Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Concussion: What You Should Know
What is a concussion?
The brain is made up of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is enclosed in the hard, protective skull. When a person has a head trauma, the brain can move around inside the skull and even hit against the walls of the skull. This can lead to bruising of the brain, shearing/tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, it can lead to a temporary loss of normal brain function, also known as a concussion.
The signs of a head injury, such as a concussion, don't always present themselves immediately. Sometimes the warning signs /symptoms don't show up for several hours; sometimes even days later. Even what is perceived as a minor blow to the head can result in a serious head injury that, if left untreated, can result is life-threatening complications.
The following signs and symptoms provide a warning that your head injury requires immediate medical attention:
Difficulty remembering recent events or personal information
Severe headache, particularly if it comes on quickly and in a specific location
Severe stiffness in neck
Mental confusion or strange behavior
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, poor balance, or unsteady gait
Weakness in arms or legs
Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
Unequal pupil sizes
More emotional, irritable, sadness, crying, nervousness or anxious
Feeling slowed down
Sensitivity to light or noise
Have unusual Behavior
Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Loss of appetite
Persistent ringing in the ears
Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
Slurred speech
Visual problems, such as seeing stars or blurred vision
Bleeding or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
Convulsions/seizures
Perseverating (saying the same thing over and over)
Loss of consciousness
Someone who takes warfarin (Coumadin or any other blood thinner) for a medical problem and suffers a significant blow to the head.
Severe head trauma, i.e., a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object with resulting bleeding or laceration.
Danger Signs in Children:
Take your child to the emergency department right away if they received a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, and:
Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above.
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
Will not nurse or eat.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion, family members, or doctors. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling another way. Encourage children to report any of the above, and do not allow them to partake in a game or practice until a qualified medical professional has given the OK and they are 100% symptom-free both at rest and activity.
The American Academy of Neurologists has released the following Guidelines as of October 2010:
Recommendations:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents, and coaches.
Position Statement History
Approved by the AAN Sports Neurology Section, Practice Committee, and Board of Directors October 2010 (AAN Policy 2010-36).
For more information visit the CDC website "Concussion in Sports"
Disclaimer About Medical Information:The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like Susan Mackey, DC is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider.
No Medical Advice.The information posted here by Susan Mackey, DC is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that Susan Mackey, DC visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.
The brain is made up of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is enclosed in the hard, protective skull. When a person has a head trauma, the brain can move around inside the skull and even hit against the walls of the skull. This can lead to bruising of the brain, shearing/tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, it can lead to a temporary loss of normal brain function, also known as a concussion.
The signs of a head injury, such as a concussion, don't always present themselves immediately. Sometimes the warning signs /symptoms don't show up for several hours; sometimes even days later. Even what is perceived as a minor blow to the head can result in a serious head injury that, if left untreated, can result is life-threatening complications.
The following signs and symptoms provide a warning that your head injury requires immediate medical attention:
Difficulty remembering recent events or personal information
Severe headache, particularly if it comes on quickly and in a specific location
Severe stiffness in neck
Mental confusion or strange behavior
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, poor balance, or unsteady gait
Weakness in arms or legs
Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
Unequal pupil sizes
More emotional, irritable, sadness, crying, nervousness or anxious
Feeling slowed down
Sensitivity to light or noise
Have unusual Behavior
Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Loss of appetite
Persistent ringing in the ears
Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears
Slurred speech
Visual problems, such as seeing stars or blurred vision
Bleeding or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
Convulsions/seizures
Perseverating (saying the same thing over and over)
Loss of consciousness
Someone who takes warfarin (Coumadin or any other blood thinner) for a medical problem and suffers a significant blow to the head.
Severe head trauma, i.e., a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object with resulting bleeding or laceration.
Danger Signs in Children:
Take your child to the emergency department right away if they received a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, and:
Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above.
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
Will not nurse or eat.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion, family members, or doctors. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling another way. Encourage children to report any of the above, and do not allow them to partake in a game or practice until a qualified medical professional has given the OK and they are 100% symptom-free both at rest and activity.
The American Academy of Neurologists has released the following Guidelines as of October 2010:
Recommendations:
1. Any athlete who is suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until he or she is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions
2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion.
3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clearing the athlete for return to participation.
4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion.
5. Education efforts should be maximized to improve the understanding of concussion by all athletes, parents, and coaches.
Position Statement History
Approved by the AAN Sports Neurology Section, Practice Committee, and Board of Directors October 2010 (AAN Policy 2010-36).
For more information visit the CDC website "Concussion in Sports"
Disclaimer About Medical Information:The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like Susan Mackey, DC is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider.
No Medical Advice.The information posted here by Susan Mackey, DC is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that Susan Mackey, DC visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
(Aug. 5) -- Heart transplants could one day be a thing of the past, as scientists are reporting the first steps toward fixing broken hearts with the body's own cells.
Two studies released this week offer exciting glimpses into the future of regenerative medicine. One transforms ordinary cells into more complex cells that form beating heart muscle, and another blocks two genes that suppress cell proliferation. Surge Desk reviews the respective breakthroughs and their implications for future treatment:
Reprogramming the Heart to Heal Itself
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at the University of California, San Francisco, used three genes to convert fibroblasts -- basic cells that can be reprogrammed using genetic manipulation -- into beating muscle cells.
Fibroblasts already comprise about half the heart's cells, meaning a non-invasive drug approach that triggered the right genes could allow the heart to repair itself.
After injecting the manipulated cells into mice, researchers saw them transform into functional, beating muscle cells in two weeks.
"It points to a whole new way of potentially doing therapy," Chad Cowan, an expert in regenerative biology at Harvard, told Bloomberg. "This gives you the idea that you can take those fibroblasts, re-educate them to become heart muscle and thereby repair someone's heart."
Reining-in Growth Genes
The second study, out of Stanford University and published in Cell Stem Cell, compared the genes of mice to those of newts -- renowned for their regenerative capabilities.
"Newts regenerate tissues very effectively," Helen Blau, a co-author on the study, told Reuters."In contrast, mammals are pathetic. We can regenerate our livers, and that's about it."
After finding two genes that seem to suppress tumor growth in mammals, researchers speculated that the genes were an evolutionary adaptation that help mammals stave off cancer. The price we pay? Limited ability to regenerate cells.
When they blocked the genes in the heart tissue of mice, cells started to divide and proliferate. That kind of process, uncontrolled, would lead to tumors. If scientists can rein it in, it would allow our organs to regenerate following damage.
The Promise of Both Studies
The results of both studies are good news for the 5 million Americans suffering from heart failure. Heart disease is, after all, still the leading cause of death in the country.
And beyond hearts, the studies also suggest the prospect of repairing other organs using similar mechanisms, rather than transplants, implants or other artificial devices.
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
Two studies released this week offer exciting glimpses into the future of regenerative medicine. One transforms ordinary cells into more complex cells that form beating heart muscle, and another blocks two genes that suppress cell proliferation. Surge Desk reviews the respective breakthroughs and their implications for future treatment:
Reprogramming the Heart to Heal Itself
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at the University of California, San Francisco, used three genes to convert fibroblasts -- basic cells that can be reprogrammed using genetic manipulation -- into beating muscle cells.
Fibroblasts already comprise about half the heart's cells, meaning a non-invasive drug approach that triggered the right genes could allow the heart to repair itself.
After injecting the manipulated cells into mice, researchers saw them transform into functional, beating muscle cells in two weeks.
"It points to a whole new way of potentially doing therapy," Chad Cowan, an expert in regenerative biology at Harvard, told Bloomberg. "This gives you the idea that you can take those fibroblasts, re-educate them to become heart muscle and thereby repair someone's heart."
Reining-in Growth Genes
The second study, out of Stanford University and published in Cell Stem Cell, compared the genes of mice to those of newts -- renowned for their regenerative capabilities.
"Newts regenerate tissues very effectively," Helen Blau, a co-author on the study, told Reuters."In contrast, mammals are pathetic. We can regenerate our livers, and that's about it."
After finding two genes that seem to suppress tumor growth in mammals, researchers speculated that the genes were an evolutionary adaptation that help mammals stave off cancer. The price we pay? Limited ability to regenerate cells.
When they blocked the genes in the heart tissue of mice, cells started to divide and proliferate. That kind of process, uncontrolled, would lead to tumors. If scientists can rein it in, it would allow our organs to regenerate following damage.
The Promise of Both Studies
The results of both studies are good news for the 5 million Americans suffering from heart failure. Heart disease is, after all, still the leading cause of death in the country.
And beyond hearts, the studies also suggest the prospect of repairing other organs using similar mechanisms, rather than transplants, implants or other artificial devices.
Regenerative Medicine to Repair Broken Hearts
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
1 workout/1 skipped desert?
How much weight would you permanently lose if you worked out once and skipped a dessert today?" Not much, right? Chiropractic care is a lifestyle and that permanent changes are unlikely with just a few visits. In fact, if patients are truly interested in weight loss or a toning program, a regular exercise program and better nutrition must become a way of life. Health is a process, not an event.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunscreen Dangers
Video on CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/health/2010/07/08/askthedoc.dangerous.sunscreen.cnn.html
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/health/2010/07/08/askthedoc.dangerous.sunscreen.cnn.html
Study: Many Sunscreens May Be Accelerating Cancer
WASHINGTON (May 24) -- Almost half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer because they contain vitamin A or its derivatives, according to an evaluation of those products released today.
AOL News also has learned through documents and interviews that the Food and Drug Administration has known of the potential danger for as long as a decade without alerting the public, which the FDA denies.
The study was released with Memorial Day weekend approaching. Store shelves throughout the country are already crammed with tubes, jars, bottles and spray cans of sunscreen.
The white goop, creams and ointments might prevent sunburn. But don't count on them to keep the ultraviolet light from destroying your skin cells and causing tumors and lesions, according to researchers at Environmental Working Group.
In their annual report to consumers on sunscreen, they say that only 39 of the 500 products they examined were considered safe and effective to use.
The report cites these problems with bogus sun protection factor (SPF) numbers:
But the most alarming disclosure in this year's report is the finding that vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate, may speed up the cancer that sunscreen is used to prevent.
A dangerous additive
The industry includes vitamin A in its sunscreen formulations because it is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging.
But the EWG researchers found the initial findings of an FDA study of vitamin A's photocarcinogenic properties, meaning the possibility that it results in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.
"In that yearlong study, tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in a vitamin A-laced cream than animals treated with a vitamin-free cream," the report said.
The conclusion came from EWG's analysis of initial findings released last fall by the FDA and the National Toxicology Program, the federal government's principle evaluator of substances that raise public health concerns.
EWG's conclusions were subsequently scrutinized by outside toxicologists.
Based on the strength of the findings by FDA's own scientists, many in the public health community say they can't believe nor understand why the agency hasn't already notified the public of the possible danger.
"There was enough evidence 10 years ago for FDA to caution consumers against the use of vitamin A in sunscreens," Jane Houlihan, EWG's senior vice president for research, told AOL News.
"FDA launched this one-year study, completed their research and now 10 years later, they say nothing about it, just silence."
On Friday, the FDA said the allegations are not true.
"We have thoroughly checked and are not aware of any studies," an FDA spokesperson told AOL News. She said she checked with bosses throughout the agency and found no one who knew of the vitamin A sunscreen research being done by or on behalf of the agency.
But documents from the FDA and the National Toxicology Program showed that the agency had done the research.
"Retinyl palmitate was selected by (FDA's) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for photo-toxicity and photocarcinogenicity testing based on the increasingly widespread use of this compound in cosmetic retail products for use on sun-exposed skin," said an October 2000 report by the National Toxicology Program.
FDA's own website said the animal studies were done at its National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Ark. And it was scientists from the FDA center and National Toxicology Program who posted the study data last fall.
In a perfect world
The ideal sunscreen would completely block the UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours and not form harmful ingredients when degraded by UV light, the report said.
But in the U.S., there is currently no sunscreen that meets all of these criteria. European countries have more chemical combinations to offer, but in the U.S. the major choice is between the "chemical" sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body's hormone systems, and "mineral" sunscreens zinc and titanium dioxide.
Increasingly, as AOL News reported in March, the industry is using titanium dioxide that is made nanosized, which a growing number of researchers believe have serious health implications.
The sunscreen industry cringes when EWG releases its yearly report -- this is its fourth. The industry charges that the advocacy group wants to do away with all sunscreen products, a claim that is not accurate.
The report's researchers clearly say that an effective sunscreen prevents more damage than it causes, but it wants consumers to have accurate information on the limitations of what they buy and on the potentially harmful chemicals in some of those products.
EWG does warn consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available, they say.
Don't count on the numbers
Some of us are old enough to remember when the idea of having a tan was good, a sign of health, when billboards and magazine ads featured the Coppertone girl showing off her tan when a puppy pulls down her bathing suit bottom.
Going for that tan, we coated our kids and ourselves with sun blockers with sun protection factors of 1 or 2. Some overly cautious parents might have smeared on a 4 during the hottest part of a day.
But we've learned of the dangers that come from exposure to the sun's rays, especially ultraviolet A and B. So today, drugstore shelves are crammed with sunscreens boasting SPFs of 30, 45, 80 or even higher.
However, the new report says those numbers are often meaningless and dangerous because products with high SPF ratings sell a false sense of security, encouraging people using them to stay out in the sun longer.
"People don't get the high SPF they pay for," the report says. "People apply about a quarter of the recommended amount. So in everyday practice, a product labeled SPF 100 really performs like SPF 3.2, an SPF 30 rating equates to a 2.3 and an SPF 15 translates to 2."
In 2007, the report says, the FDA published proposed regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens with an SPF higher than "SPF 50." The agency wrote that higher values would be "inherently misleading," given that "there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful."
This is being widely ignored by the sunscreen makers who are heavily advertising their 80, 90 and 100 SPF products.
"Flouting FDA's proposed regulation," companies substantially increased their high-SPF offerings in 2010 with one in six brands now listing SPF values higher than 50. "Neutrogena and Banana Boat stand out among the offenders, with six and four products labeled as 'SPF 100,' respectively," the new report says.
The full list of the best and worst sunscreens can be found on the EWG's searchable database. (Update: The database has been loading slowly today. You may want to try it again later.)
AOL News also has learned through documents and interviews that the Food and Drug Administration has known of the potential danger for as long as a decade without alerting the public, which the FDA denies.
The study was released with Memorial Day weekend approaching. Store shelves throughout the country are already crammed with tubes, jars, bottles and spray cans of sunscreen.
The white goop, creams and ointments might prevent sunburn. But don't count on them to keep the ultraviolet light from destroying your skin cells and causing tumors and lesions, according to researchers at Environmental Working Group.
In their annual report to consumers on sunscreen, they say that only 39 of the 500 products they examined were considered safe and effective to use.
The report cites these problems with bogus sun protection factor (SPF) numbers:
- The use of the hormone-disrupting chemical oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
- Overstated claims about performance.
- The lack of needed regulations and oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.
But the most alarming disclosure in this year's report is the finding that vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate, may speed up the cancer that sunscreen is used to prevent.
Environmental Working Group
A dangerous additive
The industry includes vitamin A in its sunscreen formulations because it is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging.
But the EWG researchers found the initial findings of an FDA study of vitamin A's photocarcinogenic properties, meaning the possibility that it results in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.
"In that yearlong study, tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in a vitamin A-laced cream than animals treated with a vitamin-free cream," the report said.
The conclusion came from EWG's analysis of initial findings released last fall by the FDA and the National Toxicology Program, the federal government's principle evaluator of substances that raise public health concerns.
EWG's conclusions were subsequently scrutinized by outside toxicologists.
Based on the strength of the findings by FDA's own scientists, many in the public health community say they can't believe nor understand why the agency hasn't already notified the public of the possible danger.
"There was enough evidence 10 years ago for FDA to caution consumers against the use of vitamin A in sunscreens," Jane Houlihan, EWG's senior vice president for research, told AOL News.
"FDA launched this one-year study, completed their research and now 10 years later, they say nothing about it, just silence."
On Friday, the FDA said the allegations are not true.
"We have thoroughly checked and are not aware of any studies," an FDA spokesperson told AOL News. She said she checked with bosses throughout the agency and found no one who knew of the vitamin A sunscreen research being done by or on behalf of the agency.
But documents from the FDA and the National Toxicology Program showed that the agency had done the research.
"Retinyl palmitate was selected by (FDA's) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for photo-toxicity and photocarcinogenicity testing based on the increasingly widespread use of this compound in cosmetic retail products for use on sun-exposed skin," said an October 2000 report by the National Toxicology Program.
FDA's own website said the animal studies were done at its National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Ark. And it was scientists from the FDA center and National Toxicology Program who posted the study data last fall.
In a perfect world
The ideal sunscreen would completely block the UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours and not form harmful ingredients when degraded by UV light, the report said.
National Cancer Institute
Graph of melanoma of the skin rates from 1975 to 2006. APC stands for annual percent change and AAPC stands for average annual percent change.
But in the U.S., there is currently no sunscreen that meets all of these criteria. European countries have more chemical combinations to offer, but in the U.S. the major choice is between the "chemical" sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body's hormone systems, and "mineral" sunscreens zinc and titanium dioxide.
Increasingly, as AOL News reported in March, the industry is using titanium dioxide that is made nanosized, which a growing number of researchers believe have serious health implications.
The sunscreen industry cringes when EWG releases its yearly report -- this is its fourth. The industry charges that the advocacy group wants to do away with all sunscreen products, a claim that is not accurate.
The report's researchers clearly say that an effective sunscreen prevents more damage than it causes, but it wants consumers to have accurate information on the limitations of what they buy and on the potentially harmful chemicals in some of those products.
EWG does warn consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available, they say.
Don't count on the numbers
Some of us are old enough to remember when the idea of having a tan was good, a sign of health, when billboards and magazine ads featured the Coppertone girl showing off her tan when a puppy pulls down her bathing suit bottom.
Going for that tan, we coated our kids and ourselves with sun blockers with sun protection factors of 1 or 2. Some overly cautious parents might have smeared on a 4 during the hottest part of a day.
But we've learned of the dangers that come from exposure to the sun's rays, especially ultraviolet A and B. So today, drugstore shelves are crammed with sunscreens boasting SPFs of 30, 45, 80 or even higher.
However, the new report says those numbers are often meaningless and dangerous because products with high SPF ratings sell a false sense of security, encouraging people using them to stay out in the sun longer.
"People don't get the high SPF they pay for," the report says. "People apply about a quarter of the recommended amount. So in everyday practice, a product labeled SPF 100 really performs like SPF 3.2, an SPF 30 rating equates to a 2.3 and an SPF 15 translates to 2."
In 2007, the report says, the FDA published proposed regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens with an SPF higher than "SPF 50." The agency wrote that higher values would be "inherently misleading," given that "there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful."
This is being widely ignored by the sunscreen makers who are heavily advertising their 80, 90 and 100 SPF products.
"Flouting FDA's proposed regulation," companies substantially increased their high-SPF offerings in 2010 with one in six brands now listing SPF values higher than 50. "Neutrogena and Banana Boat stand out among the offenders, with six and four products labeled as 'SPF 100,' respectively," the new report says.
The full list of the best and worst sunscreens can be found on the EWG's searchable database. (Update: The database has been loading slowly today. You may want to try it again later.)
Growing Risk of Body Piercing
As the rate of body piercing grows, so does the rate of unnecessary infection and some of these infections can be life threatening. A November 2009 study found that the longer a tongue piercing is in place, the greater the presence of high periodontopathogenic microbes. Another 2009 article reported multiple brain abscesses linked to tongue piercing. As the social picture continues to change, parents are permitting younger children to have more ear and other piercings. This is translating into an added lifestyle elected health risk. A study at one hospital found that children visiting the clinic for piercing-related infections had a mean age of 8. They concluded that “Embedded earring is an uncommon complaint among children presenting to a pediatric ED. Young children are likely overrepresented in the occurrence of this problem, which supports the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to postpone ear piercing until self-care is achievable.”
http://www.chiroaccess.com/News/Growing-Risks-of-Body-Piercing.aspx?id=0000084
http://www.chiroaccess.com/News/Growing-Risks-of-Body-Piercing.aspx?id=0000084
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tanning Beds Increase Melanoma Risk by 75 Percent
Tanning Beds Increase Melanoma Risk by 75 Percent
Published on February 25, 2010 Chiro Access
The risk of melanoma is increased by 75% for individuals under age 30 that use tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and melanoma accounts for 73% of the skin cancer related deaths. A growing body of epidemiological research points to tanning beds as more of a risk than previously thought. The new studies have prompted experts at both the CDC and IARC to elevate these UV emitting tanning beds to a high risk "Group 1 device". This was done "based on data that strongly link tanning devices to increased risk of melanoma of the skin and ocular melanoma". A January 2010 review of the scientific evidence can be found in the journal of Dermatological Therapy. (see abstract below).
Despite the positive influence of UV exposure to increase vitamin D levels, the risks far outweigh any positive benefit. The FDA has recommended a complete ban on the use of tanning beds for anyone under 18 years of age. Tanning beds present other risks including premature aging and the spread of infection. There are studies that also find them addictive to some individuals. If you engage in a “wellness” practice, advising your patients of the risks of tanning beds would be an important step in primary prevention.
If you are concerned about your patients getting adequate vitamin D levels, please see the following review and discussion: The Implications of Vitamin D Insufficiency in a Chiropractic and Wellness Practice.
Published on February 25, 2010 Chiro Access
The risk of melanoma is increased by 75% for individuals under age 30 that use tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and melanoma accounts for 73% of the skin cancer related deaths. A growing body of epidemiological research points to tanning beds as more of a risk than previously thought. The new studies have prompted experts at both the CDC and IARC to elevate these UV emitting tanning beds to a high risk "Group 1 device". This was done "based on data that strongly link tanning devices to increased risk of melanoma of the skin and ocular melanoma". A January 2010 review of the scientific evidence can be found in the journal of Dermatological Therapy. (see abstract below).
Despite the positive influence of UV exposure to increase vitamin D levels, the risks far outweigh any positive benefit. The FDA has recommended a complete ban on the use of tanning beds for anyone under 18 years of age. Tanning beds present other risks including premature aging and the spread of infection. There are studies that also find them addictive to some individuals. If you engage in a “wellness” practice, advising your patients of the risks of tanning beds would be an important step in primary prevention.
If you are concerned about your patients getting adequate vitamin D levels, please see the following review and discussion: The Implications of Vitamin D Insufficiency in a Chiropractic and Wellness Practice.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
9 things that can make allergy worse:
http://www.prevention.com/makingallergiesworse/index.shtml?cm_mmc=MSNBC-_-RSS%20Autobox-_-Article-_-9%20Things%20That%20Make%20Allergies%20Worse
http://www.prevention.com/makingallergiesworse/index.shtml?cm_mmc=MSNBC-_-RSS%20Autobox-_-Article-_-9%20Things%20That%20Make%20Allergies%20Worse
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Walk a little , Lose a lot
No special equipment needed—just a bench, tree, steps, and playground bars. Do this 40-minute routine 4 times a week, with 2–3 brisk 40-minute weekly walks, and you’ll see a difference in just 2 weeks
http://living.health.com/2010/03/31/walk-a-little-lose-a-lot/
http://living.health.com/2010/03/31/walk-a-little-lose-a-lot/
Monday, March 29, 2010
Is your breakfast giving you cancer?
By Laura Beil
updated 8:39 a.m. ET, Mon., March. 29, 2010
Chances are, you started your day with a generous helping of folic acid. For more than a decade, the government has required enriched grains — most notably white flour and white rice — to be fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate.
Many food manufacturers take it further, giving breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, and beverages a folic acid boost, too. The extra nutrient isn't meant for you, though — it's added to protect fetuses from developing rare but tragic birth defects. The fortification effort appears successful: Since 1998, the number of these birth defects dropped by about 19 percent. But for women past the years of having children, as well as for men of any age, unnatural dosages of this nutrient don't seem to be helpful — and may even be harmful. to read more go to:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35874922/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
updated 8:39 a.m. ET, Mon., March. 29, 2010
Chances are, you started your day with a generous helping of folic acid. For more than a decade, the government has required enriched grains — most notably white flour and white rice — to be fortified with folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate.
Many food manufacturers take it further, giving breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, and beverages a folic acid boost, too. The extra nutrient isn't meant for you, though — it's added to protect fetuses from developing rare but tragic birth defects. The fortification effort appears successful: Since 1998, the number of these birth defects dropped by about 19 percent. But for women past the years of having children, as well as for men of any age, unnatural dosages of this nutrient don't seem to be helpful — and may even be harmful. to read more go to:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35874922/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Breakthrough appraoch to fast weight loss and long term health!
http://drmackey.tsfl.com/esuite/home/drmackey/
Interval Training For fat Loss
People who complain they have no time to exercise may soon need another excuse.
Some experts say intense exercise sessions could help people squeeze an entire week's workout into less than an hour. Intense exercise regimens, or interval training, was originally developed for Olympic athletes and thought to be too strenuous for normal people.
But in recent years, studies in older people and those with health problems suggest many more people might be able to handle it. If true, that could revolutionize how officials advise people to exercise — and save millions of people hours in the gym every week. It is also a smarter way to exercise, experts say.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35581793/ns/health-fitness/
Some experts say intense exercise sessions could help people squeeze an entire week's workout into less than an hour. Intense exercise regimens, or interval training, was originally developed for Olympic athletes and thought to be too strenuous for normal people.
But in recent years, studies in older people and those with health problems suggest many more people might be able to handle it. If true, that could revolutionize how officials advise people to exercise — and save millions of people hours in the gym every week. It is also a smarter way to exercise, experts say.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35581793/ns/health-fitness/
Baby Sling Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 1 million baby slings made by Infantino were recalled Wednesday after claims linking them to three infant deaths.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said babies could suffocate in the soft fabric slings. The agency urged parents to immediately stop using the slings for babies under 4 months.
The recall involves 1 million Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36007916/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said babies could suffocate in the soft fabric slings. The agency urged parents to immediately stop using the slings for babies under 4 months.
The recall involves 1 million Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36007916/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What are the long term effects of Xanax?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/expert.q.a/03/23/xanax.long.term.use.raison/index.html
Monday, March 22, 2010
How the health care bill could affect you
How the health care bill could affect you...
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/19/interactive.health.care.benefits/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/19/interactive.health.care.benefits/index.html
Friday, March 19, 2010
Hands On Effective Chiropractic Care - products and services from Susan T Mackey DC, CCSP
It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you bounce back after the game. Dr. Susan Mackey does more than focus on where you hurt. Her specialty is finding out why you hurt and applying hands-on effective care that will get to the root of the problem.
Let Dr. Susan Mackey help you get back into the game this year.
Call For Your Appointment Today!
(631) 689-0049
Posted using ShareThis
Let Dr. Susan Mackey help you get back into the game this year.
Call For Your Appointment Today!
(631) 689-0049
Posted using ShareThis
FDA strengthens regulations to curb smoking by children
(CNN) -- Every day, nearly 4,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 18 try their first cigarette, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
And of those, a thousand become daily smokers.
Now, in an effort to fight the war on smoking -- especially when it comes to children -- the FDA is issuing a new rule titled Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents.
The rule contains federal requirements that will significantly curb adolescents' access to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. It would also keep manufacturers from marketing tobacco products for the younger smoker.
Too read moree.....
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/18/fda.smoking.children/index.html
And of those, a thousand become daily smokers.
Now, in an effort to fight the war on smoking -- especially when it comes to children -- the FDA is issuing a new rule titled Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents.
The rule contains federal requirements that will significantly curb adolescents' access to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. It would also keep manufacturers from marketing tobacco products for the younger smoker.
Too read moree.....
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/18/fda.smoking.children/index.html
Friday, January 15, 2010
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