Chiropractors Don’t Increase Stroke Risk, New Study Says
Filed Under Chiropractic Care | Leave a Comment
This is great news all around, and a great article to see in both the popular press and peer-reviewed journals.
A study conducted through the University of Toronto and the University Health Network found that the risk of a stroke following a chiropractic visit is no higher than a visit to a family doctor.
While this is what chiropractors have been telling their patients and all who would listen for years and years, it is always great to see a study that validates the safety of the leading alternative and complementary healing art in North America.
In my years in practice, I have come upon people who’ve said that they’d never get adjusted, or who thought that a chiropractor could even kill them! Will this article and study do anything to sway their opinion, or calm their nerves? Hopefully, but pre-conceived notions, beliefs and biases can run deep.
One woman has a stroke 12 days after an adjustment, and it’s plastered on the covers of the papers. But this? Likely buried inside. As they say, “if it bleeds, it leads.”
Consider this:
The risk of stroke related to a chiropractic adjustment (a rare type of stroke caused by damage to the vertebral artery) is estimated to occur 1 in 5 million times. Let me repeat that: 1 in 5 million!!!
My office is in a medical building, and I’ve realized that I am actually the safest doctor in the entire complex! There is no medical procedure or drug which has a safety profile that good. Doctors would love to trade malpractice premiums with me, because the reality is that what they do is far more dangerous and carries far higher intrinsic risks to their patients than any technique I would deliver in my (or any other chiropractors’) office.
Medicine is the third leading cause of death in North America (behind heart disease and cancer). Number Three.
Maybe we need to take a more realistic and less biased look at risk in healthcare.
Dr. Sidenberg
10 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer – Part 5
Filed Under Breast Health | Leave a Comment
5. Exercise.
Studies show that three to four hours per week of regular exercise can decrease your risk of breast cancer by up to 50%.
Lean body mass (muscle) does not generate estrogen like fatty tissue. Swimming laps, aerobics, and running are considered strenuous. Vigorous fitness training of sufficient intensity is an effective modulator of mammary angiogenesis. However, any form of exercise will affect the endocrine system by balancing one’s hormone levels, increasing the levels of HGH (human growth hormone) naturally while aiding the lymphatic system in detoxification of your body.
Physical exercise represents a simple, non-invasive, non-chemical, inexpensive means of cancer prevention.
Dr. Alex Mostovoy
Natural Remedies for Sports Injuries (cont’d)
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
Creatine monohydrate (20–30 grams a day for a week for muscle saturation, then 5–10 grams per day for maintenance) – a natural, tasteless, and safe nutrient found in animal protein (about 5 grams per 2.2 pounds of steak, salmon, tuna, lobster or lamb). It has ATP (adenosine triphosphate) enhancing effects that dramatically increase muscle strength.
Creatine monohydrate is especially popular with competitive body builders who can look about 5–10 pounds more muscular because creatine attracts water into the muscles. This should not be confused with the bloating and fluid retention caused by allergies, congested organs, or other suboptimal states of health where the fluid accumulation is outside the muscles.
Creatine monohydrate converts in the body to creatine phosphate, an energy supply for muscles, providing greater strength and stamina. Creatine also acts as a buffer against the buildup of lactic acid and neutralizes the free radicals produced by heavy exercise.
L-carnitine (1,000 mg or more daily) – has a protective effect against exercise-caused pain and damage. This appears to be primarily related to its vasodilatation property, which improves the energy metabolism of damaged muscle.
Vitamin D3 (5,000–10,000 IU daily) – is anti-inflammatory in higher doses beyond the RDAs. If you have inflammation (arthritis, iritis, thyroiditis, pancreatitis… anything ending in “itis”), you need more vitamin D. The best thing to do is get your blood levels checked. Ask your doctor to check 25-hydroxy vitamin D since this is the most accurate test to assess vitamin D status.
As you may know, vitamin D has been much in the mainstream news media in regards to its ability to prevent cancer. For more detailed information on this, see my website article at http://www.mydoctor.ca/documents/users/2509/8823.pdf
Acetyl-L-carnitine (1–2 grams before you workout and at bedtime) – an L-carnitine derivative, this has been shown to reduce the high catabolic cortisol levels in the blood after intense exercise.
If you are just beginning a supplement program, do not expect instant results. All the nutrients discussed above take time (at least 3–6 months) to show noticeable improvement since it takes that long to grow the several billion new cells incorporating the new influx of nutrients.
The best times to take supplements are 1 hour or so before and immediately following an exercise session and at bedtime. For more information on nutrient supplementation, see your natural health care provider.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
REFERENCES:
Alive Research Group; Gursche, Siegfried, Publisher; Rona, Zoltan P., Medical Editor. Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Vancouver: Alive Books, 1998.
Böhmer D et al., “Treatment of chondropathia patellae in young athletes with glucosamine sulfate”, in N Bachl, L Prokop, R Suchert, Eds. Current Topics in Sports Medicine. Proc World Congress of Sports Med, Vienna, 1982. Urban & Schwarzenberg, 1984.
Giamberardino MA et al. “Effects of prolonged L-carnitine administration on delayed muscle pain and CK release after eccentric effort”. Int J Sports Med 17:320-4, 1996.
Kim MC, Ames BN. “Ubiquinol-10 is an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant at physiological concentrations”. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 87:4879-83, 1990.
Kleine M-W. “Systemic enzyme therapy in sports medicine”. Deutsche Zeitshrift fur Sportsmedizin 41(4):126-34, 1990.
Shaw PC. “The use of a trypsin-chymotrypsin formulation in fractures of the hand”. Br J Clin Pract 23(1):25-6, 1969.
Shimomura Y et al. “Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on exercise-induced muscular injury”. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 176(1):349-55, 1991.
Zuschlag JM. “Double-blind clinical study using certain proteolytic enzyme mixtures in karate fighters”. Working paper. Germany, Mucos Pharma GmbH 1988:1-5.
Wonderful Baking Soda 2: Shower Tiles
Filed Under Clean Quick and Green | Leave a Comment
In my own shower as well as at homes of some of our clients, we come across dirty grout. This is a total eyesore and embarrasses many. When I bought my pre-owned condo, it was evident that the former owners couldn’t care less about the grout in the shower. The kitchen tiles were fine, but the shower, no matter how many times I cleaned it, didn’t look right. I tried to tell myself it was ok, but I still felt the need to conquer that grout once and for all.
After some research I learned that baking soda (of course) mixed with vinegar would do the job. I placed about a cup of baking soda in a bowl and mixed it with about 1/3 cup of pure white distilled vinegar. The bubbly reaction the mixture created brought back memories of my high school science class, but since I know how great baking soda is, I trusted this little homemade volcano would work out for me.
I applied the paste with a wooden spoon onto the grout, being sure to brush the mixture over the grout and not wasting it on the tile. I left it for about 15-20 minutes and then used an old toothbrush to brush away the old dirt. The shower looks awesome, and now I feel just fine about showing it off to friends!
Melissa
Do You “Either/Or” Yourself?
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
I had a thought yesterday, and it went something like this: “Either I can go on the two trips coming up, or I can get my work done.” Of course the thought then crossed my mind that in the realm of possibilities, both could get accomplished, but I just didn’t know how. I do know, however, that if I ask and believe it is possible, it is always arranged. If Milky Ways can be created, then it’s possible, right?
The laws of physics that support your existence do not think in terms of “either/or”; that’s a human invention. In quantum physics there is only “both”.
I often hear people either/or-ing about money, vacation, children/teens, or time.
Here are the typical things I hear from people with either/or syndrome:
“Either I pay my rent, or I go on vacation.”
“Either I take this course, or I spend quality time with my kids.”
“Either I go in debt to buy a new wardrobe, or I make do in my old clothes.”
“Either I find a new job, or I suffer in the old one.”
Look familiar? We’ve all done this.
Here are some intentions that come from those either/or’s. Try replacing those either/or thoughts with one of these:
• “I would love to win or manifest a special and very inexpensive week off, and have more than enough for rent and food.”
• “My intention is that the result from taking the course will be that I am more connected and in joy with my kids.”
• “I can make inexpensive changes to my current wardrobe, and find amazing deals on things I love. I see deals everywhere!”
• “I can find a way to love the job I have, and only then, will I look for another! But I may not want to, and that’s OK, too!”
Free yourself from either/or-ing! Watch yourself and how you speak today.
Remember, “either/or” is a human invention - and if you want to impose those limits on yourself, then the Universe will obey your every command. Find another way to talk about what you want, so that it feels possible, and good inside.
Jennifer Hough
The Difference Between Happiness and Joy
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
It doesn’t matter how much is going on in your life; joy can still be present. You see, joy is in your heart at all times. Happiness is usually circumstantial.
Joy is the song your heart sings, regardless of circumstances.
Just because you are an appreciative, joyful human being doesn’t mean things are always optimal. The next time you forget you are a magnificent creation of “all that is”, think of this:
I recall a wonderful couple who frequently visit a cottage near my parents’ cottage. They have an adult child with a severe mental disability who is always challenging them, some interesting family issues, and they live in California, so they just went through floods and fires. They are both in their 80’s. They exude a great deal of joy and peace.
It’s not about pretending to be happy. There is a deep sense of gratitude for what life has provided them, and an aura of profound joy that follows them where ever they go. I feel blessed to know them. They have a reverence for life and a love of people that has made their lives rich — regardless of circumstances.
Happiness is a choice, whereas joyful or peaceful are ways of being. Give this a shot: today, settle into the profound knowing that you are powerful beyond words; you have friends who love you deeply and a Planet that loves and supports you with food, water and air. If you can start today with that knowing, then the rest is just semantics.
Jennifer Hough
Topical Creams: Are They Safe?
Filed Under Naturopathy | Leave a Comment
Topical creams are preparations that are applied to the skin; they can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), and stronger preparations are available by prescription. Most of us don’t think about the kinds of products we rub into our skin because we assume if we can purchase it OTC it must be safe. But that assumption is incorrect, as anything you rub into the skin is going to be absorbed by the skin and can be stored in the fat layers for months at a time.
Each day we apply these creams in the form of cosmetics, moisturizers, toiletries, and medicinal preparations without giving them a second thought. Obviously, most of the creams and ointments on the market are fairly safe for everyday use. The preparations you should be most weary about are those that contain medicines such as: pain-relieving ointments, arthritis creams, vaginal itch preparations, and muscle soothing creams. In addition, if you were allergic to, say, aspirin, then you would want to stay away from any product that contains aspirin-based chemicals, whether you ingest it or apply it to the skin. (This would include herbal remedies as well.)
Your skin is the largest organ of the body. Its main purpose is to provide a barrier to the outside world: germs, dirt, air pollution, chemicals, and the like. The skin has its own temperature regulation system. It stores fat-soluble vitamins and produces vitamin D. It is important to keep your skin in tip-top shape; otherwise, it will not be able to perform optimally and your chances of getting sick will increase.
Healthy skin should be warm to the touch, soft, supple, and intact. Dry skin will eventually develop fine cracks, which provide an excellent opportunity for germs to get inside and can lead to nasty infections.
I am not saying don’t use topical preparations. As a savvy shopper you just need to be more aware of what you are putting on top of your skin. Always start by reading the ingredients on the label to first determine if you are allergic to any of them, then read and follow the directions on the label.
Don’t think that more is better. Always start with a small amount and test it on a small area of your skin. If you develop a rash, irritation, itchiness, or your skin turns pink or red, then discontinue use and contact your doctor.
Also, unless instructed by your doctor, never cover the area; always allow air to circulate around the sight where you placed the preparation. The reason is, covering an area will increase the absorption of the preparation. There are some ointments, especially medicinal ones, that you don’t want to be absorbed in this way, such as hydrocortisone creams.
Armed with knowledge, you can improve your chances of making better-informed decisions about your health and the health of those you love. You’ll be glad you did!
Dr. Mundorff
Take It Easy? Or Quantum Leap?
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
The subject of major “Aha”s (Quantum Leaps) has come up four times in the last four days, so I knew it was high time we chatted about this. People wait for massive aha’s so they can live in bliss faster (or so they think). The problem with waiting for huge aha’s is that you can’t replicate them in your life. Simply learning how to feel better every day might take you the same distance in a week. Guess which one’s more practical and sustainable?
See if this resonates: If you learn how to get from powerlessness to anger to cautious optimism to hope to happiness to joy to bliss… then you have learned the skill of moving up the ladder on any subject. You can use that skill in marriages, meetings, grocery stores, and most importantly, to find parking spots.
If you spend your time taking courses and watching shows that demonstrate that Quantum Leaps are what you want, then you are being led astray a bit because you don’t know how to sustain your new awesome level. Think about the lottery winners who, within a year, don’t have any money left (over 90%) because they haven’t learned how to manage it or keep it. It’s awesome to make the leap… and to value your daily blessings and lessons at least as much.
Today, if you are watching TV or listening to the radio, notice how much we value the sensational. Today, look at where you were 10 years ago, and look at where you are today. Changed much? Learned much? Would you go back? Do you value the lessons and live them?
Do you know you would never have learned that stuff if you just Quantum Leaped to where you are now? Trust me, if you never have a Quantum Leap, it’s just fine. You’ve done great… and you’re doing greater all the time.
Jennifer Hough
All in Moderation, All in Good Time
Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience | Leave a Comment
In order to live a healthy life, we have always been told to eat right, drink 8 glasses of water a day, and exercise. Honestly I do believe it’s that simple to keep our physical selves healthy, but what about our spirit and emotional selves? For those two things, I would like to add two simple rules: moderation and patience.
When one takes on a diet, a new way of life, or a new way of thinking, it can be tough to instantly break free from old habits. Could you imagine as a toddler going from crawling to running in a day? By doing things in moderation and having a little patience, you’ll eventually get to your destination.
Yoga was a routine I started a couple of years ago. I expected after the first few weeks, I’d be pro. Well, I gotta say, having that expectation really discouraged me after the fourth week. This is where I needed to learn patience. It would take a little longer than a month or two to become a pro at it, so by taking my time, and learning in small steps, I eventually got to a point where I was happy with my progress.
In the past I’ve also tried many detoxifying programs and most were too harsh for my system. My body didn’t know what was happening so of course I “fell off the wagon” and went back to my old ways within a few days. Trying once more, I thought I wouldn’t follow any rules but just tried to cut back on a few things my body doesn’t need, like sugar, caffeine, etc. So far I’m finding that the moderation part of it is working really well. Hopefully I’m patient enough to really see the results. Of course I indulge a little…but…all in moderation.
~Amanda~
10 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer – Part 4
Filed Under Breast Health | Leave a Comment
4. Regulate your estrogen metabolism.
Since most breast tumors are estrogen receptor positive, it implies that they are partially fed by estrogen. Some estrogens are cancer protective, while some are cancer permissive – they are not all created equal. Keep your E2/16 ratio in check. A simple urine test can provide you with this information. The lower the amount of (bad) estrogen, the slower the potential growth.
Therapeutic use of I3C or DIM has been clinically shown to be very beneficial to keep your E2/16 ratio in a healthy zone.
The most important advice for preventing cancer is to maintain and enhance your liver’s ability to metabolize estrogens from different sources. This can be done through proper nutrition and requires very specific concentrations of nutrients and occasional liver support and detoxification. This is a continuous and life-long prevention program. The ultimate goal here is to improve your estrogen metabolism.
Several homeopathic medications come to mind when I think about improving liver function:
BRYONIA ALBA (wild hops) – A very well known liver aid for centuries. Also happens to be a superb remedy for pain in breasts at the menstrual period since it helps with estrogen metabolism. Breasts may be hot and painfully hard pre-menstrually. These patients will often experience menstrual irregularities with gastric symptoms. Bryonia is often helpful with intermenstrual pain, with great abdominal and pelvic soreness.
CARDUUS MARIANUS (St. Mary’s thistle) – The action of this medication is centered in the liver and portal system. Has specific relation to the vascular system and varicose veins, often seen as a consequence of abuse of alcoholic beverages. Carduus works very well, alleviating pelvic congestion that usually occurs with endometriosis.
CHELIDONIUM MAJUS (celandine) – A prominent liver remedy, covering many of the direct symptoms of that organ. Patient will have an orange or yellow pigmentation of her skin, and not surprisingly frequent pain under inferior angle of right scapula due to gallstones or inflamed gall bladder. This patient will most likely suffer from spastic pains and lameness in single parts. She will suffer from great general lethargy and will avoid activity of any sort.
NATRIUM SULPHURICUM (sulphate of sodium) – A liver remedy, especially indicated where the complaints are due to living in damp houses or basements. These patients are worse in rainy weather, water in any form. They feel every change from dry to wet; cannot even eat plants grown near water, nor fish. They always feel best in warm, dry air. They frequently have swollen ankles due to their sluggish liver function.
NUX VOMICA or COLUBRINA (poison-nut) – Nux is the remedy for many of the conditions frequently associated with modern life. The typical Nux patient is rather thin, quick, active, nervous, and irritable. This patient will be doing a good deal of mental work; has mental strains and leads a sedentary life, found in prolonged office work, with its cares and anxieties. This indoor life and mental strain seeks stimulants, coffee, and wine, usually in excess.
Dr. Alex Mostovoy
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