Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Neurological Risks in Children

Based in Portland, Maine, Dr. Dave Steuer has an extensive background providing patient-centered oral and plastic surgery care. With a longstanding interest in health and fitness, Dr. Dave Steuer has a particular focus on the intertwined roles of physiology and neurochemistry.

A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers published in Environmental Health Perspectives brought focus to the risks posed to children’s mental health by even short-term air pollution exposure. Classified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen, outdoor air pollution is also associated with stroke, asthma, and heart disease.

Analyzing medical records encompassing 6,000 children and 13,000 psychiatric visits to emergency departments revealed that, following particularly severe air pollution days, children had higher rates of depression and anxiety, as well as stress-related conditions and adjustment disorders. The highest spike saw children who attempted, contemplated, or completed suicide.

The researchers postulate that exposure to traffic and other sources of urban pollution can generate neurochemistry changes linked to anxiety in children. In particular myo-inositol levels, linked to neuroinflammatory response, spike after pollution exposure. This reflects a situation in which air pollution not only does damage to the lungs, but triggers a cascade of inflammation throughout the body.

Circadian Rhythms and the Importance of Front-Loading Calories

Dr. Dave Steuer is an established Portland physician who guided Maine Endodontic Partners for many years. Health focused in his personal as well as professional life, Dr. Dave Steuer’s areas of interest include nutrition and weight loss, and he has authored books on the topic.

Beyond diet and fitness, one of the major factors involved in weight loss is the circadian rhythm, or the 24-hour cycle of mental, physical, and behavioral changes. Driven by a biological clock within the brain, the circadian rhythm is highly influenced by exposure to light.

The body’s master clock is linked with “peripheral clocks” in the organs and muscles that together impact the way in which carbs, calories, and fats are metabolized. As reported by CNN, one 2013 study focused on 420 obese and overweight participants who were separated into late and early-eater groups.

The latter group tended to eat full calorie breakfasts and consume lunch before 3 p.m., while the late eaters consumed lunch after 3 p.m. They also ate smaller breakfasts or skipped their morning meal altogether. After a 20-week study period, during which all participants consumed 1,400 calories each day and ate similar amounts of protein, fat, and carbs, the late eaters lost only 17 pounds, while the early eaters lost 22 pounds.

Researchers surmised that the circadian system impacted the way in which the nutrients consumed were absorbed, digested, and metabolized depending on time, through a process known as “diet-induced thermogenesis.” A key recommendation was that it makes sense to eat breakfast and “front-load” wherever possible, even to the point of consuming what would normally be eaten for dinner at lunchtime.

HSDM Launches Bridge to Dental School Program

A recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Dave Steuer acquired nearly two decades of professional experience in endodontics and dental implants before primarily shifting his focus to delivering medical presentations around the world. Knowledgeable in natural medicine, Dr. Dave Steuer earned his master of medical science degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM).

Established in 1867, HSDM is the nation’s leading dental school that offers specialty, advanced, and doctoral programs to students. HSDM facilitates various programs to encourage excellence and promote inclusivity within the campus. One such program is the Bridge to Dental School preparatory course, which is open to students with diverse and low-income backgrounds who are passionate about pursuing a career in dentistry.

Offered through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Bridge to Dental School is a 10-week program that aims to help students achieve a strong foundation in dental medicine. Moreover, the students who are admitted to the program receive guidance on how to get into the dental school of their choice as well as tips on writing personal statements, passing the Dental Admission Test, and succeeding in the admission interview.

Natural Products with Antibiotic Properties

Naturopathic expert Dr. Dave Steuer has published extensively on the effectiveness of naturally derived medicine. Dr. Dave Steuer has previously shared his findings on the bacteria-destroying power of oregano and melaleuca essential oils.

As bacteria become more resistant to traditional antibiotics, researchers are paying more attention to the potential of herbs and other natural antimicrobials. In addition to oregano and melaleuca, some of the most promising natural antibiotics include:

Garlic: In concentrated doses, garlic is effective against infections caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, too much garlic can also impact natural intestinal flora, so it must be used thoughtfully.

Manuka honey: This New Zealand honey contains methylglyoxal, which hampers bacterial growth. Manuka honey can be both ingested or used topically to treat wounds. Studies have shown it also functions as an anti-inflammatory.

Neem: Neem is derived from a tree that is native to India, where it has been used to treat bacterial skin conditions for thousands of years. Neem oil is most effective against salmonella and staphylococcal bacteria.