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National Football League (NFL) saftey, Ray Easterling recently intentionally ended his life.  Easterling was 62-years-0ld.

He began showing symptoms of injury to this brain 20 years ago.  His symptoms included depression and insomnia.

His head injury was thought to actually be a series of head injuries he sustained during his football career with the Atlanta Falcons during the 1970′s.

He eventually lost the ability to focus and organize  his thoughts and relate to people–signs of dementia.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is thought to be caused by repeated cerebral concussions resulting in the death of neurons and scaring.

CTE is very similar to Alzheimer’s and is diagnosed after death during autopsy.

Damage to cerebral blood vessels is thought to be a factor in the development of CTE.

Hockey players who engage in fights and boxers are prone CTE as well well.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2133869/Ray-Easterling-dead-NFL-star-kills-lifetime-depression-brought-concussion.html#ixzz1syoNBp3x

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The following infographic summarizes information from two sources.   Operation statistics are from the 2010 National Health Statistics Report 2007 Summary.  Plastic surgery statics are from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2011 Report.

Via: Medical Billing and Coding Resource

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At Sinner Chiropractic Pain Center we frequently encounter individuals who feel that their chronic musculoskeletal condition most likely originated from a sports related situation they encountered during their pre-college years.

According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), in 2010, 50 student athletes died because of  sports-related hazards from conditions such as:

1. Concussions
2. spinal cord injuries
3. complications from asthma and diabetes
4. exertional heat stroke
5. sudden cardiac arrest are among the biggest health hazards young athletes face right now, according to a NATA report.

Thirty-four states have concussion laws on the books requiring education of concussion signs and symptoms, no same-day-return to play, and the requirement of doctor sign off of injuries.

Knee cartilage, meniscus, or ACL injuries are very common and can lead to knee osteoarthritis as early as middle age.

Stress and overuse injuries including fractures and muscle/tendon injuries are frequent.

Aggressive training, 10 or 11 months, without a break, is thought to contribute to many athletes presenting to college either having had surgery or needing surgery.

Dizziness, headaches,  and shortness of breath may be signs of heat stroke with not only marathon runners but with all athletes; most exertional heat strokes occur during practice, not games.

Athlete trainers could be helpful in preventing injuries, but acording to NATA only 42 percent of US high schools have an athletic trainer.

Some parents feel so strongly about these issues that they would NOT allow their children to play without a certified athletic trainer and a school emergency action plan.

To read the complete article, visit:

http://tiny.cc/2xp1cw

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The huge quantity of  added sugar which we in the United States consume is now known to contribute to heart disease,  cancer, and metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, not to mention premature wear and tear in joints which were  simply never designed to bare the burden of an overweight body.

Researchers have demonstrated that when 25% of an individuals daily calories are replaced with high fructose corn syrup (HCFS) sweetened drinks that an increase is seen in the blood levels of small dense LDL cholesterol, a type which is known to lodge in blood vessels, form plaques, and cause heart attacks.

These changes occur within 2 weeks.

Researchers also believe that about 1/3 of all cancerous tumors have insulin receptors on them which when activated cause them to consume ones blood sugar (glucose) and GROW.  Colon and breast cancer are among those which love to feed and GROW on blood sugar.

For all of these health reasons, the American Heart Association (AHA) advises that we limit the amount of added sugars  we consume:

4 to 8 YEAR OLD’s:   No more than 3 teaspoons of sugar per day.

WOMEN:  No more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day (about 25 grams or 100 calories).

MEN:   No more than 9 teaspoons of sugar per day (about 38 grams or 150 calories).

AVERAGE AMERICAN:  Presently consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar per day (about 90 grams or 355 calories).  That is 130 POUNDS of sugar per year or about 1/3 of a pound per day.

AVERAGE AMERICAN TEENAGER:  Presently consumes over 34 teaspoons of sugar per day.

Lest you think this would be a simple little habit for most people to walk away from, consider the following:  The sweet stuff is addicting.  Researchers have shown with functional MRI scans of the brain that the moment that a fructose sweetened drink passes from the straw to the mouth,  as the sugar hits the brain, that the blood rushes to a certain region of the brain known as the “Reward Region”.

This triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical that controls the brains pleasure center, just as it would be released in response to drugs such as cocaine or alcohol.

So sugar releases dopamine and a pleasurable euphoric feeling results.  Sugar is  good at firing the reward regions in our brain.  And consider this, most sweet things in nature are good for us (in moderation).

Researchers believe that people who frequently drink sodas, or eat ice cream, or other sweet foods, may be building up a tolerance, much like drug users do.  In other words, the more frequently we eat sweet food, the less we feel the reward.

As more sweet stuff is consumed over time our brains natural euphoric response becomes less, so we eat less more.

Now that is why grandma always keeps her cookie jar full of interesting snacks!!!

For more information watch this 60 minutes link:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n

*Note:  One teaspoon of granulated white sugar is equal to about 4.2 grams.  So for example, if you are buying a soda with 44 grams of sugar, you would divide 44 by 4.2 which is equal to 10 teaspoons of sugar which is more than the AHA’s recommended entire daily allowance for a male.

See our medically designed weight management educational materials for more information.

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Scientists are working to develop technology which will allow for simple affordable  portable X-ray scanning technology.

Similar to the experience of generating static shocks by touching a doorknob, or by pulling apart, ripping, scratching or stroking material,  ”Triboluminescence” occurs when adhesive tape is peeled, producing both visible light and short bursts of X-rays.

X-rays strong enough to take an image of a human finger have been produced by this process.

Although the physics behind this is not  fully understood, a company called  Tribogenics is working to develop technology utilizing these X-rays and hoping that it will someday find applications for precious metal, mining, military, medical imaging, security and other industries.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a Campaign to Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths in Cars.

You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done.

Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine.

This is more likely to happen when you, your spouse/partner, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat.

 Disasters Happen Quickly

At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner.

So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, “I’ll just run into the store for a minute,” which is illegal in many States.

Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car.

The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Prevention Tips

1. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
2.  Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
3.  Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
4.  Make a habit of looking in the vehicle – front and back – before locking the door and walking away.
5.  If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call  you to make sure the drop went according to plan.

Where’s Baby?

While the full scope of the fatalities of children due to heatstroke in vehicles is not fully known, NHTSA and other safety advocates and academic institutions have recognized the safety threat heatstroke poses for young children left in hot cars.

Together, the Federal Government, automakers, car seat manufacturers, health and safety advocates, consumer groups, and others are working together to tackle this important safety issue.

Information provided by http://www.safercar.gov/parents/Home.htm

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NPR: “Too many complex back surgeries are being done and people are suffering as a result, according to a study in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The general tendency noted in the study — that many patients and doctors think more medical care is always better — has implications for the new health overhaul law. Back pain associated with aging can be treated in one of numerous ways: rest and physical therapy, surgery to remove the bony growths that can push on nerves, fusing two vertebrae together, or fusing many vertebrae together.” But several studies have not shown an advantage for surgery so this study examined Medicare billing records to see whether the number of back surgeries had been reduced as a result.

“They found the number of surgeries has gone down very slightly. But when they looked specifically at complex surgeries, they found a big difference. ‘The most complex type of back surgery has increased dramatically between 2002 and 2007, with a 15-fold increase,’ says co-author Richard Deyo. … Deyo and his colleagues also checked the rate of complications. ‘This more complex form of surgery is associated with a higher risk of life threatening complications,’ he says” (Silberner, 4/6).

The Associated Press: “A study of Medicare patients shows that costlier, more complex spinal fusion surgeries are on the rise — and sometimes done unnecessarily — for a common lower back condition caused by aging and arthritis. … ‘This is exactly what the health care debate has been dancing around,’ said Dr. Eugene Carragee of Stanford University Medical Center. ‘You have one kind of operation that could cost $20,000 and another that could cost $80,000 and there’s not good evidence the expensive one is being used appropriately in the majority of cases,’ Carragee said. Add to that the expense for patients whose problems after surgery send them back to the hospital or to a nursing home and ‘that’s not a trivial amount of money’ for Medicare, said Carragee. … The cost to Medicare, just for the hospital charges for the three types of back surgery reviewed is about $1.65 billion a year, according to the researchers” (Johnson, 4/6).

HealthDay News/Modern Medicine: “After adjustment for age, comorbidity and previous spinal surgery, the odds ratio of life-threatening complications was 2.95 for complex fusion compared with decompression. Also, for complex fusion versus decompression only, 30-day mortality was 0.6 versus 0.3 percent, the mean hospital charge was $80,888 versus $23,724, and the 30-day rehospitalization rate was 13 versus 7.8 percent” (4/6).

MedPage Today: “Complex fusion accounted for less than 1% of operations for spinal stenosis in 2002, but 14.6% of those performed in 2007.” Researchers were unclear about the reason for a spike in complex surgeries: “Several forces might be contributing, [Deyo] said, including effective marketing by device manufacturers touting the efficacy of complex operations using new surgical implants” (Neale, 4/6).

Information from 2010  Kaiser Health News’ Daily Report  summary of health policy coverage from more than 300 news organizations.

Kaiser Permanente is an integrated managed care consortium, based in Oakland, California, United States, founded in 1945 by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and physician Sidney Garfield. Kaiser Permanente is made up of three distinct groups of entities: the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and its regional operating subsidiaries; Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; and the autonomous regional Permanente Medical Groups. As of 2006, Kaiser Permanente operates in nine states and the District of Columbia, and is the largest managed care organization in the United States.

As of today, Kaiser Permanente has 8.9 million health plan members,^[2] 167,300 employees,^[2] 14,600 physicians,^[2] 35 medical centers,^[2] and 431 medical offices.^[2] In its most recently reported year, the non-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals entities reported a combined $1.6 billion in net income on $47.9 billion in operating revenues.^[1] Each independent Permanente Medical Group operates as a separate for-profit partnership or professional corporation in its individual territory, and while none publicly report their financial results, each is primarily funded by reimbursements from its respective regional Kaiser Foundation Health Plan entity.

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by The American Chiropractic Association

Many avid golfers contort their bodies into oddly twisted postures, generating a great deal of torque. Couple this motion with a bent-over stance, repeat 120 times over three or four hours, add the fatigue that comes with several miles of walking, and you’ve got a good workout-and a recipe for potential lower-back trouble.

As America’s love affair with the game continues to grow, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has advice on how to take a proactive approach that will prepare your body for many years of pain-free play.

“Most golfers go until they get hurt, then look for help,” says Dr. David Stude, member of the ACA Sports Council and founding fellow of the National Golf Fitness Society. “Back pain is a warning sign that there is an underlying problem responsible for a symptom that will likely get worse. Doctors of chiropractic look for the cause of the symptom and help reduce the likelihood of future injury.”

If you take the chiropractic approach, you’re in good company. According to Dr. Stude, Tiger Woods says that lifting weights and visiting his chiropractor regularly have made him a better golfer. Dr. Stude and the ACA suggest these simple measures to help you avoid back pain or injury and improve your game:

* Purchase equipment that fits. Don’t try to adapt your swing to the wrong clubs: A six-footer playing with irons designed for someone five inches shorter is begging for back trouble.

* For the women in golf: If you have “inherited” your husband’s or significant other’s golf clubs, they might be difficult for you to use. Not only are the clubs often too long, but the shaft is often not flexible enough for a woman’s grip. Women typically play better with clubs that are composed of lighter, more flexible material, such as graphite.

* For the men in golf: It is a good idea to spend some extra time performing quality stretches-before and after your game-to increase your trunk flexibility. While men are traditionally stronger than women, they usually aren’t as flexible. Men need to improve their flexibility to maintain a more even and consistent swing plane and thus improve the likelihood of more consistent performance.

* For senior golfers: If you show some signs of arthritis in the hands, consider a larger, more specialized grip for added safety and performance.

* For all golfers: For some, scores may not be as important as enjoying the social benefits of the game. Having clubs that are comfortable will increase the chances of playing for a long time without significant physical limitations.

* Take lessons. Learning proper swing technique is critical. At the end of the swing, you want to be standing up straight; the back should not be twisted.

* Wear orthotics. These custom-made shoe inserts support the arch, absorb shock, and increase coordination. “Studies show custom-made, flexible orthotics can improve the entire body’s balance, stability and coordination, which translates into a smoother swing and reduced fatigue,” Dr. Stude says. While the upper part of a shoe may score style points, what the foot rests on affects your game.

* Avoid metal spikes. They tear up greens and can increase stress on the back. Soft shoes or soft spikes allow for greater motion.

* Warm up before each round. “Stretching before and after 18 holes is the best way to reduce post-game stiffness and soreness,” says Dr. Stude. Take a brisk walk to get blood flowing to the muscles; then do a set of stretches. To set up a stretching and/or exercise routine, see a doctor of chiropractic or golf pro who can evaluate your areas of tension and flexibility.

* Pull, don’t carry, your golf bag. Carrying a heavy bag for 18 holes can cause the spine to shrink, leading to disk problems and nerve irritation. If you prefer to ride in a cart, alternate riding and walking every other hole-bouncing around in a cart can also be hard on the spine.

* Keep your entire body involved. Every third hole, take a few practice swings with the opposite hand to keep your muscles balanced and even out stress on the back.

* Drink lots of water. Dehydration causes early fatigue, leading you to compensate by adjusting your swing, thus increasing the risk of injury. Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while golfing, as both cause loss of fluid.

* Take the “drop.” One bad swing-striking a root or a rock with your club-can damage a wrist. If unsure whether you can get a clean swing, take the drop.

Chiropractic Care Can Help!
Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system. Some doctors of chiropractic have specialized training in sports medicine and can provide advice for golfers to help them decrease the stresses and strains placed on their bodies. Doctors of chiropractic can address other health concerns, such as shoulder, knee, arm and wrist pain that could affect your game. “If you golf consistently, you will no doubt feel the stress of the game, but by following a few simple prevention tips, it is possible to play without pain for a lifetime,” says Dr. Stude.

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A study in the journal Spine shows that in many cases surgery can backfire, leaving patients in more pain.

“Researchers reviewed records from 1,450 patients in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation database who had diagnoses of disc degeneration, disc herniation or radiculopathy, a nerve condition that causes tingling and weakness of the limbs. Half of the patients had surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae in hopes of curing low back pain. The other half had no surgery, even though they had comparable diagnoses.

“After two years, just 26 percent of those who had surgery returned to work. That’s compared to 67 percent of patients who didn’t have surgery. In what might be the most troubling study finding, researchers determined that there was a 41 percent increase in the use of painkillers, specifically opiates, in those who had surgery.

“The study provides clear evidence that for many patients, fusion surgeries designed to alleviate pain from degenerating discs don’t work, says the study’s lead author Dr. Trang Nguyen, a researcher at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

“Unfortunately, for most patients with bad backs, there is no easy solution, no magic bullet. Pain management experts — and some surgeons — say that patients need to scale back their expectations. With the right treatments, pain can be eased, but a complete cure is unlikely.

- Back Surgery May Backfire on Patients in Pain, MSNBC.com, October 14, 2010

To read the complete  MSNBC article describing this study click this link:    http://tinyurl.com/7gnvtqo

To look at the actual study upon which this article was written on,  click this link:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20736894

“I feel compelled to share the prevalence in the incidence of misdiagnosis in the back pain industry, the diagnostic hurdles patients face, and the concerns about back surgery and spinal fusion in particular. And I want to provide fair information about these particular situations and issues. The DRS Protocol™ is the answer to the majority of back and neck pain conditions, and you can keep working and maintain a life.  It would be worth anyone’s time to investigate. ” – Dr. Richard Busch

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Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries.  These deposits may thicken and harden and eventually obstruct blood flow through the spinal arteries.  This can be bad for the intervertebral discs because they are living tissues which need oxygen and nutrients.  In fact, this principle is behind our  DRS Protocol™, which increases the  movement of oxygen and nutrients into the targeted spinal discs to promote healing.

Now the latest issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that measured levels of trans fats, once ubiquitous in packaged, baked, and fried foods,  from 2000 to 2009 have plummeted 58 percent in Americans.

Studies had linked trans fats to heart disease and obesity.  In fact, large studies had shown that even small increases in trans fat consumption could significantly elevate heart risk.

Some cities restricted their use in restaurants, and experts pushed companies to remove them from processed foods like soups, crackers, frozen foods, and cookies.

521 Americans, average age 47 years old, took part in a  National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a continuing study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Trans fats level fell 58 percent.

LDL cholesterol fell from 128 to 119 milligrams per deciliter per blood [should be lower than 100 as per American Heart Association (AHA)].

HDL cholesterol rose from 49.6 to 55.8 milligrams (should be higher than 40 in men and women as per AHA).

Triglyceride levels fell from 131 to 109 milligrams (should be 100 as per AHA).

HDL is considered the ‘beneficial’ type of cholesterol and the fact that it went up when less trans fat was consumed was to be expected given what is known about how the cardiovascular system is affected by trans fats.

The study was financed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and carried out by scientists there and at the National Institutes of Health.

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