moved

Moved to Dowagiac MI

October Blog 2011

October Office Hours- Dr. Riggs will be out as follows:
Closed Saturday 10/8, closing at 5 PM Friday 10/7.  Out of town
Closed Saturday 10/15, closing early at 4:30 PM Friday 10/14-have to catch a plane for St. Louis MO.
If you have an emergency please call 911 or go to the ER.

September 2011 Blog

September Office Hours & Clinic News:

• We will be closed Saturday-Monday Labor Day Weekend (September 3-5). If you have an emergency, please call 911.


• Dr. Riggs will be completing Laser certification in October. He will be a CLP (certified laser practitioner) when he completes his last course. The only one in the area.


• Dr. Riggs is also re-entering the orthopedics postgraduate program at Palmer with a targeted test date of fall 2012. He completed two years previously and has to complete the 3rd year. This will give him advanced credentials in chiropractic orthopedics (non-surgical orthopedics).

Health News:

Nutrition News:

• Rhodiola helps combat the effects of excess cortisol (stress hormone). Excess cortisol can supress immunity; cause hypertension, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, carb craving, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (adult onset), fatty necks, faces and bellies, decreased libido and bone loss. It is akin to taking steroids frequently.


• Too little or too much sleeping may affect cognitive decline (outside the 6-8 hour range).


• Olive oil intake is linked to lower stroke risk.


• Resveratrol's anti-inflammatory and anti-aging capabilities shows potential in anti-aging.


• Obesity leads to liver disease.

Medical News:

• Trazadone and pregabalin combined improve fibromyalgia symptoms.


• Men are at risk for osteoporotic fractures but about 10 years later than women. Men suffering hip fractures in the 76-84 age range do not fare too well-1/3 dying within a year. Low body weight, advancing age, and smoking increase the risk. Most fractures occur after age 70.


• Risk for hip fracture increases if hormone replacement therapy is discontinued.


• Jogging wins out in beating belly fat over resistance training.

December News/Holiday Schedule

Office Hours for the Christmas and New Year will be as follows:
Marty and I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. Remember alcohol and motor vehicles are a leading cause of accidents and death.

• Closed Christmas Eve 12/24/10 (Friday) and Christmas Day 12/25/10 (Saturday)
• Open all day Thursday 12/23/10 (normally closed in afternoon)
• Closed 12/31/10 (Friday) New Years Eve at Noon (12:00)

Health Care News

• Researchers at Penn state have discovered a protein and unexpected process that repairs nerves after severe injury. This could lead to therapies for regenerating nerves with cord injuries and other severed nerves.
• Stem cell researchers in Japan were able to make a paralyzed monkey jump again. Another stem cell researcher in Colorado has devised at method to improve arthritis with a 75% reduction in pain reported. He uses your own stem cells (autologous stem cells).
• Reduced testosterone in men is linked to increased mortality.
• DIABETES IS EXPECTED TO TRIPLE BY 2050. Controlling glucose (the silent killer) dietary options include: low-calorie diet (1400 to 1800 calories/day); Mediterranean diet (lots of resh fruits and vegetables, fish, beans and omega 3s (olive oil); avoid sugary fruit juices and beverages with fructose, sucrose and hi-fructose corn syrup; consume a low-glycemic index and low-glycemic load diet.
• Metabolic syndrome increases heart attack and stroke risk
• Keeping on night lights could lead to weight gain as well as late night eating.
• Luteolin may help prevent memory loss by reducing brain inflammation
• A form of vitamin E (gamma tocotrienol) was found to inhibit prostate cancer regrowth.
• Carnosine-an antioxidant and glycation fighting nutrient has been found in a study to extend the life of laboratory animals
• Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)- an omega 6-essential fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties for control and prevention of diseases such as eczema, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and major killers such as cancer and heart disease.

Evolutionary Biologist Michael Rose, contents that if we can live long enough we can go into a phase where we stop aging. The trick is to get there in good enough shape to take advantage of it. He proposes the following approach to immortality: From Kurzweil's newsletter.

"Rose’s natural recipe for immortality

• Adopt a hunter-gatherer lifestyle after 35 to 40 if Eurasian, earlier if ancestry is less Eurasian. If younger than 30 and Eurasian, continue on a post-agricultural revolution diet (or Andrew Weil-style diet).
• Use the best modern medicine
• Use autologous (from your own cells) tissue repair as it becomes available in five or more years
• Use next-generation pharmaceuticals in the next 10 or more years
• “With this recipe, I feel, many of you could be alive, basically, indefinitely,” Rose said.
  Paleo diet: The paleo diet, sometimes called the “caveman diet,” is one that mimics the diet of our ancestral hunter-gatherer ancestors in the Paleolithic era before the advent of the agricultural revolution of the Neolithic and animal husbandry.
• It includes meats, seafoods, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
• It excludes processed foods (including meats), grain-derived foods such as pasta and breads, and dairy-derived foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  Proponents of the diet such as Loren Cordain and S. Boyd Eaton argue that the agricultural revolution caused an “evolutionary discordance” between diet and our “genetically determined biology” as shaped through evolution.
  

Andrew Weil-style diet

• Andrew Weil, MD, of the University of Arizona, has authored several popular articles and books about health and diet, including best-sellers Eating Well for Optimum Health and Healthy Aging. He also has a popular Web site.
• The “Andrew Weil diet” is one in accordance with more conventional advice from dietitians and nutritionists. It includes eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables (50 to 60 percent of calories); fats largely derived from monounsaturated and polyunsatured oils (30 percent of calories); and protein (10 to 20 percent of calories) mainly from vegetarian sources such as soy."

From Kurzweil's Health Tips column brings you ideas for finding happiness, tips for living to a ripe old age, parenting advice, and new ways to help you lose weight, lower blood pressure, and prevent chronic diseases.

HAPPINESS IS…

• A social life.
• Having frequent sex with your partner. It reduces the likelihood of being irritated with each other
• Meditation. It can also train the brain to reduce sensitivity to pain from arthritis, back pain, or cancer [Universite de Montreal].

LIVING TO A RIPE OLD AGE IS ABOUT…

• Maintaining the right attitude.
• Staying mobile.
• Hiring a dietitian for hospitalized elderly.

FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS

• Lose weight by drinking green tea after meals.
• Stay heart-healthy with whey protein shakes.
• Prevent colon cancer with apple smoothies.
• Eat fruits and vegetables for stronger bones.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS

• Long-term low-dose aspirin for cancer prevention. Stomach precautions.
• Early physical medicine is best for lower back pain.
• Smoking cessation medicines half the risk of heart attack admissions.

PARENTING ADVICE

• Planning parenthood? There’s an app for that. A new iPhone app called iCyclebeads makes it easy for a woman to know if this is a day when pregnancy is likely or not [Georgetown University Medical Center].
• Help your child get good grades. It’s linked to them taking better care of their health [University of Wisconsin-Madison].
  Keep kids away from second-hand smoke. It’s harmful for many reasons, including increased risk of bacterial diseases such as meningitis [PlosOne].
  Got a new (documented) health tip?

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.

Thanksgiving Schedule-Nutrition Updates

Holiday schedule is as follows: Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Open normal hours Friday and Saturday.

Nutrition News:

• High fructose carbonated soft-drink sweetners linked to diabetes.
• Calcium supplementation in adults over 50 can result in reduced fracture risk.
• Pectin used in making homemade jellies may protect from prostate cancer highlighting the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin D may prevent premature death due to its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, improve blood vessel function and boost the immune system.
• Calcium and vitamin D may protect against breast cancer.
• High homocysteine levels linked to cognitive impairment (mild) and doubles heart disease risk.
• A household spice curcumin reduces inflammation and improves exercise performance
• Ground flaxseed reduces hot flashes.
• Vitamin E supplementation helps prevent venous thromboembolism.

Dangers of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• PRESCRIPTION DRUGS with acetaminophen-Tylenol 2, 3 and 4, Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Zydone, Percocet, Roxicet, Fioricet, Darvocet-N, Wygesic.
• The leading cause of acute liver failure even at recommended doses.
• Results in 10s of thousands of poison control costs.
• Alcohol consumption and fasting greatly increase liver injury risk.
• Overdoses (OD) occur frequently due to pain control efforts or combining medications with acetaminophen

PREVENTING Acetaminophen OD

• Read your labels.
• Avoid alcohol when taking acetaminophen
• Avoid acetaminophen when vomiting or with loss of apetite.
• Consider supplementing with anti-oxidants which counteract oxidant by-products and preserve glutathion which is essential for detoxifying some drugs and is depleted by acetaminophen.
• The following can be used with acetaminophen under supervision: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamine C and E, SAM-e, whey protein, milk thistle extracts (silymarin and silibinin), polyenylphosphatidlycholine.

Nutrition and Autism:

Possible causes: no single cause but a cluster involving genes, inflammation, impaired GI health, increased oxidative stress, diminished ability to neutralize toxins, autoimmune processes, decreased mitochondrial function. Other proposed are vaccine preservatives and food additives.

Integrative Approach:

1. Dietary Modification: Healing the gut-eliminate allergenic foods, digestive enzymes, probiotics
2. Boost anti-oxidant protection- consider multi-vitamin and mineral supplements: B6, magnesium, A, C.
3. Enhance detoxification
4. Support brain cell structure

Health and Nutrition News

The American Heart Association has some good stuff on heart disease and diabetes: Be in the KNOW.

• Approximately 21 million Americans currently live with diabetes.
• many do not realize there is a serious connection between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association wants you to be in the KNOW. Using the following acronym, these are their recommendations:

Keep active and maintain a healthy body weight.
Even 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week can help prevent diabetes, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain a healthy body weight and minimize risk of cardiovascular disease.
Normalize your numbers.
Schedule regular visits with your doctor to help monitor your blood sugar and manage your diabetes. It has been shown that you can reduce cardiovascular disease by improving your blood sugar control and controlling other risk factors. Learn to keep track of your critical health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight and blood sugar.
Opt for a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and reduce intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars. Also, if you smoke, opt to quit – smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Work with your doctor.
People living with type 2 diabetes often need multiple approaches to treatment to control the disease and its associated risks. If you live with type 2 diabetes, it is important to talk with your doctor, describe your symptoms and be persistent until you find treatment options and lifestyle changes that work for you.

NUTRITION FLASHES: The following are based on research studies.

• Vitamin C-low levels have been linked with being overweight or obese-especially in women; may protect agains knee arthritic changes.
• Aging nutrition: tumeric ( spice) helps the immune systems clear Alzheimer's plaques. Daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplements boosts mental health in older adults; calorie restriction and glucose control increases longevity.
• Vitamin D: low levels are linked with increase blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis: glycine amino acid improves osteoarthritis symtoms.
• Cancer: watercress has benefits for cancer protection, vision and heart health; resveratrol supresses prostate cancer development; broccoli and cauliflower reduce aggressive prostate cancer risk.

New Health Check Lists-=evidence based

http://www.bankixsystems.com/articles/article/4020285/74632.htm

The link provided will direct you to a checklist for men and women that is evidence based . This is worthwhile having. From the Bankix website announcement: "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released two new evidence-based checklists aimed at helping men and women understand which medical checkup tests they need to remain healthy at any age. The men's and women's versions of Your Checklist for Health show at a glance the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force regarding screening tests, preventive medicine, and other healthy lifestyle behaviors."

Nutritional News, etc.

Evidence-based/Science-based healthcare: Okay, so here's one of my rants about alternative healthcare. I am unusual in the alternative healthcare arena! I am a strong proponent and user of evidence-based or best evidence available healthcare. In the alternative healthcare arena there are a lot of fads and questionable practices. Chiropractic healthcare is no exception. Many of my colleagues make claims and do things that have little basis in science and evolve out of a philosophical point of view in the profession that has little validity. It's a problem for the profession and its image. However, there are many DCs (doctors of chiropractic) that focus on practicing with the best evidence available and avoid questionable practices. Why is this important? Money for one. Nobody wants to spend money on things that have not been shown to work, or at least appear to with the best evidence available. Here is one example. Using muscle testing to determine vitamin deficiencies and even worse-what is referred to as surrogate testing. In other words, having you hold a vial (glass bottle) of a low dose of a substance (heavily diluted) while another person touches you and then the "doctor" muscle tests the person touching you. There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that I am aware of that shows this being a valid diagnostic tool. It's only known benefit is to increase the income of the person selling the vitamins. Laboratory blood tests are the gold standard in determining nutritional deficiencies. Caveat Emptor-buyer beware. PhD nutritionist told us when I was in school that we needed to abandon this useless practice-little has changed.

Why am I commenting on something like this which is definitely not favorable to my profession? The reason is I have seen many of my elderly patients on fixed income who can ill afford to waste money get duped. The people doing these things really do believe it works. However, without evidence that it does, the practice should be treated as experimental at best and in my opinion they should not charge for it. Don't get me wrong. Vitamin supplementation or what is sometimes referred to as nutraceuticals is valid for many cases. Modern diets generally do not provide adequate nutrition. However, muscle testing to establish vitamin deficiency has not shown to be valid. There are too many ways to skew the results and it is very subjective.

Calcium and Osteoporosis: It's in the bones.

As the population continues to live longer, the issue of bone loss or osteoporosis becomes important for both men and women. Failure to maintain bone loss can cause collapse of vertebrae, hip fractures, and other fractures. In addition to exercise, supplementation may help slow or stop the loss. Medication may be needed in some cases.

• According to Lancet-People aged 50 and older who take calcium supplements are 12% less likely to fracture a bone than their peers who don't take those pills.
• That protection rate doubles when calcium supplements are taken correctly, report the researchers, who included Benjamin Tang, MD, of the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research at Australia's University of Western Sydney
• "For best therapeutic effect, we recommend minimum doses of 1200 milligrams [mg] of calcium, and 800 IU [international units] of vitamin D (for combined calcium plus vitamin D supplementation)," Tang's team writes. The studies used 64,000 people.
• People aged 70 and older, those who didn't get much calcium from their diets, thin people, and those at high risk of bone fractures were particularly likely to benefit from taking calcium supplements.
• A February American Journal of Clinical Nutrition new study shows that women who took a red clover-derived dietary supplement containing substances called isoflavones (Promensil) experienced significantly slower bone loss in the spine compared with women who took a placebo. The supplement also appeared to have protective effects on bones in the hip, but these effects were not statistically significant.

More on Vitamin D Supplementation: New England Journal of Medicine review article July 19, 2007 information.

• Between 40% and 100% of elderly in US & Europe have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D.
• Rates of Diseases affected by vitamin D status
• 78% reduction in Type I diabetes in children taking 2000 IU/day in 1st year of life
• 200% increase in Type I diabetes in Vitamin D deficient children.
• 33% reduction in Type II in those taking 800 IU/day of D plus calcium
• 72% reduction in number of falls in elderly people taking higher-dose vitamin D
• 30-50% more cancers in vitamin D deficient people
• 42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women taking more than 400 IU/day of D.
• Increased incidences of autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis, depression, hypertension, pulmonary disorders, schizophrenia and cardiovascular diseases in those with less optimal Vitamin D status.
• Human diets don't provide sufficient vitamin D
• Minimum vitamin D blood levels needed to reduce disease risk are 30 ng/dl.

Miscellaneous Nutritional News

• Eating more magnesium-rich foods, like green leafy vegetables and nuts, may reduce diabetes risk
• A Women's Health Initiative study found estrogen therapy associated with less coronary plaque.
• Cinnamon prevents blood sugar spikes.
• Omega 3 FAs may protect against prostate cancer. They also relieve depression and agitation in Alzheimer's patients.
• Flavinoid consumption slows cognitive decline.
• Low levels of folate (B vitamin) is associated with depression risk
• Pomegranate shows promise in averting lung cancer.
• Genistein (soy phytoestrogen) boosts bone mineral density
• Tumeric or Curcumin a spice has many potential health benefits: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protection, neurodegenerative protection (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), reversing damage from high blood sugar, potential treatment for multiple sclerosis, may protect against cataracts, shows promise for skin disorders such as psoriasis and in wound treatment.

News From Nutrition & Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
What is it? PAD is the build up of fatty deposits (plaque) and cholesterol in the arteries outside the heart.

Who is at Risk?

• Increasing age
• Cigarette smokers (5-10 times more likely and experience more leg symptoms are more likely to suffer heart attack, stroke, amputation and death, doubles risk if you have diabetes).
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Abnormal Cholesterol
• Past history of heart attack or stroke

How do I know if I have it?

• Most don't have obvious symptoms
• Leg muscle discomfort or pain caused by walking and disappearing with rest (claudication)
• Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep
• Slow healing skin wounds or ulcers (8-12 weeks)

Diagnoses:

• History and physical examination of feet and leg pulses.
• Ankle Brachial index (ABI)
• Other diagnostic studies (Doppler ultrasound)

What you can do!

• If you smoke, quit. There are no known medical benefits to smoking.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Manage blood glucose if diabetic and practice proper foot care
• Use prescribed antiplatelet medications to reduce risk for stroke and heart attack

With Claudication:

• Exercise (may need to be supervised). Walk slowly until discomfort, rest, repeat. Do 35 minutes a day 3 times a week increase time, distance and endurance.
• Meds may be needed to reduce symptom.
• Non responsive cases may need angioplasty, stenting or surgery.

Source: www.PADcoalition.org

NUTRITION NEWS BITES:

• A study by the American Cancer Society suggest an aspirin (adult strength) a day may keep cancer away.
• A study in the World Journal of Surgery suggests DHEA may offer a new strategy for certain breast cancers.
• Studies in Phytotherapy Resources and Journal of Psychopharmacology suggest Rhodiola (herb) may help offset stress effects.
• A study suggests vitamin D deficiency may decrease physical performance in older adults.
• Depression symptoms in older adults may indicate a risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Green tea may help fight the joint destruction of Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Salk Institute scientists found a gene linking calorie restriction to longevity-live longer by eating less calories.
• Age spots can be improved by topical N-acetylglucosamine and niacinamide (non-itch B3).
• A single fast food meal increases blood pressure in a study by Journal of Nutrition (McDonald's breakfast or a low-fat meal).
• Isothiocyanates in cruciferous veggies (broccoli, e.g) help fight prostate cancer by inhibiting blood vessel growth.
• Zelnorm (anti-constipation drug) suspended due to cardiovascular risk
• Fish oil and exercise reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular health. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• Pomegranate, CoQ10, tea tree oil, lactoferrin, folica acid, squalene and hydrogen peroxide help fight bacteria in the mouth and maintain good dental health.
• Theonine and lemon balm may help with anxiety and stress.
• Life Extension pharmacy. Significant cost savings can be realized by purchasing statin drugs through the Life Extension Pharmacy-especially generic Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin). Statins provide about 30% protection against heart attacks.
• CoQ10 may be helpful in offsetting the muscle damage which is a rare complication of statin drugs.
• Nutrients to take care of aging skin: hyaluronic acid, matrixyl, argireline, jojoba oil, concentrated antioxidant tea blend in a mask blend may help offset age damage. Zinc, chamomile, aloe vera, cucumber, grapefruit oils, arnica, squalene (from natural olive oil), seaweed extract, copper peptide complex, zinc oxide, and sulfur are also used in healing. See Life Extension article August 2007.
• Diabetics taking metformin can experience a B12 (cobalamine) deficiency as a side effect. It may also interfere with calcium metabolism and supplementation may be necessary.