovascular Disease.
Using data from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank study, researchers report that high levels of remnant cholesterol—the cholesterol found in leftover blood particles after fat is processed—are associated with a 32% increased risk of cardiovascular disease over a five-year period, independent of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol) levels. Elevated remnant cholesterol is commonly linked to high triglycerides, insulin resistance, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, June 2025

Diet: Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods are food products that include added sugars, fats, and salt to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. An analysis of data from the 2001-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that ultra-processed foods account for more than 50% of total caloric intake in individuals with either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and for one-in-five such individuals, ultra-processed foods account for 75% of their daily calories.
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, July 2025

Exercise: What Is Grip Strength?
Grip strength is commonly used in scientific studies as a proxy for overall muscular fitness, much like body mass index (BMI) utilizes height and weight to provide a general indication of body fat. While grip strength doesn’t capture the full picture of an individual’s health, it has been associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
The Conversation, May 2025

Chiropractic: Low Back Pain and Hip Asymmetries.
Examinations of 93 middle-aged and older adults revealed that those with low back pain were more likely to exhibit asymmetries between their hips, suggesting altered biomechanics. Prior research has shown that hip and low back dysfunction often co-occur, with impairment in one region potentially increasing the risk of issues in the other.
North American Spine Society Journal, March 2025

Mental Attitude: Quieter Classrooms May Help Calm Kids.
According to a recent study, installing sound-absorbing ceilings in preschool classrooms reduces noise and helps calm children, which may support early language development and emotional regulation.
Acoustical Society of America, May 2025

Wellness/Prevention: A Less Invasive Option for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles report that combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with focal therapy—such as ultrasound, cryotherapy, or laser ablation—to identify and target only the cancerous portion of the prostate can reduce the need for more invasive treatments like surgery or radiation, while significantly lowering the risk of side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel problems.
Journal of Urology, May 2025

Paul Trinkoff, D.C.
60 Dutch Hill Rd #1
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-8470

07/08/2025

Chiropractic Care for Chronic Jaw Pain
JULY 1, 2025

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, stiffness, clicking, and difficulty moving the jaw. It’s estimated that between 50% and 66% of adults will experience at least one short-lived episode of TMD in their lifetime that resolves on its own. However, approximately 5–12% may go on to have severe or persistent symptoms that require intervention from a healthcare provider. While dentists and medical doctors are often the first point of contact, there’s a growing interest in the research community about the role of chiropractic care in managing TMD.

The temporomandibular joint is formed by the articulation of the temporal bone of the cranium and the mandible, or jawbone, which allows the jaw to open and close, move left and right, and slide forward and backward. It’s a synovial joint with a fibrocartilage disk that separates the joint into two compartments. The muscles of mastication and the hyoid muscles control these motions. The masseter and temporalis help close the jaw, with assistance from the medial pterygoid. The lateral pterygoid supports protrusion. If the movement or function of any of these tissues is altered, the joint can become restricted and painful.

TMD can arise suddenly after trauma, such as whiplash or a direct blow, but it more often develops gradually over time as a result of microtrauma, muscle tension, joint wear, bruxism, repeated clenching, and chronic stress. In these cases, the tissues surrounding the joint send continuous pain signals to the central nervous system, which can sensitize the nervous system and cause pain and stiffness to persist long after the tissues have begun to heal.

A review of guidelines from December 2023 emphasized the value of conservative therapies often provided in chiropractic offices for managing chronic TMD including manipulative, mobilization, and trigger point therapy; supervised exercises; and gentle stretching—all with the aim to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Hands-on care can also help decrease pain catastrophizing, the tendency to describe pain in exaggerated terms, and reduce kinesiophobia, the fear of movement that can lead to further guarding and stiffness.

In addition to treating the jaw itself, research continues to highlight a connection between TMD and cervical spine dysfunction. Many patients with TMD also have neck pain or restricted neck movement—something doctors of chiropractic have long treated with great success. A May 2023 systematic review of five studies concluded that improving mobility in the cervical spine can decrease jaw pain, sensitivity, and functional limitations. This underscores the need for a holistic approach because dysfunction in one region can contribute to dysfunction in another. Addressing not only the jaw but also the neck and surrounding structures can help produce better, more lasting outcomes for the TMD patient.M