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.

Chiropractic Management of Neck Pain .

24 Nov

Neck pain is a very common condition that drives many patients to seek chiropractic care. Treatment planning typically includes four primary goals: 1) Pain Management; 2) Structural Realignment; 3) Functional Restoration; and 4) Maintenance / Prevention.
1) PAIN MANAGEMENT: Getting rid of pain is the primary focus of ALL patients in the early stages of a neck injury. If we use the acronym “PRICE” (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate), the first three apply when it comes to neck pain. We “protect” our neck by avoiding or changing the way we go about doing things such as our sleep position (this often prompts a “proper pillow discussion”), adjusting the outside rearview mirrors of our car (if you flair the outside mirrors outwards, it opens up the “blind spots” and may prevent a collision, especially if you cannot rotate your neck very far), and modifying other ADLs (activities of daily living). The bottom line is: if an activity creates a sharp pain sensation, it is a “warning sign” to modify or stop WHATEVER it is that you’re doing. Wearing a cervical collar for a SHORT duration of time can qualify for both “Protect” and “Rest.” Try resting your neck on a pillow when reading or watching TV, as it allows the neck muscles to rest. A cervical traction device can help reduce muscle spasm, improves flexibility (range of motion), and reduce pain. Alternating “Ice” and heat can be even more effective, as it “PUMPS” out inflammation or swelling. Heat is also a good natural muscle relaxant and ice reduces swelling (inflammation), both of which can help reduce pain. There really is no hard and fast rule as to how long you should continue using ice (days, weeks, or months) – if it helps, use it (unless you are hypersensitive and frostbite easily, in which case limit the ice time). However, heat can worsen a condition if it’s applied too soon or too long. Anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, turmeric, boswellia, and others are very effective and actually may be BETTER than ibuprofen, Aleve, or aspirin. Recent studies indicate that there may be a delay in healing when over-the-counter pain medications are used, and the recommendation is to AVOID these drugs so healing won’t be delayed!

2) STRUCTURAL REALIGNMENT: The goal here is to improve (to the best of our ability) faulty bony misalignments that frequently exist in the neck, upper, middle back as well as the low back, as all can contribute to neck pain. This is also a great long-term goal, as it may help PREVENT future episodes of neck pain. There is a natural process of aging called osteoarthritis that none of us can avoid, but allowing faulty curves and bony misalignments to persist may actually accelerate this degenerative process! Your Chiropractor may have you lie on a tightly rolled up towel (a frozen water bottle often feels even better) placed behind the neck and when it’s comfortable, performing this on the edge of the bed is a great way to re-educate a reversed cervical curve (and, it feels GREAT!). Even a heel lift in the shoe of a short leg can help the neck! Spinal manipulation, manual mobilization techniques, and trained exercises all address this treatment goal quite effectively!

We will continue this conversation next month discussing the third and fourth topics: 3) Functional Restoration; and 4) Maintenance / Prevention, so STAY TUNED!

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 neck pain, we would be honored to render our services.

Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D Deficiency

20 Nov

Utilizing dietary approaches to help with fibromyalgia (FM) management has been our main topic these past two issues and serves as GREAT background information for this month’s topic: Vitamin D and its role in the management of pain associated with FM. Let’s take a look!

Vitamin D is found in foods such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, cod liver oil, and more. The sun also helps the body produce vitamin D with as little as 10 minutes of exposure reported to be enough to prevent deficiency. There are several different forms of vitamin D, of which two are important in humans: vitamin D2 (made by plants), and D3 (made by human skin exposed to sunlight). Foods may be fortified with either type, and supplements are available in both forms (D3 is preferred). The main role of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium and vitamin D are often taken together to improve bone health and reduce fractures. Research has also shown that vitamin D may protect against osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases. “Classic” vitamin D deficiency diseases include bone softening conditions such as rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults). People at high risk include the elderly, individuals who are obese, and those with limited sun exposure. Individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis (mucous build-up in the lungs) or inflammatory bowel disease are also at risk for vitamin D deficiency. With that background information, can vitamin D help FM patients with chronic pain?

In a February 2014 study (journal: Pain 2014, Feb 01;155(2)261-268), the first known randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 30 FM women with serum D3 levels below 32ng/mol/L (80nmol/L). Half were assigned to either vitamin D replacement or a control group that received a placebo (NOT vitamin D). The two groups were re-evaluated again after 24 weeks. The main hypothesis was that those treated with vitamin D3 would have less pain (as measured on a 0-100 pain scale and several additional questionnaires). The study found that there was a marked reduction in pain perception in the FM women treated with D3. Though a larger scale study was recommended to solidify these findings, the authors conclude, “This economical therapy with a low side effect profile may well be considered in patients with FMS.” This study is important, as dosing of vitamin D3 (preferred over D2 commonly prescribed) was based on deficiency levels and provided at 1200 to 2400 IU/day. By the end of three months, those receiving D3 improved from an average of 20 ng/ml to almost 50 ng/ml and reported a 20 point decrease in pain on a 0-100 scale. Further, about 20-25 weeks after discontinuing D3, their levels dropped back to ~26 ng/ml with a corresponding increase in pain levels (by 30%).

WebMD reports similar chronic pain benefits with D3 replacement. In 2003, they reported that D3 deficiency is high “among all U.S. ages, races, and ethnic groups over the past two decades.” They add that a then-recent study found that out of 150 chronic pain patients, 93% of them had “extremely low” D3 levels!

If you, a friend or family member requires care for Fibromyalgia, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

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