Dr Beecher’s May 12 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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Week of Monday, May 12th, 2014

Mental Attitude: Depression Common After Surviving Intensive Care. A new report reveals that one-third of patients experience depression after leaving intensive care. Researchers note that this depression typically expressed itself as physical rather than psychological symptoms such as weakness, appetite change, and fatigue. Study leader Dr. James Jackson explains, “The physical symptoms of depression are often resistant to standard treatment with antidepressant drugs and we need to determine how best to enhance recovery with a new focus on physical and occupational rehabilitation.” Lancet Respiratory Medicine, April 2014

 

Health Alert: Not in the Pool! Experts warn that urinating in a swimming pool can pose a serious health risk. Researchers have found that uric acid in urine can generate volatile disinfection byproducts in the pool when it interacts with chlorine. The toxic compounds of concern are cyanogens chloride and trichloramine. Inhalation of cyanogens chloride can negatively affect the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the central nervous system, and can potentially be fatal. Trichloramine is a compound linked to acute lung injury through exposure to chlorine-based disinfectants. The findings support the need to encourage proper pool hygiene. Environmental Science & Technology, February 2014

 

Diet: Drinking Milk Slows Knee Arthritis in Women. New research suggests that osteoarthritis of the knee slows in women who regularly consume low-fat or fat-free milk compared with their peers who do not. Though the study found an association between milk intake and knee health, it did not prove cause-and effect. Further research is needed to determine the role of milk in the delay of osteoarthritis progression, but the findings do suggest the milk consumption plays an important role in bone health. Arthritis Care & Research, April 2014

 

Exercise: Over-Training Counterproductive. Over-training occurs when you do not allow your body to adjust, adapt, and recuperate from the training regimen you take part in and can be detrimental to realizing your fitness goals. Signs of over-training include decreased performance, increased resting heart rate and blood pressure, increased muscle fatigue, gastro-intestinal problems, depression, irritability, apathy, and low self-esteem. Experts recommend starting slowly with your exercise routine and working with a trainer to assess your fitness level and determine a more personalized training program. Butler University, January 2010

 

Chiropractic: Chiropractic Care Improves Type I Diabetes. A four-year-old child with type I diabetes was able to better control her blood sugar after undergoing two months of chiropractic care. The patient’s hemoglobin A1C decreased from 7.2% to 6.5% and her insulin use decreased from 15 units to 11 units per day. This case study supports the optimizing effects of chiropractic care on function throughout the body. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health, November 2013

 

Wellness/Prevention: Alcohol is a Leading Cause of Preventable Cancer Death. Scientists from the Boston University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health report that alcohol consumption leads to about 1 in 28.6 cancer deaths in the United States, including 15% of all breast cancer deaths. Although heavy drinking is linked to the greatest risk for alcohol-related cancer death, even 1.5 drinks per day or less accounts for nearly 30% of all alcohol-related cancer fatalities. Lead study author Dr. Timothy Naimi adds, “The relationship between alcohol and cancer is strong, but is not widely appreciated by the public and remains underemphasized even by physicians… Alcohol is a big preventable cancer risk factor that has been hiding in plain sight.” American Journal of Public Health, April 2013

 

Quote: “Talent is a wonderful thing, but it won’t carry a quitter.” ~ Stephen King

 

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 December 2 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Mental Attitude: Kids and Moms. A mother’s friendships with other adults can impact their adolescent children’s relationships with their own friends, particularly the negative aspects of these relationships such as conflict and antagonism. Adolescents may mimic the negative characteristics of their mothers’ relationships in their own peer-to-peer friendships. Mothers who display

high levels of conflict with friends may signal to their children that such behavior is acceptable.

University of Missouri, November 2013

 

Health Alert: Bacteria in Your Gut? Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue and causes pain, affects 1.3 million Americans. Researchers have linked a species of intestinal bacteria known as Prevotella copri to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Of those tested, 75% of stool samples from patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis carried Prevotella copri compared with 21.4% of samples from healthy individuals. NYU Langone Medical Center, November 2013

 

Diet: Pickled Turnips? Scientists have discovered that the bacteria Lactobacillus brevis may prevent the flu. Lactobacillus brevis comes from Suguki, a pickled turnip popular in Japan. When a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis was eaten by mice, it showed protective effects against influenza infection. Suguki enthusiasts have often cited its protective powers, but it is not known yet whether the same effects will be seen in humans. Human clinical trials using a probiotic drink containing

Lactobacillus brevis bacteria are underway and scientists are hopeful that, given a suitable quantity of bacteria, foods containing

Lactobacillus brevis may turn out to be the next superfood. Letters in Applied Microbiology, November 2013

 

Exercise: Exercise Helps Arthritis. Seniors who participated in classes that promoted the self-management of arthritis through exercise reported decreased pain, improved mobility, reduced stiffness, more energy, and an improved quality of life. According to Dr. Linda Russell, a rheumatologist and chair of the Public and Patient Education Advisory Committee at Hospital for

Special Surgery, “Getting seniors to be active in any way will generally improve their quality of life and help them function better in their everyday activities. People believe that if you have arthritis you shouldn’t exercise, but appropriate exercises

actually help decrease pain.” American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, November 2013

 

Chiropractic: Pain Relief! Patients with chronic spinal pain (either neck, mid-back, or low back) were randomized to receive NSAIDs (pain relief medication), acupuncture, or spinal adjustments. Care was provided for four weeks, followed by assessment of improvement. After 30 days, spinal manipulation was the only intervention that achieved statistically significant improvements in pain and disability. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, July 1999

 

Wellness/Prevention: Physical Fitness Helps the Heart Too! Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death among both men and women in the United States. After following 9,800 coronary heart disease patients for an average of 11 years, researchers found that the patients with higher levels of physical fitness were less likely to suffer a cardiac event and were 75% more likely to still be alive a decade after diagnosis. Senior study author Dr. Michael Blaha writes, “We hope that as a result of this study, more physicians will consider prescribing physical activity as a front-line therapy to improve survival and quality of life for their patients who are able to safely exercise.” John Hopkins Medicine, November 2013

 

Quote: “I find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.”

~ Thomas A. Edison

 

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 JANUARY 2013 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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“Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

Research: Does Green Tea Decrease Risk Of Cancer?

 

More this month:

  • Osteoarthritis of the knee – Should you really be moving it?
  • Current research shows 33% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. How much do you need?
  • Want to add 4.5 years to your life? New study says this is how to do it.
  • Can obesity really turn body fat TOXIC?
  • Research shows doing this lowered coronary heart disease risk by 20%.

 

Inspirational Story: Down But Not Out – Super Storm Sandy Destroyed Many Things, But Not The Human Spirit. 

 

Houston – There’s so much to tell you and so little time.  What do you want to hear about first, green tea decreasing risk of cancer or easing knee arthritis pain?

Let’s flip a coin.  Heads… green tea.  Tails… knee arthritis.

Tails!  Knee Arthritis It Is!

Knee arthritis is not only common, it can be life-changing.  Studies show that nearly 1 in 2 people may develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by age 85.

What Is Osteoarthritis Of The Knee?

Osteoarthritis or “OA” is the most common form of arthritis.   OA is a condition where the cartilage between joints wears away, causing pain.

Then, when enough synovial fluid (a naturally occurring lubricant found in the knee) and cartilage is gone, the pain can be unbearable and require total knee replacement.

If You Have Knee Arthritis,

Is There Anything You Can Do About It?

According to researcher, Dr. Tatyana Shamliyan, “Several guidelines recommend non-drug treatment, including exercise, electrical stimulation, tai chi and esthetics.” Her team analyzed the evidence and came up with results that were sometimes at odds with those guidelines.  They looked at how the therapies affected pain, functioning, and disability. “Based on the analysis, we can’t conclude sustained benefit with tai chi, manual therapy or massage, or transcutaneous electrical [nerve] stimulation.”

Dr. Shamliyan’s team reviewed nearly 200 studies and found there was evidence that low impact aerobic exercise and water exercise improved function and decreased disability. Aerobic exercise, strength training and therapeutic ultrasound reduced pain and increased mobility. However, the best outcomes came when patients stuck to their exercise program. This is particularly important as exercise can increase knee pain in the short-term.

It should be noted that the study did not show that intense exercise was any better than moderate exercise.

The take home message here is that it looks like certain moderate exercise can help some of the symptoms associated with knee OA.

But this does not mean you should take it upon yourself to “just go exercise.”

If you suffer with knee OA, you should see a qualified physician.  They will be able to determine the best treatment program for your individual case.

Now For Some Green Tea

A study recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the association of regular tea intake (greater than 3 times per week for greater than 6 months) with risk of digestive system cancers.

The study was based on middle-aged and older Chinese women.

Results: Women who consumed ≥150g tea/mo (2–3 cups/day) had a 21% reduced risk of digestive system cancers.  The association was found primarily for colorectal and stomach/esophageal cancers.

Want To Add 4.5 Years To Your Life?

A recent study published in the medical journal PLoS One pooled self-reported data on leisure time physical activities and Body Mass Index (BMI) scores from nearly 650,000 individuals over 40 years old. Their goal was to calculate the gain in life expectancy associated with specific levels of physical activity.

A physical activity level equivalent to brisk walking for up to 75 minutes per week was associated with a gain of 1.8 years in life expectancy relative to no leisure time activity.

Even better, having a physical activity level at or above 150 minutes of brisk walking per week was associated with an overall gain of life expectancy of 3.4 – 4.5 years.

In another study, 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity leisure-time physical activity led to a 14% lower coronary heart disease risk compared with those reporting no leisure-time physical activity. Those engaging in the equivalent of 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity had a 20% lower risk.

What does this mean?  Basically, it’s what we have known for quite some time.  Moderate exercise is good and it can, most likely, extend your life.

But, what’s really important is you do not have to go crazy.  Go for a brisk walk several times per week, or every day if you can, and you should see some healthy results.

Obesity Triggers

Inflammation In Fat Cells

New research says that obesity can trigger inflammation in the fat cells found just under the skin.  This is very bad because inflammation is believed to be linked to both diabetes and heart disease.

In a related study, researchers found no inflammation in the fat of lean individuals while 70% of obese people in the study showed evidence of inflammation-promoting fat and impaired blood vessel function.

No matter what, if you are obese, the odds are against you.  Losing even small amounts of weight can make a big difference in your overall health.

 

And 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)

 

Down But Not Out

Super Storm Sandy Destroyed Many Things, But Not The Human Spirit. 

This Wonderful Story Is Proof…

 

Super Storm Sandy is said to be the largest hurricane on record at over 1,000 miles wide. The highest wind gusts (94 mph) were recorded in Eatons Neck, New York.  33 inches of snow piled up in Clayton, West Virginia. Waves were 39.67 feet 500 miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey… 32.5 feet just outside New York Harbor entrance and 21.7 feet in lower Lake Michigan.

The devastation was unimaginable.  Homes were destroyed, the power was out for an estimated 7.4 million people, and over 110 people were killed in the storm.

There was and still is plenty to curse about that storm, but there are also some amazing stories, stories that show the good in people and how we come together in a time of need.

Here is one of the most amazing stories from Super Storm Sandy…

As the story goes, Christine is a homeowner in Toms River, New Jersey.  She evacuated her home before Sandy hit.  When she returned to her home, she found a note.  The note had evidently been left by someone who had broken into her home during the storm while he was trying to survive.

The person “stole” a blanket and jacket to try to keep from freezing to death.  The person who broke into Christine’s house was a 28 year old New Jersey man named Mike.  The note was basically Mike’s last words and request to contact his father and let him know he had died.

Here’s what the note said: “Whoever reads this I’m DIEING – I’m 28 yrs. old my name is Mike. I had to break into your house. I took blankets off the couch. I have hypothermia. I didn’t take anything. A wave thru me out of my house down the block. I don’t think I’m going to make it. The water outside is 10ft deep at least. There’s no res[c]ue. Tell my dad I love him and I tryed get[t]ing out. His number is ###-###-#### his name is Tony. I hope u can read this I’m in the dark. I took a black jacket too. Goodbye. God all mighty help me.”

A picture of the note spread like wildfire over Facebook and Twitter.  Then, it was seen by radio talk show host, Justin Louis. Justin called the number in the note and someone answered.

The person who answered the phone was Tony.  Justin told Tony about the note and Tony said that Mike is his son.  Then, Tony asked if Justin wanted to talk to Mike.

Yes, Mike had survived! Justin interviewed Mike, and Mike told him how he had been swept out to sea for hours.  His house was flooding and when he walked out the door, he was literally swept away into the bay.

Mike couldn’t make it back to his house because the current was too strong.  He spent 5 hours battling the current and waves until ending up at Christine’s house where he grabbed some clothes and wrote the note.  He was at Christine’s house for 2 hours before he was picked up by a man named Frank on a Waverunner.  Frank rescued Mike and brought him to his house.

Now, Mike says he is afraid of the dark because of all that time he spent in the bay with 20 foot waves crashing over him,  but that’s a lot better than the alternative.

 

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?…

20 Fun and Amazing Health Facts. 

 

1.) Women have a better sense of smell than men. 2.) When you take a step, you use up to 200 muscles. 3.) Your ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren’t. 4.) The human brain has the capacity to store everything you experience. 5.) It takes twice as long to lose new muscle if you stop working out than it did to gain it. 6.) The average person’s skin weighs twice as much as their brain. 7.) Every year your body replaces 98% of your atoms. 8.) On average, there are 100 billion neurons in the human brain. 9.) The lifespan of a taste bud is ten days.  10.) Dentists recommend you keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles caused by flushing.  11.) Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end. 12.) Your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks so that it doesn’t digest itself. 13.) It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body. 14.) The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45% when a person looks at something pleasing. 15.) Your heart rate can rise as much as 30% during a yawn. 16.) Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood each day. 17.) Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day. 18.) Your hair grows faster in the morning than at any other time of day.  19.) Your body is creating and killing 15 million red blood cells per second. 20.) You’re born with 300 bones, but when you reach adulthood, you only have 206!

 

Tip Of The Month

Vitamin D

       For most people, Vitamin D levels drop considerably in the winter (or summer if you live in the Southern Hemisphere).  Vitamin D is very important for both muscle tone and health, and recent research suggests it’s important for the immune system.  Obviously, the winter is an important time to keep your immune system as strong as possible so you can fight off the common cold and the dreaded flu.  Now, some new research shows how much Vitamin D the average person needs to maintain optimal levels. According to the recommended levels in this new research, it is believed that 30-50% of Americans and Canadians are deficient.  In order to raise your Vitamin D levels into the optimum range throughout the year, the Endocrine Society has recommended the following daily intake levels of Vitamin D (from all sources):  Children under one years old: 400-1,000 IU/day; Children 1 to 18 years old: 600-1,000 IU/day; Adults: 1,500-2,000 IU/day.

Is All Vitamin D Created Equal?

            Research published in the June edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that Vitamin D3 supplements could provide more benefit than its close relative, Vitamin D2.  This is important because it is difficult for most people to get enough Vitamin D through food and sunshine, especially during the winter months.  Many foods are fortified with Vitamin D, but it is usually in the Vitamin D2 form.  The research shows that Vitamin D3 is better at raising the Vitamin D levels in your blood when given as a supplement. Dr. Laura Tripkovic explains: “We know that Vitamin D is vital in helping to keep us fit and healthy, but what has not been clear is the difference between the two types of Vitamin D. It used to be thought that both were equally beneficial, however our analysis highlights that our bodies may react differently to both types and that Vitamin D3 could actually be better for us.”

To get their results, researchers analyzed the results of 10 studies with a total of over 1,000 people.  They stated, “Vitamin D3 could potentially become the preferred choice for supplementation. However, additional research is required to examine the metabolic pathways involved in oral and intramuscular administration of Vitamin D and the effects across age, sex, and ethnicity, which this review was unable to verify.”

Is Vitamin D Really That Important?

According to the National Institute of Health: “A growing body of research suggests that Vitamin D might play some role in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, and other medical conditions. Laboratory and animal evidence, as well as epidemiologic data, suggests that Vitamin D status could affect cancer risk. Strong biological and mechanistic bases indicate that Vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of colon, prostate, and breast cancers.”

 

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal

and maintain the pain free body you deserve.

 

This information is solely advisory, and 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 healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know.

Joints Cracking?…What is that noise?

Houston Chiropractor Comments: Ever since I became a chiropractor in the late 1980’s, one of the most common questions I hear about spinal adjustments is “What is that cracking noise?” Patients have the perception that the sound is coming from the bones, but it is in fact coming from the joints. The audible sound is due to release of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide from the synovial fluid which is a joint lubricant. The joint cavitations or pressure change occurs when the connective tissue is stretched. This increases the volume and subsequently decreases the joint pressure. The gases that were originally dissolved in the synovial fluid become less soluble and are allowed to form bubbles which can ultimately “pop”, thus making the noise you hear. The change is rapid and the pressure ultimately rises again as the gas is again dissolved in the synovial fluid.

After the adjustment there is typically an increase in joint mobility due to the stimulation of the Golgi tendon organs. The increase motion of the joint along with proper follow-up exercises and stretches help allow you to reach your body’s maximum potential. Another important thing to know is that the joint cavitations do NOT cause any arthritis or damage to the spine. That is just an old wives tale.

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!