In Need of a Few Adjustments?

Parents of schoolchildren with behavioral problems can testify to the difficulties their children encounter: poor academic performance, low self-esteem and anger. Now, a new study suggests that schoolchildren who suffer from behavioral difficulties are also at an increased risk for developing lower back pain (LBP).

Researchers examined 1,000 schoolchildren between the ages of 11-14 and found that those who experienced behavioral problems, as well as those that repeatedly complained of other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches and sore throats, were at a substantially higher risk of developing LBP than those without those problems. In short, the study concluded that behavioral problems and other somatic complaints may eventually lead to the onset of LBP.

If you have a child who suffers from LBP, behavioral problems and/or other health concerns, talk to your chiropractor about treatment options. In addition to helping relieve LBP, a chiropractor can recommend wellness and lifestyle changes that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

For more information on back pain click here.

Reference: Jones GT, Watson KD, Silman AJ, Symmons DPM, Macfarlane GJ. Predictors of low back pain in British schoolchildren: a population-based prospective cohort study. Pediatrics, Apr. 4, 2003:111(4), pp 822-28.

The Lowdown on High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is defined as a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher (the top number of a blood pressure reading) or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher (the bottom number). Systolic pressure measures the pressure exerted on the artery walls when the heart beats; diastolic pressure measures the force on the arteries between heartbeats.

In 2002, the American Medical Association (AMA) warned that the majority of the estimated 50 million Americans with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, were failing to keep it "under control." A year later, few people seem to have heeded that warning, a point emphasized by this study published in the association's main journal.

Researchers surveyed a random sampling of the U.S. population as part of the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), gathering data on prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure. Results were compared with data from the two phases of NHANES III (1988-91 and 1991-94).

As of 1999-2000, 28.7 percent of NHANES participants suffered from high blood pressure - a 3.7 percent increase from 1988-91. Moreover, the condition was controlled in only 31 percent of patients - albeit a 6.4 percent increase from 1988-91. Increasing age, female gender and high body mass index (BMI) were associated with a higher risk of hypertension.

So, now you know all about high blood pressure. The question is, "What are you going to do about it?" If you're one of the millions who suffer, talk to your doctor about the best way to keep it under control.

For more information on hypertension and to read some of the latest research summaries click here.

Reference: Hajjar I, Kotchen TA. Trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the United States, 1988-2000. Journal of the American Medical Association, July 9, 2003:290(2), pp199-206.

No Grain, No Gain

Weight loss has become a cultural obsession; these days, it seems that diet fads vanish as quickly as they appear. A study published in the November 2003 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, however, shows that weight loss might be as simple as eating a diet rich in whole-grain foods.

Researchers evaluated the eating habits of 75,000 U.S. female nurses ages 38-63 during a 12-year period. The study found that women who consumed more high-fiber whole-grain foods, including brown rice, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals, were 49 percent less likely to gain weight and, on average, nine pounds lighter than their non grain-eating counterparts.

But that's not all: Other studies have shown that a diet consisting of whole-grain foods can lower your risk for developing heart disease. So, ditch those sugary cereals and refined breads and replace them with whole-grain options; while you're at it, trash the junk food like chips and cookies. You'll feel better, lose weight, and your heart will thank you for it.

For more information on nutrition and the benefits of a healthy diet click here.

Reference: Liu S, Willett W, Manson JE, et al. Relation between changes in intakes of dietary fiber and grain products and changes in weight and development of obesity among middle-aged women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition November 2003:78(5), pp 920-27.

Moo Over, Asthma: You've Got an Udder Thing Coming!

Milk isn't just for healthy bones anymore. According to a recent study, the consumption of milk fat may also be associated with a reduced risk of asthma in preschool children. Researchers gathered data related to food consumption of 2,978 two-year-olds then compared the frequency of asthma symptoms in the same children at age of three. The children who consumed full cream milk and butter daily had a lower incidence of asthma-related symptoms than those who did not.

Among the milk drinkers, only 3.4 percent displayed symptoms of asthma compared to 5.6 percent in the non-milk group, and 1.5 percent among daily butter consumers compared to 5.1 percent that did not. What's more, children who consumed milk products daily were less likely to wheeze than the others.

This is good news, considering that one in 17 million Americans have asthma, with as many as 10-12 percent of those being children. With symptoms ranging from shortness of breath and chest pain to chronic coughing, battling asthma can be difficult and frustrating, especially for little tykes.

If your little one has asthma, or is at risk for developing the condition, try increasing their whole milk consumption. In addition to helping reduce their risk for asthma attacks, they'll benefit from the many vitamins and nutrients essential to healthy growth, including calcium, protein, vitamins A, B-12 and D, potassium, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin.

For more information on general health and wellness click here.

Reference: Wijga AH, Smit HA, Kerkhof M, et al. Association of consumption of products containing milk fat with reduces asthma risk in preschool children: the PIAMA birth cohort study. Thorax (2003):58, pp 567-72.

Does Pain Affect Your Job Performance?

The average employee misses several days of work each year because of the common cold; two or three more for personal or family emergencies; and a few extra "just because." With the exception of those seven or eight days, plus scheduled vacation time and holidays, the average employee spends his or her time engaged in blissful work productivity, right?

Well, not exactly. Just because you're at work doesn't necessarily mean you're being productive. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, U.S. employers lose more than $60 billion a year because workers aren't as productive as they could be. The culprit: pain.

Researchers tracked nearly 30,000 working adults over a two-week period to determine lost productive time attributable to common pain conditions, including arthritis, back pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal discomfort. In terms of hours per worker per week, workers who experienced lost productive time from a pain condition lost an average of 4.6 hours. Some of the statistics relative to specific pain conditions were even more startling: Workers who suffered headaches averaged 3.5 lost productive hours per week; those who suffered arthritis or back pain averaged 5.2 lost hours per week. And for employers, this lost time translated into approximately $61.2 billion annually in lost productivity!

Is pain affecting your job performance? If it is, the solution could be as close as your local chiropractor. If your employer's health plan doesn't include chiropractic coverage click here to find a chiropractor near you, and take the first step in getting rid of your pain and getting the most out of your time at work.

Reference: Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, et al. Lost productive time and cost due to common pain conditions in the U.S. workforce. Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 12, 2003:290(18), pp2443-54.

A Dangerous Combination

Oh, the joys of pregnancy! Baby blankets, booties and bottles abound in anticipation of the new little bundle. Unfortunately, so do fatigue, swelling, and aches and pains. But before reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever, take heed: Researchers have found that some pain relievers can induce miscarriage.

Researchers interviewed 1,055 pregnant women immediately following conception and up to five months into their pregnancies. (Miscarriage is defined as a natural abortion that occurs prior to 20 weeks gestation.) Participants were asked about their prenatal use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including inbuprofen, naproxen, or combination thereof (i.e., Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn); drugs containing aspirin (i.e., baby aspirin, Alka Seltzer, Excedrin, Soma); and paracetamol (acetaminophen)-containing drugs (i.e., Tylenol products, Theraflu, Triaminic, Vicodin).

Results: The study concluded that NSAID use was associated with an 80 percent increased risk for miscarriage; the association was even higher if NSAIDs were used around the time of conception or if use lasted for longer than one week. The use of aspirin was associated with a similar outcome; however the use of acetaminophen was not associated with increased risk, regardless of timing and duration of use.

Pregnant women can ease their pain and discomfort in ways that do not involve taking pills. A doctor of chiropractic can recommend a course of therapy that can help alleviate many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy discomfort.

To learn more about the benefits of regular chiropractic care during pregnancy click here.

Reference: Li DK, Liu L, Odouli R. Exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage: population based cohort study. British Medical Journal, Aug. 16, 2003: 327(368).

Why Starve Yourself?

Many people think reducing the amount of calories you consume is the only way to lose weight. After all, a pound of stored body fat is the equivalent of approximately 3,500 calories - reduce your caloric intake by that much, and you'll lose the fat, pound by pound.

Unfortunately, eating less can be extremely difficult, especially if you're accustomed to enjoying meals that aren't always low in calories or fat. So, what to do? If you aren't inclined to reduce the amount of calories you consume, you can always burn them with exercise - and as a recent study asserts, this strategy may be even healthier for you in the long run than starving yourself.

The study, published in the November issue of the Journal of Preventive Medicine, investigated whether caloric intake was linked to the risk of death from heart conditions over a 17-year period. Surprisingly, individuals who ate more, but were also more active physically, had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than people who ate less, but also exercised less.

Consistent exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, at least three times per week) and a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low in refined sugars and saturated fats, are established methods of losing weight and limiting your chances of developing heart disease or a number of other troublesome conditions. But don't starve yourself! You'll be more likely to stick to your exercise and diet, and what's more, you'll improve your chances of staying healthy for years to come.

For more information on proper diet and nutrition click here

Reference: Fang J, Wylie-Rosett J, Cohen HW, et al. Exercise, body mass index, caloric intake, and cardiovascular mortality. Journal of Preventive Medicine November 2003:25(4), pp283-9.

Get in Rhythm With a Good Night's Sleep

The circadian rhythm, the body's natural clock that keeps us on regular 24-hour day/night cycles, is the primary component that determines our sleeping patterns, including the quality and quantity of our sleep. When the circadian rhythm is disrupted due to changing time zones or work schedules, it can result in sleep deprivation, which, if not corrected, can lead to depression and other serious health problems - even cancer, according to a recent study.

Researchers examined the relationship between sleep and cancer, and found that a lack of sleep can cause a hormonal imbalance in the body - not a good thing, since, according to the study, reduced levels of some hormones, such as melatonin and oestrogen, can stimulate tumor growth. Additionally, a disrupted circadian cycle can result in a reduction of cortisol, a stress hormone that aids the immune system in fighting off cancer-causing cells.

According to the researchers, this study helps pave the way for understanding psychosocial factors, including diet and exercise, and their effects on cancer.

Whether cancer is an immediate concern or not, this study clearly shows that the benefits sleep are wide-reaching, and that the body as a whole needs sleep to stay healthy. To learn more about the many paths to wellness click here.

Reference: Sephton S, Speigel D. Circadian disruption in cancer: a neuroendocrine-immune pathway from stress to disease? Brain, Behavior, and Immunity (Oct. 2003):17(5), pp 321-328.