Over this past week I had the chance to read the latest book by Barbara Ehrenreich; Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America. The book is well arranged in chapter headings that address every area of American society. The "Positive Thinking" movement, she believes, has taken hold and influenced American culture, from medicine, to politics, to business, to the world of religion, even shaping the way we practice psychology.
Ehrenreich traces the history of the Positive Thinking movement to late nineteenth and early twentieth-century writers like Phineas Parkhurst Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy and the "New Thought Movement." The New Thought Movement sought to challenge the older established ideas of Calvinism, which taught predestination set forth by a God who offered heaven to only a limited few. Calvinists were often depressed, fearful about their futures and consumed by thoughts of eternal hell and damnation. They valued hard work and spent their days laboring, toiling and contemplating their relationship with God the way a rejected suitor contemplates unrequited love--forever exiled from the source of their affection . The nineteenth century Calvinist suffered from chronic depression and a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness that must have made the New Thought Movement wildly appealing.
Bright Sided interested me for a number of reasons. Namely, it made me contemplate how cultural beliefs can impact our views about medicine, and possibly even lead to bias in medical research. For example, Ehrenreich suggests, in a position that would be challenged by many in the American medical community, that there is no scientific evidence that positive thinking can increase a cancer patient's survival time. In a meta-analysis conducted by James Coyne in 2007, Coyne concluded that a person's attitude had no significant effect on a patient's life expectancy. Furthermore, Ehrenreich points out the added burden on the patient to remain "positive" in the face of serious illness may place undo stress and burdens on people already riddled with more than enough challenges to face.
Positive thinking, as a dogma, also gives birth to the idea that our attitudes can impact our health, financial status, and quality of life--that a person who thinks positive thoughts is more likely to be successful in business and live a longer, healthier, and more productive life. However, this view also holds that people who are burdened with chronic disease, poverty, or a lack of nurturing relationships in their life have brought these burdens on themselves through their own "negativity". This dark side of the positive thinking movement has lead to victim blame, and, in some cases, to terminally ill patients being asked to leave cancer support groups when their conditions did not improve. The idea that personal circumstances are solely one's own fault could even be argued to have had an impact on how social policies are formed in Washington and on how business and even medicine is currently practiced in the United States. Certainly, America's fascination with Positive Thinking has made its way into the world of medical research and makes for an interesting conversation about cultural bias and how data is collected.
As a student of Anthropology at the University of Washington, I took a fascinating course on Medical Anthropology which examined how cultural biases can impact medicine . At one point in the course, we examined the American Psychiatric Association's Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, referred to then as the DSM-III. After browsing the definition for depression, one student from Sri Lanka quipped, "according to this definition everyone in my country is clinically depressed." According to the DSM-III, in order to be diagnosed as clinically depressed, you must meet six out of eight symptoms criteria. Unfortunately for many American middle-aged women, many of those symptoms just also happen to be the same symptoms commonly found in menopausal women, such as problems with concentration, weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances ,and declining libido.
I can't help but notice that Prozac, which was released by the Eli Lily and Company in 1988, entered the pharmaceuticals market at the height of the Yuppie movement. Once released it quickly reached sales of several million prescriptions annually (currently, Americans account for 75% of all anti-depressants prescribed in the entire world--making anti-depressants the most widely prescribed drugs in America). Prozac was released on the heals of the Self Help craze in America and during the rise in America's love affair with Positive Thinking, and during a time when millionaires often claimed that it was their positive attitudes that had made them fabulously wealthy.
In 1988 Ronald Reagan was serving his final year in office, Trump had made the New York Times best seller list, Dallas was the top rated TV show, and Americans were learning that a hefty dose of thinking positive thoughts could not only make you rich, but made you more of an American as well. To be an American meant optimism and a "can do" attitude. If you deviated from that world view you could be fixed, albeit with pharmaceuticals, which allowed you to keep in step with America's positive world view. If you could not share that world view you were seen as 'negative", "depressed', and quite possibly in need of medications. Ehrenreich asks, "are Americans really happier, or is it the anti-depressant medications they are taking that is only making them think they are happier then everybody else?" She presents a strong case that we are a seriously ill nation, deeply troubled and depressed; that choices to ignore our deep-seated problems by sugar-coating them with forced optimism often lead to our detriment. In fact, when economists rate nations for health and quality of life in indices such as the Happy Planet Index, we are ranked a dismal 150. We are a nation riddled with high incarceration rates, economic disparities, inadequate health care, and a collapsing educational system.
Ehrenreich does not suggest America's future is hopeless. Rather, she argues that without hard work, and without steely-eyed realism about our current situation, things are likely to get steadily worse rather then better. She presents, I would argue, an adult view of the world, more in keeping with a European mind-set then an American one. But it is a view many Americans may finally be willing to embrace. Her book, perhaps in light of the current dismal economic environment, is likely to be her most successful to date.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Survivers of Child Abuse May Age Faster
The devastating and long term consequences of child abuse may extend beyond just emotional trauma. There is now evidence that survivors of child abuse may also be at greater risk of aging quickly. According to a recent report published by the BBC, people who experienced abuse in childhood may be at greater risk of high stress; which can be a contributing factor in aging.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8369919.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8369919.stm
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Names of the Dead
I have been very impressed of late by Congressman Alan Grayson of Florida's relentless efforts to see that the Public Health Care Bill is signed into law. For anyone interested in how they might help and or share their stories of friends and love ones who died due to lack of health care please go to the following pages.
http://namesofthedead.com/
http://namesofthedead.com/
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Depression Linked to processed foods
A recent BBC article on the link between depression and processed food, points out an important correlation between poor nutrition and emotional well being. For Naturopathic doctors, this comes as no surprise. We understand that good nutrition is necessary for emotional and physical well being and the natural processes that allow for mental health. For example, in order for proper formation of neurotransmitters we need proper nutrition. We also need proper nutrition for blood sugar regulation. When our blood sugar is unsable, we can become anxious, tired and depressed.
It is sad that far too often when depression is treated in by physicians, important questions about diet and lifestyle are rarely addressed, and often the first suggestion is the use of pharmaceutical medications. In many of these cases, I have seen simple diet changes and nutritional support have remarkable impacts on mental health and well being.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8334353.stm
It is sad that far too often when depression is treated in by physicians, important questions about diet and lifestyle are rarely addressed, and often the first suggestion is the use of pharmaceutical medications. In many of these cases, I have seen simple diet changes and nutritional support have remarkable impacts on mental health and well being.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8334353.stm
Friday, October 16, 2009
Healthy at 100 by John Robbins: A Book Review
In John Robbins' new book entitled Healthy at 100, Robbins takes on the daunting task of examining several communities throughout the world that have succeeded in increasing their life spans.
He looked specifically at four communities; the Abkhasia of Caucasus, the Vilcabamba of Peru, the Hunza of Pakistan, and the Okinawa of Japan. He points out not only the health benefits of eating a plant-centered diet as a way of improving health, but also the fact that those cultures where the elderly are admired and respected suffer far less depression and poor health. Such cultures value their elderly so much that many people dream of the day when they can become old and receive the same respect. The cultures that experience the greatest percentage of centenarians also, not surprisingly, are communities where people in general are treated with respect and cooperation. They are communities where compassion and mutual support are of greater value then property and material wealth. Robbins points out that more materialistic cultures, like that in the United States, see a dramatic rise in millionaires and centralized wealth, but also an increase in poverty and prisons. Those cultures that emphasize personal wealth at all cost are also seeing a rise in disease, depression, crime and poverty.
Robbins has succeeded in writing a near perfect book on health and longevity. It should be mandatory reading for all health care practitioners, and for anyone who genuinely cares about improving their health and the health of our planet.
My only criticism of Robbins book, and it is slight, is that he may slightly fudge the data on caloric intake. While it is true that a plant centered diet seems to be better for the majority of human beings, meat consumption is found in all the cultures he studies, and may attribute to approximately 10 percent of the weight of the diet and not 1 percent as argued by Robbins.
My interest in Robbin's research began several years ago, and lead to a letter correspondence with Robbins that he was kind enough to respond to more then once.
Before going to medical school I attended the University of Washington, where I received a degree in anthropology. I loved the subject so much that I briefly thought of forgoing my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in favor of a career as an anthropologist.
Several subjects regarding the topic interested me. Most notably, I was fascinated by a branch known as environmental anthropology, which seeks to discover how human beings coexist with their environments, how environment shapes us, and how we shape our environment. An example would be the domestication of certain species of plants and animals. While it is true that domestication can change a species, domestication of plants and animals changes us as well. We are physically changed by the experience, and we change our health because of it. We become comfortable in the environment we live in, and if we live in that place long enough, for centuries perhaps, it becomes home. Whether it is the harsh terrain of Eastern Africa, or the cold of Greenland, it will become home to us if we can survive and live there long enough. Over time we may thrive to such an extent that leaving such a place compromises our health.
Diet requirements may change based on culture and ancestry. A tribe like the Inuit of North America, for example, has learned to survive in a harsh region of the world on a mostly fish- based diet of seal and whale meat, while the people of early Mesopotamia developed animal and plant domestication and tended toward a more vegetable-based diet; this lead to adaptations in diet and lifestyle that were very different. Strong evidence indicates that individuals in these two populations would experience improved health if they avoided modern processed foods in favor of the foods their bodies have learned to adapt and thrive on for several thousands of years.
In my final two years of medical school, my clinic experience highlighted for me the lack of ready-available information regarding human evolution and diet in general. While it is true that humans are omnivores, and there is no record of any successful vegan culture, it is also true that, with the exception of extreme environments, like that experienced by the Inuit of North America, most human cultures maintained a diet that was mostly vegan with only a small percentage of their daily intake of food coming from animal consumption. Hunting practices intensified as our tool technology developed, but it still remained a difficult and painful way of acquiring food and only succeeded in being a small part of the daily caloric intake. Gathering of plants, usually done by the women and children of the tribe, most often made up the majority of the diet.
After graduating from medical school, I mused about the misinformation that was out there within the medical community regarding human evolution and diet and began to daydream about the perfect book on the subject. A book that would give a brief history of human evolution and cross-cultural comparisons of communities that experience health and longevity while maintaining their traditional diets. Diets that are mostly plant-based with very small amounts of animal protein. A book that touched on the merits of modern living while pointing out the benefits of traditional communities. The book would be a guide to helping people not only with their food choices, but also offer advice on day to day living based on compassion and mutual respect. Such a book might transform how we in the Western world treat one another, and would challenge our own cultural values. John Robbins has written that book.
He looked specifically at four communities; the Abkhasia of Caucasus, the Vilcabamba of Peru, the Hunza of Pakistan, and the Okinawa of Japan. He points out not only the health benefits of eating a plant-centered diet as a way of improving health, but also the fact that those cultures where the elderly are admired and respected suffer far less depression and poor health. Such cultures value their elderly so much that many people dream of the day when they can become old and receive the same respect. The cultures that experience the greatest percentage of centenarians also, not surprisingly, are communities where people in general are treated with respect and cooperation. They are communities where compassion and mutual support are of greater value then property and material wealth. Robbins points out that more materialistic cultures, like that in the United States, see a dramatic rise in millionaires and centralized wealth, but also an increase in poverty and prisons. Those cultures that emphasize personal wealth at all cost are also seeing a rise in disease, depression, crime and poverty.
Robbins has succeeded in writing a near perfect book on health and longevity. It should be mandatory reading for all health care practitioners, and for anyone who genuinely cares about improving their health and the health of our planet.
My only criticism of Robbins book, and it is slight, is that he may slightly fudge the data on caloric intake. While it is true that a plant centered diet seems to be better for the majority of human beings, meat consumption is found in all the cultures he studies, and may attribute to approximately 10 percent of the weight of the diet and not 1 percent as argued by Robbins.
My interest in Robbin's research began several years ago, and lead to a letter correspondence with Robbins that he was kind enough to respond to more then once.
Before going to medical school I attended the University of Washington, where I received a degree in anthropology. I loved the subject so much that I briefly thought of forgoing my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in favor of a career as an anthropologist.
Several subjects regarding the topic interested me. Most notably, I was fascinated by a branch known as environmental anthropology, which seeks to discover how human beings coexist with their environments, how environment shapes us, and how we shape our environment. An example would be the domestication of certain species of plants and animals. While it is true that domestication can change a species, domestication of plants and animals changes us as well. We are physically changed by the experience, and we change our health because of it. We become comfortable in the environment we live in, and if we live in that place long enough, for centuries perhaps, it becomes home. Whether it is the harsh terrain of Eastern Africa, or the cold of Greenland, it will become home to us if we can survive and live there long enough. Over time we may thrive to such an extent that leaving such a place compromises our health.
Diet requirements may change based on culture and ancestry. A tribe like the Inuit of North America, for example, has learned to survive in a harsh region of the world on a mostly fish- based diet of seal and whale meat, while the people of early Mesopotamia developed animal and plant domestication and tended toward a more vegetable-based diet; this lead to adaptations in diet and lifestyle that were very different. Strong evidence indicates that individuals in these two populations would experience improved health if they avoided modern processed foods in favor of the foods their bodies have learned to adapt and thrive on for several thousands of years.
In my final two years of medical school, my clinic experience highlighted for me the lack of ready-available information regarding human evolution and diet in general. While it is true that humans are omnivores, and there is no record of any successful vegan culture, it is also true that, with the exception of extreme environments, like that experienced by the Inuit of North America, most human cultures maintained a diet that was mostly vegan with only a small percentage of their daily intake of food coming from animal consumption. Hunting practices intensified as our tool technology developed, but it still remained a difficult and painful way of acquiring food and only succeeded in being a small part of the daily caloric intake. Gathering of plants, usually done by the women and children of the tribe, most often made up the majority of the diet.
After graduating from medical school, I mused about the misinformation that was out there within the medical community regarding human evolution and diet and began to daydream about the perfect book on the subject. A book that would give a brief history of human evolution and cross-cultural comparisons of communities that experience health and longevity while maintaining their traditional diets. Diets that are mostly plant-based with very small amounts of animal protein. A book that touched on the merits of modern living while pointing out the benefits of traditional communities. The book would be a guide to helping people not only with their food choices, but also offer advice on day to day living based on compassion and mutual respect. Such a book might transform how we in the Western world treat one another, and would challenge our own cultural values. John Robbins has written that book.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
IBS a Common Complaint for Many
One of the main complaints that people come to speak with me about is IBS, or irritable Bowel Syndrome. In fact stomach pain, and poor digestions seems to be something of an epidemic in the United States. New research conducted on sufferers with IBS found dramatic improvement in their symptoms of pain, gas and bloating with the simple addition of water soluble fiber, such as the psylium seed. In addition to giving fiber we may also prescribe such things as probiotics, the bacteria normally found in the digestive tract that helps aid in digestion food and absorbing nutrients. The most commonly prescribed probiotics are Acidophiles and Bifidus, for upper and lower intestinal health. Additional support for inflammatory bowel disease can also include Acidophiles plantaris. We may also give the friendly yeast Saccharomyces boulardii that has been found to be effective in the treatment of digestive upset caused by anti-biotics. Saccharomyces boulardi may also decrease the risk of lower intestinal infections like C. difficile.
In addition to fiber and probiotics I suggest people chew their food well, avoid over salting their food and do not drink excessively during meals. Avoid erratic eating schedules or poorly prepared pre-packaged foods whenever possible. Try to eat fresh food well prepared and wholesome. Whenever possible try to relax and enjoy your meal, rushing and extreme stress can disrupt digestion.
Some people are sensitive to certain foods, and this can cause digestive problems. In my own practice I find dairy, beans (expecially soy), wheat and cabbage family vegetables can be the most difficult to digest. Remember that sometimes moderation and common sense can be the best way to treat IBS.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8225516.stm
In addition to fiber and probiotics I suggest people chew their food well, avoid over salting their food and do not drink excessively during meals. Avoid erratic eating schedules or poorly prepared pre-packaged foods whenever possible. Try to eat fresh food well prepared and wholesome. Whenever possible try to relax and enjoy your meal, rushing and extreme stress can disrupt digestion.
Some people are sensitive to certain foods, and this can cause digestive problems. In my own practice I find dairy, beans (expecially soy), wheat and cabbage family vegetables can be the most difficult to digest. Remember that sometimes moderation and common sense can be the best way to treat IBS.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8225516.stm
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Good Fats and Bad Fats
Where I work we treat a lot of conditions of the gut. One of the things we have found to be successful in easing inflammatory bowel disease is fish oil. Recent research not only suggest that fish oil can reduce inflammation in the gut, such as ulcerative colitis, but can be a wonderful treatment for several other inflammatory conditions as well such as Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus and other auto immune conditions. While most doctors recommend 1000mg of fish oil a day. I have found for inflammatory conditions the dosage can be much higher. Higher levels of fish oil can be given of 2000-5000mgs a day depending on the individuals needs.
When shopping around for fish oil make sure to smell the capsules, if they smell rancid then they should not be used. Look for EPA and DHA levels as well. EPA is an omega 3 fatty acid that can aid in heart and brain health, while DHA can protect the brain and ease inflammation in the body.
Some of my favorite companies are Nordic Naturals Ultima Omega, Metagenics EPA/DHA and
a new salmon oil that is cold pressed that has become available With New Chapter.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8161616.stm
When shopping around for fish oil make sure to smell the capsules, if they smell rancid then they should not be used. Look for EPA and DHA levels as well. EPA is an omega 3 fatty acid that can aid in heart and brain health, while DHA can protect the brain and ease inflammation in the body.
Some of my favorite companies are Nordic Naturals Ultima Omega, Metagenics EPA/DHA and
a new salmon oil that is cold pressed that has become available With New Chapter.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8161616.stm
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Drinking Coffee May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
For those people who love coffee, as I do, and don't wish to give it up, there may be good news. According to a recent article on the BBC News site, caffeine may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Research on mice suffering from memory loss found that those mice that were given caffeine in their water performed better on memory tasks then those mice that did not. It is believed that the mechanism of action involves caffeine's ability to decrease inflammation in the brain and thus reduce the level of beta amyloid plaques. Beta amyloid plaques are proteins found in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Why people form beta amyloid plaques in the first place is a subject of intense research and theory, but there appears to be a higher risk of this occurring in people with blood sugar disregulation, headaches, and chronic inflammation.
Though there is speculation about the cause and possible treatments of Alzheimer's disease, there are some things we are fairly certain of. For starters, we recommend that people with blood sugar disorders, like hypoglycemia and diabetes, monitor their blood sugar regularly and make sure to eat balanced small meals throughout the day. Make sure your meals contain protein. Load up on foods high in anti-oxidants, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
For those who are sensitive to caffeine, other foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body include fish oil, and the supplements turmeric, bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapples), and boswellia (commonly referred to as frankincense).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8132122.stm
Research on mice suffering from memory loss found that those mice that were given caffeine in their water performed better on memory tasks then those mice that did not. It is believed that the mechanism of action involves caffeine's ability to decrease inflammation in the brain and thus reduce the level of beta amyloid plaques. Beta amyloid plaques are proteins found in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Why people form beta amyloid plaques in the first place is a subject of intense research and theory, but there appears to be a higher risk of this occurring in people with blood sugar disregulation, headaches, and chronic inflammation.
Though there is speculation about the cause and possible treatments of Alzheimer's disease, there are some things we are fairly certain of. For starters, we recommend that people with blood sugar disorders, like hypoglycemia and diabetes, monitor their blood sugar regularly and make sure to eat balanced small meals throughout the day. Make sure your meals contain protein. Load up on foods high in anti-oxidants, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
For those who are sensitive to caffeine, other foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body include fish oil, and the supplements turmeric, bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapples), and boswellia (commonly referred to as frankincense).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8132122.stm
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Green Tea May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer
Recent research has shown that several substances in green tea, known as polyphenols, may help protect men from prostate cancer. Of particular interest is a polyphenol known as polyphenon E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant inhibiting the growth of cancer.
In order to protect oneself from prostate cancer, in addition to drinking several cups of green tea every day, I would also recommend making sure that several servings of fruits and vegetables are included in your daily diet.
One of the most important things we can do to help maintain health, particularly as we age, is to increase our intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the cells of the body from free radicals. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons, and thus very unstable, capable of damaging the cells of the body. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, thus making it a more benign substance. Free radicals can be formed in the body through natural processes like burning calories, or through exposure to ionizing radiation from sun exposure, and also as a byproduct of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, these damaged cells can later form cancer cells or simply die, leading to advanced aging.
Some vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, act as antioxidants. Furthermore, there are pigments in plants, known as bio-flavanoids, that help protect the body from free radicals. We are just beginning to understand the relationship between a whole foods diet and cancer prevention.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8108831.stm
In order to protect oneself from prostate cancer, in addition to drinking several cups of green tea every day, I would also recommend making sure that several servings of fruits and vegetables are included in your daily diet.
One of the most important things we can do to help maintain health, particularly as we age, is to increase our intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the cells of the body from free radicals. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons, and thus very unstable, capable of damaging the cells of the body. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, thus making it a more benign substance. Free radicals can be formed in the body through natural processes like burning calories, or through exposure to ionizing radiation from sun exposure, and also as a byproduct of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, these damaged cells can later form cancer cells or simply die, leading to advanced aging.
Some vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, act as antioxidants. Furthermore, there are pigments in plants, known as bio-flavanoids, that help protect the body from free radicals. We are just beginning to understand the relationship between a whole foods diet and cancer prevention.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8108831.stm
Monday, June 8, 2009
Keeping Our Eyes Healthy As We Age
One of the challenges we face as we age is the risk of degenerating eyesight. Three main types of eye problems can occur. The first is presbyopia, or farsightedness. This is where objects are hard to see close up and special glasses have to be prescribed, especially for reading. The second challenge is cataracts. One of the best ways to protect the eyes from cataracts is to simply use prescription sunglasses when outdoors in bright sunlight.
Additional measures to protect the eyes include introducing more fruits and vegetables into the diet. Antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, Vitamin E and fish oil can also help reduce the oxidative stress produced by sun exposure. A third condition we see in aging is known as macular degeneration. In the case of macular degeneration, a part of the eye known as the macula, which is responsible for central vision, begins to degenerate leading to severe vision impairment.
Supplementation with lutein, along with antioxidants and fish oil, has also been found to be effective in the prevention of this disease. With a few simple changes in diet and lifestyle, we can do much to protect our eyes from degenerative diseases.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8088860.stm
Additional measures to protect the eyes include introducing more fruits and vegetables into the diet. Antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, Vitamin E and fish oil can also help reduce the oxidative stress produced by sun exposure. A third condition we see in aging is known as macular degeneration. In the case of macular degeneration, a part of the eye known as the macula, which is responsible for central vision, begins to degenerate leading to severe vision impairment.
Supplementation with lutein, along with antioxidants and fish oil, has also been found to be effective in the prevention of this disease. With a few simple changes in diet and lifestyle, we can do much to protect our eyes from degenerative diseases.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8088860.stm
Friday, May 29, 2009
Childhood Diabetes Said To Double By the Year 2020
According to a report recently published by the BBC, childhood obesity is expected to double in the next twenty years. To health care professionals, these statistics, while alarming, are not surprising. Several factors have come into play that may be responsible for the rise in diabetes. Most notably, higher caloric diets packed with corn syrup and simple carbohydrates, combined with a growing population of children who no longer exercise and instead spend hours watching television, playing video games, or simply working at their computers.
The human body has evolved over millions of years to eat and move a certain way. Our bodies have evolved to eat highly nutritious foods that are low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients. Our bodies have also evolved to be physically active. Our prehistoric ancestors moved continuously throughout the day, foraging and hunting. The modern child's lifestyle is very different from the lifestyle of our ancestors. By moving away from whole natural foods and physical activity we are seeing a high cost paid in the health of our children.
We cannot ignore also that health has become a statement about education and financial resources. Poorer neighborhoods often have far more liquor stores and fast food restaurants than groceries selling fresh produce. And even when these healthier stores crop up in urban neighborhoods, the cost is often outside the price range of many poorer families. When I see people like first lady Michelle Obama encouraging the development of neighborhood farms, I am encouraged and hope that these efforts will have a nutritional impact on families who often lack the resources for affordable nutritious food.
Exercise has also become a rare commodity in the inner city. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I could not help but notice that the simple act of riding a bicycle or playing outside is, in certain neighborhoods, extremely dangerous. These factors can help us better understand how the health of an individual is the responsibility of the community at large; our city planners, our health educators, the local city councils and police. Perhaps by looking at the health of the individual as a collective effort, we can begin to move towards creating healthy cities that nurture healthy people.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8068941.stm
The human body has evolved over millions of years to eat and move a certain way. Our bodies have evolved to eat highly nutritious foods that are low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients. Our bodies have also evolved to be physically active. Our prehistoric ancestors moved continuously throughout the day, foraging and hunting. The modern child's lifestyle is very different from the lifestyle of our ancestors. By moving away from whole natural foods and physical activity we are seeing a high cost paid in the health of our children.
We cannot ignore also that health has become a statement about education and financial resources. Poorer neighborhoods often have far more liquor stores and fast food restaurants than groceries selling fresh produce. And even when these healthier stores crop up in urban neighborhoods, the cost is often outside the price range of many poorer families. When I see people like first lady Michelle Obama encouraging the development of neighborhood farms, I am encouraged and hope that these efforts will have a nutritional impact on families who often lack the resources for affordable nutritious food.
Exercise has also become a rare commodity in the inner city. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I could not help but notice that the simple act of riding a bicycle or playing outside is, in certain neighborhoods, extremely dangerous. These factors can help us better understand how the health of an individual is the responsibility of the community at large; our city planners, our health educators, the local city councils and police. Perhaps by looking at the health of the individual as a collective effort, we can begin to move towards creating healthy cities that nurture healthy people.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8068941.stm
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Where Exercise Is concerned, Moderation Appears To Be Key
Like many Americans, I have watched The Biggest Loser, and been both fascinated and impressed with how the participants are able to change their bodies so dramatically in such a short amount of time. The only problem with the show is that I don't think it demonstrates a healthy way to treat obesity. The training techniques are extreme, painful, and set up the participants up for a series of potential medical problems like exercise-related injuries down the road.
Furthermore, the exercise programs are designed as a kind of military boot camp experience that, aside from being stressful, seems like a very unpleasant way to live. And this is precisely why so many people cannot stay with these kinds of exercise programs and soon give up their gym memberships after the first week.
Research on health and longevity instead suggests that moderate exercise that is enjoyed is the most beneficial. If people truly enjoy their exercise they are more apt to stay with it. Exercise should not be extreme. In fact, extreme sports can be dangerous and lead to physical injuries that last a lifetime.
One of the greatest determining factors as to whether a person remains healthy is education. In fact, educated people consistently show better health, perhaps because educated people are more apt to eat better. They often exercise moderately while remaining active and intellectually curious well into their senior years; all traits we associate with health and longevity.
http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-exercise-ess.html
Furthermore, the exercise programs are designed as a kind of military boot camp experience that, aside from being stressful, seems like a very unpleasant way to live. And this is precisely why so many people cannot stay with these kinds of exercise programs and soon give up their gym memberships after the first week.
Research on health and longevity instead suggests that moderate exercise that is enjoyed is the most beneficial. If people truly enjoy their exercise they are more apt to stay with it. Exercise should not be extreme. In fact, extreme sports can be dangerous and lead to physical injuries that last a lifetime.
One of the greatest determining factors as to whether a person remains healthy is education. In fact, educated people consistently show better health, perhaps because educated people are more apt to eat better. They often exercise moderately while remaining active and intellectually curious well into their senior years; all traits we associate with health and longevity.
http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-exercise-ess.html
Link Established Between Asthma and Eczema
This evening while reading the health section of the BBC web site, I came across an article pointing to the link established between eczema and asthma. This surprised me because, within my community of Naturopathic doctors, the link had been established years ago. With eczema, which often starts at a fairly early age, we also see a link between the disease and food allergies, as we do with asthma.
Some of the most common food allergies associated with eczema include wheat, dairy, peanuts, and eggs. Removing these foods from a person's diet can be challenging, but will often yield benefits. Some of the most impressive improvements I see in my patients is when they give up dairy. Almost within a few days I begin to see improvements. With young children, I often see skin allergies begin to emerge when the child begins to eat solid foods, or if the mother is still breast-feeding, problems when the mother eats certain offending foods.
Asthma, like eczema, is often due to an external irritant. Here in Los Angeles where I practice, air quality is such that asthma has become a real problem. Efforts to remove dust from the home, such as using air filters, can help, but so can a diet that takes into account food allergies like dairy and wheat. We also recommend vitamins for support. For the skin we often will add vitamins A, E, and Selenium. For Asthma sufferers, there has been improvement seen with the addition of vitamins D and C, as well as B-vitamins, especially B12.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8055038.stm
Some of the most common food allergies associated with eczema include wheat, dairy, peanuts, and eggs. Removing these foods from a person's diet can be challenging, but will often yield benefits. Some of the most impressive improvements I see in my patients is when they give up dairy. Almost within a few days I begin to see improvements. With young children, I often see skin allergies begin to emerge when the child begins to eat solid foods, or if the mother is still breast-feeding, problems when the mother eats certain offending foods.
Asthma, like eczema, is often due to an external irritant. Here in Los Angeles where I practice, air quality is such that asthma has become a real problem. Efforts to remove dust from the home, such as using air filters, can help, but so can a diet that takes into account food allergies like dairy and wheat. We also recommend vitamins for support. For the skin we often will add vitamins A, E, and Selenium. For Asthma sufferers, there has been improvement seen with the addition of vitamins D and C, as well as B-vitamins, especially B12.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8055038.stm
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Protecting Ourselves Against Swine Flu
Over the last few weeks I have had a rash of people contacting me because of their increasing fears about contracting Swine Flu. And though the disease appears to only yield a minor upper respiratory infection in most, there appear to be other populations far more vulnerable to serious illness. Why was the death toll greater in Mexico? What can we do to protect ourselves now? Will this become a major pandemic? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered.
In 1918, one of the worst pandemics in history took the lives of between twenty to one hundred million people. More troubling was the fact that many of those who died had the strongest immune systems. The flu epidemic of 1918 came to be called the Spanish Flu, because it was thought to have originated in Spain (actually, there is strong evidence to suggest that it came from a farm in Kansas that bred livestock for solders during the war).
Years after the epidemic had come to an end, it was discovered that it was in fact caused by the Influenza A H1NI virus, the same strain we see today. That many young and healthy people died in that pandemic has lead many scientists to suspect that a condition known as "cytokine storm" had taken place. This happens when the body's own immune response is so aggressive it results in violent inflammation causing respiratory hemorrhage and death.
Further exasperating the condition, for many people who suffered, was the added iatrogenic deaths caused by doctors who prescribed a combination of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This combination of medications lead to the increased risk for a condition known as Disseminated Inter-vascular Coagulation, whereby the body begins to throw clots resulting in hemorrhages of the lungs and other organs. In fact, so many doctors gave NSAIDS and Aspirin that it is believed that medical intervention may have accounted for many of the deaths.
Today, doctors are prescribing several antiviral medications, most notably Tamaflu. Furthermore, we have a greater understanding of the importance of hygiene today then we did then. Frequent hand washing has been encouraged. But in addition, naturopathic doctors are recommending several supplements to help support immune function, including elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus, to help reduce inflammation and build the immune system. We are also recommending additional supplementation with vitamins C, D, and A, as well as zinc and selenium for additional support.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/09/health/09flu.html?_r=1&ref=health
In 1918, one of the worst pandemics in history took the lives of between twenty to one hundred million people. More troubling was the fact that many of those who died had the strongest immune systems. The flu epidemic of 1918 came to be called the Spanish Flu, because it was thought to have originated in Spain (actually, there is strong evidence to suggest that it came from a farm in Kansas that bred livestock for solders during the war).
Years after the epidemic had come to an end, it was discovered that it was in fact caused by the Influenza A H1NI virus, the same strain we see today. That many young and healthy people died in that pandemic has lead many scientists to suspect that a condition known as "cytokine storm" had taken place. This happens when the body's own immune response is so aggressive it results in violent inflammation causing respiratory hemorrhage and death.
Further exasperating the condition, for many people who suffered, was the added iatrogenic deaths caused by doctors who prescribed a combination of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This combination of medications lead to the increased risk for a condition known as Disseminated Inter-vascular Coagulation, whereby the body begins to throw clots resulting in hemorrhages of the lungs and other organs. In fact, so many doctors gave NSAIDS and Aspirin that it is believed that medical intervention may have accounted for many of the deaths.
Today, doctors are prescribing several antiviral medications, most notably Tamaflu. Furthermore, we have a greater understanding of the importance of hygiene today then we did then. Frequent hand washing has been encouraged. But in addition, naturopathic doctors are recommending several supplements to help support immune function, including elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus, to help reduce inflammation and build the immune system. We are also recommending additional supplementation with vitamins C, D, and A, as well as zinc and selenium for additional support.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/09/health/09flu.html?_r=1&ref=health
Friday, April 24, 2009
New Evidence That Bottle Fed Babies At Greater Risk For Obesity
If fears that your child's immune system being compromised by bottle feeding, instead of breastfeeding, weren't scary enough. There is now growing evidence that your baby, if bottle fed, may wind up obese as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8014282.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8014282.stm
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Asthma attacks linked to Vitamin deficiciency
A deficiency of vitamin C, and possibly vitamin A have been linked to an increased risk for asthma.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8000821.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8000821.stm
Friday, April 17, 2009
Growing Evidence That American Female Soldiers Were Sexually abused by Fellow Soldiers
A recent rash of reports by female solders, serving in Iraq, have accused fellow soldiers of sexual abuse. The mishandling of abuse of female solders by the military has also been charged.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8005198.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8005198.stm
Allergies and Asthma Are On The Rise
There is growing evidence that both asthma and allergies are on the rise through out the world. The idea that this growing epidemic may be due to the rise of pollution and modern living is also a growing concern. Children growing up in polluted environments, with poor nutrition appear to be the most vulnerable.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7989873.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7989873.stm
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Female Anti Rape Law Protesters Beaten In Afghanistan
A group of women in Kabul Afghanistan were beaten this week after protesting the creation of a new set of laws, they say, will permit spousal rape.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8000209.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8000209.stm
Nasal Irrigation Has Been Found To Improve Allergy Symptoms
For those people who suffer from severe allergies, you might want to try nasal irrigation. There are two types of nasal irrigation tools I recommend, either the Neti Pot, a ceramic pot developed in India thousands of years ago for cleaning the sinuses, or the modern Neil-Med, a plastic bottle that many people find easier to handle. The basic reason nasal irrigation is so effective at treating allergy symptoms; is because the simple act of washing the sinuses can help remove the cause of the allergy attack. Nasal Irrigation also helps soothe irritated sinuses as well. Here in Los Angeles, where we have very high dust and pollen counts, I recommend people use nasal irrigation both in the morning and at night before going to bed, as well as keeping there homes well cleaned of dust.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/health/14real.html?em
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/health/14real.html?em
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Homeopathy May Help Ease the Effects of Cancer Therapy
In a recent study posted by the BBC, there is evidence that suggest that homeopathy given to patience undergoing cancer treatment may see marked improvments with the use of homeopathy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998884.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998884.stm
Home Birth Found To Be Just As Effective As Hospital Births
A new study put out by the BBC has shown that home births may be just as safe as hospital births.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7998417.stm
Friday, April 10, 2009
1 in 5 Four-Year Old Obese In the United States
Approximately 1 in 5 four-year olds is obese in the United States, according to a recent study. Obesity statistics differed with race and financial status of the families polled.
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/1514152,w-obese-preschoolers-study-040609.article
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/1514152,w-obese-preschoolers-study-040609.article
Was Einstein Autistic?
There is growing speculation that both Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton suffered from a type of autism known as, "Aspergers Syndrome".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2988647.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2988647.stm
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Male Chimpanzees Offer Meat to Female Chimps In Exchange For Sex
New reserch by the Max Planck institute in Germany suggest that male chimpanzees offer meat, they have hunted, in exchange for sex.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7988169.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7988169.stm
Monday, April 6, 2009
Broccoli May Help Treat Stomach Ulcers
In a recent experiment, published in the BBC, researchers infected with the H-pylori-bacteria, the strain of bacteria thought to cause stomach ulcers, found a reduction in H-pylori-bacteria after consumption of 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts for two and a half months.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7981095.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7981095.stm
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Importance of Vitamin D
Just in the last few years there has been a growing awareness of the importance of vitamin D. Modern living has removed us from the daily exposure to vitamin D our ancestors once had; as they walked along the Savannas foraging for food. In today's world, key sunlight hours are spent in doors, often in an office; depriving us of our daily dose of vitamin D. The recent years have also seen a rise in the use of sunscreen. Unfortunately, while these sunscreens may protect us from the risk of skin cancer, they also increase our risk of certain diseases attributed to a loss of vitamin D in our systems. These diseases include; a greater risk for breast and colon cancer, I am also beginning to see a large number of patients with skin diseases, like psoriasis. These individuals have also tested at dangerously low levels of vitamin D.
While synthetic Vitamin D can be taken orally, I feel that sun exposure is still the most natural and effective way to allow the body to produce this essential nutrient. While I do not recommend large hours of sun bathing, I do think brief periods of sun exposure, when the sun is highest, can be beneficial, perhaps for only 20 minutes a day. In Oregon and Washington, where I went to school, the lack of sun light became a real challenge, so every moment that the students could steal away to harness rays during sunny days was appreciated, it also helped relieve many people of seasonal effective disorder, a disease we now feel may be the result of lowered vitamin D in the system.
While in the past the RDA recommended a mere 400IU units a day of vitamin D to maintain health, most health care practitioners today feel these levels are simply too low. If your vitamin D levels are too low, your doctor may recommend you take as much as 50,000IU doses once a week for several weeks until your levels increase. When I prescribe vitamin D, I do so with a good fish oil, or better, suspended in fish oil. This is because it is a fat soluble vitamin, and can be better absorbed this way. I place people on a minimum dose of 1000IU a day, but for those individuals with low Vitamin D levels in their systems, I may recommend levels as high as 5000 IU a day.
I believe we have only begun to discover the importance of this nutrient in our bodies. Furthermore, I believe that modern living, while creating many modern conveniences and benifits, has also created new challenges for our bodies; challenges that our ancestors did not experience when they lived closer to the natural world.
While synthetic Vitamin D can be taken orally, I feel that sun exposure is still the most natural and effective way to allow the body to produce this essential nutrient. While I do not recommend large hours of sun bathing, I do think brief periods of sun exposure, when the sun is highest, can be beneficial, perhaps for only 20 minutes a day. In Oregon and Washington, where I went to school, the lack of sun light became a real challenge, so every moment that the students could steal away to harness rays during sunny days was appreciated, it also helped relieve many people of seasonal effective disorder, a disease we now feel may be the result of lowered vitamin D in the system.
While in the past the RDA recommended a mere 400IU units a day of vitamin D to maintain health, most health care practitioners today feel these levels are simply too low. If your vitamin D levels are too low, your doctor may recommend you take as much as 50,000IU doses once a week for several weeks until your levels increase. When I prescribe vitamin D, I do so with a good fish oil, or better, suspended in fish oil. This is because it is a fat soluble vitamin, and can be better absorbed this way. I place people on a minimum dose of 1000IU a day, but for those individuals with low Vitamin D levels in their systems, I may recommend levels as high as 5000 IU a day.
I believe we have only begun to discover the importance of this nutrient in our bodies. Furthermore, I believe that modern living, while creating many modern conveniences and benifits, has also created new challenges for our bodies; challenges that our ancestors did not experience when they lived closer to the natural world.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Beduoin Villages Face Life With No Medical Care
In many Bedouin villages, there remains no health care available.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1071629.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1071629.html
Israeli Doctors Discover A Plant That May Treat Cancer
Israeli researchers have discoverd a plant they may be used in the treatment of several different types of cancers
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1071632.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1071632.html
British Woman Faces 3 Months in Dubai Prison For Adultery
A British woman has been accused of adultery and faces 3 months in prison in Dubai, according to the BBC.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7945543.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7945543.stm
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The United States sees steady Rise in Sex Abuse Allegations Against Catholic Clergy
Claims of sexual abuse by catholic clergy have risen by 16 percent in 2009.
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7943368.stm
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7943368.stm
Iraqi Health Care Still Less Then Stellar
Six years after America declared war on Iraq, its citizens still suffer from serious shortages in a broken medical system.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7939366.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7939366.stm
Friday, March 13, 2009
Depression May Be Breaking Your Heart
There is growing evidence that depression does in fact "break your heart".
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1236676916674&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1236676916674&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Half of Baby Shampoo Contains Cancer Causing Substances
A recent report released earlier in the week suggest that half of baby shampoo products currently on the market contain cancer causing agents.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-baby-cancermar13,0,7771528.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-baby-cancermar13,0,7771528.story
Israel Still Strugles With Gender Equality
Despite the fact that Israel, has a far more progressive stance on women's rights then any other Middle-Eastern country, they still have a long way to go before they have achieved true gender equality, according to Israel's Kenneset member Livni.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1070631.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1070631.html
Iranian Man Faces Death Sentence For Being a Homosexual
An Iranian man facing deportation from the Netherlands, may face execution if he is sent back to Iran.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7290330.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7290330.stm
Arab Emiretes Adopts Policy to Discourage "Masculine" Women
A new series of policies developed in the United Arab Emiretes, has focused on discouraging what it considers to be "masculine" behavior in women.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7940501.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7940501.stm
Scientist May Be Able To "Read" Our Minds with New Technology
New advancements in brain imaging studies may allow scientist to be able to determine what we are thinking.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7937926.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7937926.stm
60 Million Indian Children Suffer From Malnutrition
The current epidemic of child malnutrition continues to be a challenge for the country of India, with not enough resources and far too many mouths to feed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7674547.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7674547.stm
India See's Rise In Missing Children
A sudden rise in missing children from the poorer areas of India may be do to child exploitation and abuse.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7926263.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7926263.stm
Friday, February 27, 2009
Clean living may decrease risk of several disease
There is rising evidence that a healthy lifestyle may go far to prevent disease.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7908675.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7908675.stm
Monday, February 9, 2009
Vitamin D May Prevent MS
The effects of Vitamin D on the prevention of Multiple Sclerosis seems to be gaining evidence with new scientific research. This may explain why individuals living in places with fewer sunny days seem to be more vulnerable to the disease.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7871598.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7871598.stm
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Accupuncture Found Effective In Treating Back Pain
New research suggests that acupuncture may be more effective then conventional medical treatments in treating back pain.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7011738.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7011738.stm
Friday, February 6, 2009
Traditional Medicines May Help Treat Many Illnesses
Research being conducted in Nigeria has been focusing on the benefits of traditional healers, and their use of medicinal plants to treat a variety of ailments.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/02/06/nigeria.medicine/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/02/06/nigeria.medicine/index.html
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Rise in Antidepressant Therapies in America
Recently I happened upon the book, Mood Cure, by Julia Ross, which offers an alternative approach to antidepressant therapies in people wanting to avoid these types of medications. I once had the opportunity to hear Ross lecture at my former medical school. She spoke about alternative treatments to depression that included counseling, diet, herbal, homeopathic and amino-acid support. Such simple wisdom seems all too often lost on the majority of health practitioners, many of whom simply do not have the training or time to offer such medical alternative care.
The number of Americans currently on antidepressant medications is staggering. I can't help but wonder at the myriad of reasons why. Over-prescription, trauma, abuse, and few alternative treatment options by prescribing physicians are only some of the reasons. The idea that some forms of grief can and should be treated with a pill seems to have grown out of a modern approach to medicine that is unique to this country. Overworked doctors with little time to spend with patients offer little solace, and instead treat every ill first with a pill, and rarely by suggesting lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, many antidepressant medications are difficult to withdraw from once a person has been placed on them, and they are also not without side effects. Side effects may include sexual dysfunction, Parkinson's-like symptoms, aggressive mood changes, ticks, dizziness, and intense depression-like symptoms that make discontinuing the medications difficult. This issue has been addressed by Joseph Glenmullen, the Harvard based psychiatrist, in two separate books; first in Prozac Backlash, and then again in The Anti-Depressant Solution. What is interesting to note is that the rise in prescription drug use may be just as much a statement about how medicine is practiced in the United States, as is the problem of rising depression; and not necessarily the best treatment option available. This is not to say that some people have not benefited from prescription medications, but rather I believe, like Glenumullen, that they are often over-prescribed and potentially dangerous.
The number of Americans currently on antidepressant medications is staggering. I can't help but wonder at the myriad of reasons why. Over-prescription, trauma, abuse, and few alternative treatment options by prescribing physicians are only some of the reasons. The idea that some forms of grief can and should be treated with a pill seems to have grown out of a modern approach to medicine that is unique to this country. Overworked doctors with little time to spend with patients offer little solace, and instead treat every ill first with a pill, and rarely by suggesting lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, many antidepressant medications are difficult to withdraw from once a person has been placed on them, and they are also not without side effects. Side effects may include sexual dysfunction, Parkinson's-like symptoms, aggressive mood changes, ticks, dizziness, and intense depression-like symptoms that make discontinuing the medications difficult. This issue has been addressed by Joseph Glenmullen, the Harvard based psychiatrist, in two separate books; first in Prozac Backlash, and then again in The Anti-Depressant Solution. What is interesting to note is that the rise in prescription drug use may be just as much a statement about how medicine is practiced in the United States, as is the problem of rising depression; and not necessarily the best treatment option available. This is not to say that some people have not benefited from prescription medications, but rather I believe, like Glenumullen, that they are often over-prescribed and potentially dangerous.
nano technology may offer targeted cancer cell treatment.
New research into using nano technology may create a form of cancer treatment that targets only cancer cells.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233304644720&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233304644720&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Recent study finds most Americans cannot identify their doctors
A recent study find that an alarming number of Americans are unable to identify who there doctors are.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/health/30patients.html?_r=1&ref=health
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/health/30patients.html?_r=1&ref=health
Stem cell research may offer hope to people suffering from MS
Early research using stem cells may offer hope to individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7858559.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7858559.stm
Scientist may discover gene that protects body against cancer
Recent research into the gene P53, may give clues to how the body protects intself against cancer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7861474.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7861474.stm
China sees rise in Birth defects due to polution
An increasing number of birth defects in China's children may be due to its rising polution problem, see link below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacicfic/7863290.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacicfic/7863290.stm
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