Dr Beecher’s September 15 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, September 15th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Low Vitamin D Levels May Increases Alzheimer’s Risk. Older adults with low levels of vitamin D in their blood may have double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to seniors with sufficient vitamin D levels. In the study, the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s significantly increased when vitamin D levels fell below 20 ng/ml. Experts believe that vitamin D may clear plaques in the brain linked with the development of dementia. Neurology, August 2014
Health Alert: Big Rise in Drug-Related Suicide Attempts. In the last six years, drug- related suicide attempts in the United States have jumped 51% among people 12 and older. In 2011, 96% of ER visits for attempted suicide involved the nonmedical use of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, August 2014
Diet: Dining Out Equals Eating More Food. If you regularly dine out, you may be eating more than you should. A new study has found that people who regularly eat at restaurants average about 200 more calories more per day compared with those who cook at home. Study co-author Dr. Lisa Powell writes, “We always underestimate large portions, so people don’t realize that restaurant portions are as excessive as they are… This is why we need menu labeling on all restaurant meals, not just the fast-food and larger chains.” Public Health Nutrition, August 2014
Exercise: Exercise Positively Impacts Anxiety. New research sheds light on how exercise and relaxation activities can positively impact people with social anxiety. Researcher Dr. Adam Heenan found that exercise and activities like yoga can change the way people perceive the world and change it in a way that they view the environment as less threatening and negative. For individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, this may be an important breakthrough.
PLOS ONE, July 2014
Chiropractic: Lower Extremity Joint Mobilization for Knee & Ankle Pain. Manual therapy in the form of thrust and non-thrust manipulation to the lower extremity was found to be successful in restoring normal movement patterns and pain-free function in a 40-year-old patient with chronic anterior knee pain and ankle sprain symptoms. The patient had suffered for one year from patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is characterized by pain or discomfort originating from the contact of the posterior surface of the kneecap with the thighbone.
Journal of Manual Manipulative Therapies, May 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Is the PSA Test Worth It? The debate continues over the value of the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test to screen men for prostate cancer. A new study points out that testing reduces prostate cancer deaths, but overdiagnosis occurs in roughly 40% of cases detected by screening. This results in a high risk of overtreatment that can lead to incontinence and impotence. Further research is needed on ways to reduce overdiagnosis so that unnecessary biopsy procedures and treatments can be avoided. The Lancet, August 2014
Quote: “Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent.” ~ Arthur Conan Doyle
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s September 8 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, September 8th, 2014
Mental Attitude: High Blood Pressure in Middle Age May Weaken Brain Later. If you let your blood pressure get too high in midlife, you may pay the price of mental decline when you are older. A study involving nearly 14,000 individuals found that hypertension in those aged 48 to 67 years was tied to a 6.5% drop in mental ability 20 years later.
JAMA Neurology, August 2014
Health Alert: Low Income People with Diabetes More Likely to Lose a Limb. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that the odds of having a limb amputated are up to ten times greater for diabetics who live in low- income neighborhoods. The authors of the study note that the majority of these amputations are preventable if these patients are diagnosed and receive proper medical care sooner. University of California, Los Angeles, August 2014
Diet: Chili Peppers May Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer. Capsaicin, the active ingredient found in chili peppers, may help reduce colorectal cancer risk. An animal study showed that capsaicin activated a pain receptor in mice that reduced tumor development in the gut and extended the lives of test subjects by more than 30%. Further research is needed to determine if capsaicin produces similar benefits among humans. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, August 2014
Exercise: Survival More Likely with Exercise-Related Cardiac Events. According to new research, individuals who have a cardiac arrest during or shortly after exercise are three times more likely to survive (45% survival rate) compared with those who have a cardiac arrest that is not related to exercise (15% survival rate). Lead author Dr. Arend Mosterd writes, “More research is needed to determine why, after taking into account favorable factors such as age, location of the event and initiation of CPR, persons who exercise during or shortly before having a cardiac arrest still have a better prognosis than people who have a cardiac arrest that is unrelated to exercise.” European Society of Cardiology, August 2012
Chiropractic: High Satisfaction. Using survey responses from nearly 500 patients from chiropractic clinics throughout Australia, researchers found that nearly all patients (97.5%) were satisfied with their care and would seek chiropractic services again in the future. About seven out of ten (68.7%) sought chiropractic care for a musculoskeletal injury and 21.2% did so for general health purposes. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Older Women May Benefit from Mammograms. The results of a new study indicate that women who are age 75 and older may still benefit from routine mammograms; however, not all experts agree with this finding. Guidelines from organizations such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force claim there isn’t enough evidence on routine mammograms for older women while the American Cancer Society recommends that women continue to have mammograms annually as long as they remain in good health. The study found that breast cancer survival was about 10% better in women over 75 years old whose cancer was detected early during a routine mammogram versus those whose cancer was detected later. Radiology, August 2014
Quote: “To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.”
~ Tony Dorsett
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s September 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.” ~ David Russell
Has Science Fiction Become Science Fact?
Small Study Shows
You Can Influence Your Immune System with Just Your Mind!
Also this month:
- Does weather cause low back pain? For decades, many believed that some types of weather could bring on back pain, now science has finally put this theory to the test.
- Which is better, natural birth or C-Section? Study shows natural birth may be better for a baby’s immune system.
- Do you get enough sleep? Even if you get eight hours, you may not even be coming close…
- Want to get better grades in college? Here’s what students with higher GPAs had in common…
- The best story from the World Cup you probably missed! How a player for team Ghana used his talent to change lives…
Houston – Have you ever wished you could control your immune system or other parts of your body with just your thoughts? If so, then you will love this story…
Wim Hoff is a 55-year-old man from the Netherlands who — at the time of this writing — holds 21 Guinness World Records for some pretty amazing physical feats, including:
- Running a full marathon above the Arctic circle wearing only a pair of shorts.
- Running a full marathon in the Namibian desert without drinking water.
- Taking the longest ice bath (1 hour 52 minutes and 42 seconds) submerged up to his neck in ice.
In 2007, he even tried to climb Mt. Everest in just a pair of shorts. He reached 24,000 feet (~7,300 meters) but was forced to stop due to a foot injury, just 5,000 feet (~1,500 meters) short of reaching the summit.
Wim, also known as “The Iceman,” says he can literally control the temperature of his body, similar to the way you can control the temperature of your house by adjusting the thermostat.
Not only that, Wim says he can teach people how to control their autonomic nervous system to:
- Influence the immune system.
- Influence the mind.
- Improve blood circulation.
- Improve concentration and targeting.
- Increase self-confidence.
These claims are nothing new. Similar claims have been made by “experts” selling all types of self-help programs for decades.
But is it true?
Can all this really be done simply by altering the way you think? New research shows that the answer might be, “YES.”
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthijs Kox of the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands studied his method.
Twelve people were trained in Wim Hof’s method and 12 were not. Then, all 24 were injected with a strain of bacteria that causes flu-like symptoms.
Results: Dr. Cox writes, “Volunteers who underwent training with the Hof method reported fewer and less intense flu-like symptoms than those who did not. At the same time, [they] produced smaller amounts of proteins related to inflammation, and higher levels of interleukin-10, an inflammation-fighting protein.”
According to the journal PNAS, where the study was published, “Hitherto, both the autonomic nervous system and innate immune system were regarded as systems that cannot be voluntarily influenced. The present study demonstrates that, through practicing techniques learned in a short-term training program, the sympathetic nervous system and immune system can indeed be voluntarily influenced.”
This study shows that, to some degree, the immune system can be affected by your thoughts.
The extent that the mind can control your immune system is still unknown. Considering that not too long ago, this “mind-immune system body-health” connection was viewed as witchcraft by most doctors and scientists, who knows what impact this could eventually have on medicine and the health of the public at large.
Like everything else in medicine and science, more research needs to be done. But, it probably would not hurt to look into meditation or relaxation techniques that are quick and easy to learn and only take a few minutes a day to accomplish.
Do Certain Weather Conditions
Cause Low Back Pain?
For many years, there has been a commonly held belief that changes in weather – or certain weather – can cause back pain.
In the case of cold weather, it certainly seems plausible since the cold may cause tighter muscles that could create low back pain, or at least exacerbate pre-existing low back pain.
“Many patients believe that weather impacts their pain symptoms,” explains Dr. Daniel Steffens with the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, Australia. “However, there are few robust studies investigating weather and pain, specifically research that does not rely on patient recall of the weather.”
Moreso, Dr. Steffens’ team found that “sudden, acute episodes of low back pain are not linked to weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind direction, and precipitation.” Their findings, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, indicate that the risk of low back pain slightly increases with higher wind speed or wind gusts, but the change was not clinically significant.
Want Better Grades? Join a Gym…
A study from Michigan State University indicates that students with gym memberships during their freshman and sophomore years had higher GPAs and stayed in school longer than those who did not. The question is: Do gyms create higher GPAs or are students who are disciplined enough to stick to a workout routine more likely to do better in school because of their existing habits?
Do You Get Enough Sleep?
A new study by researchers at Israel’s Tel Aviv University paints a pretty grim picture for most people when it comes to sleep. The study found that interrupted sleep can be as physically detrimental as no sleep at all. The researchers found a link between interrupted sleep and compromised cognitive abilities, shortened attention spans, and negative moods. They also note that interrupted sleep is equivalent to no more than four consecutive hours of sleep. One researcher adds, “These night wakings could be relatively short – only five to ten minutes – but they disrupt the natural sleep rhythm. The impact of such night wakings on an individual’s daytime alertness, mood, and cognitive abilities had never been studied. Our study is the first to demonstrate seriously deleterious cognitive and emotional effects.”
The study only shows the effect interrupted sleep has after only one night. The cumulative effect of days, months, and years can obviously be great. Care should be taken to get a good, uninterrupted night’s sleep whenever possible. Sleeping in a dark, quiet, and cool room without distractions — like television — often help sleep patterns.
Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.
Inspirational Story Of The Month
(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
The Best Story From the
World Cup You Probably Missed!
How a player for team Ghana used his talent to change lives…
The FIFA World Cup started in 1930 and is now one of the biggest single-event sporting competitions in the world. It is also is one of the world’s most widely viewed sporting events. An estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, and the 2010 event in South Africa was broadcast to 204 countries on 245 different channels. In 2010, a total of 3,170,856 spectators attended the 64 matches, with an average attendance of 49,670 per match.
In 2014, the tournament’s popularity exploded. Perhaps due to the viral nature of social media, even countries that weren’t previously smitten by football caught World Cup fever.
The matches not only lived up to expectations, they exceeded them. Excitement was everywhere, and teams scored goals in large numbers.
But football and goals were not the biggest and most important story from the 2014 World Cup. Here’s a much more important story that you probably missed…
Sulley Muntari is a 29-year-old Ghanaian who plays professional soccer in Italy for Milan, and internationally for his home country of Ghana. During the recent World Cup, Muntari did something incredible that no other players thought of or dared to do.
Muntari got special permission and went into the streets of a poor neighborhood in Brazil and just started handing out money. He continued to hand out money until the police made him stop because a large crowd had gathered and the officers had safety concerns.
One of the recipients of money named Edivaldo said, “I’ve lived in this poor community behind the Rei Pele Stadium for 40 years but have never seen anything like this before. Not once has a soccer player come here. Brazil never gave me anything, but Ghana did. I will support them up to the end.”
“My 80-year-old mother and I received R$350 [Brazilian reals],” said local resident Inês Corrêa, who went to check out the commotion when police surrounded Muntari. “I believe that he had R$5,000, but unfortunately the police put an end to his good work. In this area, we only see politicians at election time.”
Who knows how much money Muntari actually gave away, but that is not important. What’s important is the lives he changed by showing the people that he cares. That someone cares. He showed them that someone who made it big in sports did not forget about the many who did not.
It does not matter that the people he gave his gifts to were not from his homeland. People in Brazil are made of the same flesh and blood as those in Ghana. They have the same joys and sorrows, feel the same pains, and are lifted by the same message of hope.
What’s really special about Muntari’s actions is he did not hold a press conference to brag. He did not want anyone to know. He did it to help people, not for his glory.
One thing is for sure, Muntari certainly gained fans while teaching anyone paying attention a great lesson about altruism.
We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and
getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!
Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!
Did You Know?…
The Importance of Strength Training!
Strength training is an integral part of a well-rounded exercise program, and it is recommended for both sexes of all ages, including children and seniors. The intensity of your workout can achieve a number of beneficial changes on the molecular, enzymatic, hormonal, and chemical level in your body, which will also help slow down (and in many cases stop) many of the diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
The term “biomarkers of aging” refers to measurements related to aging that you are capable of controlling. They’re things that tell you how old you would be if you didn’t know how old you were. These include the following measurements that strength training has a beneficial impact on: strength and muscle mass, body composition, blood lipids, bone density, cardiorespiratory fitness, and gene expression. Research has shown that strength training by elderly participants reversed oxidative stress and returned gene expression in 179 genes to a more youthful level, making participants 10 years “younger”.
Ideally, you’ll want to include a variety of exercises for a well-rounded fitness regimen, but strength training is an important component, as it’s the number one way for you to remain strong, young, and independent well into old-age.
Tip Of The Month
Which is Better, Natural Birth or C-Section?
Many debate this topic: Which is better, natural birth or cesarian section (c-section)? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2012, there were 2,650,744 vaginal births and 1,296,070 cesarean deliveries in the United States. The percentage of ALL deliveries by cesarean was 32.8%. According to Childbirth Connection, “More recent studies reaffirm earlier World Health Organization recommendations about optimal rates of cesarean section. The best outcome for women and babies appear to occur with cesarean section rates of 5% to 10%. Rates above 15% seem to do more harm than good.”
Moreover, the national cesarean section rate was 4.5% as recently as 1965. Why there has been such a huge increase in the number of c-sections is just as hotly debated as which method of child delivery is better. A new study done on mice conducted by scientists from the University of Copenhagen appears to point out a new benefit in favor of natural childbirth. As reported on Science Daily, “Newborns delivered by natural birth are exposed to more bacteria from the mother. The newborn baby’s immune system in this way learns to distinguish between its own harmless molecules and foreign molecules. In the experiment, pups delivered by cesarean section showed a lower number of cells of a type that plays an important role in preventing reactive immune cells from responding to molecules from the body itself, from the diet, and from harmless intestinal bacteria.”
More research needs to be done with humans before any definitive conclusions can be made. Until then, the debate will rage on… but Mother Nature seems to be building a stronger case.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. Please call us at 281-286-1300 or e-mail at [email protected].
Dr Beecher’s September 1 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, September 1st, 2014
Mental Attitude: What is the Key to Being a Good Comedian? A new study suggests that a stand-up comedian’s success at making an audience laugh is determined by how adept he or she is at linking humor and emotion. The lead author of the study, Dr. Tim Miles of the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, claims that comedians and their audiences are connected by “admiration, empathy and the paradox of identification.” This occurs when the audience can identify with the humor or observations made by the comedian, rather than being able to identify with them as a performer. Comedy Studies, July 2014
Health Alert: Children & Hot Cars are a Deadly Combination. So far in 2014, 18 American children have lost their lives as a result of being left in a hot car. Over the last 20 years, nearly 700 children have lost their lives for the same reason. There are many things parents can do to prevent this type of tragedy: teach your child the car is not a toy and lock your car when not in use; keep reminders in the car that children are in the back seat, as children can fall asleep and parents can become distracted and ultimately forget their child; and never leave your child in the car, even if you think you will only be a minute, as even five minutes can mean a substantial increase in temperature. Hershey Medical Center, July 2014
Diet: Vitamin C May Help with Sea Sickness. Volunteers who consumed a vitamin C supplement before spending time on a raft in one meter high waves experienced sea sickness symptoms to a lesser degree than those who took a placebo. In the study, volunteers who did not take the vitamin C supplement were nearly three times more likely to ask to leave the experiment early due to illness. Journal of Vestibular Research: Equilibrium & Orientation, January 2014
Exercise: Physical Fitness Can Prevent Youth Depression. Among sixth graders, those who are physically fit are less likely to report depression symptoms a year later. Researchers from Northern Texas surveyed 437 students as part of a county-wide program to assess physical fitness and found that physical fitness was associated with a decreased likelihood of depression when the children entered seventh grade, even among those who experienced depression symptoms at the start of the study. American Psychological Association, August 2014
Chiropractic: Disturbed Sleep Increases Back Pain Risk. Among firefighters, those who reported disturbed sleep at the start of a 13-year study were 2.4 times more likely to experience radiating back pain during the following decade. The authors of the study warn that sleep disturbances should be addressed early-on as a risk factor for back pain.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, August 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Protecting Children’s Teeth. The American Dental Association recommends the following to promote healthy teeth in children: don’t share feeding spoons with baby or place baby’s pacifier in your mouth; wipe gums after feedings; begin brushing as soon at teeth come in; provide supervision when brushing until age 6; never put juice or soda in bottles; avoid dipping a child’s pacifier in anything sweet; have your child drink from a cup by one year of age; and promote eating healthy foods. American Dental Association, January 2014
Quote: “There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Neck Pain – Chiropractic and the Older Patient
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: People of all ages suffer from neck pain, and many frequently turn to chiropractors for care because it’s been found to be one of the most effective and efficient forms of treatment available, and it carries minimal side effects! It has been projected that by 2030, nearly one in five US residents will be 65 or older. Currently, approximately 14% of the patients treated by chiropractors are 65 or older, making it one of the most frequently utilized forms of complementary and alternative care used by older adults. What kind of care can a senior citizen expect when seeking treatment from a chiropractor? Let’s take a look!
Musculoskeletal pain, or pain in the neck, back, arms, and/or legs, drives the majority of elderly patients to chiropractors. While low back and neck pain are the most common complaints, it’s not unusual for patients to also have one or two other conditions (or more) that they did NOT know chiropractic care could help. In fact, common “goals” for managing every patient (not just the elderly) include services related to patient assessment, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness, in addition to treatment of illness or injury. Common chiropractic treatment approaches include spinal manipulation and/or mobilization, nutritional counseling, physical activity/exercise, and (especially important for the elderly population) fall prevention.
We will now focus on neck pain as it relates to the elderly population and the various chiropractic management strategies that might be encountered by an elderly patient. Common reasons patients present regarding the neck include limited movement, stiffness, and pain. Neck pain can also interfere with sleep, as finding a comfortable position in bed can be quite challenging! Lifting, carrying, and playing with grandchildren is a very common issue for either causing a new complaint or irritating an existing one. Neck pain may also interfere with reaching and lifting. Thus, activities like yard or garden work may become more difficult and less enjoyable. Neck pain is often associated with headaches, which can make daily tasks even more challenging.
When an elderly patient visits a chiropractor for the first time or for a new complaint, he/she can expect to fill out some initial paperwork, as well as provide a history of the main complaint and any lesser complaints. This may also include providing a family and medical history. The examination usually includes general observations, palpating or feeling for muscle tightness, tenderness, warm/ cool, range of spinal motion (neck, back, extremities), orthopedic tests, neurological tests, and possibly x-rays. Treatment of the neck may include massage or mobilization to loosen up the neck, manipulation to free up restricted joint motion, and even exercise training. The goal of treatment is to improve neck motion, activity tolerance, and quality of life (less pain, improved sleep, etc.). So, whether you are 10, 20, 50, 70, or 90 years old, give chiropractic a chance to help you manage your neck pain!
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Dr Beecher’s August 25 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, August 25th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Ultrasounds May Detect Autism in Utero. A newly published study using ultrasound scans to check for fetal defects found that children who went on to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had a greater head and abdominal size at 20 weeks in the womb compared with children who did not develop ASD. This discovery could offer a small window into fetal development that could help doctors diagnose and treat ASD earlier. However, these findings were presented at a medical conference and are considered preliminary since they have not yet undergone a peer review process. International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, June 2014
Health Alert: Pavement Sealer Ban Linked to Cleaner Lake Water. A ban of certain types of pavement sealants made from coal tar has led to lower levels of cancer-causing compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an Austin, Texas lake. In 2006, Austin was the first city in the United States to ban these types of pavement sealants. Past studies have shown that PAHs cause cancer in animals, and there are concerns that these compounds could be harmful to human health as well. Environmental Science & Technology, June 2014
Diet: Treat High Blood Pressure with Vitamin D? An analysis of more than 146,500 individuals revealed that for every 10% increase in vitamin D blood levels, researchers found a corresponding 8% decreased risk for developing high blood pressure. According to study leader Dr. Elina Hypponen, “In view of the costs and side effects associated with antihypertensive drugs, the potential to prevent or reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of hypertension with vitamin D is very attractive.” The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, June 2014
Exercise: Sports During Adolescence Has Mental Health Benefits During Young Adulthood. Participating in school sports during adolescence appears to have a protective effect on mental health in young adulthood. Researchers surveyed 850 students for five years about their participation in school sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, wrestling, and gymnastics. Three years following graduation, the researchers followed up with these former students to find out how often they experienced depressive symptoms, how much stress they experienced, and how they rated their mental health on a scale of 1 to 5. Those who participated in sports were less likely to be depressed, were better able to handle stress, and were more likely to rate their mental health as excellent. Journal of Adolescent Health, June 2014
Chiropractic: How Chronic Back Pain Can Affect Quality of Life. Nearly a third (32.9%) of patients receiving pharmaceutical treatment for chronic low back pain report that their current medication does not improve their pain, according to a study of over 3,000 chronic low back pain patients in South Korea. Among the patients surveyed, 67% classified their pain as moderate to severe, 43.5% had been in pain for more than two years, 32.4% had trouble sleeping because of their pain. Asian Spine Journal, June 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Men Who Have Smoked Should Be Screened for Aneurysms. A panel of American health experts recommends that older men who smoke or who are ex-smokers should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the main blood vessel that takes blood from the heart and can be fatal if it bursts without warning. The risk for an abdominal aneurysm in men who have smoked is approximately 7% compared to just 2% for men who have never smoked. Because the risk for women who have smoked is less than 1%, screening for females is not recommended. Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2014
Quote: “Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”~ Oscar Wilde
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s August 18 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, August 18th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Dementia Risk Rises with Traumatic Brain Injury. A review of data on 188,774 veterans (ages 55 and up) found that 1,229 had been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). During the study’s nine-year follow-up period, 16% of veterans with a TBI developed dementia compared with only 10% of veterans without a TBI. Neurology, June 2014
Health Alert: Watching TV for Three or More Hours Daily May Increase Risk of Early Death. Most people enjoy taking time to watch a favorite television show in order to relax and unwind. New research suggests that watching three hours or more of television per day could double an individual’s risk of premature death. Investigators recommend adults reduce TV watching to no more than one to two hours per day. Lead researcher Dr. Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez writes, “As the population ages, sedentary behaviors will become more prevalent, especially watching television, and this poses an additional burden on the increased health problems related to aging. Our findings suggest adults may consider increasing their physical activity, avoid long sedentary periods and reduce television watching to no longer than 1-2 hours each day.” Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2014
Diet: Your Child May Be Consuming Too Many Vitamins & Minerals. The Environmental Working Group believes that fortifying foods with vitamins and minerals is placing children in danger. The report summarizes how millions of American children under eight years of age are getting too much vitamin A, zinc, and niacin from fortified food products and supplements. The problem is the result of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on voluntary food supplementation (last updated 34 years ago) that do not take current scientific evidence into account. The report recommends that until the FDA makes the Daily Values on food labels reflect up-to-date science and show values for children, parents should limit their child’s intake of fortified food to no more than 20-25% of the adult Daily Value for vitamin A, zinc, and niacin. Environmental Working Group Report, June 2014
Exercise: Exercise May Benefit Pregnant Women with High Blood Pressure. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, are the most common and dangerous pregnancy complications, occurring in 5-8% of pregnancies. An animal study revealed that placental ischemia-induced hypertension in rats was alleviated by exercise. Researcher Jeff Gilbert explains, “The data from our study raise the possibility that exercise regimens, if started before pregnancy and maintained through most of gestation, may be an important way for women to mitigate the risk of preeclampsia.” Journal of the American Heart Association, December 2012
Chiropractic: Back Pain Patients Have Less Flexible Hamstrings. Evaluations of 72 patients with low back pain indicate a possible relationship between mechanical back pain and hamstring tightness. Researchers found that patients with more severe back pain had tighter hamstrings than patients with more mild or moderate pain. They recommend this data be considered when designing both prevention strategies and rehabilitation protocols for low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, June 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Breast Cancer Detection Rate Improves with New Screening Technique. Adding a 3D imaging technique called tomosynthesis to digital mammography appears to result in both a reduction in the number of patients being called back for additional testing and an increase in breast cancer detection rates. Digital tomosynthesis takes multiple X-ray pictures from different angles. The breast is positioned as it is for a conventional mammogram, but less pressure is applied. Instead of a single image with conventional mammograms, this technique offers a 3D image for a better evaluation of the breast. Dr. Sarah M. Friedewald writes, “The association with fewer unnecessary tests and biopsies, with a simultaneous increase in cancer detection rates, would support the potential benefits of tomosynthesis as a tool for screening. However, assessment for a benefit in clinical outcomes is needed.” JAMA, June 2014
Quote: “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”~ Eleanor Roosevelt
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s August 11 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, August 11th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Tinnitus Affects How Sufferers Process Emotions. Tinnitus is a condition in which patients hear noises that aren’t really there such as ringing, whooshing, whistles, and whines. According to experts, individuals with persistent tinnitus are more likely to experience increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and depression. To investigate how tinnitus affects the brain, researchers evaluated brain responses to different emotions by individuals both with and without tinnitus using functional magnetic resonance imaging. When compared to participants with normal hearing, they found tinnitus patients had decreased brain activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain that processes emotion and stress; however, they had increased activity in the parahippocampus and insula, areas of the brain that are also associated with emotions. This indicates that in order to cope with the stress of persistent noise, the brains of tinnitus patients have reduced activity in the amygdala and rerouted some of its functions to other regions. Brain Research, June 2014
Health Alert: Serious Allergic Reactions with Some Acne Products. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers who use certain over-the-counter skin products for acne due to the risk of extreme allergic reactions. The active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are suspected to cause these reactions, which can include feeling faint, breathing difficulties, throat tightness, and swelling of the eyes, lips, face, and tongue. Products containing the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are available as face washes, solutions, cleansing pads, gels, lotions, toners, and face scrubs. The FDA recommends consumers to stop using products containing these ingredients if they develop hives or itching. Food and Drug Administration, June 2014
Diet: Fruits & Veggies May Not Help Weight Loss. Adding more servings of fruits and vegetables is often recommended for individuals trying to lose weight, but according to researchers, doing so may not help them shed excess pounds. A review of seven studies found that increasing fruit and vegetable intake without reducing total calories consumed appears to have a near-zero effect on weight loss. Researcher Dr. Kathryn Kaiser adds, “In the overall context of a healthy diet, energy reduction is the way to help lose weight, so to reduce weight you have to reduce caloric intake.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2014
Exercise: Exercise Improves Body Composition for Kids. A recent study referred to as “FITKids” demonstrated the extent to which physical activity can improve body composition, which is important as it contributes to overall health. The study included 220 eight to nine-year-olds who were assigned to either a nine-month physical activity program that required 70 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity five days a week or a control group. Researchers measured baseline and follow-up cardiorespiratory fitness, percent fat mass, percent central fat mass, and estimated abdominal fat tissue. The FITKids showed improved cardiovascular fitness, less body fat, and carried less fat around their abdomens. The opposite was true for the control group who maintained their regular after-school routine. Pediatrics, April 2014
Chiropractic: Strong Support for Manual Therapy to Treat Back Pain. Two independent reviewers analyzed data from 360 studies published between 2000 and 2013 related to the use of manual therapies — such as chiropractic care — to treat acute, subacute, and chronic non-specific low back pain. For all levels of low back pain, the reviewers found strong evidence for the use of manual therapy to both decrease pain and improve function. The Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, May 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Keep Teens Safe During Sports. Participating in sports is a key part of many children’s high school experience, but injuries can and do occur. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests the following ways to reduce the risk of sport-related injuries: wear protective equipment, ensure proper training and conditioning, build strength and stamina, follow rules and practice good sportsmanship, play only one sport per season, and don’t play just one sport all year-long. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, May 2013
Quote: “The most dangerous phrase in the language is: We’ve always done it this way.” ~ Grace Hopper
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s August 4 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, August 4th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Two Explanations for the Link Between Stress & Heart Attack. Scientists may have a better understanding of why ongoing stress raises an individual’s risk of having a heart attack. They believe stress triggers the body to make extra disease- fighting white blood cells, and this can cause inflammation in the arteries of people with a condition called atherosclerosis, where the artery walls are thickened by a buildup of plaque. Other studies suggest that stress causes blood to clot differently. Both factors can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart. Nature Medicine, June 2014
Health Alert: Numbing Medications Can Be Harmful to Teething Babies. Teething infants can be seriously harmed or even die from certain “gum-numbing” medications, according to a new warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA states that local anesthetics known as viscous lidocaine and benzocaine-containing teething products should never be used for teething children, except under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. Viscous lidocaine requires a prescription, and it is typically used to treat mouth ulcers in chemotherapy patients. Parents who have viscous lidocaine on hand should not use it on teething infants. The FDA notes that it received 22 reports of serious incidents thus far in 2014, including deaths, linked to use of viscous lidocaine in babies and toddlers under three and a half years of age. The FDA also advises that over-the-counter benzocaine products, such as Anbesol and Baby Orajel, should not be used for children younger than age two. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, June 2014
Diet: Gluten-Free Diet Helps Celiac Patients with “Brain Fog”. Poor memory, difficulty thinking clearly, difficulty finding the right word, and poor concentration — often referred to as “Brain fog” — are often experienced by celiac disease patients. A new study suggests that adopting a gluten-free diet seems to improve these symptoms as the intestines heal. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that causes intestinal inflammation. Scientists found that when celiac patients removed gluten from their diet, they scored better for attention, memory, and other functions on assessment tests. Study author Dr. Greg Yelland adds, “Maintaining a gluten-free diet is essential not only for [celiac patients’] physical well-being, but for mental well-being also.” Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, June 2014
Exercise: Improve Your Workout By Exercising with Someone More Fit Than You. Researchers from Kansas State University claim that individuals who exercise with a teammate or partner whom they perceive to be in better shape increased their workout time and intensity by as much as 200%. The research team found that partners who exercise at a level 40% greater are ideal for long-term motivation while they observed motivation levels declined when partners exercised at either the same or vastly superior levels. Kansas State University, June 2014
Chiropractic: Back Pain and Athletes. A new study indicates that two out of three teen athletes will experience an episode of back pain during their lifetime. Current research estimates the prevalence rate of back pain for the general population to be over 80%, or at least 14 percentage points higher than teen athletes can expect. International Journal of Sports Medicine, July 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Should Be a Family Value. Previous research shows that inadequate sleep is a risk factor for both childhood and adult obesity. A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that if parents don’t get enough sleep, their children don’t tend to either. They recommend that in order to reduce the risk of childhood obesity, parents should ensure their children get at least ten hours of sleep per night and that they get at least seven hours themselves. Preventing Chronic Disease, June 2014
Quote: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s August 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death.” ~ Harold Wilson
Exercise and Nutrition Experts
May Have Been Wrong For DECADES…
Research Shows Much of What You Have Been Told About Eating and Staying Fit May Be DEAD WRONG
…and Actually Harmful
to Your Health!
Also this month:
- Sunscreen warning from the FDA: Why you should NOT use SPRAY-ON sunscreen on children (and maybe not yourself, either).
- Study finds eating protein reduces stroke risk: What kind and how much protein should you eat?
- Is more exercise better? Research debunks this common myth and shows how exercising too much may be harming you.
- Why are researchers now saying butter is good for you? The results of new study might surprise you.
- Will the National Football League soon have its first player without arms? Isaac Lufkin’s amazing story and dream to be the first…
Houston – The cover story of the June 12th issue of Time magazine, entitled Ending the War on Fat, begins with: “For decades, it has been the most vilified nutrient in the American diet. But new science reveals fat isn’t what’s hurting our health.”
There is one word that sums up those two sentences: WOW! If you are on Facebook, then you probably saw many of your friends liking or sharing this story. For most people, that cover photo of the stick of butter and those two sentences were about all information they got from the article. But there is much more to this story than those 23 words and a catchy image concerning what you should or should not eat, including fat.
There are advocates for nearly every conceivable diet out there, but two that are very popular (and feuding) right now, in very general terms, are: (1) the low fat “non-meat” group and (2) the meat and fat eaters.
Each have experts, researchers, doctors, marketers, etc. working to “prove” and popularize why their way of eating is healthier and superior to all your other options.
When you consider that the nutrition and diet industry is worth BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, you better believe that a lot of what you read, even from experts, researchers, and doctors, is based on profit.
That’s why weeding out fact from fiction in the diet and nutrition arena is more difficult than keeping a tight grip on a piglet smothered in grease.
There is not enough space in this newsletter to cover everything in detail, but there are some basics you should understand. If you do, it should help you live a healthier (and slimmer) life.
To make sure this all makes sense to you, here is a great example from the fitness world…
Research studies have recently been published indicating that too much exercise is bad for you. In other words, the old belief that “doing some exercise is good, so more is better” does not seem to be true.
In fact, some of this new research shows that too much exercise may increase the risk of death from heart attack or stroke in patients with existing heart problems.
This study was published in the journal Heart and tracked 1,000 people who were previously diagnosed with stable coronary heart disease.
According to CBS News: “The researchers found those who were most sedentary were around twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those who were regularly physically active. They were around four times as likely to die of cardiovascular events and all other causes.
“But more surprisingly, those who did the most strenuous daily exercise were also more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than people who engaged in more moderate activity.”
It looks like Confucius was correct all those years ago when he said, “To go too far is as bad as to fall short.” Doing too little exercise is no good. Doing too much exercise isn’t good either. The trick is finding the correct amount for YOU. You are an individual who may be similar to others, but you are not the same.
Eating right is no different. The first thing to understand is there is no simple answer and there is no magic bullet or cookie cutter approach that works for everyone.
You are an individual and your body will react to foods differently than the way other people’s bodies will react to the same foods.
But, there are basic principles you can use to help find which foods work best for you.
The first, and probably most important, is understanding that processed foods are generally bad for you.
America launched the war on fat back in the 1970s and started producing and eating massive amounts of processed foods with “low-fat” and “non-fat” promises on the packaging.
Not only were people eating these processed foods, but they were eating a lot of them — probably because foods that were labeled as “fat-free” were thought to be safe. In fact, the daily caloric intake for the average person went up from 2,109 calories a day in 1970 to 2,586 calories a day in 2010.
During this time, vegetable consumption did not go up. In fact, the amount of calories Americans consumed from vegetables dropped 3% during that time. When you consider that vegetables do not have a lot of calories (a handful of broccoli contains about 30 calories), 3% is a lot.
Without getting into the great fat debate, there is no doubt, eating a lot of vegetables is good for you and eating too many calories is not.
In other words, you can cut out all the fat you want, but if you eat a lot of processed food and no vegetables, you will not be as healthy as you could be.
So, one simple thing anyone can do is to cut out processed foods and eat a lot of vegetables. Just doing those two things can have a drastic effect on your health and life.
Should you be eating a lot of fat? That is another topic without a simple answer. There are different kinds of fats from different sources. If you are interested, check out diets like the Mediterranean diet and read up on the pros and cons of the various types of fats from trans fats to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and make a decision for yourself (or consult with your doctor).
But don’t think you can eat a pound of butter for breakfast every day because you saw the Time Magazine cover and read the headline on a social media site. J
Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.
Inspirational Story Of The Month
(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
Will He Be the First Player
in the NFL Without Arms?
Have you ever gotten a letter of praise from the President of the United States of America? If you are like most people, the answer is, “no.” But Isaac Lufkin has, and that should tell you he is doing something extraordinary…
Why is Lufkin so special that President Barack Obama would write him? Well, it’s not that Lufkin is special, it’s that he is AMAZING!
Here is why: Lufkin was born 14 years ago without arms. He never wanted any pity, and he never complained. Instead, he took all that mental energy and used it to propel himself forward in a positive direction towards lofty goals.
Lufkin has always wanted to do everything himself with ZERO help from others. Just imagine getting dressed — putting on your pants, shirt, socks, and shoes — without arms! Lufkin does that with ease. Now, imagine playing high school football with the goal of playing in the NFL!
Lufkin is currently 14 years old and is the kicker for his high school team in Providence, Rhode Island. His specialty is the onside kick and he and his team have had great success implementing it.
But, Lufkin wants more. He wants to be a defensive lineman. He loves big hits, and he actually thinks he has an advantage over his opponents with arms.
When questioned how this is possible, Lufkin quickly explains how they cannot grab him and they cannot grab his jersey. What most people see as a handicap, he sees as his advantage.
That really is the secret to success and happiness for anyone in life. We are all born with our own personal individual talents and gifts and those talents and gifts are very unique. The key is to discover what your unique talents and gifts are and recognize them as advantages, not disadvantages. Then, develop them to the best of your ability.
Just as important, accept that because of them, you are different from others. Being different is good. Being unique means you are special and you have something of value that sets you apart. The last thing you want to be is exactly like everyone else.
Lufkin has embraced who he is and how and why he is unique, and he is working hard to develop that extraordinary talent and ability all the way to the NFL.
But the important thing is not whether he makes it to the NFL or not. The important thing is, at 14 years old, he understands how to succeed and how to be happy. He will have a happy and successful life no matter what happens with his football career.
So, what did President Obama write to Lufkin? He wrote, “Your success on and off the football field serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when we work hard and stay focused on reaching our goals. You have set a powerful example not only for your teammates, but for all Americans, and I hope you continue to aim high and strive for excellence in everything you do.”
There is no doubt, Isaac Lufkin will be excellent at whatever he chooses to do.
We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and
getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!
Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!
Did You Know?…
Adults Sleep 20% Less Today Compared With Adults in the 1960s!
If you don’t sleep well, you’re not going to be as healthy as you can be, no matter how good your diet is or how much you exercise. The average person gets 20% less sleep than men and women did in the 1960s. That’s equivalent to one whole night of sleep loss each week!
Maintaining a natural rhythm of exposure to daylight and the darkness at night — called the circadian rhythm — is an essential component of sleeping well. Light is important because it helps sync all the biological clocks in the body. To maintain these clocks, you want to get bright outdoor light exposure for 30-60 minutes a day, ideally at solar noon. Even just going outside for half an hour at lunch time can provide you with the majority of light you need to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
In the evening, avoid the blue light wavelength. This can be done by using blue-blocking light bulbs, dimming your lights, and if using a computer, installing blue light-blocking software.
Then, at night, sleep in maximum darkness. Use blackout shades or a sleep mask to help cut down light exposure while you rest.
Tip Of The Month
WARNING: FDA says Not to Use Spray-On Sunscreen on Children…
The Food and Drug Administation (FDA) recently announced that it is investigating the possible harmful effects of breathing in spray-on sunscreen. Because they believe there is a potential risk, the FDA is advising parents not to use this type of suncreeen on children and for adults who insist on using the product, not to breathe in the spray during application. Since the most common time to breathe in the spray is when it’s applied to the face, it’s recommended to spray the sunscreen into your hand first and then apply it to the face.
Eat protein to decrease your stroke risk…
According to The Telegraph, scientists followed 254,489 people for an average of 14 years and concluded that “Eating a high protein diet significantly lowers the risk of stroke and could prevent 10,000 deaths in Britain every year… Consuming as little as one chicken breast or a salmon fillet – the equivalent of 20g – [a day] reduces the risk of stroke by 20 percent.”
The article quotes the study’s author, Dr. Xinfeng Liu, as saying, “If everyone’s protein intake were at this level, that would translate to more than 1.4 million fewer deaths from stroke each year worldwide, plus a decreased level of disability from stroke.”
Dr. Liu adds that people should avoid red meat, as other studies have associated with increased stroke risk. In other words, stroke may be reduced by replacing red meat with other protein sources, such as fish or chicken. It’s also worth noting that the reduced risk of stroke was stronger for animal proteins than vegetable proteins.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. If you have any questions, please call us at 281-286-1300 or e-mail me at [email protected].
