Did Chiropractic Care Help 15-1 Long Shot “I’ll Have Another” Win The Kentucky Derby?

20 Feb

Chiropractic care has helped countless people, including many world-class professional athletes and celebrities!

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal system experts, and since animals and horses have musculoskeletal systems, why wouldn’t Chiropractic care also help them?

Well, according to USA Today, Larry “Thumper” Jones has been helping horses with Chiropractic care for years.

Years ago, Jones suffered a hockey injury and had back surgery.  His rehabilitation was unsuccessful, and it wasn’t until a Chiropractor treated him that he got better.

For 30 years now, Jones has been treating horses as an equine Chiropractor.  He has worked with top racehorses such as $5.2 million dollar winning horse, Lava Man. He recently worked on I’ll Have Another the week before the 15-1 long shot won the Kentucky Derby.

According to USA Today: “Jones, 53, describes I’ll Have Another as a ‘yoga specialist’ who has complete range of motion in his joints. He laughed, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if the horse could put his leg behind his head. As a result, I’ll Have Another should be able to take long strides, using less energy to get around the track.

“Keeping horses limber, relaxed and mobile is important, Jones said, as for any athlete. He said he uses instinct to know when a horse needs treatment, saying the animals often indicate the areas where they have tightness or pain.

“This week, I’ll Have Another will get some massages, done with a vibrating machine that helps to loosen muscles and increase blood flow.”

It looks like Jones was right.  I’ll Have Another did take some long strides and won the Kentucky Derby! (Editor’s note: After this article was written, I’ll Have Another also won the Preakness Stakes, the 2nd leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, but suffered a career ending injury on the eve of the Belmont Stakes.)

If Chiropractic care is good enough for top professional athletes and Kentucky Derby winning horses, then it just might be good enough for you too!

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.

 

An Avocado A Day Can Help Keep The Wrinkles Away?

20 Feb

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” ~ Albert Einstein

“Just rub this wonder cream on and your face and all your wrinkles will instantly disappear!” We’ve all seen the commercials, and the results they show are pretty sensational. Isn’t it funny how that “wonder cream” is usually from some accidental discovery or from some magical plant in the rainforest?

What happens when you buy that wonder cream?  Yeah, that’s right…  NOTHING!  Except your wallet is $19.95 lighter (plus shipping and handling).

So, instead of all that fantasy stuff, let’s talk about the real world and something you can eat that is good for you and might help slow the aging process.

That Food Is A Fruit &

It Is Called The Avocado

Why is the avocado so great?  First, it has a very high level of oleic acid.  Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that aids in fat metabolism.

Avocados also have high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and Vitamin E.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid antioxidants.  According to the American Optometric Association:

“Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. 

“Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells.”

Avocados also contain ionic potassium and folate.  Potassium – Sodium ratios are very important to keep your heart healthy and functioning properly.

If you eat vegetables (and you should), here’s another great thing about avocados…

According to Natural News, most vegetables contain high amounts of carotenoid based antioxidants. “Studies have shown that these antioxidants are lipophilic (fat-loving) and are absorbed best in the body when combined with a healthy fat such as oleic acid.”

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in March 2005 showed that adding avocados to salad increased absorption of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein 7.2, 15.3, and 5.1 times higher, respectively, than the average amount of these carotenoids absorbed when avocado-free salad was eaten.

In other words, eating avocados in your salad and with vegetables is (most likely) a very good thing!

What Type Of Avocados

Should You Eat?

Both Florida (the big avocados) and Hass avocados are good for your digestive tract because they contain soluble and insoluble fiber.  However, Hass avocados have higher concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin and some other nutrients.

Can Avocados Prevent Skin Wrinkling?

Some think avocados can prevent wrinkles and skin aging.  It is believed avocados are great anti-aging foods because they contain D-manno-heptuloe sugar. This sugar has been shown to improve skin epidermis by boosting collagen formation.

Avocados contain antioxidants that may reduce age spots, decrease inflammation and help scars to heal.

Five Fantastic Things That Are Invigorating Me!

19 Feb

The Most Important Principles For Staying Young: 

Five Fantastic Things That Are Invigorating Me!

Dr. Michael F. Roizen

Co-Author of 4 #1 NY Times Bestsellers including: YOU Staying Young.

The Owner’s Manual For Extending Your Warranty (Free Press)

Our basic premise is that your body is amazing:  You get a do over: it doesn’t take that long, and isn’t that hard if you know what to do.  In these notes, we give you a short course in what to do so it becomes easy for you and then to teach others. We want you to know how much control you have over your quality and length of life

Since this series started, we’ve given you dozens of easy to adopt tips to Staying Young. This week, we were totally blown away (that’s a 70’s or 80’s term we know, but that’s what we are) by 5 that are not quite ready for prime time, but excite us about the future. We may not have room for all, but let’s start and see how much we can squeeze in before the space police (the editorial staff) cut us off.

#1. Omega-7’s and Heart Disease, and plaque in brain arteries, and even diabetes. “Wow,” you might say, “I know about that DHA omega-3, that is the active ingredient in fish oil* that helps retain memory and eyesight. But omega-7…what is that?” It was discovered that Macadamia nut oil seemed to decrease LDL (The Lousy kind of) cholesterol, Triglycerides, and inflammatory markers, and to increase HDL (the Healthy kind of) cholesterol. The problem—it was expensive, like $30 dollars a day.  Now, they’ve found a less expensive source, even purer (34-90%, and without the aging saturated fats). They restarted research, and found almost a miracle (these studies have been done at Harvard, the Cleveland Clinic, and in Japan).  Giving a minor amount (not gallons) of this Omega-7 in capsule form to adults decreased liver fat substantially in overweight humans (a very good thing), and did so in two studies (one in Boston and one in Japan). Two studies are better than one study, but not enough or done long enough for us to say to our patients you should take this.  This omega-7 stuff also decreased atherosclerosis  (it actually eliminated observable plaque in mice bred for growing plaque and fed a fat diet).   These changes after omega-7 need to be validated in at least three more human studies before we say take it. In fact, I have asked a company whose scientific advisory board I chair to start such studies.

*We like it from algae, where the fish get it from, because of the almost zero risk of contaminants, like mercury.

Our personal take: we take 900mg of DHA omega-3 a day, and added 200 mg of purified Omega-7 a day.  We even used some purified omega-7 (it is expensive) to sauté with (palmitoleic acid—the omega-7 we take and used for this has a very high boiling point for the Foodies reading this). That’s how strong the data are, and with no side effects reported in the mice and man studies. But remember, while the animal data are strong, not enough human data now exists for us to recommend this unconditionally.

Okay, we went over our allotted word count and we only got to tell you about the first of five great breakthroughs… the other four (I’ll give you the titles now) will go to next month…

2. Exercise… What type, when and how much is best for you for health, building strength, and endurance?

3. Stress management can totally eradicate the DNA changes that family violence or violent disturbing movies or events can cause you and yours. Yes, your reaction to violence changes your DNA and in a way that shortens your life more than playing football without a helmet does.  You can learn how to avoid those DNA changes (remember you control your genes). Read how right here next month.

4. Ceramides and cancer.  Scientists may have accidentally found a cure for pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma (a very bad acting brain tumor). How soon will it be available, and how it works invigorated me about the future.

5. Bexarotene and Alzheimer’s. The first results from attempts by other labs to replicate this amazing cure should be in by mid-June.

While we do not know of side effects from DHA-omega-3 or purified omega-7, do tell your doc about all the things you take. You may be the first to push her (or him) to google “Omega-7”.

Thanks for reading.

Young Dr Mike

You can follow Dr Roizen  (and get updates on the latest and most important medical stories  of the week) on twitter @YoungDrMike. 

 

Feel free to continue to send questions to youdocs@gmail.com. You can follow Dr Roizen on twitter @YoungDrMike (and get updates on the latest and most important medical stories of the week).  The YOU docs have a new web site: YOUBeauty.com  and its companion BeautySage.com the only site we know of where you can find skin products proven to meet the claims (opened for business on June 1st, 2012), and a new book: YOU: The Owner’s Manual for Teens.  It makes a great (even late) graduation gift.  Thanks for reading.

 

Michael F. Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer and chair of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. His radio show streams live on http://www.healthradio.net  Saturdays from 5-7 p.m . E-mail him questions at YouDocs@gmail.com.   He is the co-author of 4 #1 NY Times Best Sellers including : YOU Staying Young and YOU: The Owner’s Manual. He is Chief Medical Consultant to the two year running Emmy award winning Dr Oz show– The Dr Oz show is #2 nationally in daytime TV.  See what all the fun is about, and what he, The Enforcer, is up to. Check local listings or log onto DoctorOz.com for channel and time. And for more health info, log onto youbeauty.com anytime.

NOTE: You should NOT take this as medical advice. This article is of the opinion of its author.  

Before you do anything, please consult with your doctor.

 

 

Low Back Pain: What Are Your Treatment Goals?

19 Feb

Low back pain (LBP) has been a challenge to treat for centuries and evidence exists that back pain has been a concern since the origins of man. Chiropractic offers one of the most patient satisfying and fastest treatment approaches available. But, when you go to a chiropractor, there seems to be a lot of different approaches utilized from doctor to doctor. Is there any evidence that suggests one approach is favored over another? How are the patient’s goals addressed?

Let’s look at what chiropractors actually do. Sure, we manipulate the spine and other joints in the upper and lower limbs using a variety of techniques, which seems to be the “brand” of chiropractic. This is good as joint manipulation has consistently been reported to be safe, effective, and with few side effects. Since this is the “staple” of chiropractic, it’s safe to say that regardless of our preferred or chosen technique, obtaining a good result is highly likely.

But, chiropractic includes SO MUCH MORE than just joint manipulation! For example, we focus on the whole person, not just their isolated issue or complaint. Using low back pain as our example, a “typical” evaluation includes a detailed history of the patient’s general health, past history, illness history, family history, personal habits including sleep quality, exercise habits, dietary issues, quality of life measurements and a review of systems. By gathering this information, we can identify areas that may be directly related to low back pain care, indirectly related, or possibly not related at all, but interferes with the person’s quality of life which, in turn, increases LBP. It’s really difficult to separate our low back from the rest of our body.

For example, if a person has plantar fascitis, a heel spur, an ingrown toe nail, diabetic neuropathy in their feet, pes planus or flat feet, an unstable ankle from multiple sprains, knee or hip problems, the gait pattern or, the way a person walks will be affected and the “domino effect” can trickle up to change the low back/pelvic function — resulting in low back pain! Proper management must address all of the issues that are affecting the patient’s gait if long-term success in low back pain management is expected, rather that just putting a “band aid” on the problem.

Let’s talk about what treatment goals we like to address when we treat our low back pain patient population. The most obvious first goal is pain cessation or getting rid of pain! Since this is what usually drives the patient into our office, patient satisfaction with the care received will not be significant unless the pain is managed. This is achieved through advice, reassurance and training. We often recommend ice (vs. heat) aimed at reducing inflammation, activity modification (teaching proper bending, lifting, pulling, and pushing techniques) and gentle stretching exercises when LBP is present in this acute stage.

Once the pain becomes more manageable and activities become less limited, the second goal is structural restoration. This usually includes managing the flat foot possibly with foot orthotics, a short leg with a heel lift, sole lift or combination, an unstable ankle, knee or hip with exercise often emphasizing balance challenge exercises, and sometimes an orthotic that can be as simple as an elastic wrap to a more elaborate brace. This goal also includes “functional restoration” or transitioning the patient back into real life activities they may be afraid to try such as work, golf, gardening, walking or running, etc.

The third goal is prevention oriented. This may include nutrition (including vitamin/mineral recommendations), weight management (though this is also part of the 2nd goal), exercises (aerobic, stabilization, balance, stretch), and stress management (yoga, lifestyle coaching, etc.). We treat ALL of you, not just your parts!

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vitamin B6.

19 Feb

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition usually associated with repetitive strain from jobs that require a fast, constant movement of the arms and hands (such as working on an assembly line). Up to 9% of adult women develop CTS and the incidence increases after age 50. A common medical treatment approach has been a combination of drugs (including corticosteroids), diuretics, splinting at night, and modifying activities, often including a “light duty” status until the symptoms calm down. Prior to accepting surgery as, “…the only option left,” an “alternative treatment” approach of vitamin B6 (and of course, chiropractic manual therapies) is chosen by many. Many treatment approaches have been previously discussed; however, today, we’ll take a closer look at the vitamin B6 /CTS connection.

Research regarding the use of vitamin B6 or, pyridoxine, can be traced way back into the ‘70s and ‘80s when it was reported that B6 is involved in several metabolic pathways, including neural function (“neurotransmission”). This is how it helps CTS patients since CTS occurs as the consequence of a pinched (median) nerve at the wrist. Findings from the initial studies, though quite small in terms of the number of subjects, suggested B6 improved the symptoms of CTS (such as, numbness and tingling into the 2nd to 4th palm-side fingers) by raising the pain threshold (that is, the point when symptoms occurred). Another study reported improvements in pain scores and mild improvements in electromyography and nerve conduction velocity (EMG-NCV) studies. Another study reported that at least 7 patients in their study were B6 deficient when blood tested. Regarding the dose, one study reported that taking only 2mg of B6 was enough to improve the patient’s CTS symptoms, but 100mg was needed for the avoidance of surgery. In a large “retrospective literature review” of 994 CTS patient files, it was reported that when 494 patients were treated with 100mg twice a day, the rate of symptom alleviation was 68%, much higher than group that did not receive B6 (only 14.3%). Yet, controversy is still reported about the effectiveness of B6 and firm conclusions are lacking. Despite this uncertainty, 200 mg of vitamin B6 is frequently included as part of the non-surgical “package” (along with NSAIDs like ibuprofen, nighttime splints, and an ergonomic workstation evaluation).

So, how much B6 is “enough?” The recommended daily intake is only 2 mg or less for all ages, genders and lifestyles with an upper limit set at 100 mg/day. The main toxicity issue is sensory neuropathy, which (oddly) is very similar to the symptoms caused by CTS! The good news is that CTS symptoms rapidly disappear at doses < 1000 mg/day and most studies indicate no toxic neuropathy by taking doses between 40 and 500 mg/day. Hence, it is recommended to never exceed 500mg/day and most recommendations are in the 100-200 mg/day range. If symptoms improve, a gradual reduction in the dose after about 3 months is advised. Closer monitoring of symptoms in those taking >200mg/day is recommended, especially since the symptoms of toxicity and CTS are so similar. Other B6 toxicity symptoms include depression, fatigue, impaired memory, irritability, headaches, altered walking, and bloating. So, keep your eyes open if doses >200mg/day are taken. Other micronutrients to consider that are anti-inflammatory in nature include omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium (often in combination with calcium), Co-Q10, proteolytic enzymes, and herbs such as ginger, tumeric, boswellia, white willow bark and more.

We realize you have a choice in who 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 require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

 

Fibromyalgia – The Latest on Exercise!

19 Feb

Exercise therapies have been identified as one of the most effective forms of treatment for Fibromyalgia (FM). Unfortunately, in a study of 121 newly diagnosed FM patient files, less than half included an exercise recommendation. This statistic is alarming! This month’s article will focus on recent FM studies supporting the benefits of exercise.

The first study looked at the immediate effects of a 6-mo. combined exercise program and its impact on quality-of-life, physical function, depression, and aerobic capacity in 41 FM females. Also, it studied the impact of starting and stopping the program. A group of 21 women were placed into the exercise group and 20 into the control group. Questionnaires and a physical fitness screen were used to measure the outcome or benefits of the program vs. no intervention at baseline (initial), and after 6 months of exercise training followed by 6 months of no exercise training over a 30 month timeframe. Results highly favored the exercise training group over the control group in all parameters both during the exercise training (immediate effects) and during the no exercise 6 month time frames (long-term benefits).

A Chicago-based pilot (small-scaled) study evaluated the use of aerobic conditioning (VO2 max.) on 26 FM subjects at baseline and after a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program. The exercises included a 30 minute program at 80% of the maximum heart rate, and also measured pain, disability, depression and stress. Results showed those who successfully completed the 12-week program demonstrated an increase in aerobic conditioning, and a trend towards less pain, disability and stress reduction. Those who were unable or unwilling to participate had significantly higher pain, disability and a trend toward more depression at baseline vs. those that completed the program. The conclusions suggest aerobic exercises benefits the FM patient’s quality of life and, VO2 max is a useful marker for measuring exercise benefits. Also, those scoring initially high in the pain, disability, depression/stress measures were more likely to fail and may benefit from a more comprehensive guided program.

Another study looked at the effects of a 3x/week, 16-week exercise program in a chest-high pool of warm water measuring global symptoms and exercise adherence (compliance) levels. A group of 60 middle-aged FM women were compared to 20 healthy, similarly age matched females before and after a 16 week aquatic exercise program that included strength training, aerobic training and relaxation exercises. Tender point count, health status, sleep quality, physical endurance, psychologic and cognitive function were measured and, compliance at 12-months was studied. Again, the results revealed statistical improvement in most of the parameters tested in the FM exercise group and, 23 of the 60 were still exercising at 12 months. Again, the conclusions favor the need for exercises in the management of FM.

As noted in the initial paragraph, in spite of all the positive research support for including exercise training in FM patients, less than half of newly diagnosed FM suffers are given exercises as part of their treatment plan. The need for exercises to be part of the FM treatment plan is clear, and training needs to be initially structured to enhance compliance.

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

 

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