Spinal Manipulation Recommended in New Low Back Pain Guidelines

The American College of Physicians and American Pain Society have just recently released updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. In the new guidelines these two organizations have strongly recommended the use of spinal manipulation (the most common form of chiropractic care) for the treatment of both acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. According to the study researchers, "… clinicians should consider the addition of nonpharmacological therapy with proven benefits – for acute low back pain, spinal manipulation; for chronic or subacute low back pain… spinal manipulation…". Spinal manipulation (commonly known as chiropractic adjustments) is a hands-on, drug-free therapy provided by chiropractors. In fact, 94 percent of all spinal manipulati! on therapy in the United States is conducted by doctors of chiropractic. Research has also shown chiropractic care to be more effective and less costly than traditional medical care in a number of other conditions aside from just lower back pain.

Source:  Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:478-491.


Neck Manipulation is Extremely Safe

If you've ever heard certain sources claiming that chiropractic spinal manipulation/adjustment of the neck region can be unsafe or downright dangerous, a new study published in the internationally respected journal Spine should help put you at ease. U.K. researchers set out to evaluate the true risk of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine (neck region). Here's the true facts. After reviewing data from over 50,000 cervical manipulations, researchers found no reports of serious adverse events. Researchers concluded, "… the risk of a serious adverse event, immediately or up to 7 days after treatment, was low to very low". Compare this to the risks associated with the use of prescription medications, where over 2.2 million people had serious adverse side effects in the year 2000. Experience for yourself what patients and doctors of chiropractic have known for over 100 years, that chiropractic manipulation of the spine andand joints of the body is not only highly effective, but also extremely safe for patients.

Source:  Spine. 32(21):2375-2378, October 1, 2007.


Why Eat Organic?

GOVERNMENT STUDY: HIGH LEVELS OF PESTICIDES IN KIDS' DIETS U.S. government scientists from the Centers for Disease Control have released a new study revealing that switching to organic foods provides children with "dramatic and immediate" protection from toxic pesticides. The scientists tested the urine of elementary school children for 15 days. Children ate conventional foods for ten of the days and ate organic foods for five days.

During those five days, researchers saw the toxins malathion and chlorpyrifos in the children's urine completely disappear. These chemicals are two of the most commonly found pesticides on non-organic foods, and are associated with nerve damage in children. Pesticide levels increased five-fold in the children's urine as soon as conventional foods were reintroduced to their diet. The study concludes, "An organic diet provides a dramatic and immediate protective effect against exposure to organophosphorus pesticides that are commonly used in agricultural production."

Source: http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/organicstudy090405.cfm


It's Official: Organic Really Is Better!

The debate over whether organic food is healthier than conventionally grown food may be over, according to results from a $25-million study into organic food -- the largest of its kind to date. The four-year, European-Union-funded study found that:

• Organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants
• Organic produce had higher levels of beneficial minerals like iron and zinc
• Milk from organic herds contained up to 90 percent more antioxidants

The researchers obtained their results after growing fruit and vegetables, and raising cattle, on adjacent organic and non-organic sites. They say that eating organic foods can even help to increase the nutrient intake of people who don’t eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency, which has formerly said that there is no difference between organic and conventional foods, is reviewing the research findings.

Source: Times Online October 28, 2007


Carcinogens Found in "Organic" Personal Care Products!

A new study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found that many leading "natural" and "organic" brand shampoos, body washes, and lotions contain the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane.

1,4-Dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer.” It is a byproduct of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide, which is used as part of a short-cut process called Ethoxylation, which makes harsh ingredients milder.

1,4-Dioxane is also suspected of being a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, among others, according to the California EPA. It is also a leading groundwater contaminant.

Some of the leading organic and natural brands found to contain 1,4-Dioxane include: 

• JASON Pure Natural & Organics
• Giovanni Organic Cosmetics
• Kiss My Face
• Nature’s Gate Organics

To avoid 1,4-dioxane, OCA recommends reading ingredient labels and avoiding products with indications of ethoxylation, which include: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names.

Source: Organic Consumers Association March 14, 2008

Montel Williams Praises Chiropractic

During the episode of The Montel Williams Show that aired December 18, 2007, award winning talk show host Montel Williams explained how he was suffering from severe pain and how his chiropractic visits got him back on track. Below is an excerpt of Montel discussing his experience with chiropractic care:

"I'm not certain because I haven't done the scientific research on it to know if this can work for everybody else out there, but I want to tell you I suffer from MS (multiple sclerosis). I have extreme neuralgic pain in the lower extremities. I'm in pain 24 hours a day seven days a week 365 days a year, and then I go to see this doctor... I've had pain in my feet. I've struggled with my balance. So Dr. Erica sent me to see a man (Dr. Patrick Kerr, New York chiropractor) who I will tell you now, 12 days ago, and there's not a person that knows me who will not confirm this, if you just ask them, everybody who sees me, I am walking differently. My pain is less. I have already regained strength in my left leg. My left leg has dropped because I found out that my pelvis was tilted, it's dropped back down, they are now the same length. It's the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.

To learn more about The Montel Williams Show, visit http://www.montelshow.com

Exercise For More Energy

According to researchers at the University of Georgia, a low-intensity workout can boost energy levels by 20 percent as well as decrease fatigue by 65 percent. Their results come from a small study of 36 individuals who were split into 3 groups - Those who exercised moderately for 20 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks, those who exercised leisurely at low intensity for 20 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and those who did not exercise at all. The 2 groups who exercised had a 20 percent increase in energy. But, the low intensity group reported less fatigue than the moderate intensity group. Thus, for those looking to increase energy levels, consider exercising lightly to moderately. For those looking to also significantly minimize their fatigue, they should consider participating in a lower intensity exercise program.

Source: University of Georgia. February 28, 2008

Endurance Training is Best

A new study shows endurance training improves heart function better than strength training. Each type of exercise has a different effect on heart muscle and heart function. Both types cause an increase in muscle mass in the left ventricle. However, endurance athletes showed better diastolic function in their left ventricle, as well as enlargement and more efficient contraction and relaxation in both of the lower chambers of the heart, or atria. The strength group actually had excessive enlargement in the left ventricle muscle and reduced diastolic function. This research shows that people aren't born with an "athletes" heart, but it is the training that creates one. Consult with a holistic health care professional to determine the correct exercise for you.

Source: Journal of Applied Physiology, April 2008

Ketogenic Diet

New research validates Johns Hopkins University 30 year program showing a high-fat, low-carb diet can be beneficial to kids suffering from epilepsy. Researchers found that providing children who suffer from more stubborn epilepsy with a high-fat, low-carb diet (a "ketogenic diet") significantly reduced their frequency of seizures. Children consuming the ketogenic diet on average reduced their frequency of seizures by one third. Moreover, 38 percent of children consuming a ketogenic diet experienced a 50 percent reduction in seizure frequency. Researchers concluded that ketogenic diets were both safe and effective for children. The ketogenic diet has also been used successfully to help adults. Consult with a holistic physician familiar with nutrition and this dietary approach to improving health.

Source: Lancet Neurology, online May 3, 2008.

4 Healthy Habits To Live Longer

An 11-year study of 20,000 men and woman found 4 healthy habits that can potentially increase one's lifespan. Those practicing the 4 healthy habits as compared to those not practicing any of the 4 healthy habits will live, on average, 14 years longer.

The 4 healthy habits are (1) Don't smoke, or, quit smoking, (2) Eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, (3) Exercise, and (4) Drink in moderation. According to researcher findings, the most important healthy habit to practice was to stop smoking followed by eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Source: PLOS Medicine. January 2008, Volume 5, Issue 1.

Dr. Carol Ann Fischer, D.C., N.D. of TLC Holistic Wellness specializes in helping people improve their diet so they can easily consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. To find out more information on how you can simply improve your diet, nutrition and overall health call us at 734-664-0339 or click here to contact us.

Being Happy is Healthier

Research shows those who experience a happier lifestyle also appear to be healthier. Happy people had lower levels of the hormone cortisol, also known as the "stress" hormone. Higher levels of cortisol increase blood pressure, lower immune function and can even increase abdominal fat deposits. It is essential to keep cortisol levels low for optimal health.

Thus, those under psychological stress at work and at home will experience elevated cortisol levels, which in turn can adversely affect their cardiovascular and immune health as well as contribute to obesity. Aside from exercising and eating right, it also appears leading an overall "happy" lifestyle is important for maintaining one's health.

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, January 1, 2008.

Dr. Carol Ann Fischer, D.C., N.D. of TLC Holistic Wellness specializes in helping people reduce their stress levels. Patients are evaluated and placed on individually custom designed programs to reduce elevated cortisol levels or to rise depressed cortisol levels. To learn more about your cortisol levels, or for a personal evaluation of all the factors in your life that could be causing your body to produce unwanted cortisol call us at 734-664-0339 or click here to contact us.