After all the hype, most people are finding that the risks outweight the benefits of the flu shot. The Drug companies are asking us to just pay them more and take the flu shot, although the numbers and benefits are not backed up with hard science, but with pleas for bigger profits.
If you haven't had your flu shot, read the article before you run out and put more money in the Big Pharma's pockets.
Barbara Loe Fisher Commentary:
What part of "no thanks" do CDC officials and drug company execs not understand when it comes to most Americans refusing to get a flu shot every year? Despite all the hype about how 36,000 Americans die every year from influenza and 200,000 more are hospitalized, it is hard to find somebody who knows anybody who was hospitalized or died from infection with one of the three influenza viruses contained in the flu vaccine. Yet, those figures keep getting bandied about by public health officials, who steadfastly refuse to produce the hard scientific evidence to back up their numbers. In light of the fact that only 20 percent of all flu-like illness in any given flu season is actually influenza, inquiring minds want to know the truth and are asking for proof that backs up the rhetoric. So far, the flu vaccine studies published in the medical literature fail to give credence to any of the inflated influenza mortality figures the CDC is using to try to scare the people.Guaranteeing Drug Company Profits - Unable to frighten Americans into getting an annual flu shot, public health officials have taken to playing the sympathy card. On behalf of drug companies, they are pleading for the people to roll up their sleeves, dig deep into their pockets and shell out some bucks for the flu shot to guarantee the drug companies big profits. It doesn't look good on drug company stockholder proft/loss statements when unused surplus vaccine has to be dumped after the flu season is over. No, wait! Now public health officials are saying that there is no such thing as the beginning and ending of a flu season: the flu is actually a killer all year round so everybody should get vaccinated all year round! Exercising the Immune System - It wasn't so very long ago when the flu vaccine was only recommended for those at very high risk for suffering serious complications from influenza infection, such as the elderly or those already seriously ill. The majority of healthy young Americans accepted getting the flu every couple of years as a part of life. It was a great excuse to take a few days off from school or work and stay in bed with plenty of kleenex, Vicks vapor rub, OJ, chicken noodle soup and a good book. Then, after experiencing the sore throat, chills, fever and other symptoms of acute inflammation that are part of a robust immune system exercise, often recovery from influenza was followed by an extended period of good health. And when that same strain of influenza came around again, there was either no re-infection (immunity) or fewer and milder symptoms of illness. Superior Natural Immunity - Experience with type A and type B influenza infection has another bonus: immunological memory that could help resist the ravages of a nastier version of type A or type B influenza that comes around someday. Flu vaccine only provides temporary immunity. So pandemic flu planners are counting on the superior, longer lasting immunity of those Americans, who have actually recovered from influenza infection, because drug companies won't be able to produce pandemic flu vaccine fast enough to provide doses for everyone for up to a year after the pandemic begins. If public health officials are depending upon Americans with qualitatively superior cell mediated immunity to influenza, which can only be obtained from recovering from the flu the old fashioned way, to limit morbidity and mortality from a future pandemic flu - then why are they insisting that every American get annual flu vaccinations from birth? Dealing with the Flu - These days, many Americans are taking steps to deal with influenza or flu-like illnesses by enhancing the functioning of the immune system through diet, exercise and other positive lifestyle and health care changes. And if they do get the flu, they are taking a common sense approach. To prevent and treat influenza or flu-like illness that does not involve a fever over 103 F, pneumonia or serious complications which may require special medical intervention, here are a few non-toxic suggestions:1. Wash your hands frequently.2. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.3. If you are sick, avoid close contact with those who are well.4. Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.5. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.6. Get adequate sleep.7. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially foods containing vitamin C (such as citrus fruits) and vitamins A and D (such as cod liver oil) and spend a few minutes a day in sunlight to help your body make and store vitamin D.8. Exercise regularly when you are well.9. Lower stress.10. Consider including holistic alternatives in your wellness or healing plan, such as chiropractic adjustments, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies, acupuncture and other health care options.There is little indication that CDC officials are going to stop asking Americans to roll up their sleeves and guarantee drug companies flu vaccine profits. There is also little indication that Americans are paying much attention to that request. In the wings: most likely a CDC and drug industry plan to try to get politicians to mandate the stuff."
No forced vaccination. Not in America."
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20061216&Category=ZNYT01&ArtNo=612160439&SectionCat=BUSINESS&Template=printart
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
They Could Save Your Life...
"The news isn't that fruits and vegetables are good for you. It's that they are so good for you they could save your life."By David Bjerklie, TIME Magazine, October 20, 2003
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bosses Push Staff to Eat Right, Exercise
By ELLEN SIMON
The Associated PressMonday, December 4, 2006; 5:00 PM
NEW YORK -- Many companies are starting to sound like moms: They're pushing employees to eat their vegetables and go outside and play. And they're not being gentle about it.
Outdoor clothing company L.L. Bean, Inc. shuts down its manufacturing line three times a day for mandatory five-minute stretches, designed to prevent the most common injuries the workers suffer.
"It's a safety measure, just as we would ask someone to wear safety glasses if there's a danger of hurting their eyes," said Susan Tufts, the company's employee wellness program manager.
At retailer Replacements Ltd., 250 employees take part in a walking program organized by the company nurse. T-shirt manufacturer American Apparel has 80 loaner bikes, locks and helmets for employees and hosted an employee screening of "Fast Food Nation," a film where the villain is the meat industry.
Insurance company The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is among those using price manipulation in its cafeteria to encourage employees to eat right. It's increasing the prices on fatty foods and using the extra money to fund a subsidy for healthy sandwiches, cut fruit and salads.
Such "Twinkie taxes" are now in place at 7 to 10 percent of corporate cafeterias run by food service company Sodexho, up from almost none three years ago, according to the company.
Mounting healthcare costs are driving the changes. Employee assistance company ComPsych Corp. runs what it calls "trainwreck exercises," in which companies compute how long they can absorb healthcare cost increases before they become unprofitable. The first client that did the exercise realized it only had 18 months. Health insurance premiums for 2006 rose 7.7 percent twice the rate of inflation.
While some companies are responding to the higher healthcare cost by cutting employees' coverage and shifting more costs to the employees, others are doing everything they can to convince employees to adopt healthier habits in the hopes they will avoid diseases caused or complicated by eating poorly and being overweight or inactive.
After L.L. Bean increased the price for burgers and lowered the price for salads in its cafeteria fruit and salad bar purchases doubled while French fry and burger sales fell by half.
When railroad company Union Pacific Corp. opened a new headquarters in Omaha two years ago it ordered its cafeteria operator to hire a full-time dietitian for the site and cut the fat and calories on every item by 10 percent.
The company runs a "Know Your Numbers" program that drills into employees' heads figures such as the 30 minutes of exercise they should be getting a day and the 3,500 calories in a pound.
"The biggest thing the guys come back and say they learned the most about is portion size," said Marcy Zauha, the company's director of health and safety. "They didn't understand how much they were eating."
Besides cost cutting, another factor behind the programs is the amount of time employees spend at work.
If workers don't have access to fruits and vegetables on the job, they will need to consume between one and two servings every waking hour after work to meet the goal of eating 5 to 9 servings a day, according to the California Department of Human Services. To reach the recommended 10,000 steps a day, sedentary workers would have to spend most of their evenings in motion, the department said.
Even a little daily exercise can boost health, said Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey, associate professor at the UCLA School of Public Health.
Yancey collaborated with the Ministry of Health in Mexico, where everyone gathers at 11 a.m. each morning for 10 minutes of exercise to music. The result, after a year, was an average .45 pound weight loss an improvement from the one pound a year, on average, people gain as they age.
"Especially as it relates to physical activity, people have demonstrated that they're not going to make a lot of changes on their own," Dr. Yancey said. "If we're going to make a big dent lower healthcare costs, improve productivity and morale you have to make it easier to do than not do."
Yancey and others say that work gyms are used primarily by people who would exercise anyway. For everyone else, a little manipulation goes a long way. Her suggestions include incorporating exercise breaks in to the work day, restricting parking close to the building, limiting elevator access to people with disabilities, widening and brightening stairwells and hosting walking meetings. (People seldom refer to the notes they take during seated meetings, she says.)
Price manipulation worked for senior business analyst Kathy Blaszczyk at The Hartford, who started buying a flank steak salad with grilled corn when the price dropped from $6 to $4.70.
"I love it, but I never used to get it," she said. "I have in my head a $5 threshold."
Having the company's top leaders embrace the program also helps.
Dan T. Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc. restaurants and a runner, has cajoled 265 company employees to run the January Walt Disney World marathon or half-marathon with him. Most of the runners joining him "have never done anything like that distance-wise," Cathy said of his group. "There's a lot of first timers."
Cathy said he's motivated by his religious belief that the body is a temple and a more practical thought.
"We live in a time when there really is a healthcare crisis," said Cathy. "Every segment of society needs to make a contribution."
Ellen Simon is a national business beat reporter for The Associated Press, covering labor and workplace issues. Write to her at esimon(at)ap.org.
© 2006 The Associated Press
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bosses Push Staff to Eat Right, Exercise
By ELLEN SIMON
The Associated PressMonday, December 4, 2006; 5:00 PM
NEW YORK -- Many companies are starting to sound like moms: They're pushing employees to eat their vegetables and go outside and play. And they're not being gentle about it.
Outdoor clothing company L.L. Bean, Inc. shuts down its manufacturing line three times a day for mandatory five-minute stretches, designed to prevent the most common injuries the workers suffer.
"It's a safety measure, just as we would ask someone to wear safety glasses if there's a danger of hurting their eyes," said Susan Tufts, the company's employee wellness program manager.
At retailer Replacements Ltd., 250 employees take part in a walking program organized by the company nurse. T-shirt manufacturer American Apparel has 80 loaner bikes, locks and helmets for employees and hosted an employee screening of "Fast Food Nation," a film where the villain is the meat industry.
Insurance company The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is among those using price manipulation in its cafeteria to encourage employees to eat right. It's increasing the prices on fatty foods and using the extra money to fund a subsidy for healthy sandwiches, cut fruit and salads.
Such "Twinkie taxes" are now in place at 7 to 10 percent of corporate cafeterias run by food service company Sodexho, up from almost none three years ago, according to the company.
Mounting healthcare costs are driving the changes. Employee assistance company ComPsych Corp. runs what it calls "trainwreck exercises," in which companies compute how long they can absorb healthcare cost increases before they become unprofitable. The first client that did the exercise realized it only had 18 months. Health insurance premiums for 2006 rose 7.7 percent twice the rate of inflation.
While some companies are responding to the higher healthcare cost by cutting employees' coverage and shifting more costs to the employees, others are doing everything they can to convince employees to adopt healthier habits in the hopes they will avoid diseases caused or complicated by eating poorly and being overweight or inactive.
After L.L. Bean increased the price for burgers and lowered the price for salads in its cafeteria fruit and salad bar purchases doubled while French fry and burger sales fell by half.
When railroad company Union Pacific Corp. opened a new headquarters in Omaha two years ago it ordered its cafeteria operator to hire a full-time dietitian for the site and cut the fat and calories on every item by 10 percent.
The company runs a "Know Your Numbers" program that drills into employees' heads figures such as the 30 minutes of exercise they should be getting a day and the 3,500 calories in a pound.
"The biggest thing the guys come back and say they learned the most about is portion size," said Marcy Zauha, the company's director of health and safety. "They didn't understand how much they were eating."
Besides cost cutting, another factor behind the programs is the amount of time employees spend at work.
If workers don't have access to fruits and vegetables on the job, they will need to consume between one and two servings every waking hour after work to meet the goal of eating 5 to 9 servings a day, according to the California Department of Human Services. To reach the recommended 10,000 steps a day, sedentary workers would have to spend most of their evenings in motion, the department said.
Even a little daily exercise can boost health, said Dr. Antronette (Toni) Yancey, associate professor at the UCLA School of Public Health.
Yancey collaborated with the Ministry of Health in Mexico, where everyone gathers at 11 a.m. each morning for 10 minutes of exercise to music. The result, after a year, was an average .45 pound weight loss an improvement from the one pound a year, on average, people gain as they age.
"Especially as it relates to physical activity, people have demonstrated that they're not going to make a lot of changes on their own," Dr. Yancey said. "If we're going to make a big dent lower healthcare costs, improve productivity and morale you have to make it easier to do than not do."
Yancey and others say that work gyms are used primarily by people who would exercise anyway. For everyone else, a little manipulation goes a long way. Her suggestions include incorporating exercise breaks in to the work day, restricting parking close to the building, limiting elevator access to people with disabilities, widening and brightening stairwells and hosting walking meetings. (People seldom refer to the notes they take during seated meetings, she says.)
Price manipulation worked for senior business analyst Kathy Blaszczyk at The Hartford, who started buying a flank steak salad with grilled corn when the price dropped from $6 to $4.70.
"I love it, but I never used to get it," she said. "I have in my head a $5 threshold."
Having the company's top leaders embrace the program also helps.
Dan T. Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc. restaurants and a runner, has cajoled 265 company employees to run the January Walt Disney World marathon or half-marathon with him. Most of the runners joining him "have never done anything like that distance-wise," Cathy said of his group. "There's a lot of first timers."
Cathy said he's motivated by his religious belief that the body is a temple and a more practical thought.
"We live in a time when there really is a healthcare crisis," said Cathy. "Every segment of society needs to make a contribution."
Ellen Simon is a national business beat reporter for The Associated Press, covering labor and workplace issues. Write to her at esimon(at)ap.org.
© 2006 The Associated Press
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Exercise a Key Component to Avoiding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is one of the world's most common chronic diseases. It affects one-third of all women over age 50 (making it more common than breast cancer), and one in five men (making it more common than prostate cancer). A new report released by the International Osteoporosis Foundation examines some of the causes behind osteoporosis, and offers several suggestions for people of all ages on how to avoid the condition later in life.
The report, entitled Move It or Lose It, was published to commemorate World Osteoporosis Day. Among the report's highlights:
In girls, the amount of bone tissue accumulated between the ages of 11 and 13 equates to approximately the same amount of bone tissue lost in the 30 years following menopause.
Exercise appears to be the key to increasing (or retaining) bone mass. A study in Finland found that the most physically active young girls gain about 40 percent more bone mass than girls who are the least physically active.
A study was conducted on postmenopausal women who used small weights to strengthen their back muscles for approximately two years. At a 10-year followup, women who exercised had stronger back muscles than those who did not exercise. Perhaps most importantly, they had reduced the chance of getting a fracture by approximately 300 percent.
Exercise also greatly reduces the risk of falls in the elderly, an important statistic considering that each year, approximately 40 percent of people over 65 suffer at least one fall. Individually tailored exercise programs and group exercises such as tai chi appear to be the most effective in reducing the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries.
The Move It or Lose It report is available for free on the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Web site (www.osteofound.org). In addition, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about ways to combat osteoporosis, including exercise and rehabilitation programs, and diet and lifestyle modifications. For more information, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/senior/osteoporosis/index.html.
Minne H. Move It or Lose It. How Exercise Helps to Build and Maintain Strong Bones, Prevent Falls and Fractures, and Speed Rehabilitation. Published by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, October 2005.
KEEP YOUR BODY YOUNG, ALIVE & FULLY FUNCTIONING
New research reveals revolutionary sound technology - the same technology that enhances memory - can dramatically increase longevity, slow aging and lower stress. This sound technology can actually put you - very safely, quickly and easily - into states of...
Deep stress release and relaxation
Superlearning
Dramatically enhanced creativity
Laser-beam focus and concentration
Enhanced memory
Increased feelings of well-being
Dear Reader, It's a rare immune system that can't use a little help. Let's face it; few of us are perfect. I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to get as much sleep as I should. And although I'm pretty good at managing stress, life has a way of throwing stressful surprises at us on an almost daily basis. And then there are the exercise and diet issues. Again, few of us are perfect. So wouldn't it be nice to provide your immune system with a security force that would quickly respond to any breech of the perimeter, so to speak, freeing up your immune functions to do their work at top capacity? Let me introduce you to a first class security force: four Pathogen Destroyers that are ideally suited to give your immune system a strong helping hand. -------------------------------------------- Flu fighters ---------------------------------------
First: What's a pathogen? The word comes from the Greek and literally means "birth of pain" - a good way to describe a disease-causing microorganism that may arrive in the form of bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite. Four excellent Pathogen Destroyers were featured in a recent issue of Baseline of Health, a weekly e-letter published by HSI Panelist Jon Barron. When I asked Jon about the Pathogen Destroyers (we'll call them PDs to keep it simple), he told me he always keeps several bottles on hand so he'll be prepared fight off infection. Jon added: "If you catch a cold or flu at the first sign and hit it hard, you can stop it. Like most illnesses, if you wait until it's fully established, it's harder to get rid of it. And one other note, after you get rid of it, keep hammering for another 2-3 days to make sure it's really gone and not still lurking around."
------------- PD #1: Oil of wild mountain oregano -----------------------------------
The most exotic sounding of the four PDs is oil of wild mountain oregano (OWMO), which is produced from oregano that grows in remote mountain regions north of the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Greeks put wild oregano to medicinal use long before scientists discovered the herb to be extremely rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese and others) and vitamins C and A. Jon notes that OWMO is "antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The key components, the isomeric phenols, in dilutions as low as 1 to 50,000, destroy a wide range of pathogens. Another phenol constituent, thymol, actually helps boosts the immune system."
------------------------- PD #2: Olive leaf extract ---------------------------------------- "Olive leaf extract (OLE) has a long history of being used against illnesses in which microorganisms play a major role," writes Jon. OLE is a member of a group of antioxidant plant compounds called flavonoids. In one laboratory test an OLE effectively eliminated a wide range of organisms, "including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and yeast/mold/fungus." In a previous e-Alert, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., wrote this about OLE: "I'd add some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of OLE. The situation here is that OLE is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the 'good guy' bacteria that we need in our gastrointestinal tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established."
-------------------- PD #3: Grapefruit seed extract ------------------------------------- Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural antibiotic, which Jon describes as a "broad spectrum anti-pathogen." And he offers this impressive benefit list: "Internally grapefruit seed extract can help with gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, food poisoning, parasites (single and multi-celled), candida yeast infections, thrush, oral infections, colds and flu, sore throats, strep throat, and sinusitis." GSE can also be used to treat various skin conditions (nail fungus, cold sores, warts, athletes foot, infections, rashes, acne, etc.), and is sometimes used by campers to add to water of questionable quality. Jon adds one word of warning: "Grapefruit seed extract MAY increase the effect of a number of medications."
-------------------- PD #4: Garlic --------------------------------------------
The most familiar item on the PD list is garlic, which Jon calls his favorite because it's the "kindest" to the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Jon writes: "The olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, and grapefruit seed extract can all destroy your beneficial bacteria if taken in sufficient quantity. Garlic is kinder to probiotics. In addition, garlic is one of the best infection fighters available for both bacterial and viral infections." Other garlic benefits:
Stimulates the activity of macrophages (which engulf foreign organisms)
Helps clear mucous from the lungs, making garlic particularly effective in treating upper respiratory viral infections
Effective against strep and staph bacteria
Deep stress release and relaxation
Superlearning
Dramatically enhanced creativity
Laser-beam focus and concentration
Enhanced memory
Increased feelings of well-being
Dear Reader, It's a rare immune system that can't use a little help. Let's face it; few of us are perfect. I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to get as much sleep as I should. And although I'm pretty good at managing stress, life has a way of throwing stressful surprises at us on an almost daily basis. And then there are the exercise and diet issues. Again, few of us are perfect. So wouldn't it be nice to provide your immune system with a security force that would quickly respond to any breech of the perimeter, so to speak, freeing up your immune functions to do their work at top capacity? Let me introduce you to a first class security force: four Pathogen Destroyers that are ideally suited to give your immune system a strong helping hand. -------------------------------------------- Flu fighters ---------------------------------------
First: What's a pathogen? The word comes from the Greek and literally means "birth of pain" - a good way to describe a disease-causing microorganism that may arrive in the form of bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite. Four excellent Pathogen Destroyers were featured in a recent issue of Baseline of Health, a weekly e-letter published by HSI Panelist Jon Barron. When I asked Jon about the Pathogen Destroyers (we'll call them PDs to keep it simple), he told me he always keeps several bottles on hand so he'll be prepared fight off infection. Jon added: "If you catch a cold or flu at the first sign and hit it hard, you can stop it. Like most illnesses, if you wait until it's fully established, it's harder to get rid of it. And one other note, after you get rid of it, keep hammering for another 2-3 days to make sure it's really gone and not still lurking around."
------------- PD #1: Oil of wild mountain oregano -----------------------------------
The most exotic sounding of the four PDs is oil of wild mountain oregano (OWMO), which is produced from oregano that grows in remote mountain regions north of the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Greeks put wild oregano to medicinal use long before scientists discovered the herb to be extremely rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese and others) and vitamins C and A. Jon notes that OWMO is "antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The key components, the isomeric phenols, in dilutions as low as 1 to 50,000, destroy a wide range of pathogens. Another phenol constituent, thymol, actually helps boosts the immune system."
------------------------- PD #2: Olive leaf extract ---------------------------------------- "Olive leaf extract (OLE) has a long history of being used against illnesses in which microorganisms play a major role," writes Jon. OLE is a member of a group of antioxidant plant compounds called flavonoids. In one laboratory test an OLE effectively eliminated a wide range of organisms, "including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and yeast/mold/fungus." In a previous e-Alert, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., wrote this about OLE: "I'd add some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of OLE. The situation here is that OLE is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the 'good guy' bacteria that we need in our gastrointestinal tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established."
-------------------- PD #3: Grapefruit seed extract ------------------------------------- Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural antibiotic, which Jon describes as a "broad spectrum anti-pathogen." And he offers this impressive benefit list: "Internally grapefruit seed extract can help with gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, food poisoning, parasites (single and multi-celled), candida yeast infections, thrush, oral infections, colds and flu, sore throats, strep throat, and sinusitis." GSE can also be used to treat various skin conditions (nail fungus, cold sores, warts, athletes foot, infections, rashes, acne, etc.), and is sometimes used by campers to add to water of questionable quality. Jon adds one word of warning: "Grapefruit seed extract MAY increase the effect of a number of medications."
-------------------- PD #4: Garlic --------------------------------------------
The most familiar item on the PD list is garlic, which Jon calls his favorite because it's the "kindest" to the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Jon writes: "The olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, and grapefruit seed extract can all destroy your beneficial bacteria if taken in sufficient quantity. Garlic is kinder to probiotics. In addition, garlic is one of the best infection fighters available for both bacterial and viral infections." Other garlic benefits:
Stimulates the activity of macrophages (which engulf foreign organisms)
Helps clear mucous from the lungs, making garlic particularly effective in treating upper respiratory viral infections
Effective against strep and staph bacteria
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Back Pain Not Cured by Back Exercises Alone
Chiropractors and other health care providers often prescribe specific types of exercise to help their patients strengthen and mobilize the lower back. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that targeting the back does not always help relieve back pain, and that in some instances, it may even aggravate the condition. The results of a recent study add to this evidence, and imply that general "recreational" exercises may do a better job of easing back pain than specific exercises.
In the study, 681 patients with low back pain were randomized into two groups and tracked for 18 months. People who participated in "recreational physical activities" such as brisk walking for three or more hours per week were more likely to report low levels of back pain, disability, and psychological distress. By contrast, those who performed exercises designed specifically for their backs were more likely to experience back pain and disability.
Exactly why specific back exercises may increase back pain remains unclear; people may perform them incorrectly, or they may be not be prescribed a specific exercise that could benefit their condition. Whatever the reason, staying active also seems to play a key role in reducing back pain. If you have back pain, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about a wellness plan that includes various types of activities, along with a balanced diet, to help you achieve optimal well-being.
Hurwitz EL, Morgenstern H, Chiao C. Effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on low back pain and psychological distress: findings from the UCLA Low Back Pain Study. American Journal of Public Health, October 2005;95(10):1817-1824.
In the study, 681 patients with low back pain were randomized into two groups and tracked for 18 months. People who participated in "recreational physical activities" such as brisk walking for three or more hours per week were more likely to report low levels of back pain, disability, and psychological distress. By contrast, those who performed exercises designed specifically for their backs were more likely to experience back pain and disability.
Exactly why specific back exercises may increase back pain remains unclear; people may perform them incorrectly, or they may be not be prescribed a specific exercise that could benefit their condition. Whatever the reason, staying active also seems to play a key role in reducing back pain. If you have back pain, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about a wellness plan that includes various types of activities, along with a balanced diet, to help you achieve optimal well-being.
Hurwitz EL, Morgenstern H, Chiao C. Effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on low back pain and psychological distress: findings from the UCLA Low Back Pain Study. American Journal of Public Health, October 2005;95(10):1817-1824.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Insomniacs Have Alternative Choices
Tired of all the Lunesta and Ambient commercials keeping you up? Ads with glowing butterflies that are supposed to help you get a good night's rest, as long as you have a full eight hours to sleep and don't mind waking up groggy the next morning.
A recent study by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) shows that over 1.6 million Americans use some form of complementary or alternative treatment to help with insomnia. Some of the more commonly used therapies included dietary supplements such as melatonin and valerian, meditation, acupuncture and yoga.
If you are having trouble sleeping at night and want to stay clear of the all the new sleep aides on the market, be sure to ask your chiropractor about other options that are available, or visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/herbs.html.
Pearson N, Johnson L, Nahin R. Insomnia, Trouble Sleeping, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey Data. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166:1775-1782.
A recent study by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) shows that over 1.6 million Americans use some form of complementary or alternative treatment to help with insomnia. Some of the more commonly used therapies included dietary supplements such as melatonin and valerian, meditation, acupuncture and yoga.
If you are having trouble sleeping at night and want to stay clear of the all the new sleep aides on the market, be sure to ask your chiropractor about other options that are available, or visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/herbs.html.
Pearson N, Johnson L, Nahin R. Insomnia, Trouble Sleeping, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey Data. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166:1775-1782.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
WHAT IS LOVE
I know this is a little off topic, but it bears reading.
Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it.
Touching words from the mouth of babes. What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8
year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have
imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her
toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne
and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French
fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip
before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing,
you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening
presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who
you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at
all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes
and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's
gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you
mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about
a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an
elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's
yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy
said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that
God is all you need.
Put a little love back in your life today!
Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it.
Touching words from the mouth of babes. What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8
year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have
imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her
toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne
and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French
fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip
before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing,
you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening
presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who
you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at
all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes
and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's
gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you
mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about
a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an
elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's
yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy
said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that
God is all you need.
Put a little love back in your life today!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Chiropractic Side Effects
Finally…something all chiropractors can all agree on!
Whether you are a reactionary DC who believes all drugs are evil, or if you are like most of us who recognize that drugs have their place (but not in my office, thank you), or even if you treat patients in tandem with a prescription-pad toting MD, you probably have a problem with the pharmaceutical industry wantonly pushing “a pill for every ill”. Especially if you have ever railed against the philosophy that what America needs is a better pill, then you need to see the movie Side Effects.
Side Effects is a satirical look at the big drug companies starring Katherine Heigl (from Gray’s Anatomy) as a pharmaceutical drug rep living the American Dream with a big salary, company car, great clothes…and a growing pit in her stomach.
Here’s the blurb from the movie box:
KARLY HERT has spent the last ten years selling drugs...legally, that is.
Although conflicted on a daily basis by the values within the pharmaceutical industry, an industry driven by profits at the expense of patients; Karly has been seduced by the golden handcuffs of corporate America.
Enter ZACH DANNER, who convinces Karly to be true to her values and walk away from her lucrative but empty job. As their relationship blossoms, Karly devises a plan to get out. But leaving is never quite as easy as it seems...
It’s a funny movie, but it also has a brave and unique message which is consonant with the “drugs last” wellness philosophy many DCs espouse.
There is also a documentary about the movie, Money Talks, which is a more journalistic look at big Pharm. If you want to see an 8 minute clip from the documentary about Vioxx and the problems created by drug companies financing research which is more profitable than objective then
CLICK HERE: http://www.bodyzone.com/articles/article.html?id=156&filter=topic
If you are like me and want Americans to think twice before taking a pill, and consider seeing a chiropractor first rather than last, consider getting a few copies of the movie to lend patients.
Planting seeds of knowledge is the best way to grow a practice, and our profession.
You'll find more about Money Talks and Side Effects online at:
http://www.bodyzone.com/articles/article.html?id=156&filter=topic
Whether you are a reactionary DC who believes all drugs are evil, or if you are like most of us who recognize that drugs have their place (but not in my office, thank you), or even if you treat patients in tandem with a prescription-pad toting MD, you probably have a problem with the pharmaceutical industry wantonly pushing “a pill for every ill”. Especially if you have ever railed against the philosophy that what America needs is a better pill, then you need to see the movie Side Effects.
Side Effects is a satirical look at the big drug companies starring Katherine Heigl (from Gray’s Anatomy) as a pharmaceutical drug rep living the American Dream with a big salary, company car, great clothes…and a growing pit in her stomach.
Here’s the blurb from the movie box:
KARLY HERT has spent the last ten years selling drugs...legally, that is.
Although conflicted on a daily basis by the values within the pharmaceutical industry, an industry driven by profits at the expense of patients; Karly has been seduced by the golden handcuffs of corporate America.
Enter ZACH DANNER, who convinces Karly to be true to her values and walk away from her lucrative but empty job. As their relationship blossoms, Karly devises a plan to get out. But leaving is never quite as easy as it seems...
It’s a funny movie, but it also has a brave and unique message which is consonant with the “drugs last” wellness philosophy many DCs espouse.
There is also a documentary about the movie, Money Talks, which is a more journalistic look at big Pharm. If you want to see an 8 minute clip from the documentary about Vioxx and the problems created by drug companies financing research which is more profitable than objective then
CLICK HERE: http://www.bodyzone.com/articles/article.html?id=156&filter=topic
If you are like me and want Americans to think twice before taking a pill, and consider seeing a chiropractor first rather than last, consider getting a few copies of the movie to lend patients.
Planting seeds of knowledge is the best way to grow a practice, and our profession.
You'll find more about Money Talks and Side Effects online at:
http://www.bodyzone.com/articles/article.html?id=156&filter=topic
Heavy Metals May Be Implicated in Autism
New Scientist Magazine (newscientist.com)
May 30, 2006
Heavy Metals May Be Implicated in Autism
URINE samples from hundreds of French children have yielded evidence for a link between autism and exposure to heavy metals. If validated, the findings might mean some cases of autism could be treated with drugs that purge the body of heavy metals.
Samples from children with autism contained abnormally high levels of a family of proteins called porphyrins, which are precursors in the production of haem, the oxygen-carrying component in haemoglobin. Heavy metals block haem production, causing porphyrins to accumulate in urine. Concentrations of one molecule, coproporphyrin, were 2.6 times as high in urine from children with autism as in controls.
Autism is thought to have a number of unknown genetic and environmental causes. Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh, UK, says he has found one of these factors. "It's highly likely that heavy metals are responsible for childhood autistic disorder in a majority of cases," he claims. The study will appear in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.
Lathe says these porphyrin metabolites bind to receptors in the brain and have been linked with epilepsy and autism.
The researchers restored porphyrin concentrations to normal in 12 children by treating them with "chelation" drugs that mop up heavy metals and are then excreted. It is not yet known whether the children's symptoms have eased, but Lathe cites anecdotal reports suggesting the drugs might do some good.
The study is available online at: http://filariane.org/anglais/DOC/MSFINAL.pdf
May 30, 2006
Heavy Metals May Be Implicated in Autism
URINE samples from hundreds of French children have yielded evidence for a link between autism and exposure to heavy metals. If validated, the findings might mean some cases of autism could be treated with drugs that purge the body of heavy metals.
Samples from children with autism contained abnormally high levels of a family of proteins called porphyrins, which are precursors in the production of haem, the oxygen-carrying component in haemoglobin. Heavy metals block haem production, causing porphyrins to accumulate in urine. Concentrations of one molecule, coproporphyrin, were 2.6 times as high in urine from children with autism as in controls.
Autism is thought to have a number of unknown genetic and environmental causes. Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh, UK, says he has found one of these factors. "It's highly likely that heavy metals are responsible for childhood autistic disorder in a majority of cases," he claims. The study will appear in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.
Lathe says these porphyrin metabolites bind to receptors in the brain and have been linked with epilepsy and autism.
The researchers restored porphyrin concentrations to normal in 12 children by treating them with "chelation" drugs that mop up heavy metals and are then excreted. It is not yet known whether the children's symptoms have eased, but Lathe cites anecdotal reports suggesting the drugs might do some good.
The study is available online at: http://filariane.org/anglais/DOC/MSFINAL.pdf
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Exercise helps eliminate Low Back Pain at the office
Effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on the intensity of low back symptoms in office workers: A cluster randomized controlled cross-over design
Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on the intensity of low back symptoms.
Methods: The study was a cluster randomized controlled trial with department (n=4) as the unit of randomization. The subjects were office workers [(n=36), mean age 47.1 (SD 8.4) years] who self-reported low back symptoms, which restricted their daily activities during the last 12 months. Low back symptoms were measured using the Borg CR10 scale. The cross-over design consisted of one intervention period of light resistance training and guidance and no training and no guidance of 15 weeks duration. Statistical analyses were based on linear mixed models.
Results: The active component of the intervention, light resistance training, resulted in a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in the intensity of low back symptoms (p=0.020). At the average training time of 5 minutes per working day (25 min/week) the average decrease during the 15-week period was 0.42 CR10 (95% CI 0.07-0.77) and 19% (95% CI 3-35).
Conclusion: A physical exercise intervention, which included daily light resistance training, conducted during the working day affected low back symptoms in a positive direction among symptomatic office workers.
Sjogren T, et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2006; Vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 13-24.
Top
Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on the intensity of low back symptoms.
Methods: The study was a cluster randomized controlled trial with department (n=4) as the unit of randomization. The subjects were office workers [(n=36), mean age 47.1 (SD 8.4) years] who self-reported low back symptoms, which restricted their daily activities during the last 12 months. Low back symptoms were measured using the Borg CR10 scale. The cross-over design consisted of one intervention period of light resistance training and guidance and no training and no guidance of 15 weeks duration. Statistical analyses were based on linear mixed models.
Results: The active component of the intervention, light resistance training, resulted in a slight, but statistically significant, decrease in the intensity of low back symptoms (p=0.020). At the average training time of 5 minutes per working day (25 min/week) the average decrease during the 15-week period was 0.42 CR10 (95% CI 0.07-0.77) and 19% (95% CI 3-35).
Conclusion: A physical exercise intervention, which included daily light resistance training, conducted during the working day affected low back symptoms in a positive direction among symptomatic office workers.
Sjogren T, et al. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2006; Vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 13-24.
Top
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Injuries: The Downside of the Sporting Life
Each year, an estimated two million high school athletes are injured while practicing or in the course of a game. Most studies of high school athletic injuries have looked at specific sports, or a variety of sports at just one school. A new study has taken a much broader view of sports injuries at the high school level, with significant findings that could affect the care of both male and female athletes.
This study of more than 6,100 varsity-level athletes from 15 high schools compared injury rates among boys and girls who participated in the same sports (baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, track/cross-country, tennis, or lacrosse). The students were followed for one year, with information collected on the student's age, gender, sport, skill level, injured body part, type of injury, and days lost due to injury.
Overall, 966 injuries occurred - 515 among girls, and 451 among boys. There were significant differences in injury rates between boys and girls for each area of the body. Girls were more likely to injure their ankles, knees, and tibias, while boys had a higher rate of injuries to the tendoachilles complex of the foot. Girls suffered more major injuries (loss of seven days or more) in basketball and soccer, while boys incurred more major injuries while playing baseball or softball.
Understanding why certain types of injuries occur more often among female athletes than male athletes, or during one type of sport compared to another, is crucial to preventing these types of injuries from happening in the future. This information can also be used by doctors of chiropractic, athletic trainers, and others to design effective injury-prevention and rehabilitation programs in the future.
Goldberg A, et al. Injury rate and injury risk in female vs. male high school athletes in gender-matched sports: a prospective cohort study. Presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, Washington, D.C., Oct. 9, 2005.
This study of more than 6,100 varsity-level athletes from 15 high schools compared injury rates among boys and girls who participated in the same sports (baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, track/cross-country, tennis, or lacrosse). The students were followed for one year, with information collected on the student's age, gender, sport, skill level, injured body part, type of injury, and days lost due to injury.
Overall, 966 injuries occurred - 515 among girls, and 451 among boys. There were significant differences in injury rates between boys and girls for each area of the body. Girls were more likely to injure their ankles, knees, and tibias, while boys had a higher rate of injuries to the tendoachilles complex of the foot. Girls suffered more major injuries (loss of seven days or more) in basketball and soccer, while boys incurred more major injuries while playing baseball or softball.
Understanding why certain types of injuries occur more often among female athletes than male athletes, or during one type of sport compared to another, is crucial to preventing these types of injuries from happening in the future. This information can also be used by doctors of chiropractic, athletic trainers, and others to design effective injury-prevention and rehabilitation programs in the future.
Goldberg A, et al. Injury rate and injury risk in female vs. male high school athletes in gender-matched sports: a prospective cohort study. Presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, Washington, D.C., Oct. 9, 2005.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Fruits, Vegetables May Be Your Best Defense Against Pancreatic Cancer
Cancer of the pancreas is one of the most deadly types of cancer in the U.S., killing an estimated 300,000 Americans each year. Little is known about the primary cause of pancreatic cancer; even less is known about how to prevent it. A recent study suggests that increasing consumption of certain fruits and vegetables may the best way of reducing a person's risk of pancreatic cancer, and that the more fruits and vegetables a person eats, the lower the risk of contracting the disease.
The study looked at the eating habits of more than 2,200 people over a 4-year period. Included in the study group were 532 people who had already been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Analysis of the eating habits showed that consuming at least five servings per day of "protective" vegetables was associated with a 55 percent reduced risk of pancreatic cancer, compared with eating two servings or less daily. High consumption of "protective" fruit and fruit juices, meanwhile, reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer by 28 percent. Onions; beans; garlic; carrots; yams; sweet potatoes; corn; dark, leafy vegetables; cruciferous vegetables; citrus fruits; and fruit juices were the items considered to provide the best protection against pancreatic cancer.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is typically recommended to help in the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The results of this study suggest that pancreatic cancer is the latest disease that can be added to that list. So, what are you waiting for? Go eat some fruits and veggies!
For more information, contact Dr. Mays at DRMAYS@oakhollowchiro.com
Chan JM, Wang F, Holly E. Vegetable and fruit intake and pancreatic cancer in a population-based case-control study in the San Francisco Bay area. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, Sep. 2005;14:2093-2097.
The study looked at the eating habits of more than 2,200 people over a 4-year period. Included in the study group were 532 people who had already been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Analysis of the eating habits showed that consuming at least five servings per day of "protective" vegetables was associated with a 55 percent reduced risk of pancreatic cancer, compared with eating two servings or less daily. High consumption of "protective" fruit and fruit juices, meanwhile, reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer by 28 percent. Onions; beans; garlic; carrots; yams; sweet potatoes; corn; dark, leafy vegetables; cruciferous vegetables; citrus fruits; and fruit juices were the items considered to provide the best protection against pancreatic cancer.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is typically recommended to help in the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The results of this study suggest that pancreatic cancer is the latest disease that can be added to that list. So, what are you waiting for? Go eat some fruits and veggies!
For more information, contact Dr. Mays at DRMAYS@oakhollowchiro.com
Chan JM, Wang F, Holly E. Vegetable and fruit intake and pancreatic cancer in a population-based case-control study in the San Francisco Bay area. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, Sep. 2005;14:2093-2097.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Never Too Old to Exercise
You're never too old to live healthy. Changes in diet and the addition of exercise into your lifestyle can make significant differences to your health and overall wellness.
In a study published in the Journal of Aging and Health and conducted at the University of South Florida School of Aging, Professor Ross Andel and co-researcher Robert Simons, executive director of the Bonsai Holistic Spa and Wellness Center in Largo, Florida, demonstrated a noticeable increase in body strength, flexibility, balance and agility in study participants. The 64 volunteers, ranging in age from 66 to 96, were divided into a walking group, a resistance training group and a control group that did not exercise. In the training group, warm-ups, stretching and flexibility exercises were followed by workouts on resistance training equipment.
The walking and resistance training groups both benefited from the study, suggesting that physical activity can offset physical declines that come with aging and preserve functionality among seniors. Your doctor of chiropractic can tell you more about the benefits of consistent exercise and help outline a program suitable to your needs.
Simons R, Andel R. The effects of resistance training and walking on functional fitness in advanced old age. Journal of Aging and Health 2006;18(1):91-105.
In a study published in the Journal of Aging and Health and conducted at the University of South Florida School of Aging, Professor Ross Andel and co-researcher Robert Simons, executive director of the Bonsai Holistic Spa and Wellness Center in Largo, Florida, demonstrated a noticeable increase in body strength, flexibility, balance and agility in study participants. The 64 volunteers, ranging in age from 66 to 96, were divided into a walking group, a resistance training group and a control group that did not exercise. In the training group, warm-ups, stretching and flexibility exercises were followed by workouts on resistance training equipment.
The walking and resistance training groups both benefited from the study, suggesting that physical activity can offset physical declines that come with aging and preserve functionality among seniors. Your doctor of chiropractic can tell you more about the benefits of consistent exercise and help outline a program suitable to your needs.
Simons R, Andel R. The effects of resistance training and walking on functional fitness in advanced old age. Journal of Aging and Health 2006;18(1):91-105.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Processed Foods Cause Prostate Blues
Research has shown that the more fat you consume, the greater your chances of developing prostate cancer. However, fat isn't the only factor. The types of food a person eats, along with the amount and frequency of food, can also contribute to an increased prostate cancer risk.
In this Canadian study, scientists explored the link between diet and prostate cancer in more than 400 men ages 50 to 80, using questionnaires that detailed the men's dietary habits in the previous two years. After reviewing the questionnaires, each of the men fell into one of four dietary patterns: "healthy living" (high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry); "traditional Western" (red meat, processed meats, sweets, and hard liquor), "processed" (processed meats, red meat, organ meats, refined grains, vegetable oils, and soft drinks), and "beverages" (high intake of tap water, soft drinks, fruit juices, poultry, and potatoes).
Results: Men whose diets fell into the "processed" pattern had a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men in the other groups. According to the researchers, "the highest tertile of factor score for the Processed Diet pattern ... was associated with a >2.5-fold increased prostate cancer risk." Men with traditional Western diets showed a "slightly increased prostate cancer risk," while men in the other groups either had no risk or less risk of developing prostate cancer.
While prostate cancer is quite common in men, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting it. For instance, you can lower your intake of processed foods and red meats, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole (unrefined) grains. You can also speak with your doctor of chiropractic about setting up a health plan that incorporates all of the features necessary for a balanced diet.
Walker M, Aronson KJ, King W, et al. Dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada. International Journal of Cancer, Sep. 10, 2005;116:592-598.
In this Canadian study, scientists explored the link between diet and prostate cancer in more than 400 men ages 50 to 80, using questionnaires that detailed the men's dietary habits in the previous two years. After reviewing the questionnaires, each of the men fell into one of four dietary patterns: "healthy living" (high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry); "traditional Western" (red meat, processed meats, sweets, and hard liquor), "processed" (processed meats, red meat, organ meats, refined grains, vegetable oils, and soft drinks), and "beverages" (high intake of tap water, soft drinks, fruit juices, poultry, and potatoes).
Results: Men whose diets fell into the "processed" pattern had a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men in the other groups. According to the researchers, "the highest tertile of factor score for the Processed Diet pattern ... was associated with a >2.5-fold increased prostate cancer risk." Men with traditional Western diets showed a "slightly increased prostate cancer risk," while men in the other groups either had no risk or less risk of developing prostate cancer.
While prostate cancer is quite common in men, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting it. For instance, you can lower your intake of processed foods and red meats, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole (unrefined) grains. You can also speak with your doctor of chiropractic about setting up a health plan that incorporates all of the features necessary for a balanced diet.
Walker M, Aronson KJ, King W, et al. Dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada. International Journal of Cancer, Sep. 10, 2005;116:592-598.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
You Can Increase Benefits Of Exercise With Protein
A University of Illinois study indicates that exercise is more effective when coupled with a high-protein diet.
A diet higher in carbohydrates based on the USDA food guide pyramid, on the other hand, reduced the effectiveness of exercise.
100 Percent of Weight Lost Was Fat
Forty-eight women, divided into two groups, participated in the four-month study. One group substituted protein-rich foods, like meats, dairy, eggs, and nuts, for carbohydrate-laden foods like as breads, rice, cereal, pasta, and potatoes.
Both groups were required to exercise at various levels of exertion. The protein-rich, high-exercise group lost the most weight, and nearly 100 percent of the weight loss was fat. In the high-carbohydrate, high-exercise group, 25 to 30 percent of the weight lost was muscle.
While this protein-rich diet seems very effective for people who have Metabolic Syndroem (Syndrome X), a combination of high triglyceride levels and excess weight in their midsections.
Leucine Works with Insulin
The protein-rich diet works well because it contains high levels of the amino acid leucine, which works with insulin to helps stimulate protein synthesis in muscle.
The study was funded by the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR), the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Beef Board, and Kraft Foods.
Journal of Nutrition August 2005; 135 (8): 1903-1910
Medical News Today August 29, 2005
A diet higher in carbohydrates based on the USDA food guide pyramid, on the other hand, reduced the effectiveness of exercise.
100 Percent of Weight Lost Was Fat
Forty-eight women, divided into two groups, participated in the four-month study. One group substituted protein-rich foods, like meats, dairy, eggs, and nuts, for carbohydrate-laden foods like as breads, rice, cereal, pasta, and potatoes.
Both groups were required to exercise at various levels of exertion. The protein-rich, high-exercise group lost the most weight, and nearly 100 percent of the weight loss was fat. In the high-carbohydrate, high-exercise group, 25 to 30 percent of the weight lost was muscle.
While this protein-rich diet seems very effective for people who have Metabolic Syndroem (Syndrome X), a combination of high triglyceride levels and excess weight in their midsections.
Leucine Works with Insulin
The protein-rich diet works well because it contains high levels of the amino acid leucine, which works with insulin to helps stimulate protein synthesis in muscle.
The study was funded by the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR), the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Beef Board, and Kraft Foods.
Journal of Nutrition August 2005; 135 (8): 1903-1910
Medical News Today August 29, 2005
The Power of Positive Feedback and Motivation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Published studies have shown that regular exercise can help people who suffer from chronic low back pain (LBP). Unfortunately, however, many LBP sufferers do not follow through and complete their recommended exercise program. Part of the reason, some scientists believe, is that these people do not receive enough motivation from their doctor to complete the program.
In this study, researchers looked at the effect motivation and positive feedback could have on people with chronic low back pain. Ninety-three patients were randomized into two groups and followed at different intervals for 5 years. The first group participated in a series of 10 25-minute training sessions an average of 2.3 times per week, with gradual increases in exercise over time. The second group engaged in the same series of exercises, but also received other interventions, such as counseling, problem-solving strategies, positive feedback from practitioners, and the signing a "contract" in which the patient agreed to stay on the exercise program.
While patients in both groups showed significant improvements in disability scores, "the cumulative effect in the motivational group across all points of assessment was more than twice that in the control group." In addition, only patients who received motivation and positive feedback showed a significant increase in the ability to return to their original level of work activity. The authors concluded that "the combined exercise and motivation program was superior to the standard exercise program" for patients with chronic low back pain.
Exercise is an important tool that can be used to treat low back pain, but it is by no means the only one. Receiving encouragement and support from others, along with a balanced diet, are just as important. Using these therapies together will help relieve your back pain - and make you a happier, healthier person.
Friedrich M, Gittler G, Arendasy M, Friedrich KM. Long-term effect of a combined exercise and motivational program on the level of disability of patients with chronic low back pain. Spine, 2005;30(9):995-1000.
Published studies have shown that regular exercise can help people who suffer from chronic low back pain (LBP). Unfortunately, however, many LBP sufferers do not follow through and complete their recommended exercise program. Part of the reason, some scientists believe, is that these people do not receive enough motivation from their doctor to complete the program.
In this study, researchers looked at the effect motivation and positive feedback could have on people with chronic low back pain. Ninety-three patients were randomized into two groups and followed at different intervals for 5 years. The first group participated in a series of 10 25-minute training sessions an average of 2.3 times per week, with gradual increases in exercise over time. The second group engaged in the same series of exercises, but also received other interventions, such as counseling, problem-solving strategies, positive feedback from practitioners, and the signing a "contract" in which the patient agreed to stay on the exercise program.
While patients in both groups showed significant improvements in disability scores, "the cumulative effect in the motivational group across all points of assessment was more than twice that in the control group." In addition, only patients who received motivation and positive feedback showed a significant increase in the ability to return to their original level of work activity. The authors concluded that "the combined exercise and motivation program was superior to the standard exercise program" for patients with chronic low back pain.
Exercise is an important tool that can be used to treat low back pain, but it is by no means the only one. Receiving encouragement and support from others, along with a balanced diet, are just as important. Using these therapies together will help relieve your back pain - and make you a happier, healthier person.
Friedrich M, Gittler G, Arendasy M, Friedrich KM. Long-term effect of a combined exercise and motivational program on the level of disability of patients with chronic low back pain. Spine, 2005;30(9):995-1000.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Teen Fights for Informed Consent
Abraham Cherrix, 16, has cancer. The first round of chemotherapy almost killed him. After he and his parents conducted independent research into alternative therapies, he told medical doctors at a hospital in Virginia, where he was given the first round of chemotherapy, that he does not want more chemo.
His parents have backed him up. But the medical doctors who gave Abraham the first round of chemo, apparently irate that their orders are being disobeyed, told a state social services agency about his disobedience. Now Abraham's parents have been charged with child "medical neglect," a charge that is often brought against parents who refuse to give their children all of the more than 3 dozen doses of a dozen vaccines the federal government dictates they should have by age six; who refuse to give hyperactive children toxic drugs to control behavior while they are in school; or who refuse to submit children to to other kinds of potentially harmful medical interventions.
A Virginia juvenile court is now deiberating about whether doctors can force Abraham to undergo chemo that could kill him without his voluntary, informed consent or the voluntary, informed consent of his parents.
In an online USA Today poll, in which more than 250,000 Americans weighed in by July 13, 2006 on whether the state should force Abraham to undergo another round of potentially deadly chemotherapy, 85 percent of those Americans voted "NO" to the idea of state-forced medical treatment. Putting themselves in Abraham's shoes and the shoes of his parents, these men and women are voting for the human right to informed consent to any medical intervention which can kill or cripple.
Most Americans don't talk about it much, but when they are asked, a lot of them are tired of being told what to do by M.D./Ph.D. "experts" inside and outside of government who have set themselves up as the judge, jury and police enforcers of what we can and cannot do with our bodies. It is becoming apparent that, as if by the virtue of the letters written after their names and the titles given to them by their colleagues, medical doctors assume they have some God-given right to tell other people what to risk their lives and their children's lives for when making health care decisions.
Reading about Abraham's struggle for the human right to informed consent to medical treatment, I am reminded of what I wrote in the concluding chapter of the book "A Shot in the Dark" which I co-authored with Harris Coulter in 1985:
"We have been taught to trust and believe in our scientists and doctors, to believe they are among the brightest and best in our society. We have willingly given them our respect and accorded them wealth, privilege and power. And we have given them the right to tell us what to do with our children, because we always believed they knew what was best. We have treated them as gods, forgetting they are our fathers and mothers, wives and husbands, sons and daughters. They are us, with all the frailty and ignorance and susceptibility to temptation that is implicit in being human.
"Mothers and fathers in cities and towns across America are entering libraries and reading medical literature on all the vaccines and drugs that doctors prescribe. They are educating themselves about medicine, and in the process they are finding that it is by no means beyong their comprehension. It is becoming clear that their learning may save children's lives. This is an awakening that has been a long time coming, a necessary first step in making medical decisions ar shared responsibility between parents and doctors."
I knew in 1985 and know today that no medical doctor or Ph.D. "bioethicist" inside or outside of government has the moral right to take away someone elses' human right to informed consent to medical interventions which can injure or kill.. The human right to individual inviolability, to self determination in matters of life and death, is at the heart of what it means to be free in a nation that has always stood for freedom.
His parents have backed him up. But the medical doctors who gave Abraham the first round of chemo, apparently irate that their orders are being disobeyed, told a state social services agency about his disobedience. Now Abraham's parents have been charged with child "medical neglect," a charge that is often brought against parents who refuse to give their children all of the more than 3 dozen doses of a dozen vaccines the federal government dictates they should have by age six; who refuse to give hyperactive children toxic drugs to control behavior while they are in school; or who refuse to submit children to to other kinds of potentially harmful medical interventions.
A Virginia juvenile court is now deiberating about whether doctors can force Abraham to undergo chemo that could kill him without his voluntary, informed consent or the voluntary, informed consent of his parents.
In an online USA Today poll, in which more than 250,000 Americans weighed in by July 13, 2006 on whether the state should force Abraham to undergo another round of potentially deadly chemotherapy, 85 percent of those Americans voted "NO" to the idea of state-forced medical treatment. Putting themselves in Abraham's shoes and the shoes of his parents, these men and women are voting for the human right to informed consent to any medical intervention which can kill or cripple.
Most Americans don't talk about it much, but when they are asked, a lot of them are tired of being told what to do by M.D./Ph.D. "experts" inside and outside of government who have set themselves up as the judge, jury and police enforcers of what we can and cannot do with our bodies. It is becoming apparent that, as if by the virtue of the letters written after their names and the titles given to them by their colleagues, medical doctors assume they have some God-given right to tell other people what to risk their lives and their children's lives for when making health care decisions.
Reading about Abraham's struggle for the human right to informed consent to medical treatment, I am reminded of what I wrote in the concluding chapter of the book "A Shot in the Dark" which I co-authored with Harris Coulter in 1985:
"We have been taught to trust and believe in our scientists and doctors, to believe they are among the brightest and best in our society. We have willingly given them our respect and accorded them wealth, privilege and power. And we have given them the right to tell us what to do with our children, because we always believed they knew what was best. We have treated them as gods, forgetting they are our fathers and mothers, wives and husbands, sons and daughters. They are us, with all the frailty and ignorance and susceptibility to temptation that is implicit in being human.
"Mothers and fathers in cities and towns across America are entering libraries and reading medical literature on all the vaccines and drugs that doctors prescribe. They are educating themselves about medicine, and in the process they are finding that it is by no means beyong their comprehension. It is becoming clear that their learning may save children's lives. This is an awakening that has been a long time coming, a necessary first step in making medical decisions ar shared responsibility between parents and doctors."
I knew in 1985 and know today that no medical doctor or Ph.D. "bioethicist" inside or outside of government has the moral right to take away someone elses' human right to informed consent to medical interventions which can injure or kill.. The human right to individual inviolability, to self determination in matters of life and death, is at the heart of what it means to be free in a nation that has always stood for freedom.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Exercise Cuts the Fat, Keeps the Bone
They say beauty is only skin deep. Regular exercise creates benefits that go much deeper. In addition to making you look better on the outside, exercising causes significant changes on the inside, such as strengthening your bones and muscles. This is especially true among elderly people, who generally have less bone mass and muscle tone than the overall population. A recently published study, however, has found that routine exercise can help the elderly gain muscle and lose fat without any significant losses in bone mass.
In the study, 115 men and women ages 55 to 75 were asked to follow a series of government recommendations on exercise for 6 months, or to participate in a supervised program three times per week, performing a series of stretching, resistance training and aerobics. People in the supervised program showed improvements in upper body strength, lower body strength, lean mass, body weight, and total body fat, with no significant changes in bone mineral density in men. Those who showed the highest gains in fitness levels actually had an increase in bone mass. In women, there were slight decreases in bone mineral density, but these decreases were comparable to those seen in women who did not exercise.
As this study shows, not all of the benefits of exercise are apparent on the outside. Furthermore, it suggests a regular, moderately intense exercise program can be useful for people of all ages.
Stewart KJ, Bacher AC, Hees PS, et al. Exercise effects on bone mineral density. Relationships to changes in fitness and fatness. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, June 2005;28(5):453-460.
In the study, 115 men and women ages 55 to 75 were asked to follow a series of government recommendations on exercise for 6 months, or to participate in a supervised program three times per week, performing a series of stretching, resistance training and aerobics. People in the supervised program showed improvements in upper body strength, lower body strength, lean mass, body weight, and total body fat, with no significant changes in bone mineral density in men. Those who showed the highest gains in fitness levels actually had an increase in bone mass. In women, there were slight decreases in bone mineral density, but these decreases were comparable to those seen in women who did not exercise.
As this study shows, not all of the benefits of exercise are apparent on the outside. Furthermore, it suggests a regular, moderately intense exercise program can be useful for people of all ages.
Stewart KJ, Bacher AC, Hees PS, et al. Exercise effects on bone mineral density. Relationships to changes in fitness and fatness. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, June 2005;28(5):453-460.
Hep B Vaccine At Birth Bad Idea
Science Daily
Jun 9, 2006
The Age of Autism: Gardasil vs. Hep B
By Dan Olmsted
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- This week the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in women. In an odd way, the announcement highlights what may be wrong with government policy on another vaccination, the very first one children receive.
The FDA`s approval of Gardasil is intended to block human papillomavirus, or HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease and one that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. The agency approved the vaccine for girls beginning at age 9 to protect them before they become sexually active.
Some cultural conservatives oppose making the shots mandatory for public-school attendance because of what they fear is an implicit endorsement of pre-marital sex. That`s an issue an advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and ultimately, each of the 50 states -- will have to grapple with.
Regardless, the decision to wait till the cusp of adolescence to give the shot seems sensible -- and drives home the contrary approach that the CDC has taken with the hepatitis B vaccination mandated for every newborn child.
To listen to some public-health officials, you`d think the nation was in the grip of an incipient Hep B epidemic lurking in the nation`s hygienically challenged daycare centers -- an epidemic contained solely by vaccination on the day of birth.In fact, hepatitis B is overwhelmingly a disease of sexual contact and intravenous, illegal drug use. Except in cases where the mother tests positive for Hep B, the risk to children vs. the risk of such an early vaccination seems questionable in the eyes of many critics of CDC immunization policy.
Over the course of the past year, as I`ve reported on concerns that vaccines may be linked to a huge increase in autism diagnoses beginning in the 1990s, the hepatitis B vaccination at birth stood out; the vaccination was first recommended in 1991.At least two doctors tell me their faith in the government`s entire childhood immunization schedule was shattered by the CDC`s insistence that every newborn needs a Hep B shot as an urgent matter of public health.
'It is universally accepted that such mandate was forced upon our children only because they were `available,` while efforts to vaccinate high-risk adults had repeatedly failed,' Dr. F. Edward Yazbak testified in 2001 before the Massachusetts House of Representatives. 'The continued mandate of this vaccine with all its problems may result in parents losing faith in vaccine programs in general, and opposing all vaccinations, many of which we know are necessary and effective,' he said.
The National Vaccine Information Center, which supports parental choice and awareness of immunization hazards, raises similar issues. 'Unlike other infectious diseases for which vaccines have been developed and mandated in the U.S., hepatitis B is not common in childhood and is not highly contagious,' the NVIC says. "Hepatitis B is primarily an adult disease transmitted through infected body fluids, most frequently infected blood, and is prevalent in high risk populations such as needle using drug addicts; sexually promiscuous heterosexual and homosexual adults; residents and staff of custodial institutions such as prisons; health care workers exposed to blood; persons who require repeated blood transfusions and babies born to infected mothers."
Dr. Mayer Eisenstein, medical director of the family-practice Homefirst Medical Services in Chicago, told the Illinois Legislature in 1997 that mandating Hep B for newborns was absurd. 'The idea of giving this vaccine to a one-day old baby, a newborn, is preposterous. There is no scientific evidence for this. In fact, I called up the manufacturer and I had (a
representative) come to St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital, where I am Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and I asked him: `Show me your evidence on one-day old infants as to side effects (from the hepatitis B vaccine)` -- we have none. Our studies were done on 5 and 10 year olds.
"'As a father, grandfather, a physician, as a lawyer, I want the option of not giving it to my children unless I believe the scientific evidence is there."
Yet waiting until genuine risk looms -- via sexual activity, intravenous drug use or a healthcare job -- has been rejected out of hand. That view was confirmed earlier this year by both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, whose members administer the vaccines. 'The Academy has endorsed CDC recommendation for hepatitis B vaccine, `A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States,`' the AAP said in a news release.
'The CDC recommends that all newborns receive a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital unless a physician provides a written order to defer the birth dose. Compare that to waiting till age 9 for the new Gardasil vaccine.
While the reasonable concerns of some parents are yet to be resolved, this already stands in stark contrast to the public health establishment`s hepatitis B hammerlock on the nation`s newborns. True, the mercury-based preservative thimerosal that some believe is behind the rise in autism has been removed from Hep B and other routine childhood vaccines. But the issue of whether children are getting an unnecessarily early and heavy load of vaccines -- and whether that could explain the rise in autism or chronic illnesses like asthma -- remains squarely on the table, at least to this observer.
In years to come, I suspect, the Hep B shot at birth may be regarded as a case study in doctors gone wild.
Jun 9, 2006
The Age of Autism: Gardasil vs. Hep B
By Dan Olmsted
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- This week the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in women. In an odd way, the announcement highlights what may be wrong with government policy on another vaccination, the very first one children receive.
The FDA`s approval of Gardasil is intended to block human papillomavirus, or HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease and one that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. The agency approved the vaccine for girls beginning at age 9 to protect them before they become sexually active.
Some cultural conservatives oppose making the shots mandatory for public-school attendance because of what they fear is an implicit endorsement of pre-marital sex. That`s an issue an advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and ultimately, each of the 50 states -- will have to grapple with.
Regardless, the decision to wait till the cusp of adolescence to give the shot seems sensible -- and drives home the contrary approach that the CDC has taken with the hepatitis B vaccination mandated for every newborn child.
To listen to some public-health officials, you`d think the nation was in the grip of an incipient Hep B epidemic lurking in the nation`s hygienically challenged daycare centers -- an epidemic contained solely by vaccination on the day of birth.In fact, hepatitis B is overwhelmingly a disease of sexual contact and intravenous, illegal drug use. Except in cases where the mother tests positive for Hep B, the risk to children vs. the risk of such an early vaccination seems questionable in the eyes of many critics of CDC immunization policy.
Over the course of the past year, as I`ve reported on concerns that vaccines may be linked to a huge increase in autism diagnoses beginning in the 1990s, the hepatitis B vaccination at birth stood out; the vaccination was first recommended in 1991.At least two doctors tell me their faith in the government`s entire childhood immunization schedule was shattered by the CDC`s insistence that every newborn needs a Hep B shot as an urgent matter of public health.
'It is universally accepted that such mandate was forced upon our children only because they were `available,` while efforts to vaccinate high-risk adults had repeatedly failed,' Dr. F. Edward Yazbak testified in 2001 before the Massachusetts House of Representatives. 'The continued mandate of this vaccine with all its problems may result in parents losing faith in vaccine programs in general, and opposing all vaccinations, many of which we know are necessary and effective,' he said.
The National Vaccine Information Center, which supports parental choice and awareness of immunization hazards, raises similar issues. 'Unlike other infectious diseases for which vaccines have been developed and mandated in the U.S., hepatitis B is not common in childhood and is not highly contagious,' the NVIC says. "Hepatitis B is primarily an adult disease transmitted through infected body fluids, most frequently infected blood, and is prevalent in high risk populations such as needle using drug addicts; sexually promiscuous heterosexual and homosexual adults; residents and staff of custodial institutions such as prisons; health care workers exposed to blood; persons who require repeated blood transfusions and babies born to infected mothers."
Dr. Mayer Eisenstein, medical director of the family-practice Homefirst Medical Services in Chicago, told the Illinois Legislature in 1997 that mandating Hep B for newborns was absurd. 'The idea of giving this vaccine to a one-day old baby, a newborn, is preposterous. There is no scientific evidence for this. In fact, I called up the manufacturer and I had (a
representative) come to St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital, where I am Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and I asked him: `Show me your evidence on one-day old infants as to side effects (from the hepatitis B vaccine)` -- we have none. Our studies were done on 5 and 10 year olds.
"'As a father, grandfather, a physician, as a lawyer, I want the option of not giving it to my children unless I believe the scientific evidence is there."
Yet waiting until genuine risk looms -- via sexual activity, intravenous drug use or a healthcare job -- has been rejected out of hand. That view was confirmed earlier this year by both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, whose members administer the vaccines. 'The Academy has endorsed CDC recommendation for hepatitis B vaccine, `A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States,`' the AAP said in a news release.
'The CDC recommends that all newborns receive a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital unless a physician provides a written order to defer the birth dose. Compare that to waiting till age 9 for the new Gardasil vaccine.
While the reasonable concerns of some parents are yet to be resolved, this already stands in stark contrast to the public health establishment`s hepatitis B hammerlock on the nation`s newborns. True, the mercury-based preservative thimerosal that some believe is behind the rise in autism has been removed from Hep B and other routine childhood vaccines. But the issue of whether children are getting an unnecessarily early and heavy load of vaccines -- and whether that could explain the rise in autism or chronic illnesses like asthma -- remains squarely on the table, at least to this observer.
In years to come, I suspect, the Hep B shot at birth may be regarded as a case study in doctors gone wild.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Autism After MMRV Vaccination
The Age of Autism: Pox -- Part 3
By Dan Olmsted
Apr 30, 2006, 10:11 GMT
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- When 12-month-old Jimmy Flinton joined a clinical trial of a new immunization for chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella, no one told his family it contained about 10 times the usual dose of live-virus chickenpox vaccine.
And no one considered whether his family`s unusual chickenpox history -- including adolescent shingles and herpesvirus in the eyes -- might raise the risk of adverse reactions to the vaccine.
Now that Jimmy has been diagnosed with regressive autism, they wish someone had done so.
In 2002 Jimmy`s mom, Jennifer Flinton, signed a seven-page 'Research Subject Consent Form -- Vaccine Study (Children)' at the office of her pediatrician in Olympia, Wash.
'Your child is invited to be in a research study,' reads the form, which lists Merck & Co. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., as the sponsor. 'You need to decide whether or not you want your child to be in this study. Please take your time to make your decision.'
The purpose was 'to test the safety of the study vaccine, ProQuad refrigerated and to show that this vaccine provides a similar level of protection as compared to another study vaccine, ProQuad frozen.' Both versions contained attenuated -- substantially weakened -- live viruses designed to trick the body into developing immunity to real-live measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and chickenpox.
Previously, those first three vaccines were combined into one shot called the MMR, made by Merck; the chickenpox vaccine came in a separate shot called Varivax, also by Merck.
ProQuad was Merck`s investigational vaccine designed to put all four in one shot.
Tests already had determined ProQuad required more chickenpox virus than Varivax to produce the same level of immunity. A phenomenon called immune interference, in which viruses interact and interfere with each other in the human body, rendered the dose from the standalone vaccine insufficient.
The consent form Jennifer Flinton signed did not say anything about more chickenpox virus. It simply said ProQuad was 'a combination of two licensed vaccines,' the MMR and Varivax.
Merck wouldn`t confirm exactly how much more chickenpox virus is in ProQuad, characterizing it only as 'higher.' But in 2004, a Merck scientist said the amount in ProQuad was 'about a log' -- 10 times -- higher, according to minutes of a meeting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As already reported in this series, Jimmy Flinton`s family is one of several in the same Olympia neighborhood who spotted a common thread: They had unusual histories of chickenpox and other herpesviruses in their families; their child got the chickenpox and MMR shots in close temporal proximity, often at the same 12-month office visit when both are first recommended; and the child subsequently was diagnosed with regressive autism.
Jimmy is one of two children who were in small trials at age 12 months of chickenpox and MMR vaccines. Jimmy`s group had 33 participants, according to the Western Institutional Review Board in Olympia, which approved the protocol.
The second child was among 68 trialing Merck 'process upgrade' chickenpox shots given with the standard MMR.
The local trials were part of Merck studies of the vaccines in the United States and abroad. Spokeswoman Christine Fanelle would not address whether any other cases of autism had been reported in the broader trials, but she emphasized that neither Merck not independent experts have found a relation between vaccines and autism.
'We don`t see an association,' she said, citing as confirmation a 2004 report by the widely respected Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academies. That report rejected a link between autism and either the MMR vaccine or the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal, and it urged that research dollars be spent on 'more promising' autism research.
'There will always be some people who say vaccines cause autism despite the lack of scientific evidence,' Fanelle said.
Based on their admittedly anecdotal observations, however, the Olympia parents are concerned that inherited problems handling vaccine viruses may be an overlooked risk factor for autism in some children.
Jimmy Flinton`s paternal grandmother, Mary Southon, had a routine case of chickenpox in kindergarten. Fifteen years later, in 1970, she developed shingles on her right leg -- painful, blister-like pustules at nerve endings caused by reactivated chickenpox virus.
That is decidedly not routine. Shingles usually occur in older people or those with immune suppression, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
'I was a healthy 20-year-old woman,' Southon said, recalling her surprise at the outbreak. The infection lasted several weeks and left her with permanent mild circulatory weakness in her leg and edema just above the ankle.
'I remember how painful it was and how it seemed to go on for the longest time,' said Southon, who lives in Olympia. She was going through a divorce at the time and suspects stress might have triggered the outbreak. She also suffered from lifelong recurrent cold sores, another herpesvirus.
Twenty years later, in 1990, Southon made a painful mistake that reminded her of that vulnerability.
'What happened was, I stuck a hard contact (lens) in my mouth, not knowing I was getting a cold sore. I put it into my eye and did it with the other contact, too.
'I developed cold sores on both corneas. That was very painful and went on for several weeks before the doctors finally figured out what it was,' she said. The doctor put her on medication for shingles and the problem cleared up, though not before doing damage she says will one day require cornea transplants.
Coincidentally or not, Southon said she has not had any cold sores since she took the shingles medicine.
Her son, Paul Flinton, also had chickenpox as a child. At age 15, Paul got shingles, too -- also remarkable, doubly so given his mother`s similar history. The shingles spread along his neck, primarily on the right side, up to his jaw line; he even had a spot on his forehead.
'The doctor did diagnose it as shingles and was just amazed someone that young had developed it,' Southon recalled. It was also a stressful period in Paul life`s, she said, but the ongoing family pattern suggests unusual, inherited susceptibility to the virus.
'It just seems there is a genetic weakness towards it, a tendency to pick up the herpesvirus and run with it,' Mary Southon said. Given that, they might not have enrolled Paul son`s Jimmy in the ProQuad trial if they knew it had 10 times the standard dose of chickenpox virus.
She questioned why Merck would allow a child with Jimmy`s family background to test any chickenpox vaccine.
'It`s heartbreaking to think this could have been prevented if they (Merck) had done a little more research or had been a little more imaginative in
(considering) what could have happened,' she said.
'I just think the rush to develop the vaccine is criminal. Why would they want to give babies 10 times the amount of the virus? Where is the thinking on that?'
Several vaccine researchers who remain concerned abut a possible autism link told this column they find the Olympia cluster, and Jimmy`s case in particular, deeply disturbing. The children`s histories fit one of the major vaccine-autism hypotheses like a surgical glove: the idea that interference among live viruses in vaccines could warp the body`s natural immune response, leading to persistent infection and delayed neurological problems.
After Age of Autism outlined the cases to him last month, British gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Wakefield -- the chief proponent of that controversial theory -- met with several of the Olympia parents. He called their stories heartbreaking and likened the experience to 'staring into an abyss' of unintended vaccination consequences that he fears are not confined to Olympia.
'The key to many of the problems you see with viral vaccines is interference,' he said afterward.
'The host control of a viral infection is fundamentally mediated through an adequate immune response, and that immune response has been conditioned by tens of thousands of years of evolution,' said Wakefield. 'And the outcome of an infection is dependent on the pattern of exposure.
'So measles is innocuous when encountered under normal circumstances of dose and age of exposure. But when it`s encountered under atypical circumstances early in life, particularly at high dose, then the outcome is very different. And the problem for these viruses is persistence and delayed disease,' he said.
'So if they can establish persistent infection, elude the host immune response, then they can all come back and cause delayed disease later in life.'
'And herpesviruses do exactly the same thing,' he added.
'What alarms me about the cavalier approach of the industry and everybody else, the regulators, to these viruses is they presume the wild infection to be nasty and the vaccines to be innocuous -- that they can manipulate something that is biologically highly intelligent and exploit it to their advantage.
'And they can`t. The viruses don`t behave like that and they never will. They merely come back to haunt you as something different.'
Wakefield, who left Britain in the wake of the controversy generated by his theories and now is conducting research in the United States, said it is well-established that problems coping with viruses can be inherited. His theories are based on research into the MMR vaccine; Britain does not give routine chickenpox immunizations.
The Institute of Medicine`s 2004 report dismissed Wakefield`s concerns as speculation untethered to any scientific foundation. It said 'the body of epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. ... The committee further finds that potential biological mechanisms for vaccine-induced autism that have been generated to date are theoretical only.'
'The overwhelming evidence from several well-designed studies indicates that childhood vaccines are not associated with autism,' said Dr. Marie McCormick of the Harvard School of Public Health, who chaired the IOM`s immunization review committee.
'We strongly support ongoing research to discover the cause or causes of this devastating disorder. Resources would be used most effectively if they were directed toward those avenues of inquiry that offer the greatest promise for answers. Without supporting evidence, the vaccine hypothesis does not hold such promise.'
The CDC, whose Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the childhood vaccination schedule that states adopt, funded the Institute of Medicine study along with the National Institutes of Health.
'Groups of experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that MMR vaccine is not responsible for recent increases in the number of children with autism,' the CDC noted.
'The existing studies that suggest a causal relationship between MMR vaccine and autism have generated media attention,' the CDC said. 'However, these studies have significant weaknesses and are far outweighed by the epidemiologic studies that have consistently failed to show a causal relationship between MMR vaccine and autism.'
On Oct. 30, 2002, James George Flinton had his blood drawn as a baseline for the clinical trial in Olympia. At the same office visit, he got the ProQuad shot -- the refrigerated version, as it turned out.
For his participation, Jimmy`s family got a $50 gift certificate, with another to come at the end of a 42-day safety follow-up period when his blood would be drawn again to see if ProQuad worked.
Last September, the Food and Drug Administration approved frozen ProQuad for children 12 months to 12 years old. Merck said it is still working on the refrigerated version.
By Dan Olmsted
Apr 30, 2006, 10:11 GMT
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- When 12-month-old Jimmy Flinton joined a clinical trial of a new immunization for chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella, no one told his family it contained about 10 times the usual dose of live-virus chickenpox vaccine.
And no one considered whether his family`s unusual chickenpox history -- including adolescent shingles and herpesvirus in the eyes -- might raise the risk of adverse reactions to the vaccine.
Now that Jimmy has been diagnosed with regressive autism, they wish someone had done so.
In 2002 Jimmy`s mom, Jennifer Flinton, signed a seven-page 'Research Subject Consent Form -- Vaccine Study (Children)' at the office of her pediatrician in Olympia, Wash.
'Your child is invited to be in a research study,' reads the form, which lists Merck & Co. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., as the sponsor. 'You need to decide whether or not you want your child to be in this study. Please take your time to make your decision.'
The purpose was 'to test the safety of the study vaccine, ProQuad refrigerated and to show that this vaccine provides a similar level of protection as compared to another study vaccine, ProQuad frozen.' Both versions contained attenuated -- substantially weakened -- live viruses designed to trick the body into developing immunity to real-live measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and chickenpox.
Previously, those first three vaccines were combined into one shot called the MMR, made by Merck; the chickenpox vaccine came in a separate shot called Varivax, also by Merck.
ProQuad was Merck`s investigational vaccine designed to put all four in one shot.
Tests already had determined ProQuad required more chickenpox virus than Varivax to produce the same level of immunity. A phenomenon called immune interference, in which viruses interact and interfere with each other in the human body, rendered the dose from the standalone vaccine insufficient.
The consent form Jennifer Flinton signed did not say anything about more chickenpox virus. It simply said ProQuad was 'a combination of two licensed vaccines,' the MMR and Varivax.
Merck wouldn`t confirm exactly how much more chickenpox virus is in ProQuad, characterizing it only as 'higher.' But in 2004, a Merck scientist said the amount in ProQuad was 'about a log' -- 10 times -- higher, according to minutes of a meeting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As already reported in this series, Jimmy Flinton`s family is one of several in the same Olympia neighborhood who spotted a common thread: They had unusual histories of chickenpox and other herpesviruses in their families; their child got the chickenpox and MMR shots in close temporal proximity, often at the same 12-month office visit when both are first recommended; and the child subsequently was diagnosed with regressive autism.
Jimmy is one of two children who were in small trials at age 12 months of chickenpox and MMR vaccines. Jimmy`s group had 33 participants, according to the Western Institutional Review Board in Olympia, which approved the protocol.
The second child was among 68 trialing Merck 'process upgrade' chickenpox shots given with the standard MMR.
The local trials were part of Merck studies of the vaccines in the United States and abroad. Spokeswoman Christine Fanelle would not address whether any other cases of autism had been reported in the broader trials, but she emphasized that neither Merck not independent experts have found a relation between vaccines and autism.
'We don`t see an association,' she said, citing as confirmation a 2004 report by the widely respected Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academies. That report rejected a link between autism and either the MMR vaccine or the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal, and it urged that research dollars be spent on 'more promising' autism research.
'There will always be some people who say vaccines cause autism despite the lack of scientific evidence,' Fanelle said.
Based on their admittedly anecdotal observations, however, the Olympia parents are concerned that inherited problems handling vaccine viruses may be an overlooked risk factor for autism in some children.
Jimmy Flinton`s paternal grandmother, Mary Southon, had a routine case of chickenpox in kindergarten. Fifteen years later, in 1970, she developed shingles on her right leg -- painful, blister-like pustules at nerve endings caused by reactivated chickenpox virus.
That is decidedly not routine. Shingles usually occur in older people or those with immune suppression, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
'I was a healthy 20-year-old woman,' Southon said, recalling her surprise at the outbreak. The infection lasted several weeks and left her with permanent mild circulatory weakness in her leg and edema just above the ankle.
'I remember how painful it was and how it seemed to go on for the longest time,' said Southon, who lives in Olympia. She was going through a divorce at the time and suspects stress might have triggered the outbreak. She also suffered from lifelong recurrent cold sores, another herpesvirus.
Twenty years later, in 1990, Southon made a painful mistake that reminded her of that vulnerability.
'What happened was, I stuck a hard contact (lens) in my mouth, not knowing I was getting a cold sore. I put it into my eye and did it with the other contact, too.
'I developed cold sores on both corneas. That was very painful and went on for several weeks before the doctors finally figured out what it was,' she said. The doctor put her on medication for shingles and the problem cleared up, though not before doing damage she says will one day require cornea transplants.
Coincidentally or not, Southon said she has not had any cold sores since she took the shingles medicine.
Her son, Paul Flinton, also had chickenpox as a child. At age 15, Paul got shingles, too -- also remarkable, doubly so given his mother`s similar history. The shingles spread along his neck, primarily on the right side, up to his jaw line; he even had a spot on his forehead.
'The doctor did diagnose it as shingles and was just amazed someone that young had developed it,' Southon recalled. It was also a stressful period in Paul life`s, she said, but the ongoing family pattern suggests unusual, inherited susceptibility to the virus.
'It just seems there is a genetic weakness towards it, a tendency to pick up the herpesvirus and run with it,' Mary Southon said. Given that, they might not have enrolled Paul son`s Jimmy in the ProQuad trial if they knew it had 10 times the standard dose of chickenpox virus.
She questioned why Merck would allow a child with Jimmy`s family background to test any chickenpox vaccine.
'It`s heartbreaking to think this could have been prevented if they (Merck) had done a little more research or had been a little more imaginative in
(considering) what could have happened,' she said.
'I just think the rush to develop the vaccine is criminal. Why would they want to give babies 10 times the amount of the virus? Where is the thinking on that?'
Several vaccine researchers who remain concerned abut a possible autism link told this column they find the Olympia cluster, and Jimmy`s case in particular, deeply disturbing. The children`s histories fit one of the major vaccine-autism hypotheses like a surgical glove: the idea that interference among live viruses in vaccines could warp the body`s natural immune response, leading to persistent infection and delayed neurological problems.
After Age of Autism outlined the cases to him last month, British gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Wakefield -- the chief proponent of that controversial theory -- met with several of the Olympia parents. He called their stories heartbreaking and likened the experience to 'staring into an abyss' of unintended vaccination consequences that he fears are not confined to Olympia.
'The key to many of the problems you see with viral vaccines is interference,' he said afterward.
'The host control of a viral infection is fundamentally mediated through an adequate immune response, and that immune response has been conditioned by tens of thousands of years of evolution,' said Wakefield. 'And the outcome of an infection is dependent on the pattern of exposure.
'So measles is innocuous when encountered under normal circumstances of dose and age of exposure. But when it`s encountered under atypical circumstances early in life, particularly at high dose, then the outcome is very different. And the problem for these viruses is persistence and delayed disease,' he said.
'So if they can establish persistent infection, elude the host immune response, then they can all come back and cause delayed disease later in life.'
'And herpesviruses do exactly the same thing,' he added.
'What alarms me about the cavalier approach of the industry and everybody else, the regulators, to these viruses is they presume the wild infection to be nasty and the vaccines to be innocuous -- that they can manipulate something that is biologically highly intelligent and exploit it to their advantage.
'And they can`t. The viruses don`t behave like that and they never will. They merely come back to haunt you as something different.'
Wakefield, who left Britain in the wake of the controversy generated by his theories and now is conducting research in the United States, said it is well-established that problems coping with viruses can be inherited. His theories are based on research into the MMR vaccine; Britain does not give routine chickenpox immunizations.
The Institute of Medicine`s 2004 report dismissed Wakefield`s concerns as speculation untethered to any scientific foundation. It said 'the body of epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. ... The committee further finds that potential biological mechanisms for vaccine-induced autism that have been generated to date are theoretical only.'
'The overwhelming evidence from several well-designed studies indicates that childhood vaccines are not associated with autism,' said Dr. Marie McCormick of the Harvard School of Public Health, who chaired the IOM`s immunization review committee.
'We strongly support ongoing research to discover the cause or causes of this devastating disorder. Resources would be used most effectively if they were directed toward those avenues of inquiry that offer the greatest promise for answers. Without supporting evidence, the vaccine hypothesis does not hold such promise.'
The CDC, whose Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the childhood vaccination schedule that states adopt, funded the Institute of Medicine study along with the National Institutes of Health.
'Groups of experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that MMR vaccine is not responsible for recent increases in the number of children with autism,' the CDC noted.
'The existing studies that suggest a causal relationship between MMR vaccine and autism have generated media attention,' the CDC said. 'However, these studies have significant weaknesses and are far outweighed by the epidemiologic studies that have consistently failed to show a causal relationship between MMR vaccine and autism.'
On Oct. 30, 2002, James George Flinton had his blood drawn as a baseline for the clinical trial in Olympia. At the same office visit, he got the ProQuad shot -- the refrigerated version, as it turned out.
For his participation, Jimmy`s family got a $50 gift certificate, with another to come at the end of a 42-day safety follow-up period when his blood would be drawn again to see if ProQuad worked.
Last September, the Food and Drug Administration approved frozen ProQuad for children 12 months to 12 years old. Merck said it is still working on the refrigerated version.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Say Goodbye to PMS With Calcium and Vitamin D
It has been estimated that up to 20 percent of all women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While the symptoms of PMS may vary from person to person, they usually include conditions such as depression, irritability, cramping and headaches. Oftentimes, these conditions are severe enough to interfere with a woman's ability to function throughout the day. As a result, scientists have looked for various remedies that could reduce, or even prevent, many of the symptoms that occur with PMS.
In this study, researchers looked at the levels of calcium and vitamin D intake in a group of approximately 3,000 women, more than a third of whom had developed PMS over a 10-year period. Results showed that women who consumed the highest amounts of calcium were 20 percent less likely to have PMS than women who consumed the lowest amounts of calcium. In addition, women with the highest levels of vitamin D intake were 41 percent less likely to develop PMS compared to women taking the least amount of vitamin D.
Foods that contain substantial amounts of calcium and vitamin D include skim milk, low-fat milk, and some cheeses. Vitamin D and calcium are also available in supplement form. For more information on ways to increase levels of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, talk with your doctor.
Bertone-Johnson ER, Hankinson SE, Bendich A, et al. Calcium and vitamin D and risk of incident premenstrual syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine 2005;165:1246-1252.
In this study, researchers looked at the levels of calcium and vitamin D intake in a group of approximately 3,000 women, more than a third of whom had developed PMS over a 10-year period. Results showed that women who consumed the highest amounts of calcium were 20 percent less likely to have PMS than women who consumed the lowest amounts of calcium. In addition, women with the highest levels of vitamin D intake were 41 percent less likely to develop PMS compared to women taking the least amount of vitamin D.
Foods that contain substantial amounts of calcium and vitamin D include skim milk, low-fat milk, and some cheeses. Vitamin D and calcium are also available in supplement form. For more information on ways to increase levels of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, talk with your doctor.
Bertone-Johnson ER, Hankinson SE, Bendich A, et al. Calcium and vitamin D and risk of incident premenstrual syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine 2005;165:1246-1252.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Halt Is Urged for Trials of Antibiotic in Children
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 8, 2006
Halt Is Urged for Trials of Antibiotic in Children
By GARDINER HARRIS
A Food and Drug Administration official called in May for a drug company to halt clinical trials of an antibiotic in children because the drug could be deadly, according to internal memorandums sent to other F.D.A. officials.
The drug, Ketek, made by Sanofi-Aventis, is being tested as a treatment for ear infections and tonsillitis in nearly 4,000 infants and children in more than a dozen countries, including the United States, according to postings on a government Web site. But Ketek, which is currently approved for use only in adults, has been reported to cause liver failure, blurred vision and loss of consciousness in adults.
"How does one justify balancing the risk of fatal liver failure against one day less of ear pain?" Dr. Rosemary Johann-Liang, an official in the Office of Drug Safety at the agency, wrote in one of the memorandums, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times.
Sanofi-Aventis is sponsoring four clinical trials in children ages 6 months to 13 years, according the Web site posting. The drug agency approved plans for the trials.
There is growing evidence that Ketek is unusually toxic, according to a recent review by F.D.A. safety officials. Twelve adult patients in the United States have suffered liver failure, including four who died; 23 others suffered serious liver injury.
The safety officials wrote in their review that the agency should consider forcing Sanofi-Aventis to withdraw Ketek from the market, severely restrict its uses, even in adults, or add a prominent warning to its label about potentially fatal side effects.
More than five million prescriptions for Ketek have been written in the United States since its approval two years ago.
Asked about the memorandum written by Dr. Johann-Liang, an F.D.A. spokeswoman, Susan Bro, said that it was "a preliminary, raw assessment" and that "the final decision will be made by experts who have the full benefit of a large section of opinion and scientific fact."
Melissa Feltmann, a spokeswoman for Sanofi-Aventis, said in an e-mail message, "We are engaged in ongoing discussions with the F.D.A. regarding Ketek."
Other antibiotics cause liver failure, but Ketek seems to do so almost four times as often, the safety officials concluded in the review.
Ketek can also cause blurred vision and loss of consciousness, problems that are unique to it. In her memorandum, Dr. Johann-Liang asked how Sanofi-Aventis's investigators were going to assess whether infants were suffering blurred vision.
"If we cannot monitor for this event in infants/young children appropriately in the clinical trial setting, what can we conclude from the safety results of the trial?" she asked.
Dr. Danny Benjamin, an infectious-disease specialist at Duke University who was consulted separately by the drug agency, concluded that the pediatric trials with Ketek were a cause for concern and "hard to support," according to the memorandums obtained by The New York Times.
Dr. Benjamin did not respond to voice-mail or e-mail messages left for him yesterday.
In his memorandum, Dr. Benjamin said that in up to 87 percent of cases, pediatric ear infections resolved within a few days without treatment. Tests of an unusually risky antibiotic in infants with ear infections might be justified if the infants had already been treated unsuccessfully with safer antibiotics first, he wrote.
Sanofi-Aventis planned to give Ketek as a first-line therapy, according to the company's trial descriptions.
The drug agency's actions in regard to Ketek are being investigated by Senator Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as by Representatives Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Henry A. Waxman of California, both Democrats.
Sanofi-Aventis first asked the agency to approve the drug in February 2000. But officials demurred, citing reports of side effects. So the company undertook a study of Ketek in 24,000 patients to prove its safety. The trial was marred by fraud. One of the investigators on the study is now in federal prison; another lost his medical license.
The F.D.A. said it dismissed the study's results and instead asked the company to report its experience with Ketek in Europe, where it was approved in 2001. Although it is unusual for the agency to approve a drug based upon its use elsewhere, in April 2004, it . did just that, approving Ketek to treat sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Since then, problems with the drug have continued to mount. By April, the agency had reports of 110 cases of liver problems associated with Ketek, most of which occurred in otherwise healthy people, according to the safety review. In one, a 49-year-old woman took no more than two doses of the drug before becoming nauseous and vomiting. She was hospitalized five days later and died.
Since they are submitted voluntarily, these kinds of case reports usually represent only a small fraction - estimates range from 1 percent to 10 percent - of actual drug problems. The reports that the F.D.A. has received so far are unusual because of their "rapid tempo and severity," the agency's internal safety report said.
The agency officials estimated that Ketek caused acute liver failure in 23 people for every 10 million prescriptions, about four times the rate of such events seen in other antibiotics.
In 1999, sales of the antibiotic Trovan were severely restricted after it was shown to cause liver failure in 58 people for every 10 million prescriptions.
In her memorandum, Dr. Johann-Liang suggested that Ketek's risks outweighed its benefits.
She noted that powerful antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones can also damage the liver. But she said that those drugs were available in intravenous forms and "are also used for more serious infectious diseases rather than solely for minor upper respiratory indications," as Ketek is.
Dr. Johann-Liang wrote in her memorandum that the parents of patients in Sanofi-Aventis's pediatric trials must be better informed about Ketek's risks "in order for any of these trials to continue to proceed."
She added that the parents "need to know that the 'close monitoring' for visual events is not possible in very young children, and the long-term consequences of such adverse reactions are unknown for the developing system."
Dr. Benjamin agreed that the brochure about the trials and informed-consent material given to parents "must address in plain language the risks, and severity of risks, of adverse events."
June 8, 2006
Halt Is Urged for Trials of Antibiotic in Children
By GARDINER HARRIS
A Food and Drug Administration official called in May for a drug company to halt clinical trials of an antibiotic in children because the drug could be deadly, according to internal memorandums sent to other F.D.A. officials.
The drug, Ketek, made by Sanofi-Aventis, is being tested as a treatment for ear infections and tonsillitis in nearly 4,000 infants and children in more than a dozen countries, including the United States, according to postings on a government Web site. But Ketek, which is currently approved for use only in adults, has been reported to cause liver failure, blurred vision and loss of consciousness in adults.
"How does one justify balancing the risk of fatal liver failure against one day less of ear pain?" Dr. Rosemary Johann-Liang, an official in the Office of Drug Safety at the agency, wrote in one of the memorandums, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times.
Sanofi-Aventis is sponsoring four clinical trials in children ages 6 months to 13 years, according the Web site posting. The drug agency approved plans for the trials.
There is growing evidence that Ketek is unusually toxic, according to a recent review by F.D.A. safety officials. Twelve adult patients in the United States have suffered liver failure, including four who died; 23 others suffered serious liver injury.
The safety officials wrote in their review that the agency should consider forcing Sanofi-Aventis to withdraw Ketek from the market, severely restrict its uses, even in adults, or add a prominent warning to its label about potentially fatal side effects.
More than five million prescriptions for Ketek have been written in the United States since its approval two years ago.
Asked about the memorandum written by Dr. Johann-Liang, an F.D.A. spokeswoman, Susan Bro, said that it was "a preliminary, raw assessment" and that "the final decision will be made by experts who have the full benefit of a large section of opinion and scientific fact."
Melissa Feltmann, a spokeswoman for Sanofi-Aventis, said in an e-mail message, "We are engaged in ongoing discussions with the F.D.A. regarding Ketek."
Other antibiotics cause liver failure, but Ketek seems to do so almost four times as often, the safety officials concluded in the review.
Ketek can also cause blurred vision and loss of consciousness, problems that are unique to it. In her memorandum, Dr. Johann-Liang asked how Sanofi-Aventis's investigators were going to assess whether infants were suffering blurred vision.
"If we cannot monitor for this event in infants/young children appropriately in the clinical trial setting, what can we conclude from the safety results of the trial?" she asked.
Dr. Danny Benjamin, an infectious-disease specialist at Duke University who was consulted separately by the drug agency, concluded that the pediatric trials with Ketek were a cause for concern and "hard to support," according to the memorandums obtained by The New York Times.
Dr. Benjamin did not respond to voice-mail or e-mail messages left for him yesterday.
In his memorandum, Dr. Benjamin said that in up to 87 percent of cases, pediatric ear infections resolved within a few days without treatment. Tests of an unusually risky antibiotic in infants with ear infections might be justified if the infants had already been treated unsuccessfully with safer antibiotics first, he wrote.
Sanofi-Aventis planned to give Ketek as a first-line therapy, according to the company's trial descriptions.
The drug agency's actions in regard to Ketek are being investigated by Senator Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as by Representatives Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Henry A. Waxman of California, both Democrats.
Sanofi-Aventis first asked the agency to approve the drug in February 2000. But officials demurred, citing reports of side effects. So the company undertook a study of Ketek in 24,000 patients to prove its safety. The trial was marred by fraud. One of the investigators on the study is now in federal prison; another lost his medical license.
The F.D.A. said it dismissed the study's results and instead asked the company to report its experience with Ketek in Europe, where it was approved in 2001. Although it is unusual for the agency to approve a drug based upon its use elsewhere, in April 2004, it . did just that, approving Ketek to treat sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Since then, problems with the drug have continued to mount. By April, the agency had reports of 110 cases of liver problems associated with Ketek, most of which occurred in otherwise healthy people, according to the safety review. In one, a 49-year-old woman took no more than two doses of the drug before becoming nauseous and vomiting. She was hospitalized five days later and died.
Since they are submitted voluntarily, these kinds of case reports usually represent only a small fraction - estimates range from 1 percent to 10 percent - of actual drug problems. The reports that the F.D.A. has received so far are unusual because of their "rapid tempo and severity," the agency's internal safety report said.
The agency officials estimated that Ketek caused acute liver failure in 23 people for every 10 million prescriptions, about four times the rate of such events seen in other antibiotics.
In 1999, sales of the antibiotic Trovan were severely restricted after it was shown to cause liver failure in 58 people for every 10 million prescriptions.
In her memorandum, Dr. Johann-Liang suggested that Ketek's risks outweighed its benefits.
She noted that powerful antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones can also damage the liver. But she said that those drugs were available in intravenous forms and "are also used for more serious infectious diseases rather than solely for minor upper respiratory indications," as Ketek is.
Dr. Johann-Liang wrote in her memorandum that the parents of patients in Sanofi-Aventis's pediatric trials must be better informed about Ketek's risks "in order for any of these trials to continue to proceed."
She added that the parents "need to know that the 'close monitoring' for visual events is not possible in very young children, and the long-term consequences of such adverse reactions are unknown for the developing system."
Dr. Benjamin agreed that the brochure about the trials and informed-consent material given to parents "must address in plain language the risks, and severity of risks, of adverse events."
Saturday, June 10, 2006
At Any Age, It's Wise to Exercise
The benefits of exercise have been well-documented over the years. Among other benefits, numerous studies have shown that exercise can help reduce the incidence of disease, promote weight loss, and improve mental health. A recent long-term study set out to examine if exercising during the senior years benefits people who were previously sedentary.
Canadian researchers investigated two groups of previously sedentary healthy adults, ages 55-75 years at baseline, for 10 years. One group remained sedentary during the study period, while the other group engaged in regular exercise. consisting of 30- to 45-minute aerobic sessions, three times a week, for a minimum of 46 weeks a year.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers examined data for 161 participants in the active group and 136 participants in the sedentary group. Among their findings: "The active group showed a significantly lower prevalence (11%) of metabolic syndrome than the sedentary group (28%) at 10 years." (Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that can lead to type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, among other health problems.) The sedentary group also had a 13% decrease in fitness over the 10-year study period, while the exercise group showed a small increase in fitness levels. In the exercise group, HDL, or "good" cholesterol, increased by 9%, whereas the sedentary group showed an 18% decrease in HDL. The active group also had "fewer comorbid conditions, and fewer signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease" than their sedentary counterparts.
Your chiropractor can help design a comprehensive exercise program suitable to your needs. Call Dr. Mays or visit www.oakhollowspinal.com for more information.
Reference: Petrella RJ, Lattanzio CN, Demeray A, et al. Can adoption of regular exercise later in life prevent metabolic risk for cardiovascular disease? Diabetes Care 2005;28:694-701.
Canadian researchers investigated two groups of previously sedentary healthy adults, ages 55-75 years at baseline, for 10 years. One group remained sedentary during the study period, while the other group engaged in regular exercise. consisting of 30- to 45-minute aerobic sessions, three times a week, for a minimum of 46 weeks a year.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers examined data for 161 participants in the active group and 136 participants in the sedentary group. Among their findings: "The active group showed a significantly lower prevalence (11%) of metabolic syndrome than the sedentary group (28%) at 10 years." (Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that can lead to type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, among other health problems.) The sedentary group also had a 13% decrease in fitness over the 10-year study period, while the exercise group showed a small increase in fitness levels. In the exercise group, HDL, or "good" cholesterol, increased by 9%, whereas the sedentary group showed an 18% decrease in HDL. The active group also had "fewer comorbid conditions, and fewer signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease" than their sedentary counterparts.
Your chiropractor can help design a comprehensive exercise program suitable to your needs. Call Dr. Mays or visit www.oakhollowspinal.com for more information.
Reference: Petrella RJ, Lattanzio CN, Demeray A, et al. Can adoption of regular exercise later in life prevent metabolic risk for cardiovascular disease? Diabetes Care 2005;28:694-701.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Save Your Eyes With Green and Black Tea
Herbalists have long recommended tea to help treat myriad conditions, including indigestion, high cholesterol and weight gain. Now, new study results show that green and black tea may inhibit the development of diabetes-related cataracts.
Researchers monitored the effects of green and black tea in four groups of rats: a normal (non-diabetic) group; a diabetic control group; a group of diabetic rats given green tea; and a diabetic group given black tea. Over a three-month period, the teas were included in the rats' drinking water, equivalent to a human drinking 4.6 eight-ounce cups of tea per day. The chemical composition of the rats' blood and eye lenses was then analyzed to determine whether the teas lowered blood glucose levels and reduced the incidence of cataracts, a common side-effect associated with diabetes.
Results: The teas "significantly decreased glucose, and ... inhibited the pathological pathways of diabetes in lens, plasma, and red blood cells," the researchers noted. On average, plasma glucose levels in the diabetic rats drinking tea were reduced between 28% and 32%. In addition, tea consumption appeared to reduce the severity of cataracts. Rats in the diabetic control group had an average cataract rating of 3.02 (0-4 scale; 0 = normal vision; 4 = nuclear opacity beginning). In diabetic rats given green tea, the average cataract rating was only 2.61; in diabetic rats taking black tea, the average rating was only 2.24.
Although the authors suggest the need for further studies to determine the role of teas in the prevention or treatment of diabetes in humans, the results of this study are clear: in addition to having other benefits, green and black may help prevent diabetes-related cataracts, as well.
Reference: Vinson JA, Zhang J. Black and green teas equally inhibit diabetic cataracts in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2005;53:3710-3713.
Researchers monitored the effects of green and black tea in four groups of rats: a normal (non-diabetic) group; a diabetic control group; a group of diabetic rats given green tea; and a diabetic group given black tea. Over a three-month period, the teas were included in the rats' drinking water, equivalent to a human drinking 4.6 eight-ounce cups of tea per day. The chemical composition of the rats' blood and eye lenses was then analyzed to determine whether the teas lowered blood glucose levels and reduced the incidence of cataracts, a common side-effect associated with diabetes.
Results: The teas "significantly decreased glucose, and ... inhibited the pathological pathways of diabetes in lens, plasma, and red blood cells," the researchers noted. On average, plasma glucose levels in the diabetic rats drinking tea were reduced between 28% and 32%. In addition, tea consumption appeared to reduce the severity of cataracts. Rats in the diabetic control group had an average cataract rating of 3.02 (0-4 scale; 0 = normal vision; 4 = nuclear opacity beginning). In diabetic rats given green tea, the average cataract rating was only 2.61; in diabetic rats taking black tea, the average rating was only 2.24.
Although the authors suggest the need for further studies to determine the role of teas in the prevention or treatment of diabetes in humans, the results of this study are clear: in addition to having other benefits, green and black may help prevent diabetes-related cataracts, as well.
Reference: Vinson JA, Zhang J. Black and green teas equally inhibit diabetic cataracts in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2005;53:3710-3713.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Vitamin C, Fruit and Veggie Consumption May Help Prevent RA
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating and painful disease whose cause is thought to be a complex combination of genetic factors and environmental agents. Diet has been implicated in the development of other diseases, but little is known about the influence of diet on the development and/or progression of RA.
A recent study evaluated the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary antioxidants, and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis (IP), or RA. Researchers studied 23,654 men and women (ages 45-74), who completed seven-day diet diaries, providing comprehensive data on their consumption of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in dietary antioxidants. Participants were asked to estimate the amount of food and drink they consumed each day using household measures and food portion photographs (small, medium, large).
Participants had developed IP during the study period (1993-2001) and were then referred by their primary care physicians to a study designed to identify and follow up on cases of IP. For comparative purposes, each case of IP was matched for age and sex with two controls free of the disease. Seventy-four cases of IP were identified over the nine-year study period. Lower consumption of vitamin C, fruits and vegetables was associated with an increased risk of developing IP compared to subjects with higher consumption. Subjects with the lowest intake of vitamin C had three times the risk of developing IP compared to those with the highest intake.
If you can't eat all the fruits and vegetables that you need, consider taking Juice Plus+. Ask Dr. Mays for more information drmays@oakhollowchiro.com
Reference: Pattison DJ, Silman AJ, Goodson NJ, et al. Vitamin C and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis: prospective nested case-control study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases June 2004;63:843-7. www.annrheumdis.com
A recent study evaluated the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary antioxidants, and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis (IP), or RA. Researchers studied 23,654 men and women (ages 45-74), who completed seven-day diet diaries, providing comprehensive data on their consumption of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in dietary antioxidants. Participants were asked to estimate the amount of food and drink they consumed each day using household measures and food portion photographs (small, medium, large).
Participants had developed IP during the study period (1993-2001) and were then referred by their primary care physicians to a study designed to identify and follow up on cases of IP. For comparative purposes, each case of IP was matched for age and sex with two controls free of the disease. Seventy-four cases of IP were identified over the nine-year study period. Lower consumption of vitamin C, fruits and vegetables was associated with an increased risk of developing IP compared to subjects with higher consumption. Subjects with the lowest intake of vitamin C had three times the risk of developing IP compared to those with the highest intake.
If you can't eat all the fruits and vegetables that you need, consider taking Juice Plus+. Ask Dr. Mays for more information drmays@oakhollowchiro.com
Reference: Pattison DJ, Silman AJ, Goodson NJ, et al. Vitamin C and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis: prospective nested case-control study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases June 2004;63:843-7. www.annrheumdis.com
Thursday, June 01, 2006
And the Winner is...Chiropractic
You suffer from low back pain (LBP) and you'd like to seek a doctor's care, but you're not sure where to go. Consider this: A recent study compared the effectiveness of chiropractic care vs. medical management for LBP and found that chiropractic care had a higher success rate in treating LBP than did traditional medical care.
Researchers examined 2,870 adult patients with acute or chronic LBP from the practices of 51 chiropractic clinics and 14 general practice community clinics. At baseline and at various intervals over the next four years, patients rated the intensity of their current pain levels on a pain scale of 0-100 and completed a questionnaire designed to measure the effects of their pain on functional disability.
Results: The greatest degree of improvement was seen within three months of the initial treatment of back pain, with a "modest advantage" seen for chiropractic care over medical care of chronic pain patients in the first 12 months. At the one- and three-month intervals, "clinical importance" was achieved with chiropractic care administered to chronic LBP patients. Comparing chiropractic vs. medical care, the average difference in pain scores was 12.2 points at one month and 10.5 points at three months, favoring chiropractic care.
Still undecided? Chiropractic isn't just for back pain anymore. Regular chiropractic care has been shown to, among other things, relieve chronic headache and arthritis pain as well as relieve stress and promote general health.
Reference: Haas M, Goldberg B, Aickin M, et al. A practice-based study of patients with acute and chronic low back pain attending primary care and chiropractic physicians: two-week to 48-month follow-up. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2004;27:160-169.
Researchers examined 2,870 adult patients with acute or chronic LBP from the practices of 51 chiropractic clinics and 14 general practice community clinics. At baseline and at various intervals over the next four years, patients rated the intensity of their current pain levels on a pain scale of 0-100 and completed a questionnaire designed to measure the effects of their pain on functional disability.
Results: The greatest degree of improvement was seen within three months of the initial treatment of back pain, with a "modest advantage" seen for chiropractic care over medical care of chronic pain patients in the first 12 months. At the one- and three-month intervals, "clinical importance" was achieved with chiropractic care administered to chronic LBP patients. Comparing chiropractic vs. medical care, the average difference in pain scores was 12.2 points at one month and 10.5 points at three months, favoring chiropractic care.
Still undecided? Chiropractic isn't just for back pain anymore. Regular chiropractic care has been shown to, among other things, relieve chronic headache and arthritis pain as well as relieve stress and promote general health.
Reference: Haas M, Goldberg B, Aickin M, et al. A practice-based study of patients with acute and chronic low back pain attending primary care and chiropractic physicians: two-week to 48-month follow-up. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2004;27:160-169.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Allergy information:
An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. The immune system is the highly complex defenses mechanism that helps us combat infection. It does this by identify “foreign invaders” and mobilizing the body’s white blood cells to fight them. In some people, the immune system wrongly identifies a nontoxic substance as an invader and the white blood cells overreact and do more damage to the body than the invader. This the allergic response become a disease itself. Common responses are nasal congestion, coughing wheezing itching, hive and other skin rashes, headache and fatigue.
No one know why some people are allergic to certain substance however, allergies do run in families and it is also believe that babies are either re not breastfed are more likely to develop allergies. There may be an emotional cause to the problem as well, stress and anger, especially if the immune system is not function properly, are frequently contributing factors.
Food Allergy Self-Test
If you suspect that you are allergic to a specific food, a simple test can help you determine if you are correct. By recording your pulse rate after consuming the food in question, you can reveal if you are having an allergic reaction. Using a watch with a second hand, sit down and relax for a few minutes. When relaxed take your pulse at the wrist. A normal pulse reading is between 52 to 70 beats per minute. After taking your pulse, consume the food that you are testing for an allergic reaction. Wait fifteen to twenty minutes and take your pulse again. If your pulse rate has increase more than ten beats per minute omit this food from your diet for one month, and then re-test yourself.
For the purpose of this test, it is best to use the purest form of the suspect food available. This way you will know that whatever reaction you observe (or fail to observe) it is the responsibility of the food you consumed, and not the by-products that may have also been in the food.
There are several supplements that we recommend to help overcome food and seasonal allergies. If you suffer with allergies, talk to Dr. Mays and he can recommend what can help you.
Find more information about chiropractic and allergies @
www.oakhollowchiro.com
No one know why some people are allergic to certain substance however, allergies do run in families and it is also believe that babies are either re not breastfed are more likely to develop allergies. There may be an emotional cause to the problem as well, stress and anger, especially if the immune system is not function properly, are frequently contributing factors.
Food Allergy Self-Test
If you suspect that you are allergic to a specific food, a simple test can help you determine if you are correct. By recording your pulse rate after consuming the food in question, you can reveal if you are having an allergic reaction. Using a watch with a second hand, sit down and relax for a few minutes. When relaxed take your pulse at the wrist. A normal pulse reading is between 52 to 70 beats per minute. After taking your pulse, consume the food that you are testing for an allergic reaction. Wait fifteen to twenty minutes and take your pulse again. If your pulse rate has increase more than ten beats per minute omit this food from your diet for one month, and then re-test yourself.
For the purpose of this test, it is best to use the purest form of the suspect food available. This way you will know that whatever reaction you observe (or fail to observe) it is the responsibility of the food you consumed, and not the by-products that may have also been in the food.
There are several supplements that we recommend to help overcome food and seasonal allergies. If you suffer with allergies, talk to Dr. Mays and he can recommend what can help you.
Find more information about chiropractic and allergies @
www.oakhollowchiro.com
Soft Drinks Increase Weight, Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
The incidence of diabetes has risen sharply in the past several decades, paralleling the obesity epidemic. At the same time, soft drink consumption has seen a 61 percent increase in adults from 1977-97, and a 100 percent increase in children from 1977-78 to 1994-98. Researchers believe that in addition to contributing to obesity, sugar-sweetened soft drinks may increase diabetes risk by raising blood glucose levels due to their high concentration of high-fructose corn syrup.
Researchers performed separate analyses of diabetes and weight change on women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II between 1991-1999. Women in the diabetes analysis were free of diabetes and other major chronic diseases at baseline. Anyone reporting a diagnosis of diabetes on a biennial questionnaire was sent a second questionnaire asking about diagnosis and treatment for the condition, and to distinguish between type 1 and type 2. Women in the weight change analysis were evaluated at baseline and in 1995 and 1999, providing complete dietary information, including soft drink consumption and weight.
Results: Women who reported an increased intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks between 1991 and 1999 had significantly larger increases in weight and body mass index (BMI) than women who maintained their intake or who substantially decreased their intake. Greater soft drink consumption over that time period was also strongly associated with a progressively higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The association of soft-drink consumption to diabetes was significant even when weight gain and increases in BMI were taken into account.
According to the authors, higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes by providing excessive calories and large amounts of rapidly absorbable sugars. The researchers also recommend that "public health strategies to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes should focus on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption."
Ditch the soda pop! To quench your thirst, try a glass of iced water with a slice of lemon or lime instead.
Schulze MB, Manson JE, Ludwig DS, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. Journal of the American Medical Association, Aug. 25, 2004;292(8):927-34.
Researchers performed separate analyses of diabetes and weight change on women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II between 1991-1999. Women in the diabetes analysis were free of diabetes and other major chronic diseases at baseline. Anyone reporting a diagnosis of diabetes on a biennial questionnaire was sent a second questionnaire asking about diagnosis and treatment for the condition, and to distinguish between type 1 and type 2. Women in the weight change analysis were evaluated at baseline and in 1995 and 1999, providing complete dietary information, including soft drink consumption and weight.
Results: Women who reported an increased intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks between 1991 and 1999 had significantly larger increases in weight and body mass index (BMI) than women who maintained their intake or who substantially decreased their intake. Greater soft drink consumption over that time period was also strongly associated with a progressively higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The association of soft-drink consumption to diabetes was significant even when weight gain and increases in BMI were taken into account.
According to the authors, higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes by providing excessive calories and large amounts of rapidly absorbable sugars. The researchers also recommend that "public health strategies to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes should focus on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption."
Ditch the soda pop! To quench your thirst, try a glass of iced water with a slice of lemon or lime instead.
Schulze MB, Manson JE, Ludwig DS, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. Journal of the American Medical Association, Aug. 25, 2004;292(8):927-34.
Back Surgery May Be Worse Than No Surgery
Are you considering surgery for your back pain? Before you do, consider this: Research shows that many patients who undergo surgery for lower back pain often have subsequent surgeries for the same condition due to the failure of the initial procedure, which can contribute to further patient disability. Researchers sought to examine whether such patients had poorer general health than those with no history of spine surgery.
The study examined more than 18,000 patients with back pain enrolled at first visit in the National Spine Network (NSN) database from January 1998 through April 2000. Of those patients, 3,632 had a history of low back surgery. Data were derived from a first-visit questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), both of which were completed by all patients when first evaluated for back pain.
Results showed that patients with a history of lumbar spine surgery fared significantly worse on areas such as physical functioning, general health and mental health compared to those patients with no prior history of spine surgery. "Previous back surgery is associated with significantly worse general health status than those without surgery among patients with low back pain..." the researchers wrote, further noting that "active rehabilitation intervention strategies designed to improve physical and mental well-being should be promoted, as they could have an impact on enhancing positive health outcomes."
If you suffer from low back pain -- or any kind of pain, for that matter -- think twice before considering surgery. Instead, consult your doctor of chiropractic for a treatment plan that will not only help reduce your pain but preserve your general health for the long term.
Hee HT, Whitecloud III TS, Myers L. The effect of previous low back surgery on general health status. Spine, Sept. 1, 2004;29(17):1931-7.
The study examined more than 18,000 patients with back pain enrolled at first visit in the National Spine Network (NSN) database from January 1998 through April 2000. Of those patients, 3,632 had a history of low back surgery. Data were derived from a first-visit questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), both of which were completed by all patients when first evaluated for back pain.
Results showed that patients with a history of lumbar spine surgery fared significantly worse on areas such as physical functioning, general health and mental health compared to those patients with no prior history of spine surgery. "Previous back surgery is associated with significantly worse general health status than those without surgery among patients with low back pain..." the researchers wrote, further noting that "active rehabilitation intervention strategies designed to improve physical and mental well-being should be promoted, as they could have an impact on enhancing positive health outcomes."
If you suffer from low back pain -- or any kind of pain, for that matter -- think twice before considering surgery. Instead, consult your doctor of chiropractic for a treatment plan that will not only help reduce your pain but preserve your general health for the long term.
Hee HT, Whitecloud III TS, Myers L. The effect of previous low back surgery on general health status. Spine, Sept. 1, 2004;29(17):1931-7.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
When It Is Best to Buy Organic
If ever there were a time to splurge on organic produce, it is when you are buying strawberries. The reason? The scarlet beauties lack a rind or peel that can protect against pesticides. What's more, their porous surface allows chemicals to penetrate the flesh, so you cannot just scrub them clean. No organic strawberries nearby? You can still enjoy the juicy gems worry-free. Simply soak them in a solution of one pint water and 1/4 tsp. dish detergent for a half hour, then rinse. The detergent will ot affect the flavor, but the cleansing agents will neutralize any pesticide residue so you can savor the berries without a care.
UC DAVIS STUDY WITH MICE LINKS THIMEROSAL
Sacramento, Calif.) – A team of cell biologists, toxicologists and molecular bioscientists at the University of California, Davis, has published a study connecting thimerosal with disruptions in antigen-presenting cells known as dendritic cells obtained from mice. The study provides the first evidence that dendritic cells show unprecedented sensitivity to thimerosal, resulting in fundamental changes in the immune system’s ability to respond to external factors. The study was published online today and will be available in the July print edition of Environmental Health Perspectives, the peer-reviewed scientific publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
“This is the first time that thimerosal has been shown to selectively alter the normal functions of dendritic cells,” said Isaac Pessah, a toxicologist with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, director of the Children’s Center for Environmental Health and Disease Prevention and senior author of the study. “Dendritic cells play pivotal roles in overcoming viral and bacterial invaders by coordinating the immune system’s overall combat response.” One dendritic cell can activate as many as 300 T-cells – white blood cells that help find and kill external agents that attack the immune system – making them the most effective immune system activators.
The study shows how intricate connections between calcium channels in dendritic cells change when exposed to thimerosal. “The slightest fluctuation in how calcium channels ‘communicate’ can alter the growth, maturation and activation of dendritic cells,” explained Pessah. “Thimerosal dramatically alters how two key calcium channels, code-named RyR1 and IP3R1, found in dendritic cells function as a team by ‘garbling’ the normal signaling system between them.”
When thimerosal at a concentration as low as 20 parts per billion alters the fidelity of normal calcium signals, dendritic cells show abnormal secretion of IL-6 cytokine – a potent chemical signal that initiates inflammatory responses. Higher concentrations – 200 parts per billion – causes programmed death of dendritic cells, preventing them from maturing and doing their primary job of activating T-cells. Without proper feedback to guide its response, a normal dendritic cell can quickly become “a rogue, producing misinformation that could activate aberrant and harmful immune responses,” Pessah explained. “Even one rogue dendritic cell can activate many inappropriate immune responses.”
The research team conducted the study on cells cultured from a strain of mouse not particularly susceptible to immune dysregulation. Using fluorescent stains and powerful microscopes to study both immature and mature dendritic cells from bone marrow cultured under normal physiological conditions, the researchers discovered that extremely small levels of thimerosal interfere significantly with calcium channel function after just a few minutes of exposure. They also observed that immature dendritic cells are particularly sensitive to thimerosal.
Thimerosal is a cheap and effective mercury-based preservative. Its potential effects on embryonic neuron development led to its removal from many pediatric vaccines, however it is still used in influenza, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, blood products and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. The concentrations of thimerosal used by the UC Davis researchers were comparable to those attained in childhood vaccinations containing the preservative.
Researchers and parents have previously proposed links between childhood vaccines and autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects language skills and social interactions. In addition to being a direct neurotoxicant, the UC Davis study indicates that thimerosal may also be an immunotoxicant, leaving the immune system vulnerable to microbes and other external influences.
“Our findings do not directly implicate thimerosal as a single causative agent for triggering neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism,” Pessah said. “There is growing evidence that autism is several disorders that we now refer to as just one. There is also growing evidence that some children with autism have unique immune cell composition and responses to antigens. The results of our work provide a framework to test the hypothesis that the genetic background of some individuals may render them especially susceptible to thimerosal.”
Other experts also advise drawing no final conclusions regarding thimerosal and autism based on these outcomes.
“These findings should be interpreted cautiously. Although they suggest that thimerosal may affect dendritic cell function, the pathophysiological consequences of thimerosal remain unclear,” said David A. Schwartz, a physician and director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Since cell functions can differ across organisms, Pessah will next study dendritic cells isolated from the blood of children with and without autism to confirm if the intercellular changes are the same in humans. The initial mouse study was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. Joining Pessah on the scientific team were molecular bioscientists Samuel R. Goth, Ruth A. Chu and Gennady Cherednichenko and pathologist Jeffrey P. Gregg.
A copy of “Uncoupling of ATP-mediated Calcium Signaling and Dysregulated IL-6 Secretion in Dendritic Cells by Nanomolar Thimerosal” can be downloaded at http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2006/8881/abstract.html.
“This is the first time that thimerosal has been shown to selectively alter the normal functions of dendritic cells,” said Isaac Pessah, a toxicologist with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, director of the Children’s Center for Environmental Health and Disease Prevention and senior author of the study. “Dendritic cells play pivotal roles in overcoming viral and bacterial invaders by coordinating the immune system’s overall combat response.” One dendritic cell can activate as many as 300 T-cells – white blood cells that help find and kill external agents that attack the immune system – making them the most effective immune system activators.
The study shows how intricate connections between calcium channels in dendritic cells change when exposed to thimerosal. “The slightest fluctuation in how calcium channels ‘communicate’ can alter the growth, maturation and activation of dendritic cells,” explained Pessah. “Thimerosal dramatically alters how two key calcium channels, code-named RyR1 and IP3R1, found in dendritic cells function as a team by ‘garbling’ the normal signaling system between them.”
When thimerosal at a concentration as low as 20 parts per billion alters the fidelity of normal calcium signals, dendritic cells show abnormal secretion of IL-6 cytokine – a potent chemical signal that initiates inflammatory responses. Higher concentrations – 200 parts per billion – causes programmed death of dendritic cells, preventing them from maturing and doing their primary job of activating T-cells. Without proper feedback to guide its response, a normal dendritic cell can quickly become “a rogue, producing misinformation that could activate aberrant and harmful immune responses,” Pessah explained. “Even one rogue dendritic cell can activate many inappropriate immune responses.”
The research team conducted the study on cells cultured from a strain of mouse not particularly susceptible to immune dysregulation. Using fluorescent stains and powerful microscopes to study both immature and mature dendritic cells from bone marrow cultured under normal physiological conditions, the researchers discovered that extremely small levels of thimerosal interfere significantly with calcium channel function after just a few minutes of exposure. They also observed that immature dendritic cells are particularly sensitive to thimerosal.
Thimerosal is a cheap and effective mercury-based preservative. Its potential effects on embryonic neuron development led to its removal from many pediatric vaccines, however it is still used in influenza, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, blood products and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. The concentrations of thimerosal used by the UC Davis researchers were comparable to those attained in childhood vaccinations containing the preservative.
Researchers and parents have previously proposed links between childhood vaccines and autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects language skills and social interactions. In addition to being a direct neurotoxicant, the UC Davis study indicates that thimerosal may also be an immunotoxicant, leaving the immune system vulnerable to microbes and other external influences.
“Our findings do not directly implicate thimerosal as a single causative agent for triggering neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism,” Pessah said. “There is growing evidence that autism is several disorders that we now refer to as just one. There is also growing evidence that some children with autism have unique immune cell composition and responses to antigens. The results of our work provide a framework to test the hypothesis that the genetic background of some individuals may render them especially susceptible to thimerosal.”
Other experts also advise drawing no final conclusions regarding thimerosal and autism based on these outcomes.
“These findings should be interpreted cautiously. Although they suggest that thimerosal may affect dendritic cell function, the pathophysiological consequences of thimerosal remain unclear,” said David A. Schwartz, a physician and director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Since cell functions can differ across organisms, Pessah will next study dendritic cells isolated from the blood of children with and without autism to confirm if the intercellular changes are the same in humans. The initial mouse study was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute. Joining Pessah on the scientific team were molecular bioscientists Samuel R. Goth, Ruth A. Chu and Gennady Cherednichenko and pathologist Jeffrey P. Gregg.
A copy of “Uncoupling of ATP-mediated Calcium Signaling and Dysregulated IL-6 Secretion in Dendritic Cells by Nanomolar Thimerosal” can be downloaded at http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2006/8881/abstract.html.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Relieving Back Pain the Natural Way
Back pain is the leading reason people seek out the services of a doctor of chiropractic for care. While spinal adjustments are the most popular method chiropractors use to treat back pain, they are by no means the only method. A review published by The Cochrane Collaboration has found that three herbs - devil's claw, white willow bark and cayenne - also are effective in treating low back pain, and that in some instances, they work just as well as prescription drugs.
In the review, scientists examined 10 other studies involving more than 1,500 people who suffered from acute, subacute or chronic low back pain. The review showed "strong evidence" that a 60 milligram daily dose of devil's claw was more effective than a placebo in the relief of back pain, and appeared to reduce back pain as much as a 12.5-milligram dose of Vioxx, a painkiller that was recently taken off of the market due to a number of adverse side-effects. A 240 milligram daily dose of white willow bark also had the same effect as a 12.5 milligram dose of Vioxx. Cayenne, which was tested as a type of plaster applied to the skin, reduced pain more than a placebo, and was just as effective as Spiroflor, a popular homeopathic gel.
Of course, it's important to note that while these herbs appear to be effective in treating back pain, they are not entirely without some side-effects of their own, at least in certain circumstances. Devil's claw, for instance, may cause an upset stomach, while white willow bark can reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications. As such, people who are taking blood thinners or are sensitive to certain herbs may want to seek out other natural forms of back pain relief -- such as an adjustment from their chiropractor!
Gagnier JJ, van Tulder M, Berman B, et al. Herbal medicine for low back pain. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Article #CD004504. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004504.pub3.
In the review, scientists examined 10 other studies involving more than 1,500 people who suffered from acute, subacute or chronic low back pain. The review showed "strong evidence" that a 60 milligram daily dose of devil's claw was more effective than a placebo in the relief of back pain, and appeared to reduce back pain as much as a 12.5-milligram dose of Vioxx, a painkiller that was recently taken off of the market due to a number of adverse side-effects. A 240 milligram daily dose of white willow bark also had the same effect as a 12.5 milligram dose of Vioxx. Cayenne, which was tested as a type of plaster applied to the skin, reduced pain more than a placebo, and was just as effective as Spiroflor, a popular homeopathic gel.
Of course, it's important to note that while these herbs appear to be effective in treating back pain, they are not entirely without some side-effects of their own, at least in certain circumstances. Devil's claw, for instance, may cause an upset stomach, while white willow bark can reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications. As such, people who are taking blood thinners or are sensitive to certain herbs may want to seek out other natural forms of back pain relief -- such as an adjustment from their chiropractor!
Gagnier JJ, van Tulder M, Berman B, et al. Herbal medicine for low back pain. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Article #CD004504. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004504.pub3.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Say "Yes" to Exercise, "No" to Surgery for Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries are common and often referred for treatment through surgical means. Researchers compared surgery vs. exercise training in patients suffering from shoulder pain to determine which has the more positive outcome. Shoulder pain in this study was defined as rotator cuff disease and nerve impingement.
Eighty-four participants were randomized into a surgical intervention group (41 patients) or physiotherapeutic exercise group (43 patients). All patients were evaluated before intervention and filled out a questionnaire regarding pain and impairment. The exercise group received 19, 60-minute sessions consisting of the application of heat, cold packs, or soft-tissue treatments, followed by muscle training and rotator cuff strengthening exercises.
Results: Both groups were evaluated at three, six and 12 months. Pain was measured using the Constant score totaling 100, which includes pain measured on a visual analogue scale, as well as measures in daily activity limitations, range of motion and shoulder strength. Before intervention, the exercise group Constant score was 34.8, while the surgery group was 33.7. After intervention, the exercise group Constant score improved to 54.8, 55.5, and 57.0 after three, six and 12 months, respectively, while the surgery group’s scores were 49.2, 53.8 and 52.7. After one year, 20 participants (10 in each group) reported a score of 80 or higher.
Although the researchers note some study limitations, they ultimately concluded that they "are now more reluctant to recommend surgery" for shoulder impingement.
Reference: Haahr JP, Østergaard S, Dalsgaard J, et al. Exercises versus arthroscopic decompression in patients with subacromial impingement: a randomised, controlled study in 90 cases with a one year follow up. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64:760-764.
Eighty-four participants were randomized into a surgical intervention group (41 patients) or physiotherapeutic exercise group (43 patients). All patients were evaluated before intervention and filled out a questionnaire regarding pain and impairment. The exercise group received 19, 60-minute sessions consisting of the application of heat, cold packs, or soft-tissue treatments, followed by muscle training and rotator cuff strengthening exercises.
Results: Both groups were evaluated at three, six and 12 months. Pain was measured using the Constant score totaling 100, which includes pain measured on a visual analogue scale, as well as measures in daily activity limitations, range of motion and shoulder strength. Before intervention, the exercise group Constant score was 34.8, while the surgery group was 33.7. After intervention, the exercise group Constant score improved to 54.8, 55.5, and 57.0 after three, six and 12 months, respectively, while the surgery group’s scores were 49.2, 53.8 and 52.7. After one year, 20 participants (10 in each group) reported a score of 80 or higher.
Although the researchers note some study limitations, they ultimately concluded that they "are now more reluctant to recommend surgery" for shoulder impingement.
Reference: Haahr JP, Østergaard S, Dalsgaard J, et al. Exercises versus arthroscopic decompression in patients with subacromial impingement: a randomised, controlled study in 90 cases with a one year follow up. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64:760-764.
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