New Technology Can Mimic the Mantis Shrimp’s Eye!

17 Dec

According to Dr. Justin Marshall of the Queensland Brain Institute, “The camera that we’ve developed in close collaboration with [United States] and [United Kingdom] scientists shoots video and could provide immediate feedback on detecting cancer and monitoring the activity of exposed nerve cells.

“It converts the invisible messages into colours that our visual system is comfortable with.”

Dr. Marshall also added, “Nature has [developed] elegant and efficient design principles, so we are combining the mantis shrimp’s millions of years of evolution – nature’s engineering – with our relatively few years of work with the technology.”

The possibilities for this are almost endless and can be life-saving.  Theoretically, such cameras can be included in cell phones that could be used to scan the body and detect cancer.  It is well-known that surviving many forms of cancer is directly related to how early it’s detected and appropriate treatment is commenced.

This would be an extremely valuable early detection system that could save an unimaginable amount of lives.

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.

Possible Health Problems Associated with Artificial Sweeteners

16 Dec

Evidence from a recent study suggests consuming the maximum acceptable daily intake of artificial sweeteners may negatively affect gut bacteria, potentially causing glucose intolerance within a short period of time.

No one wants to be overweight or have any of the health problems associated with it such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancer, just to name a few. And, nearly everyone’s ears perk up if they hear someone offering simple and easy “short-cut secrets” to lose extra weight so they can look and feel great.

That’s why the weight-loss industry is BIG BUSINESS.  Estimates put the value of the weight-loss industry at 60.5 BILLION (with a “B”) in 2013 with expectation that it will continue to grow for many years to come.

One of the biggest “breakthroughs” in the diet industry was the invention of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. There has been quite a bit of debate as to the safety and effectiveness of these products for weight loss.  According the research published in Nature, “Non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are among the most widely used food additives worldwide, regularly consumed by lean and obese individuals alike. NAS consumption is considered safe and beneficial owing to their low caloric content, yet supporting scientific data remain sparse and controversial.”

Artificial sweeteners are often referred to as non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS).  NAS are synthetic substitutes for sugar that can be up to 20,000 times sweeter than their natural counterpart.

The biggest selling point for these NAS is that they aren’t considered to contain calories.  Holding all other variables constant, logic assumes that digesting fewer calories leads to weight loss.

But because some of the research regarding NAS is conflicting, the Weizmann Institute conducted a series of experiments on both mice and humans to try to get to the bottom of all this once and for all.

To start, they added the maximum acceptable intake for humans of NAS (as defined by the FDA) to the water of laboratory mice. The artificial sweeteners used in the study were aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.

Results:  “After 11 weeks, mice consuming NAS showed significant glucose intolerance as compared to control mice consuming only water or water with added glucose. They also repeated the experiments with different breeds of mice and found the same thing.”

The researchers theorized that artificial sweeteners have a negative effect on good gut bacteria, which may be the cause of the glucose intolerance they observed. They checked the gut bacteria population in the mice, and the results indicated their theory was correct.

Next, the researchers gathered data on 381 humans to see if their results were the similar.

“They found an association between self-reported NAS consumption and glucose intolerance and also differences in gut microbiome profiles between those consuming lots of NAS and those that did not consume them.”

In other words, for the NAS the researchers tested, it appears they have the same result on humans as they did on mice in their initial studies.

Here is the conclusion reached by the researchers in the study published in Nature: “Collectively, our results link NAS consumption, dysbiosis and metabolic abnormalities, thereby calling for a reassessment of massive NAS usage.”

As with all research, one study is not a definitive answer, and more research must be done.  But, people who are consuming large quantities of these artificial sweeteners might want to re-think this habit.

Cell Phones with Cameras That Detect Cancer?

15 Dec

It seems like science fiction, but some researchers say it will be a reality in the near future.

How?  It’s because Mother Nature can already “see” cancer and recently, scientists figured out how she does it.

This is pretty amazing.  The Mantis Shrimp is known as one of the most ferocious predators –pound-per-pound — in the ocean.  What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its toughness and incredible power.

But what is even more amazing are the eyes of the Mantis Shrimp.  According to researchers in Australia, the Mantis shrimp has a very unique pair of “compound eyes.”

As reported in ScienceAlert: “This type of eye is superbly tuned to detect polarised light – a type of light that reflects differently off different types of tissue, including cancerous or healthy tissue.”

Want a Better, Healthier Life?

12 Dec

Stupid question.  Who doesn’t want to live a longer and better life?  The real question is: Are you willing to take these simple steps to achieve it?

What simple steps?

Let me explain the very interesting (and promising) finding of a new study.  In the study, researchers in California claim they are the first to reverse the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  Now, if you think this is not for you because you do not have Alzheimer’s, you would be incorrect.  This is important for everyone.

Here is why…

According to a story run by KGW news (a partner of NBC), “The study, released in partnership with the Buck Institute for Research and Aging, claims 9 out of 10 patients with progressive memory loss had their symptoms reversed within three to six months after undergoing an ultra-healthy lifestyle change personalized to each patient. The one person who did not show improvement had late stage Alzheimer’s.”

What was this incredible approach that got such great results?  Here it is…

  • Eliminating simple carbs from the diet, meaning, no gluten or processed foods.
  • Eating more veggies, fruits, and wild caught fish.
  • Yoga and meditation.
  • Increasing sleep to at least seven hours a night.
  • Exercising at least 30 minutes, six days a week.
  • Taking a regimen of vitamins and supplements.

No incredible new technology.  No invention of a wonder drug.  No magical brain surgery.

Instead, this is just a list of common sense things we already know are the foundations of good health.

Keeping your brain healthy is just a matter of following through on the type of things we already know we should do to keep our bodies healthy. The question is, will you do them?

Sincerely,

Dr. Binder

Chiropractic and Leg Length.

27 Nov

Because the spinal cord is housed by the spine and the exiting nerve roots communicate with the autonomic nerves that basically run our organ function, maintaining alignment of the spine and pelvis is very important to minimize nerve irritation and subsequent health-related problems. The focus of this Health Update is on leg length, its effect on our posture, methods of assessment, and treatment.

Leg length plays and important role in posture. When there is a difference in leg length, the pelvis cannot maintain a level position, and because the spine’s base is the pelvis, it cannot stay straight if there is a leg length discrepancy. Doctors of all disciplines realize the importance of leg length, especially orthopedic surgeons as they consider hip and knee replacement! There are many causes of leg length issues, and some include a genetic predisposition (inherited), trauma during bone growth years (15mm.

From a treatment standpoint, a heel lift (with or without arch supports) can be placed into the shoe on the short leg side. Unfortunately, there is not a 1 to 1mm correction of the leg length deficiency with heel lifts. In adults, it has been reported that about a 66% correction occurs, which means a 10 mm lift would result in around a 6.6mm leg length deficiency correction. Many doctors have found that it is usually wise to GRADUALLY increase the amount of heel lifting, and so patients often start with a 5mm lift and at one week intervals, increase it to the next height, such as 7mm, followed by 9mm, and so on. At 12mm (0.5”), problems with the heel lift being pushed out of the shoe and/or sliding forwards in the shoe may prohibit the use of these thicker lifts after which point the bottom of the shoe can be built up by a shoe cobbler (some services can be found online as well). We look forwards to helping you gain stability and proper spinal posture!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care, we would be honored to render our services.

Whiplash – The Power of Positive Thinking!

25 Nov

When discussing the topic of whiplash injury recovery, prompt assessment, treatment, education, reassurance, and advice can be VERY EFFECTIVE in helping the injured crash victim improve during the acute stage of the injury (first three months). But after three months, when the condition becomes more chronic, which interventions are the most beneficial? More specifically, what is the role of having a “positive outlook” on the outcome of care?

We can “classify” injuries associated with whiplash into three primary categories: Type I WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorders) – Soft tissue injury without range of motion loss; Type II WAD – Soft tissue injury with cervical or neck motion loss; and Type III WAD – The above PLUS neurological findings (numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness). Statistically, patients with Type I and II WAD generally have good treatment results with plans that include exercise and group therapy. At six months, 65% are able to return to work, 92% are able to return to work on at least a part-time basis, and 81% report that no further care is needed. Coordination exercises are also reported to be helpful and are recommended to be included in treatment plans.

In those with chronic WAD (more than three months of symptoms), patients with negative thoughts did worse than those who were not afraid to perform tasks and who were less emotional in stressful situations. Most importantly, negative thoughts and increased pain behavior can be IMPROVED using a structured treatment approach that includes education about the neurophysiology of pain and how to overcome the fear factor associated with chronic pain behavior. In fact, the MOST important predictor of persistent disability in patients with chronic WAD is how well the injured patient believes he/she CAN perform a task and their emotional reaction to stressful situations. So, how is this done?

As stated above, an improved knowledge about pain and how the nervous system is “wired” — from the tip of the finger hitting a hot stove to the central processing center in the brain — REALLY HELPS. When this process is understood, it reduces much of the “fear of the unknown” that chronic WAD patients experience. When you think about it, pain is actually a good thing, as it warns us when to slow down or stop AND tells us when it’s OK to continue with tasks or desired activities. It helps define boundaries within which we can SAFELY FUNCTION by forewarning us to SLOW DOWN or modify. Exercise and staying active are some of the most important factors for success in managing almost ALL musculoskeletal conditions, and knowing the difference between “safe” vs. “harm” when it comes to interpreting pain can result in a lower risk for chronic pain problems.

Once this “knowledge” is understood and appreciated, the injured whiplash patient literally “proves” to him/herself that they are in CONTROL of their condition and can begin to return towards more normal function. The success of this approach centers on introducing the WAD patient to a step-by-step activity re-integration process through structured exercises and careful guidance. For example, muscles can become weak and shrink within 24-48 hours of being inactive. After days, weeks, months, and/or years of modified or stopped activity, this kind of weakness becomes obvious and the whiplash patient may gradually become more and more afraid of performing an activity / exercise in fear that doing so could make the problem worse. This negative thought is a HUGE HURDLE to overcome but must be dwelt with systematically to gain success in returning to life’s required and desired ADLs. As chiropractors, we will guide you in this learning process. When needed, we often work with other healthcare professionals as a team to reach this goal. Remember, THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING can make or break a successful outcome – let us help you in this process!

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Whiplash, we would be honored to render our services.

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