Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Babies absorb phthalates from baby products
Babies absorb phthalates from baby products
Mon Feb 4, 2008 10:35am EST
By Megan Rauscher
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study suggests that baby lotion, baby powder, and baby shampoo may be exposing babies to potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates.
"At this time, we do not know what the potential long-term health effects might be, but there is a large body of animal studies to suggest developmental and reproductive toxicity (from phthalates) and a few human studies with changes in health outcomes as well," Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana told Reuters Health.
Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and stabilize fragrances, and are found in a plethora of consumer products including toys, personal care products and medical equipment.
As reported online today in the journal Pediatrics, Sathyanarayana, from the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues measured the levels of nine different phthalate breakdown products in urine from diapers of 163 infants aged 2 to 28 months.
All of the urine samples contained at least one phthalate at measurable levels, they report, and 81 percent of the samples had measurable amounts of seven or more phthalates.
"We found that reported use of baby lotion, baby shampoo, and baby powder was associated with increased concentrations of monethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), and monoisobutyl phthalate (MIBP) in infant urine," Sathyanarayana said.
This association was strongest in young infants less than 8 months old, "who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates," the investigators note in their report.
At present, U.S. manufacturers are not required to list phthalate contents on products' package labels, making it hard for parents to make informed decisions, the investigators point out.
"If parents want to decrease exposures for their children, they can try to use lotions, shampoo, and baby powder sparingly unless otherwise indicated for a medical reason," Sathyanarayana suggested.
SOURCE: Pediatrics, February 2008.
Mon Feb 4, 2008 10:35am EST
By Megan Rauscher
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study suggests that baby lotion, baby powder, and baby shampoo may be exposing babies to potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates.
"At this time, we do not know what the potential long-term health effects might be, but there is a large body of animal studies to suggest developmental and reproductive toxicity (from phthalates) and a few human studies with changes in health outcomes as well," Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana told Reuters Health.
Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and stabilize fragrances, and are found in a plethora of consumer products including toys, personal care products and medical equipment.
As reported online today in the journal Pediatrics, Sathyanarayana, from the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues measured the levels of nine different phthalate breakdown products in urine from diapers of 163 infants aged 2 to 28 months.
All of the urine samples contained at least one phthalate at measurable levels, they report, and 81 percent of the samples had measurable amounts of seven or more phthalates.
"We found that reported use of baby lotion, baby shampoo, and baby powder was associated with increased concentrations of monethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), and monoisobutyl phthalate (MIBP) in infant urine," Sathyanarayana said.
This association was strongest in young infants less than 8 months old, "who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates," the investigators note in their report.
At present, U.S. manufacturers are not required to list phthalate contents on products' package labels, making it hard for parents to make informed decisions, the investigators point out.
"If parents want to decrease exposures for their children, they can try to use lotions, shampoo, and baby powder sparingly unless otherwise indicated for a medical reason," Sathyanarayana suggested.
SOURCE: Pediatrics, February 2008.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Surge In Gout Blamed On High Fructose Corn Syrup
Surge In Gout Blamed On Sweet Drinks
soda, sugary drinksMen who drink two or more sugary soft drinks a day have an 85 percent higher risk of gout than those who drink less than one a month, according to U.S. and Canadian researchers.
Gout has been increasing steadily in the UK in recent years, and the researchers believe it is linked to a rise in soft drink consumption over the same period.
During the 12-year study, 46,000 men aged 40 and over were asked questions about their diet.
The risk of developing gout significantly increased among men who drank five to six servings of sugary soft drinks a week. Fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as oranges and apples also increased the risk.
Gout causes painful, swollen joints, usually in your lower limbs, caused when uric acid crystallizes out of your blood into your joints.
Fructose is known to inhibit the excretion of uric acid, which may help to explain the study’s findings.
Sources:
British Medical Journal February 9 2008;336:285-286
Fortunately, we have a natural solution to this. Come in for an initial 15-minute Free consultation to see if we can help.
soda, sugary drinksMen who drink two or more sugary soft drinks a day have an 85 percent higher risk of gout than those who drink less than one a month, according to U.S. and Canadian researchers.
Gout has been increasing steadily in the UK in recent years, and the researchers believe it is linked to a rise in soft drink consumption over the same period.
During the 12-year study, 46,000 men aged 40 and over were asked questions about their diet.
The risk of developing gout significantly increased among men who drank five to six servings of sugary soft drinks a week. Fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as oranges and apples also increased the risk.
Gout causes painful, swollen joints, usually in your lower limbs, caused when uric acid crystallizes out of your blood into your joints.
Fructose is known to inhibit the excretion of uric acid, which may help to explain the study’s findings.
Sources:
British Medical Journal February 9 2008;336:285-286
Fortunately, we have a natural solution to this. Come in for an initial 15-minute Free consultation to see if we can help.
Mercury in Your Sweetener
Guess what? Your favorite manufacturer-prepared foods may contain mercury. Check out this news site.
Also check out the governmental agency regarding mercury and your health.
High fructose corn syrup is also linked to high uric acid levels in the body.
Also check out the governmental agency regarding mercury and your health.
High fructose corn syrup is also linked to high uric acid levels in the body.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Today's Top Story Mercury Alert in High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Today's Top Story
Mercury Alert in
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Some foods and drinks containing the popular ingredient high-fructose corn syrup may contain detectable levels of mercury, a new report says. Should you be worried?
Mercury Alert in
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Some foods and drinks containing the popular ingredient high-fructose corn syrup may contain detectable levels of mercury, a new report says. Should you be worried?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Two Great Reasons to Buy Organic Foods
Two Great Reasons to Buy Organic Foods
by Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist
Why should you consider buying organic produce and foods? Consider your health and the environment's.
Health Considerations
Pesticides are poisons, designed to kill living things, and the accumulation of residues is greater on conventional foods than on organic ones. Studies suggest that low-level exposure to pesticides over several years can cause health problems. Pesticide-related illnesses among farm workers who handle these toxics are well documented. Immediate problems include lung and eye irritation, nausea and short-term nerve damage. Long-term risks include cancer and Lou Gehrig's disease.
Most of the commonly used manmade pesticides are potential carcinogens. Pesticides are also endocrine disrupters that mimic or interfere with hormones. The effect on our bodies is the topic of studies now underway. A 1987 National Academy of Science report suggested that many common pesticides can cause birth defects, cancer and nerve damage, as well as disrupting the immune system.
One of the most compelling reasons to buy organic foods is for the health of your children. Their exposure to pesticides is greater than an adult's. Children eat more fruits and vegetables relative to their body weight. Their diet is less varied -- so they may consume more of one pesticide than others, allowing it to accumulate to toxic levels. Because children are exposed to these chemicals early in their life, when their detoxification system isn't fully developed, they have more years to accumulate chemicals in their body tissue. A report released by the Environmental Working Group, "Pesticides in Children's Food," concluded that the largest contribution to a person's lifetime risk of cancer from pesticide residues occurs during childhood.
Environmental Concerns
Although human health risks are still not proven, and nutritional benefits are uncertain, there is no doubt that conventional farming methods damage the environment. In 1995, U.S. farmers applied 566 million pounds of pesticides to food crops and growing fields. Much of it ends up in your drinking water and in the water used by fish and animals. A summer, 1997, U.S. Geological Survey found at least one pesticide in half of the 5,000 water samples it took from rivers and nearly all the samples it took from wells.
Unlike organic farming, industrialized farming results in topsoil erosion. Conventional farming is also leading to the development of resistant strains of insects and pests. The synthetic chemicals applied to the soil are persistent, often remaining in the environment for years and putting us at risk for decades to come. As conventional farmers rely on limited varieties of crops, nutritional diversity declines and there is a greater risk of total crop damage from blight or disease.
by Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist
Why should you consider buying organic produce and foods? Consider your health and the environment's.
Health Considerations
Pesticides are poisons, designed to kill living things, and the accumulation of residues is greater on conventional foods than on organic ones. Studies suggest that low-level exposure to pesticides over several years can cause health problems. Pesticide-related illnesses among farm workers who handle these toxics are well documented. Immediate problems include lung and eye irritation, nausea and short-term nerve damage. Long-term risks include cancer and Lou Gehrig's disease.
Most of the commonly used manmade pesticides are potential carcinogens. Pesticides are also endocrine disrupters that mimic or interfere with hormones. The effect on our bodies is the topic of studies now underway. A 1987 National Academy of Science report suggested that many common pesticides can cause birth defects, cancer and nerve damage, as well as disrupting the immune system.
One of the most compelling reasons to buy organic foods is for the health of your children. Their exposure to pesticides is greater than an adult's. Children eat more fruits and vegetables relative to their body weight. Their diet is less varied -- so they may consume more of one pesticide than others, allowing it to accumulate to toxic levels. Because children are exposed to these chemicals early in their life, when their detoxification system isn't fully developed, they have more years to accumulate chemicals in their body tissue. A report released by the Environmental Working Group, "Pesticides in Children's Food," concluded that the largest contribution to a person's lifetime risk of cancer from pesticide residues occurs during childhood.
Environmental Concerns
Although human health risks are still not proven, and nutritional benefits are uncertain, there is no doubt that conventional farming methods damage the environment. In 1995, U.S. farmers applied 566 million pounds of pesticides to food crops and growing fields. Much of it ends up in your drinking water and in the water used by fish and animals. A summer, 1997, U.S. Geological Survey found at least one pesticide in half of the 5,000 water samples it took from rivers and nearly all the samples it took from wells.
Unlike organic farming, industrialized farming results in topsoil erosion. Conventional farming is also leading to the development of resistant strains of insects and pests. The synthetic chemicals applied to the soil are persistent, often remaining in the environment for years and putting us at risk for decades to come. As conventional farmers rely on limited varieties of crops, nutritional diversity declines and there is a greater risk of total crop damage from blight or disease.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Is This The Greatest Medical Discovery In 100 Years
The chance that you'll discover the fountain of youth is “unlikely”, but how about the next best thing? I'm talking about an anti-aging enzyme. The research looks better and better.
The CBS news show, 60 minutes did a full blown “in depth story” on the research.
I was reminded as I watched . . . this is big stuff!
It’s so significant that Dr. Mark Houston, an internationally known lecturer, says the discovery of a class of enzymes called sirtuins is the greatest medical breakthrough in the last 100 years. Dr. Houston says and I quote, “I think for the first time we not only have the ability to modify the aging process, but also the quality of aging."
We now have the ability to expand human life, but also to make that life a higher quality by reducing all the medical diseases people typically get when they get older.”
Sirtuins are a class of enzymes. As the activities of sirtuins are increased, so do the benefits. Sirtuins are universal regulators of aging in virtually all living organisms and represent a prime target for new anti-aging drugs. "It's looking like these sirtuins serve as guardians of the cell," said Harvard Medical School researcher David Sinclair.
"These enzymes allow cells to survive damage and delay cell death."
Some of the roles sirtuins play in animals are: gene silencing, DNA repair, increased lifespan,
increased cell survival, increases in energy metabolism, and positive response to stressors.
Needless to say, the pharmaceutical race is on to make the most potent drug that will enhance
sirtuin function. In fact, one company just bought out Dr. Sinclair’s lab for ¾ of a billion
dollars. In today’s economy nobody pays that kind of money unless the data is solid.
Fortunately for us, one of the best compounds to naturally increase sirtuin activity, as many of you know, is found in red wine. The compound accredited to this increased activity is resveratrol. In studies, yeast treated with resveratrol survived 60 percent longer. Resveratrol was then shown to extend the lifespan of worms and flies by nearly 30 percent and fish by almost 60 percent.
In fact, an animal study was recently released that showed an amazing 31% increase in lifespan
just using resveratrol. Treating mice with resveratrol while they were on a high-calorie diet even prevented many liver abnormalities.
Another study at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in Illkirch,
France, provided resveratrol to mice and looked at their endurance. The resveratrol mice were
able to run twice as far as the control mice in the same time period, weight gain was controlled, and diabetes was prevented. Long life, more endurance, weight control, disease prevention…can you see why the pharmaceutical companies will want to synthesize it and
patent it?
To give you an idea of the resveratrol in red wine: 1 liter of high quality Pinot Noir wine has about 5 mg of resveratrol. We don’t know the exact dose that is optimal for humans at this
time; however, the animal studies were done using a dose of 22 mg per kilogram. So if we
add a zero on our weight that gives us an idea of the amount we need. A 160 pound person
would take 1600 mg per day, which would be about 300 bottles of wine per day.
Let’s look at some other data about resveratrol and its clinical benefits. From a cardiovascular
perspective, it reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, inhibits arterial plaque, prevents
blood clots, normalizes blood pressure and helps to regulate blood sugar. It also enhances
the bodies’ antioxidant pool, specifically glutathione.
From an immunological perspective, resveratrol inhibits viral, fungal, and bacterial growth.
Resveratrol has anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and prevents bone loss.
Here is an important point however, and one that you should be aware of with your patients:
there are 2 forms of resveratrol, a cis form and a trans form. The trans form is the biologically
active form. This is yet another example of how we are at the mercy of the manufacturer
and their suppliers. Manufacturers’ can in good conscience order trans-resveratrol with the intention of using only the purest ingredients; but unless they have the ability to verify their
raw material, there’s no guarantee they have the correct form. It’s like roulette, resveratrol
roulette.
Biotics Research's in-house phyto-chemical lab assures that the product, in this case trans-resveratrol, is in fact the correct form and then goes the extra step to make sure it is biologically
active. If it’s not active before it goes into the capsule, it won’t be active once it is encapsulated.
Biotics goes far beyond what is required in the industry as they develop what could be called a BioPrint for each botanical ingredient used in any of their formulas. This BioPrint is like a finger print and is so unique they can often tell what part of the world the plant comes from. Unless
what's listed on the label is biologically active, you won’t know if it will work for your patient or even if it's in the bottle to begin with.
You get the point. Biotics Research Corporation delivers consistent, authentic products
for your patients…every time. Biotics has recently released a form of trans-resveratrol
(ResveraSirt HP) in a 250 mg capsule to allow physicians to titrate the dose for specific
cases. I encourage you to get the information
on resveratrol from us. Try it yourself. The benefits are impressive!
The CBS news show, 60 minutes did a full blown “in depth story” on the research.
I was reminded as I watched . . . this is big stuff!
It’s so significant that Dr. Mark Houston, an internationally known lecturer, says the discovery of a class of enzymes called sirtuins is the greatest medical breakthrough in the last 100 years. Dr. Houston says and I quote, “I think for the first time we not only have the ability to modify the aging process, but also the quality of aging."
We now have the ability to expand human life, but also to make that life a higher quality by reducing all the medical diseases people typically get when they get older.”
Sirtuins are a class of enzymes. As the activities of sirtuins are increased, so do the benefits. Sirtuins are universal regulators of aging in virtually all living organisms and represent a prime target for new anti-aging drugs. "It's looking like these sirtuins serve as guardians of the cell," said Harvard Medical School researcher David Sinclair.
"These enzymes allow cells to survive damage and delay cell death."
Some of the roles sirtuins play in animals are: gene silencing, DNA repair, increased lifespan,
increased cell survival, increases in energy metabolism, and positive response to stressors.
Needless to say, the pharmaceutical race is on to make the most potent drug that will enhance
sirtuin function. In fact, one company just bought out Dr. Sinclair’s lab for ¾ of a billion
dollars. In today’s economy nobody pays that kind of money unless the data is solid.
Fortunately for us, one of the best compounds to naturally increase sirtuin activity, as many of you know, is found in red wine. The compound accredited to this increased activity is resveratrol. In studies, yeast treated with resveratrol survived 60 percent longer. Resveratrol was then shown to extend the lifespan of worms and flies by nearly 30 percent and fish by almost 60 percent.
In fact, an animal study was recently released that showed an amazing 31% increase in lifespan
just using resveratrol. Treating mice with resveratrol while they were on a high-calorie diet even prevented many liver abnormalities.
Another study at the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in Illkirch,
France, provided resveratrol to mice and looked at their endurance. The resveratrol mice were
able to run twice as far as the control mice in the same time period, weight gain was controlled, and diabetes was prevented. Long life, more endurance, weight control, disease prevention…can you see why the pharmaceutical companies will want to synthesize it and
patent it?
To give you an idea of the resveratrol in red wine: 1 liter of high quality Pinot Noir wine has about 5 mg of resveratrol. We don’t know the exact dose that is optimal for humans at this
time; however, the animal studies were done using a dose of 22 mg per kilogram. So if we
add a zero on our weight that gives us an idea of the amount we need. A 160 pound person
would take 1600 mg per day, which would be about 300 bottles of wine per day.
Let’s look at some other data about resveratrol and its clinical benefits. From a cardiovascular
perspective, it reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, inhibits arterial plaque, prevents
blood clots, normalizes blood pressure and helps to regulate blood sugar. It also enhances
the bodies’ antioxidant pool, specifically glutathione.
From an immunological perspective, resveratrol inhibits viral, fungal, and bacterial growth.
Resveratrol has anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and prevents bone loss.
Here is an important point however, and one that you should be aware of with your patients:
there are 2 forms of resveratrol, a cis form and a trans form. The trans form is the biologically
active form. This is yet another example of how we are at the mercy of the manufacturer
and their suppliers. Manufacturers’ can in good conscience order trans-resveratrol with the intention of using only the purest ingredients; but unless they have the ability to verify their
raw material, there’s no guarantee they have the correct form. It’s like roulette, resveratrol
roulette.
Biotics Research's in-house phyto-chemical lab assures that the product, in this case trans-resveratrol, is in fact the correct form and then goes the extra step to make sure it is biologically
active. If it’s not active before it goes into the capsule, it won’t be active once it is encapsulated.
Biotics goes far beyond what is required in the industry as they develop what could be called a BioPrint for each botanical ingredient used in any of their formulas. This BioPrint is like a finger print and is so unique they can often tell what part of the world the plant comes from. Unless
what's listed on the label is biologically active, you won’t know if it will work for your patient or even if it's in the bottle to begin with.
You get the point. Biotics Research Corporation delivers consistent, authentic products
for your patients…every time. Biotics has recently released a form of trans-resveratrol
(ResveraSirt HP) in a 250 mg capsule to allow physicians to titrate the dose for specific
cases. I encourage you to get the information
on resveratrol from us. Try it yourself. The benefits are impressive!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
More Ohio parents refusing vaccines for their kids
CINCINNATI (AP) - An increasing number of Ohio parents are using religious or personal exemptions to delay or refuse immunizations for children amid fears that vaccines contribute to autism.
Ohio Department of Health data shows the number of religious and philosophical exemptions nearly quadrupled in Ohio between 1998 and 2008, though that figure still represents fewer than 1 in 100 children.
All states require children to be immunized for school. All but Mississippi and West Virginia allow religious exemptions, and Ohio and 19 others also permit exemptions for personal reasons.
A 2007 Associated Press analysis of states and federal data found many states were seeing increases in the rate of religious exemptions claimed for kindergartners.
Doctors say they're concerned that more exemptions could lead to outbreaks of preventable illnesses among children who haven't had the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
"It doesn't take a lot of unvaccinated kids to start a little pocket of infection and epidemic," said Dr. Patricia Manning-Courtney, medical director of the Kelly O'Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Health officials haven't done a good job of explaining vaccine risks, which leaves parents with doubts, she said.
For years, scientists have debunked the theory of a link between children's vaccines and autism.
A special federal court upheld that view Thursday, turning down families in three cases who contended that a combination of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine plus other shots triggered autism. Special Master Denise Vowell of the U.S. Court of Claims concluded the families, who had hoped to win compensation, were "victims of bad science."
That won't necessarily stop the small but vocal movement of anti-vaccine parents that includes actress Jenny McCarthy, whose son has autism.
Also among the naysayers are Jim and Jennifer Hansel of suburban Cincinnati, who decided not to get their 7-year-old son vaccinated after their older son developed autism.
The older boy, now 11, began showing signs of autism within a month of his measles-mumps-rubella vaccine when he was one year old, said Jennifer Hansel, who blames the vaccine for the developmental disability.
She says her younger son will be vaccinated before he goes to college, once his immune system is more developed.
"Would I rather have my child get measles than push him into autism? Yeah," she said. "I'm definitely much more worried about autism than measles."
Dr. Bernadine Healy, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, has suggested that vaccines may affect some children more than others, though health officials haven't determined what might make some more susceptible.
"Are vaccines safe? It's like asking me if aspirin is safe," she said. "It's safe most of the time, but in certain people it may not be."
Ohio Department of Health data shows the number of religious and philosophical exemptions nearly quadrupled in Ohio between 1998 and 2008, though that figure still represents fewer than 1 in 100 children.
All states require children to be immunized for school. All but Mississippi and West Virginia allow religious exemptions, and Ohio and 19 others also permit exemptions for personal reasons.
A 2007 Associated Press analysis of states and federal data found many states were seeing increases in the rate of religious exemptions claimed for kindergartners.
Doctors say they're concerned that more exemptions could lead to outbreaks of preventable illnesses among children who haven't had the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
"It doesn't take a lot of unvaccinated kids to start a little pocket of infection and epidemic," said Dr. Patricia Manning-Courtney, medical director of the Kelly O'Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Health officials haven't done a good job of explaining vaccine risks, which leaves parents with doubts, she said.
For years, scientists have debunked the theory of a link between children's vaccines and autism.
A special federal court upheld that view Thursday, turning down families in three cases who contended that a combination of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine plus other shots triggered autism. Special Master Denise Vowell of the U.S. Court of Claims concluded the families, who had hoped to win compensation, were "victims of bad science."
That won't necessarily stop the small but vocal movement of anti-vaccine parents that includes actress Jenny McCarthy, whose son has autism.
Also among the naysayers are Jim and Jennifer Hansel of suburban Cincinnati, who decided not to get their 7-year-old son vaccinated after their older son developed autism.
The older boy, now 11, began showing signs of autism within a month of his measles-mumps-rubella vaccine when he was one year old, said Jennifer Hansel, who blames the vaccine for the developmental disability.
She says her younger son will be vaccinated before he goes to college, once his immune system is more developed.
"Would I rather have my child get measles than push him into autism? Yeah," she said. "I'm definitely much more worried about autism than measles."
Dr. Bernadine Healy, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, has suggested that vaccines may affect some children more than others, though health officials haven't determined what might make some more susceptible.
"Are vaccines safe? It's like asking me if aspirin is safe," she said. "It's safe most of the time, but in certain people it may not be."
Copyright © 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Acupuncture and foot pain - Ask the Doctor
Subject: Feet problems ID: 504955
I had surgery in June for a heel spur removal and releasing the plantar fascia. I also broke the 5th metatarsal soon after the surgery. I have pain on the lateral side of my foot. My doctor says this sometimes happens after this kind of surgery. Recommends anti-inflammatory and steroid shots, which I would like to avoid. Also I had surgery in October for a broken seismoid on the other foot, and have scar tissue buildup that is painful. Wondering if you specialize in feet and if acupuncture would benefit me.
Yes, I've had great success in acupuncture and feet problems, although I do believe that your condition may be a little more than just acupuncture, from what you had described, but not difficult enough for us to handle.
For example, I have a patient from Texas, whose orthopedic surgeon husband performed her foot surgery for her, but she still had pain amongst other problems. After coming here to visit her daughter (a longtime patient of ours) she had acupuncture and found great success and pain relief before returning to Texas.
I had surgery in June for a heel spur removal and releasing the plantar fascia. I also broke the 5th metatarsal soon after the surgery. I have pain on the lateral side of my foot. My doctor says this sometimes happens after this kind of surgery. Recommends anti-inflammatory and steroid shots, which I would like to avoid. Also I had surgery in October for a broken seismoid on the other foot, and have scar tissue buildup that is painful. Wondering if you specialize in feet and if acupuncture would benefit me.
Yes, I've had great success in acupuncture and feet problems, although I do believe that your condition may be a little more than just acupuncture, from what you had described, but not difficult enough for us to handle.
For example, I have a patient from Texas, whose orthopedic surgeon husband performed her foot surgery for her, but she still had pain amongst other problems. After coming here to visit her daughter (a longtime patient of ours) she had acupuncture and found great success and pain relief before returning to Texas.
Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan
Click on the title for the link to Bloomberg.com.
The Obama government is going to tell us how to practice. This may affect the quality of care that you deserve. Your feedback please.
The Obama government is going to tell us how to practice. This may affect the quality of care that you deserve. Your feedback please.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Black currant seed oil
Black currant seed oil is a balanced oil which contains some linoleic acid, but is also one of the few oils containing gamma linolenic acid (makes prostaglandins of the one series). These prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are anti-inflammatory and counteract the pain-producing, inflammatory, vasoconstrictive properties of the two series. The use of black currant seed oil has been well researched for its benefits. Black Currant Seed Oil (BCSO) is a rich source of the popular gamma linolenic acid and is a very popular omega-6 fatty acid.
Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications
- Chronic inflammatory conditions - Dermatitis - Eczema - Rheumatoid arthritis - PMS - Menstrual cramps - Immune effects - Cardiovascular conditions - Poor wound healing - Sparse hair growth - Dry eyes (one study found BCSO to be helpful in Sjogren's Disease)
Clinical Applications/Research
Immune effects
Black currant seed oil (BCSO) has a profound effect on the immune system, and a correlation was found between the oil and the degree of developing resistance to infection and virus accumulation (Vopr Virusol 1993;38:170-3).
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
A study on rheumatoid arthritis patients showed, "A significant improvement in morning stiffness was noted in the rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving black currant seed oil" (British J Rheumatology 1993;32:1055-8). A clinical trial with 37 RA patients showed such positive results that the authors concluded that gamma-linolenic acid, "is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for active RA" (Ann Int Med 1993; 119(9):867-73). The beneficial effects of BCSO on RA may result from its ability to decrease inflammatory cytokine production, which would explain why it is so effective in treating RA. It is probably hitting the source of inflammation and not just treating symptoms. In a clinical trial where BCSO demonstrated improvement of RA symptoms, "The results suggest that the numerous beneficial effects of (BCSO) in inflammatory diseases such as RA may be due to a reduction in the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines Il-1 and TNF-alpha..." (Br J Rheumtol 1993; 32(12):1055-8).
Cardiovascular effects
The prostaglandins made by black currant seed oil counteract vessel constriction. Vessel wall thrombus formation (atherosclerotic lesions) was decreased when a diet rich in black currant seed oil was fed. "This latter effect was better obtained when gamma linolenic acid was present suggesting a secondary effect of this fatty acid...We conclude that both fish oil and black currant seed oil rich diets inhibit platelet/vessel wall adhesion" (Thromb Res 1990;59(5):819-30). In two Canadian studies, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) significantly reduced blood pressure (Heinerman, John. Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs. Parker Publishing, West Nyack, NY p.134).
Female conditions
Antiinflammatory substances produced by black currant seed oil, along with the beneficial immune effects, can have a favorable influence on many female conditions.
Dermatitis
Supplementation of oil containing 10% gamma linolenic acid was tested on dermatitis, and antiinflammatory substances were increased. The abnormal fatty acid pattern seen in dermatitis is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, "and should therefore be the target for future therapeutic approaches with fatty acid supplements" (Lipids 1991;26:557-60). In another study of 12 volunteers, gamma linolenic acid-enriched oil not only inhibited the inflammatory substance LTB4, but the larger dose (1.5g) had a greater inhibition than the .5 g dose (AJCN 1992;55:39-45).
Monday, February 9, 2009
Headaches and the Economy
This week, like every week, thousands of headache patients will see their medical doctors, who will send them to neurologists, who will send them for MRIs and CAT scans, and then these people will be put on powerful drugs (that don't work). For each one of these thousands of patients, the cost will be thousands. That adds up to millions. For a good percentage of these people, the government (you and I) will pick up the cost of their "health" expenses.
We see these kinds of patients every week in our offices! And, after a short series of adjustments, their headaches are gone, almost like magic.
Just these headache people represent a colossal waste of hard-earned money and government tax money. Many will suffer a bankruptcy as a result of their unnecessary medical bills. And, that's just headaches. Magnify this scenario by all the problems chiropractors treat by the millions of people who will go the wasteful traditional route instead of seeing us first. The waste of money is staggering.
Right now the economy stinks because people are afraid of spending. The economy thrives when people are no longer fearful, and money is flowing again through the private sector. When people get well by spending money on chiropractic care, that's good for them, it's good for us, and good for the economy.
Can you imagine the cost savings to people and the government if people knew the truth? The more people understand the truth about chiropractic, the better it is for the economy.
We see these kinds of patients every week in our offices! And, after a short series of adjustments, their headaches are gone, almost like magic.
Just these headache people represent a colossal waste of hard-earned money and government tax money. Many will suffer a bankruptcy as a result of their unnecessary medical bills. And, that's just headaches. Magnify this scenario by all the problems chiropractors treat by the millions of people who will go the wasteful traditional route instead of seeing us first. The waste of money is staggering.
Right now the economy stinks because people are afraid of spending. The economy thrives when people are no longer fearful, and money is flowing again through the private sector. When people get well by spending money on chiropractic care, that's good for them, it's good for us, and good for the economy.
Can you imagine the cost savings to people and the government if people knew the truth? The more people understand the truth about chiropractic, the better it is for the economy.
Arizona Cardinal Kurt Warner
Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner burst on the NFL scene in 1998 as a nobody from nowhere. He had kicked around the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before joining the Rams. In 1999, as a back-up quarterback for the Rams, he was called in to play a pre-season game when quarterback Trent Green received what turned out to be a season-ending knee injury. Warner went on to throw 41 touchdown passes and turned a 4-12 team into a 13-3 powerhouse that won Super Bowl XXXIV. Was it a co-incidence that my chiropractic professors were treating the entire St. Louis Rams team at the time? Don't underestimate the power of chiropractic.
He did all he could do to win the game. His 377 yards of passing was the third highest total in Super Bowl history. This time he was within 40 seconds of repeating that feat and probably again receiving an MVP award...but it was not meant to be.
However Warner did receive another award: The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award is given annually by the NFL honoring one's volunteer and charity work. For years Warner has been involved in charity work and helping people less fortunate than he.
Warner also got another award. This one was from his daughter who left him a hand-written note in his playbook. In it she stated... I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. I am so thankful to be your daughter. I love you so much. These are the rewards that you never forget.
Warner has been a terrific spiritual example as well. He is a born-again Christian whose faith is a vital part of his life. When he joined the Arizona team, Warner chose to wear jersey number 13. By choosing number 13 he wants to send a message to the world that God is more powerful than any superstition.
Warner says that these other awards remind him that, although I was in the midst of the worlds biggest football game, it is the big picture that is really important.
What a lesson for all of us: to not get so focused on the trees that we neglect to see the forest. While playing in our game of life it is imperative that we keep focused on what is really important, helping others, family, character and most importantly, pleasing God.
He did all he could do to win the game. His 377 yards of passing was the third highest total in Super Bowl history. This time he was within 40 seconds of repeating that feat and probably again receiving an MVP award...but it was not meant to be.
However Warner did receive another award: The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award is given annually by the NFL honoring one's volunteer and charity work. For years Warner has been involved in charity work and helping people less fortunate than he.
Warner also got another award. This one was from his daughter who left him a hand-written note in his playbook. In it she stated... I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. I am so thankful to be your daughter. I love you so much. These are the rewards that you never forget.
Warner has been a terrific spiritual example as well. He is a born-again Christian whose faith is a vital part of his life. When he joined the Arizona team, Warner chose to wear jersey number 13. By choosing number 13 he wants to send a message to the world that God is more powerful than any superstition.
Warner says that these other awards remind him that, although I was in the midst of the worlds biggest football game, it is the big picture that is really important.
What a lesson for all of us: to not get so focused on the trees that we neglect to see the forest. While playing in our game of life it is imperative that we keep focused on what is really important, helping others, family, character and most importantly, pleasing God.
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