The Official Blog of Dr. Che Joplin

Coffee Consumption and Stillbirth

2010-08-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

There are many factors that effect a woman’s body during pregnancy. The sudden change in body function, posture, and morphology creates an effective way for toxins and invaders to lower the body’s ability to protect itself. One of these toxins commonly consumed is caffeine. When a woman is not pregnant, its addictive properties are viewed as tolerable, effecting heart rate, blood pressure, and the function of the nervous system. A woman’s exposure to caffeine during pregnancy is correlated with spontaneous abortion and low infant birth weight. Other life styles associated with high caffeine consumption, including drinking alcohol and smoking while pregnant, have been implicated as the actual cause of these problems.
In an eight-year Danish study, 18,478 pregnant women visiting a department of obstetrics and gynecology provided information about coffee consumption before and 16 weeks into pregnancy. Coffee consumption was classified as 0, 1-3, 4-7 or 8 or more cups per day. Researchers looked for a possible association between coffee consumption and stillbirth (delivery of dead fetus after 28 weeks of gestation) or infant death in the first years.
Pregnant women that consumed 8 or more cups of coffee daily while pregnant (5% of subjects) were three times more likely to experience a stillbirth than women drinking no coffee, before adjusting for smoking and alcohol use. After adjusting for these and other factors, women who drank eight or more cups of coffee daily remained 2.2 times more likely to have a stillbirth child; women drinking 4-7 cups of coffee daily remained 1.4 times more likely.
There was no link observed between coffee consumption and infant death in the first year following birth, after adjusting for other factors. There is no evidence that the effects of caffeine consumed by women from other sources, including tea, chocolate and cola were or showed similar results. The subjects were noted to consume little caffeine from these other sources.

For more information on this study see Wisborg K, Kesmodel U, et al. Maternal Consumption of Coffee During pregnancy and Stillbirth and Infant Death in First Year of Life: Prospective Study. British Medical Journal 2003: 326, pp420-423 or http://bmj.com

Make Checkups Part Of Your Healthcare Plan

2010-03-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

Make Checkups Part Of Your Healthcare Plan

This Article is from a staff Writier at Black Doctors.org I thought this was good information to share

The importance of annual physical exams for African American adults cannot be stressed enough. Regular exams can very often help uncover risk factors and problems before they become serious. Plus, if a disease is caught early, treatment is usually much more effective. Ultimately, having regular doctor's visits will help you live a long and healthier, happier life.

Depending on your age, gender and family medical history, a checkup with your doctor may include:

• Blood, urine, vision and hearing tests to evaluate your overall health
• Assessments of your blood pressure, cholesterol level and weight
• A discussion about your diet and exercise habits, and any tobacco, drug and alcohol use
• Immunizations and booster shots
• Screenings to assess your risk of developing certain diseases, including diabetes (if you already have high blood pressure or high cholesterol) and cancer
• Depending on your age and sexual lifestyle, testing for STDs and possibly HIV
• Starting at age 40, screening for colorectal cancer
• A discussion about depression and stress to evaluate your mental health

For men, in addition to checking weight, blood pressure and other basics, your doctor's visit may specifically include:

• Starting at age 40, a rectal exam to check for abnormalities in the prostate and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer

• Between the ages of 65 and 75, if you have ever smoked cigarettes, an abdominal exam to check for an enlargement in your aorta. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weakness in the lining of the aorta (a large blood vessel in your chest and abdomen), can develop with age and become a life-threatening problem.

Women should be checked for the same basics as men, and may also receive the following specific exams during a doctor's visit:

• A test for cervical cancer, called a Pap smear, every one to three years

• A clinical breast exam to check for any unusual lumps in your breasts

• Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a strong family history for breast cancer), a breast cancer screening with a mammogram every one to two years

• Starting at age 65, a referral for a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis, the disease that causes brittle, fragile bones and typically affects older women; women with more than one risk factor for osteoporosis may start earlier

Be Prepared

It's crucial that you to play an active role in getting the most out of your doctor's visits. Before your exam, review and update your family health history, be prepared to ask if you're due for any general screenings or vaccinations, and come up with a list of questions if you have particular health concerns.

During your appointment, don't be shy about getting your questions answered. Also, if your doctor gives you advice about specific health issues, don't hesitate to take notes. Time is often limited during these exams, but by coming prepared you’re sure to get the most out of your checkup.

Looking for a physician? Click on our Doctor Search tool ... it's free!

By De’Laney Rowland, BDO Staff Writer 26-Mar-2010

Post Traumatic Headache

2010-02-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Headache is the second most frequently reported symptom in cervical spine trauma patients. Many names have been applied to the headache resulting from cervical trauma: Spondylogenic, vertebrogenic, cervicogenic, cervical migraine, post-traumatic, post-concussive, muscle contraction, occipital-trigeminal syndrome, or occipital neuralgia. Headaches secondary to cervical trauma can be difficult to clinically verify. Cases may vary widely in onset of symptoms as well as distribution of pain.
Sources differ on etiological factors. Cervical trauma can occur as a result of blunt traumas such as vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries or penetrating trauma such as gun shot wounds, stab wounds, or impalement. The “whipping” action of the neck when the body is held tightly against the seat is suggested as contributing causes. Recent evidence implicates several mechanisms of headache secondary to cervical trauma relate to upper cervical vertebral dysfunction to occipital and/or temporal headache.
The cervical spine is unlike the rest of the axial spine skeleton, in that it exhibits greater ranges of motion. Stability is maintained by bony and ligamentous structures. The primary function of the muscles in the cervical spine is motion. When cervical muscles do act as a stabilizer, it is as a splint to prevent motion after the cervical region has been traumatized. Ligamentous damage can occur when the head exceeds normal ranges of motion, especially forward flexion and extension. Local spine pain with referred head pain and reflex muscle spasm are the results followed by aberrant motion, mechanical stress affecting the vertebrobasiliar system, cervical spine sympathetic nerves, and cervical segmental nerves.
Symptoms associated with cervical trauma including headache, may begin to appear 24 to 72 hours, or may take weeks to manifest. Headache pain is usually unilateral and can be constant to intermittent in frequency that begins in the suboccipital area and radiating toward the orbit (eye), forehead, temporal, or maxillary (cheeks on the face) regions.

The cervical trauma patient may also experience Autonomic Nervous System response, including episodes of dizziness, nausea and vomiting and even earache. Sleep posture in cervical trauma patients should be controlled to protect neck alignment and prevent permanent deformation of ligaments.

The Not-So-Hidden Cost of Back Pain

2009-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

An abstract from the article:

The cost of medically treating back pain is not new to the health care industry. This cost may be new to individuals dealing with the ongoing costs to feel better. The research findings are well documented, and your clinical experiences undoubtedly verify it: Back pain affects nearly everyone. An estimated 80 percent of adults experience one or more episodes of back pain in their lifetime, and the one-year prevalence rate is approximately 15%-20% with some estimates as high as 40%. However some “experts” ironically, those outside the chiropractic profession, have attempted to describe back pain as harmless, self-limiting condition that requires only rest and time for resolution, despite the evidence to the contrary.
A study published in the January 1, 2004 issue of Spine “Estimates and Patterns of Direct health Care Expenditures Among Individuals With Back Pain in the United States” analyzed data from the 1998 medical Expenditures Panel Survey, (MEPS), a national survey on health care utilization and expenditures. Researchers utilize the data from the MEPS for two specific purposes: to estimate U.S. health care expenditures for back pain in 1998 and to describe health care expenditures patterns among individuals with back pain during that time period. The results of the study are as followed: Estimated total health care expenditures for back pain sufferers were a staggering $90.7 billion in 1998. In-patient care accounted for $27.9 billion in total expenditures while out-patient/office-based visits accounted for $23.6 billion. Prescription drugs account for more than 15% of the total health care expenditures ($14.1 billion) incurred by back pain sufferers. This service has increased more than any other service expenditure. The average health care costs incurred by individuals with back pain were approximately 60% higher than without back pain. The 25% most expensive individuals accounted for >75% of the service expenditures. If these data are not troublesome enough, the authors note that their estimates maybe understated, as they did not include cost associated with nursing home care, which accounted for approximately 20% of total health care cost for back pain in previous studies.
The bottom line is health care costs attributable to back pain in 1998 were “substantial,” and demonstrate “wide variation among back pain individuals with different clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics.” One can only assume that in 2004, these figures are notably higher, both in terms of the number of people suffering from back pain and the associated health care cost. For doctors of chiropractic, this study reinforces what has been said in the past. Back pain affects a significant number of the population, and when not treated appropriately it can account for substantial health care cost. In terms of prescription and hospital visits.

Crownfield, Peter; Dynamic Chiropractic; Feb. 12, 2004, Vol. 22, Number 4, cover/pg 49

Prostate Warning Signs

2009-11-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

Prostate Problem Warning Signs

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It is found below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder (urethra). The prostate makes a fluid that becomes part of semen. Semen is the white fluid that contains sperm. Prostate problems are common in men age 50 and older. Sometimes men feel symptoms themselves, or sometimes their doctors find prostate problems during routine exams. Doctors who are experts in diseases of the urinary tract (urologists) diagnose and treat prostate problems. There are many different kinds of prostate problems. Many don't involve cancer, but some do. Treatments vary but prostate problems can often be treated without affecting sexual function

Overall Signs of Prostate Problems
· Frequent urge to urinate
· Blood in urine or semen
· Painful or burning urination
· Difficulty in urinating
· Difficulty in having an erection
· Painful ejaculation
· Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs
· Inability to urinate, or
· Dribbling of urine

Yearly PSA Testing
Some doctors think men age 50 and older should have yearly PSA tests; others do not. We know that this test can help detect cancer before it causes symptoms, but we aren’t sure that PSA tests save lives. The PSA test can find small cancers that may not grow or spread. Not all prostate cancers are life-threatening, and treatments can cause side effects. That’s why doctors sometimes prefer “watchful waiting” until there are signs that treatment is needed. Researchers are studying ways to improve the PSA test so that it detects only cancers that need treatment. Medicare will pay for a PSA test every year for men age 50 and older.

There are several types of prostate problems including:
Prostatitis:
a disease of the prostate gland, can cause pain in the groin, painful urination, difficulty urinating and related symptoms.It isn't a single condition but a group of disorders with related symptoms It isn't a single condition but a group of disorders with related symptoms

·Acute prostatitis is an infection of the prostate caused by bacteria. It usually starts fast and can cause fever, chills, or pain in the lower back and between the legs. It also can cause pain when you urinate. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Antibiotic drugs usually help heal the infection and relieve the symptoms. Your doctor also may suggest that you drink more liquids.

· High fever
· Chills
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· General feeling of being unwell

·Chronic prostatitis is a prostate infection that keeps coming back time after time. Symptoms may be milder than in acute prostatitis, but they can last longer. Chronic prostatitis can be hard to treat. Antibiotics may work if bacteria are causing the infection. But if bacteria are not the cause, antibiotics won't work. Massaging the prostate sometimes helps to release fluids. Warm baths also may bring relief. Often chronic prostatitis clears up by itself.

Possible causes of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain may include:
· Immune system disorder
· Nervous system disorder
· Psychological stress
· Infection
· Pressure on prostate from other diseased tissue
· Traumatic injury

Signs or symptoms
· Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
· Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
· Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
· Urgent need to urinate
· Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
· Pain in the area between the penis and rectum (perineum)
· Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles
· Painful ejaculations

Untreated complications:

Acute bacterial prostatitis
Complications of acute bacterial prostatitis may include:
· Chronic bacterial prostatitis
· Bacterial infection of the blood (bacteremia)
· Inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm (epididymitis)
· Pus-filled cavity in the prostate (prostatic abscess)
Chronic prostatitis
Complications due to chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain may include:
· Abnormalities in semen and infertility
· Generally poor quality of life

Cancer:

About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that is one of the components of semen.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy in men

Prostate cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer, except for lung cancer. However, microscopic evidence of (prostate?) cancer is found at autopsy in many if not most men. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that about 218,890 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the United States during 2007. About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 34 will die of it. A little over 1.8 million men in the United States are survivors of prostate cancer.

Prognosis & Treatment
Treatment options and prognosis depend on the stage of the cancer, the Gleason score4, and the patient’s age and general health. With greater public awareness, early detection is on the rise and mortality rates are declining. Additionally, new advances in medical technology are enabling cancer patients to return to active and productive lives after their treatment.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options:

Before choosing a treatment option, it is important for a patient to discuss their options with their physician based on his individual case. Upon diagnosis with prostate cancer, a man has the following primary treatment options:

· Remove the cancerous prostate (surgery)
· Radiate the cancerous prostate (external beam or radioactive seed implants)
· Watchful Waiting

Other treatments

Radiation:

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays, either beamed from a machine or emitted by radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate, to kill cancer cells. When prostate cancer is localized, radiation therapy serves as an alternative to surgery. External beam radiation therapy is also commonly used to treat men with regional disease, whose cancers have spread too widely in the pelvis to be removed surgically, but who have no evidence of spreading to the lymph nodes. In men with advanced disease, radiation therapy can help to shrink tumors and relieve pain.

It is important to be aware that radiation can cause long-term damage to the nerves and important structures involved in sexual function. Many patients undergoing brachytherapy or external beam radiation treatment develop erectile dysfunction (as many as 50% in several studies.) 12, 13 Many radiation patients are also placed on hormone therapy, which has an immediate negative impact on sexual function.

Freezing the Cancer Prostate (Cryotherapy):

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill prostate cancer cells. The doctor places needles in preselected locations in the prostate gland. The needle tracks are dilated for the thin metal cryo probes to be inserted through the skin of the perineum into the prostate. Liquid nitrogen in the cryo probes forms an ice ball that freezes the prostate cancer cells; as the cells thaw, they rupture. The procedure takes about 2 hours, requires anesthesia (either general or spinal), and requires 1 or 2 days in the hospital.

Hormonal Therapy:

Hormonal therapy combats prostate cancer by cutting off the supply of male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone that encourage prostate cancer growth. Hormonal control can be achieved by surgery to remove the testicles (the main source of testosterone) or by drugs.

Hormonal therapy targets cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and is thus beyond the reach of local treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Hormonal therapy is also helpful in alleviating the painful and distressing symptoms of advanced disease. Further, it is being investigated as a way to arrest cancer before it has a chance to metastasize. Although hormonal therapy cannot cure, it will usually shrink or halt the advance of disease, often for years.

Watchful Waiting:

Watchful waiting refers to closely monitoring a patient's condition without giving any treatment until symptoms appear or change. This is usually used in older men with other medical problems and early-stage disease. Watchful waiting is based on the premise that localized prostate cancers may advance so slowly that they are unlikely to cause men—especially older men—any problems during their lifetimes. 17 Some men who opt for watchful waiting, also known as "observation" or "surveillance," have no active treatment unless symptoms appear. They are often asked to schedule regular medical checkups and to report any new symptoms to the doctor immediately.

Experimental / Out-of-Country Treatments:

When faced with serious illness, many people explore alternative or experimental treatment options with the goal of easing their symptoms and controlling or eliminating the disease.
A treatment option for prostate cancer currently available outside the United States is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU treatment uses the principle of ultrasound energy to destroy cancer cells. To treat prostate cancer, t he energy is delivered to the patient using a transrectal probe under general or regional anaesthesia. Current studies show HIFU has significant complication rates and failure rates in effectively treating cancer in both initial and recurrent prostate cancer cases. As a result, some leading urologists have suspended their use of HIFU pending further evidence of its safety and effectiveness.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia):

What is BPH?

After the age of 40, the prostate may begin to enlarge. As its size increases, the prostate squeezes the urethra, potentially stopping or slowing the flow of urine and semen. Most of the symptoms associated with BPH are related to obstruction of the urethra and loss of bladder function. Read more about BPH.

Is BPH a sign of cancer?

No. While it is possible to have both BPH and prostate cancer, having BPH does not increase your risk of having prostate cancer. However, because early symptoms of both conditions are similar, it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a urinary condition. Read more about the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Is BPH a serious disease?

If your symptoms are not bothering you, BPH may not be a serious disease for you at this time. However, BPH can lead to serious problems, including infections and the inability to urinate. In rare cases, BPH can lead to kidney damage.

What tests will my doctor order?

Multiple tests are available to help your doctor diagnose your condition. Discuss each test with your doctor, including any concerns you may have and what he or she expects to learn from the results.

Digital rectal exam

This is usually the first test your doctor will order. During the DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size of the prostate.
Urinalysis. The urine test is used to rule out the presence of infection or conditions that may produce similar symptoms as BPH.

Blood test [prostate-specific antigen (PSA)]

Your doctor may order a blood test to measure your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and rule out prostate cancer as a cause of your symptoms.

Imaging tests

Ultrasound may be performed to estimate the size of your prostate and may also detect a prostate stone, kidney stone, or obstruction, or a tumor.
Urinary flow test. Urinary flow study. You may be asked to urinate into a special device that monitors the strength and amount of your urinary flow. A reduced urine flow may indicate BPH.

Cystoscopy

A cystoscope is a thin tube with a magnifying lens that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.

What treatments are available for BPH?

Several treatments are available. You should discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor.

Watchful waiting. If your symptoms are not bothering you, your doctor may suggest monitoring your disease and postponing treatment.

Medicines. Multiple medications are available to relieve your symptoms with or without reduction in the size of the prostate.

Nonsurgical procedures. Several minimally invasive thermal therapies are available that allow your doctor to access your prostate through your urethra and reduce the size of the prostate or decrease obstruction of the urethra.

Surgical treatment. Surgery may be used to remove part or all of the prostate.

Signs & Symptoms of BPH

Before visiting your doctor, write down a list of what you are experiencing as listed here. While BPH symptoms range from mild to severe, the size of the prostate does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the symptoms. As the prostate grows, it can cause two primary sets of problems:

Obstruction:

Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Delay and difficulty in initiating an urinary stream
Stopping and starting urination several times during voiding
Weak urinary stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Pushing or straining while urinating

Irritation symptoms:

Feeling of little warning when the urge of urination develops
Frequent urination with short intervals
Need to urinate during the night
Inability to hold back urine

Onset and risk factors:

Additionally, there are four theories as to what may cause BPH:
1 BPH does not occur in men who had their testes removed before puberty. It is believed that BPH may be triggered by factors related to the aging of the testes.

2 Healthy males produce testosterone (a male hormone) and a small amount of estrogen (a female hormone). As men age, they naturally produce less testosterone, which changes the balance in the body between the two hormones. Some animal studies suggest that a higher proportion of estrogen may increase the activity of other substances within the body that promote BPH.

3 Males naturally turn testosterone into a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research shows that older men continue to produce large amounts of DHT. DHT which may promote growth of the prostate.

4 Some scientists believe that certain cells in the prostate are programmed to "reawaken" later in life. As these cells begin to multiply and become more active, they may trigger growth in other cells found in the prostate.

It’s only natural to have concerns about how sexual function might be affected by BPH. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your concerns—as treatment may also cause sexual side effects.

Common sexual concerns:
Impotence – Some medications or surgical procedures may cause impotence, or the inability to have an erection. Surgery for BPH rarely causes long-term impotence. If a man was able to maintain an erection shortly before surgery, he will probably be able to have erections afterward.

Ejaculation – Both surgery and medications may cause a condition known as Retrograde

Ejaculation. When this occurs, semen exits into the bladder instead of out of the penis during orgasm and later leaves the body during urination.

Decreased libido – Some medications may reduce the sex drive.

Other Conditions (Related to prostate Function):
Bladder neck Obstruction
Hypertension
Obesity
Urinary Retention
Prevention:

What you can do:

Make a list ahead of time that you can share with your doctor. Your list should include:
· Symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to pelvic pain
· Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
· Medications that you're taking, including any vitamins or supplements
· Questions to ask your doctor

Other typical questions are as follows:
· Over the past month or so, how often have you had to urinate again in less than 2 hours?
· Over the past month, from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning, how many times a night did you typically get up to urinate?
· Over the past month or so, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
· Over the past month or so, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
· Over the past month or so, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urinating?

Preparing for the Exam
The common tests your doctor or nurse will perform first require no special preparation. Digital rectal exams (DRE) and blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are often included in routine physical examinations for men over 50. For African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, it is recommended that tests be given starting at age 40. Some organizations even recommend that these tests be given to all men starting at age 40.

If you have urination problems or if the DRE or PSA test indicates that you might have a problem, you will probably be given additional tests that may require some preparation. Ask your doctor or nurse whether you should change your diet or fluid intake or stop taking any medications. If the tests involve inserting instruments into the urethra or rectum, you may be given antibiotics before and after the test to prevent infection.

PSA Blood Test
To rule out cancer, your doctor may recommend a PSA blood test. The amount of PSA, a protein produced by prostate cells, is often higher in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. However, an elevated level of PSA does not necessarily mean you have cancer. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a PSA test for use in conjunction with a DRE to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 or older and for monitoring men with prostate cancer after treatment. However, much remains unknown about how to interpret the PSA test, its ability to discriminate between cancer and benign prostate conditions, and the best course of action if the PSA is high.

Because so many questions are unanswered, the relative magnitude of the test’s potential risks and benefits is unknown. When added to DRE screening, PSA enhances detection, but PSA tests are known to have relatively high false-positive rates, and they also may identify a greater number of medically insignificant tumors.

The PSA test first became available in the 1980s, and its use led to an increase in the detection of prostate cancer between 1986 and 1991. In the mid-1990s, deaths from prostate cancer began to decrease, and some observers credit PSA testing for this trend. Others, however, point out that statistical trends do not necessarily prove a cause-and-effect relationship. The benefits of prostate cancer screening are still being studied. The National Cancer Institute is conducting the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, or PLCO Trial, to determine whether certain screening tests reduce the number of deaths from these cancers. DRE and PSA exams are being studied to see whether yearly screening will decrease the risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Until a definitive answer is found, doctors and patients should weigh the benefits of PSA testing against the risks of followup diagnostic tests and cancer treatments. The procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer may cause significant side effects, including bleeding and infection. Treatment for prostate cancer often causes erectile dysfunction, or impotence, and may cause urinary incontinence.

Urinalysis
Your doctor or nurse may ask for a urine sample to test with a dipstick or to examine with a microscope. A chemically treated dipstick will change color if the urine contains nitrite, a byproduct of bacterial infection. Traces of blood in the urine may indicate that a kidney stone or infection is present, or the sample might reveal bacteria or infection-fighting white blood cells. You might be asked to urinate into two or three containers to help locate the infection site. If signs of infection appear in the first container but not in the others, the infection is likely to be in the urethra. Your doctor or nurse might ask you to urinate into the first container, then stop the stream for a prostate massage before completing the test. If urine taken after prostate massage or the prostate fluid itself contains significantly more bacteria, it is a strong sign that you have bacterial prostatitis.

Transrectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy
If prostate cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend a transrectal ultrasound. In this procedure, the doctor or technician inserts a probe slightly larger than a pen into the rectum. The probe directs high-frequency sound waves at the prostate, and the echo patterns form an image of the gland on a television monitor. The image shows how big the prostate is and whether there are any irregularities, but it cannot unequivocally identify tumors.

To determine whether an abnormal-looking area is indeed a tumor, the doctor can use the probe and the ultrasound images to guide a biopsy needle to the suspected tumor. The needle collects a few pieces of prostate tissue for examination with a microscope.

Transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans
MRI and CT scans both use computers to create three-dimensional or cross-sectional images of internal organs. These tests can help identify abnormal structures, but they cannot distinguish between cancerous tumors and noncancerous prostate enlargement. Once a biopsy has confirmed cancer, a doctor might use these imaging techniques to determine how far the cancer has spread. Experts caution, however, that MRI and CT scans are very expensive and rarely add useful information. They recommend using these techniques only when the PSA score is very high or the DRE suggests an extensive cancer, or both.

Urodynamic Tests
If your problem appears to be related to blockage, your doctor or nurse may recommend tests that measure bladder pressure and urine flow rate. You may be asked to urinate into a special device that measures how quickly the urine is flowing and records how many seconds it takes for the peak flow rate to be reached. Another test measures postvoid residual, the amount of urine left in your bladder when you have finished urinating. A weak stream and difficulty emptying the bladder completely may be signs of urine blockage caused by an enlarged prostate that is squeezing the urethra.

Abdominal Ultrasound
For an abdominal ultrasound exam, a technician will apply gel to your lower abdomen and sweep a handheld transducer across the area to receive a picture of your entire urinary tract. An abdominal ultrasound can show damage in the upper urinary tract that results from urine blockage at the prostate.

Exercises and Exercise Theory

2009-11-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

Every year thousands of people turn to chiropractic for treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal disorders. They find relief I professional adjustments- but many patients require additional therapy to achieve full recovery, especially from joint injuries. Prescribed exercise helps to develop strength and endurance, and work with the adjustment to help attain full and proper healing of the injured area.

Muscles are joints’ primary stabilizer. When injury or illness interferes with muscle function, joint integrity declines. The chiropractic professional must address this interrelationship of bone and soft tissue to effectively treat musculoskeletal complaint.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program combine the chiropractor’s skill and the patient’s cooperation with exercise. A well-devised, scientifically-based exercise program can produce:
Enhance muscle performance
Decrease risk of injury
Decrease the severity of injury
Accelerated rehabilitation and return to activity.

Why Movement Helps
Before reviewing biomechanical principles of exercise, consider the effects of immobilization on musculoskeletal structures. Historically, accepted procedure was to immobilize the injured joint and to allow pain and swelling to subside. But such as course did not address the cause of that pain. nor did it offer hope for regaining maximal joint integrity.

Soft tissue follows the use disuse principle: when used, it remains strong; it weakens, Immobilized muscle atrophy at an approximate rate of 1.5 percent per day. Studies show that muscle atrophy begins within six hours of immobilization.

Detrimental effects of immobilization have also been noted in the synovial joint, connective tissue and tendon structure, which loses tensile loading capacity. Seriously irreversible damage to the articular cartilage can also occur.

In addition to soft tissue, vascular and neurological structures suffer from extended immobilization of injured joints. Significant changes in the impulse patterns of motor neurons weakening the immobilized muscle have been noted.

Adhesion formation is another risk of immobilization, causing more pain and loss of range of motion. Uncontrolled fibroblasts and scar formation make rehabilitation more difficult.

Exercise Theory
The goal of chiropractic management of musculoskeletal conditions is to develop the strength, endurance, and joint stability required for activities of daily living. Rehabilitation of soft tissue through exercise can accelerate recovery. The cornerstone of the therapeutic exercise is known as Davis’ Law, which states that the soft tissue will model according to imposed demand. This principle was demonstrated by Frost, who revealed how collagen fibers adapt to mechanical demands. He found that intermittent tension loads stimulate cells to produce additional collagen. Stearns drew a similar conclusion from his study some 50 years ago of fibroblastic activity and healing of connective tissue. He discovered that the movement was responsible for developing an orderly arrangement of fibrils. This results in a small flexible scar that facilitates recovery from musculoskeletal injury.

Types Of Exercise
One of the most important requirements for effective chiropractic treatment is knowledge of various training methods and exercise techniques. Exercise not only shortens recovery, it can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of rein jury, as well.

With the popularity of fitness clubs and today’s heightened awareness of exercise programs. Activities applicable to chiropractic care can be categorized in three groups:
Isometric exercise is static. It produces no joint movement and affected muscle hold a fixed length. Speed and resistance is fixed.
Isotonic exercise produces joint movement. It too, utilizes fixed resistance, but speed varies.
Isokinetic exercise also involves joint movement. It is performed at a fixed speed, but resistance will vary to match the applied force.

This viable resistance means that isokinetic exercise will accommodate pain and fatigue. Patients benefit form movement and soft tissue modeling while they achieve pain-free maximal muscle loading.

Benefits Of Isokinetics
The nature of is kinetic exercise offers the greatest benefit is cases of musculoskeletal complaints. We have already seen movement encourages formation of a flexible scar. Other physiological principle of exercise demonstrate the value of isokinetics.

Velocity spectrum
Most functional activities occur at very fast contractile velocities. Walking, for example, generates movement of 233 degrees per second in the knee joint. Cross country skiing over flat terrain moves the hip 469 degrees per second Successful rehabilitation helps prepared a patient to resume activities at normal contractile velocities. The advantage of isokinetic is that it allows a patient to rehabilitate at a speed which is comparable to functional daily activities.
Crossover
Any isokinetic exercise program should involve both the affected joint and its anatomical opposite. Exercise routines should begin with the unaffected area and progress to the site of injury.
Facilitate
Joint injury disrupts normal neuron pathway to the involved muscles. The law of facilitation states that when an impulse passes through a certain set of neurons to the exclusion of others, it will traverse this path in the future. Each time the impulse follows this course, resistance in the pathway lessens.
Overflow
When patients experience pain through a part of the affected joint’s range of motion, it is unlikely they will comply with a prescribed exercise program. The overflow principle of isokinetic enable a patient to exercise without pain yet still benefit from the activity.

Clinical Protocols For Applying Isokinetics
The Thera-Ciser exercise utilize a flexible tubing to create resistance in affected muscles. Resistance builds gradually as the patient progresses through four activity phases:
PHASE I
Features short range slow-paced movements.
PHASE II
Continues short range movements but at a faster pace. This level encourages neurological reeducation for enhanced muscle tonus and facilitates collagen healing.
PHASE III
Exercises are performed at a slow pace and full range of motion to begin duplicating normal functional movements. The patient performs Phase 3 muscle contraction only on alternate days to avoid fiber deterioration.
PHASE IV
Introduces the patient to fast paced, full- range movement. Emphasis is on developing strength and endurance lost through muscle atrophy.

In Summary
Isokinetic exercise has broad application in chiropractic management of musculoskeletal disorders. It is especially well suited to conditions involving pain with range of motion. A chiropractor’s efforts to treat musculoskeletal complaints will be enhanced by instructing patients in proper joint exercises , with emphasis on isokinetic range of motion therapy.

*references can be made available upon request.

The Ultimate Guide To Controlling Diabetes

2009-11-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is having an obscene affect in our community. Based on in-depth research, it has been found that African Americans are more likely to contract and suffer from diabetes than any other ethnic group in the world. Why? We don’t exactly know why, but we do know that we don’t want to be victims anymore. That’s why we are providing you with the ultimate guide to treating and controlling diabetes.

These principles, or steps, will help you manage your diabetes and live a long and active life. Every person who has diabetes has different needs. Talk to your healthcare team about a treatment plan that is best for you. Diabetes affects almost every part of the body and good diabetes care requires a team of healthcare providers. They include doctors, diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health providers, eye specialists, foot specialists, dentists and social workers.

It is vitally important to control diabetes. Plus, taking good care of yourself will make you feel better and can lower your chances of getting:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Eye disease that can lead to a loss of vision or even blindness
• Nerve damage that may cause a loss of feeling or pain in the hands, feet, legs, or other parts of the body and lead to problems such as lower limb amputation or erectile dysfunction
• Kidney failure
• Gum disease and loss of teeth

Look for ways to empower yourself and that can help you take action to control your diabetes:

Principle 1: Learn as Much as You Can About Diabetes
The more you know about diabetes, the better you can work with your healthcare team to manage your disease and reduce your risk for problems. You should know what type of diabetes you have. If you do not know, ask your doctor whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. This type of diabetes is less common and used to be called juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes. Diet and daily physical activity help to control type 2 diabetes. Most people also need to take diabetes medication and/or insulin. Type 2 diabetes is very common and used to be called adult onset diabetes. Diabetes is always a serious disease. Terms that suggest that diabetes is not serious, such as “a touch of diabetes,” “mild diabetes,” and “sugar’s a little high,” are not correct and should no longer be used. Becoming diagnosed and treating diabetes early can prevent health problems later on. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms and do not know they have diabetes. Some people are at higher risk for diabetes than others. People at high risk include those who:
• are older than 45• are overweight
• have a close family member such as a parent or sibling who has or has had diabetes
• had diabetes during pregnancy
• had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
• are African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American Indian
• have high blood pressure
• have high cholesterol or other abnormal blood fats• are inactive
If you know someone who has any of the risk factors for diabetes, suggest they talk to their doctor about getting tested.

Principle 2: Get Regular Care for Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it is important to:
• see your healthcare team regularly
• make sure your treatment plan is working. If it is not, consult with your healthcare team to help you change it.
• ask your family, friends and co-workers for help and support when you need it
• work with your healthcare team to get the best help to control your diabetes
• ask your healthcare team how often you need to see them for check-ups
• always know the date and time for your next visit with your healthcare team and make a list of questions and concerns you want to talk about then

Ask your doctor, clinic or office staff, or pharmacist to help you find resources if you have problems paying for food, medicines or medical supplies. You should be able to get Medicare or other insurance to help you pay for diabetes supplies.

Principle 3: Learn How to Control Your Diabetes
Diabetes affects many parts of the body. To stay healthy, it is important to know how to eat the right foods, be physically active and look after yourself. Understanding the following checklist will help you learn how to control your diabetes.

How Active Are You in Controlling Your Diabetes? I talk to my healthcare team about:
• my special needs to help control my diabetes
• ways to improve my ABC numbers: A1C,* blood pressure and cholesterol
• aspirin therapy to prevent heart problems
• getting regular physical activity
• quitting smoking, if needed
• I learn from my doctor, diabetes educator, podiatrist, pharmacist, or dietitian how to follow a meal plan to control my diabetes
• check my feet every day
• take my medicines as prescribed
• check my blood glucose levels* A1C (pronounced A-one-C) is a measure of your average blood glucose over the last three months. You should get this test at least twice a year.I visit my:
• general doctor at least twice a year• eye doctor each year and report any changes in vision
• dentist twice a year• specialists as my general doctor advises

Principle 4: Take Care of Your Diabetes ABCs
A major goal of treatment is to control the ABCs of diabetes: A1C (blood glucose average), blood pressure and cholesterol. You can do this in many ways.
• Follow a meal plan that was made for you.
• Be active every day.
• Take your medicine as prescribed.
• Before taking any nonprescription medicines, vitamins or herbal products, ask your pharmacist how they may affect your diabetes or prescription medicines.
• Test your blood glucose on a routine basis.
• Talk to your healthcare team about the best ways to control your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol and know your target numbers.
• Get involved in setting goals and making a treatment plan for your diabetes.

Principle 5: Monitor Your Diabetes ABCs
To reduce your risk for diabetes problems such as blindness, kidney disease, losing a foot or leg, and early death from heart attack or stroke, you and your healthcare team need to monitor the diabetes ABCs: A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol. Talk to your healthcare team about how to reach your target numbers. Get the A1C Test. The A1C test is usually performed by your doctor. It measures how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last three months. This test is very important because it tells how well you are taking care of your diabetes over the long term. It should be done at least twice a year. You may need to check your own blood glucose on a regular basis to help control your diabetes. It will tell you what your blood glucose is at the time you test. Keep a record of your results and show it to your healthcare team. Some meters and test strips report blood glucose results as plasma glucose values which are 10% to 15% higher than whole blood glucose values. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your meter and strips provide whole blood or plasma results. The target glucose range for most people using whole blood is 80 to 120 before meals and 100 to 140 at bedtime. The target glucose range for most people using plasma is 90 to 130 before meals and 110 to 150 at bedtime. Talk to your healthcare team about the best ways to check your own blood glucose.

Know Your Blood Pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. This can lead to stroke and other problems such as kidney disease. Your blood pressure should be checked at every visit. You may need to check it yourself in between visits. The target blood pressure for most people with diabetes is less than 130/80. Ask your healthcare team what your blood pressure is and keep a dated record of the results. Discuss your blood pressure target with your healthcare team and write it down and determine what you need to do to reach your target.
Know Your Cholesterol. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol that builds up in your blood vessels. It causes the vessels to narrow and harden, which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor should check your LDL at least once a year. The target LDL cholesterol for most people with diabetes is less than 100. Discuss your LDL cholesterol target with your healthcare team and keep a record of the results. Discuss what you need to do to reach your target and keep a record of your results. This will help you know when you and your healthcare team need to take extra action.

Principle 6: Prevent Long-Term Diabetes Problems
People with diabetes must control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent the problems of diabetes: heart attack, stroke, eye and kidney problems, nerve damage, impotence, foot or leg amputation, gum disease and loss of teeth. Here are the key self-care activities to help you manage your diabetes and live a long and healthy life.
Daily:
• Follow your diabetes meal plan with the correct portion sizes. Eat a variety of foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and salt.
• Be active every day.
• Take medicines as prescribed. If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about your medicines.
• Get to know your feet, and wash and dry them well each day. Tell your podiatrist or healthcare team about any changes with your feet.
• Check your mouth daily for gum or tooth problems. Call your dentist right away if you have problems with your teeth or gums.
As needed:
• Test your blood glucose as prescribed by your doctor.
• Check your blood pressure as prescribed by your doctor.• Reach and stay at a healthy weight.• Stop smoking.
• Make sure your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date so you can see clearly. Report any changes in your vision to your healthcare team.

Principle 7: Get Checked for Long-Term Problems and Treat Them
See your healthcare team regularly to check for problems that diabetes can cause. Regular check-ups help to prevent problems or find them early when they can be treated and managed well. Along with the checks of your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol (see Principle 5), here are some tests that you may need:
• Triglycerides (a type of blood fat)—Get yearly
• Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems—Get yearly
• Foot check—Get every visit
• Complete foot exam to check for circulation, loss of feeling, sores or changes in shape—Get yearly
• Urine test to check for kidney problems—Get yearly
• Dental exams to prevent gum disease and loss of teeth—Get twice a year
Ask your doctor about these and other tests you may need to have

Article written by Nicole Smith, BDO Staff Writer for Blackdoctors.Org, http://www.blackdoctor.org/articles1.aspx?counter=28437

Why Chiropractic

2009-10-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

There are many lifesaving medications; but just like smokers don’t read warnings on cigarettes, many of us tend to overlook side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs. Most of us will suffer aches and sprains, strains, headache, high blood pressure, arthritis and a variety of other ailments; and every day the drug industry tells us to ask our doctor this pill or that pill. What are the risks of, and alternatives to common medications? Here are some answers courtesy of the Virginia Chiropractic Association.

Thanks to stringent research standards and the forward march of science drugs are getting safer, right? Wrong. The September 10 issue of the Archives of Internal medicine showed that serious reactions to common medications are actually increasing. Between 1998 and 2005, the annual number of deaths directly caused by medications increased by 2.7 times.

Doesn’t it concern you that some common medications come with recommendations for regular liver and kidney testing? Pain medications are common sources of drug reactions. Abusing anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDS cause an estimated 16500 deaths every year. Vioxx alone may have caused 27000 deaths worldwide before it was pulled from the market, and a study published in the New England journal of medicine showed that the supposedly safe drug acetaminophen may cause 8-10% of all end stage kidney failure. Anti-inflammatory medications and acetaminophen have been linked to high blood pressure in women.

So, what can you do to protect your self and your family. Simple, read the package insert on every pill that you are taking. Next, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Exercise regularly in a manner that is safe for you. Exercise has a positive effect on your immune system, your joints , your cardiovascular system…it even decreases your risk of breast, colon and other cancers. Warm up properly before activity. A healthy, balanced diet is also critical. You are what you eat.

Here is another secret: Chiropractic is part of a healthy lifestyle. Recreational and professional athletes alike rely on chiropractic care to balance their frame, improve performance, recover from injury, As our population ages, seniors are also realizing that chiropractic is a safe and effective way to age more gracefully. Studies have shown chiropractic to be safe and effective for arthritis management, headache, neck pain, low back pain and more. Research shows that chiropractic has a direct effect on the nervous system, and may be a direct component of managing a variety of illnesses; but wise consumers of health care know that chiropractic is more than a way to avoid disease. Doctors of Chiropractic offer a path to health and our full potential.

For more information about health and well-being contact Dr. Che Joplin at cljoplin@hotmail.com

References:

1. Singh G. Recent considerations in NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory drug gastrophy. Am J Med. 1998; 105(1B): 31S-38S
2. N Engl J Med 1994 Dec 22; 331(25);: 1675-1679
3. Archives of Internal Medicine, October 28, 2002; 162:2204-8
4. JAMA. 2003; 290: 1331-1336
5. HUNE, I., and A S. FURBERG. Physical activity and cancer risk: dose response and cancer, all suites and site specific. Med. Sci. Sport Exerc., Vol 33, No. 6. Suppl., pp. S530-S550

Brief information: Swine Influenza

2009-05-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.

The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. CDC has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. It’s not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. CDC is studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness or hospitalization from the virus. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and people 65 and older. It’s unknown at this time whether certain groups of people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications from infection with this new virus.

CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care.

This action can avoid spreading illness further:
First and most important: wash your hands.
Try to stay in good general health.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active,
manage your stress,
drink plenty of fluids,
eat nutritious food.
Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. Other important actions that you can take are:
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. If you live in areas where cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

Body Basic: The Life Process

2008-09-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Topic: Body Basics: The life process and how it works

Innate intelligence refers to an internal guiding force in humans that works to sustain health, attack disease, and restore the body from the effects of trauma.A state of balance among all the systems needed for the body to function correctly, and The human body is a dynamic self-regulator to keep this balance gong for 80, 90 even a hundred years of life. In homeostatic balance, bodily processes work in concert. When we suffer an injury or become infected, the body automatically repairs itself or attacks the infection. When we’re too warm, we perspire; when too cold, we shiver. Survival is the body's most important business. Even when we as humans do not want to live or feel depressed as if we can’t stand another day our bodies will not let that happen.

The body's ability to perform many of its functions changes gradually over the years. In general, the body performs its functions least well at both ends of life - in infancy and in old age. During childhood, body functions gradually become more and more efficient and effective. During late maturity and old age the opposite is true. They gradually become less and less efficient and effective. During young adulthood, they normally operate with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Life Process

All living organisms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from non-living forms. The basic processes of life include organization, metabolism, responsiveness, movements, and reproduction. In humans, who represent the most complex from of life, there are additional requirements such as growth, differentiation, respiration, digestion, and excretion. All of these processes are interrelated. No part of the body, from the smallest cell to a complete body system, works in isolation. All function together, in fine-tuned balance, for the well being of the individual and to maintain life. Disease such as cancer and death represent a disruption of the balance in these processes.

The following is a brief description of the life process:

Organization
At all levels of the organizational scheme, there is a division of labor. Each component has its own job to perform in cooperation with others. Even a single cell, if it loses its integrity or organization, will die.

Metabolism
Metabolism is a broad term that includes all the chemical reactions that occur in the body. One phase of metabolism is catabolism in which complex substances are broken down into simpler building blocks and energy is released.

Responsiveness
Responsiveness or irritability is concerned with detecting changes in the internal or external environments and reacting to that change. It is the act of sensing a stimulus and responding to it.

Movement
There are many types of movement within the body. On the cellular level, molecules move from one place to another. Blood moves from one part of the body to another. The diaphragm moves with every breath. The ability of muscle fibers to shorten and thus to produce movement is called contractility.

Reproduction
For most people, reproduction refers to the formation of a new person, the birth of a baby. In this way, life is transmitted from one generation to the next through reproduction of the organism. In a broader sense, reproduction also refers to the formation of new cells for the replacement and repair of old cells as well as for growth. This is cellular reproduction. Both are essential to the survival of the human race.

Growth
Growth refers to an increase in size either through an increase in the number of cells or through an increase in the size of each individual cell. In order for growth to occur, anabolic processes must occur at a faster rate than catabolic processes.

Differentiation
Differentiation is a developmental process by which unspecialized cells change into specialized cells with distinctive structural and functional characteristics. Through differentiation, cells develop into tissues and organs.

Respiration
Respiration refers to all the processes involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the cells and the external environment. It includes ventilation, the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the transport of the gases in the blood. Cellular respiration deals with the cell's utilization of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide in its metabolism.
DigestionDigestion is the process of breaking down complex ingested foods into simple molecules that can be absorbed into the blood and utilized by the body.

Excretion
Excretion is the process that removes the waste products of digestion and metabolism from the body. It gets rid of by-products that the body is unable to use, many of which are toxic and incompatible with life.

The ten life processes described above are not enough to ensure the survival of the individual. If we compare this to the concept of saving one’s soul, the concept of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are interdependent to one another. Salvation is not found in any one aspect. It is the combination of all parts that provides a complete relationship to God. Life is more than just these ten processes. In addition to these processes, life depends on certain physical factors. These include water, nutrients (in the form of a healthy diet), exercise, sleep/rest, relationships/interaction with other people and a spiritual foundation. These factors allow the body processes to be stronger essentially increasing not only your life but providing influences toward your purpose.

Smart Eating Series: Grains

2008-07-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Eat Smart: Choose Whole Grains

What are whole grains?
Whole grains include all the components and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed: The bran, this fiber-rich outer layer contains important phytochemicals, B vitamins, and minerals. The endosperm, the center section contains complex carbohydrates, protein and some B vitamins. The germ, the nutrient-rich inner core contains B Vitamins, Vitamin E, unsaturated fat, phytochemicals and antioxidants

What are the nutritional benefits of whole grains?
Whole grains are less processed than highly refined grains. This means that vitamins, minerals and fiber are not lost during processing. In addition to providing essential nutrients, whole grains contain phytochemicals and antioxidants and also add texture and flavor to the diet. The fiber derived from whole grains, plays a positive role in satiety and can help you feel full longer, which may aid in weight control. Additionally, fiber can help normalize blood sugar and reduce blood cholesterol levels.

How many whole grain servings do you need?
MEAL AMOUNT SERVING
Breakfast: Oatmeal (hot, cooked)
½ Cup/serving

Lunch: Lean Cuisine® Spa Cuisine™
I entrée*/Serving

Snack: 100% Whole Grain Crackers with 1 oz. cheese
4 crackers/Serving

Dinner: Grilled Chicken and Brown Rice
1/3 cup brown rice/Serving

Snack: Popcorn, popped
2 cups/Serving

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released in January 2005, recommend that individuals eat at least half of their grains as whole grains. For adults, this translates into three or more servings of whole grains every day.What is a whole grain serving?
The USDA defines a whole grain serving as any food containing 16 grams of whole grain. Most whole grain foods are a combination of whole grain (16 grams), and water, sugar, fat and other ingredients make up the balance to equal ~1 oz. (28 grams) serving. So, the guideline for adults is to aim for at least three-ounce equivalents of whole grains each day. In general, 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of cereal, ½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal is 1 oz. of whole grains so long as the "whole" grain is listed early in the ingredient statement.Everyday ways to add whole grains:
Look for: claims like “Excellent source of whole grain” or “100% whole wheat”, “whole grain (name of grain)”, “stone ground whole (grain)” or “brown rice”.Steer clear:
Words that DO NOT necessarily mean the product is a whole grain source include: wheat flour, organic flour, multigrain, enriched flour, bran, wheat germ, semolina, durum wheat.

LEAN CUISINE® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.© 2008 America On the Move Foundation. All rights reserved.
America On the Move® would like to thank our National Program Sponsor, LEAN CUISINE® for contributing this article.

Sharpening Your Brain

2008-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Many of us walk through life doing the same repetitive tasks that you have learned years ago. This repetitive nature is causing your brain to function on auto pilot. I am not saying the day to day tasks that you do are not important, whether to your familiy or lifestyle. I am saying that you have to give your brain a jolt or two to keep it from failing you.

If you have ever had a problem with remembering a persons name just after you have met them or remembering that one critical fact or thought. Lets maake it even simplier, being able to recall a easy recipe or direction. These are indications that you may not be properly stimulating your brain. The fact is the brain uses 20% of Oxygen Breathed Although the brain accounts for only 2% of the whole body's mass, it uses 20% of all the oxygen we breathe. A continuous supply of oxygen is necessary for survival. A loss of oxygen for 10 minutes can result in significant neural damage.

This trend you may be experiencing can be overcome by simply sharpening your brain. Good health is more than just physical exercise it requires a clear thought. Studies done by Dustman et al. (1984) and by Molloy et al. (1988) has identified an association between physical fitness and cognitive performance has been identified for certain cognitive tasks. You have to do two things to reverse the curent effects you may be experiencing. You must charge your brain and you must feed your brain the right foods.

Your brain thrives on new and different activities. So charge your brain by doing new and different things. Doing a crossword puzzle, reading a book or to really challenge yourself and charge your brain, try writing with your non-dominant hand. These simple and fun ways can stimulate several regions of the brain. Regular exercise can be an effective way to treat some forms of depression. Physical activity alters brain chemistry and leads to feelings of wellbeing. Exercise can also be an effective treatment for anxiety. Some research studies indicate that regular exercise may be as effective as other treatments like medication to relieve mild to moderate depression. Elsayed, Ismail, and Young (1980) proposed three reasons why exercise improved fitness and also enhanced cognitive functioning. They proposed that increased transportation of oxygen and glucose to the brain, as well as increased self-esteem and decreased psychological distress, would result in improved performance on complex psychological tasks. Feeding your brain means eating the right types of food. I am not saying throw away all the junk food in your cabinets. I am saying that adding certain foods to an already healthy diet will improve your brain function. Foods such as fish like Tuna or Salmon two times weekly, dark colored fruits and vegetables, nuts, water and tea, dark chocolate and even 1-2 cups of coffee per day will feed the brain the foods necessary nutrients for improved function.

In conclusion, implementing these small additions to your diet and lifestyle can have significant effects on your mental clarity. The data suggests that there is a potential importance of physical exercise, such as walking, in maintaining or enhancing cognitive performance in older adults.

Sources:

Dustman, R.E., Ruhling, R.O., Russell, E.M., Shearer, D.E., Bonekat, H.W., Shigeoka, J.W., Wood, J.S., & Bradford, D.C. (1984). Aerobic exercise training and improved neuropsychological function of older adults. Neurobiology of Aging, 35-42.

Elsayed, M., Ismail, A. H., & Young, R.J. (1980). Intellectual differences of adult men related to age and physical fitness before and after an exercise program. Journal of Gerontology, 35,383-387.

Molloy, D.W., Beerschoten, D.A, Borrie, M.J., Crilly, R.G., & Cape, R.D.T. (1988). Acute effects of exercise on neuropsychological function in elderly subjects. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 36, 29-33.

Smart Eating Series: Low fat diets= Low expectations for health

2008-03-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Researcher claims low-fat diets fuel obesity

For those who wonder why Americans are carbohydrate-addicted, depressed, suffering from heart disease and heavier than ever, you need not look any further than the low-fat myth that has been perpetuated for the last 30 years, according to researcher Phoenix Gilman.

“I like to call this the low-fat myth, because there wasn’t one long-term study that verified the efficacy of such a diet,” Gilman said. “First of all, eating healthy fats such as fresh cheese, real butter, eggs, heavy cream and olive oil does not trigger insulin, the hormone that, among many things, is the fat-building/fat-storing hormone.

“If you’re eating a low-fat diet, you’re definitely eating too many carbs,” said Gilman, author of Diet Failure … The Naked Truth. “Typical low-fat breakfast: Cheerios, skim milk, blueberries, glass of orange juice and coffee with Splenda; low -fat snacks: yogurt or smoothie with banana, pineapple and low-fat milk. These foods are nothing but sugar — ‘simple carbs’ — in the same family as a candy bar. Each one will trigger insulin, causing the body to store fat. The liquid carbs — juice, milk and smoothie — will affect blood-sugar levels even more dramatically.”

Though the low-fat diet has not worked, the fear of eating healthy fat still runs rampant, evident in the ever-growing rate of obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, according to Gilman.

Source : Phoenix Gilman, http://www.dietfailurethenakedtruth.com/
Article presented via Chiro Economic magazine

Smart Eating Series: Foods That Prevent Belly Fat

2008-03-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

To the ancient Greeks, olive oil was liquid gold. For the Aztecs, chocolate was sacred. Almonds were prized by Egypt's pharaohs, and avocados have symbolized fertility for centuries. These can't-live-without-'em foods share more than history; they also share unique health properties. They're packed with monounsaturated fatty acids (also known as MUFAs, pronounced MOO-fahs), those good-for-you fats that protect you from chronic disease and, according to new research, can help you lose fat, specifically around your middle. That's why they're at the heart of the Flat Belly Diet.

There are five major categories of MUFAs: (1) oils, (2) nuts and seeds, (3) avocado, (4) olives, and (5) chocolate. Eating one serving of any of these foods at every meal will help reduce your accumulation of dangerous belly fat; control your calorie intake and you'll lose inches and pounds, too--especially around your waistline. These mouth-watering recipes make it easy. Each portion contains high levels of MUFA, plus serving suggestions that allow you to create a meal that contains around 400 calories--enough to control your hunger and boost your energy without exceeding your daily needs. You can easily fit these meals into the Flat Belly Diet menu plans, but even if you're not following the diet, you can still enjoy the rich flavor of MUFAs and their numerous health benefits. For centuries, these foods and fats have been hard to resist

1. Oils
Pick your MUFA: Canola oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, pesto sauce, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil
Use them like this: Stir-fry with sesame, peanut, or canola oil; pan-fry in walnut or olive oil; spread pesto on a sandwich, drizzle it over soups or grilled foods, or toss it with rice or pasta; add walnut, sesame, or olive oil to marinades; cook with safflower, soybean, or sunflower oil; use flaxseed oil in salad dressings (flaxseed oil cannot be used for cooking)
A serving equals: 1 tablespoon

2. Nuts & Seeds
Pick your MUFA: Almonds, almond butter, Brazil nuts, cashew butter, chunky natural peanut butter, dry-roasted cashews, dry-roasted peanuts, dry-roasted sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, roasted pumpkin seeds, smooth natural peanut butter, sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter, tahini (sesame seed paste), walnutsUse them like this: Eat these foods as a snack; sprinkle on a salad; crush and use as a crunchy topping for fish and chicken (dip fish or chicken in lightly beaten egg white to help nuts adhere); spread nut butters on crackers, bread, or fruit; stir nut butters into soups and sauces to add body and flavor

3. Avocado
Pick your MUFA: Florida avocado, Hass avocado
Use them like this: Slice and serve with a salad or any entrée; mash with lime juice, salt, and pepper and serve with chips; chop and fold into store-bought salsa. A serving equals: 1/4 cup

4. Olives
Pick your MUFA: Black olives, black olive tapenade, green olives, green olive tapenade Use them like this: Serve olives as a snack; sprinkle sliced olives on pizzas, salads, or pastas; spread tapenade on crackers or sandwiches; stuff tapenade into chicken breasts or fish fillets A serving equals: 10 large olives or 2 tablespoons of tapenade

5. Chocolate
Pick your MUFA: Dark or semisweet chocolate chips, shavings, or chunks
Use them like this: Any way you crave! A serving equals: 1/4 cup

original article from WebMD Feature from "Prevention" Magazine Copyright© 2006 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved. Prevention is a Registered Trademark of Rodale Inc. No reproduction, transmission or display is permitted without the written permissions of Rodale Inc.