Posts Tagged ‘chiropractic’
Sunday, January 29th, 2012
Some examples of alternative medicine chiropractic therapy by chiropractors, acupuncture, nutrition therapy and more. You probably know Steve Job’s name. But even if you don’t, it’s pretty much a guarantee that he has affected your life in some sort of way. The company he started began out of a garage and is called Apple. They make iPhones, iTunes, iMacs, iPods, MacBooks, and more. You get the picture.
Whether you liked Steve Jobs you didn’t, there are some things you just cannot deny. First of all, Steve Jobs is the storybook of the American dream. At birth, his parents gave him up for adoption to a middle-class family in California with the stipulation that he attend college. After just 1 year at Reed College, Steve Jobs dropped out and traveled to India to seek some form of enlightenment. After his return to America, Steve Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniak started Apple Computer Company. In the first year, they assembled computer boards in a home garage and brought them to local computer enthusiast group to try to sell them.
A little later, they developed the Apple II. It was a roaring success and the company went public four years later. In December of 1980, Steve Jobs’ net worth passed the $200 million mark. He was only 25 years old at the time. After that, there were several up and downs. Jobs was actually fired from Apple and then brought back to save it a decade later. And, he did. Nowadays, depending on the stock market, Apple is either the most valuable company in the world, or a close #2.
So what does this all have to do with alternative medicine killing Steve Jobs or extending his life? There is plenty. But, the first thing to understand is that Steve Jobs was no fool. He was not some guy with minimal intelligence who read some stuff about cancer treatments on the internet and decided to risk his life doing them. And he was not the type to get fooled by slick marketers peddling a cure. On the contrary, Jobs was a genius and a visionary. From what seems to be the case, he looked at the research. He researched the pros versus the cons. And he allegedly decided to put off surgery for pancreatic cancer for 9 months in favor of other, more natural approaches.
According to MyHealthNewsDaily “After Steve Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2003, he allegedly delayed surgery to remove the tumor which was the recommended treatment. He delayed it for nine months. “During that interim period, he attempted to treat his cancer with alternative medicine, including a special diet, according to news reports.
“Could such a delay in treatment have worsened Jobs’ prognosis, and ultimately hastened his death?” According to Dr. Maged Rizk, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, “I don’t think waiting nine months for surgery was a bad decision.” “I believe that he must have really refocused his health practices [through changes in diet and exercise],” said Dr. Ashwin Mehta, an Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center. “To do as well as he did, he must have done a lot of things right. Therapies such as meditation acupuncture and exercise may be used in conjunction with standard cancer treatments in order to improve health and reduce the side effects, which can include fatigue, chronic pain and problems with sleep.”
“The bottom line is that the mind is such a powerful thing that it’s unreasonable not to use it as an ally in the course of standardized medical treatment,” Mehta said. “I would never say to one of my patients, ‘you don’t need to continue with your radiation treatment or your chemotherapy, all you need to do is meditate and adopt healthy sleep habits, and start an exercise routine, and then you can cure yourself,’” Mehta said. “The reality is that’s not the case.” But, used the right way, integrative medicine may provide a meaningful impact on the health of a patient with cancer.
Here’s something very important to note about this story: The average life expectancy for someone with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor is about two years, according to PCAN. (It remains unclear whether Jobs’ cancer was metastatic when he was diagnosed.) Jobs lived for 8 years after his diagnosis. To get more information about research and alternative medicine, visit New Century Spine Centers in San Diego.
Looking to find the best information on spinal decompression therapy, then visit www.BackCareTreatment.com to find the best advice on chiropractic for you.
Tags: acupuncture, alternative medicine, Apple, cancer, chemotherapy, chiropractic, chiropractor, health, IPod, Michael Pritsker, Mike Pritsker, San Diego, Steve Jobs, treatment
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a term quite commonly used for a broad variety of traditional practices in medicine based on unique way of thinking in ancient Chinese civilization over the past 2000 years. Not like well known western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is founded on a holistic knowledge of the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit, not like viewing a health problem or sign separately.
Lately, an innovative wave of great interest in traditional Chinese medicine has been spurred and several medical service providers in the western world trust it to enrich western medicine with its healthy principles to its analytical, much less complex approach. These days, it truly is generally regarded as a highly effective complementary and alternative medicine or also known as CAM in the western world, which can be used to relieve an array of ailments and still provide great health improvements.
In accordance with the Chinese meridian system, one of the main constituents of the body is qi or chi, which happens to be considered as the vital energy or force the cause of all of the workings of the human mind and body. This chi generally flows throughout the human body by means of twelve major channels which are called primary meridians. Every meridian is connected to a body organ and exhibits its own attribute chi. Imbalances in the circulation of chi leads to negative effects to health such as diseases or illnesses.
The two primary ingredients of TCM therapies involve acupuncture and herbal products. Acupuncture requires the activation of selected body points termed as acupoints with the TCM specialists using the small needles. This helps to reroute the circulation of chi which adjusts any problems relevant to equilibrium within the body, recover health and vitality.
Herbal products are as popular as acupuncture in China for remedying energy imbalances and also other diseases. A Chinese medical practitioner utilizes a lot more than 600 herbs created from naturally occurring sources such as animals, plants, and minerals. A traditional Chinese medicine doctor first researches the effects of the herbal remedy and after that starts preparing the herbal formula for every single affected individual.
Western acceptance of Traditional Chinese medicine is progressively increasing in momentum, and today, it is one of the most widespread varieties of the CAM, with its more holistic approach in the US. Several traditional western physicians are beginning to determine the advantages of acupuncture, herbal remedies and other components of traditional Chinese medicine and they are including them as a specific part of their practice. The growing interest and popularity in TCM being an influential CAM, is largely due to its efficacy, value and lack of side-effects in comparison to the more modern Western medicine we follow today.
Traditional chinese medicine is an important feature on the Good Alternative Medicines.com site. Read about it as well as other alternative medical treatments there by clicking these links.
Tags: acupuncture, alternative medicine, Ayurveda, Biofeedback, cancer treatment, cancer treatments, Chinese Medicine, chiropractic, Folk Medicine, Holistic Medicine, homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, medicine, meditation, Naturopathy
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Saturday, August 28th, 2010
As a chiropractor in San Diego, I feel like I need to set the records straight. If you are like many people, you probably think the sun causes skin cancer. Our chiropractic patients in San Diego regularly bring up this issue and ask about prevention. And why shouldn’t you? Some news coverage has demonized the sun as unsafe. It has sent many running from it like Vampires at dawn.
The truth is that overexposure to the sun can cause problems. What you probably don’t know – underexposure can be dangerous to your health. Here’s why: A new study looking at the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and the risk of colon and breast cancer across the globe has estimated the number of cases of cancer that could be prevented each year if vitamin D3 levels met the target proposed by researchers.
Cedric F. Garland, Dr.P.H., is a cancer prevention specialist at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Colleagues estimate that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D3. This is particular in countries north of the equator. Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to direct sunlight.
The research paper which looks at the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and cancer will be published in the August edition of the journal of Nutrition Reviews. It stated that for the first time, we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer may possibly be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone,” said study co-author Garland.
The study combined data from surveys of serum vitamin D levels during winter from 15 countries. It is the first such study to look at satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover in countries where actual blood serum levels of vitamin D3 had also been determined. The data was then applied to 177 countries to estimate the average serum level of a vitamin D metabolite of people living there.
The data revealed an inverse association of serum vitamin D with risk of colorectal and breast cancer. The protective effect began at levels ranging from 24 to 32 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the serum. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is the main indicator of vitamin D status. The late winter average 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the U.S. is about 15-18 ng/ml. The researchers maintain that increasing vitamin D levels in populations, particularly those in northern climates, has the potential to both prevent and possibly serve as an adjunct to existing treatments for cancer.
It was stated that the suitable dose of vitamin D in order to reach this level could be very small in a lifeguard in Southern California. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can be quite a lot for someone in Northern Europe who tends to remain indoors most of the year. This could be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and short intervals of 10 or 15 minutes a day in the sun. It could be less for very fair-skinned individuals.
The serum level recommended by the study would correspond to intake of 2000 International Units per day of vitamin D3 for a meaningful reduction in colorectal cancer. The researchers recommend 2000 IU/day, plus, when weather allows, a few minutes in the sun with at least 40% of the skin exposed, for a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence, unless the individual has a history of skin cancer or a photosensitivity disease. Garland also recommends moderate sun exposure and use of clothing and a hat when in the sun longer than 15 minutes.
Want to find out more about spinal decompression therapy, then visit New Century Spine Centers site on how to choose the best chiropractor for your needs.
Tags: anti-aging, cancer, chiropractic, chiropractor, dermatology, disease, health, medical, nutrition, optimum health, radiation, skin, skin cancer, sunscreen, supplements, wellness
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
As a chiropractor in San Diego, I see more than just cases of back pain. Patients ask all kinds of health questions. For many years, we have known two things in regards to the sun to be true. First, the sun is bad for you. Therefore, exposure should be limited. Most people don’t know this, but the sun has three types of sun rays, not just two. The first is ultraviolet C light. This is also known as UVC. This ray usually does not reach our planet’s surface and this is good because it is believed only brief exposure to UVC rays is fatal to our body. Next is ultraviolet B radiation. This is also known as UVB rays. These have long been considered the tanning rays of the sun. They are strongest during the summer months when the Earth’s orbit is closest to the Sun. UVB rays are what produce a sun tan to our skin.
For many years, sunblocks and sunscreens only attempted to block UVB because science was unaware of the effects of UVA rays (the third type of sun ray) on the body. UVA was believed to be the safe ray in the 1980s, which spawned the growth and popularity of the artificial sun bed industry – some dermatologists even backed this artificial tanning! But, science now believes UVA rays actually do more damage than UVB rays! UVA rays are not dependant on how far the Earth is from the Sun – so the effects are the same all year round. What’s more, UVA penetrates light clothing and car windshields… even many hats. Over-exposure to the sun has been linked to premature aging and even deadly skin cancer.
For years, the sunblock industry has been booming with the promise their products protect you from the sun’s aging and cancerous rays. But, research now says these “truths” may not be so “true.” This brings us to the second so called truth which is limit exposure to the harmful rays of the sun by using high SPF sunscreens and sunblocks. For example, there is no consensus whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer. According to the Environmental Working Groups’ (ewg.org) finding, “The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer.” (FDA 2007). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) agrees. The IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001a). Even worse, there is evidence emerging that sunscreen may actually increase the risk of skin cancer!
In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens over 50 SPF. The FDA stated that anything over 50 SPF was “inherently misleading.” Even an SPF of 50 can be misleading because of the way most people use sunscreen. Researchers speculate the cause or causes may be lack of UVA protection by most sunscreen for over 30 years, improper usage, staying in the sun longer with sunscreens and some of the ingredients. One big problem is the SPF (sun protection factor) myth.
A person using one-fourth the amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 only actually gets an SPF of 2.3. The same person using a sunscreen with SPF 100 ends up with only SPF 3.2. In the real world, tests show people apply only one-half to one fifth of the amount used when testing the sunscreen.
Then there are also the potential problems with the ingredients found in sunscreens. Retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A also commonly used in sunscreens) may increase the risk of skin cancer. According to Environmental Working Groups, “The publicly available data from FDA’s new study suggest that when used in sun-exposed skin care products, retinyl palmitate and related chemicals may increase skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk instead of protecting the skin.” Also for example, oxybenzone which is a common ingredient, is a known hormone disruptor.
Also, according to Environmental Working Groups, 41% of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate. All of this may be surprising but what’s even more shocking is that the FDA first issued draft sunscreen regulations in 1978 and last updated the draft in 2007. The regulations are still not final, despite multiple announcements of impending completion. Until the agency formally issues its rules, companies are not required to verify their sunscreens work, including testing for SPF levels, checking waterproof claims or providing UVA protection. Nearly one in eight sunscreens does not block UVA rays. Many carry the seal of “The Skin Cancer Foundation.” According to the Environmental Working Groups, “The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) lends its logo to hundreds of sun protection products. SCF approval is easy, just document that your product has an SPF of at least 15 and provide results of basic tests (for SPF, skin reactions and water and sweat resistance, if such claims are made).
Confused? If you are, then you are not alone. Here’s something that will make the most of the confusion Disappear. Since sunscreens are probably not as safe as once thought, the best thing to do is stay out of the sun during its peak hours (10:00am – 2:00pm) and whenever possible, wear protective clothing instead of chemicals. Don’t forget, some sun is absolutely necessary for Vitamin D production and proper health. The amount of sun you should get depends on your skin type but you should NEVER burn.
Learn more about skin cancer. Stop by the back pain website site where you can get free information about chiropractic care and what it can do for you.
Tags: cancer, chiropractic, chiropractor, disease, health, melanoma, radiation, skin, skin damage, spf, sun, sun block, sunblock, sunscreen, tumor, UVA, UVB, UVC
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