Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Brushing your teeth and Heart Disease...where's the connection?
This may seem like a strange combination of topics, but they do in fact relate! Over the last few weeks I have been seeing articles pop-up about how brushing your teeth can actually reduce your risk for heart disease!! Allow me to explain...
A study done surveyed over 11,000 adults with an average age of 50 years old, on their teeth brushing habits. The study also checked their prevelance of cardiovascular disease and C-reactive protein levels and fibrinogen.
Now, when you have high levels of C-reactive protien and fibrinogen it indicates that the body is in a state of inflammation. When the body is in a state of inflammation, the heart has to pump and work harder, and your body is in a constant state of 'work' trying to reduce the inflammation. This takes a toll on your heart, arteries and veins...and can lead to adverse effects on your health!!!
The study showed that over 8 years, there were 555 cardiovascular episodes, 170 of which were fatal. These were all linked to participants that reported 'never or rarely' brushing their teeth. (YIKES!)
Compared to those who brushed more frequently, their C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were lower!! Meaning their inflammatory state was less than those who didn't brush. People who brush once daily have a 30% higher risk, and people who brush less than once daily have a 70% higher risk for cardiovascular episodes in the future!
Remember when mom always used to get on your case about brushing your teeth, turns out, she was right (again.)! Moral of the story...BRUSH THOSE PEARLY WHITES!!! It helps keep your teeth healthy, but also your heart healthy too!!
A study done surveyed over 11,000 adults with an average age of 50 years old, on their teeth brushing habits. The study also checked their prevelance of cardiovascular disease and C-reactive protein levels and fibrinogen.
Now, when you have high levels of C-reactive protien and fibrinogen it indicates that the body is in a state of inflammation. When the body is in a state of inflammation, the heart has to pump and work harder, and your body is in a constant state of 'work' trying to reduce the inflammation. This takes a toll on your heart, arteries and veins...and can lead to adverse effects on your health!!!
The study showed that over 8 years, there were 555 cardiovascular episodes, 170 of which were fatal. These were all linked to participants that reported 'never or rarely' brushing their teeth. (YIKES!)
Compared to those who brushed more frequently, their C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were lower!! Meaning their inflammatory state was less than those who didn't brush. People who brush once daily have a 30% higher risk, and people who brush less than once daily have a 70% higher risk for cardiovascular episodes in the future!
Remember when mom always used to get on your case about brushing your teeth, turns out, she was right (again.)! Moral of the story...BRUSH THOSE PEARLY WHITES!!! It helps keep your teeth healthy, but also your heart healthy too!!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Kids and Chiropractic!!
Chiropractic Safe for Children - Study Shows
A study published in the September-October 2009 Journal of Science and Healing showed that chiropractic care for children is safe. The study showed that the primary reason that most children went to the chiropractor was "wellness care."
The study involved surveying both Doctors of Chiropractic who took care of children and parents who brought their children to chiropractors. In the survey of the doctors the results showed that out of 577 children under the age of 18, with a total of 5,438 office visits, there were only three minor adverse events reported. In the survey of parents of 239 children under chiropractic care, there were only 2 minor adverse events reported. The study noted that the adverse events were minor discomfort after the adjustment and were readily resolved with continued adjustments.
Of those children who were brought to the chiropractor for health issues, the most common symptoms noted in the study were muscular conditions, ear, nose, throat, respiratory and digestive disorders. Both parents and doctors indicated a high rate of improvement with the children's presenting health issues. In addition to these improvements, the doctors and parents also reported better sleeping patterns, improvements in behavior, and improved immune system function while under chiropractic care.
Dr. Joel Alcantara, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Director and author of this study said, "This paper shows the preliminary results of the ICPA's Children's PBRN (practice-based research network) Phase One". Dr. Alcantra then continued, "Phase Two is well under way and we have initiated similar research pertinent to pregnancy. We are pleased that a major CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) Journal respects the importance of chiropractic care for children and we foresee greater collaboration with the CAM community on the importance of chiropractic care for children."
Dr. Renny M. Edelson, one of the Doctors of Chiropractic who participated in the study summed up the enthusiasm of the study results by saying, "It is wonderful to see research substantiating the safety of chiropractic care for children and the overwhelming satisfaction of parents with children under care."
Did you know that Milestone Chiropractic Centre takes care of LOTS of kids?! Look, here is a picture of Dr. Meggen adjusting one of our CHIRO KIDS!! Bring in your family and kids today for a wellness check up to get them on the right track in life at a young age.
A study published in the September-October 2009 Journal of Science and Healing showed that chiropractic care for children is safe. The study showed that the primary reason that most children went to the chiropractor was "wellness care."
The study involved surveying both Doctors of Chiropractic who took care of children and parents who brought their children to chiropractors. In the survey of the doctors the results showed that out of 577 children under the age of 18, with a total of 5,438 office visits, there were only three minor adverse events reported. In the survey of parents of 239 children under chiropractic care, there were only 2 minor adverse events reported. The study noted that the adverse events were minor discomfort after the adjustment and were readily resolved with continued adjustments.
Of those children who were brought to the chiropractor for health issues, the most common symptoms noted in the study were muscular conditions, ear, nose, throat, respiratory and digestive disorders. Both parents and doctors indicated a high rate of improvement with the children's presenting health issues. In addition to these improvements, the doctors and parents also reported better sleeping patterns, improvements in behavior, and improved immune system function while under chiropractic care.
Dr. Joel Alcantara, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Director and author of this study said, "This paper shows the preliminary results of the ICPA's Children's PBRN (practice-based research network) Phase One". Dr. Alcantra then continued, "Phase Two is well under way and we have initiated similar research pertinent to pregnancy. We are pleased that a major CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) Journal respects the importance of chiropractic care for children and we foresee greater collaboration with the CAM community on the importance of chiropractic care for children."
Dr. Renny M. Edelson, one of the Doctors of Chiropractic who participated in the study summed up the enthusiasm of the study results by saying, "It is wonderful to see research substantiating the safety of chiropractic care for children and the overwhelming satisfaction of parents with children under care."
Did you know that Milestone Chiropractic Centre takes care of LOTS of kids?! Look, here is a picture of Dr. Meggen adjusting one of our CHIRO KIDS!! Bring in your family and kids today for a wellness check up to get them on the right track in life at a young age.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth...
This week, an Australian couple, Kate and David Ogg, said that a "kangaroo cuddle" saved the life of one of their twins. Doctors told the couple that baby boy Jamie, who was delivered prematurely at 27 weeks and weighed 2.2 pounds, would not live. Hospital staff tried to resuscitate the child for 20 minutes before giving the parents the heartbreaking news that Jamie had died, meaning only one of their babies would make it, French news agency AFP reported.
But Kate placed the baby on her chest and used the kangaroo method, which involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and child. She remained in that position for two hours and soon the infant's gasps became more regular and, after a while, he opened his eyes. When the Oggs sent their doctor a message that Jamie was showing signs of life, he dismissed the movements as reflexes. Kangaroo care is a method that's often used on premature babies where the infant has skin-to-skin contact with his or her mother, just like a marsupial. It's thought that this type of closeness can help regulate the preemie's heartbeat and body temperature, giving the baby a better chance of survival.
In typical kangaroo care, the baby wears only a diaper and is secured to the mother's chest in a head-up position with a piece of cloth. The cloth wraps around under the baby's bottom to create a tight bundle -- like a kangaroo pouch. Below is an example of a couple using the skin-to-skin contact.
"In the NICU, we're applying chest compression and respiration that are much more vigorous. Medications and fluids were probably given, and then when these things did not make a difference, they gave up. Would I advocate using kangaroo care before vigorous resuscitation? No. But after trying it, yes," says Goldstein.
But kangaroo care isn't for all preemies. If a baby is so small that his skin hasn't had a chance to fully developed, the skin could stick to the mother's body, causing more harm than good, Goldstein says.
Kangaroo care widely is used in developing countries where hospital crowding is common and there is a shortage of caregivers. If there aren't enough incubators available, skin-to-skin contact can regulate the baby's temperature. The method also allows for easy access for breast feeding and bonding opportunities between parent and baby (dads can do it, too).
Other benefits of kangaroo care include less stress for the parent and baby and lower hospital costs. But for the Oggs, the proof that kangaroo care works comes from the fact that their son Jamie is now very much alive and thriving. Now 5 months old, he and his twin sister have been taken to the United States on a media tour with their parents.
"Studies have shown that in third world countries kangaroo care improves survival rates by 90 percent," says Goldstein. "Moms are nature's incubators -- and not only to warm a baby. If a baby's temperature gets too high the mom will cool down. Kangaroo care also improves breast feeding. It can have a tremendous benefit for all babies, whether or not they are in distress or preterm."
http://www.aolhealth.com/2010/09/03/couple-says-kangaroo-cuddle-brought-baby-back-to-life/
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Fox News Story about Daily Dose of Aspirin
Healthy Warned Against Daily Dose Of Aspirin
Monday August 31, 2009
Healthy people who take aspirin to prevent heart attacks could be doing themselves more harm than good, experts have warned. New study adds to confusion over benefits of taking aspirin. The drug, which reduces the risk of blood clots, can be taken by patients who have already suffered a heart attack or are at risk of one, according to NHS Direct.
Millions of others are also believed to take a daily dose as an "insurance policy" in the hope of guarding against heart trouble.
But the routine use of aspirin by healthy people to prevent heart problems "cannot be supported", professors from the Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis (AAA) said.
Their study found that the risk of cardiovascular problems had to be set against the increased risk of internal bleeding.
Professor Peter Weissberg, of the British Heart Foundation which part-funded the research, said: "We know that patients with symptoms of artery disease, such as angina, heart attack or stroke, can reduce their risk of further problems by taking a small dose of aspirin each day.
"The findings of this study agree with our current advice that people who do not have symptomatic or diagnosed artery or heart disease should not take aspirin, because the risks of bleeding may outweigh the benefits."
In patients who have already had a heart attack, the risk of a second is so much higher that the balance is in favour of taking aspirin, Professor Gerry Fowkes, from the Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Diseases in Edinburgh, added.
The study recruited 28,980 men and women aged between 50 and 75 who were free of clinically evident cardiovascular disease in central Scotland.
They were given either a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin or a placebo.
Major bleeding requiring admission to hospital occurred in 34 (2%) subjects in the aspirin group and 20 (1.2%) of the placebo group.
*Story from FoxNews.Com*
Monday August 31, 2009
Healthy people who take aspirin to prevent heart attacks could be doing themselves more harm than good, experts have warned. New study adds to confusion over benefits of taking aspirin. The drug, which reduces the risk of blood clots, can be taken by patients who have already suffered a heart attack or are at risk of one, according to NHS Direct.
Millions of others are also believed to take a daily dose as an "insurance policy" in the hope of guarding against heart trouble.
But the routine use of aspirin by healthy people to prevent heart problems "cannot be supported", professors from the Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis (AAA) said.
Their study found that the risk of cardiovascular problems had to be set against the increased risk of internal bleeding.
Professor Peter Weissberg, of the British Heart Foundation which part-funded the research, said: "We know that patients with symptoms of artery disease, such as angina, heart attack or stroke, can reduce their risk of further problems by taking a small dose of aspirin each day.
"The findings of this study agree with our current advice that people who do not have symptomatic or diagnosed artery or heart disease should not take aspirin, because the risks of bleeding may outweigh the benefits."
In patients who have already had a heart attack, the risk of a second is so much higher that the balance is in favour of taking aspirin, Professor Gerry Fowkes, from the Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Diseases in Edinburgh, added.
The study recruited 28,980 men and women aged between 50 and 75 who were free of clinically evident cardiovascular disease in central Scotland.
They were given either a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin or a placebo.
Major bleeding requiring admission to hospital occurred in 34 (2%) subjects in the aspirin group and 20 (1.2%) of the placebo group.
*Story from FoxNews.Com*
Thursday, August 19, 2010
"What's in here...a ton of bricks?!"
Top 5 Recommendations for Backpack Safety!
5. Every Sunday empty out your child's backpack and review what they have stuffed inside...(it may be wise to bring a large trash bag along for this adventure!) You'd be surprised at the amount of items that accumulate inside and add un-necessary weight! If this your child is a teenager, find out if they need to carry all their books all the time, or if they can decrease the load by carry certain books for certain days.
4. Check out the backpack straps for proper shoulder placement. Make sure that they bottom of the backpack is 2 inches ABOVE the waist and resting in the curve of the low back (contrary to the belief that it should be at their knees).
3. Continue weekly reminders that wearing the backpack on both shoulders prevents postural problems (and it's cool to wear it like that anyway!)
2. Weigh your child's backpack once a week to determine if it is safe! It should weigh 15% or LESS of your child's body weight. (Yes parents, this will require you to do a little math...or hey, make it a fun game for the kids to figure out themselves!)
1. If your child isnt under regular wellness chiropractic care, be sure to check their shoulder and head leveling at least once a month to determine if they are showing early signs of repetitive stress on their developing spine. Dr. Meggen and Dr. Kevin are trained to determine the early signs postural stress and misalignment. Like dentistry, early detection and correction is the key to better health, especially for kids! So get their spines checked out!!
**If you are concerned with the weight of your child's backpack, and would like us to do a presentation at your child's school on backpack safety, please contact us at our office. (540) 656-2885! We would gladly set up a time to meet with the administration and teachers about this very important topic!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Educate before you Vaccinate
As a Healthcare Provider, it is my privledge to educate. Vaccinations are a sensitve topic among families, the medical world, big pharma, etc. It is not my place to force my opinions and thoughts on the topic of whether or not to vaccinate, or what to skip or postpone. My purpose here is simply to provide you with information to form your own thoughts, ideas and opinions. My thought process for this blog topic came from reading a book "Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic" by David Kirby. I highly recommend it!
Think on this fact for a few seconds: Children recieve 49 doses of 14 different vaccines...all before the age of 6 years old! And over half of those vaccines are given in the first 6 months of life!! Children's immune systems are not completely developed at birth (hence the great importance to breastfeed as long as possible...but we'll save that for another blog!)...so inundating their immature immune systems from day one with toxic man-made and synthetic matierals and viruses, just sets them up for failure. Over the years the 'routine vaccination schedule' has changed several times. I was just reading a book that described the 'normal 2 rounds of DTP', which is now up to 5 rounds (yes, I said 5). Please tell me, if these work as well as they claim...why do we need to add more?? Exposing babies to the multitude of vaccinations not only is damaging to their immune systems long term, but it is bad for development of the body, brain, health!
Let's also look at the Vaccine excipients or ingredients in trace or larger amounts depending on specifi c vaccine (partial list): lab altered viruses and bacteria; aluminum; mercury*; formaldehyde; phenoxyethanol; gluteraldehyde; sodium borate; sodium chloride; sodium acetate; monosodium glutamate (MSG); hydrochloric acid; hydrogen peroxide; lactose; gelatin; yeast protein; egg albumin; bovine and human serum albumin; antibiotics; unidentified contaminants. (*mercury can be hidden by several other names and/or preservatives and is the 2nd most toxic substance on earth!)
In 2002 the House of Representatives was about to approve the Homeland Security Act when a Last minute change was made to the incredibly lengthy bill. Was it about homeland protection? Security? Or even anti-terriorist movements? No...it was about dismissing HUNDREDS of civil suits filed by parents of children with vaccine-induce injuries against drug companies. And the majority of congress had no idea it was added in. The bill passed. Thousands of children with permanent neurologic damages have no chance to tell their side of the story in court, let alone get compensation for their pain, grief and lifelong medical care. Why do I bring this topic up?? Well to simply say it, as they did in Evidence of Harm "if the government and drug companies have nothing to fear or hide...what is the need for the secret maneuvering to slip this ruling in under the Homeland Security Bill"??
So parents, my biggest piece of advice...is EDUCATE BEFORE YOU VACCINATE!!! Remember, YOU really are the only person 100% invested in your child's health and well-being. So, double check, make a fuss, and don't be afraid to question the main-stream (and sometimes even saying NO)...especially when it comes to your family and what is being put into their bodies.
Need somewhere to get information? Here is a great website with loads of research!! www.nvic.org
Think on this fact for a few seconds: Children recieve 49 doses of 14 different vaccines...all before the age of 6 years old! And over half of those vaccines are given in the first 6 months of life!! Children's immune systems are not completely developed at birth (hence the great importance to breastfeed as long as possible...but we'll save that for another blog!)...so inundating their immature immune systems from day one with toxic man-made and synthetic matierals and viruses, just sets them up for failure. Over the years the 'routine vaccination schedule' has changed several times. I was just reading a book that described the 'normal 2 rounds of DTP', which is now up to 5 rounds (yes, I said 5). Please tell me, if these work as well as they claim...why do we need to add more?? Exposing babies to the multitude of vaccinations not only is damaging to their immune systems long term, but it is bad for development of the body, brain, health!
Let's also look at the Vaccine excipients or ingredients in trace or larger amounts depending on specifi c vaccine (partial list): lab altered viruses and bacteria; aluminum; mercury*; formaldehyde; phenoxyethanol; gluteraldehyde; sodium borate; sodium chloride; sodium acetate; monosodium glutamate (MSG); hydrochloric acid; hydrogen peroxide; lactose; gelatin; yeast protein; egg albumin; bovine and human serum albumin; antibiotics; unidentified contaminants. (*mercury can be hidden by several other names and/or preservatives and is the 2nd most toxic substance on earth!)
In 2002 the House of Representatives was about to approve the Homeland Security Act when a Last minute change was made to the incredibly lengthy bill. Was it about homeland protection? Security? Or even anti-terriorist movements? No...it was about dismissing HUNDREDS of civil suits filed by parents of children with vaccine-induce injuries against drug companies. And the majority of congress had no idea it was added in. The bill passed. Thousands of children with permanent neurologic damages have no chance to tell their side of the story in court, let alone get compensation for their pain, grief and lifelong medical care. Why do I bring this topic up?? Well to simply say it, as they did in Evidence of Harm "if the government and drug companies have nothing to fear or hide...what is the need for the secret maneuvering to slip this ruling in under the Homeland Security Bill"??
So parents, my biggest piece of advice...is EDUCATE BEFORE YOU VACCINATE!!! Remember, YOU really are the only person 100% invested in your child's health and well-being. So, double check, make a fuss, and don't be afraid to question the main-stream (and sometimes even saying NO)...especially when it comes to your family and what is being put into their bodies.
Need somewhere to get information? Here is a great website with loads of research!! www.nvic.org
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ready, Set...EXERCISE!
This article in TIME magazine describes that regular aerobic exercise can help to combat the effects of daily stress and depression. Check it out below! Then get off the computer, put on your gym clothes, and get in a quick 20 minute work-out.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1998021,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular
Exercise...it does a body good! (and the brain too!)
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1998021,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular
Exercise...it does a body good! (and the brain too!)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Welcome to our blog! This is our very first blog and we are super thrilled to begin this journey. Granted, we may not be very good at doing postings at first...but with practice it will improve! Our hopes with this blog are to begin educating people that it is never too late to begin taking steps towards a healthier life. No matter what stage of life, or what age you are, change begins with you making a decision to do it! We will have a smorgasbord of information from exercise, to organic eating, sleep, chiropractic, pregnancy and birth, to mental health and wellness. We hope you will find something fun and interesting, and hey, maybe even learn a little something that you can share with others!
So welcome, ENJOY, and let us know what you think!!! :) Here we go!
Dr. Kevin & Dr. Meggen
So welcome, ENJOY, and let us know what you think!!! :) Here we go!
Dr. Kevin & Dr. Meggen
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