"We never know how far reaching something we may think, say, or do today will effect the lives of millions tomorrow." - Dr. B. J. Palmer
At the moment we make an adjustment, we have no idea what the end result may be. Our intent is to remove the subluxation to let innate flow through the body as intended. The immediate response can be the relief of pain, better mobility, return of function or no outward change at all.
But what is the long term result of an adjustment??? What is the impact on the quality of life for someone that has been unable to do even the simplest task due to prolonged pain. What is the impact to that persons family when they are not able to play with their children, be close to a spouse, share in the joy of life because they are struggling to move normally about the home. what is the impact to the mother whose infant is not sleeping for more than a few minutes at a time.
How can you measure the impact that that adjustment had when the baby now sleeps for several hours after being adjusted. How do you measure the impact on the family now that mom can do the things she enjoys around the house. What is the impact on the marriage now that a spouse can enjoy personal time together because they are no longer in pain.
How would your life change with a single adjustment???
Dr. Niemi is a Chiropractor at Renaissance Chiropractic Center in Tacoma WA
www.chirotacoma.com drrodger@chirotacoma.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Should we be using Anti-bacterial hand cleaners
WE have become a little to germophobic. We are buying boat-loads of antibacterial hand sanitizers. Schools are putting hand sanitizers on the list of items needed for the start of the school year. Sanitizing wipes are stationed around the grocery stores as you shop.
So, what is the benefit and risk f using these hand sanitizers?
The benefit is that you can use these products almost anywhere. They are convenient. They will kill about 98% of the bacteria and viruses on contact.
What are some of the known risk?
The active ingredients do not kill all the bacterial an viruses, leaving the strong to grow stronger. This can lead to potentially greater numbers of resistant strains of the bacteria and viruses.
Triclosan and triclocarban are antibacterial chemicals commonly added to consumer products. In laboratory studies, they have been shown to disrupt hormones and can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria or "superbugs."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls antibiotic resistance one of the most pressing health issues facing the United States. Infections caused by bacteria with resistance to at least one antibiotic have been estimated to kill more than 60,000 hospitalized patients each year.
In recent studies, Triclocarban has been shown to artificially amplify the effects of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which could promote the growth of breast and prostate cancer.
Surveys of the U.S. population from ages 6 to over 65 have found residues of triclosan in over three-quarters of people. these chemicals are now commonly found in our streams and waterways. High levels can be found in sludge from waste-water treatment plant. With these chemicals in our environment, there may be a detrimental impact on fish habitat. The impact on the food-chain could be devastating in the long run. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin; open cuts, breaks in the skin; nose, mouth and eye after using the products on the hands. Triclosan and triclocarban have been found in breast-milk of nursing mothers. Animal studies have shown both of these chemicals can interfere with hormones critical for normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system. Triclosan has been associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone and testosterone, which could result in altered behavior, learning disabilities, or infertility.
“If the ‘germ theory of disease’ were correct, there’d be no one living to believe it.” - B.J. PALMER
We don't always have the opportunity to wash our hands with hot soapy water. So, these hand sanitizers are a part of our environment now. Once let out of the bottle, it is very difficult to put the genie back.
Most bacteria are beneficial, only a small portion of all bacteria are pathogenic (disease causing). Pathogenic bacteria are opportunistic, they are constantly in the background waiting for a weakened host to infect. Many of these infections are caused because we have become out of balance with the normal beneficial bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a simple cold wipes out the normal flora (beneficial bacteria), giving the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria a foothold to grow. Growing unchecked, these infections can cause disease.
How do we decrease the impact of these chemicals?
When you are in a situation that requires to to use one of these hand sanitizers, remember to wash your hands with hot soapy water as soon as possible. avoid putting your hands to the mouth or eyes when you have used these products.
READ LABELS!!!!!
So, what is the benefit and risk f using these hand sanitizers?
The benefit is that you can use these products almost anywhere. They are convenient. They will kill about 98% of the bacteria and viruses on contact.
What are some of the known risk?
The active ingredients do not kill all the bacterial an viruses, leaving the strong to grow stronger. This can lead to potentially greater numbers of resistant strains of the bacteria and viruses.
Triclosan and triclocarban are antibacterial chemicals commonly added to consumer products. In laboratory studies, they have been shown to disrupt hormones and can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria or "superbugs."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls antibiotic resistance one of the most pressing health issues facing the United States. Infections caused by bacteria with resistance to at least one antibiotic have been estimated to kill more than 60,000 hospitalized patients each year.
In recent studies, Triclocarban has been shown to artificially amplify the effects of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which could promote the growth of breast and prostate cancer.
Surveys of the U.S. population from ages 6 to over 65 have found residues of triclosan in over three-quarters of people. these chemicals are now commonly found in our streams and waterways. High levels can be found in sludge from waste-water treatment plant. With these chemicals in our environment, there may be a detrimental impact on fish habitat. The impact on the food-chain could be devastating in the long run. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin; open cuts, breaks in the skin; nose, mouth and eye after using the products on the hands. Triclosan and triclocarban have been found in breast-milk of nursing mothers. Animal studies have shown both of these chemicals can interfere with hormones critical for normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system. Triclosan has been associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone and testosterone, which could result in altered behavior, learning disabilities, or infertility.
“If the ‘germ theory of disease’ were correct, there’d be no one living to believe it.” - B.J. PALMER
We don't always have the opportunity to wash our hands with hot soapy water. So, these hand sanitizers are a part of our environment now. Once let out of the bottle, it is very difficult to put the genie back.
Most bacteria are beneficial, only a small portion of all bacteria are pathogenic (disease causing). Pathogenic bacteria are opportunistic, they are constantly in the background waiting for a weakened host to infect. Many of these infections are caused because we have become out of balance with the normal beneficial bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a simple cold wipes out the normal flora (beneficial bacteria), giving the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria a foothold to grow. Growing unchecked, these infections can cause disease.
How do we decrease the impact of these chemicals?
- Avoid anything labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" which contains triclosan or triclocarban, such as soaps, gels, cleansers, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products.
- Avoid other "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" items such as cutting boards, towels, shoes, clothing and bedding.
- Use regular soap and hot water to clean effectively.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when you don’t have access to running water.
When you are in a situation that requires to to use one of these hand sanitizers, remember to wash your hands with hot soapy water as soon as possible. avoid putting your hands to the mouth or eyes when you have used these products.
READ LABELS!!!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Chiropractic adjustments, oxidative stress and DNA repair by Dr. Christopher Kent
April 2005 article by Dr. Kent
Chiropractic adjustments, oxidative stress and DNA repair
by Dr. Christopher Kent
There is a growing body of evidence that wellness care provided by doctors of chiropractic may reduce health care costs, improve health behaviors, and enhance patient perceived quality‑of‑life. [1,2,3,4] Until recently, however, little was known about how chiropractic adjustments affected the chemistry of biological processes on a cellular level.
In a landmark study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, chiropractors collaborating with researchers at the University of Lund found that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes affecting oxidative stress and DNA repair. [5] These findings offer a scientific explanation for the positive health benefits reported by patients receiving chiropractic care.
The researchers measured serum thiol levels in 25 patients under short term chiropractic care, and 21 patients under long term chiropractic care. The results were compared to those of a non‑chiropractic control group of 30 subjects. Long‑term chiropractic care of two or more years was shown to re‑establish a normal physiological state independent of age, sex, or nutritional supplements. Symptom‑free or primary wellness subjects under chiropractic care demonstrated higher mean serum thiol levels than patients with active disease, and produced some values that were higher than normal wellness values in non‑chiropractic subjects.
Serum thiols are primary antioxidants, and serve as a measure of human health status. The test provides a surrogate estimate of DNA repair enzyme activity, which has been shown to correlate with lifespan and aging.
Going through life, we experience physical, chemical, and emotional dis‑stress. These stresses affect the function of the nervous system. The investigators hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level.
Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease. Oxidative stress results in DNA damage, and inhibits DNA repair. DNA repair is the mechanism which fixes the damage caused by environmental impact.
Chiropractors apply spinal adjustments to correct disturbances of nerve function caused be vertebral subluxations. Chiropractic care appears to improve the ability of the body to adapt to stress. Further research is planned to gain additional insights into mechanisms that will ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes.
The study was a collaborative involving Camgen, Inc. of Victoria, B.C. Canada; Chiropractic Leadership Alliance in Mahwah, NJ; Biomedical Diagnostic Research, LLC in Chesterland, Ohio; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology of Tumor Immunology, University of Lund, Sweden.
A related pilot study to assess the feasibility of evaluating paraspinal skin temperatures, paraspinal SEMG potentials, and serum thiol levels in patients attending a private chiropractic practice was conducted. Serum thiol levels were measured in a convenience sample of 11 patients who had been under chiropractic care for periods ranging from 99 weeks to 550 weeks. The findings of these examinations were compared with the results of paraspinal thermal and SEMG scans.
In a population of long‑term chiropractic patients, where paraspinal thermal and SEMG scans were used as criteria for subluxation‑centered care, serum thiol levels were higher than those found in populations with active disease processes, and compared favorably with the serum thiol levels in healthy subjects.
The study concluded that it is feasible to evaluate paraspinal skin temperatures, paraspinal SEG potentials, and serum thiol levels in patients in a private chiropractic practice. A prospective study, tracking changes in these parameters throughout a course of chiropractic care should be undertaken.
Research into basic cellular processes common to human adaptive mechanisms, and chiropractic care, are immensely rich with clinical promise. Such studies hold the potential of explaining the neurobiological basis for the favorable effects of chiropractic care on specific health issues, and general well‑being.
References
1. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL, Dobson M: "A retrospective assessment of Network care using a survey of self‑reported health, wellness and quality of life." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(4):15. http://www.jvsr.com
2. Coulter ID, Hurwitz EL, Aronow HU, et al: "Chiropractic patients in a comprehensive home‑based geriatric assessment, follow‑up and health promotion program." Topics in Clinical Chiropractic 1996;3(2):46.
3. Rupert RL, Manello D, Sandefur R: "Maintenance care: health promotion services administered to US chiropractic patients aged 65 or older, Part II." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2000;23(1):10.
4. Hannon SA: "Objective Physiologic Changes and Associated Health Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research [April 26, 2004, pp 1‑9]. http://www.jvsr.com
5. Campbell CJ, Kent C, Banne A, Amiri A, Pero RW: "Surrogate indication of DNA repair in serum after long term chiropractic intervention ‑ a retrospective study." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research [February 18, 2005, pp 1‑5]. http://www.jvsr.com
6. Kent C: "Assessment of DNA repair, autonomic tone, and paraspinal muscle tone in a population of long term chiropractic patients: a pilot study." Conference Abstracts. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. Spartanburg, SC. October 9‑10, 2004. http://www.sherman.edu/edu/research/pdf/IRAPS_abstracts_2004.pdf
(Dr. Christopher Kent, president of the Council on Chiropractic Practice, is a 1973 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. The WCA's "Chiropractic Researcher of the Year" in 1994, and recipient of that honor from the ICA in 1991, he was also named ICA "Chiropractor of the Year" in 1998. He is director of research and a co‑founder of Chiropractic Leadership Alliance. With Dr. Patrick Gentempo, Jr., Dr. Kent produces a monthly audio series, "On Purpose," covering current events in science, politics and philosophy of vital interest to the practicing chiropractor. For subscription information call 800/892‑6463.)
Chiropractic adjustments, oxidative stress and DNA repair
by Dr. Christopher Kent
There is a growing body of evidence that wellness care provided by doctors of chiropractic may reduce health care costs, improve health behaviors, and enhance patient perceived quality‑of‑life. [1,2,3,4] Until recently, however, little was known about how chiropractic adjustments affected the chemistry of biological processes on a cellular level.
In a landmark study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, chiropractors collaborating with researchers at the University of Lund found that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes affecting oxidative stress and DNA repair. [5] These findings offer a scientific explanation for the positive health benefits reported by patients receiving chiropractic care.
The researchers measured serum thiol levels in 25 patients under short term chiropractic care, and 21 patients under long term chiropractic care. The results were compared to those of a non‑chiropractic control group of 30 subjects. Long‑term chiropractic care of two or more years was shown to re‑establish a normal physiological state independent of age, sex, or nutritional supplements. Symptom‑free or primary wellness subjects under chiropractic care demonstrated higher mean serum thiol levels than patients with active disease, and produced some values that were higher than normal wellness values in non‑chiropractic subjects.
Serum thiols are primary antioxidants, and serve as a measure of human health status. The test provides a surrogate estimate of DNA repair enzyme activity, which has been shown to correlate with lifespan and aging.
Going through life, we experience physical, chemical, and emotional dis‑stress. These stresses affect the function of the nervous system. The investigators hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level.
Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease. Oxidative stress results in DNA damage, and inhibits DNA repair. DNA repair is the mechanism which fixes the damage caused by environmental impact.
Chiropractors apply spinal adjustments to correct disturbances of nerve function caused be vertebral subluxations. Chiropractic care appears to improve the ability of the body to adapt to stress. Further research is planned to gain additional insights into mechanisms that will ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes.
The study was a collaborative involving Camgen, Inc. of Victoria, B.C. Canada; Chiropractic Leadership Alliance in Mahwah, NJ; Biomedical Diagnostic Research, LLC in Chesterland, Ohio; and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology of Tumor Immunology, University of Lund, Sweden.
A related pilot study to assess the feasibility of evaluating paraspinal skin temperatures, paraspinal SEMG potentials, and serum thiol levels in patients attending a private chiropractic practice was conducted. Serum thiol levels were measured in a convenience sample of 11 patients who had been under chiropractic care for periods ranging from 99 weeks to 550 weeks. The findings of these examinations were compared with the results of paraspinal thermal and SEMG scans.
In a population of long‑term chiropractic patients, where paraspinal thermal and SEMG scans were used as criteria for subluxation‑centered care, serum thiol levels were higher than those found in populations with active disease processes, and compared favorably with the serum thiol levels in healthy subjects.
The study concluded that it is feasible to evaluate paraspinal skin temperatures, paraspinal SEG potentials, and serum thiol levels in patients in a private chiropractic practice. A prospective study, tracking changes in these parameters throughout a course of chiropractic care should be undertaken.
Research into basic cellular processes common to human adaptive mechanisms, and chiropractic care, are immensely rich with clinical promise. Such studies hold the potential of explaining the neurobiological basis for the favorable effects of chiropractic care on specific health issues, and general well‑being.
References
1. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL, Dobson M: "A retrospective assessment of Network care using a survey of self‑reported health, wellness and quality of life." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(4):15. http://www.jvsr.com
2. Coulter ID, Hurwitz EL, Aronow HU, et al: "Chiropractic patients in a comprehensive home‑based geriatric assessment, follow‑up and health promotion program." Topics in Clinical Chiropractic 1996;3(2):46.
3. Rupert RL, Manello D, Sandefur R: "Maintenance care: health promotion services administered to US chiropractic patients aged 65 or older, Part II." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2000;23(1):10.
4. Hannon SA: "Objective Physiologic Changes and Associated Health Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments in Asymptomatic Subjects: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research [April 26, 2004, pp 1‑9]. http://www.jvsr.com
5. Campbell CJ, Kent C, Banne A, Amiri A, Pero RW: "Surrogate indication of DNA repair in serum after long term chiropractic intervention ‑ a retrospective study." Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research [February 18, 2005, pp 1‑5]. http://www.jvsr.com
6. Kent C: "Assessment of DNA repair, autonomic tone, and paraspinal muscle tone in a population of long term chiropractic patients: a pilot study." Conference Abstracts. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. Spartanburg, SC. October 9‑10, 2004. http://www.sherman.edu/edu
(Dr. Christopher Kent, president of the Council on Chiropractic Practice, is a 1973 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. The WCA's "Chiropractic Researcher of the Year" in 1994, and recipient of that honor from the ICA in 1991, he was also named ICA "Chiropractor of the Year" in 1998. He is director of research and a co‑founder of Chiropractic Leadership Alliance. With Dr. Patrick Gentempo, Jr., Dr. Kent produces a monthly audio series, "On Purpose," covering current events in science, politics and philosophy of vital interest to the practicing chiropractor. For subscription information call 800/892‑6463.)
Starting the new Blog
Ok, So where do I start?
So many topics to share.
you will be seeing many more as I get going.
Dr Rodger
So many topics to share.
you will be seeing many more as I get going.
Dr Rodger
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