tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11505272468967078362024-02-20T12:07:07.999-06:00Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic CenterHealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-66764878150609241712023-05-09T17:46:00.003-05:002023-05-09T17:46:56.639-05:00How much water do we really need each day?<p>I think that most people have heard we should drink 8 glasses of water per day. For most people, this is probably an OK recommendation. However, you have to consider other factors. These factors include such things as what climate we live in (humid, dry, etc), how active we are and other conditions (such as pregnancy). I generally tell patients to abide by this rule...drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. So, if you weigh 200 lbs, shoot for 100 oz of water daily. As long as you get close to that amount, you're probably doing alright. And while it is possible to drink too much water, it's highly unlikely if you follow this general rule. <br /></p><p>If you want to read more on this topic, you can follow this <a href="http://http://healinghandsofskokie.com/dailywater.html">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </p>HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-18062497448168115172021-11-05T11:12:00.000-05:002021-11-05T11:12:03.405-05:00What are the cracking sounds in my neck?<p>Do you ever turn your head and wonder what is causing the cracking sounds? Does this concern you? Well, most of the time these sounds are harmless. The medical term for this is crepitus. Patients often worry that this is a sign of something major or really bad arthritis. While these noises can at times be a indication of a bigger issue, they usually are not. However, a proper evaluation should be performed to rule out anything more than a nuisance. That's where your local chiropractor can come in handy. If you are concerned about noises coming from your neck, schedule a consult with a trusted doctor of chiropractic today!<br />
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If you want to read more on this topic, you can follow this <a href="http://healinghandsofskokie.com/neck-crepitus.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. <br /></p>HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-15880047590044347282021-11-05T11:07:00.002-05:002021-11-05T11:07:33.274-05:00Culprits of neck and back pain<p>Over the last 18 months I have had so many conversations with patients regarding the amount of time most of us are spending sitting since the beginning of the pandemic. Research has shown that sitting for long periods of time is detrimental not only to our physical bodies, but also negatively affects internal organs and mood. I recommend to anyone that is able to spend about half of their workday standing. There are numerous standing desk options available for a relatively small expense. I also recommend setting a timer for every 30 minutes so that you do not sit for too long of periods. Simply getting up and moving around the room for a minute or two can go a long ways to having a healthier body.<br />
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If you want to read more on this topic, you can follow this <a href="http://healinghandsofskokie.com/back-pain-culprits.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. <br /></p>HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-30735940045216289862020-01-08T09:38:00.000-06:002020-01-08T09:38:02.091-06:00Is running the key to heart health?Being a runner for my entire adult life, I was interested in an article I recently read related to distance running. A new study has found that people who complete their first marathon took 4 years off of their "blood vessel age." That's pretty remarkable! Considering I've completed a few marathons, my blood vessel age must be that of a toddler - OK, maybe not that young. Basically the study shows that stressing our heart and blood vessels is good for us.<br />
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I think the key takeaway from this study is that we need to move our bodies in ways that increase our heart rate. Just like we need to practice musical instruments to become more skilled, we need to stress our heart and circulatory system so that it become for efficient.<br />
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So, does that mean that everyone needs to run a marathon? Absolutely not! Running isn't for everyone. Some people find it very boring. Some have underlying conditions (arthritic knees, bad feet, etc.) that make running impossible. But, most of us can find some kind of alternative to running that will act in the same manner on our heart. Options include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, basketball, racket sports, elliptical trainers and many others. The main goal is to move your body enough to cause your heart rate to increase for an extended period of time. The more days per week you can accomplish this goal, the healthier your heart will be in the long run.<br />
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If you want to read more about this study, you can follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/running-blood-vessel.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-79079368451246069522016-10-26T11:38:00.000-05:002016-10-26T11:38:15.841-05:00Are spinal fusions the best option?Being a chiropractor, the most common complaint that I treat in my office is low back pain. Although we treat pretty much any and all musculoskeletal complaints from foot pain to headaches, low back pain is still the main reason most people see chiropractors. This is because low back pain is an epidemic in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to low back pain. Those may include obesity, lack of activity/exercise, sitting at work all day, injuries, bad genetics, etc. No matter the cause, our job is to find the right solution to reduce a patients' pain and work towards long-term relief solutions.<br />
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Over the past few decades, orthopedic surgeons have turned towards a very invasive surgery, spinal fusion, to deal with many cases of chronic low back pain. In fact, from 1998 to 2008, the number of fusion surgeries performed jumped from 174,223 annually to 413,171. This increase would indicate that outcomes for spinal fusions have been very good and therefore more have been performed. However, this isn't the case. While some fusions lead to much less pain and better function, way too many patients end up with the same level of pain if not more after the procedure.<br />
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Two very interesting studies were released earlier this year comparing outcomes of spinal fusion versus a much less drastic surgery called a laminectomy for spinal stenosis (one of the most common conditions for which fusions are performed). In the end, researchers determined that for the studied conditions, a spinal fusion did not give significant enough benefits over a laminectomy to justify the procedure. Basically, those patients who received a laminectomy suffered less blood loss during/after surgery, spent less time in the hospital, accrued less medical expenses and had nearly as good of 2 and 5 year outcomes in regards to pain and function as their fusion counterparts.<br />
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Undoubtedly, spinal fusions are at times necessary procedures. However, they need to be performed on the right candidates and should not be the quick go-to procedure for back pain. Most back pain can be remedied with conservative treatment and/or much less invasive procedures. You can read more about the studies mentioned by following this <a href="http://healinghandsofskokie.com/spinal-fusion-versus-laminectomy.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-80790638117569883632015-02-27T11:57:00.002-06:002015-02-27T11:57:48.933-06:00How effective is chiropractic vs. going to my primary doctor?I'm always interested when I run across articles that talk about the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care. While the cost of all healthcare (chiropractic included) continues to rise, chiropractic remains the most cost effective form of treatment for most spinal disorders (and many other conditions as well). Not only are patient outcomes and satisfaction with chiropractic consistently better than other medical treatments, the cost of care is less.<br />
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The study I happened to see is from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. The study examined the cost of care for low back pain episodes and allowed patients to choose what type of provider to see. The following is a quote from the abstract regarding the outcomes of the study: "Paid costs for episodes of care initiated with a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) were almost 40% less
than episodes initiated with an MD (Medical Doctor). Even after risk adjusting each
patient’s costs, we found that episodes of care initiated with a DC were
20% less expensive than episodes initiated with an MD." You can find the study by following this <a href="http://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754%2810%2900216-2/abstract" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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Like most doctors, I despise talking about the cost of care and the question "how much will this cost!" However, cost is a reality in our healthcare environment. There has been a consistent rise in the cost of insurance and care for many years. Heck, my personal insurance premium has doubled in the last 3 years (along with the deductible doubling)! Despite the negativity associated with cost increases, I feel that chiropractors provide unique services that can change peoples' lives at a cost that is much less than our medical counterparts. My job is to show patients that their health and wellness is worth the investment in order to live more active, enjoyable lives. One of my favorite sayings is as follows...What good is adding years to your life if you don't add life to your years? I feel my job is to add life to peoples years and allow them to enjoy life to its' fullest.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-42313405939400570372013-12-19T11:58:00.003-06:002013-12-19T11:58:31.413-06:00An Apple a Day...Everyone knows the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Now, there is research to back this claim. In fact, a study out of Oxford University asserts that eating an apple a day is <b><i>as effective </i></b>as statin medications at preventing death by heart attack or stroke for people over the age of 50. Perhaps the best quote from one of the researchers is as follows: “Prescribing either an apple a day or a statin a day
to everyone over 50 yeas old is likely to have a similar effect on
population vascular mortality." They go on to state "choosing apples rather than statins may avoid more than a thousands excess
cases of myopathy and more than 12,000 excess diabetes diagnoses.”<br />
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Why do apples help with vascular conditions? Apples are rich with antioxidants and
chemical compounds called flavanoids (especially quercetin), all of which are good for our health
and wellbeing. Apples also provide a good source of fiber which helps slow plaque buildup in blood vessels from cholesterol.<br />
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The researchers found one problem with eating apples as opposed to taking a statin drug...apples currently cost more! So, should you still be taking that statin drug? Only your doctor can tell you if you should or should not be on cholesterol medication. However, new recommendations have recently been released that will place millions of Americans on statins that were not previously candidates. If you are concerned about taking these drugs, please talk to your doctor about other options.<br />
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You can read more about this study by following this <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/10522841/Apple-a-day-as-effective-as-statins.html" target="_blank">link</a>. <br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-4927012305693300202013-10-09T16:26:00.000-05:002013-10-09T16:26:50.941-05:00Interesting article on spinal fusion outcomesI happened to run across a study from a few years back (2010) that looked at two groups of patients from Ohio that had similar low back conditions and diagnoses. One group opted to have a spinal fusion surgery while the second group did not have any surgery. The outcomes two years after the surgery are remarkable.<br />
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First investigated was the percentage of low back surgery patients that had returned to work vs. the percentage of non-surgery patients returning to work. While 67% of the non-surgery group was back working, only a meager 26% of surgical patients had returned to work! I should mention that this was a study of around 1,450 patients from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation database. The priority in these cases is to get people back to working condition. The spinal fusion recipients certainly were not obtaining the desired outcomes in this case.<br />
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The second aspect of treatment investigated was the percentage of patients taking pain medication. And not just Tylenol or Advil, but opiates that are highly addictive. The surgery group in this aspect saw a 41% increase in the use of these drugs versus patients that elected to pass on surgery. Again, a staggering number!<br />
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What can be learned from studies such as these? First, always use major surgery as a last resort to deal with back pain. Indeed, there are cases where it is absolutely necessary and will give the best long-term outcome. But, in many, many cases there are other avenues to rid yourself of pain (such as chiropractic of course!). One last statistic I will give you is that there are over 600,000 back surgeries performed in the US every year. An astounding 400,000 or so of these are major fusion operations. With outcomes such as in the study described above, please carefully consider all options before going under the knife!<br />
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If you would like to read more about this study, follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/back-surgery-may-backfire.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-63566320715953892602013-07-29T19:12:00.000-05:002013-07-29T19:12:50.670-05:00More benefits from breastfeeding!It seems that every few months I will see a story on the news about the many benefits of breastfeeding. The list of benefits for both the baby and mother is vast. Benefits to the baby include immunity to illness, lowered risk of asthma/allergies and lower rates of obesity later in life. For the mom, breastfeeding is terrific bonding time with a newborn, helps shed off the "baby weight" and reduces the risk of postpartum depression.<br />
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It now appears that breastfed babies may be smarter adults! A new study from Harvard University indicates that babies who are breastfed longer have higher intelligence scores later in life. Specifically, the children were found to have higher language and intelligence scores at the ages of 3 and 7, respectively. Who doesn't want their children to have more intelligence?<br />
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Current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are that babies should be exclusively breastfed until 6 months. After solids are introduced, it is recommended that mothers continue breastfeeding until the child turns 1 year of age.<br />
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To read more on this new study, please follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/breastfeeding-leads-to-higher-iq.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-37262672648385245582013-05-20T10:54:00.002-05:002013-05-20T10:54:35.437-05:00Is the food industry scared?I recently ran across this <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/dear-american-consumers-please-don-t-start-eating-155100012.html" target="_blank">linked</a> article on Yahoo. I find it interesting because of the style of writing...written in first person from the food industry to the consumer. I think that the article gives a good sense of the philosophy that the food industry possesses in regards to the American diet. Often times, our society shifts from one fad diet or way of eating to another. The food industry loves when we do this because it makes their marketing strategy simple to deploy. For example, when people start thinking that fat content is the problem, the industry does a terrific job of putting out low-fat or no-fat options for the foods we love. When carbs are evil, the industry creates products (even alcoholic products) that are marketed as "low-carb."<br />
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What people need to realize at some point is that, more than fats/carbs/cholesterol/etc., the main problem with the food we eat is simply in the way it is made. The industrial approach to all foods slowly poisons those who ingest them. While this is nothing new...additives and chemicals have been added to food for a long time...the percentage of food that is engineered continues to rise. All you have to do is look at the rate of disease processes that are directly related to diet...diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease. All of these are affecting individuals at younger and younger ages. The number of Type II diabetic children alone is staggering.<br />
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While eating completely organic, free-range, farm-raised foods is often too expensive for the average families' budget, efforts need to be made to eat less toxic foods. You can start by changing small things in your diet. For example, pay attention to the "<a href="http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214" target="_blank">dirty dozen</a>." Avoiding these foods or choosing organic varieties can be a healthy kick start to changing your entire diet. Continue to take small strides forward until a majority of your diet falls within healthy parameters and you will be assured a longer, healthier lifespan.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-32800101772399510452013-03-18T16:41:00.002-05:002013-03-18T16:41:27.541-05:00Best evidence-based treatment for acute sciatica...Recently, I was talking to a patient about the effectiveness of a variety of treatments for acute sciatica. Depending on what type of doctor you see, the most effective treatment seems to vary greatly. If you consult a Physiatrist, you will most likely be referred to PT. See an Orthopedic Surgeon, a good oral steroid or steroid injection is probably in the cards. See your PCP (family doctor, internist, general practitioner) and you will probably be told to take ibuprofen or again referred to physical therapy. See me, a Chiropractor, and I'll tell you that you've come to the right place!<br />
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So who is right? While there isn't always a correct answer for this question, evidence definitely points in my favor! According to a review of evidence-based research done by the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2007, chiropractic is shown to be the most effective conservative treatment for acute sciatica. For reference, here is the <a href="http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0101/p99.html" target="_blank">link</a> to the published article.<br />
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What also surprised me when I researched the effectiveness of various treatments for acute sciatica was the lack of effectiveness of oral steroids. I could not find a single study showing them to be helpful. Instead, the available studies tend to show that placebo is as effective as oral steriods for this condition...<a href="http://www.jabfm.org/content/21/5/469.full" target="_blank">here</a> is an example study.<br />
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Acute sciatica can be very debilitating and can linger for a long time (often many weeks). The earlier treatment is sought, the better results tend to be. If you have any questions about sciatica or chiropractic in general, definitely call our office. You can find more information at our <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-20511291870941143722012-11-27T18:40:00.001-06:002012-11-27T18:40:21.091-06:00Be Wary of GrapefruitsMany people are not aware that grapefruits and grapefruit juice can have negative interactions with certain medications. While in the past the list of medications with possible interactions was short, a new study shows many more medicines have potentially dangerous side effects.<br />
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How could grapefruits be bad? Grapefruits have active chemicals that act synergistically with certain medications. That is, they can boost the effect of the medicine by putting a much higher amount of the active chemical into the bloodstream. For example, drinking grapefruit juice in conjunction with the drug symvastatin (a common cholesterol medication) led to a concentration of symvastatin 330% higher than normal. Drugs such as symvastatin can have potentially dangerous side effects without this synergy, making the drug especially dangerous when taken with grapefruit.<br />
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I always recommend that patients take a minute and talk to there pharmacist to review any and all medications they are taking. Pharmacists are often under-utilized by the public and can be a great asset to evaluate any negative effects of medications. To read more about grapefruits interaction with certain medications, follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/grapefruit-medication-interaction.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-79509087139321616762012-11-02T11:44:00.002-05:002012-11-02T11:44:44.443-05:00High blood pressure can lead to early brain disease!A study from researchers at the University of California - Davis shows that young people with high blood pressure have a higher incidence of brain disease early in life. In fact, the results show that by 40 years of age, a person with hypertension (high blood pressure) has a brain that appears 7.2 years older than the same individual with normal blood pressure.<br />
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Taking care of our bodies, especially our hearts, is crucial to living a long and fruitful life. We must make sure that our blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels and other markers are all within healthy ranges to prevent very costly and dangerous conditions later in life. This should be done, when at all possible, through diet changes and exercise!<br />
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To read more about this study, you can follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/hypertension-causes-brain-disease.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-56680109292229553462012-09-12T13:17:00.002-05:002012-09-12T13:17:28.950-05:00Acupuncture Study Shows Great BenefitsAcupuncture has been used for centuries as a primary source of healthcare for millions across the world. However, there has always been a debate about how effective the treatments really are at achieving lasting results. We frequently use acupuncture for treatment of various problems at Healing Hands Wellness, but a lack of scientific data for its' effectiveness is hard to explain to patients. We often rely on anecdotel evidence to explain the benefits of acupuncture. A new analysis of 29 studies may help us reference more sound evidence when recommending acupuncture to patients.<br />
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A recent analysis of acupuncture in 18,000 patients showed very promising results in reduction of neck pain, low back pain, pain associated with arthritis and headaches. The use of acupuncture showed to relieve pain better than a placebo treatment and significantly better than seeking no treatment at all. These findings are very encouraging to both patients looking for treatment options other than drugs or surgery. It also offers practitioners another treatment option for those with chronic pain.<br />
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You can read more about the study analysis here...<a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/acupuncture-study-shows-promising-results.html" target="_blank">Acupuncture analysis</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!
HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-25825486582080805282012-07-09T12:10:00.000-05:002012-07-09T12:10:46.997-05:00Pets help young children!A new study out of Finland (and published in the journal <i>Pediatrics</i>) showed that children growing up with pets (namely cats and dogs) had fewer respiratory infections during their first year of life. Also, the children had fewer ear infections and needed less antibiotics during that year. The theory is that pets help stress a newborns immune system. The stress to the system ultimately strengthens the child's immunity.<br />
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Today, there is a lot of paranoia about excessive cleanliness for children. And while we want a clean home and relatively clean environment, too much sanitizing can have a negative affect on our lives and the lives of our children. The immune system becomes strong through "exercise." Our immunity needs to be tested in order to develop antibodies against harmful microorganisms. Overly sanitizing our children prevents them for forming the proper immunity and exposes them to health problems in the future. Perhaps the best example of "exercising" our immune system is the use of vaccines. The vaccines force our bodies to form antibodies against harmful organisms and, hopefully, prevent us from contracting serious conditions.<br />
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So, teach your children to wash their hands and use cleanliness in their lives, but let them play in the dirt! Let them exercise their immune systems so that they can grow into healthier adults. If you want to read more on this study, please follow this <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/pets-help-childrens-health.html" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-92157488793021623082012-06-07T11:13:00.001-05:002012-06-07T11:13:34.387-05:00Ginseng helps with fatigue effect of cancerGinseng has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help people with fatigue. In a recent study reported at an American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, ginseng was seen effectively reduce fatigue associating with cancer and cancer treatment. After 8 weeks of ginseng use, patients had significantly less fatigue when using ginseng versus those taking a placebo. More research is needed, but this study shows that ginseng use may be promising to those suffering from cancer-related fatigue.<br />
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Seen as a natural "energy-booster," ginseng has been used for thousands of years. While the exact mechanism of ginseng is unknown, it appears to have many benefits.<br />
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Ginseng is most commonly credited with:<br />
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<li>aphrodisiac properties — improving libido and sexual performance (shown in laboratory rats), sometimes a treatment for erectile dysfunction </li>
<li>improving mental and physical performance — some use it to increase concentration and information retention, athletes use it to enhance performance </li>
<li>boosting the immune system — it has been shown to increase white blood cell counts in humans, also believed to help the ill or weak regain strength and vigor </li>
<li>anti-depressive effects </li>
<li>sedative effects </li>
<li>decreasing appetite </li>
<li>lowering blood glucose </li>
<li>relieving symptoms related to menopause </li>
</ul>
Several studies have shown that ginseng can improve thinking and learning when taken in daily doses of 200 to 400 milligrams of standardized extract for 12 weeks. Studies also report that ginseng may stimulate activity of immune cells in the body (T-lymphocytes and neutrophils), and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics and flu vaccines. Use of ginseng has also improved erectile function, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction in studies of patients with erectile dysfunction.<br />
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How does one herb achieve all this? The "magic ingredients" are most likely the active chemical compounds, called ginsenosides or panaxosides, contained mostly in the root, but also in the leaves and seeds of the plant. Over 20 different ginsenosides have been identified. Perceptive readers may have noticed that some of the uses of ginseng seem to contradict each other, such as acting as both a sedative and a stimulant. This remarkable capability to affect the body in different ways is due to the fact that while the various panaxosides are similar in structure, they can exert opposing effects. For example, the panaxoside Rb-1 acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, having a stress-reducing effect with anticonvulsant, analgesic, and antipsychotic properties. But panaxoside Rg-1 is stimulating to the CNS, serving to ward off fatigue, increase performance, and possibly turn you on. <br />
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It's recommended that you follow the dosages prescribed on the box, or by an herbalist. A typical dosage is about 0.5 to 2 grams dry root daily, or 200 to 600 ml liquid extract daily. Be careful to avoid taking ginseng in larger doses than recommended, or simultaneously with other stimulants such as tea, coffee, or MAO inhibitors (anti-depressants). Diabetics should also be cognizant of ginseng's potential to lower blood sugar, and take that into consideration when administering insulin or eating. As with many herbs, pregnant or breast-feeding women should probably not take ginseng, as effects are unknown.<br />
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Some side effects are possible, and are most likely to occur with overuse, overdose, or allergies. Typical side effects include headaches, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or vomiting, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, high blood pressure, and skin eruptions. If you experience any of these side effects while taking the supplement, you may want to lower your dose, or stop taking it altogether to see if the symptoms cease. Also, inform your health care provider about ginseng or any herbal supplement you are taking, especially if you are taking prescription medication. It's important that people who use ginseng or any herb understand that natural medicines are not regulated by the FDA, and that there may be both long and short-term side effects not yet discovered. Because ginseng and other supplements are not regulated, you always want to choose a reputable supplement company.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-12346979752912669742012-05-16T17:14:00.000-05:002012-05-16T17:14:34.960-05:00Is it more expensive to eat healthy?There is a general assumption in our country that eating healthy is too expensive. For this reason, many people (parents included) decide to buy "inexpensive" and unhealthy foods. Examples include pre-processed and junk foods. The fact is, for these people it is better to have cheap, unhealthy food than no food at all. Unfortunately, people are misinformed about the cost of eating healthy!<br />
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A new report shows that assuming healthy food is expensive doesn't hold water. In fact, if you're judging food by weight and not calorie content, eating healthier foods is LESS expensive than junk foods. This is a better way to judge the price of food because, simply put, a majority of us consume too many calories each day. Food quality is better gauged by nutrient content than by calorie content. For example, a person can eat a bag of chips and consume 1,000 calories without getting any real nutritional value from the chips. What this type of diet eventually will give people is obesity and a handful of health problems that go along with it.<br />
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A better way to approach eating is to eat all kinds of fruits and veggies. In doing this, you won't be consuming countless calories but will be getting all sorts of vitamins and minerals. Throw in some lean meats for protein (or healthy substitutes for vegetarians). With this type of diet, you will get plenty of calories to maintain a healthy weight and all sorts of positive benefits to your overall health. Also, you will quickly see that this eating approach doesn't cost much in comparison to an unhealthy diet. You'll be saving plenty by not buying $5 bags of chips and $6 quarts of ice cream!<br />
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To read more on the new report, check out this direct link to it: <a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib96/">http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib96/</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</span></a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-40289561138528298372012-05-08T17:52:00.000-05:002012-05-08T17:52:06.846-05:00Will half of America be obese?According to a new report by the CDC, nearly half of all adults in the United States will be obese by 2030. To be precise, an estimated 42% will be obese. Not only does obesity in adulthood decrease quality of life, but this epidemic is going to cost the healthcare system about $550 billion. $550 billion...wow!<br />
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Right now in the USA the Supreme Court is deliberating whether or not Obamacare is constitutional. Whether you like the regulations Obamacare introduces or not, change is needed to the healthcare system as we know it. Healthcare for many is becoming too much of a luxury and something many among us cannot afford. If we balloon the cost of healthcare spent on obesity to $550 billion, insurance rates are going to skyrocket as well. Even healthy individuals will not be able to afford insurance.<br />
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Why is this happening? Why are more and more adults obese? Well, the major reason for such a spike is the fact that way too many children in this country are obese! 3 in 4 obese children will become obese adults. And while some children are genetically predisposed to obesity, the vast majority of kids are at the mercy of their parents for food. Too many parents provide their children with meal after meal of unhealthy options...fast foods, fried foods, pre-packaged foods, etc. Parents need to step up to the plate and give their children the nutrition they deserve.<br />
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If you see someone who needs nutritional guidance, encourage them to get help. Also, set a good example yourself! Eat well, feed your children well and live a healthy lifestyle. If we make a good effort, we can start to make a difference in the obesity epidemic and hopefully reduce the estimate for 2030 and beyond!<br />
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Read more on the CDC estimate here: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-obesity-20120508,0,4332050.story">http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-obesity-20120508,0,4332050.story</a>.<br />
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If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-87062140983740453842012-04-13T11:08:00.002-05:002012-04-13T11:32:35.477-05:00FDA wants to limit antibiotics given to animals!The modern food industry has changed drastically from the days of our grandparents. Today, food is produced much like other products...an assembly line culture. Whereas in the past animals were raised and butchered on family farms, today most animals are confined to CAFO's, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Populations. This confinement allows the food industry to produce very large cows, chickens, turkeys, etc. Larger animals equal bigger profits for the industry. Also, the feeding operations allow the animals to grow to enormous sizes in a very, very short period of time!<br /><br />But what happens when all of these animals are herded together? Think of a bunch of kids in a classroom. It seems that when one child gets a cold or becomes sick, all of his/her classmates follow. So how is it possible that animals in CAFO's are able to stay disease free? The answer is pharmaceutical drugs...particularly antibiotics. Many animals in CAFO's are pumped full of antibiotics (not to mention other drugs such as hormones). This allows the animals to grow to their huge sizes with little disease.<br /><br />So now you have a food environment where the products being sold at grocery stores come from a highly medicated population of animals. Ask yourself a question...What keeps all of these antibiotics (and hormones, etc.) given to the animals from affecting me since I eat them? This question is the reason that the FDA is looking to further regulate antibiotics given to animals.<br /><br />Scientists say that the use of antibiotics in food production has led to the dramatic increase in dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria. This has become a major problem in the United States healthcare industry the past couple of decades. The reason why changing the antibiotic culture in food production is difficult is that the food industry has so much power and they argue the antibiotics are necessary in the modern production of food.<br /><br />Taking away antibiotics will certainly raise the cost of some foods. However, there will be drastic healthcare savings later because individuals will not be negatively effected by the current practices of the industry. People need to educate themselves about food production so that they can make proper choices on how to shop for food. Education allows individuals to make choices that will positively impact their health for years to come.<br /><br />If you would like to read more about the FDA's approval, you can check out this article from The Associated Press: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/fda-limits-antibiotics-animals-article-1.1061132?localLinksEnabled=false">http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/fda-limits-antibiotics-animals-article-1.1061132?localLinksEnabled=false</a>.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-28808751292840212392012-03-15T11:58:00.002-05:002012-03-15T12:22:27.465-05:00Walking cuts the effects of obesity genesA new study introduced at a conference for the American Heart Association showed the significant effects a daily walk can have on a person's health. The study showed that walking each day can cut the effects of a genetic predisposition to obesity in half. The study tracked approximately 12,000 men and women. It used the body mass index (BMI) calculation to determine how much walking helped individuals. People who were found to have the "obesity genes" and walked for one hour each day were found to have a lower BMI.<br /><br />On the contrary, the study found that watching TV for as little as 2 hours per day could increase the effects of the obesity genes by as much as 25%. Being sedentary and performing acts such as watching TV have long been shown to be detrimental to health in many different ways.<br /><br />At Healing Hands, we are constantly encouraging patients to get up and move their bodies. In our community, there is a great program in the City of Evanston called WOW or Women Out Walking. This is a yearly 12-week program that encourages people to get out and get fit through daily walks. Many communities have programs such as this, so check with your local health department to see if your town offers any such program. If it doesn't, think about starting one yourself!<br /><br />For more on this study, you can follow this link: <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/walking-cuts-obesity-gene.html">http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/walking-cuts-obesity-gene.html</a>.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-77396981580036157492012-03-09T10:09:00.003-06:002012-03-09T10:21:16.154-06:00Can drinking soda cause cancer?News stories surfaced in the past few days that both Coke and Pepsi have modified an ingredient that delivers the caramel-coloring in their soft drinks. Why would they change something that has worked so well for so many years? The answer...because they would have had to place a cancer warning label on their packaging sold in California if not!<br /><br />The California law forces beverages that contain a certain level of what they consider carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) to come with a cancer warning label. Therefore, both Coca-Cola and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">PepsiCo</span> changed their recipes to meet the new California standard.<br /><br />To be fair, both Coke and Pepsi say that their products were and will continue to be safe and that the California law is scientifically unfounded. They state that the change in their ingredients will not be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">noticeable</span> to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">consumers</span> drinking their soft drinks.<br /><br />News such as this will certainly be another blow to the soft drink industry that is already in much scrutiny for marketing sugar-rich products to the youth of America. If you would like to read more on this story, please follow this link: <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/09/coke-and-pepsi-change-their-caramel-color-recipes/">http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/09/coke-and-pepsi-change-their-caramel-color-recipes/</a>.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-39265080457644866032012-02-15T09:50:00.002-06:002012-02-15T10:19:17.961-06:00Antibiotics Not Useful for Common Sinus InfectionAccording to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, using antibiotics for the common sinus infection provides no benefit versus placebo. This shouldn't be surprising, since a vast majority of sinus infections are viral in nature. Antibiotics fight against bacterial infections and typically do not help viral infections.<br /><br />However, antibiotics are constantly prescribed for sinus infections. In fact, 1 in 5 adult antibiotic prescriptions in the US are for sinusitis. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">over utilization</span> of antibiotics for viral infections adds to the developing problem of antibiotic resistance. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that antibiotic resistance is "one of the world's most pressing health problems."<br /><br />This new study aims to educate doctors about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viral infections. Although many doctors are aware of the abundance of evidence showing antibiotics do not help conditions such as sinusitis, they face pressure from their patients who want relief from symptoms. Doctors need to educate their patients about the true benefits of getting a prescription in these cases and resist the urge to simply prescribe medicine to satisfy the patients' desire.<br /><br />So, what should a person with a sinus infection do to get relief if antibiotics don't work? The answer...watch and wait. Most uncomplicated sinus infections will clear up within 10 days...with or without an antibiotic!<br /><br />For more information, please call our office or visit us at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-74747017730158766482012-01-27T12:01:00.002-06:002012-01-27T12:19:23.293-06:00Sitting all day can seriously impact your health!We constantly tell patients that the way to stay healthy as we age is to keep moving. Unfortunately, many of us live very sedentary lives. Typical days include sitting for 8-10 hours at a desk during work and then spending another handful of hours sitting on the couch during the evening. This type of scenario can lead to some serious adverse affects on your health!<br /><br />Besides for the negative effects on you muscles and joints from inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle can literally take years off of your productive life. This is due to the effects that sitting has on such things as metabolism and insulin efficiency. Refer to the link below for an interesting article on the effects of sitting!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/sitting-is-bad-for-health.html">http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/sitting-is-bad-for-health.html</a>.<br /><br />The best way to combat the effects of sitting most of the day is to be as active as you can be when not at work. Make sure to exercise regularly...whether through a gym membership, league sports or simply a long daily walk. Also, make sure to stand up and walk around regularly at work. This will not only help your health but also prevent fatigue from which many desk workers suffer. Again, refer to the above article on more tips to stay active throughout your day!<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-16925823380198950962011-12-14T09:28:00.002-06:002011-12-14T09:51:48.178-06:00Most states banning synthetic marijuana!Today, the City of Chicago's ban on synthetic marijuana takes effect. Businesses that sell the products will face fines and possible loss of their business licenses. This will be followed by a law beginning January 1st that will make selling synthetic pot a felony in Illinois. To date, at least 40 states have banned products that mimic marijuana.<br /><br />I think that I am out of touch with this whole fad amongst teens. Apparantly, over 10% of high school students have used synthetic marijuana. The number of adverse effects of these products has doubled this year as opposed to 2010 (judging by the number of calls to poison control centers). In fact, synthetic pot follows only traditional marijuana in terms of percentage of use amongst high school students.<br /><br />What appears to be the main reason for concern about these synthetic drugs is the fact they are "synthetic." Synthetic products are chemically manufactured and the adverse effects are often not immediately recongnized. Reported side effects of synthetic marijuana include convulsions, anxiety attacks, elevated heart rates, vomiting and suicidal thoughts.<br /><br />To read more about bans on synthetic drugs, follow this link: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-14/more-teens-using-synthetic-drugs/51900736/1">http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-14/more-teens-using-synthetic-drugs/51900736/1</a>.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150527246896707836.post-45266123819642282742011-12-07T11:25:00.004-06:002011-12-07T11:43:55.196-06:00Are marathons dangerous?A new study has come out about possible adverse effects of training for endurance events, specifically marathons and triathlons. The study showed that training for these events can have an effect on the structure of the heart. This is not the first study to question whether this type of exercise can be bad for the heart. However, most studies in the past showed that, although changed, heart function was not impaired.<br /><br />The major issue with this study is the small sample size. The study observed 40 participants, using advanced imaging techniques to monitor changes to the heart tissue. While most of the athletes' hearts returned to their normal shape within days of completing the endurance event, 5 participants' hearts remained changed after the final imaging was performed. These 5 individuals had been training for longer than the other participants, leading to a need to investigate further the effects of long-term training (i.e. - participating in many marathons spanning years).<br /><br /><br />I am often asked by patients whether or not they should train for a marathon. While not trying to discourage them, I feel that most people should not train for these types of events. My reasoning is not due to stress on the heart, but physical stress this type of training places on the body as a whole. Grant it, most of the patients asking me this question have a history of problems that marathon training could worsen!<br /><br /><br />I feel that people who have been active their entire life and have continually exercised in a cardiovascular nature should be fine training for an endurance event. However, I have seen many cases of the "weekend warrier" deciding to run a marathon and paying for it with some sort of chronic issue. My advice is always to listen to your body and adjust your exercise accordingly!<br /><br /><br />To read more about this study, follow this link: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16048121">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16048121</a>.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to call our office at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/">www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com</a>!HealingHandsOfSkokiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220359309266636167noreply@blogger.com0