I have not had a cold that lasted longer than 1 day in the past 10 plus years. How can this be? I have an idea. Ever since I began drinking water first thing in the morning, my body responded in an optimal way. Keep in mind; I am not talking a glass of water. I started drinking 26 to 36 ounces before my first cup of coffee. I continue to hydrate throughout the day. But I believe that the morning is when we a lot of toxins and products of metabolism built up from our slumber. Washing it out quickly has worked for me for over a decade. I touch a lot of people every week of the year in my profession. I cleanse my hands and tables between every patient. But still there are antigens that are airborne.
I do not think it is just luck that I have been able to stay well. Sure I get adjusted regularly and take supplements. However, I think that many people do the same and still suffer from colds throughout the year.
Albeit, it is a tough commitment and can keep you busy. The point is that I would rather take a couple extra trips to the bathroom in a day than to feel the misery of a rhino virus or worse.
Just some food or water for thought.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Self Esteem - Why Do People Hate Me by Priscilla Parham
Self Esteem - Why Do People Hate Me?
By: Priscilla Parham
You've met these people before, we all have, maybe you have even fallen victim to this kind of thought or vocalization yourself a time or two. Something doesn't go your way, you didn't get the result you wanted. People you care about leave you out or forget to include you in a particular event. It could be the negative feelings you get from your co-workers, the lack of response you get from your neighbors. You are passed over for a promotion, your friend gets all the guys or girls. The list goes on and on, it is endless.
Why do people hate me?
Is it because I'm black, I'm white, I'm a minority, I'm a woman, I'm short, I'm fat, I'm gay, I'm poor, I'm uneducated, I'm a single parent, I'm pretty, I'm ugly, I'm too old, I'm too young? This list goes on and on, and is endless as well.
The simple truth is people don't hate you, it is you who hates yourself. I hear people say "Oh, but you don't know my circumstances." I don't need to know your circumstances however grim, honest and factual they may be.
As the saying goes you get back what you give or you reap what you sow, this all amounts to the Law of Attraction. A happy, healthy, content mind cannot attract hate, it is a universal impossibility. So the question is not, Why do people hate me? But now becomes "Why do I hate myself."
The answer to this question doesn't require that you lie upon a couch and give a minute by minute dissertation on your life story or go on a quest for why your mother didn't love you enough. From this point forward you and only you are responsible for your life and how you feel about it's unfoldment. However, it does require that you do some inside "work" on yourself, on your mental attitude. How you see yourself is a direct reflection on who and what will show up in your life.
Let's try this simple exercise. Close your eyes and try to blank your mind for just a minute. Now think about someone you love very dearly, they mean a lot to you, remember the good times, the laughs, the hugs, the smiles, the talks. Now try to think "I absolutely hate this person," you wish them harm, never want to speak or be around them again. It's virtually impossible, probably makes you want to laugh at the mere thought. These two emotions cannot occupy the same space. A heart filled with love has no room for hate to seep in.
So now you say but these people treat my badly and I shouldn't have to take it. And you are right you don't have to take it. You can change your mental attitude and thereby the results that show up in your life. Start today, right now, do these 3 things:
1. Get clear about what you want, who you want to be in this world, what kind of life do you want. Write it out in as much detail as possible. Not just I want to be rich and happy, we all do. But what is your definition of rich and happy.
2. Make your statements of intention or affirmations. These are more or less summaries of step 1. For example: I am now surrounded by loving caring people or Everyone is always helpful and honest. Try to start with at least 20, use them daily.
3. Take time for yourself (quiet time, me time), believe in yourself, fill yourself up with good thoughts, love and kindness. Like an empty vase that you fill with water, once it is filled to the brim it will overflow and water will get on everything and go everywhere.
These three things will bring about pleasant changes. Negative people will disappear or move out of your life. You'll find that you spend less and less time around those who would hurt or belittle you. It won't matter what others are thinking because you will have enough love and kindness to give away.
So now the question is not even; Why do I hate myself? But how can I love more?
Copyright (c) 2007 Priscilla Parham
Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticles.net
By: Priscilla Parham
You've met these people before, we all have, maybe you have even fallen victim to this kind of thought or vocalization yourself a time or two. Something doesn't go your way, you didn't get the result you wanted. People you care about leave you out or forget to include you in a particular event. It could be the negative feelings you get from your co-workers, the lack of response you get from your neighbors. You are passed over for a promotion, your friend gets all the guys or girls. The list goes on and on, it is endless.
Why do people hate me?
Is it because I'm black, I'm white, I'm a minority, I'm a woman, I'm short, I'm fat, I'm gay, I'm poor, I'm uneducated, I'm a single parent, I'm pretty, I'm ugly, I'm too old, I'm too young? This list goes on and on, and is endless as well.
The simple truth is people don't hate you, it is you who hates yourself. I hear people say "Oh, but you don't know my circumstances." I don't need to know your circumstances however grim, honest and factual they may be.
As the saying goes you get back what you give or you reap what you sow, this all amounts to the Law of Attraction. A happy, healthy, content mind cannot attract hate, it is a universal impossibility. So the question is not, Why do people hate me? But now becomes "Why do I hate myself."
The answer to this question doesn't require that you lie upon a couch and give a minute by minute dissertation on your life story or go on a quest for why your mother didn't love you enough. From this point forward you and only you are responsible for your life and how you feel about it's unfoldment. However, it does require that you do some inside "work" on yourself, on your mental attitude. How you see yourself is a direct reflection on who and what will show up in your life.
Let's try this simple exercise. Close your eyes and try to blank your mind for just a minute. Now think about someone you love very dearly, they mean a lot to you, remember the good times, the laughs, the hugs, the smiles, the talks. Now try to think "I absolutely hate this person," you wish them harm, never want to speak or be around them again. It's virtually impossible, probably makes you want to laugh at the mere thought. These two emotions cannot occupy the same space. A heart filled with love has no room for hate to seep in.
So now you say but these people treat my badly and I shouldn't have to take it. And you are right you don't have to take it. You can change your mental attitude and thereby the results that show up in your life. Start today, right now, do these 3 things:
1. Get clear about what you want, who you want to be in this world, what kind of life do you want. Write it out in as much detail as possible. Not just I want to be rich and happy, we all do. But what is your definition of rich and happy.
2. Make your statements of intention or affirmations. These are more or less summaries of step 1. For example: I am now surrounded by loving caring people or Everyone is always helpful and honest. Try to start with at least 20, use them daily.
3. Take time for yourself (quiet time, me time), believe in yourself, fill yourself up with good thoughts, love and kindness. Like an empty vase that you fill with water, once it is filled to the brim it will overflow and water will get on everything and go everywhere.
These three things will bring about pleasant changes. Negative people will disappear or move out of your life. You'll find that you spend less and less time around those who would hurt or belittle you. It won't matter what others are thinking because you will have enough love and kindness to give away.
So now the question is not even; Why do I hate myself? But how can I love more?
Copyright (c) 2007 Priscilla Parham
Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticles.net
What is Chiropractic and Can It Help You? Here are some excerpts from an interview with Dr. Jeff Sklar for Comcast's Health Channel
What is chiropractic medicine?
Chiropractic like most branches of health care is a Science, Art and Philosophy
The belief in which Chiropractic is founded is that we are all born with an innate intelligence that allows us to thrive in this world. If that internal wisdom or innate
is somehow obstructed or impeded, then the ability of the body to function at an optima level will be hindered. As chiropractors, we look for areas of the spine that our not positioned normally or stuck from normal motion. When we find these stuck vertebrae, which is called a subluxation, we different techniques to correct the problem. The correction itself is called an adjustment and is unique to chiropractic. Once the problem is corrected, many chiropractors will prescribe specific exercises to stabilize the area in hopes of complete recovery.
What are the most common complaints you address?
The most common conditions that my patients present with range from various types of headaches, vertigo, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet to neck and back pain.
Additionally, muscle pain ligament sprains, I also see commonly
What other kinds of problems can chiropractors treat?
That’s a great question. Certainly, conditions like carpal tunnel, muscle strains, hand pain, shoulder and leg pain are frequently seen in an office like mine. However, Although pain is usually what brings a patient in to see us, as they go through treatment they often begin to experience an overall sense of improved health. They may feel that their breathing is better or that they are not getting any more sinus or allergy attacks. They may feel more vitality.
Are certain problems more common in older adults?
Because the aging process involves years of fighting gravity, we all experience normal wear and tear. Older adults tend to have more arthritic changes occurring than my younger population. Bit just because someone experiences pain from arthritis does not mean they are forced to surrender to it.
Isaac Newton’s first law of physics generally states that objects in motion stay in motion. My point is that if you keep moving and get treatment to allow your muscle and joints to stay nimble and lose. If you focus breathing, water consumption and exercise. As a person aged they will have fewer challenges than an individual who is more sedentary and less health conscious. The more sedentary individual will most likely experience more health challenges and more pain and discomfort.
What can a patient generally expect on a first visit to a chiropractor?
On a patient’s first visit I like to take an extensive history. Very often my senior patients usually have their history already typed out which is a major time saver for everyone. I then perform an orthopedic and neurological exam, much like you would receive from either your primary doctor or an orthopedist.
What are the treatments used most often?
Depending on the conditions treatment protocols will vary. I have found that using modalities like heat, electric stim, ultrasound and soft tissue manipulation are very beneficial in the process of warming up a region that will be adjusted. Adjustments themselves can be administered directly with the physician’s hands as well as instruments and specially designed tables that facilitate the adjustment.
Are the treatments for older adults/seniors different than those you would use for younger people?
Some of the tables and instruments that I mentioned are sometimes ore suitable for older patients
Explain the various treatments we will shoot today.
Mim is going to received treatment for chronic back pain that consist of stretching on a mechanical table to improve the joint spaces between her vertebrae. She will also get her legs and arms stretched as well. What we are working to do is maintain her muscular elasticity and length as well as improve nerve flow and circulation throughout her spine and ultimately her whole body.
What are some of the myths and misconceptions about chiropractors?
People very often believe that once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going. The truth is that once a patient’s condition is resolved there is no need to continue to treat that ailment, but what patient’s often experience is an overall sense of wellness and other positive changes in their health from no longer getting headaches, improved breathing to increased vitality. Sometimes people will continue to take pills everyday to help alleviate the symptoms of any ailment from allergies to headaches to asthma.
Chiropractic patients that treat for these conditions don’t experience the negative side effects of medication, but rather enjoy the benefits of improve living. All though pain brings people into see me; my feeling is that it is always easier to stay well than to get better.
How should a person go about finding a qualified chiropractor?
Every state has a chiropractic association that could assist. But this day and age if you google doctors locally you can usually yield a lot of back ground information about the physician.; where they went to school, how long have they practiced etc…
Of course a personal referral still seems to be the best way to find someone that qualified.
Chiropractic like most branches of health care is a Science, Art and Philosophy
The belief in which Chiropractic is founded is that we are all born with an innate intelligence that allows us to thrive in this world. If that internal wisdom or innate
is somehow obstructed or impeded, then the ability of the body to function at an optima level will be hindered. As chiropractors, we look for areas of the spine that our not positioned normally or stuck from normal motion. When we find these stuck vertebrae, which is called a subluxation, we different techniques to correct the problem. The correction itself is called an adjustment and is unique to chiropractic. Once the problem is corrected, many chiropractors will prescribe specific exercises to stabilize the area in hopes of complete recovery.
What are the most common complaints you address?
The most common conditions that my patients present with range from various types of headaches, vertigo, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet to neck and back pain.
Additionally, muscle pain ligament sprains, I also see commonly
What other kinds of problems can chiropractors treat?
That’s a great question. Certainly, conditions like carpal tunnel, muscle strains, hand pain, shoulder and leg pain are frequently seen in an office like mine. However, Although pain is usually what brings a patient in to see us, as they go through treatment they often begin to experience an overall sense of improved health. They may feel that their breathing is better or that they are not getting any more sinus or allergy attacks. They may feel more vitality.
Are certain problems more common in older adults?
Because the aging process involves years of fighting gravity, we all experience normal wear and tear. Older adults tend to have more arthritic changes occurring than my younger population. Bit just because someone experiences pain from arthritis does not mean they are forced to surrender to it.
Isaac Newton’s first law of physics generally states that objects in motion stay in motion. My point is that if you keep moving and get treatment to allow your muscle and joints to stay nimble and lose. If you focus breathing, water consumption and exercise. As a person aged they will have fewer challenges than an individual who is more sedentary and less health conscious. The more sedentary individual will most likely experience more health challenges and more pain and discomfort.
What can a patient generally expect on a first visit to a chiropractor?
On a patient’s first visit I like to take an extensive history. Very often my senior patients usually have their history already typed out which is a major time saver for everyone. I then perform an orthopedic and neurological exam, much like you would receive from either your primary doctor or an orthopedist.
What are the treatments used most often?
Depending on the conditions treatment protocols will vary. I have found that using modalities like heat, electric stim, ultrasound and soft tissue manipulation are very beneficial in the process of warming up a region that will be adjusted. Adjustments themselves can be administered directly with the physician’s hands as well as instruments and specially designed tables that facilitate the adjustment.
Are the treatments for older adults/seniors different than those you would use for younger people?
Some of the tables and instruments that I mentioned are sometimes ore suitable for older patients
Explain the various treatments we will shoot today.
Mim is going to received treatment for chronic back pain that consist of stretching on a mechanical table to improve the joint spaces between her vertebrae. She will also get her legs and arms stretched as well. What we are working to do is maintain her muscular elasticity and length as well as improve nerve flow and circulation throughout her spine and ultimately her whole body.
What are some of the myths and misconceptions about chiropractors?
People very often believe that once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going. The truth is that once a patient’s condition is resolved there is no need to continue to treat that ailment, but what patient’s often experience is an overall sense of wellness and other positive changes in their health from no longer getting headaches, improved breathing to increased vitality. Sometimes people will continue to take pills everyday to help alleviate the symptoms of any ailment from allergies to headaches to asthma.
Chiropractic patients that treat for these conditions don’t experience the negative side effects of medication, but rather enjoy the benefits of improve living. All though pain brings people into see me; my feeling is that it is always easier to stay well than to get better.
How should a person go about finding a qualified chiropractor?
Every state has a chiropractic association that could assist. But this day and age if you google doctors locally you can usually yield a lot of back ground information about the physician.; where they went to school, how long have they practiced etc…
Of course a personal referral still seems to be the best way to find someone that qualified.
Does Your Doctor Stop Talking Enough About Himself To Listen To You?
Doctors talking too much about themselves: study
Bellinda Kontominas Medical Reporter
June 27, 2007 - 12:23PM
Doctors who tell their patients personal information are disruptive, ignore patients' health concerns and take up valuable consultation time, according to a US study.
Of 113 audio recordings taken of first-time visits to general practitioners in New York, more than one-third included at least one comment by the doctor about their family members, living situation, health problems, feelings, political beliefs, practice conditions or interactions with other health care professionals.
The study also found that, rather than building rapport, 85 per cent of the doctor disclosures were not useful to the patient and 11 per cent were deemed disruptive to the consultation. Only three disclosures, where the doctor said they had the same medical condition as the patient, were deemed useful.
The doctors' comments "were often non sequiturs, unattached to any discussion in the visit and focused more on the physician's needs than the patient's needs," said lead research, Dr Susan McDaniel, from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
In only 14 per cent of cases was the doctor's disclosure a response to a patient's question and in no cases did the doctor attempt to steer the conversation back to the patient's concern.
These digressions could compromise the quality of patient care and be perceived as distancing, distracting, or uncaring.
In one example the doctor abruptly moves onto new topics.
Physician: So you're single now.
Patient: Yeah. It's all right.
Physician: (laughing): It gets tough. I'm single as well. I don't know. We're not the right age to be dating, I guess. So let's see. No trouble urinating or anything like that.
In another the patients could feel pressure to support the doctor.
Physician: Deep breaths ... Lay down for me. I don't know. I think I'll be panicked about the college time. I'm not sure I'm ready for that in any way. My daughter went to camp this week and everybody's saying, 'Isn't it so great?' And I'm like, 'No! I hate it! It's quiet! I don't have any friends!'
Patient: I hear ya. Right, right right. Yep.
Physician: No buddies to do things with!
Patient: Yup, yup.
Physician: ... All right. We don't like it! Now, did they give you an appointment for the stress test?
Nick Zwar, professor of general practice at the University of NSW, said doctors may confide in their patients as they often had no other outlet, such as a doctor of their own.
Chief Executive of the Australian General Practice Network, Kate Carnell, said doctors needed strong communication skills and should look at each situtation on a case-by-case basis to determine what was appropriate. "It is a good message to GPs that it is really important to stay focussed on the job rather than off loading on your patients."
In some settings, such as small communities or country towns, it would be unnatural for a doctor not to discuss their personal life, she said.
Bellinda Kontominas Medical Reporter
June 27, 2007 - 12:23PM
Doctors who tell their patients personal information are disruptive, ignore patients' health concerns and take up valuable consultation time, according to a US study.
Of 113 audio recordings taken of first-time visits to general practitioners in New York, more than one-third included at least one comment by the doctor about their family members, living situation, health problems, feelings, political beliefs, practice conditions or interactions with other health care professionals.
The study also found that, rather than building rapport, 85 per cent of the doctor disclosures were not useful to the patient and 11 per cent were deemed disruptive to the consultation. Only three disclosures, where the doctor said they had the same medical condition as the patient, were deemed useful.
The doctors' comments "were often non sequiturs, unattached to any discussion in the visit and focused more on the physician's needs than the patient's needs," said lead research, Dr Susan McDaniel, from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
In only 14 per cent of cases was the doctor's disclosure a response to a patient's question and in no cases did the doctor attempt to steer the conversation back to the patient's concern.
These digressions could compromise the quality of patient care and be perceived as distancing, distracting, or uncaring.
In one example the doctor abruptly moves onto new topics.
Physician: So you're single now.
Patient: Yeah. It's all right.
Physician: (laughing): It gets tough. I'm single as well. I don't know. We're not the right age to be dating, I guess. So let's see. No trouble urinating or anything like that.
In another the patients could feel pressure to support the doctor.
Physician: Deep breaths ... Lay down for me. I don't know. I think I'll be panicked about the college time. I'm not sure I'm ready for that in any way. My daughter went to camp this week and everybody's saying, 'Isn't it so great?' And I'm like, 'No! I hate it! It's quiet! I don't have any friends!'
Patient: I hear ya. Right, right right. Yep.
Physician: No buddies to do things with!
Patient: Yup, yup.
Physician: ... All right. We don't like it! Now, did they give you an appointment for the stress test?
Nick Zwar, professor of general practice at the University of NSW, said doctors may confide in their patients as they often had no other outlet, such as a doctor of their own.
Chief Executive of the Australian General Practice Network, Kate Carnell, said doctors needed strong communication skills and should look at each situtation on a case-by-case basis to determine what was appropriate. "It is a good message to GPs that it is really important to stay focussed on the job rather than off loading on your patients."
In some settings, such as small communities or country towns, it would be unnatural for a doctor not to discuss their personal life, she said.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Alzheimer Prevention Study Reported by Researcher Lisa Mosconi NYU School of Medicine
Brain Scans as PreventionRandall Neustaedter OMD
Is it useful to know our predisposition to diseases or illness patterns? In Chinese medicine the patterns of illness, even the typing of personalities, can lead to an effective preventive herbal and acupuncture program that is individualized to each person's unique combination of symptoms and imbalance. A holistic approach to health should include prevention of predispositions. If a close family member had heart disease or breast cancer, then it is wise to closely monitor one's health for these problems, look for genetic markers of cancer, or watch for signs of cardiovascular inflammation (through tests for homocysteine and C-reactive protein) and begin a preventive program targeted to these problems. Programs that strengthen the immune system and antioxidant supplements will help prevent cancer. Folic acid, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats will help prevent heart disease. We can target these patterns with individualized plans of prevention.A new test shows promise of predicting Alzheimer's disease almost a decade before symptoms of the disease begin. Researchers have developed a brain scan-based computer program that quickly and accurately measures metabolic activity in a key region of the brain (hippocampus) affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Applying the program, they demonstrated that reductions in brain metabolism in healthy individuals were associated with the later development of the memory robbing disease. The hippocampus, a sea-horse shaped area of the brain associated with memory and learning, diminishes in size as Alzheimer's disease progresses from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia. Here is what the primary researcher, Mony de Leon, said about the new test. "Right now, we can show with great accuracy who will develop Alzheimer's nine years in advance of symptoms, and our projections suggest we might be able to take that out as far as 15 years." "Our basic results will need to be replicated in other studies and expanded to include PET data from diverse patient groups," adds Dr. De Leon. "But we're confident this is a strong beginning, demonstrating accurate detection of early Alzheimer's disease. Now we have a better tool to examine disease progression, and we anticipate this might open some doors to prevention treatment strategies."I am not suggesting that everyone run out to get a computer-assisted PET scan of their brains, but this type of research does show that modern diagnostic tools can be used for early detection of subtle changes that can lead to prevention plans. Anyone with a family history of serious disease processes, especially those that are known to have a genetic component (diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer's) would benefit from consulting a qualified holistic health care provider to develop an individualized prevention strategy. The number of nutritional supplements available to us can be a confusing morass of information overload. However, experts in nutrition and holistic practice can tailor a program to your needs that could just save your life.The results of the study were reported by researcher Lisa Mosconi (New York University School of Medicine) at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia.
Is it useful to know our predisposition to diseases or illness patterns? In Chinese medicine the patterns of illness, even the typing of personalities, can lead to an effective preventive herbal and acupuncture program that is individualized to each person's unique combination of symptoms and imbalance. A holistic approach to health should include prevention of predispositions. If a close family member had heart disease or breast cancer, then it is wise to closely monitor one's health for these problems, look for genetic markers of cancer, or watch for signs of cardiovascular inflammation (through tests for homocysteine and C-reactive protein) and begin a preventive program targeted to these problems. Programs that strengthen the immune system and antioxidant supplements will help prevent cancer. Folic acid, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats will help prevent heart disease. We can target these patterns with individualized plans of prevention.A new test shows promise of predicting Alzheimer's disease almost a decade before symptoms of the disease begin. Researchers have developed a brain scan-based computer program that quickly and accurately measures metabolic activity in a key region of the brain (hippocampus) affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Applying the program, they demonstrated that reductions in brain metabolism in healthy individuals were associated with the later development of the memory robbing disease. The hippocampus, a sea-horse shaped area of the brain associated with memory and learning, diminishes in size as Alzheimer's disease progresses from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia. Here is what the primary researcher, Mony de Leon, said about the new test. "Right now, we can show with great accuracy who will develop Alzheimer's nine years in advance of symptoms, and our projections suggest we might be able to take that out as far as 15 years." "Our basic results will need to be replicated in other studies and expanded to include PET data from diverse patient groups," adds Dr. De Leon. "But we're confident this is a strong beginning, demonstrating accurate detection of early Alzheimer's disease. Now we have a better tool to examine disease progression, and we anticipate this might open some doors to prevention treatment strategies."I am not suggesting that everyone run out to get a computer-assisted PET scan of their brains, but this type of research does show that modern diagnostic tools can be used for early detection of subtle changes that can lead to prevention plans. Anyone with a family history of serious disease processes, especially those that are known to have a genetic component (diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer's) would benefit from consulting a qualified holistic health care provider to develop an individualized prevention strategy. The number of nutritional supplements available to us can be a confusing morass of information overload. However, experts in nutrition and holistic practice can tailor a program to your needs that could just save your life.The results of the study were reported by researcher Lisa Mosconi (New York University School of Medicine) at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Summer Running in Philly
Getting Some SPRING (or summer) in Your Step: Dr. Sklar Shares His Running “Wisdom”
Yahoo! It’s summer. To me that means I am going to be on the street running. I love to hear that my patients are running. Most of you are familiar with my favorite tag line, which is Newton’s first law of physics - “Objects in motion stay in motion unless acted on by another force.” Very often that other force is a couch and a remote control! But now is not the time to “chill”…the weather beckons you outside to challenge the force of gravity.
Okay, so you think that running might be bad for your knees. Some of us do have a predisposition for knee pain, especially if we were athletic in high school and still continue to be a weekend warrior on any field or court. However, there are ways to combat your pain. If you haven’t heard of glucosamine sulfate, start listening. If none of your friends are taking it, I’ll bet at least a couple of their friends are. GS is a natural component of your cartilage that creates cushioning from the pounding we experience with weight bearing activity. If you catch degenerative change early, GS can help rebuild the cartilage and offer you a reduction in your pain, or even provide prevention against imminent wear and tear.
Moreover, as concerned as I am for you knees, and I am, the chiropractor in me wants to focus especially on your spinal health. If we keep your spine healthy, the rest of your body will respond to stress much more efficiently. As the cartilage and meniscus act as shock absorbers for the knees, the spinal disks are the vertebral shock absorbers. The disks themselves do not have their own nutritional supply. For example, our heart has coronary arteries that bring in fresh blood with oxygen and nutrients; the lungs have pulmonary arteries, and the liver the hepatic artery. Without its own supply, the disk is known as avascular tissue. It counts on surrounding tissue to supplement it with nutrient and fluid. The motion and impact of running creates imbibition. This is the force of creating fluid flow into the region. If you are a runner, maybe this has happened to you: Life takes a turn and you can’t get your runs in. Next thing you know, your back starts to hurt. Then you get out for a run and the pain is gone – imbibition at work.
There is not just one way to keep from degenerating, but hydration is huge. At Triune we are known as water pushers. You should be drinking at least half your weight in ounces all year long. I don’t care how cold it is or whether you don’t feel thirsty. Fortunately, you can train yourself to be thirsty! The more you drink, the more the body requires fluid; the healthy association begins! Our spinal muscle and joints need the lubrication. You keep your car oiled and lubed. The chances of you having another car in your life are pretty high, but another spine, very doubtful in this lifetime. Take care of it — get a good quality pair of sneaks, orthotics and a nice running path. Philly is filled with short and long runs that are scenic and fun. Just ask me for a recommendation. Then you may need to ask me to shut up. Happy Trails!
Dr. Jeffrey Sklar
Yahoo! It’s summer. To me that means I am going to be on the street running. I love to hear that my patients are running. Most of you are familiar with my favorite tag line, which is Newton’s first law of physics - “Objects in motion stay in motion unless acted on by another force.” Very often that other force is a couch and a remote control! But now is not the time to “chill”…the weather beckons you outside to challenge the force of gravity.
Okay, so you think that running might be bad for your knees. Some of us do have a predisposition for knee pain, especially if we were athletic in high school and still continue to be a weekend warrior on any field or court. However, there are ways to combat your pain. If you haven’t heard of glucosamine sulfate, start listening. If none of your friends are taking it, I’ll bet at least a couple of their friends are. GS is a natural component of your cartilage that creates cushioning from the pounding we experience with weight bearing activity. If you catch degenerative change early, GS can help rebuild the cartilage and offer you a reduction in your pain, or even provide prevention against imminent wear and tear.
Moreover, as concerned as I am for you knees, and I am, the chiropractor in me wants to focus especially on your spinal health. If we keep your spine healthy, the rest of your body will respond to stress much more efficiently. As the cartilage and meniscus act as shock absorbers for the knees, the spinal disks are the vertebral shock absorbers. The disks themselves do not have their own nutritional supply. For example, our heart has coronary arteries that bring in fresh blood with oxygen and nutrients; the lungs have pulmonary arteries, and the liver the hepatic artery. Without its own supply, the disk is known as avascular tissue. It counts on surrounding tissue to supplement it with nutrient and fluid. The motion and impact of running creates imbibition. This is the force of creating fluid flow into the region. If you are a runner, maybe this has happened to you: Life takes a turn and you can’t get your runs in. Next thing you know, your back starts to hurt. Then you get out for a run and the pain is gone – imbibition at work.
There is not just one way to keep from degenerating, but hydration is huge. At Triune we are known as water pushers. You should be drinking at least half your weight in ounces all year long. I don’t care how cold it is or whether you don’t feel thirsty. Fortunately, you can train yourself to be thirsty! The more you drink, the more the body requires fluid; the healthy association begins! Our spinal muscle and joints need the lubrication. You keep your car oiled and lubed. The chances of you having another car in your life are pretty high, but another spine, very doubtful in this lifetime. Take care of it — get a good quality pair of sneaks, orthotics and a nice running path. Philly is filled with short and long runs that are scenic and fun. Just ask me for a recommendation. Then you may need to ask me to shut up. Happy Trails!
Dr. Jeffrey Sklar
Poem by a 10 year old
Satiated?
It’s sitting there
Shaking out
The souls of the lost
Never giving forgiveness
Never having hope
You test the soul jar
Not enough
You must have more
Never ending
Never ending
It’s sitting there
Shaking out
The souls of the lost
Never giving forgiveness
Never having hope
You test the soul jar
Not enough
You must have more
Never ending
Never ending
Get Up Stand Up – Stand Up for Your Spine
As a child, how many times did you hear “Don’t slouch,” “Sit up straight,” “Stand up straight”?
It wasn’t a command just to exert authority. Recent research validates the importance of focusing on good posture.
It is becoming well known that proper posture has a positive influence on not only health, but additionally on determining one’s success in business. If you are in sales, you might agree that closing is the most important part of any business meeting. In order to close a sale, one must demonstrate pride and belief in their product. People who slump their torsos and shoulders send unconscious messages that do not reflect confidence and pride in their product or themselves. Posture plays an intimate role in appearance and is the first thing people notice during initial impressions.
Furthermore, those who lack proper postural habits actually indicate to others a sense of helplessness when it comes to managing stress. Poor posture can be responsible for negatively impacting a child’s development, and can directly affect an adult’s mental and emotional health.
Moreover, rib cage and lung function can experience limitations in their process of oxygenation of tissue and discharge of carbon-dioxide wastes. Other vital organs are impacted as well.
The good news is that chiropractic is the most convenient and non-invasive healthcare approach that can improve your posture and career, and more importantly maximize your health and well being.
If you are interested in a postural analysis, or already know that your spinal health is compromised, please call Dr. Jeffrey Sklar, co-founder of Triune Wellness at 215-627-6279 to find out how the most contemporary and conservative therapy will improve your health and well being.
It wasn’t a command just to exert authority. Recent research validates the importance of focusing on good posture.
It is becoming well known that proper posture has a positive influence on not only health, but additionally on determining one’s success in business. If you are in sales, you might agree that closing is the most important part of any business meeting. In order to close a sale, one must demonstrate pride and belief in their product. People who slump their torsos and shoulders send unconscious messages that do not reflect confidence and pride in their product or themselves. Posture plays an intimate role in appearance and is the first thing people notice during initial impressions.
Furthermore, those who lack proper postural habits actually indicate to others a sense of helplessness when it comes to managing stress. Poor posture can be responsible for negatively impacting a child’s development, and can directly affect an adult’s mental and emotional health.
Moreover, rib cage and lung function can experience limitations in their process of oxygenation of tissue and discharge of carbon-dioxide wastes. Other vital organs are impacted as well.
The good news is that chiropractic is the most convenient and non-invasive healthcare approach that can improve your posture and career, and more importantly maximize your health and well being.
If you are interested in a postural analysis, or already know that your spinal health is compromised, please call Dr. Jeffrey Sklar, co-founder of Triune Wellness at 215-627-6279 to find out how the most contemporary and conservative therapy will improve your health and well being.
Suggestions to protect and ease neck and back pain
As a chiropractor who has treated thousands of patients since 1996, I have found that certain suggestions I have shared with my patients have stood the test of time. Here are some simple pointers and explanations that may help you reduce muscle spasm, neck, shoulder, and low back pain, and possibly prevent structural problems in the cervical (neck), lumbar (low back), and pelvic regions of your spine as you mature.
DON’T: Sleep on your stomach.
Sleeping in this position causes torque and tension in the upper portion of your spine, mainly because your head is turned to one side or the other for extended periods. The muscles in your neck work hard to keep your head level on your shoulders and your eyes parallel to the horizon.
DO: Try to sleep lying on your back as often as possible.
If you sleep on your side, switch sides frequently during the night and try putting a pillow between your knees for added support.
DON'T: Sleep with a flat pillow that offers no support to your cervical spine.
DO: Find a pillow that structurally supports the natural curve of your neck.
There are three natural curves in the spine that increase its strength and flexibility: the cervical curve in the neck, the thoracic curve in the mid back, and the lower back or lumbar curve. Sleeping on a pillow that does not properly support your neck or causes it to tilt forward can gradually decrease the angle of the cervical curve and result in neck or back pain, headaches, and fatigue. There are a multitude of different types of cervical or neck pillows available on the market today. If you are like many people, you have tried at least a couple of different types, and hopefully found one that you are comfortable with.
DON’T: Sit at a computer or desk for extended periods without getting up and moving around or stretching.
DO: Position the computer monitor directly in front of you and as close to eye level as possible.
Turning your head to one side to look at a monitor even a few degrees can have detrimental effects on your spine over time.
DON’T: Stretch your neck using quick, jerky motions.
DO: Stretch slowly and gently, holding each stretch for a minimum of six seconds. Stretch often (preferably in the morning and also in the evening).
LOWER BACK
DON’T: Lock out your knee joints when bending forward, stretching, or exercising.
DO: Perform your lower back stretches on a consistent basis, even when you are pain free.
Regular stretching increases range of motion and prevents problems in the future.
DON’T: Sit with a wallet in your back pocket.
A thick wallet acts as a wedge, twisting the pelvis, often resulting in pain and dysfunction over time. Muscle responds to pressure by contracting. A wallet on one side of the buttocks creates muscular contraction, thus throwing the pelvis off balance
DO: Get up from your desk and move around as often as possible at work.
Also when driving on long trips, get out of the car, walk around, and stretch whenever you have the opportunity.
DON’T: Keep your feet planted when lifting and moving objects from one area to another.
DO: Use your legs when lifting.
Position the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible without leaning forward. Take small steps rather than twisting your torso when transferring objects from one area to another.
DON’T: Cross your legs for extended periods.
Not only does this position decrease blood flow to the lower extremities, but it also can cause imbalance in the pelvis.
DO: Traction your lower spine by letting your legs hang down while in the deep end of a pool, using a noodle or raft to support your upper body.
Furthermore, as you use your muscular and skeletal systems to fight gravity through your demanding but productive day, remember that all finely tuned machines need lubrication. It is important to drink water throughout the day to keep your magnificent machine gliding through all your daily activities.
Submitted by Dr. Jeffrey A. Sklar, Chiropractor Triune Chiropractic Counseling and Wellness, LLC
DON’T: Sleep on your stomach.
Sleeping in this position causes torque and tension in the upper portion of your spine, mainly because your head is turned to one side or the other for extended periods. The muscles in your neck work hard to keep your head level on your shoulders and your eyes parallel to the horizon.
DO: Try to sleep lying on your back as often as possible.
If you sleep on your side, switch sides frequently during the night and try putting a pillow between your knees for added support.
DON'T: Sleep with a flat pillow that offers no support to your cervical spine.
DO: Find a pillow that structurally supports the natural curve of your neck.
There are three natural curves in the spine that increase its strength and flexibility: the cervical curve in the neck, the thoracic curve in the mid back, and the lower back or lumbar curve. Sleeping on a pillow that does not properly support your neck or causes it to tilt forward can gradually decrease the angle of the cervical curve and result in neck or back pain, headaches, and fatigue. There are a multitude of different types of cervical or neck pillows available on the market today. If you are like many people, you have tried at least a couple of different types, and hopefully found one that you are comfortable with.
DON’T: Sit at a computer or desk for extended periods without getting up and moving around or stretching.
DO: Position the computer monitor directly in front of you and as close to eye level as possible.
Turning your head to one side to look at a monitor even a few degrees can have detrimental effects on your spine over time.
DON’T: Stretch your neck using quick, jerky motions.
DO: Stretch slowly and gently, holding each stretch for a minimum of six seconds. Stretch often (preferably in the morning and also in the evening).
LOWER BACK
DON’T: Lock out your knee joints when bending forward, stretching, or exercising.
DO: Perform your lower back stretches on a consistent basis, even when you are pain free.
Regular stretching increases range of motion and prevents problems in the future.
DON’T: Sit with a wallet in your back pocket.
A thick wallet acts as a wedge, twisting the pelvis, often resulting in pain and dysfunction over time. Muscle responds to pressure by contracting. A wallet on one side of the buttocks creates muscular contraction, thus throwing the pelvis off balance
DO: Get up from your desk and move around as often as possible at work.
Also when driving on long trips, get out of the car, walk around, and stretch whenever you have the opportunity.
DON’T: Keep your feet planted when lifting and moving objects from one area to another.
DO: Use your legs when lifting.
Position the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible without leaning forward. Take small steps rather than twisting your torso when transferring objects from one area to another.
DON’T: Cross your legs for extended periods.
Not only does this position decrease blood flow to the lower extremities, but it also can cause imbalance in the pelvis.
DO: Traction your lower spine by letting your legs hang down while in the deep end of a pool, using a noodle or raft to support your upper body.
Furthermore, as you use your muscular and skeletal systems to fight gravity through your demanding but productive day, remember that all finely tuned machines need lubrication. It is important to drink water throughout the day to keep your magnificent machine gliding through all your daily activities.
Submitted by Dr. Jeffrey A. Sklar, Chiropractor Triune Chiropractic Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Co Q10 - For Muscle pain from Lipitor and the like. Thanks Dr. Joe from down under
Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins
Caso G, Kelly P, McNurlan MA, Lawson WE
Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. giuseppe.caso@stonybrook.edu
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
However, statin use is often associated with a variety of muscle-related symptoms or myopathies.
Myopathy may be related in part to statin inhibition of the endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production.
The aim of this study is to determine whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation would reduce the degree of muscle pain associated with statin treatment.
Patients with myopathic symptoms were randomly assigned in a double-blinded protocol to treatment with coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day, n = 18) or vitamin E (400 IU/day, n = 14) for 30 days. Muscle pain and pain interference with daily activities were assessed before and after treatment. After a 30-day intervention, pain severity decreased by 40% (p <0.001) and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38% (p <0.02) in the group treated with coenzyme Q10. In contrast, no changes in pain severity (+9%, p = NS) or pain interference with daily activities (-11%, p = NS) was observed in the group treated with vitamin E.
In conclusion, results suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may decrease muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may offer an alternative to stopping treatment with these vital drugs.
Triune carries CoQ10 for patient convenience. It has many other wonderful benefits. Look it up online. We will get a CoQ10 link soon, to make your research easier.
Thank you for reading.
Caso G, Kelly P, McNurlan MA, Lawson WE
Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. giuseppe.caso@stonybrook.edu
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
However, statin use is often associated with a variety of muscle-related symptoms or myopathies.
Myopathy may be related in part to statin inhibition of the endogenous synthesis of coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production.
The aim of this study is to determine whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation would reduce the degree of muscle pain associated with statin treatment.
Patients with myopathic symptoms were randomly assigned in a double-blinded protocol to treatment with coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day, n = 18) or vitamin E (400 IU/day, n = 14) for 30 days. Muscle pain and pain interference with daily activities were assessed before and after treatment. After a 30-day intervention, pain severity decreased by 40% (p <0.001) and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38% (p <0.02) in the group treated with coenzyme Q10. In contrast, no changes in pain severity (+9%, p = NS) or pain interference with daily activities (-11%, p = NS) was observed in the group treated with vitamin E.
In conclusion, results suggest that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may decrease muscle pain associated with statin treatment. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may offer an alternative to stopping treatment with these vital drugs.
Triune carries CoQ10 for patient convenience. It has many other wonderful benefits. Look it up online. We will get a CoQ10 link soon, to make your research easier.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
From Australia
Hey Dr Jeff,
Love the blog. Really miss your great healing hands down here in Australia.
Can't wait to visit Philly again soon.
Dr. Joe Ierano
www.ierano.com
Love the blog. Really miss your great healing hands down here in Australia.
Can't wait to visit Philly again soon.
Dr. Joe Ierano
www.ierano.com
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
News on HPV vaccine
British Medical Journal just released this information last week.
HPV Vaccine: Gardasil may be a killer
14 June 2007
The HPV vaccine – which is being given to girls aged between 11 and 12 to prevent cervical cancer in later life – may be a killer. So far three young girls have died after being vaccinated, and there have been 1,637 adverse reactions reported in under a year. In Australia 25 girls at the same school who had been given their first HPV vaccine last month experienced headache and nausea, and four ended up in hospital.The vaccine, Gardasil, has courted controversy since it was approved for use last year. Some states in the USA have decided to make the vaccine compulsory, which has caused an outcry among parents who see the vaccine as a license for sexual relationships outside of marriage. Gardasil is supposed to protect against human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers and genital warts.A public interest group, Judicial Watch, discovered the extent of the adverse reactions only when they made a request to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Freedom of Information Act. Presumably the FDA would have preferred to have stayed silent rather than alert the public about a vaccine that may need more safety trials. (Source: British Medical Journal, 2007; 334: 1182).
HPV Vaccine: Gardasil may be a killer
14 June 2007
The HPV vaccine – which is being given to girls aged between 11 and 12 to prevent cervical cancer in later life – may be a killer. So far three young girls have died after being vaccinated, and there have been 1,637 adverse reactions reported in under a year. In Australia 25 girls at the same school who had been given their first HPV vaccine last month experienced headache and nausea, and four ended up in hospital.The vaccine, Gardasil, has courted controversy since it was approved for use last year. Some states in the USA have decided to make the vaccine compulsory, which has caused an outcry among parents who see the vaccine as a license for sexual relationships outside of marriage. Gardasil is supposed to protect against human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers and genital warts.A public interest group, Judicial Watch, discovered the extent of the adverse reactions only when they made a request to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Freedom of Information Act. Presumably the FDA would have preferred to have stayed silent rather than alert the public about a vaccine that may need more safety trials. (Source: British Medical Journal, 2007; 334: 1182).
Feed Babies Pure, Not Puree
This was printed by The BBC on Monday June 18, 2007
Pureed baby food is 'unnatural'
Rapley says there is no need to feed babies pureed foodsSpoon-feeding babies pureed food is unnatural and unnecessary, a childcare expert has warned. Gill Rapley, deputy director of Unicef's UK Baby Friendly Initiative said feeding babies in this way could cause health problems later in life. She said children should be fed only with breast or formula milk for six months, then weaned onto solids to improve control over how much they ate. This could prevent babies becoming picky about food. There is no longer any window of a baby's development in which they need something more than milk and less than solids.
Mrs Rapley has spent 25 years as a health visitor, and she said: "I found so many parents were coming to me with the same problems - 'my child is constipated, my child is really picky' - and they couldn't get them on to second stage baby food."
Milk only
From these observations and her own studies she developed her feeding programme, called Baby-Led Weaning.
According to this programme, during the first six months babies should receive milk only.
She said: "In 2002 the World Health Organisation backed research that found breast or formula milk provided all the nutrition a baby needs up to the age of six months. That research said feeding a baby any other food during the first six months would dilute the nutritional value of the milk and might even be harmful to the baby's health."
These findings have been incorporated into government recommendations on baby feeding.
Solids best
After six months, Mrs Rapley said babies were capable of taking food into their mouths and chewing it. Therefore, feeding them pureed food at this time could delay the development of chewing skills. Instead, she said, they should be given milk and solid pieces of food which they could chew.
Mrs Rapley argued that babies fed pureed food had little control over how much food they ate, thus rendering them vulnerable to constipation, and running a risk that they would react by becoming fussy eaters later in life. She blamed the food industry for convincing parents that they should give children pureed food.
She said: "Sound scientific research and government advice now agree that there is no longer any window of a baby's development in which they need something more than milk and less than solids."
Difficulties
Professor David Candy, a paediatric gastroenterologist with the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust, said this programme could be a good idea. But he warned that it was difficult to set an exact age at which babies should be given solids, as individuals develop eating skills at different rates. Purees could help some babies make the transition between liquid and solid foods more easily.
He said: "Some babies could manage this, but others may not have the oromotor skills necessary to chew the food - they would just push it out of their mouths."
A 'one size fits all' policy is not appropriate
Roger Clarke, director-general of the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association which represents members of the food industry, said the research needed to be looked at carefully.
But he agreed a "one size fits all" policy on baby-feeding was not appropriate.
He added generations of parents had relied on baby foods to provide a "safe, sound nutrition" for their babies.
A Unicef spokesperson said that Gill Rapley was speaking in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the charity.
Pureed baby food is 'unnatural'
Rapley says there is no need to feed babies pureed foodsSpoon-feeding babies pureed food is unnatural and unnecessary, a childcare expert has warned. Gill Rapley, deputy director of Unicef's UK Baby Friendly Initiative said feeding babies in this way could cause health problems later in life. She said children should be fed only with breast or formula milk for six months, then weaned onto solids to improve control over how much they ate. This could prevent babies becoming picky about food. There is no longer any window of a baby's development in which they need something more than milk and less than solids.
Mrs Rapley has spent 25 years as a health visitor, and she said: "I found so many parents were coming to me with the same problems - 'my child is constipated, my child is really picky' - and they couldn't get them on to second stage baby food."
Milk only
From these observations and her own studies she developed her feeding programme, called Baby-Led Weaning.
According to this programme, during the first six months babies should receive milk only.
She said: "In 2002 the World Health Organisation backed research that found breast or formula milk provided all the nutrition a baby needs up to the age of six months. That research said feeding a baby any other food during the first six months would dilute the nutritional value of the milk and might even be harmful to the baby's health."
These findings have been incorporated into government recommendations on baby feeding.
Solids best
After six months, Mrs Rapley said babies were capable of taking food into their mouths and chewing it. Therefore, feeding them pureed food at this time could delay the development of chewing skills. Instead, she said, they should be given milk and solid pieces of food which they could chew.
Mrs Rapley argued that babies fed pureed food had little control over how much food they ate, thus rendering them vulnerable to constipation, and running a risk that they would react by becoming fussy eaters later in life. She blamed the food industry for convincing parents that they should give children pureed food.
She said: "Sound scientific research and government advice now agree that there is no longer any window of a baby's development in which they need something more than milk and less than solids."
Difficulties
Professor David Candy, a paediatric gastroenterologist with the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust, said this programme could be a good idea. But he warned that it was difficult to set an exact age at which babies should be given solids, as individuals develop eating skills at different rates. Purees could help some babies make the transition between liquid and solid foods more easily.
He said: "Some babies could manage this, but others may not have the oromotor skills necessary to chew the food - they would just push it out of their mouths."
A 'one size fits all' policy is not appropriate
Roger Clarke, director-general of the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association which represents members of the food industry, said the research needed to be looked at carefully.
But he agreed a "one size fits all" policy on baby-feeding was not appropriate.
He added generations of parents had relied on baby foods to provide a "safe, sound nutrition" for their babies.
A Unicef spokesperson said that Gill Rapley was speaking in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the charity.
Transformers don't like trans fat
Harvard.edu confirms current research: New research confirms danger of trans fats
If you needed another reason to avoid trans fats, here it is. Researchers with the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study measured the amount of trans fat stored in red blood cells. Among the 32,000 middle-aged women participating in the study, 166 had heart attacks or died of heart disease during a six-year period. Their red blood cells had slightly higher loads of trans fat than did red blood cells of 327 women of the same ages and characteristics who remained free of heart disease.
Artificial trans fats are found in hard margarines, many commercially baked goods, and the fried foods in many restaurants, and research has consistently shown they aren’t good for the heart and blood vessels. Across the board, the more trans fat in red blood cells, the greater the chances of having a heart attack. Women with the highest trans fat load had triple the risk of women with the lowest. This study, published in the April 10, 2007, Circulation, strongly supports recommendations by the Institute of Medicine and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans to cut back — or better yet, cut out — trans fats in the diet. Eliminating them from the food supply could avert as many as 264,000 heart attacks and heart-related deaths each year in the United States alone.
Trans Fats at Home and Abroad
A prime source of trans fat is partially hydrogenated oil, which many fast-food restaurants continue to use for deep frying. To see if this differed by country, three Danish doctors determined the trans fat content of French fries and chicken nuggets bought in 24 McDonald’s and KFC restaurants on four continents. As shown above, a large fries-and-nuggets combination delivered 10 grams of trans fat in New York City but less than a gram in Denmark, which limits the use of trans fats. A similar serving of fries and chicken nuggets in a KFC in Hungary delivered a whopping 25 grams of trans fat.
For more information on heart disease, order our Special Health Report, The Healthy Heart: Preventing, detecting, and treating coronary artery disease, at www.health.harvard.edu/HH.
If you needed another reason to avoid trans fats, here it is. Researchers with the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study measured the amount of trans fat stored in red blood cells. Among the 32,000 middle-aged women participating in the study, 166 had heart attacks or died of heart disease during a six-year period. Their red blood cells had slightly higher loads of trans fat than did red blood cells of 327 women of the same ages and characteristics who remained free of heart disease.
Artificial trans fats are found in hard margarines, many commercially baked goods, and the fried foods in many restaurants, and research has consistently shown they aren’t good for the heart and blood vessels. Across the board, the more trans fat in red blood cells, the greater the chances of having a heart attack. Women with the highest trans fat load had triple the risk of women with the lowest. This study, published in the April 10, 2007, Circulation, strongly supports recommendations by the Institute of Medicine and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans to cut back — or better yet, cut out — trans fats in the diet. Eliminating them from the food supply could avert as many as 264,000 heart attacks and heart-related deaths each year in the United States alone.
Trans Fats at Home and Abroad
A prime source of trans fat is partially hydrogenated oil, which many fast-food restaurants continue to use for deep frying. To see if this differed by country, three Danish doctors determined the trans fat content of French fries and chicken nuggets bought in 24 McDonald’s and KFC restaurants on four continents. As shown above, a large fries-and-nuggets combination delivered 10 grams of trans fat in New York City but less than a gram in Denmark, which limits the use of trans fats. A similar serving of fries and chicken nuggets in a KFC in Hungary delivered a whopping 25 grams of trans fat.
For more information on heart disease, order our Special Health Report, The Healthy Heart: Preventing, detecting, and treating coronary artery disease, at www.health.harvard.edu/HH.
Anti antibiotic treatment for nose colds
The following is from the British Medical Journal 2006. We hope it is useful.
Acute Purulent Rhinitis Often Resolves Without Antibiotics
July 25, 2006 --
Antibiotics may be helpful for acute purulent rhinitis but may also be harmful, according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the July 21 Online First issue of the BMJ. Most will get better without antibiotics, supporting the "no antibiotics first" guideline.
"Most guidelines recommend that antibiotics should not be used for this condition, citing one study that found no evidence that antibiotics reduce the duration of acute purulent rhinitis," write B. Arroll, MD, and T. Kenealy, MD, from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and colleagues. "However, a recent larger study reported that treatment with amoxicillin reduced the duration of purulent rhinitis, although it found no significant difference between the groups in terms of general improvement in symptoms. Concern exists about overuse of antibiotics leading to bacterial resistance."
Using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of retrieved articles, the authors systematically searched for studies on the effectiveness and harms of antibiotics for acute purulent rhinitis. They then did a review and meta-analysis of data from double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials comparing antibiotics with placebo for acute purulent rhinitis of duration less than 10 days.
Of 7 studies retrieved, 4 contributed data on the benefits of antibiotics, and 4 contributed data on harms of antibiotics. At 5 to 8 days, the pooled relative risk of benefit for persistent purulent rhinitis with antibiotics was 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 - 1.33). When the pooled relative risk was applied to the range of control event rates, the numbers needed to treat ranged from 7 to 15.
The relative risk for adverse effects with antibiotics was 1.46 (95% CI, 1.10 - 1.94), and the numbers needed to harm for various adverse effects ranged from 12 to 78. Harms attributed to antibiotics were primarily vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but there were also some reports of rashes and hyperactivity. There were no serious harms reported in the placebo groups.
"Antibiotics are probably effective for acute purulent rhinitis," the authors write. "They can cause harm, usually in the form of gastrointestinal effects. Most patients will get better without antibiotics, supporting the current 'no antibiotic as first line' advice."
Study limitations include the possibility of missing some relevant articles because various terms are used for acute purulent rhinitis, publication bias, and use of different antibiotics in the various studies.
"Our summation would be to suggest initial management by non-antibiotic treatments or 'watchful waiting,' and that antibiotics should be used only when symptoms have persisted for long enough to concern parents or patients," the authors conclude. "In this case, antibiotic treatment may be considered, given that the harms were usually gastrointestinal adverse effects and that individual patients may be aware of their own ability to tolerate specific antibiotics. Our findings are consistent with the review on antibiotics for chronic purulent rhinitis, and we do not feel that more randomised controlled trials on this subject are warranted."
This review was funded by the Charitable Trust of the Auckland Faculty of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, and the authors' salaries were from University of Auckland staff funding. Dr. Arroll has disclosed being a member of the Future Forum, an educational foundation funded by AstraZeneca UK, and a committee member of the Pharmac seminar series (Pharmac is the New Zealand government funding agency for drugs).
BMJ. Published online July 21, 2006.
Acute Purulent Rhinitis Often Resolves Without Antibiotics
July 25, 2006 --
Antibiotics may be helpful for acute purulent rhinitis but may also be harmful, according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the July 21 Online First issue of the BMJ. Most will get better without antibiotics, supporting the "no antibiotics first" guideline.
"Most guidelines recommend that antibiotics should not be used for this condition, citing one study that found no evidence that antibiotics reduce the duration of acute purulent rhinitis," write B. Arroll, MD, and T. Kenealy, MD, from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and colleagues. "However, a recent larger study reported that treatment with amoxicillin reduced the duration of purulent rhinitis, although it found no significant difference between the groups in terms of general improvement in symptoms. Concern exists about overuse of antibiotics leading to bacterial resistance."
Using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of retrieved articles, the authors systematically searched for studies on the effectiveness and harms of antibiotics for acute purulent rhinitis. They then did a review and meta-analysis of data from double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials comparing antibiotics with placebo for acute purulent rhinitis of duration less than 10 days.
Of 7 studies retrieved, 4 contributed data on the benefits of antibiotics, and 4 contributed data on harms of antibiotics. At 5 to 8 days, the pooled relative risk of benefit for persistent purulent rhinitis with antibiotics was 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 - 1.33). When the pooled relative risk was applied to the range of control event rates, the numbers needed to treat ranged from 7 to 15.
The relative risk for adverse effects with antibiotics was 1.46 (95% CI, 1.10 - 1.94), and the numbers needed to harm for various adverse effects ranged from 12 to 78. Harms attributed to antibiotics were primarily vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but there were also some reports of rashes and hyperactivity. There were no serious harms reported in the placebo groups.
"Antibiotics are probably effective for acute purulent rhinitis," the authors write. "They can cause harm, usually in the form of gastrointestinal effects. Most patients will get better without antibiotics, supporting the current 'no antibiotic as first line' advice."
Study limitations include the possibility of missing some relevant articles because various terms are used for acute purulent rhinitis, publication bias, and use of different antibiotics in the various studies.
"Our summation would be to suggest initial management by non-antibiotic treatments or 'watchful waiting,' and that antibiotics should be used only when symptoms have persisted for long enough to concern parents or patients," the authors conclude. "In this case, antibiotic treatment may be considered, given that the harms were usually gastrointestinal adverse effects and that individual patients may be aware of their own ability to tolerate specific antibiotics. Our findings are consistent with the review on antibiotics for chronic purulent rhinitis, and we do not feel that more randomised controlled trials on this subject are warranted."
This review was funded by the Charitable Trust of the Auckland Faculty of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, and the authors' salaries were from University of Auckland staff funding. Dr. Arroll has disclosed being a member of the Future Forum, an educational foundation funded by AstraZeneca UK, and a committee member of the Pharmac seminar series (Pharmac is the New Zealand government funding agency for drugs).
BMJ. Published online July 21, 2006.
Let's go bananas!
My friend, Dr. Joe Ierano from Australia, emailed this to me recently. I wanted to pass it on. Enjoy!
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can
also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England)were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit!!!
Never put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can
also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England)were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit!!!
Never put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
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