Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Chiropractic Care During the Cold and Flu Season


Health authorities have declared 2012-2013 to be one of the worst flu seasons on modern record.  Even though they encourage everyone to get flu shots, news reports indicate that the vaccines are less than 2% effective.  So, what does that leave a person to do to ward off the flu?  

Well, of course we all know about washing our hands regularly, Vitamin C and other nutrients to help the immune system along with adequate rest.  Have you considered chiropractic care to support your health and fortify your immune system?  

 According to a previous press release from the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA):

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Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function, citing a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators in disease processes, and the role of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems in development of immune related illnesses.

Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body -- including the immune system -- chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function, WCA officials note.

“Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases,” stated Dr. Christopher Kent, WCA Vice President.
Dr. Kent explained: “A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body."

Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.

Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health life style practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune response. According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for Social Research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald et al., 2003), chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function.

Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either. During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licensure in many states.

Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths -- a loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths -- one out of 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery. 

“These results are not so surprising given what we now know about the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, WCA Board member and Editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. “Through research we know that chiropractic has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B-lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes.”

One such study, conducted by Patricia Brennan Ph.D and her team, found that when a chiropractic “manipulation” was applied to the middle back, the response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the manipulation was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before and 30 and 45 minutes after the chiropractic procedure. This research demonstrated an “enhanced respiratory burst” following the chiropractic adjustment. This “burst” is needed for our immune cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.

Another small study of HIV positive patients was conducted to study the effects of specific chiropractic adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations in the upper neck on the immune systems of HIV positive individuals. Over the six-month period of the study, the group that did not receive chiropractic care experienced a 7.96% decrease in CD4 cell counts, while the adjusted group experienced a 48% increase in CD4 cell counts over the same period.
A large retrospective study conducted by Dr. Robert Blanks and colleagues studied 2,818 individuals undergoing chiropractic care - these individuals reported an average overall improvement, ranging from 7-28%, in a battery of physical symptoms including stiffness/lack of flexibility in the spine, physical pain, fatigue, incidence of colds and flu, headaches, menstrual discomfort, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, dizziness and falls (Blanks et al., 1997, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research).

More importantly, the incidence of colds and flu was reduced by an average of 15% in this large population who were undergoing regular chiropractic care.

According to Dr. Terry Rondberg, president of the World Chiropractic Alliance, “While we would love to say we (chiropractors) figured this out, the truth is we didn’t. We simply take advantage of it to help our patients.”

He added that, “In many ways this is old news since the relationship between the nervous system and the immune system was reported by the New York Times in 1993. According to that article ‘Scientists have found the first evidence of an anatomical connection between the nervous system and the immune system. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby.’ Our health care system needs to catch up with the research.”

“I would recommend to any person concerned about the upcoming flu season to add chiropractic to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune function and give their body every extra bit of security it needs” stated Dr. Rondberg.

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 Include chiropractic care in your efforts to keep you and your family healthy.   You could be surprised and I'm confident you'll be pleased.

Yours for better health,
Dr. Heller

<<Release Citations>>


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Friends for Life = Friends for Health



It is pretty self-evident that spending time with those close to us, that we can share with, laugh with and just spend time with make us feel better about ourselves and our lives.  Evidence is now coming out that the benefits are not only emotional they are truly physical.

Most of us have heard that pets and deep friendships with others can extend life and improve quality of life.  A recent study appearing in the from Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual meeting in New Orleans has found why.

Researchers found people who were more lonely showed signs of elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and produced more inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress than people who felt more socially connected. 

It seems that loneliness boosts inflammation.  Inflammation is linked to coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and most other chronic disorders.  Inflammation can lead to
tissue damage throughout the body accelerating aging and predisposing you to other disease processes.  Currently these chronic conditions are typically addressed with anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).  Listening to the news and the disclaimers on advertising we should understand that this approach is not without significant risks.

It is clear from previous research that poor-quality relationships are linked to a number of health problems, including premature mortality and all sorts of other very serious health conditions. And people who are lonely clearly feel like they are in poor-quality relationships," stated the lead author.

So as you are taking steps in the New Year to keep yourself healthy, make sure you include time with friends, family and other companions in your daily or at least weekly schedule to improve your well-being.  

Yours for Better Health,
Dr. Heller 


Monday, January 14, 2013

New Year's Help For Smokers


Did you, a friend or family member make a New Year's resolution to improve your health?  Was one of those resolutions to quit smoking?  Well I want to pass along an interesting and hopefully helpful aid that I stumbled across. If this sounds of interest to you, keep reading.

Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do to improve health.  
  • Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 443,000 deaths each year, including approximately 49,400 deaths due to exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • 8.6 million people live with a serious illness caused by smoking.
  • On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.
  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, and 90% of lung cancer deaths among men and approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths among women are due to smoking.
  • Smoking causes many other types of cancer, including cancers of the throat, mouth, nasal cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.
  • People who smoke are up to two to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. Smoking also causes most cases of chronic obstructive lung disease.
  • Among youth who persist in smoking, a third will die prematurely from smoking.
Dr. Clancy noted that a new, comprehensive website available, gives one-stop access to the latest evidence-based methods on how to quit smoking.

The website — BeTobaccoFree.gov — has interactive features, mobile apps, tools and resources designed specifically for parents, educators and teens.

The site offers facts on smoking and second hand smoke, smokeless tobacco, educational/informational videos with former smokers and numerous tools under the "Quit Now" tab to help you or those you love;  all for FREE.       Click on this link to be taken to the website.

Best of luck on your New Year's health endeavors!

For your health,

Dr. Heller



Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Good News For Your Exercise Resolution!

For those of you who have made resolutions to get into better shape good news comes from the American Journal of Health Promotion.  One of the biggest deterrents to individuals successfully keeping their New Year's resolutions to exercise and be healthier is that they don't have the time to commit to 30-60 work out sessions.  A new study found that several 10 minute bouts of moderate to intense activity gave similar results as longer workouts.

"Regular exercise not only benefits a person’s health, it can improve their overall quality of life. But one of the biggest barriers to getting people moving is their attitude about exercise."

“A person’s attitude or beliefs can hold them back from being active,” said Loprinzi.  “Our findings are particularly informative as an individual who perceives him or herself to be too busy to be active may still be able to enhance their healthy by adopting an active lifestyle approach.”

"Despite the importance of physical activity, many people feel they don’t have enough time to exercise. An active lifestyle that includes engaging in physical activity for less than 10 minutes multiple times a day can have the same health benefits as more structured exercise."

“There were little differences in levels of health outcomes between those who received moderate to intense levels of physical activity in 10 minute bouts or longer compared to those who were physically active in shorter bouts of activity,” said lead author Paul D. Loprinzi, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of exercise science at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. “This suggests that shorter bouts of about activity of 150 minutes a week may be just as beneficial as engaging in fewer bouts of longer duration.” 

"Multiple bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity lasting less than 10 consecutive minutes had similar improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and other health measures as people who engaged in structured exercise for longer periods."

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