Chiropractors in Fairfax, Va

Arthritis drugs linked to bone decay

2012-03-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

Arthritis drugs linked to bone decay

By MATTHEW PERRONE

updated 3/8/2012 10:04:45 AM ET
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WASHINGTON — Some of the world's largest drugmakers will face an uphill battle next week in their bid to revive a class of experimental arthritis drugs that have been sidelined by safety concerns for nearly two years.

The Food and Drug Administration says there is a clear association between the nerve-blocking medications and incidences of joint failure that led the agency to halt studies of the drugs in 2010. However, the agency also notes that those side effects were less common when the drugs were used at lower doses, potentially leaving the door open for future use. The agency released its safety analysis ahead of a public meeting next week where outside experts will discuss the drugs' safety.

On Monday, Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals will make their case to continue studies of the drugs, with safety precautions to protect patients.
The request to restart testing is unusual, since drugmakers often abandon research on experimental drugs that appear to have safety issues. However, with more than 50 million U.S. adults diagnosed with arthritis — one in five — the potential multibillion dollar market opportunity may be too big to ignore.

If the drugs eventually win FDA approval though, they may be used for much narrower indications than initially envisioned. The FDA's proposed questions to its experts appear designed to limit any future testing of the drugs.

"Considering what is known thus far about the risks and benefit associated with this class of biologic agents, are there any populations for which further clinical development would be acceptable?" asks one agency discussion question.

Drugmakers once touted the drugs, known as nerve growth factor inhibitors, as a potential breakthrough for treating osteoarthritis, back pain and other chronic pain conditions. For more than a century doctors have treated pain with familiar painkillers like aspirin and Advil, or powerful opiate-based drugs. Both approaches can be problematic. Anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil can cause stomach bleeding, while opiates carry a high risk of addiction
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The injectable nerve-silencing drugs offered a new approach, by blocking proteins that control sensations throughout the body.

But problems with the drugs began to emerge in the summer of 2010. Beginning in June, Pfizer halted studies of its experimental injection tanezumab in patients with osteoarthritis, low back pain and diabetic nerve pain.

The action was requested by the Food and Drug Administration, after researchers reported that osteoarthritis actually worsened in some patients, causing joint failure in some cases.

In December the FDA put a research hold on all drugs in the class after similar problems emerged, halting studies by Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Regeneron was developing a compound called REGN475 in cooperation with Sanofi-Aventis. Johnson & Johnson was testing its drug fulranumab in several pain conditions. The FDA lifted its hold on a trial of the drug for cancer pain last summer, though studies for osteoarthritis remain on hold.

The drugmakers are expected to argue Monday that the joint deterioration was caused by a rare drug side effect caused by patients taking multiple painkillers simultaneously. According to briefing materials, Pfizer and J&J both found that the bone problems almost exclusively occurred in patients taking the experimental drugs along with traditional anti-inflammatory painkillers like aspirin and Advil.

The FDA's analysis published Thursday supports that theory, noting that the side effects were worst among patients taking both nerve-blocking drugs and older painkillers. However, the agency notes that Pfizer's tanezumab was associated with significant bone problems even when used alone. The FDA analyzed nearly 500 cases of bone damage reported by all three drugmakers studying the medications.

Pfizer executives are expected to argue for continued testing of the newer drugs, with restrictions on combining them with older painkillers. Additionally, if patients do not improve after taking a few doses, the drugs would be discontinued.

Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

New Health Rules!

2012-03-02T07:25:00.001-08:00

By Leslie Goldman

They're the imperatives for well-being that have been drilled into us forever--"Drink eight glasses of water a day!" "Eat nine servings of fruits and veggies!" "Stay away from red meat!" But it turns out that taking care of yourself isn't quite so black-and-white, says Harvard Medical School psychologist Alice Domar, PhD, coauthor of Live a Little! Breaking the Rules Won't Break Your Health. "Research is revealing that whoever wrote the old guidelines didn't have the whole picture, and that there are more paths to optimal health than we previously thought," Domar says. Happily, the new rules are more user-friendly than the old ones. Here, four tips to live by.

RELATED: Get Smarter By Eating Chocolate and Zoning Out

Old Rule: Drink eight glasses of water a day.
New Rule: Eat your water.

The recommendation to chug all that H2O was likely based on guidelines published in 1945. However, says Howard Murad, MD, author of The Water Secret, much of your daily requirement is contained in foods: Fruits, vegetables, beans, and cooked whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa (which soak up moisture in the pot) all deliver servings of water. And, as Murad points out, they offer the added bonus of nutrients: "Watermelon and cucumber are more than 90 percent water, but they also contain antioxidants. With a glass of water, all you get is water." You'll know you're hydrated when your urine is colorless or pale yellow and you're rarely thirsty.

RELATED: Top 10 Rules for Eating Right

Old Rule: Eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables.
New Rule: Fill half your plate with produce.

A serving of broccoli is about five florets. A serving of raw spinach, one cup. A serving of mango, roughly the size of a fist. "It's not surprising that people get confused over what, exactly, a serving is," says Washington, D.C., dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield. Her advice: Stop counting and instead make half of every meal produce. "You don't need a big mound on your plate. Six asparagus spears at dinner, a spinach salad at lunch, and a sliced banana and some berries at breakfast should do it." And quality counts: Even two or three daily servings of deeply hued fruits and veggies (like blueberries, bok choy, or red peppers) may help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease, Scritchfield says. "It's like darts. The goal is to hit the bull's-eye. But hitting nearby is good, too."

RELATED: 5 Contemplations for Mindful Eating

Old Rule: Avoid red meat.
New Rule: Beef in moderation can be healthy.

Red meat was long considered a heart attack on a plate because it's high in saturated fat. But a 2010 study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that the cardiovascular risk comes from processed varieties, such as sausage, hot dogs, and cold cuts--not from steak, hamburgers, and other nonprocessed cuts. (The real culprits may be salt and preservatives). Red meat is a good source of iron and immunity-boosting zinc-two nutrients some women don't get enough of. Beef (especially grass-fed) also contains high concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid, a type of fat that may decrease cancer risk and help reduce body fat.

"But not all red meats are created equal," says Leslie J. Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sports Medicine. She recommends choosing very lean cuts and avoiding anything labeled "prime," as it will have more fat marbling. And try not to eat more than three 4- to 5-ounce servings (about the size of an iPhone) per week.

RELATED: Exotic Grains That Can Improve Your Health

Old Rule: Keep your BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
New Rule: Eat healthy, exercise, and let your weight settle naturally.

Physicians use BMI (body mass index)--a ratio of your weight to your height--as a tool to diagnose obesity. But critics say BMI ignores muscle mass, and a 2011 Obesity study notes that it also ignores a person's hip circumference. "People come in different sizes and shapes," says Joanne Ikeda, nutritionist emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. "The idea that everyone should fall under 25 is ludicrous." A person can have a high BMI and still be healthy, Ikeda argues. Research supports the theory: A Journal of the American Medical Association study found that fit women--even if they were overweight according to their BMI--were less likely to suffer a heart attack than those who were out of shape. Ikeda advises her patients to stop obsessing over their BMI, eat a nutritious diet, and log 150 minutes of exercise per week. "A healthy lifestyle results in a healthy weight."

Dr. Joshua Brooks

Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

Prescription for gym just what doctor orders

2012-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Prescription for gym just what doctor orders

EDMONTON — Patients in the Edmonton-area communities of Leduc, Beaumont and Devon are getting access to a new kind of prescription — one for exercise.

In what may be the first of its kind in Alberta and perhaps Canada, 51 doctors working in the primary care network south of Edmonton have new prescription pads to officially prescribe running, swimming or weights, including a free one-month pass to the local recreation centre.

The Prescription to Get Active program is modelled after a similar initiative in New Zealand, called Green Prescription.

"It's a tangible thing," said Dr. Justin Balko, a family physician who has worked in Leduc for two years. He is also the physician lead for chronic disease management in the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network and has handed out between 20 and 40 activity prescriptions since the prescription program was launched in November.

"When it's written down on a piece of paper, there's an element to it that there's a little more importance attached to it."

The target group is relatively healthy people who are inactive and at risk of developing such chronic health issues as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease if their sedentary lifestyles persist.

About 800 patients each year who have chronic illnesses are already referred by primary care doctors to a central clinic staffed by a dietitian, pharmacist, exercise specialist and nurse where the patients receive one-on-one advice to improve their health.

Of the area's 55,000 patient population, the primary care network estimates 11,000 are obese, 20,000 are overweight and 9,000 have high blood pressure.

But the new prescription program aims to prevent those diseases from developing in the first place.

"While we do have medical interventions that can treat it, we do know that our most underused angle is to prevent," Balko said. "This program is giving us a whole new opportunity to engage patients with multiple angles of our health-care team to find ways of empowering themselves."

Approximately 250 patients have received fitness prescriptions since November, and each suggests a fitness intensity, duration and frequency. Doctors may suggest overweight patients with joint issues or osteoarthritis swim instead of run. Patients are urged to consider walking or biking along the area's trail systems, to play catch or Frisbee golf or to try snowshoeing.

But the prescription also gives people the opportunity to tour the Leduc Recreation Centre, get free fitness advice and learn how to use machines that can be intimidating for the uninitiated.

"It's helping people get into the active lifestyle," said Roger Smolnicky, director of the rec centre. "It's not just for people who are fit."

He said a monthly pass costs between $50 and $55, but while the prescription program might cause some more wear and tear on his equipment and require a few more staff hours, Smolnicky knows some patients might stay for the long haul.

"It makes good business sense," he said. For the doctors, it costs about 10 cents to print out each prescription.

It made sense for David Lill, 58, who had a stroke in 2010 and had to retire from work at a valve company. He quit smoking, but still needs to lose about 50 pounds. He and his wife, Colleen, both received prescriptions. Colleen lost about 30 pounds while exercising and is now managing her health by eating more healthy foods.

Lill is still going to the gym about three times each week and has doubled his time on the elliptical machine and treadmill, and boosted his weight repetitions to 17 lifts each set, from eight.

The written prescription helped motivate him.

"We're creatures of habit," Lill said. "I think (the program is) good. I think more people should take it up."

jsinnema@edmontonjournal.com

Twitter.com/jodiesinnema

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

Dr. Joshua Brooks

Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

Herniated Disc Treatment

2012-02-13T07:39:00.001-08:00

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Herniated disk
By Mayo Clinic staff
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/herniated-disk/DS00893
Definition

Herniated disk
A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine.

A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior.

A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. On the other hand, many people experience no symptoms from a herniated disk. Most people who have a herniated disk don't need surgery to correct the problem.

Symptoms

You can have a herniated disk without knowing it — herniated disks sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disk problem. But some herniated disks can be painful. The location of your symptoms may vary, depending on where the herniated disk is located along your spine. Most herniated disks occur in your lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in your neck (cervical spine).

The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disk are:

Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most intense pain in your buttocks, thigh and leg below the knee. It may also involve part of the foot. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move your spine into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This may cause you to stumble, or impair your ability to lift or hold items.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if your neck or back pain travels down your arm or leg, or if it's accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness.

Causes

Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As you age, your spinal disks lose some of their water content. That makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.

Most people can't pinpoint the exact cause of their herniated disk. Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift large, heavy objects can lead to a herniated disk, as can twisting and turning while lifting. Rarely, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disk.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of a herniated disk may include:

Age. Herniated disks are most common in middle age, especially between 35 and 45, due to aging-related degeneration of the disks.
Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back.
Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also may increase your risk of a herniated disk.
Complications

Your spinal cord doesn't extend into the lower portion of your spinal canal. Just below your waist, the spinal cord separates into a group of long nerve roots (cauda equina) that resemble a horse's tail. Rarely, disk herniation can compress the entire cauda equina. Emergency surgery may be required to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have:

Worsening symptoms. Pain, numbness or weakness may increase to the point that you can't perform your usual daily activities.
Bladder or bowel dysfunction. People who have the cauda equina syndrome may become incontinent or have difficulty urinating even with a full bladder.
Saddle anesthesia. This progressive loss of sensation affects the areas that would touch a saddle — the inner thighs, back of legs and the area around the rectum.
Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to initially bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic surgery, neurology or neurosurgery.

What you can do
Before your appointment, write a list that answers the following questions:

When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
Were you lifting, pushing or pulling anything at the time you first felt symptoms? Were you twisting your back?
Has the pain kept you from participating in activities you wanted to do?
Do you have any pain that travels into your arms or legs?
Do you feel any weakness or numbness in your arms or legs?
Have you noticed any changes in your bowel or bladder habits?
Does coughing, sneezing or straining for a bowel movement worsen your leg pain?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Is the pain interfering with sleep or work?
What medications or supplements do you take?
What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor may ask you to lie flat so that he or she can move your legs into various positions to help determine the cause of your pain. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam, to check your:

Reflexes
Muscle strength
Walking ability
Ability to feel light touches, pinpricks or vibration
Tests and diagnosis

MRI of herniated disk
In most cases of herniated disk, a physical exam and a medical history are all that's needed to make a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects another condition or needs to see which nerves are affected, he or she may order one or more of the following tests.

Imaging tests

X-rays. Plain X-rays don't detect herniated disks, but they may be performed to rule out other causes of back pain, such as an infection, tumor, spinal alignment issues or a broken bone.
Computerized tomography (CT scan). A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays from many different directions and then combines them to create cross-sectional images of your spinal column and the structures around it.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create images of your body's internal structures. This test can be used to confirm the location of the herniated disk and to see which nerves are affected.
Myelogram. A dye is injected into the spinal fluid, and then X-rays are taken. This test can show pressure on your spinal cord or nerves due to multiple herniated disks or other conditions.
Nerve tests
Electromyograms and nerve conduction studies measure how well electrical impulses are moving along nerve tissue. This can help pinpoint the location of the nerve damage.

Treatments and drugs

Conservative treatment — mainly avoiding painful positions and following a planned exercise and pain-medication regimen — relieves symptoms in nine out of 10 people with a herniated disk. Many people get better in a month or two with conservative treatment. Imaging studies show that the protruding or displaced portion of the disk shrinks over time, corresponding to the improvement in symptoms.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications. If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor may tell you to take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others). Many of these drugs carry a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, and large doses of acetaminophen may damage the liver.
Narcotics. If your pain doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications, your doctor may prescribe narcotics, such as codeine or a hydrocodone-acetaminophen combination (Vicodin, Lortab, others), for a short time. Sedation, nausea, confusion and constipation are possible side effects from these drugs. Decrease or eliminate your Tylenol use if these combination medications are prescribed.
Nerve pain medications. Drugs such as gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), tramadol (Ultram, Ryzolt) and amitriptyline often help relieve nerve-damage pain. Because these drugs have a milder set of side effects than do narcotic medications, they're increasingly being used as first-line prescription medications for people who have herniated disks.
Muscle relaxers. Muscle relaxants such as diazepam (Valium) or cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix) also may be prescribed if you have back or limb spasms. Sedation and dizziness are common side effects of these medications.
Cortisone injections. Inflammation-suppressing corticosteroids may be given by injection directly into the area around the spinal nerves, using spinal imaging to more safely guide the needle.
Therapy
Physical therapists can show you positions and exercises designed to minimize the pain of a herniated disk. As the pain improves, physical therapy can advance you to a rehabilitation program of core strength and stability to maximize your back health and help protect against future injury.

A physical therapist may also recommend:

Heat or ice
Traction
Ultrasound
Electrical stimulation
Short-term bracing for the neck or lower back
Surgery
A very small number of people with herniated disks eventually need surgery. Your doctor may suggest surgery if:

Conservative treatment fails to improve your symptoms after six weeks
A disk fragment lodges in your spinal canal, pressing on a nerve and resulting in progressive weakness
You're having significant trouble performing basic activities such as standing or walking
In many cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, however, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae may need to be fused together with metal hardware to provide spinal stability. Or your surgeon may suggest the implantation of an artificial disk.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others) — may help reduce the pain associated with a herniated disk.
Use heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. After a few days, you may switch to gentle heat to give relief and comfort.
Avoid too much bedrest. Too much bedrest can lead to stiff joints and weak muscles — which can complicate your recovery. Instead, rest in a position of comfort for 30 minutes, and then go for a short walk or do some work. Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain during the healing process.
Coping and support

Pain affects more than just your physical well-being. If you have to deal with recurring herniated disks or other back problems, your psychological and emotional health also are vulnerable. These tips may help you cope with pain related to a herniated disk:

Acknowledge the pain. Some people try to pretend their chronic pain doesn't exist. In the process, they may actually make it worse. You may have more success in coping if you affirm that your pain isn't imaginary and make necessary adjustments to accommodate it.
Manage stress. Stress magnifies pain. Try doing deep-breathing exercises and practicing other relaxation techniques when your stress level begins to rise.
Identify pain triggers. Certain activities or behaviors may worsen your pain. If you identify these triggers, you can avoid or limit them.
See a counselor. Talking with a mental health counselor helps you recognize and rethink unrealistic expectations and beliefs about yourself. Even if you can't change your chronic pain, you can change the way you feel about it.
Prevention

To help prevent a herniated disk:

Exercise. Core-muscle strengthening helps stabilize and support the spine. Check with your doctor before resuming high-impact activities such as jogging or tennis.
Maintain good posture. Good posture reduces the pressure on your spine and disks. Keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for longer periods. Lift heavy objects properly, making your legs — not your back — do most of the work.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks, making them more susceptible to herniation.

Dr. Joshua Brooks

Chiropractor Fairfax VA

Meet the Giants Chiropractor

2012-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Meet the Giants Chiropractor

By Pat Battle
NBCNewYork.com
updated 1/26/2012 11:47:52 AM ET

The road to the Super Bowl is fraught with neck spasms, aching legs and sore hamstrings. But when the Giants head west to Indianapolis, Dr. Rob DeStefano will be there to smooth out those pulled muscles and stiff necks.

A member of the team’s elite medical staff for more than a decade, the Hackensack-based chiropractor is making his second trip to the Super Bowl with Big Blue. He was there when the 2007-2008 team brought home the world title, and says this team is cut from the same fabric.
“This group rivals them,” he told NBC New York. “They’re all friends, they have dinner together, there’s a lot of interaction off the field, which I think is why they mesh so well. And the coach brings it all together. He’s very humble.”
DeStefano started treating individual players more than 20 years ago, but in 2002, when former Giants Amani Toomer and Tiki Barber became regular patients, he was introduced to the team’s head trainer, Ronnie Barnes.
Soon after, he was invited to work with the entire team.

“I’m just a piece of the puzzle,” he says. “The medical staff at the Giants is the best in the world, top-notch. We work together as a team on the medical side. All our egos are put aside. It's about getting the player back on the field, however we can do that.”
Often, the doctors have less than two minutes to assess an injury, treat it and get the player back in the game.
“There’s a peril and a potential injury for each player," says DeStefano. "If you’re a defensive back, it’s upper body because you’re hitting hard with your shoulders and neck. If you’re a lineman, a lot of it can be lower extremities because you’re pushing and the legs are prone to injury and hamstring issues.

"I have a very specific requirement that I fulfill," he says. "They come get me if someone has a neck or hamstring or lower back or shoulder injury.”

They don’t have to go far to find him. He paces the sidelines between two posts so that the athletes can always spot him.
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Sometimes he can treat them on the bench, but he also has a table on the sidelines at all times. The pregame is actually his busiest time – loosening up the players, getting them ready and making sure their muscles are functioning as they should be.
”The challenge is because they’re such elite athletes, we have to make sure they’re working efficiently," says DeStefano. "And a lot of the treatments are not necessarily for major injuries. It’s more fine-tuning a machine to make sure it works well.”
DeStefano credits his revolutionary approach to muscle repair to keeping Big Blue fit for the field.
The premise of the treatment, detailed in his New York Times-bestselling book “Muscle Medicine,” is focusing on “what’s wrong with the muscle pulling on the bone, and when we can restore the muscle back to full health, then the bone moves properly and the joints work effectively.”

He calls it the “pin and stretch” technique: “if you shorten the muscle, pin the muscle, then lengthen the muscle, you can stretch the muscle,” he says.

DeStefano played football himself and competes in decathlons as well. He’s worked with athletes most of his career, including Olympic bobsled and women’s hockey teams. But he downplays the thrill of adding a second Super Bowl ring to his trophy room.

“It’s amazing to be back and I’m excited to see what this one will bring, but if you allow yourself to get caught up in the hype, you can miss your purpose and what you’re trying to accomplish," he says. "I’m just doing my part for the team, to go out there and win the game. I think they’re feeling pretty confident about that, but I don’t want to jinx it and talk about it beforehand. I’ll just say we’ll go out and do our best.”

Dr. Brooks

Chiropractor Fairfax VA, 22031

Coffee helps prevent diabetes, now scientists learn why

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

By Marni Jameson, Orlando Sentinel
January 16, 2012, 1:25 p.m.
Scientists have long known that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but researchers out of China may have figured out why.

Researchers Ling Zheng, of Wuhan University, and Kun Huang, of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, have found that compounds in coffee inhibit hIAPP (human islet amyloid polypeptide), a substance linked to diabetes. Their study appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Prior global epidemiological studies have shown that those who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a 50 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent type of diabetes accounting for 95 percent of all cases. Every additional cup reduces the risk by an additional 7 percent.

Scientists looking for ways to prevent diabetes have been investigating ways to block hIAPP, which is present in high levels in the pancreases of those with the disease. Zheng and Huang decided to study whether coffee was doing that.

They analyzed the effects of the major active compounds in coffee, including caffeic acid and caffeine, on hIAPP, and found it inhibited hIAPP significantly. "These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of coffee consumption on type 2 diabetes may be partly due to the ability of major coffee components to inhibit the toxic aggression of hIAPP," the authors concluded.

"A beneficial effect may thus be expected in regular coffee drinkers," they said.

Dr. Joshua Brooks

Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Is Yoga Dangerous? | Yahoo! Health

2012-01-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

Is Yoga Dangerous? | Yahoo! Health

Hot controversy is raging in cyberspace about a New York Times article called “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body” with medical practitioners and yoga devotees taking vehement stands for and against this popular workout. The article is being flamed on Facebook, and normally zen-like yogis are up in arms.

The Daily Beast quoted one yoga teacher describing the article as fear-mongering, while a yoga publication contended that The New York Times is trying to “wreck yoga” with an article that “cherry picks a few extreme events.”

The number of Americans who twist themselves into pretzel-like postures in search of mental and physical benefits has soared from 4 million in 2001 to 20 million in 2011. But is the exploding popularity of this ancient workout causing an epidemic of injuries and even disabilities? Or is William Broad’s article slim on science, as critics charge? Here’s a look at the debate.

Follow these 7 simple tips to manage your chronic pain

Is Yoga Harmful?

The article quotes a yoga teacher, Glenn Black, who advises “the vast majority of people” to give up yoga because it’s simply too likely to cause harm. Yet Black, whose clients include celebrities and prominent gurus, continues to train students in this supposedly dangerous activity, while warning that even celebrated yoga teachers “injure themselves in droves.” He cites two cases in which an Indian yogi broke three ribs during a spinal twist and a leading American teacher lost movement in her hip joints.

Black is also quoted as saying that clients often seek him out after being hurt in other yoga classes, due poorly trained teachers who have jumped on the yoga bandwagon and who push students beyond their physical limits, with increasingly difficult poses, such as shoulder and head stands.

Yet Black also acknowledges that he has no formal training himself in determining which poses are helpful or harmful for students.

Find out how stretching can ease your chronic back pain

Is there any scientific proof that yoga causes damage?

The article claims that many commonly taught yoga positions are “inherently risky.” As evidence, Broad cites a 1972 “article” in British Medical Journal reporting that certain yoga poses might cause stroke in relatively young people due to hyperextension of the neck, as can also occur during whiplash. However, the “article” is actually a letter to the editor and not scientific proof.

Broad also describes several bizarre case reports from medical literature, including a 28-year-old woman who had an apparent stroke after doing a yoga pose called the "upward bow," leaving her with harrowing disabilities. That calamity occurred in 1973. Broad also reports that ER visits due to yoga injuries are “rising quickly,” with the Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting 13 such visits in 2000 and 46 in 2002 (the most recent year listed). That’s actually lower than the number of Americans struck by lightning each year (about 270).

Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

10 Foods That Prevent Cancer | Yahoo! Health

2012-01-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

Do anti-cancer superfoods really work? The short answer to this question is -- drum roll, please -- yes. They really do. While studies are ongoing, and in many cases experts still don't know exactly how these superfoods work, there's strong evidence that certain fruits and vegetables rich in plant-based nutrients can both prevent tumors from starting and halt their growth. Here, the top foods to work into the family diet if you'd like to cut cancer risk or help those with cancer recover. And who wouldn't?

Continue article...

10 Foods That Prevent Cancer | Yahoo! Health

Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Stay healthy this season

2012-01-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Stay healthy this season

According to a recent Flu Impact Report, “In addition to the 100 million work days lost due to flu-related illness last season, more than one-third of those days would have been uncompensated with the costs borne by the employee, resulting in $6.8 billion in lost wages.”[1]

It would be nice to believe that days off from work or school are enjoyable – but elevated fevers, coughing, and an upset stomach are hardly fun.

When you have the common cold or the flu, there are many remedies that can help relieve the symptoms, however, there is no distinct cure.

You can take a few simple steps during this flu season to help stay healthier this winter – and might even correspond with some of your New Year’s resolutions.

Stop the germs

Our hands are the greatest culprits in germ transportation. We use them to open doors, give high 5’s, catch sneezes – and then we unknowingly wipe them on our faces. When our hands come in contact with our mouths and nostrils, we give cold and flu bacteria a direct pathway into our bodies.

Whether it’s washing bacteria from our hands or from our bed sheets, it should be done more frequently during the cold/flu season. Transportation of bacteria and germs can occur virtually anywhere, anytime. Getting in the habit of cleaning your hands more often is a great way to stay healthy.

Increase vitality

When we exercise, the heart fuels and distributes blood faster, we sweat, and oxygen flow increases throughout the lungs. The result is a body that functions with greater efficiency that strengthens our ability to fight and dilute bad bacteria.

On the other hand, a body that receives minimal exercise will result in sedentary internal behavior – a lethargic immune system and slow blood and oxygen flow.

Should you get out and train for the next half-marathon in your area just to avoid getting the cold? Not unless you are truly compelled to, but you can increase vitality and energy from a brisk walk – Be sure you bundle up as well.

Before starting to workout, visit your chiropractor and ask about a healthy workout routine that fits your lifestyle. It is also important to receive adjustments for untreated imbalances in the body, as they can create pain and soreness for those that are just beginning to exercise.

Food for thought

There are many different diets that are buzzing around these days, each with a different rhyme and reason. Whether your diet is protein-rich, or a carb loader – at the end of the day, your body requires essential vitamins and nutrients to supplement health and vitality.

According to an ABC Health article, “Over all, maintaining a diverse diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, is the body's best defense against viral invaders.” [2]

Below are some foods that are rich in nutrients and beneficial for a healthy diet and immune system.

• Fruits (Oranges, Bananas, Strawberries)

• Yogurt (With Probiotics)

• Vegetables (Peppers/Broccoli/Squash/Carrots)

• Bread (Whole Grains)

• Nuts (Almonds

Many vitamins and nutrients that strengthen the body can be found in everyday health foods. If your New Year’s resolution was to eat healthier, why not eat foods that also provide sustenance

Just as nutritional food, exercise, and proper hygiene are important to our health, so is receiving adequate rest. We need sleep to recuperate our bodies after each day to function at full strength. However, rest can often be hindered by generic pillows.

Custom-made pillows such as MyFit™– exclusively distributed by Foot Levelers – are specific to each person’s posture and provide total support to the neck and spine. Give your body corrective support during the night so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Take a few steps toward a healthier you – make 2012 the year that you don’t become a part of the millions that stay home because of the cold or flu.

Visit FootLevelers.com to find out how our products can enhance your wellness!

[1] Walgreens. (September 21, 2010). Americans Miss 100 Million Work Days and Suffer Nearly $7 Billion in Lost Wages During Flu Season, New Walgreens Flu Impact Report Suggests. http://news.walgreens.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5467

[2] Chitale, Radha. (Oct. 30, 2008). Ten Foods to Kick a Cold and Boost Your Immunity. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdandFluNews/story?id=6141948&page=1#.TwMtXkooyGp

Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

Core Fitness

2011-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

This newsletter issue for December 2011 is brought to you by Rosa Family Chiropractic

Core training is a no-longer-new catchphrase on the fitness landscape. Many doctors, including chiropractors, orthopedists, and even cardiologists, emphasize the importance of core training with their patients. Practically every physical therapist and personal trainer has learned a variety of core exercises to use with their clients. Core fitness has become an advertising buzzword, helping to sell all kinds of health-related products. The overall result is raised awareness of the importance of core strength and the opportunity to engage in a critically important form of healthy exercise....

Read the full article

Dr. Brooks
Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

Tylenol related to asthma?

2011-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Some health care experts suggest that rising asthma rates may be caused by an increase in acetaminophen prescriptions for children, the New York Times reports.

In 1980s, many physicians stopped prescribing aspirin for children's fevers after the medication was linked to Reye’s syndrome, and instead began prescribing acetaminophen. Since then, more than 20 studies—including one analysis of more than 200,000 children—have found evidence of an increased risk of asthma in kids who had taken acetaminophen.

Most recently, a paper in Pediatrics by Akron Children's Hospital pediatrician John McBride argued that the link is strong enough to recommend that physicians not prescribe the drug to infants and kids at risk of asthma. Although he has not conclusive linked acetaminophen to asthma, McBride says that "the burden of proof is now to show that it’s safe" (Aschwanden, Times, 12/19).

Dr. Brooks
Chiropractor, Fairfax VA 22031

The 6 Best Foods for Winter | Yahoo! Health

2011-12-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

The 6 Best Foods for Winter Yahoo! Health

It’s the first snow of the season, and it’s so heavy and wet that it clogs your snowblower. You have two choices. Option 1: Shove your arm between the augers and remove the blockage. The downside: You’ll lose your arm in the process, and having it reattached will probably bankrupt you. Option 2: Turn off the machine, grab a broom stick, and chip at the blockage until it crumbles.

You might be thinking, “What kind of lunatic would choose option 1?” Well, lunatics like the American people. The U.S. spends more than $2 trillion on health care each year, with much of that cash going toward the treatment of obesity-related complications like heart disease and diabetes. We’re fixing our health problems retroactively, with medication and surgery, even though we could prevent most of them by making smarter choices about what we eat.

There’s no better time to put this notion to the test than the winter months. Winter is not necessarily conducive to good health; the season conjures up images of calorie-loaded comfort foods, fireside naps, and runny noses. Read on for six everyday foods that will keep you healthy and strong from December to March and beyond, compliments of the all-new Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide, which includes thousands of smart swaps that can help you shave 20 pounds or more in just 6 weeks.

Best Winter Food #1: Oatmeal
What it does: Helps you avoid the winter blues
Why it works: Sunlight signals your body to produce the feel-good hormone serotonin, so winter’s short, dark days may leave you in a less-than-cheery mood. If the doldrums persist, you may even find yourself suffering a serious form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But don’t let Jack Frost get you down: Whole grain carbs like oatmeal can give your winter mood a much-needed boost. In a MIT study, researchers found that eating plenty of carbohydrates keeps serotonin levels up and can even prevent cravings for sweets. Refined carbs like doughnuts and white bread can be tempting winter comforts, but these foods will cause your blood sugar to quickly spike then plummet, leaving you in worse spirits than you were before. To stay happy and healthy, opt for whole grains instead. And for more instant secrets that will keep you healthy and fit in 2012, follow me right here on Twitter or sign up for our FREE Eat This, Not That! daily newsletter.
Other mood-improving foods: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain cereals, fruit

Best Winter Food #2: Walnuts
What it does: Keeps your skin from drying out
Why it works: The winter months bring drier air (blame frigid winds and indoor heating), which can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull, tight, and itchy. Applying moisturizer can help, but the omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like walnuts will combat your dry-skin problem from the inside. Omega-3s help maintain healthy cell membranes, including those found in your skin. When your skin cells are strong they are better able to retain moisture, helping your skin avoid a reptilian fate.
Other skin-saving foods: Salmon, flaxseed, olive oil, tuna

Best Winter Food #3: Garlic
What it does: Wards off cold and flu viruses (and vampires)
Why it works: British researchers recently discovered that garlic may prevent you from getting sick. In the 12-week study of 164 healthy adults, the group of participants that received a garlic supplement reported only 24 colds, while the group that received a placebo reported 64 colds. One explanation is a chemical in garlic called allicin, which may stimulate the production of infection-fighting white blood cells. Whatever the reason, adding garlic to your meals may help you stay above the weather. Just don’t eat too much—you want to keep disease at bay, not your friends and family.
Other virus-blasting foods: Carrots, yogurt, oysters. For more protection against seasonal sickness, 9 Power Foods That Boost Immunity.

Best Winter Food #4: Winter squash
What it does: Prevents holiday weight gain
Why it works: A 2006 Bastyr University study found that participants who routinely ate more fiber than the national average of about 14 grams per day were less likely to be overweight than those who consumed less than 14 grams. Fiber-rich foods, like squash, contain relatively low calories, and they’re digested more slowly, keeping you full long after you eat them—an important defense against the season of overindulgence otherwise known as winter. With about 9 grams of fiber per one-cup serving, eating winter squash (like acorn and butternut varieties) is a great way to load up on fiber and prevent post-holiday eaters remorse. Winter squash is also loaded with carotenes, which have been shown to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases from cancer to heart disease. Most winter squash is available year-round, but its peak season is early fall through late winter.
Other weight-loss foods: Artichokes, raspberries, whole grains, legumes

FAT-BLASTING TIP: Think overeating is the only thing keeping you chubby? Not necessarily. You might be an unknowing victim of the 20 Habits That Make You Fat.

Best Winter Food #5: Chicken Sandwich
What it does: Keeps your energy up
Why it works: Darkness signals your body to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for making you sleepy, so the shorter days that come along with winter can cause you to feel like hitting the sack instead of the gym. But eating complex carbohydrates—most abundant in whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes—along with some protein can help you stay awake and energized. This combination, found in foods like a chicken sandwich on wheat bread, boosts energy in two ways: Your body digests the complex carbs slowly, keeping your blood sugar stable, and the protein helps you stay fuller, longer.
Other energy-boosting foods: Peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread, Greek yogurt with fruit, whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese.

THE WORST OF THE WORST: The American diet is in major need of an overhaul, but there are certain food offenders that cross the line from unhealthy to downright dangerous. In 2012, make it a point to avoid The NEW 20 Worst Foods in America.

Best Winter Food #6: Chicken Soup
What it does: Helps you breathe easy
Why it works: Chicken soup has long been touted at the best home remedy for cold and flu season, and it really can help. Hot liquids temporarily clear your sinuses, and a University of Nebraska study found that chicken soup may even reduce inflammation in your nose and throat. Plus, most chicken soups are low in calories and saturated fat, and high in fiber. For the healthiest version, try making the soup yourself with plenty of veggies and whole wheat noodles. If homemade isn’t an option, try Campbell’s Healthy request Condensed Chicken Noodle soup, which has only 60 calories per cup. And remember, chicken soup may keep the doctor away, but some chicken-based meals could send you straight into the waiting room. Stay away from The 25 Worst Chicken Dishes in America!
Other sinus-clearing foods: Tea, coffee, any broth-based soup.

Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Are Antibiotics Making Us Fat? | Yahoo! Health

2011-12-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

Are Antibiotics Making Us Fat? Yahoo! Health

Farmers have long used antibiotics to fatten up livestock—and now there’s growing evidence that these drugs may have the same effect on people. What’s more, instead of being miracle cures, there’s now scary speculation that antibiotics could be jeopardizing our health by making us more prone to lifestyle diseases, from type 2 diabetes to heart attacks and fatal strokes. If that sounds far-fetched, consider this: States with the highest rates of antibiotic prescriptions also rank as the least healthy, Wired magazine reported on November 25.

When the nonprofit research group Extending the Cure recently mapped antibiotic prescriptions by state, it found the heaviest use (measured per 1,000 people) in the eastern half of the US, particularly West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama, all of which comprise the so-called Stroke Belt, due to the high rate of stroke fatalities. According to CDC data, Wired adds, these states (and to a lesser extent, much of the eastern US) also have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart attacks, compared to the western US. While these correlations don’t prove that antibiotic overuse triggers these diseases, studies suggest that it could drive up obesity by changing how our stomachs work. Here’s a look at the findings.

Learn how certain foods can help you manage your blood sugar levels.

First shown to cause weight gain in 1954.
More than a half century ago, a randomized study published in Nutrition reported that Navy recruits who were given daily doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as chlortetracycline or penicillin, to prevent strep infections gained 4.8 pounds over 7 weeks, compared to a 2.7 pound gain in recruits given a placebo.

Eradicating beneficial gut bacteria.
In the early 20th century, helicobacter pylori was the dominant stomach microbe, Dr. Martin Blaser, a microbiologist professor at New York University Langone Medical Center, recently reported in Nature. Today, the average American child receives 10 to 20 courses of antibiotics by age 18, and fewer than 6 percent of US kids carry the organism. While that may not sound like a problem, given that H. pylori raises risk for stomach ulcers and gastric cancer, Dr. Blaser has discovered that killing off this bug dramatically changes how the stomach works, tricking the body into overeating.

A six-fold rise in hunger hormones.
Normally, after a meal, levels of the hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin drop, signaling that we’re full. However, a 2011 study by Dr. Blaser and other scientists found that after veterans were treated with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, they had 20 percent rise in leptin levels after a meal, while levels of ghrelin skyrocketed six times higher. And 18 months after treatment, on average, participants had a 5 percent rise in their body mass index. That would be a 10-pound gain in someone with a starting weight of 200.

Links to other diseases.
“Overuse of antibiotics could be fuelling the dramatic increase in conditions such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and asthma, which have more than doubled in many populations,” reports Dr. Blaser, who was recently awarded a $6.5 million grant from the NIH to study links between disappearing gut bacteria and obesity. Conversely, New York University epidemiologist Yu Chen found that infection with H. Pylori, which typically occurs before age 10, reduced risk for childhood-onset asthma, skin allergies and hay fever.

Find delicious ways to keep cholesterol off your plate and out of your heart.

A biological weapon against asthma and obesity.
Swiss and German researchers have discovered that infecting mice with H. pylori actually prevents asthma, an airway disease that’s reached epidemic levels as the levels of the once common stomach bug wane. Dr. Barry Marshall, the Australian biologist who received the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovery of H. pylori as the cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers, even predicts that one day, a weakened strain of the bacteria will be used to treat both asthma and obesity, according to the New York Times.

Using probiotics to slim down.
While antibiotics may make us fat, probiotics appear to have the opposite effect. Last year, a randomized study of overweight people with large waists found that those who drank fermented milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus daily for 12 weeks reduced both belly fat and body weight, compared to a control group who didn’t receive probiotics. A 2009 study found that a year after giving birth, women who took daily probiotic supplements containing Lactobaccillus and Bifidobacterium during the first trimester of pregnancy were much less likely to develop abdominal obesity, the most dangerous type of fat.

The bottom line.
While research into the link between antibiotics and fat is still ongoing, overuse of these powerful drugs is already widely recognized as dangerous due to the growing threat of drug-resistant superbugs. Therefore, the best way to protect your health—and perhaps avoid packing on extra pounds--is to only take antibiotics when medically necessary. They don’t work on colds, flu or other viral illnesses.

Find out how to save big on rising healthcare costs.

Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Nervous System May Hold Key to Weight Loss

2011-12-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

Nervous System May Hold Key to Weight Loss

MONDAY, Dec. 5 (HealthDay News) -- People with higher levels of nerve activity may have an easier time losing weight, a small study suggests.

Researchers looked at 42 overweight or obese people who took part in a 12-week weight-loss program that cut their daily calorie intake by 30 percent. The participants' resting sympathetic nerve activity was measured at the start of the study.

The sympathetic nervous system, which spreads throughout the body, regulates many functions, including control of resting metabolic rate and the use of calories from food consumption.

The researchers found that successful weight losers had significantly higher resting sympathetic nerve activity than those who had trouble shedding pounds. They also found that successful weight losers showed large increases in nerve activity after they ate a carbohydrate test meal. This did not occur in those who were weight-loss resistant.

The study will appear in the February 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

"We have demonstrated for the first time that resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is a significant independent predictor of weight-loss outcome in a cohort of overweight or obese subjects," lead author Nora Straznicky, of the Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, said in a journal news release.

"Our findings provide two opportunities. First, we may be able to identify those persons who would benefit most from lifestyle weight-loss interventions such as dieting. Secondly, the findings may also help in developing weight-loss treatments through stimulating this specific nervous activity."

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains how to select a safe and successful weight-loss program.

Copyright © 2011HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Chiropractor, Fairfax Va 22031

Thanksgiving Day Tips

2011-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

With more than 45 million turkeys cooked every Thanksgiving, following the right food safety steps can keep a family feast from turning into a fiasco. According to the CDC, one in six Americans is stricken with food poisoning every year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. What’s more, poultry is a leading cause, including a recent outbreak of multi-drug resistant salmonella that sickened people in 26 states, leading to a recall of millions of pounds of Cargill ground turkey.

To stay safe as celebrate Thanksgiving, watch out for these common mistakes:

13 Worst Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in U.S. History.

1. Thawing a frozen turkey on the counter.
Food safety experts warn that improper thawing is the #1 blunder in preparing a holiday bird. Leaving frozen poultry (or meat) out to thaw is dangerous because the outer layer of the food reaches the “danger zone” of 40 to 140 °F — allowing food-borne germs to multiply rapidly, reports the USDA, which recommends 3 safe thawing methods:

•In the fridge: Plan ahead, because you need to allow 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds to thaw in a refrigeration set at 40 °F or below. A thawed turkey can safely remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking.
•Cold water thawing: Place the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag to avoid cross-contamination, then submerge the turkey in cold water. Change the water every half hour. Allow 30 minutes of thawing per pound.
•Microwave thawing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting turkey. Plan on cooking the bird immediately afterwards, the USDA cautions, because the bird may have developed warm areas that could be a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Washing the turkey.
While rinsing the outside of your turkey in the sink before cooking may seem hygienic, the problem with this practice is that food-borne pathogens are often embedded in the bird’s skin. When water hits the turkey, the germ-laced vapor can splatter all over the kitchen—or you—causing cross contamination of food preparation surfaces. Additionally, washing isn’t necessary, since proper cooking will kill harmful bacteria.

3. Spreading germs as you “clean.”
Similarly, you may think you’re improving safety by wiping counters and cutting boards as you prepare your Thanksgiving favorites. However, you might be spreading salmonella or other pathogens from one surface to another. Many cooks don’t know that the kitchen sponge can be a germ magnet, particularly if it’s not sanitized regularly by microwaving it for 60 seconds or soaking it in a solution of water and bleach. Wash your hands often as you cook, for a minimum of 30 seconds with soap and warm water, and avoid using the same surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, or plates for raw turkey or meats as you do for cooked foods.

See the full article
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/thanksgiving-food-safety-mistakes

Dr. Brooks
Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Fish You Shouldn't Eat | Yahoo! Health

2011-11-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

Fish You Shouldn't Eat Yahoo! Health

you’re over the age of 12, you’ve probably had more than a few dearly held beliefs ruined by reality. Like when you discovered it was Mom and Dad, not Santa, who were orchestrating the magic of Christmas. Or when you spent hours watching “Kim’s Fairytale Wedding” over and over again, only to learn that keeping up with this Kardashian was a waste of time. As they say, reality bites.

Well, folks, I hate to do this to you, but . . .

Not all fish are good for you.

Last year, the USDA increased its seafood recommendation to 8 ounces per week, and that has led many to believe that all fish are equally smart choices. But some are so high in contaminants like mercury that their health benefits are outweighed by their health risks. Others are flown in from halfway around the world, but given labels that make you think they were caught fresh earlier that morning. And still others are raised in filthy, overcrowed pools and loaded up with chemicals to keep them alive.

So let me shed light on some very rough waters. Put these fish at the top of your don't-eat list and you'll avoid most of the troubles of the world's fishing industry.

#1: ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA

Why It's Bad: A recent analysis by The New York Times found that Atlantic bluefin tuna has the highest levels of mercury of any type of tuna. To top it off, bluefin tuna are severely overharvested, to the point of reaching near-extinction levels, and are considered "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Rather than trying to navigate the ever-changing recommendations for which tuna is best, consider giving it up altogether. But if you can't . . .

Eat This Instead: Opt for American or Canadian (but not imported!) albacore tuna, which is caught while it's young and doesn't contain as high levels of mercury.

YOUR NEW SHOPPING LIST! There are more than 45,000 options in the average supermarket. Some will wreck your waistline; some will shrink it. The easiest way to choose: Go ahead and put anything from our newly updated list of the 125 Best Supermarket Foods in your shopping cart—and watch the pounds melt away! (And check out Cook This, Not That! Easy & Awesome 350-Calorie Meals to save time and money!)

#2: ATLANTIC SALMON (Both Wild-caught and Farmed)
Why It's Bad: It's actually illegal to capture wild Atlantic salmon because the fish stocks are so low, and they're low, in part, because of farmed salmon. Salmon farming is very polluting: Thousands of fish are crammed into pens, which leads to the growth of diseases and parasites that require antibiotics and pesticides. Often, the fish escape and compete with native fish for food, leading to declines in native populations.

Adding to our salmon woes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving forward with approving genetically engineered salmon to be sold, unlabeled, to unsuspecting seafood lovers. That salmon would be farmed off the coast of Panama, and it's unclear how it would be labeled. Currently, all fish labeled "Atlantic salmon" come from fish farms. And, as you know if you follow me on Twitter, they're fed pellets that contain pink dye—that's how they get their color. Gross!

Eat This Instead: Opt for Wild Alaskan salmon.

#3: ATLANTIC FLATFISH

Why It's Bad: This group of fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut that are caught off the Atlantic coast. They found their way onto the list because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. According to Food and Water Watch, populations of these fish are as low as 1 percent of what's necessary to be considered sustainable for long-term fishing.

Eat This Instead: Pacific halibut seems to be doing well, but the group also recommends replacing these fish with other mild-flavored white-fleshed fish, such as domestically farmed catfish or tilapia.

CHANGE YOUR PLATE, LOSE WEIGHT: People using paper plates tend to eat more later because they consider those meals as just "snacks." For more of the nutrition and weight loss tips like this every day, sign up for the FREE Eat This, Not That! newsletter!

#4: IMPORTED KING CRAB

Why It's Bad: The biggest problem with imported crab is that most of it comes from Russia, where limits on fish harvests aren't strongly enforced. But this crab also suffers from something of an identity crisis: Imported king crab is often misnamed Alaskan king crab, because most people think that's the name of the crab. And supermarkets often add to the confusion by labeling imported king crab "Alaskan King Crab, Imported." But Alaskan king crab—crab that actually hails from the great state of Alaska—is a completely separate animal and is much more responsibly harvested than the imported stuff.

Eat This Instead: When you shop for king crab, whatever the label says, ask whether it comes from Alaska or if it's imported. Approximately 70 percent of the king crab sold in the U.S. is imported, so it's important to make that distinction and go domestic.

#5 IMPORTED SHRIMP
Why It's Bad: Imported shrimp actually holds the designation of being the dirtiest of all the seafood we looked at. (For our full list, check out 12 Fish You Should Never Eat.) Problem is, 90 percent of shrimp sold in the U.S. is imported. Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole bevy of contaminants including antibiotics, residues from chemicals used to clean pens, E. coli, mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects. Yum! Part of this has to do with the fact that less than 2 percent of all imported seafood (shrimp, crab, catfish, or others) gets inspected before its sold, which is why it's that much more important to buy domestic seafood.

Eat This Instead: Domestic shrimp. Seventy percent of domestic shrimp comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which relies heavily on shrimp for economic reasons. Pink shrimp from Oregon are another good choice; the fisheries there are certified under the stringent Marine Stewardship Council guidelines.

One of the best things about the brand-new Eat This, Not That! 2012 is that it helps you find fat-fighting food no matter where you are: movie theater, coffee shop, vending machine. We've also identified the most bloating beverages in gas stations, bars, smoothie counters, and coffee shops across America. Click through the Worst Drinks in America to see what drinks are safe to sip—and which you should skip.

Additional reporting by Emily Main

How has Magic survived HIV

2011-11-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Note: This article was updated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

On Nov. 7, 1991, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson shocked the world when he announced that he had contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. After the press conference, the perception was that Johnson had just pronounced his own death sentence.

Yet, 20 years later, the now-52-year-old Johnson is going as strong as ever in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist. In 1991, when most of what people knew about HIV/AIDS was that it lead to death at a young age, this outcome might have seemed impossible.

So why is Johnson still alive?

The answer to Johnson's survival is far from "magic." According to reports, he takes the same kinds of drugs that are available to other HIV patients in the developed world, and increasingly in impoverished nations in Africa and Asia, where the disease still runs rampant. Many people have lived with HIV even longer than Johnson.

"There is nothing unique about Magic," said Spencer Lieb, senior epidemiologist and HIV/AIDS research coordinator for the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Research. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection." [Does Circumcision Prevent HIV?]

Lieb said that in the state of Florida alone, hundreds of patients have hung on since becoming infected with HIV in the early 1980s, when the first confirmed AIDS cases turned up in the United States. But Johnson and these people are still in the minority: According to research and estimates by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.2 million Americans have HIV, and 20 percent of them are undiagnosed. Approximately 50,000 people become infected each year, and more than 18,000 die annually.

Stopping HIV in the back court

The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into full-blown AIDS.

Upon infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. But some small number remain, and over time, those HIV cells replicate, and replicate, and replicate. Then, usually 10 years after the initial infection, the viral load reaches a critical count, and the virus begins killing off the vital immune cells that protect us against infections.

At that critical count, a person is considered to have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); with the body’s immunological defenses destroyed, it's usually only a matter of months before a range of opportunistic infections and cancers complete their lethal work.

Researchers have developed a number of powerful drugs to help people like Johnson avoid this fate. The key weapon has been a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART.

According to a Newsweek story from last spring, one of Johnson's doctors who helped pioneer the treatment placed him on the then-experimental drug cocktail in 1994, about a year and a half before it came into widespread use in 1996. [Top 10 Stigmatized Health Disorders]

"Magic got a jumpstart on experimental drugs before they were released to the general public," Lieb told Life's Little Mysteries, "but there were many people in clinical trials benefitting at the same time."

The meds that slam dunk HIV

HIV spreads by hijacking a subset of white blood cells called T cells, which are the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders, and using the cells' DNA to make copies of itself or replicate; in this process, these T cells get destroyed. The most common drugs in the HAART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself.

The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. (In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs.)

The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV virus particles by cutting up the proteins cranked out by our hijacked cellular machinery.

Medication can disrupt these processes, and to that end, Johnson is currently taking reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor drugs, which are contained in the pharmaceuticals Trizivir and Kaletra, respectively, as reported by Newsweek.

Although these and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," Lieb noted, so are a substantial number of prescription drugs for much more everyday diseases.

Public and private medical insurance, as well as various assistance programs, make the medicines affordable and available to the vast majority of patients in the United States and other parts of the world. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments.

Staying in the game

By taking the right regimen every day, most HIV patients can see the number of virus particles in a sample of their blood, or viral load, become undetectably low.

Not only does a low viral count stave off symptoms of HIV and AIDS, but it also slashes the odds of a randomly mutated copy of the virus emerging that can prove resistant to the therapy. Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances an HIV-positive person can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. These "long-term nonprogressors" or "elite controllers," estimated at as few as one in 500, have lived for decades with HIV, despite not being on antiretroviral therapy.

It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing."

Researchers continue to study long-term nonprogressors for get insights on HIV resistance that could help the 33 million people battling the virus.

As Johnson has prominently shown, however, those with HIV can still live productive lives. Lieb has seen many such promising cases in person. "We have very buff-looking, healthy-looking HIV patients who have been infected for ages," Lieb said. "You can't tell the difference between them and you and me."

See the article here

Dr. Joshua Brooks
Chiropractor, Fairfax VA 22031

Cold Laser Therapy, Shingles Post Herpatic Neuralgia

2011-10-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Laser Therapy and Pain Relief

Laser Therapy and Pain Relief
By James White, DC and Kendra Kaesberg-White, DC

Light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation (laser) is a light beam from the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike conventional light sources a laser beam travels in only one direction and is monochromatic with its photons (little packets of energy) which are all identical in size, traveling equidistant in time and space.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been investigated and used clinically for over 30 years, mostly in Eastern Europe and Asia. The ability of lasers to cut, cauterize and destroy tissue is well known. These same or similar lasers at lower powers can nonthermally and nondestructively alter cellular function. This phenomenon, known as laser biostimulation, is the basis for the current use of lasers to treat a variety of articular, neural and soft tissue conditions.1
A variety of names have been used to describe the same type of low-level laser: biostimulation, low energy, low reactive, low intensity, soft and or cold laser. In current practice, LLLT uses low output levels (15100 mW), short treatment times (10-240 seconds), and low energy levels (1-4 J/cm2).1

The mechanism and effectiveness of LLLT has been compared with ultrasound therapy,2 and should be considered as an extension to the accepted physiotherapy modalities that currently utilize parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as shortwaves, microwaves, infrared, and ultraviolet therapy.1

Lasers produce nonionizing, electromagnetic radiation that is extremely monochromatic, polarized and coherent.3 Laser light has been reported to penetrate human tissue in the ranges of .8-15mm,4,5 but the majority of the light will be absorbed within the first 4mm.6,7 Although this may seem superficial, it should be noted that chemical processes may be initiated and mediate physiological effects at a deeper level.8

The initial studies utilizing LLLT on nerve tissue produced mixed results regarding nerve conduction velocity and distal latency. These earlier studies utilized low powered HeNe lasers (<=1mW) and resultant low energy densities (<=.012 J/cm2).1 More recent studies utilizing higher energy densities and deeper penetrating lasers have found alterations in distal nerve latency and conduction velocity by a few to many percent, and which can last for periods of 30 minutes or greater.1,9-11

It appears that nerve tissue has a photosensitive component, which results in a biostimulation blockade response following laser exposure.12 It is felt that LLLT reduces the excitability of the nerve cells by an interruption of the fast pain fibers with a resultant reduction in pain.12-15 LLLT has also been shown to accelerate the repair process of crush damaged nerves and improve function in both the CNS and peripheral nerves after injury.1,16-18 Laser Safety LLLT is a relatively safe procedure. Due to the low level, nonthermal nature of the laser, there is no tissue destruction or other hazards that you would find associated with the higher powered lasers. The FDA has classified the most commonly used low level lasers as a class III, nonsignificant risk, medical device for investigations use only.19 Because of the coherent nature of the laser beam, ocular damage is the main concern for the LLLT user. The operator should not attempt to stare directly into the beam. Suitable goggles to attenuate the wavelengths would be used by both the operator and patient.20 Other suggested contraindications would be to avoid exposure to sensitive tissue such as fetus, gonads and malignancy.20 Clinical Studies A number of papers have shown a reduction of pain with laser treatments directed over acupuncture points.21-24 Altered skin resistance with a reduction of pain were also noted in subjects who receive LLLT over muscular trigger points.25-26 A group of subjects with chronic tendinopathies, that had been previously treated unsuccessfully with physical therapy, NSAIDS, local injections, and or surgery, had an 87 percent success rate in pain reduction following the application of LLLT.27 In a study involving over 4,000 subjects who had suffered from conditions such as degenerative arthritis; muscle pain; tendinitis and tension myalgia. More than 80 percent of the subjects found a marked lessening of their symptoms following irradiation with an IR laser.28-30 In a study involving a total of 69 subjects and 302 total laser treatment sessions, more that 80 percent of the subjects with chronic radiculopathies and over 90 percent of the subjects with chronic neuropathies experienced a greater than 50 percent total relief of pain following LLLT.14

In a similar study involving 60 total patients and 111 total laser treatments, it was shown that LLLT produced an immediate reduction of pain in 79 percent of the subjects.15 In a study involving over 100 subjects and over 500 laser treatments, it was observed that acute soft tissue pain syndromes showed a dramatic response following the initial laser treatment with a marked reduction in tissue swelling, bruising and good pain relief.31 Subsequent treatments (2-3) produced further improvement.31 It was also noted that chronic pain syndromes were slower to respond to LLLT (average of eight treatments), although 75 percent of the subjects noted significant pain relief.31 A two-stage survey of 116 chartered physiotherapists in Northern Ireland, who utilize LLLT as part of their clinical practice, ranked LLLT effective for the treatment of myofascial and postoperative pain syndromes; rheumatoid arthritis; muscle tears; hematomas; tendinitis; shingles; herpes simplex; scarring; burn and would healing.32 In this same survey, LLLT was ranked first, on the basis of relative effectiveness, when compared with four other modalities (interferential therapy, shortwave diathermy, ultrasound, and pulsed electromagnetic therapy), for use in pain relief and wound healing.32

Suggested Mercy Conference Review Low Level Laser Therapy: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a conservative procedure that utilized visible red and/or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is used as a physiotherapy modality for a variety of articular, neural and soft tissue conditions. Rating: Investigational to promising, awaiting FDA approval.

Evidence: Class I, II, III. Conclusions Laser therapy is gaining laboratory and clinical data to prove its effectiveness. LLLT has gained acceptance for treating a variety of osseous, neural and soft tissue conditions in many parts of the world. The acceptance in the U.S. has been limited because of the rigors of the FDA approval process. Many of the earlier studies involving laser use lacked proper scientific controls. Today there are many controlled studies that are well-designed and multicentered. These studies include the use of modern electrodiagnostic and magnetic resonance imaging to monitor the subjects response in an effort to objectively study the role of LLLT in treating neuromusculoskeletal pain. There is a current need for clinical investigators to research these new laser medical devices. Additional research is required to obtain data concerning success rates in treating specific conditions, length of exposure, frequency of treatments, and related therapeutic protocols. James J. White, DC Kendra Kaesberg-White, DC Belleville, Illinois
Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031
Cold Laser Therapy
Shingles, Post Herpatic Neuralgia

10 Surprising Facts About Headaches

2011-09-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

10 Surprising Facts About Headaches

Did you know that sex can give you a bad headache? How about that three gene variations linked to migraines have been discovered? And that most sinus headaches are really migraines?

Research is zeroing in on a source of pain we’ve all felt at one time or another, whether it’s a dull aching pain or a tension headache, the throbbing of a migraine or a pounding hangover headache after a big night out. Here’s the rundown of 10 things you may not know about headaches - and how to avoid them:

Explore the head in 3D and learn where headaches affect you.

1. Sinus Headaches Are Rare: Nasal and sinus congestion, facial pain and pressure, and a headache usually don’t add up to a sinus headache. Headache specialists say that “true” sinus headaches are rare. In a study with almost 3,000 patients who had at least six “sinus headaches” in the previous six months, medical evaluations showed that 88 percent actually had migraines. In another study, 45 percent of migraine patients had either nasal congestion or watery eyes. Tipoff: it’s probably migraine if in addition to “sinus” symptoms, you’re nauseous, sensitive to light or noise and if the headache throbs and worsens with activity.

2. Processing 3D Images Causes Brain Strain: A Northwestern University ophthalmology professor warns that a large segment of the population may develop a headache and nausea while watching 3D movies. This is due to the brain strain involved with processing the three dimensional images - the more an image jumps out at you, the more effort your brain must make to fuse the pictures together, says Northwestern University's Michael A. Rosenberg, MD.

3. Take-Off and Landing Lead to Headaches: No, this has nothing to do with the aggravation of cancelled flights or long delays. Instead, sudden, severe, stabbing headaches during a plane’s ascent or descent are being reported. Doctors haven’t figured out yet what causes them. Luckily, the pain lasts only about 20 minutes.

4. Bug Spray Prompts Headaches: It’s not the bugs but exposure to insecticides used to kill them that causes these headaches (plus dizziness, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases required no medical treatment, but one death has been reported and 18 percent of those exposed to the insecticides required medical attention.

5. High Cholesterol Causes Headaches: You may not have to worry unless you’re in your late 60s or older and have migraines with aura (the flashing lights, tingling and other signs of a headache’s approach that about one-third of migraine patients report). A recent study found a link between migraine with aura and high cholesterol in seniors. Migraine with aura has also been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Need to lower your cholesterol? Let's start with what's on your plate.

6. Headaches Might Be Genetic: Researchers have pinpointed three genetic variations linked to an increased risk of migraines. One is involved in sensing cold and pain, another is linked to several processes including signaling in nerve cells (neurons). The role of the third isn’t yet known. Each of the gene variations identified alters the risk for migraines by 10 to 15 percent.

7. Alcohol, As a Trigger, Is Overstated: Research from Italy suggests that the role of alcohol and some foods in triggering migraines has been overstated. Instead, the investigators found that stress, fatigue and in women, menstruation are most often the culprits. They suggested that migraine patients who want to drink alcohol could try small amounts of specific types to see what they can tolerate.

8. Botox Can Treat Headaches: Best known as a wrinkle remover, Botox also can put the brakes on chronic migraines (those that occur 15 days per month or more). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Botox for migraine prevention. Injections seem to cut down on headaches, although studies suggest that Botox doesn’t work as well as some prescription drugs. Researchers still haven’t figured out how Botox staves off the headaches, but they do know that effects last only about three months before patients have to be re-injected.

9. The Battlefield Has Created a New Type of Headache: About one third of the soldiers returning from Iraq are bringing with them a new type of chronic migraine caused by nerve damage or the pressure from bomb blast waves. While these headaches are still being studied, treatments include rest, avoiding migraine triggers, stress management and changes of diet.

10. Sex Causes Headaches: Here’s a surprise: men are more likely to get these types of headaches than women. According to the American Headache Society, two types of headaches are related to sexual activity: a dull ache that develops as the sex act increases or a severe one that strikes as orgasm nears. Experts say it’s best to check with your doctor the first time you get one of these headaches. Hint: performance-enhancing drugs can bring on headaches in men who have migraines

Headache Treatment, Fairfax VA 22031

Can Exercise Assist with Low Back Pain during Pregnancy?

2011-09-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

VHI Evidence Based Newsletter

Can exercise improve pain and function in pregnant women with pelvic girdle or low back pain?

A: To answer this question, we performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed database (June 2011) for randomized, controlled trials and systematic reviews from the past 10yrs that addressed this specific research question. 1

Four studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review, comparing education to education plus exercise (1), exercise and education to no treatment (2), education plus home exercise or supervised exercise (3), and standard treatment plus acupuncture or stabilization exercise (4).

Two studies showed a significant effect of exercise (1, 4). Kluge et al evaluated education or education with 10 wks of lumbopelvic exercise among 50 pregnant women with lumbar and/or pelvic girdle pain (1). Immediately after the intervention, significant improvements in pain and function were shown with exercise. Of note, a majority of women reported lumbar pain. Elden et al evaluated 6 wks of standard treatment plus acupuncture or pelvic stabilization exercise among 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain (4). One week after the intervention, acupuncture and stabilization exercise significantly reduced pain compared to standard treatment.

In contrast, two studies found no effect of exercise (2, 3). Haugland et al compared 4 wks of education and exercise to no treatment among 569 women with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy (2). At 12 mos postpartum, pain had decreased in both groups. Study limitations included a high drop-out rate, and 60% of control subjects seeking outside treatment. Nilsson-Wikmar et al compared education to education plus 10-16 wks of pelvic stabilization exercise performed either at home or in a clinic setting among 118 women with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy (3). By 12 mos postpartum, all subjects showed significant improvements in pain and function. In both of these studies, the type of exercises used do not appear to be classified as stabilization exercises.

Based on this review, specific lumbopelvic stabilization exercises appear useful on reducing pain and increasing function in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain; however, additional research is needed. Sample exercises from VHI PC-Kits have been provided based on examples from the two studies finding a beneficial effect.

Dr. Joshua Brooks
Chiropractor Fairfax, VA 22031

Improve Flexibility (and Cool Off) by Stretching in the Pool

2011-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Improve Flexibility (and Cool Off) by Stretching in the Pool

After a long run on a hot day, few things feel better than diving into a pool. But why stop at cooling off? By taking your stretching routine underwater, you'll be able to move your joints and limbs through a wider range of motion—and with greater control—compared to stretching on land, says Scott Riewald, Ph.D., a biomechanics expert who works with Olympic athletes. "It's easier to reach and hold the point of optimal stretch, with less strain," he says. Do this routine in the pool after a run. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, repeating twice on both legs.

Hip Flexors

Start in a lunge position with the left leg on a low step. Bend the right knee and shift your body weight forward so your hips drop down. You'll feel this in the front of the left hip.

Run Healthier By Building Range Of Motion

Hamstrings

In waist-deep water, place one foot, heel down, on a low step. Looking straight ahead, flex at the hips to bring the torso forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh.

Heal Your Hamstrings With Yoga

Calves

Stand in chest-deep water and hold the wall. Step back with the right leg and press the heel down. Hold for 20 seconds, then bend the right knee slightly for a deeper stretch.

Quadriceps and Hip Flexors

Stand on your left leg. Grasp the right foot behind you. For a deeper stretch, press the hips forward and allow the right knee to move back slightly.

Hip and Lower Back

Stand on your left leg in chest-deep water. Grab your right knee with both arms and pull it tightly to the chest while maintaining good posture.

IT Band

Position yourself so your left side is close to a wall. Cross the left foot in front of the right. Lean to the left with your torso while pushing the right hip away from the wall.

Dr. Joshua Brooks
Chiropractor Fairfax Va 22031
www.RosaChiropracticFairfax.com

Rudy Gay | Elite Athlete of the Week – Yahoo! Sports

2011-08-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies getting some Graston for his shoulder rehab...

Rudy Gay Elite Athlete of the Week – Yahoo! Sports

Sports: Deer Antler Velvet Sales On The Rise, Does It Really Work? - CNBC

2011-08-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sports: Deer Antler Velvet Sales On The Rise, Does It Really Work? - CNBC

The latest and greatest performance enhancer, if you've been living under a rock, is deer antler velvet. On the surface, it seems like it could make sense. The coating on the antlers of young male deer that contribute to the growth of that part of their body could help athletes. First, the NFL prohibited Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson from endorsing it. Now, according to SI.com, Major League Baseball is warning players about using it.

Konrad Wothe LOOK Getty Images
Does deer antler velvet actually work as a performance enhancer?
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Deer antler velvet is seen as a possible steroid alternative because it includes something call insulin-like growth factor or IGF-1, which is said to regulate human growth hormone in the body. It's also seen as somewhat detection free since it can only be discovered through a blood test.

Dr. Ricardo Lentini, who has been selling deer antler velvet for nearly 15 years, says the reports have helped sales at his company, Neutronics Labs, which sells a spray in three concentrations with prices that range from $19.99 to $119.99 for a month supply.

But does deer antler velvet, whose roots can be traced back to traditional chinese medicine, actually work as a performance enhancer?

Studies are not only sparse, but also not definitive.

In what might be the most important study done in the United States, a group of scientists took 32 male weight lifters and gave half of them New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet and half of them a placebo for 10 weeks. While the placebo group didn't show any difference in bench or squat tests, those given deer antler velvet saw an increase of 4 percent on the bench press and 10.1 percent on the squat test as compared to the placebo group. The scientists also reported that there was a "significant improvement in aerobic capacity" with the group that was taking deer antler velvet.

While Lentini admits sales have picked up, he says he's been hurt by the perception in the recent baseball letter, which told players that deer antler velvet could be contaminated with methyltestosterone, a banned steroid. The connection is based on the fact that David Vobora tested positive for the steroid after using antler spray. He won a $5.4 million judgment against the company that made the spray.

"Our deer antler velvet is pure and doesn't have steroids in it," Lentini said of his product, which, like many nutritional supplements, is not recognized by FDA.

The growing market has bred plenty of competition. A company called Now Foods is now making deer antler velvet lozenges. GNC just started selling deer antler velvet capsules called New Vigor from a company called Vitalast and Amazon.com has more than 30 products will deer antler velvet in it including the raw powder from New Zealand, where the most coveted deer velvet is harvested.

Lentini says like any product category, all brands aren't the same. He insists that he has the harvest rights to the best deer antler velvet and says that those who use his product will feel a difference in as soon as two days.

He also says that he's not going to wait for the next big study to come out. His next move? Funding his own clinical study to prove skeptics wrong.

Said Lentini: "I have thousands of customers. It can't be a placebo effect."

Chiropractor Fairfax VA 22031

The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value on Shine

2011-07-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value on Shine

Amy Paturel, SELF magazine

We're not here to demonize any form of produce. After all, every veggie has at least some nutritional value -- and we all need to include more vegetables in our diets, not less!

But if you're wondering whether to use iceberg or romaine in your signature summer salad, you may want to check out our list of the veggies with the least nutritional value:

1. Celery: Sure, you can nosh on 8 inches of celery for only 6 calories, but are you really getting any nutrients in return? The answer: Yes, but you'd have to go beyond an 8-inch stalk, which provides a mere 1.6 percent of our daily requirement for calcium and 2 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin C. It does, however, boast a decent amount of fiber and vitamin K. A better alternative: Carrots, which are loaded with eye-protecting beta carotene. Toss them into salads for a low-calorie crunch; braise them as a sweet summer side dish or slice them thin and add them to your favorite stir-fry.

Related: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

2. Cucumbers: The cucumber is another low-calorie veggie. One cup of sliced cucumber weighs in at only 16 calories. But it's slim on nutrients, too. In fact, cucumbers contain 5 percent or less of our daily requirement for potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C. On the plus side, cucumber extracts (not the whole cucumber) do have a number of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds, like tannins and flavonoids, says Registered Dietitian and Chef Consultant Michelle Dudash. A better alternative: Purslane, a peppery herb that's high in heart-healthy alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3). It's also higher in beta carotene than spinach. Toss it in salads, fold it into omelets or use it as a crunchy green on sandwiches.

See Also: Gwyneth Paltrow's Arm and Abs Workout

3. Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., along with potatoes (as French fries) and tomatoes, but that doesn't mean it's the healthiest option. While iceberg is low in calories and offers some vitamins and fiber, other dark leafy greens contain much more vitamin A and C. A better alternative: Romaine lettuce, which offers much more beta carotene than iceberg. Use romaine in a traditional wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette, or layer it on turkey sandwiches.

Chiropractor, Fairfax VA 22031

3 Reasons To Run A 5-K

2011-07-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

3 Reasons To Run A 5-K

Whether you're an eager newbie or a serial marathoner, there are loads of reasons to register for a 5-K.

"If you're a beginner, targeting the distance is a great way to gain motivation and build structure into your schedule," says Luke Humphrey, M.S., an exercise physiologist and head coach for Hanson's Coaching Services in Rochester Hills, Michigan. "For regular runners, the 5-K stokes your competitive spirit, breaks up the monotony of high-mileage training, and serves as a solid test of speed." In fact, all runners can improve their fitness—and maybe even their PRs—when training for a 5-K, says Humphrey. Here's what keeping it short and sweet can do for you.

Get Going: Try these exclusive 5- and 10-K Runner's World training plans for novice, intermediate and advanced runners.

1. Run It... for Motivation

For newcomers, a tangible goal like finishing a 5-K gives purpose to your training. It's amazing how committed to your mileage you become once you've paid an entry fee, says Carol Rewick, R.D., a coach for Fleet Feet Sports' No Boundaries 5-K training program in Vacaville, California. For longtime runners who typically target longer distances or race infrequently, the short event is an opportunity to hit the refresh button on your routine and rekindle your racing chops. "Lining up against other runners instantly gets your adrenaline going and your competitive drive humming," says Humphrey.

Train for it:

Beginners currently running twice a week for 20 to 30 minutes can aim for a 5-K that's five to six weeks away. Add another run to your schedule, do one set of 100-meter strides (fast running) during a weekly run, and tack an additional mile to your long run every week until you're up to at least five, says Blake Boldon, a RunnersConnect coach in Philadelphia. Returning racers: What are you waiting for? "If you're a fit runner, you could knock out a 5-K in two weeks, and it would feed into your training for almost any other race," says Boldon.

No training plan is complete without the proper fuel. Make sure you eat plenty of these best foods for runners.

2. Run It... to Boost Fitness

The intensity involved in 5-K training can boost your strength, speed, and hasten weight loss. "The anaerobic component of the workouts puts you out of breath, which teaches your body how to function at a harder effort, thereby improving your overall athleticism," says Boldon. Plus, he says, the race itself can be a useful training tool. "Your workout is going to be exponentially better in a race setting than if you run on your own."

Train for it: Once a week, run two to eight 200-to 800-meter repeats at goal race pace, or a speed where it's uncomfortable to talk. Between repeats, walk or jog 50 to 100 percent of the time it took to complete the effort. Do a weekly tempo run of two to six miles at 25 seconds slower per mile than goal pace.

Every couple of weeks, replace your tempo with a strength workout. On the road, grass, or a bridle path, run one to three miles at 10 to 20 seconds slower per mile than race pace, says Humphrey.

Stick to your running regimen with these motivating stories from other runners. Also, get great advice on proper gear, training and race day ettiquette.

3. Run It... to Nail a Time Goal

You're guaranteed a PR if you're running your first race. But for everyone else, the 5-K is an opportunity to nail a good-for-now time. "You don't have to race for your best finish ever—it could be your best this season, your best this year, or your best this decade," says Boldon. If your ultimate goal is a PR in a longer distance, use the 5-K to gauge how your speed is progressing. "You'll get instant feedback on your training so you can make adjustments to meet your goal," says Rewick.

Train for it: In pursuing a fast-for-now time, plot your races strategically to allow for sufficient recovery and buildup. After an event, run easy for a few days, then begin another three-to four-week training block before your next 5-K, using your most recent race time as a baseline. If you're training for a speedy half-or full marathon, schedule a 5-K in the beginning of your plan to establish a baseline pace for your workouts, then run another in the middle of your training to see if you're still on track, says Boldon.

Chiropractor, Fairfax VA 22031