Pesticides Exposure Associated With Parkinson's Disease

This article was originally published back in 2006 by Harvard.

Individuals reporting exposure to pesticides had a 70% higher incidence of Parkinson's (PD) than those not reporting exposure.  On a positive note, no increased risk of PD was found from exposure to other occupational hazards, such as:  asbestos, coal dust, chemicals, or acids.

Taken from the article:

"Exposure to pesticides was reported by 5,203 men (8.2 percent) and 2,661 women (3.3 percent).  Among those reporting exposure, after adjusting for age, sex, and other risk factors for Parkinson's disease, there was a 70 percent higher incidence of PD than among people who reported no exposure."

Exposure to these pesticides were more often found in males who's occupation was either a farmer or rancher.  However, the data indicated regardless of occupations, the risk of PD was the same across the board.  It is likely the others included in this study were exposed while at home or gardening.

As always, I encourage people to research these topics on their own, encourage feedback or comments.  The study appeared in the July issue of Annals of Neurology (Ann Neurol. 2006; 60:197-203).

Why Children Must Get Adjusted (PART I)

Today chiropractic is the #1 choice in alternative healthcare. Chiropractic is very effective and completely safe for ALL ages.  At Wasinger Chiropractic & Acupuncture, LLC we are trained to treat your entire family; whether it's the newest addition to your family of only a couple hours old or the great-grandfather waiting to hear if it's a girl or boy.

Some of you may not understand or realize why your child needs to be adjusted.  As a child devlops it is estimated by age 5 a child falls over 2,00 times.  If this doesn't get your attention, I will soon explain why thesefalls, evein if minor, can be significant.

I have acquired several small articles (which will be uploaded and explained thorughout this next week) explaing how chiropractic can help even your newest addition to yhe family when other professions state, "he/she will evenetally grow out of it."

PART I
Children Suffering from "Nocturnal Enuresis" aka Bed-Wetting...
Most chilren wet the bed for the first few years of life, but by the age of 5 most children should be able to establish proper bladder control.  There are actually two types of enuresis:

• Primary Enuresis - Occurs in a child over 5 years of age, who has never been able to establish proper control
• Secondary Enuresis - Occurs in a child who has been able to establish proprer bladder control, but who has since lapsed back to wetting the bed.

Unfortunately outside treatment is not often sought for a child wetting the bed. The nerves, which control the bladder, originate in the lower back and sacrum (tailbone).  As a child, the sacrum consists of five separate segments (they begin to fuse around puberty) that move similar to the rest of the spine.  If you remember it is estimated a child falls over 2000 times by age 5.  These falls can lead to misalignments.

          Misalignments --> Nerve Irritation --> Impaired Function To The Body

It has been shown some patients suffering from bed-wetting ceases after the spine is adjusted.  While bed-wetting may not be due to misalignments in your child, it would be advantageous for you to have your child be evaluated for the possibility of spinal problems (misalignments) if he/she is suffering from nocturnal enuresis.

In one specific study, 171 children suffering with enuresis averaged 7 nights of bed-wetting per week prior to the study.  After the children were given some initial chiropractic care the average child reduced the number of "wet" nights to 4 nights per week.  After the study concluded 15% of the children were considered "dry"!

DOWNLOAD FILE #1

DOWNLOAD FILE #2

Chiropractic Care of a Pediatric Patient with Migraine-Type Headaches

I recently came across a case report in Explore Jan/Feb 2010, Vol. 6, No. 1 that describes the effectiveness of chiropractic care involving a pediatric patient suffering from migraine-type headaches.  I have a attached the article, which can and should be downloaded for anyone suffering or knows someone suffering from headaches.  I have highlighted key points throughout the article for your connivance.  If you don't wish to download the article, I have listed a few points to better inform you on how chiropractic helped this patient.  As always we, at Wasinger Chiropractic & Acupuncture, believe you as a patient should always be informed and understand health is not a right, its a choice!

The case involved an 11-year old male having complaints of recurrent headaches of four-years.  He was prescribed medication by his primary physician, but only minor & temporary relief was experienced.  Migraine headaches were a problem on the child's paternal side of the family. The child experienced at least one severe headache every seven weeks and an average of 2-3 mild to moderate every month.  The pain was "throbbing" but in a non-specific region with no radiating pain to the neck, back, or jaw.  The headaches were sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and photophobia (sensitivity to light).  Stress was a provoking and exacerbating factor while sleep occasionally relieved the pain.  The article also reports the findings during the physical examination which are highlighted in the article available for download.

• During initial treatment, the patient reported experiencing only one mild headache.
• In the 2nd month of care, the patient did not experience any headaches.
• Patient attended care for preventive measures and remained symptom free.
• In a meta-analysis of over 27,000 children with headaches, 37-51% of children reported experiencing significant headaches by the age of seven years, whereas 57-82% reported a significant headache by the age of 15.
• The case demonstrated SMT (spinal manipulative treatment) was effective in the treatment of headaches, regardless of the actual headache type.
• Headaches impact a child's life in a number of ways, including school absenteeism, reduction in scholastic performance, decreased home & family interactions, and decreased socialization with peers.

I strongly recommend anyone suffering from headaches seek out a local chiropractor.  Headaches are not normal, and you shouldn't have to live with the pain.  Don't use the excuse, "I've had headaches my whole life, nothing has helped" until you have talked with your local chiropractor!

DOWNLOAD FILE

Foodmatters DVD

This documentary is a great start for anyone concerned about the food they consume on a day to day basis. This is just a short clip, the actual DVD can be purchased from the FOODMATTERS website.

Fighting Fatigue

JACA (Journal of American Chiropractic Association) recently posted an article which discusses the effects of fatigue and how our choices can prevent or encourage our bodies to deal with fatigue and its related symptoms.  The link to the article can be found below.

• According to a 2007 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, more than half of American women report getting inadequate sleep.  When too sleepy to function, 66% choose to "accept it and keep going."
• Many countries, The United States not being one of them, actively practice "siesta" -- a 15-30 minute afternoon nap.  Several other recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of a "siesta" on alertness, performance, and learning ability.
• The United States uses caffeine as a quick fix not naps.  78% of people cope their fatigue with caffeine.  While caffeine improves mood and cognitive performance if regularly consumed caffeine can increase anxiety, risk of headaches, and the inflammation process.  Cola beverages have also been associated with an increased risk of hypertension.
• Caffeine is considered toxic causing arrhythmia, tachycardia, vomiting, convulsions, coma or even death in amounts only exceeding 5g.  While risk of toxicity is rare, today's specialty coffees can be very potent, ranging from 58mg to upwards of 564mg!  The average 8 oz soft drink usually only contains 20-40mg.
• Preventing blood glucose slumps is key!  A slump can lead to fatigue, headaches, cravings of sweets, depression, and irritability.
• A study showed a breakfast rich in fiber and carbohydrates caused higher alertness, while high-fat meals led to lower alertness and higher caloric intake throughout the day.  Another study showed that protein rich or balanced meals causes less variation in blood glucose levels and improved cognitive performance.
• Fatigue can be a result from anemia (lack of iron), B12, B6, or folic acid deficiency.  Omega-3 fatty acids, leafy green vegetables, vitamins C, E and B12 have been shown to improve memory and cognitive functioning.
• Lack of motion can also be a contributing factor to fatigue.  Try starting the day with exercise, take 5-15 second micro-breaks throughout the day to stretch, get up and walk every two hours, and use your lunch break to "do the opposite" of what your job entails.
• Imbalanced body postures, i.e. slouching, require the body to consume more energy thus increasing the risk of a blood glucose slump.  Take frequent 60 second "stand up, perk up" breaks that combine relaxation, breathing and stretching.
• A combination of sleep, nutrition, and exercise is your best defense against fatigue.

As promised, the link to the article:  Fight Fatigue