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Spin Control: What to Do When Youre Dizzy

04/12/08

Dizzy Dean, the great baseball pitcher of the 1930s-1940s, once quipped, “The doctors x-rayed my head and found nothing.”

That is as good an analogy as any in describing what often happens to patients with the symptom of dizziness. They see a doctor, get an MRI scan (the x-ray of the 21st century) and nothing is found.

To extend the baseball theme, patients sometimes complete a triple-play-going from family doctor to ear specialist to neurologist. And when all is said and done, none of the doctors is willing to own the symptom. Each says it’s the other doctors’ problem!

So where does that leave the patient? Probably out of a lot of bucks and getting more frustrated by the minute!

But, upon close analysis of the symptom, a case of dizziness can give up its secrets. It turns out that the word “dizziness” gets used to describe a variety of experiences, and those different experiences can themselves result from a number of underlying causes.

So the way one gets to first base is to sort through the patterns and narrow down the list of possibilities. In analyzing the symptom of dizziness, sometimes a multiple-choice approach works best. Most people can select one of the following three descriptions as most resembling their symptom:

#1. A sense of motion, perhaps spinning, rotating or even just drifting in space. It doesn’t matter if the person feels they are spinning or that the room around them is spinning: both mis-perceptions have the same significance. These perceptions are known as “vertigo.”

#2. A feeling of unsteadiness or imbalance in the body more than in the head.

#3. A feeling of light-headedness, wooziness, giddiness, or even verging on losing consciousness.

That the term “dizzy” can sometimes have still other connotations is illustrated by Mr. Dean’s own nickname. He probably didn’t get it because of attacks of imbalance. In fact, the pitcher supplied his own explanation with another of his famous quips: “The good Lord was good to me. He gave me a strong body, a good right arm, and a weak mind.”

Let’s focus on the more usual three patterns.

Distinguishing among these patterns helps separate the cases involving the head’s balance (vestibular) system from those that don’t. In short, pattern #1 (vertigo) is most likely to involve a disturbance in the balance system, while pattern #3 (light-headedness) is least likely. Instead, light-headedness or wooziness can be due to a momentary drop in blood pressure (for example, when standing up too quickly) or due to the same factors that produce outright fainting. Pattern #2 (bodily imbalance) is somewhere in-between-sometimes caused by a disturbed balance system and sometimes due to something else.

The vestibular system consists of the left and right inner ears, certain pathways within the brainstem (junction between the upper brain and the spinal cord) and the nerves that connect the inner ears to the brainstem. A problem in any of these components can lead to the symptom of vertigo. But the kinds of problems that can disturb the brainstem-like stroke, tumor or multiple sclerosis-are quite different and usually more serious than most the conditions that disturb the inner ears or their associated nerves.

So once the pattern of vertigo (mis-perception of movement) has been distinguished from the other kinds of dizziness, there is still more figuring to do-is the problem in the brain (central pattern) or in the inner ears and their connecting nerves (peripheral pattern)?

Luckily, central and peripheral vertigos can usually be distinguished from each other based on the clinical history and physical exam. The key is in looking for any symptom or physical abnormality that can’t be blamed on the vestibular system.

How about nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, walking into walls, blurred vision or even jumping vision? A malfunctioning vestibular system could easily account for them all. But double vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body? No way. These symptoms would have to be generated outside of the balance system, and imply that other pathways in the brainstem are damaged.

Where does the MRI scan fit in? The MRI is good at seeing areas of abnormal growth or damage within the brainstem, as from tumors, strokes or multiple sclerosis. It can also see tumors that arise from the nerves connecting the brainstem to the inner ears. But that’s about all it can see that is at all related to the symptom of vertigo.

However, there are far more cases of peripheral vestibular disease than of central (brain-based) disease causing vertigo, so that’s why most MRI scans turn out negative. In short, the MRI is normal, but the patient isn’t.

So what can cause peripheral vestibular disease? The causes are varied, but are more usually annoying than life-threatening. The most explosive form of peripheral vestibular disease is vestibular neuronitis or “inner ear attack.” The typical story for this condition is that the person awakes with violent spinning, nausea and inability to walk a straight line. This condition is at its worst on the first day, gradually improving over subsequent days and weeks.

Another peripheral vestibular condition is Meniere’s disease in which recurrent bouts of vertigo occur in conjunction with deafness and “roaring” tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. This is due to high fluid pressure within the inner ear which is also wired for hearing.

Yet another peripheral vestibular disease involves a stone (otolith) rattling around within the canals of an inner ear. This variety can sometimes be fixed by “vestibular repositioning” in which the patient’s head is put through a series of abrupt position-changes designed to make the otolith stick in one place.

Medications can also be useful in diminishing the symptom of vertigo. The most widely used drug is meclizine (brand name Antivert) which is related to the antihistamines and helps simmer down an overactive inner ear. A second drug used in the same way is scopolamine, usually delivered via a patch on the skin (Transderm Scop). Finally, diazepam (Valium) can also be used a “vestibular suppressant” though is usually the last choice owing to its possibility of becoming habit-forming.

And how about those other forms of dizziness that involve lightheadedness, wooziness or giddiness? As a baseball player might say, “That’s a whole other ball game.”

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ADHD - Are there Treatment Options?

30/11/08

As an ADD coach I am often asked about the treatment options available for Attention Deficit Disorder. Generally when someone says “ADD” the first thing that will come to the layperson’s mind is ‘Ritalin’ or an image of a hyperactive “Dennis-the-Menace” type. Fortunately, there is a lot more to Attention Deficit Disorder than drugs and hyperactivity. Each individual is unique and therefore different people will respond well to different treatment options.

There are a number of treatment options available for children and adults with ADD. Let’s explore some of the most common options.

1) Medication - Medication such as stimulants (i.e. Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, Adderall) is probably the most common treatment for ADD. Often antidepressants (such as Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Wellbutrin) are used instead of or in combination with the stimulants. Some individuals will respond quite well to treatment with medication while others will see little to no difference. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of treatment with medication with your doctor.

2) Counseling and Therapy - Many children and adults with ADD will benefit from counseling from a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social worker or other mental health practitioner. There is no one form of counseling ? some professionals will focus on exploring events in the past or emotions while others will work with behavior modification techniques. Some professionals will use a combination of approaches depending on the individual.

3) ADD Coaching - Coaching can be conducted in person or over the telephone and focuses on the whole-person. An ADD coach creates a partnership with each client to explore treatment options for ADD while focusing on creating balance and satisfaction in each area of the client’s life. ADD coaching is recommended for a period of 3-6 months for maximum effectiveness. Coaching utilizes regular communication, goal setting, personality and interest inventories and an extensive battery of tools to design an individualized strategy for each client.

4) Biofeedback and Neurofeedback - Biofeedback uses monitoring devices to furnish information regarding autonomic body functions such as heart rate or blood pressure. The individual patient is therefore trained to gain some voluntary control over that function. Neurofeedback uses technology to train individuals to gain self-regulation of individual brain wave states so as to remain alert, relaxed and focused.

5) Nutritional Therapy and Natural Treatments - Naturopathic and Homeopathic Doctors, Dieticians, Nutritionists, Allergists and other practitioners stress the importance of the dietary treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder. These professionals can design a customized diet that will help to reduce the symptoms of ADD. Nutritional supplements and vitamins are often recommended to ensure a balanced diet and proper levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

6) Supplemental Education - Educational centres such as Sylvan Learning Centre and Kumon Math & Reading Centre offer educational programs for children who fall behind in the classroom. Current research indicates that an estimated 50% of children with ADD have a co-existing learning disability. Supplemental Education also exists for adults in the form of career-based training in facilities such as the Academy of Learning.

With all of these possibilities how does any ADDer know where to turn? Remember that no one treatment is a miracle! Often the best treatment comes from a combination of several of the treatments listed above. If you are struggling to find the treatment that is right for you we are here to help.

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Vioxx Side Effects : Are You Suffering?

29/11/08

Have you ever taken the drug Vioxx or celebrex? In September 2004 the drug manufacturer Merck decided to recall the product after long term data suggested a serious potential side effect.

This drug and others like it such as as ‘Celebrex’, ‘Bextra’ and ‘Arcoxia’ are part of a family of drugs known as “COX2 drugs” or “COX2 inhibitors”

They have been developed with, ironically, patient safety in mind.They are typically used in treatment of arthritis, though high dose vioxx was promoted for short term relief of acute muscular/skeletal pains.They were anti-inflammatory drugs.

The serious side effects were in connection with the heart suggesting risk of heart disease or heart attack.In medical circles it was referred to as “..adverse cardiovascular effects.”

There are other drugs used to treat inflammation that have been around for many years.YOu may have heard of products such as Advil or Nurofen which contain the ingredient Ibuprofen.Other older anti-inflammatory drugs include such brands as Voltarol or Naprosyn.

What’s the difference between these older drugs and the recent treatments know as “COX2 drugs”?

The newer drugs such as Arcoxia,Celebrex and Vioxx were designed to be much more specific in their mode action than old drugs like Ibuprofen.The idea was to limit the associated problems in long term treatment.

When we get older we all seem to get more sensitive to side effects of drugs.Often this is complicated even more by the fact that we may suffer from more than one problem or disease at the same time.

At this point we take more medication in the last five to ten years of our lives than in all the other years put together! Is it any wonder we might feel under the weather, a little off colour even?

You could have asthma and high blood pressure. Anxiety and lack of sleep every night. Panic attacks and depression.

If you take an anti-inflammatory drug for a given length of time, your doctor/physician will no doubt tell you about one major problem.

Ulceration of the stomach or intestines…..

It was hoped that the newer COX2 drugs would not cause this problem at all.Therefore it would avoid the risk of someone suffering internal bleeding which could become fatal.

The older you become the greater the risk of this occuring. It could be a slow blood loss or a sudden episode of an ulcer bleeding more profusely.

So when people got the signs of ulcers, they got treatment for an ulcer. Some would stop taking medication and others would take a maintenance dose to prevent ulcers coming back while continuing to take the old ibuprofen drugs for their arthritis.

It was hoped drugs like vioxx would stop this, but ulceration still remains a possibility. Doctors routinely consider offering anti ulcer drugs to reduce the probability of this happening.

So what is the all the recent fuss about ? Where did it all suddenly seem to unravel after all that hope and expectation ? A new long term study seemed to indicate some degree of risk to the heart some 18 months or so after starting treatment.

So if you took vioxx for a week or a couple of months, this potential problem did not appear.It has only been spotted after taking the medication for a longer period such as 18 months.

What can you do? Are there ways to reduce risks? This is something you need advice on as only your doctor will have your medical history.There is much to consider and such a problem can in some circumstances be minimised.

Of course if you smoke you increase the risk of stomach or intestinal ulceration if you also take anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen.Why not quit instead?

If you take other medication for depression or anxiety then these drugs can increase the risk of bleeding with any anti-inflammatory drug being taken at the same time.

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Fioricet: Migraine Remedy Medication Or Just Another Headache?

26/11/08

We’ve all had garden variety headaches from time to time. Getting sleep, drinking water, or taking aspirin or Tylenol lets you squash these “tension headaches” (as doctors call them) quickly and easily.

But if you suffer from severe or chronic tension headaches, you know that headaches can take over your work and family life. A study by the American Headache Society shows that 70% of chronic headache sufferers have significant problems with daily functioning because of the headaches.

Migraine sufferers have symptoms in addition to headache; they may spend days each month in a darkened room because the pain and light-sensitivity are unbearable otherwise.

Fioricet: A New Option

Fioricet is one of the drugs that researchers have developed to manage headaches. It has been found to be effective for tension headaches. While studies haven’t shown it to be effective for migraine sufferers overall, some people with migraines seem to find it helpful as well.

Fioricet gets its effect from three different ingredients that attack different “parts” of your headache, just like a good laundry detergent has different ingredients to tackle grease, odors, and dirt.

So how does the dynamic trio work?

Fioricet has three parts, two of which may be old friends:

Butalbital
Acetominophen
Caffeine

Butalbital is a barbiturate; like other barbiturates, it has a relaxing effect. Butalbital will help you relax and make you feel a bit drowsy, which seems to help with tension headaches.

Acetominophen is a drug that you may recognize as the active ingredient in Tylenol. It can help with pain relief especially when combined with a relaxant.

Caffeine gives you the “buzz” that you may feel after drinking tea, coffee, or colas, or eating chocolate. Caffeine helps to reduce blood flow to the brain. Many scientists believe that “too much” blood flowing to the brain is part of what causes chronic tension headaches, so caffeine can reduce that effect.

Fioricet as part of your pain-management system

As headache sufferers, anything that might help get our lives back to normal sounds like a God-send. But there a couple of questions you should ask yourself before talking with your doctor about a prescription

? Do I have migraines? If you don’t know, talk about your symptoms with your doctor before deciding that Fioricet is a good fit for you.

? Is operating heavy machinery or doing a lot of driving part of my daily life? If you take a little too much Fioricet of if you’re very sensitive to barbiturates, it can create the feelings and behaviors of someone who has had too much alcohol. Being “drunk” is not a good mix with operating a crane or driving carloads of kids to school, soccer practice, and the library!

? Do I need a pain-killer at least once a day? Fioricet can make you dependent on it. Dependence can lead to “rebound headaches” (headaches as the drug leaves your system) and even more serious health consequences. Your doctor might suggest using Fioricet as a “back-up” medication - to use it for the days where your regular medication doesn’t work. And if you’ve previous experienced dependence on another drug (including alcohol), this medication is not for you.

I’ve Thought It Over, So What’s My Next Step?

Take the prescription to your local pharmacy or on-line drug store so it’s ready for your use at the sign of the first stubborn headache. Discussing any problems or side effects like dizziness or drowsiness with your doctor will help you manage this drug and can make it part of your plan for a pain-free life!

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Quitting Smoking: Planning To Succeed With Zyban!

26/11/08

Step One: The Big Decision

One of the most frustrating things about deciding to quit smoking can be people’s reactions: “Well, it’s about time!” or “It was a filthy habit, why didn’t you quit sooner?” But as anyone who has been using nicotine knows, it’s one of the hardest decisions, and one of the most difficult tasks, many people face. For many of us, smoking isn’t just a physical addiction: we may associate smoking with our first cup of coffee in Paris or favorite college bar. It may help you relieve stress or even remind you of a fondly loved parent or grandparent, now gone.

So before creating a plan to stop smoking, stop and CONGRATULATE yourself on making a tough decision that will lead to a healthier life both for you and your family.

Step Two: Consider Zyban

There are many things that you can do to prepare yourself for quitting, including taking medication.

Some people use nicotine patches or gum. Keep in mind, though, these substitute one form of nicotine for another. While they do stop you from smoking, they don’t help you get over a dependence to nicotine. When you stop using the patches or gum, you may find that you miss the nicotine and need to go back to smoking.

Think instead about asking your doctor to prescribe Zyban for you. Zyban has a chemical found in an antidepressant (Wellbutrin), but Zyban works to change your brain chemistry easier to quit smoking (pretty neat huh?). As long as you’re not on Wellbutrin (or other medications) or have a seizure disorder, a Zyban prescription can be the start of your trip to Smoke-Free Living.

Step 3: Planning Ahead

It takes Zyban a week to ten days to start working, so once you start the medication, pick a quit date about two weeks later. In the meantime, you may keep smoking, if you wish. By the time you’ve reached your official quit date, Zyban will be ready to help you adjust to not smoking.

During that week, do a little more planning ahead of time. There are times during the quitting process that you’ll probably “miss” having a cigarette in your hands, so make a list of things you like to do with your hands that you can do instead of smoking. Want to get back to knitting? Maybe you can get rid of some one-time projects on your to-do list: cleaning the car out or create that vacation photo-album or family webpage.

Make a list of the things that motivated you to quit and write it down. Are you worried about your health? Maybe you’re thinking about starting dating: being a non-smoker might open up the places you go to meet people. For some people, saving money is a motivator; the amount you spend on cigarettes could buy you golf clubs or a new dress! This list can be a helpful reminder when you feel cravings coming on.

Step 4: The Early Days of Smoke-Free

While Zyban will make it easier to keep from reaching for a cigarette, having distractions in place will help you get through periods of craving. Keep in mind that cravings only last a few minutes and you’re tough - you can handle anything for a few minutes! Use deep breathing or a quick walk around the block to ease your tension until the craving passes.

You should also keep an eye out for side-effects of Zyban; common ones are dry-mouth and trouble sleeping, but if you notice other effects (including symptoms of allergy) contact your doctor right away.

Step 5: The Non-Smoking You

People may stay on Zyban anywhere from 7 to 26 weeks, though 7 to 12 weeks is most common. At that point, you are ready to move onto your smoke-free and Zyban-free life!

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UltraCET: The Dynamic Duo Of Prescription Pain Control Medications

22/11/08

Remember the last time you stubbed your toe? OUCH! It’s painful. But a stubbed toe usually doesn’t send us running to the medicine cabinet, since we know that the pain will pass within a few minutes.

But for more serious “acute” pain (pain that’s severe and constant for a couple of days), waiting it out may not be an option. For some acute pain, we might even make things worse: for example, if you hold a painful joint at an awkward angle to relieve the pain, you might end up with a muscle strain.

So what are our options? Sometimes simple over the counter medications may do the trick. But for when they don’t, a prescription medication may be the best bet.

UltraCET: Two Tough Drugs in one Small Pill

For acute pain from sprains, muscle strains, surgery, or dental work, or for arthritis flare-ups, UltraCET is a terrific option.

UltraCET is like any heroic dynamic duo (think Batman and Robin, or Xena and Gabrielle): One drug has the high-profile effect, but the other has an equally important, though less noticeable set of activities.

The “ultra” part of UltraCET is tramadol, the generic name for Ultram. Tramadol’s effect on your body is similar to the effect of narcotics (drugs like opium and heroin which are illegal, and codeine and morphine, which aren’t). Tramadol is just as good as narcotics in relieving pain but because unlike narcotics, it doesn’t affect your breathing or have other side-effects which stop us from regularly using medical narcotics.

The “CET” part of UltraCET is probably familiar to you in its day-to-day formulation; you might even have it in your medicine cabinet! It’s acetaminophen, the same drug that’s in Tylenol.

The two drugs work together (in “synergy”) to control pain. Acetaminophen helps “increase your threshold to pain.” That’s a fancy way of saying that mild pain signals from your body don’t even make it up to your brain so they don’t register. The bigger pain signals do make it to your brain, but that’s where tramadol kicks in - stopping the pain signals while they’re working their way through your brain. It’s just like Robin capturing the villain’s henchmen while Batman tackles the mastermind villain!

This Sounds Like The Perfect Rescue!

If you’ve just been seen by a doctor (a surgeon, or a dentist), she may well have already prescribed UltraCET for you. If you haven’t, but you’ve got a sprain or regular arthritis flares, you should talk with your doctor about a prescription for this drug.

Like anything powerful, though, you need to use it at the right time for the right reasons (letting Xena show off her acrobatic skills in a china shop is not a terrific idea!). The most important thing about taking UltraCET is to remember that it’s for short term use only!

Most doctors will suggest using it for up to five days only because you can otherwise become dependent on (addicted to) it. Stopping the drug after taking it a long time can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, so never take more than the doctor prescribes.

Your doctor will also ask you about other drugs that you’re taking. Tylenol, some antidepressants, and some seizure medications don’t mix with UltraCET. Neither does drinking, so you might wait to celebrate until after your sprain has healed!

Once these issues are resolved, your doctor can send you home with a prescription for UltraCET. It’ll help you get through the worst of the pain, and then best of all, it can ride off into the sunset when its job is done, leaving you to your pain-free life!

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Hypothermia - The Cold Facts

22/11/08

If you ever go to cold countries, you should undoubtedly have heard of Hypothermia. If you haven’t, you should learn something about it. Your very own life may depend on knowing the information below:

Hypothermia is a condition marked by an abnormally low internal body temperature. It develops when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. Normal muscular and cerebral functions become impaired and death can follow if it becomes worse.

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Orthotics: Prefab or Custom-Made?

21/11/08

If you take a simple stroll down the foot product isle at your local drug store you will find an array of foot products and inserts. You will find inserts for cushion, for comfort, for support and for control. Many questions may cross your mind. What are the differences? Is the $15 insert better than the $7 insert? Are these orthotics? Will they help my foot pain? You may take the time to study the package details closely, but in most instances it doesn’t really matter which pair you grab. Most of the inserts at the local drug store are essentially the same.

An insert slips into the shoe and will give you some comfort, cushion and a little support. In some cases, inserts purchased at the drugstore will help alleviate some arch or heel pain and give relief to sore, tired feet. But, an insert is not an orthotic. Orthotics are devices which fit into the shoe and aid in foot function. The most important difference is an orthotic controls abnormal motion and corrects foot function, while an insert will only provide cushion and comfort.

A prefabricated orthotic is a device that is pre-made and designed to fit the most common foot types. Typically, a prefabricated orthotic needs to be purchased at a sports store and they are more expensive than inserts, costing $25-$30. The prefab orthotic is more rigid than an insert and is designed not only to support the arch, but also to help control motion, which will decrease stress on the tendons and ligaments in the arch. Many individuals will do very well with a prefabricated orthotic. Prefab orthotics generally last for one or two years before replacement is necessary.

A functional custom made orthotic is a device that is even more rigid than a prefab orthotic. The custom made orthotic must be rigid to help control the motion in the foot and add support. If the orthotic is soft, the weight of the body would collapse the device and it would no longer function. A custom made orthotic is not only custom molded to your foot and arch, corrective wedges and covers are built into the device to help with motion control and to improve the mechanics of the foot. Individuals with flatfeet, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, certain foot deformities, knee, hip and back problems may benefit from custom made functional orthotics. The orthotic should make standing, walking, jogging or running more comfortable. Custom made functional orthotics will generally last 7-12 years before needing to be replaced, and can cost between $300-$600.

Functional orthotics are a successful treatment for many problems affecting the lower extremity. In a recent article in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 75% of patients surveyed had good to excellent results using functional orthotics to treat heel pain, arch pain, arthritis, bunions, pain from flatfeet or high arches, knee, hip and back pain. A recent article in USA Weekend magazine stated the opposite. The article referenced a study in Foot & Ankle International in which researchers followed 874 healthy, young Israeli army recruits without foot problems. The recruits were given soft custom, semi-rigid custom, soft prefab or semi-rigid prefab orthotics to wear in their boots during basic training. The researchers found no difference in the development of foot problems between the custom made orthotic group versus the prefab orthotic group. The conclusion from this study is that custom made orthotics will not help prevent foot problems from developing. What is important to understand is this study did not evaluate individuals with foot pain or foot problems. The population evaluated was a group of young, healthy, active individuals without any existing foot problems. Therefore, we cannot conclude from this study that prefab orthotics treat foot conditions better than custom-made orthotics.

Individuals with plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain) who also have flatfeet usually respond best to custom-made orthotics. Certain types of tendonitis respond well to orthotics and other types require orthotics. Posterior tibial tendonitis is the tearing and inflammation of the tendon that helps to hold up the arch. When this tendon is overstressed by arch collapse it cannot heal. Custom made orthotics are essential in the treatment of this condition.

Individuals with high arches may also require orthotics, but they do not respond as well. Custom made orthotics can help slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes, but they will not prevent this process. Orthotics may help with some pain at a bunion, but they will not “cure” the bunion. When the motion in the foot is contributing to the problem, orthotics are generally recommended. If the foot is stable and does not require support, the bunion, hammertoe, neuroma, tendonitis or even plantar fasciitis may not require custom made orthotics for treatment. These individuals may do well with a pre-fabricated orthotic. If you do not have foot pain or an existing foot condition, a custom made orthotic is not necessary for prevention of foot problems.

A custom made accommodative orthotic is soft and designed to reduce pressure and prevent excess friction. Diabetics can develop numbness and loss of circulation in the feet. This numbness and circulation loss puts them at risk for developing open sores on the feet called ulcerations. To help prevent excess rub and friction in certain areas on the feet, accommodative orthotics are recommended. Diabetics who do not have numbness or circulation loss (as diagnosed by their doctor) do not need to have accommodative orthotics, unless the foot has a deformity, like a bunion or hammertoe, then accommodative orthotics are necessary.

Both types of custom-made orthotics are formed by taking a mold of the foot. A functional orthotic mold is fabricated by wrapping the foot in plaster. The foot is held in a corrected position while the plaster is setting. To obtain an accommodative orthotic mold, the patient steps into a foam box. An impression of the foot in a standing position is then created. The molds are sent to a lab and scanned into a computer. A reverse image is produced and the computer generates an image of the foot in neutral position. The computer adjusts the image based on the corrections recommended. A model of the foot is then cut out, in some cases out of wood. The orthotic material is pressed over the foot model and the orthotic is created. The most common material for a semi-rigid custom made orthotic is polypropylene, but other materials, such as graphite are used. A foam-like material is typically used for custom-made accommodative orthotics.

The bottom line is that if you have foot pain, a foot deformity or condition, let your podiatrist evaluate you and decide if orthotics should be part of the treatment. If your insurance will not cover the orthotics and you cannot afford custom made orthotics, consider trying prefabricated orthotics. If you are looking to help prevent foot problems or looking for some extra support, a prefab orthotics is a good option for you, especially if you are active in sports. If you are just looking for a little extra cushion and comfort, an insert at your local drug store will be your best bet.

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Study Confirms IBS Improvement

20/11/08

Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which affects 10-20% of the population. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function such as constipation, diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some people have occasional symptoms, which can be aggravated by stress or food intolerances. Others experience crippling symptoms, and struggle to maintain their quality of life in the absence of any targeted, effective pharmaceutical treatments.

This disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, although women are predominantly affected. Severe IBS can dramatically restrict mobility, through loss of control of bowel function and severe abdominal pain. These symptoms contribute to IBS being second only to the common cold as the most frequent cause of absenteeism from work and school.

Despite the significant impact on individuals and the population at large, there is no clear established cause for IBS. Whilst medical investigations are important to eliminate the possibility of an over-lapping pathology such as parasites, candida, inflammatory bowel disease, cealiacs or Crohn’s disease, there is no specific investigation which patients can test positive for in order to confirm a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A diagnosis of IBS is more often a diagnosis of exclusion ? if its not another gastrointestinal condition, and it fits the symptom picture of IBS, then it is IBS.

The current accepted criteria for diagnosing IBS is the Rome criteria (adopted in medical texts and by the American Gastroenterological Association). Their definition of IBS consists of:

At least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two of three features:

  • Relieved with defecation and/or
  • Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool and/or
  • Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool.

The following symptoms support the diagnosis of IBS:

  • Abnormal bowel movement frequency (more than three per day or less than three per week),
  • Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/water),
  • Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation),
  • Mucous passed with stools,
  • Abdominal bloating or distension.

There are few effective treatments for IBS. Pharmaceutical medications include anti-diarrheal agents and laxatives, some of which can be harmful if used repeatedly. Significant improvements can be made through dietary changes which can therefore reducing some trigger factors for IBS. It is also important to practice some stress reduction techniques such as breathing techniques, and positive psychology, as there is a direct link between stress and an aggravation of IBS symptoms.

The most promising, long-lasting and side-effect free results in the treatment of IBS were based on a large clinical trial conducted at an Australian university, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998.

These results demonstrated a 64-76% improvement rate on all measures of IBS such as abdominal pain, distention and bowel habits. These results were achieved in a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial conducted by gastroenterologists and doctors. The remarkable positive results were achieved in the treatment group that received Chinese herbal treatments. This same formula can be purchased as pre-made capsules from select retailers, and it offers great hope for those struggling with IBS.

Dr. Maia Dodds is the author of ‘The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improvement Program’

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Warning! Flu Shots Can Be Dangerous To Your Health

20/11/08

Every year about this time doctors around the world are recommending that people go in and get their annual flu shot. What most people don’t know or understand is just how dangerous this could be, especially for children under the age of 12. When people call and say “My doctor is telling the family to go in and get a flu shot. Should I do it?”?I tell them they should learn about the side effects and decide for themselves?as a chiropractor and naturopathic physician I don’t’ have the time or energy to argue with family practitioners or family doctors who are obviously uneducated on the possible side effects or detrimental effects flu shots or vaccinations in general can have on the body.

I personally have never received a flu shot and have never been ill during the flu season. In my personal opinion I don’t think toxic chemicals and strains of different viruses growing on living tissue belong inside the body. Because of the demand, I want to share with you some of the research that we have found in the latest flu shot trend and the by-products of these supposedly sterile and non-harmful solutions.

I don’t know about you, but I sure would not want any of the following compounds in my bloodstream or deposited in my body. Let’s look at what we have found in the common vaccinations:

Ethylene Glycol: Ethylene Glycol is nothing more than the technical name for anti-freeze, the same stuff that you put inside your car engine. I don’t think I have to tell you what would happen if you ingest antifreeze.

Thimerosal: This is a mercury derived disinfectant and preservative which is used in a majority of the vaccinations and can result in brain injury over a long period of time leading into Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, lack of memory, sluggish brain performance and also is known to induce auto-immune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS as well as altering and depleting the immune system from working efficiently.

Phenol: Phenol is most commonly used as a disinfectant, also used as a dye, is listened as a carcinogenic agent (cancer-causing) agent and is also known as carbolic acid.

Neomycin and Streptomycin: These compounds are used as antibiotics which have side effects to include severe allergic reactions in some people. It always puzzled me why they are putting two different forms of antibiotics in a viral vaccine.

Aluminum: Aluminum accumulates in the skin, bones, brain and kidneys and can cause Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Aluminum has also caused cancer in laboratory mice. It is commonly used as an additive in most vaccinations.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is used as a preservative. It is also classified as a carcinogenic (cancer-causing agent) and causes the body fluids to become acidic in nature. Formaldehyde will start to preserve your tissues within the body.

I hope that when your doctor starts telling you that it is time for your annual flu vaccine you will present this material to him and ask him how all of these ingredients are going to prevent you from getting the flu. I’ll be very interested in knowing what his answer is to that question. As a side note just to let you know what is being injected to your body, these vaccines are strained through animal or human tissues like chicken embryos, monkey kidney tissue and embryonic guinea pig cells, to name a few.

So what am I supposed to do if I don’t listen to my doctor and I decide not to get an annual flu shot? Well, you have probably made the smartest decision you have ever made in your entire life. So let me give you 5 Simple Secrets and Bonuses to Sailing Through The Flu Season:

Secret #1: Reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages and replace with purified water with addition of organic apple cider vinegar added. Two tablespoons per gallon or a capful per glass. Ideally, you should drink at least

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