December News/Updates

December's Blog News

Chiropractic, Alternative Healthcare & Nutrition News:

• FDA has new website on drug safety: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drugSafety.htm.
• Vitamin D may perform a protective role against multiple sclerosis (MS). Deficiency raise hip fracture risk.
• Boswellia (5-Loxin) significantly decreases pain and improves arthritis of the knee. Osteo-Biflex, and a preparation from the Life Extension foundation provide glucosamine sulfate (cartilage protective) and 5-Loxin (anti-inflammatory properties as well).
• Curcumin (tumeric spice) shows promise against cold sore virus.
• INDIGO OINTMENT (Indigo naturalis)- was shown to dramatically improve the lesions from psoriasis in a study report in the Archives of Dermatology.
• Loss of sleep may increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Green tea extract improves blood glucose control reducing hemoglobin A1c.
• Black raspberries appear to protect against cancer risk.
• Goji berry juice helps improve well-being, mental performance, calmness and gastrointestinal performance and lower fatigue and stress.
• Broccoli may help reverse damage done to blood vessels by diabetes.
• Flaxseed oil was shown in a recent study to improve urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
• Journal of Neurology reports an association between vitamin B12 deficiency and brain shrinkage (atrophy-which has been linked to Alzheimer’s).
• Macular degeneration (MD)-plant caroteinoids such as lutein and zeaxthin have been shown to help prevent MD. One researcher suggests a hormonal component.
• Excessive intake of high fructose corn syrup appears to correlate with increased obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
  

Medical News:

• Liraglutide, a new drug in the same class as Byetta, cuts blood sugar and lowers weight in a yearlong study of people with early type 2 diabetes.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced approval of

• Tapentadol hydrochloride (Johnson & Johnson), an immediate-release oral tablet for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain.
• Focalin for ADHD

Transient Ischemic Attacks:

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are the harbinger of strokes and need to be identified and treated. Neurologist recently identified 3 clinical characteristics:
1. Gradual symptom onset. Neurological mimickers generally take longer. TIAs come on like lightening. Migraines or seizures take longer.
2. History of unexplained transient neurologic attacks.
3. Presence of nonspecific symptoms.

Cost Containment: With the current weakening economy and health insurance issues, it is important for patients to know that I am committed to getting them well as fast as possible and at a reasonable cost. I have not raised my charges on any services since 1995 and am using the charge sheet developed at that time. To be able to do so, however, I cannot give many free services and have to charge for the procedures I do perform.

Chiropractic, Alternative Healthcare & Nutrition News:

Monitoring your blood pressure: What are normal ranges?

• Normal blood pressure: Systolic (top number) <>
• Pre-hypertension: Systolic 120-139 mmHg or Diastolic 80-89 mmHg.
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 140-159 mmHg, or Diastolic 90-99 mmHg.
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 160 mmHg+, or Diastolic 100 mmHg +
  Note: Recent smoking or exercise can increase the numbers slightly. Try to take your pressure at the same time every day. 3 successive high reading are needed to establish hypertension on different days. If your numbers are high, take 3 successive readings one minute apart. Very high numbers are at risk for strokes.
  

Heart Attack Signs:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
  As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
  

Heart attacks are also more prevalent during holidays and cold weather with the peak incident level on December 25th.

Stroke Warning Signs The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
  If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

Signs of Peripheral & Autonomic Neuropathy:

Peripheral Neuropathy signs: This is especially important for diabetics.

• Tingling or burning in your toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands, or arms?
• A "pins and needles" feeling?
• Pain or cramping?
• Numbness or loss of sensation?
• Insensitivity to heat and cold?
• Extreme sensitivity to even the lightest touch?
• Muscle weakness in your hands or feet? Loss of coordination

Autonomic Neuropathy:

• Trouble feeling when your blood sugar is low?
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea?
• Frequent indigestion, nausea, or vomiting?
• Problems with urination?
• Problems with sex or orgasm?
• Faintness or dizziness when you stand up?
• Trouble seeing well enough to drive at night?
• Changes in sweating, either much more or less than usual?

Some things you can do to handle peripheral neuropathy.

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)-aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc. Can cause stomach issues. Prescription strength- Lodine, Relafen, Celebrex.
• Tylenol – no anti-inflammatory properties therefore easier on stomach.
• Creams and gels: capsaicin (Capsaicin, Zostrix). Made from chili-peppers; can take a week to act; some get allergies; may interfere with healing (diabetic problem); can burn if sweating or open pores right after a shower. Lidocaine-can be bought in non-prescription strength or can get with a prescription. Don’t waste your time on Aspercreme or Ben Gay as they have not been shown to be effective.
• Anti-Seizure Drugs- Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta.
• Anti-depressants- SSRIs- prozac, paxil, SNRIs-Cymbalta, Effexor. Tricyclic anti-depressants-Elavil.
• Opiods.

Nutrition/Diet News:

• Using a combination of simvastatin and red yeast rice and fish oil supplements in a study showed more significant drops in LDL, triglycerides and body weight as reported in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2008. The triglyceride and body weight drops were where significant compared to the control group. Turns out there is a way other than statins to achieve these good results.
• The association between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women in a review indicates a possible biochemical mechanism occurring between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women, warranting further studies of these variables using rigorous methodologies.
• Epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest that soy isoflavones have beneficial effects on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and bone mechanical strength in postmenopausal women. The long-term safety of soy isoflavone supplements remains to be demonstrated.
• The INTERHEART study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, shows that the risk of heart attack crosses geographic boundaries and correlates strongly to the so-called Western diet that favors salty snacks and fried foods, and to a lesser extent, meat increases heart attack risk globally.
  

Nutrition Update, Cancer, Women's Health

Chiropractic, Alternative Healthcare & Nutrition News:

• Good news for dark chocolate eaters- it may reduce C-Reactive Protein (inflammatory marker) just don’t eat too much since it can increase lipids (blood fats).
• Energy drinks-looking for a boost in your energy. LOOK OUT. Some of the energy drinks out there have the caffeine equivalent of 14 cans of Coca Cola. On top of that they are laden with sugar (I’ve seen them have been 20-30 grams of sugar). It’ll give you energy but what are the health effects. The caffeine will keep you up for a long time and once the sugar wears off you could have a serious drop in blood sugar. It gives a jolt-crash phenomenon and you people are particularly susceptible to it. It can cause heart palpitations. There may be some links with drug use as well.
• Vitamin C may prevent gout.
• Exercise and diet might help preserve muscle mass in the elderly.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis.
• Mediterranean Diet and Disease-The researchers found that people who followed a strict Mediterranean diet were:
  9% less likely to die from heart disease or other cardiovascular problems
  6% less likely to develop cancer or die from it
  13% less likely to have Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease
  The Mediterranean diet was first popularized in the U.S. in the 1990s. It is low in saturated fat and high in fiber and monounsaturated fat and includes vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, fruit, and moderate red wine. The main cooking fat is olive oil.

Medical News:

• Progressive muscle issues and weakness may be an early sign of a serious problem developing called ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) according to a Medscape article.

Women’s Health News:

Women's Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Many women don’t have chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue
• Pressure in lower chest or upper abdomen
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Back pain
  

Cancer Information:

What Are the Symptoms for Endometrial Cancer?
Some women with endometrial cancer experience no symptoms until the disease has spread to other organs. However, endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed by the appearance of symptoms -- like vaginal bleeding -- as the malignancy begins to grow. The most likely symptoms are:
· Abnormal vaginal bleeding which occurs in 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Before menopause, this means unusually heavy irregular menstrual periods or bleeding between periods. After a woman enters menopause, this means any vaginal bleeding, unless she is on post menopausal hormone therapy (HT). Postmenopausal women on HT may have monthly bleeding that resembles menstruation; any unusual or heavy bleeding should be reported to the doctor.
· Vaginal discharge that may range from pink and watery to thick, brown and foul smelling. Difficult or painful urination.
· An enlarged uterus, detectable upon pelvic examination.
· Pain during intercourse.
Unexpected weight loss; weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back or legs. This occurs once the cancer has spread to other organs.

Colorectal Cancer:

• The second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States is colorectal cancer, according the March-April 2008 issue of CA: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
• The American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal cancer screening include sigmoidoscopy every 5 years and colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Vegetables and fruit may protect men from colorectal cancer.
• Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) is likely helpful as a screening tool for colorectal cancer according to the Cochrane Report.

August Blog

FROM CHIROPACTIC/ALTERNATIVE/PAIN MEDICINE:

• Back pain strikes nearly 80 percent of all adults, yet its causes are not fully understood. A growing cadre of doctors and scientists now believes that chronic back pain is a disease of the nervous system, not the spine. This breakthrough has opened the doors to new kinds of treatments that could banish back pain forever.
• Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as "tender points" on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs, which hurt when slight pressure (about 9 pounds) is applied. People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as: Trouble sleeping, Morning stiffness, Headaches, Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog"), Irritable bowel syndrome. Women with fibromyalgia may also have painful menstrual periods. Fibromyalgia may also be associated with depression. The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but problems with the nervous system could be involved. It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects as many as 1 in 50 Americans. Most people with fibromyalgia are women, and most are diagnosed during middle age. However, men and children also can have the disorder.
• Some individuals afflicted with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis or chronic pain have found respite in a tried-and-true practice – acupuncture.
• Women's Health. The Office of Research on Women's Health offers podcasts and transcripts discussing the latest news in women's health research and includes conversations with guests on a variety of subjects, including osteoporosis, vulvodynia and irritable bowel syndrome, which affects about 10% to 20% of the U.S. population and is more common in women. Here is the internet link. http://orwh.od.nih.gov/podcast/podcast_archive.html.
  

FROM NUTRITION NEWS:

• Obesity Rates from the CDC. National goal is 15% by 2010. Texas is currently at 9th on the list and tied with Oklahoma with a 28.1% obesity rate.
• GOOD, BAD & UGLY of BREAKFAST fast foods (pass on these):
  McDonald’s: Deluxe Breakfast with a regular or large biscuit and the Big Breakfast because they can set you back a minimum of 790 calories, 51 g fat, and 18 g saturated fat.
  Burger King’s: Enormous Omelet Sandwich (730 calories, 45 g fat, 16 g saturated fat, and 1,949 mg sodium) containing an omelet on a specialty bun topped with bacon, sausage, and cheese -- a high-calorie, high-fat, high-sodium sandwich containing almost a day’s worth of fat and sodium.
  Jack-in-the-Box: Sirloin Steak & Egg Burrito with Fire Roasted Tomato Salsa has a whopping 790 calories, 48 g fat, and 5 g saturated fat along with 6 g fiber.
  Carl’s Junior: French Toast Dips with syrup are the better bet but hardly healthy. Worst bets include the Breakfast Burger loaded with a burger, egg, bacon, cheese, and hash brown nuggets (830 calories, 47 g fat, 15 g saturated fat, 1,580 mg sodium, and 3 g fiber) or the hard-to-hold Loaded Breakfast Burrito bursting with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, 2 cheeses, and salsa wrapped in a tortilla (820 calories, 51 g fat, 16 g saturated fat, 1,530 mg sodium, and 2 grams fiber).
  Dunkin Donut: Triple Chocolate Muffin (660 calories, 33 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 4 g fiber) or Peanut Butter Cup Cookie (590 calories, 29 g fat, 13 g saturated fat, and 3 g fiber).
  Starbuck’s: Starbucks Classic Coffee Cake (570 calories, 28 g fat, 10 g sat fat, 7 g protein.
  Subway: 6 inch Chipotle Steak & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (600 calories, 32 g fat, 11 g saturated fat, 1,470 mg sodium, 6 g fiber).
• Allergy Foods: the 8 most common allergy foods are: Milk (mostly in children), eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts (like walnuts and pecans), Soy, Wheat, Fish (mostly in adults), Shellfish (mostly in adults).
• Cholesterol. Supplements of fish oil and red yeast rice, coupled with lifestyle changes in diet and exercise habits, can reduce cholesterol as much as standard cholesterol-loweringmedications known as statins, according to a new study.
  

FROM MEDICAL RESEARCH/MEDICINE:

• Smoking. More than half of all people with chronic pain are smokers, and research suggests that cigarette smoking may make chronically painful conditions worse.
• On July 30th the US House of Representatives approved the Veterans Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008. Section 4 of the bill contains the pain care provisions championed by APF and many individuals and organizations in the pain community. The bill will now be reconciled with the bill that was recently passed in the Senate.
  On July 31st Senators Hatch and Dodd introduced the National Pain Care Policy Act in the Senate as S. 3387. Except for a few minor changes, the language is the same as the House measure. PLEASE TAKE ACTION in support of this Senate bill. The introduction of this bill in the Senate is a very significant step and with our coordinated efforts to encourage our Senators to support this bill, we may see this important legislation passed in this session of Congress. ACT NOW!
• Heart Attack Symptoms: The most common symptom of a heart attack is severe chest pain. Many people describe the pain as discomfort, pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. People often put their fist to their chest when they describe the pain. The pain may spread down the left shoulder and arm and to other areas, such as the back, jaw, neck, or right arm. Many people also have at least one other symptom, such as: Pain in the upper belly, often mistaken for heartburn, sweating, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, a feeling that their heart is racing or pounding (palpitations), feeling weak or very tired, feeling dizzy or fainting.

Health News Update

FROM CHIROPRACTIC/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:

Marty is back to a full working schedule with no current residuals from her bout with acute gastritis.

Early intervention for neck and back and other joint and soft tissue complaints is important. Delaying care can result in more prolonged treatment or difficulty resolving complaints. If pain persists for more than a couple of days or radiates from a point, don't delay your care.

Pain, Nerve and Joint News:

• Magnets: Scientific evidence does not support the use of magnets for pain relief. Studies have had mixed results and researchers suggest it may depend on the type of pain. A few studies suggest magnets may help provide some relief with osteoarthritic pain. More research is needed. Personally, they have helped me with wrist pain.
• Meditation may help with pain control. Using the mind to control pain can be effective. Techniques such as neurolinguistic programming (NLP) methods can also help alter the way the brain perceives pain.
• Pain: A synthetic form of marijuana, nabilone, reduces pain. Medical marijuana is effective for neurogenic pain but increases the risk of mental issues, especially schizophrenia in those susceptible.
• Fibromyalgia: A recent review study shows fibromyalgia is real. Some doctors still think it is psychological. Gabapentin is effective for fibromyalgia pain.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Women are twice as likely to develop this condition as men. Doctors have found evidence that carpal tunnel syndrome develops after an injury shears the tissue that lines tendons within the carpal tunnel. As the injury heals, the resulting scar tissue impedes the sliding motion of the tendons, compresses the nerve, and cuts off the nerve's blood supply. The scarring fuses the tendons together, causing the pain and pressure buildup characteristic of the syndrome. Neurodynamics and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (Graston) are two approaches addressing scar tissue and impeded movement of the tunnel contents (causes vs. treating symptoms). Dr. Riggs uses both instrument assisted and neurodynamic techniques.
• Chili peppers (capsaicin) helps block pain when combined with a local anesthetic (QX314). One in four people experience pain as part of their daily life.
• Chiropractic safety: In the past 65 years of history between 1934 and 1999, there have been only 19 deaths associated in some way shape or form with chiropractic care. If one person were to review all 19 deaths at a rate of 1 case per day, it would take only 19 days. If we considered the same in medicine, it would take 542 separate people their entire lives, reviewing one case per day, to review the 14,625,000 deaths due to medical mistakes, drug reactions, and botched surgeries over the same period. Another way to look at it, it would take one person 40,068 years to review the deaths due to medical mistakes compared to only 19 days for chiropractic related deaths.
  
  FROM NUTRITION NEWS:
• Low Vitamin D is linked to back pain in older women. Vitamin D may help protect against peripheral artery disease. Low vitamin D is linked with depression in a Dutch study.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) relieves muscle damage in athletes.
• Green tea antioxidant (EGCG) reduces breast cancer growth in animals. It also combats oxidative damage from exercise.
• Macadamia nuts help reduce cholesterol.
• DHEA helps inhibit inflammation in the cells lining blood vessels.
• Melatonin- has been used as a nutritional sleep aid due to its ability to regulate the body’s “master clock”. This hormone also has other benefits-anti-inflammatory effects similar to NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) without the stomach issues; protection against brain injuries after trauma or ischemia (lack of blood supply); prevents many cognitive deficits of aging and heart deficits following injury. It may also help relieve GERD (reflux) and help heal gastric ulcers. Studies have also suggested it may help with various cancers. Due to blood thinning characteristics and sedative effects-Do not use if taking warfarin (Coumadin), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or nifedipine (Procardia), or with sedating drugs or supplements. Talk to your prescribing physician if you do.
• Migraines-butterbur (petasites hybridus) may cut frequency of migraines by up to 50% in long-term sufferers. It also helps with seasonal allergies and asthma.
  
  FROM MEDICAL RESEARCH/MEDICINE:
  
• Insulin Resistance, metabolic disease and heart attack-most people with heart disease and diabetes are insulin-resistant leading to increased risk of heart attack and stroke; Metabolic Syndrome (elevated blood sugar, increased triglycerides, reduced HDL, heightened inflammation). Insulin resistance and inflammation can be reduced by supplements and lifestyle strategies. Fish oil, chromium, white bean extract, DHEA, vitamin D, lipoic acid, magnesium, cinnamon, beta glucans, reservatrol, and polyphenols (cocoa, green tea, apples).
• Fibromyalgia may be linked to a central nervous system problem with sensory processing. Cymbalta has been approved for fibromyalgia.
  Moderate alcohol consumption may lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (from Scandinavia).
• Naftidrofury, a drug that relaxes blood vessels, eases leg pain with walking.
  Amitiza (lubiprostone) has been approved by the FDA for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
• Anticholinergic drugs used for such things as overactive bladder, motion sickness and asthma may hasten mental and physical functional decline in older adults. Bladder medications were the most problematic.
• Enbrel a drug for rheumatoid arthritis appears to help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Anti-depressants may increase your risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Losing weight, stop smoking, lower cholesterol and taking an aspirin a day may significantly lower heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin is gastro-erosive (eats up the stomach lining).

TEST YOUR BRAIN AGE: Click or past this link and see you’re your brain age is: http://brainwaves.corante.com/archives/2008/06/19/whats_your_brain_age_take_this_7_minute_test.php.

Health news update blog

FROM CHIROPACTIC/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:

New Nerve Treatment: Dr. Riggs is working on a new nerve treatment technique called neurodynamics. Neurodynamics is a nerve mobilizing technique developed by Australian therapist Michael Shacklock. It helps conditions where nerves are trapped in the soft tissue and can be effective in treating such conditions as numbness and tingling in the hands and legs, carpal tunnel, sciatica, misdiagnosed cases of plantar fasciitis (tarsal tunnel syndrome) and other entrapment syndromes like thoracic outlet syndrome. It may also help disc problems. The technique is not an overnight cure but helps conditions where the nerve is stuck in the soft tissue due to inflammation, adhesions (scar tissue), or entrapment for mechanical reasons.

Soft Tissue Treatment News (tendons, muscles, ligments): Recent research has found that mechanical stimulation of soft tissues stimulates positive reactions in fibroblasts that are healing. One study showed that the use of instrument-assisted cross fiber massage resulted in ligaments that were 31 percent stronger, 34 percent stiffer and accelerated ligament healing with an acute injury of the knee with medium pressure. The method used was Graston technique. Dr. Riggs, although not currently listed on the Graston site (ridiculous fees), is the only certified Graston practitioner West of Dallas. He has been using Graston technique since 2003 to treat conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, strains and sprains, ankle injuries, knee and shoulder injuries, plantar fasciitis/heel spurs, and other soft tissue injuries. Chronic injuries respond well.

Manipulation News: A recent study found chiropractic manipulation with Biofreeze usage resulted in significant reductions in pain. Another study found chiropractic was also helpful in migraines that did not respond well to medication. A Swedish study showed improvement in hip extension with athletes receiving manipulation.

FROM NUTRITION NEWS:

7 Pillars of weight Loss:
1. Restore insulin sensitivity. Nutrients such as chromium, magnesium, cocoa polyphenols, and fish oils can help.
2. Restore youthful hormone balance. Men-free testosterone (especially with excess estrogen), DHEA levels need to be looked at. Rule out prostate cancer (PSA test). Women-thyroid levels, check estrogen dominance (bio-identical hormones),
3. Control rate of carbohydrate absorption. 5 grams of soluble fiber before or with meals to blunt glucose-insulin surges and fill you up. High fiber diet. Oat and barley (beta-glucans).
4. Increase physical activity. Improves insulin sensitivity.
5. Restore brain serotonin. Obesity is connected to low tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin.
6. Restore resting energy expenditure rate. Fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil can safely boost metabolic rates.
7. Eat to live a long and healthy life. Avoid fad diets. Avoid overcooked foods Lower calorie ingestion (contributes to degeneration).

Bone and artery health: Vitamin K2 deficiency may lead to decreased bone density and excess arterial wall calcium. Sources: organ meats, egg yolks, matto (Japanese condiment), cheeses (Swiss Emmental and Norwegian Jarlsberg). Supplements. If you use blood thinners you should check with your doctor.

Fish Oil Benefits: omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils) in the form of EPA and DHA lower blood fats and reduce tendency for obesity.

Cancer Nutrients: reservatrol was found in a study to suppress prostate cancer development; milk thistle extract (silibinin) demonstrates laboratory suppression of liver cancer;

Miscellaneous Nutrition News: long term supplement users are healthier; vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for type 1 diabetes; lean meats and low fat dairy products allow weight loss without bone loss (high carb diets contribute to),

Warding off chronic yeast and bacterial infections: maintaining normal body flora may help ward off yeast and chronic urinary tract infections. Antibiotic therapy, smoking, oscillating stress levels and other factors can result in upsetting the normal body microflora. Probiotics help maintain optimal pH, support immune function, prevent microbe growth and prevent vaginal infections. If you are immunosuppressed, you should check with your medical doctor first.

FROM THE FUTURE: Health-nanotechnology and molecular engineering have potential benefits with inherent risks and ethical issues.

FROM MEDICINE:

Shingles: All adults aged 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, a condition that can cause debilitating chronic pain, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Thursday. This new recommendation replaces the agency's provisional recommendation, made in 2006, after the ZOSTAVAX vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The down side to this recommendation is whether the insurance companies will cover it –it’s expensive at $150. It is about two-thirds effective according to the report. A key factor to me would be whether you have had chicken pox in the past. If you have then, it might be worth talking to your medical doctor about the shot. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the dormant chicken pox virus (varicella zoster). Shingles is very painful since the virus lays dormant in the sensory nerves. When it reactivates it is painful and sometimes skin blisters will appear along the sensory area of the nerve.

The peak incidence age group is 50-70 and may be higher due to lower immunity in older people. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, malignancy, trauma, surgery, and local irradiation all predispose one to outbreaks. The skin lesions are infective until a dry crust appears. Pregnant women, children and immunocompromised individuals are susceptible. Before an outbreak you may experience chills, fever, malaise, gastrointestinal disturbances, tingling sensations and red bumps. If the outbreak occurs on the face, it can be serious and needs immediate attention. Chronic pain due to a condition called postherpatic neuralgia can result.

Cardiac CAT Scans: widespread use of cardiac CAT/CT scans can be risky. Radiation from it can produce cumulative side effects on our body. Exposes the body to large amounts of radiation (a known carcinogenic). The number performed has skyrocketed from 3 million in 1980 to 62 million today. Radiation exposure is cumulative of a course of a life time. One or more CT scans can lead to accruing the radiation exposure of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Should not be used as a screening tool for healthy individuals. Regular check-ups, screening for blood lipids are better choices.

SKIN CANCERS & NUTRITION UPDATE

It is that time of the year-sun exposure increases in the hotter weather since the sun is in the sky longer. If you work outside or do a lot of yard work, there are some things you need to do to keep an eye out for potential problems. Wear sun screen. Try to limit your time to less intense sun hours-around noon is the worst time. Wear hats and long sleeves to minimize exposed areas.

THE ABCDs of skin lesions

Dermatologist uses a simple acronym for skin issues such as cancer. Obviously, a skin lesion that does not heal should be check. Moles or lesions that are changing need to be checked. Also, the following guide helps.

A=Asymmetry-look for asymmetry from one half to the other. In other words one half of the mole does not match the other half.

B= Borders-look for ragged, notched or blurred edges.

C=Color- lack of uniformity in the pigment. Shades of back, brown and tan are present. Splotches or red, white and blue add to the mottled look.

D=Diameter-anything over the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm) is considered abnormal skin growth. Any new growth of a mole should be of concern.

If you have moles or lesions on your back, have someone check them using the guide. Avoid excessive sun exposure and especially sunburns. You can get burned on cloudy days as well. Tanning beds also contribute to skin cancers.

Cancerous Skin Lesions:

Actinic keratosis-these are the pre-cancerous skin lesions. These are the scaly lesions on the face, back of the hands and arms. Sun screens can help prevent them.

Basal Cell Carcinoma-This skin usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule- most often on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally, these cancers may appear on the trunk of the body as red patches. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancers found in fair-skinned people. These tumors are slow spreading and it might take many months or years for one to grow to a diameter of one-half inch. Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, peel, and then the cycle repeats. This type of cancer rarely metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body), it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause considerable local damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma-This skin cancer may appeal as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in fair-skinned persons. Typical locations include: rim of the ear, the face, the lips and mouth. This cancer can develop into large masses it can metastasize. Found early and treated by dermatologic surgery for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is 95 percent.

Malignant Melanoma-This is the most dangerous. It is projected that this most deadly of all skin cancers will develop on the skin of 44,000 Americans annually. Every year, an estimated 73,000 Americans will die from melanoma. 1 in 70 Caucasians may be at risk of developing melanoma in his or her lifetime. It is important to note that the death rate is at last declining because patients are seeking treatment earlier. Like all skin cancer, melanoma is almost always curable when detected in its early stages. Melanoma begins in melanocytes, which makes the skin tan, acting as partial protection against sun. Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, which accounts for the cancers appearing in mixed shades of tan, brown and black. Melanoma can also be red or white. Melanoma tends to spread, making early recognition and treatment essential. Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning, but it may also begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot on the skin. It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on your body. The most important step you can take to recognizing skin cancer is to have any changing mole examined by a dermatologist. Excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburn is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. Heredity also plays a part since a person has an increased chance of developing melanoma if a family member has had melanoma. Atypical moles, which may run in families, and a high number of moles, can serve as markers for people at higher risk for developing melanoma. Dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. Dark-skinned people can develop melanoma, especially on the palms of the hand, sole of the feel, under nails or in the mouth. Warning signs of melanoma include: changes in the surface of a mole, sealiness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a new bump, spread of pigment from the border into surrounding skin and change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness or pain.

NUTRITION NEWS

• Men with low levels of testosterone are at increased risk for endothelia dysfunction which is an underlying cause of cardiovascular disease.
• Pomegranate may inhibit prostate cancer by inhibits angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels to support tumor growth. An ellagitannin rick pomegranate extract was used in the study.
• A Chinese/Eastern medicine herb called rhodiola shows promise for anti-aging.
• Fish oil, especially the EPA (eicosapenaenoic acid) part may prevent schizophrenia.
• Curcumin (spice) may prevent and reverse heart enlargement.
• Alpha and gamma tocopherol may reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome (increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, hypertension, elevated fasting blood sugar, low HDL).
• Soy isoflavones help inhibit bone resorption and increase bone formation, and improve bone mineral density according to a recent study.
• Zinc reduces diarrhea in children.
• Broccoli sprouts help prevent bladder cancer- darn, I'm not a fan of broccoli.
• DHEA sulfate may help improve cognitive ability.
• Exercise reduces fatigue among inactive adults.
• Green Tea extract increases fat burning and insulin sensitivity.
• Magnesium lessens stroke risks in male smokers.
• Vitamin D Deficiency is common even in sunny climates.
• Macular degeneration and cataracts may be preventable with supplementation of meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Nutrition Update/NSAIDS

Wow! I did not realize I have been silent for so long-November. I guess business just got in the way. Generally, I try to keep nutrition and health information in the forefront on a monthly basis.

General stuff: With the constantly increasing cost of energy I will periodically comment on my efforts to reduce my impact on the environment. One of the easiest ways to cut your costs is to switch out your incandescent bulbs for CFLs (compact fluorescent). I did this at home all at once. Prior to switching out, my electrical bills have never been under $200 a month even during non-AC months. Since I have light switch challenged members in my family, I switched all of my lights to CFLs one weekend. I have had 3 successive months of electrical bills under $100 and last month it was $49.50. It was a little expensive doing them all at once (over $200), but I paid for the extra cost in 2 months of use. I am looking for ways to do this at the office as well since my summer electrical bills are over $600/month. Other things one can do to minimize electrical usage is to turn off electrical strips to TVs, VCRs, etc. when they are not being used. Motion sensors in rooms is also another trick if you have light switched challenged family.

Just as a point of interest: a 150 watt equivalent CFL is the same as a 40 watt incandescent, a 90 watt CFL is 23 watts. As you can see that's a big difference in wattage.

Nutrition/Health News:
NSAIDs-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. These include things like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, Orudis, aspirin, Aleve, Celebrex, mobic, Advil, Naprosen, Indomethacin, etc.

• NSAIDs can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding in the form of ulcers by eroding the protective lining of the stomach and GI tract. This can cause acute gastritis.
• Rebound pain can result from prolonged use of NSAIDs.
• Nutritional approaches to controlling pain and inflammation and alternative can be used. Tylenol with nutritional anti-inflammatories (dietary-avoid red meat and high carb diets, eat more cold-water fish or take Fish Oil Supplements, use nutritional anti-inflammatories such as curcumin, boswellic acids, etc.).
• NSAIDs only treat the symptoms. Yes, they are quick fixes.
• I for one cannot use NSAIDs due to causing a erosive gastritis (pre-ulcer) by avoiding knee surgery by popping aspirin. I reaggravated that later with ibuprofen.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that up to half of chronic NSAID users experience stomach and GI erosions and ulcers.
• Risks increase with poor health, getting older, taking corticosteroids and anti-coagulants, smoking, and long term use.
• NSAIDs should never be taken on an empty stomach.

Nutritional Highlights:

• Polyphenols: especially cocoa polyphenols, reduces insulin resistance and blood pressure in humans. It also improves arterial damage and may reduce overall mortality. It improves blood flow via vasodilation (opening vessels) reducing blood pressure, increasing circulating nitric oxide and lower vascular cell adhesion; reduces sticky platelets (modest) and has an additive effect with 81 mg aspirin; improves insulin sensitivity; increases blood flow to the brain improving cognitive performance; and serves as a source of anti-oxidants. How do you get cocoa polyphenols-dark chocolate is one source but it is rife with sugar and fat and inconsistent levels of polyphenols. Life Extension Foundation is one source of nutritional supplements with cocoa polyphenols.
• CoQ10 (ubiquinol is preferred)- this substance should be taken by those taking statin drugs (lipitor, zocor, etc.) due to statins reducing CoQ1o in the body. CoQ10 is important for cardiac function and benefits other organs such as the brain and kidneys that require high level energy metabolism.
• Atherosclerosis-SOD (superoxide dismutase) and pommegranate juice extract helps prevent and may reverse deadly atherosclerotic plaque (clogged arteries).
• Stress and Anxiety Relief without Tranquilizers: natural botanical extracts are available, one of which is as effective as the leading prescription drug to relieve anxiety and stress. Stress and anxiety lead to insomnia and impaired concentration. Medications generally produce unwanted side effects from sedation to memory problems. Theanine (derived from green tea) supports relaxation while allowing clear thinking. It may also supports healthy blood pressure, healthy weight management, and may provide support for some cancer therapies. Theanine dosages range from 100-400 mg/day with no know adverse reactions. Lemon balm extract is effective in relieving anxiousness and insomnia and helps boost cognitive performance and improves learning and retention. Dosages of lemon balm extract are 300 mg 1-2 times a day. There are no know contraindications.
• FISH OIL: Omega 3 fatty acids is the only dietary supplement the American Heart Association recommends people consider taking. EPA and DHA in fish oils are the key ingredients. A recent study found that the risk of unstable angina or heart attack was reduced by 62% for every 1.24% increase in whole blood EPA/DHA. In a 2002 NEJM study lower levels of EPA/DHA were found in people dying suddenly of a heart attack.
• Vitamin D: Numerous studies show greater vitamin D levels could reduce cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, esophagus, pancreas, ovary, rectum, bladder, kidney, lung and uterus as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Additional research on vitamin D shows reduction in Type 1 diabetes with children, type 2 diabetes with calcium, decreased falls in elderly, decreased multiple sclerosis in women taking 400 IU/day. Government recommendations are: 200 IU/day for children, 400 IU/day 51-70 years of age, and 600 IU/day over 70 are considered out of date. Blood levels should be in the area of 30-50 ng/mL which ideal intake may be in the area of 1000 to 4000 IU/day depending on what your baseline level is already. Toxicity occurs above 150 ng/mL in the blood.
• Joint Support- in addition to glucosamine and chondroitan sulfate, joint support may be helped with newly developed compounds from keratin, Hyaluronic acid and Korean Angelica. Angelica has anti-inflammatory characteristics as well as beneficial affects for the brain and Alzheimer's, potent pain relief and may help in treating some cancers. Decursinol-50 is the specialized extract. Angelica acts on the central nervous system to suppress inflammation. Oral hyaluronic acid helps with joint pain from arthritis and may improve joint lubrication and alleviate inflammation. Keratin acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and supports production of a protective anti-oxidant enzyme. It is a source of sulfur essential for joint resilience.