Should you get a flu vaccination?

Vaccination clinics abound in the community. Should you visit one?

With the weather turning unseasonably colder in northern California the flu season is in full swing.  The annual influenza is taking its annual toll on the population and with the addition of the Swine flu that has accounted for a few deaths locally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local county health agencies have begun an advertising campaign geared toward motivating the masses to get the flu vaccine.

 This year, that campaign has been even more urgent due to outbreaks of the H1N1″swine flu” virus, which have spread from one country to the next in the past six months or so. Local H1N1 vaccine centers have been set up around the Sacramento County making the new Swine Flu vaccine available to most anyone that wants it.

 Should you get yourself and your children vaccinated against the flu? Just like all vaccines and medications, there are potential side effects associated with the flu shot. Minor side effects can include but are not limited to soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and other aches and pains. More severe, life-threatening complications have proven to be rare, but the danger still exists that someone can suffer severe effects from this alleged beneficial vaccine.

 The most common dangerous side effect is an allergic reaction. Since the vaccine is grown in eggs, it is more dangerous for those who have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines in the past. These reactions can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, and a fast heartbeat or dizziness.

 The most serious side effect is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This is a disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. While most people eventually recover, some have permanent nerve damage and 5 percent to 6 percent of those who develop GBS will die. The CDC would remind you that only six of every 1 million people injected with the flu shot will develop GBS. That’s small comfort if you’re one of the six, of course.

 The CDC talks about the benefits of being vaccinated, but are those benefits backed up with the facts? The flu vaccine is always changing because the flu strains change from one year to the next. (The swine flu is one such variation.) The manufacturers of the vaccine take a shot in the dark and hope they’ll hit the right strain each year, but the fact is the flu shot is only 70 percent to 90 percent effective.

 The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate simple health habits to prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu. Taking these steps can help people avoid the flu without having to get a flu shot in the first place:

 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough/sneeze; throw the used tissue away.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing.
• Keep yourself and any babies and children in your care away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth if you in close contact with people who are sick or have been sick.

 Consider these suggestions, along with the above information regarding risks vs. benefits, before getting a flu shot this year after all, it’s your health and the health of your children at stake.

Natural Solutions to Sinusitis

Clear drainage is better than yellow sticky snot

How do you know if a runny nose should be of concern depends on the type of drainage.  If you have a clear and watery discharge it is likely the result of an allergic reaction to something in the environment causing a histamine reaction.  If the discharge turns yellow or green in color and becomes thick and sticky that indicates a potentially more serious condition and a probable viral or bacterial infection underway in the sinuses.

 Regardless of the cause, sinusitis is a common problem with frustrating symptoms: congestion, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever, pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks nose or forehead. What can you do to prevent sinusitis? Harvard Women’s Health Watch offers a few simple suggestions for reducing your risk or relieving early symptoms of the condition.

 First, keeping your nasal membranes moist is a great way to avoid/reduce sinus symptoms. Stir 1 teaspoon salt into 2 cups of lukewarm water; use a squeeze bottle to stream the solution through your nose. Do this 1-2 times daily to keep your nasal passages from drying out and clear excess mucus before it has a chance to cause congestion and/or infection.

 Drinking lots of water every day is another great way to keep mucus from building up; water keeps mucus thin, loose and easy to dissipate with the saltwater solution or simply by blowing your nose.

 If you have sinus symptoms, inhaling steam also can help to reduce congestion and other symptoms. You can do this several ways: by spending a little extra time in a hot shower or steam room; or by boiling water in a pan and then inhaling the steam. (Place a towel over your head to maximize the effect.)

 Finally, sleeping with your head elevated helps prevent mucus from pooling. When mucus builds up in your nasal passages, it’s a veritable breeding ground for infection. It might mean you spend a few days and nights with a runny nose, but it’s better in the long run than the alternative – congestion and infection.

 Remember; always consult with your health care provider to make sure your symptoms aren’t indicative of something more serious. There are other natural methods of treating your sinus problems without having to rely on decongestants or other over-the-counter medications

Give yourself a little TLC

Give yourself some TLC and take control of your health to avoid the chronic diseases of aging

They’re all around you: people suffering from, or at risk of developing, lifestyle-related chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Perhaps you’re one of them. In fact, in the United States, these chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions.

A therapeutic lifestyle changes program (TLC) teaches wellness habits such as healthier eating and regular physical activity, with the goal of achieving health that lasts a lifetime. TLC should not be confused with weight-loss programs or diets. Where these programs generally fail, TLC has been remarkably successful in helping people achieve long-term results.

In numerous studies, TLC has been shown to be highly effective in helping prevent, manage or even reverse some of our most prevalent chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology concluded that many patients with conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease can reduce their risk without medications within 12 weeks of starting a TLC program, refuting the notion that intensive lifestyle modification is not worth the effort.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, involving 3,051 men ages 60-79 years with no diabetes mellitus or diagnosis of heart disease, concluded that modification of lifestyle factors, even later in life, has considerable potential for primary prevention of metabolic syndrome. A randomized, clinical trial of 348 Caucasian, middle-aged adults indicated that a TLC program incorporating various behavior modification tools, such as live lectures, workbooks and professional advice, could reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease after six months.

Ask your doctor about TLC – it isn’t just good for patients, it’s also good business for doctors. Your doctor might already be considering it. If not, ask for a referral to another health care professional who practices TLC. You also can ask your employer. Your employer might offer wellness benefits in the form of health insurance coverage or a corporate wellness program. Additionally, ask your tax professional if you can pay for TLC using pre-tax dollars available from an employer-sponsored flexible spending account or federal health savings account.

TLC has been shown to be a powerful tool for the prevention, management, and reversal of many of our most prevalent chronic diseases. Those who participate in a TLC program have the opportunity to protect or regain health for better, more enjoyable living.

Keep your balance to avoid hip fractures in the elderly

According to the National Institutes of Health, hip fractures account for up to 300,000 hospital admissions per year in the U.S., many of which are directly attributable to falling. Posture and balance through core muscle strength is a key throughout life, but particularly in the elderly.  Hospital statistics show that in the geriatric population (over 70), elderly hip fractures from falling often lead to other debilitating conditions and pre-mature death.

 Here are three NIH-recommended exercises to help improve your balance.

Side Leg Raises: Stand behind a table or chair, holding it for balance, and slowly lift one leg to the side (6-12 inches), keeping your back and both of your legs straight. Hold, lower, and repeat with other leg. Do 8-15 reps per side.

Heel-to-Toe Walk: Position the heel of one of your feet in front of the toes of your opposite foot each time you take a step. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. This can be a little tricky, so start slow and avoid close confines.

One-Foot Stand: As the name of this exercise suggests, stand on one foot for as long as you can without relying on any support. You should be prepared to lean, wobble or fall back to two feet at any time. Repeat while standing on the other foot. Record your times for each side and track improvement.

To learn more, visit www.nihseniorhealth.gov.

Four Easy, Natural Energy Boosters

Much of the work force today is sedentary looking into a computer monitor.  This can create a serious energy drain that necessitates some intervention. Before you reach for one of the many sugar-loaded “energy” drinks that will inevitably send you “crashing” down, try an all-natural approach to boosting your energy. Here are a few simple and natural ways to raise your energy level during an afternoon slump.

1. Take a brisk walk. Taking a walk outside not only causes your body to produce endorphins for a natural high, but it also allows your skin to soak in vitamin D from the sun’s rays. This essential vitamin is associated with maintaining healthy bones, kidneys and immune system.

2. Drink plenty of water. According to MayoClinic.com, even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. It makes sense, since nearly all of the major systems in your body depend on water including body temperature regulation and cell absorption of nutrients and oxygen.

3. Take a deep breath. When we are stressed or tired we take short, shallow breaths, which directly affect our energy level by slowing oxygen flow to our brain and other organs. Try this: Inhale through your nose (filling your lungs to capacity) and hold for three seconds. Then exhale slowly until all air has left your lungs. Repeat and revive.

If you get up and stretch, others will join you.

4. Get up and stretch. Much like taking a walk, stretching facilitates healthy blood flow. Circulation is a key factor in your body’s energy level. Try standing at your desk (or other appropriate place, depending on your work environment). For the next 30 seconds do these maneuvers to boost your energy.  Go up on your tip toes and reach over head for 10 seconds, stand flat with your arms over laced at the wrist and interlock fingers, dip your head between the arms and count to ten.  Next, stretch each arm across the body then roll the shoulders back three times ending with a deep inspiration through the nose and out through the mouth.

So, the next time you’re at work daydreaming about curling up on your couch instead of working, try these simple suggestions to boost your energy. Your body will thank you for it.

If you know this, knee injuries can be avoided

sports injuries account for most knee injuries

The growth of organized amateur sports over the past 30 years has spawned an unexpected and unwanted increase in sports-related injuries. Many young athletes suffer sports-related injuries that can turn into lifelong problems.

To learn why our knees are injured so frequently, it’s important to know how the knee works. The knee joint is composed of four bones: the femur, the tibia, the fibula and the patella. Cartilage covers the joint and provides a smooth, lubricated gliding surface so the knee can move. The shape of the knee joint is stable, but to function properly, the ligaments have to be in good shape, too! Those ligaments include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

While the ACL works as the main stabilizer when the knee is bent, the PCL works as the main stabilizer when the knee is extended. The collateral ligaments are used when you move side to side. The medial and lateral menisci are located within the joint and act as “shock absorbers” and also influence knee stability.

If you hurt the knee, remember to use ice first then see your doctor.

 The most commonly injured parts of the knee are the ACL and the medial meniscus. Tears of the meniscus usually take place during twisting, pivoting, or decelerating movements, or as a result of direct impact.

A vast majority of people, young and old, excessively pronate. This means that when the foot hits the ground, it flattens out or unlocks, rolling inward and creating a twisting stress up the leg and into the knee. These twisting stresses do three things to the knees: stretch the ACL, stretch and twist the medial meniscus, and inhibit contraction of the quadriceps muscle.

Common sense tells us to prevent the excessive damaging motions by supporting the foundational structures (your feet) so they function within the functional range of motion.  Many chiropractors as well as podiatrists evaluate the quality of the arches of the feet. If the arches aren’t supporting the legs and pelvis sufficiently, it can create stresses that lead to injury or joint wear and tear. It’s just like the foundation of your house; if it settles too much, it creates stress in other parts of the structure.

Take a proactive step to avoiding injuries and preserving the health of your knees, hips and spine. After all, you know what they say about “an ounce of prevention.” Ask your doctor for a thorough foot evaluation, particularly if you’re experiencing knee pain or participate in activities that put you at risk for a knee injury.

Emotional aspects of health

Great relationships are an important part to total health

Health is more than the absence of disease; it encompasses all aspects of life that are good and uplifting to you and those around you.  Health philosophies around the world have various aspects that all life is part of and derives vitality from elements in our physical universe.

  In traditional Asian philosophy there are five elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.  In India where all holistic health care is said to have derived, Ayurvedic traditions also has five elements but they are expressed as Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.  Keeping a balance in all these elements is how we maintain optimal health in the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.

In Meridian Therapy (a part of the Asian traditions) as I have practiced it for many years, there are two factors in keeping these elements balanced, our environment and our emotions.  Because our bodies are essentially a processing plant, we take in air, water and food that our body digests and assimilates the nutrients then eliminates the waste.  It does the same thing with the electrical energy (chi) that is produced from the air,

The energy in the body (Chi) permeates all tissues and is life to the cells

water and food.  Our body generates Chi that flows along the Meridian pathways as seen on acupuncture charts and then eventually is eliminated down through the legs and feet and back into the ground to recycle back into the environment.  So, as David Caradine learned from his master in the TV series Kung Fu, “you are one with the Universe Grasshopper.”

The two things that throw off these elements have to do with the environment and emotions’, so keeping them in balance is the key.  Environmental elements that you have direct control over deals with what you put into and on your body.  Some of those things were pointed out in another article dealing with Anti-oxidants and aging.  In the remainder of this article let’s take a look at the emotional aspects of balancing these elements and how it can affect our health.

The key emotions that throw the five elements off balance are;

1. Grief & Guilt
2. Worry & Pensiveness
3. Anger
4. Fear

As with the environmental issues each of these emotional aspects has specific symptoms that arise when they are off balance.  That help’s to identify which emotion is the cause for the imbalance you may be experiencing.

Grief & Guilt are associated with the Lung and Large intestine meridian in Traditional Oriental Medicine.  The classic symptoms would be Sinus headache and congestion, constipation or diarrhea, upper extremity pain, symptoms of the lower bowel, skin conditions, and head and neck symptoms.  Any respiratory symptoms e.g. asthma, emphysema, COPD, bronchitis coughs and colds.  Dermatological syndromes e.g. eczema, acne, psoriasis, dry skin.

Worry & Pensiveness are associated with the Spleen meridian dealing with Female and/or male pelvic dysfunction including sexual dysfunction, infertility, hormonal involvement, menopausal/menstrual dysfunction.  Blood formation, anemia, hyper/hypo glycemia, pancreatic dysfunction, immune function, lack of energy, gastro-intestinal syndromes, reflux disorders, heaviness in the legs, edema and lower extremity pain.

Anger is associated with the Liver meridian which has symptoms related to muscle spasms, cramps, ligament/tendon dysfunction throughout the body.  Fibromyalgia syndrome, any eye symptomatology and vision disorders, neurologic syndromes, allergy and histamine responses, immune system disorders and migraine headaches.

 Fear has two meridians associated with it the Kidney and Bladder meridian.  Symptoms associated with this emotion are kidney or bladder dysfunctions, renal diseases, symptoms affecting the osseous system osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, lower back pain or general and severe pain, bed wetting, prostate, uterus, ovary disorders, sciatica.  Conditions affecting the ears, hearing disorders, vertigo and equilibrium problems.  It is associated with coldness in the body and can affect scalp hair.

These lists are not comprehensive but they do give you some idea of the magnitude that our emotions can play on our overall health.  For a more comprehensive list of associated symptoms, call or stop by the office and I can provide it for you.

One way to treat these symptoms if an emotional component is present is through the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT.

It is based on the meridian system and stimulating various acupoints with a finger tapping along a specific sequence.  I have used it with a few patients and find validity to what this technique proposes.  You can go to the EFT web site and download for free a manual on how it is self administered and even watch some video clips on various conditions that respond to EFT.  Try it and have fun experimenting with balancing your emotions to eliminate related symptoms.

How you deal with stress will determine your overall health

Stress affects nearly everyone, but some people handle it better than others. And the simple truth is the people who are good at dealing with stress live healthier and happier lives compared to people who struggle with stress. The good news is if you are one of the many people who get caught up in life’s sticky web of stress; you can get untangled and stay untangled. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re feeling the pressure:

* Stay clear of the drama. As Rudyard Kipling writes in his poem “If,” if you can “keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,” you’ll be able to keep your cool under pressure and tackle your challenges much more effectively.

* Lighten up! Many of the things you worry about won’t occur, and worrying cannot help those problems that invariably do take place.

* Say or do the opposite of what you are feeling. When someone or something pushes your hot buttons, you may feel justified to react with anger, but this negative reaction only brings more stress to the situation.

* Override your pride. Think of a time in your life when you insisted that you were right and another person was wrong. Did this really bring you more happiness, or did it just create more stress for both of you?

* Appreciate life’s little detours. Each time you have to pick yourself up to get back on track, you learn important lessons and develop new skills that will help you in life.

Stress in many forms is common in society, and it’s a problem because it can rob you of your health, happiness and potential for greater success. Talk to your doctor about ways to minimize stress and escape the stress web for good.

Drugless ways to relieve back and neck pain.

When you are in pain but don't want to take drugs what do you do?

Back and neck pain are leading causes for absenteeism in the work place and with the aging population this statistic is increasing.  Sports injuries create their own special pain even if an injury is not perceived by the participant. 

Treating pain naturally has also gained in popularity with more people seeking a non-pharmaceutical approach. From a biochemical perspective, it is important to remember that the chemicals which cause inflammation are the same ones that cause pain. Therefore, the goal with supplementation should be to help reduce inflammation.

In a previous article in this section a discussion of external methods of treating inflammation and pain was discussed by using the R.I.C.E. acronym.  Here are a few important supplements to help accomplish a reduction in inflammation and pain:

Fish oil is one of the more popular supplements on the market today and can be taken by almost anyone who is not taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin). Studies have shown that supplemental fish oil is helpful for patients with neck pain and back pain, as well as joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis.

Vitamin D has emerged in recent years as a vitamin that has anti-inflammatory and anti-pain benefits. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are inflammatory in nature and known to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. Low back pain and widespread pain that can be confused with Fibromyalgia are also known to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. We get vitamin D from the sun, but its production is reduced 95 percent when a sunscreen with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of 8 or greater is applied to the skin. There are no foods that contain adequate amounts of vitamin D, so we must either get vitamin D from the sun or from supplements.

Magnesium: More than 300 enzymes require magnesium, so it is involved in an inordinate amount of metabolic reactions. From a clinical perspective, the average American’s intake of magnesium is well below the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and this has been associated with the expression of numerous conditions including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, headache, chronic inflammation, and an increase in nervous system excitability. Approximately 400 mg of supplemental magnesium per day is thought to be adequate for most individuals.

Probiotics: Research is emerging that implicates poor digestive function with musculoskeletal pain expression. This speaks to the need to drastically reduce our consumption of sugar, flour products and refined oils that are devoid of fiber and known to compromise healthy gut bacteria. Supplementation with healthy bacteria called probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria) are known to reduce intestinal inflammation, and for many this translates into less musculoskeletal pain as well.

Ginger and Turmeric: Most herbs that are used to spice meals are known to have anti-inflammatory functions. Ginger and Turmeric are the most well-studied in the context of inflammation and pain. Each has been shown to reduce musculoskeletal pain. The most economical way to take ginger and turmeric is with meals as an added spice. However, supplements are available and widely utilized.

B Vitamins: The creation of cellular energy requires most B-complex vitamins. While B vitamins are not traditionally viewed as anti-inflammatory or analgesic, human and animal research suggests that B-vitamin supplementation may offer pain-reducing benefits.

Other Herbs that are known to reduce inflammation and are often found in combinations would include; Boswellia, Devils claw root, Cats claw bark, Pau d’ Arco bark, White Oak bark and White Willow Bark.

Talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition and/or are taking medication.

Osteoarthritis is a Painful and Debilitating Disease

Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating disease that causes the degeneration of the cartilage between joints. Once the cartilage is worn away, the joints rub against each other, causing tissue and bone damage, and with it, pain.

One standard mode of treatment for this condition has been the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), administered in both oral and topical form; however, a recent study found that topical NSAIDS for osteoarthritis are only beneficial for up to two weeks.

British researchers examined a dozen clinical trials comparing topical NSAIDS with placebo or oral NSAIDS. According to the evidence, topical NSAIDS were more effective than placebo in relieving pain for the first two weeks of treatment, after which time they became virtually ineffective. Moreover, topical NSAIDS were less effective than oral NSAIDS during the first week of treatment and caused additional side-effects, including rash and itching; however, other studies have shown that oral anti-inflammatory drugs can have adverse side-effects when used over long periods of time, including upset stomach and ulcer.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, regular chiropractic treatments can help manage your pain and discomfort – without the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side-effects often associated with drugs.

Reference:

Lin J, Zhang W, Jones A, Doherty M. Efficacy of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. British Medical Journal, Aug. 7, 2004 ;392:324.