July 24, 2000 Research Update

Estrogen and Estrogen-Progestin and Rate of Cognitive Change

So, thinking about taking estrogen to maintain mental alertness and possibly avoid Alzheimer's?? The evidence is weak for estrogen alone, and this study suggests that combining it w/ progestins (to protect against cancer) may decrease mental function!! Postmenopausal Estrogen and Estrogen-Progestin Use and 2-Year Rate of Cognitive Change in a Cohort of Older Japanese America

Alendronate and NSAIDs Interaction Safety Is Not Established

For those with poor bone health also taking anti-inflammatories, their are no studies backing up the safety of using these two in combination. Alendronate and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Interaction Safety Is Not Established

CRP Concentrations Correlate With the Severity of Atherosclerosis

C-Reactive Protein is a marker for chronic inflammation in the body. Many experts believe that inflammation is a major contributor to heart disease. Make sure that CRP levels are checked with your cholesterol if you are at risk for heart disease.

Eur Heart J 2000;21:958-960,1000-1008 Dr. Mira-Christine Tataru from Herz- und Gefassklinik, in Bad Neustadt/Saale, and colleagues analyzed the relationship between plasma C-reactive protein levels and the severity of atherosclerosis in 1,112 male and 299 female survivors of acute myocardial infarction and in 326 male and 138 female age-matched controls without coronary disease. Confirming prior studies, Dr. Tataru and colleagues report that plasma C-reactive protein levels increase with age and are higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. Additionally, they report that C-reactive protein concentrations are higher in coronary heart disease patients than in control patients. Among survivors of acute myocardial infarction, C-reactive protein levels correlate with the angiographically detected severity of coronary heart disease. It is also noteworthy, the authors say, that C-reactive protein levels were higher not only in patients with clinically manifest atherosclerosis, but also in patients with preclinical stenoses of the pelvic and leg arteries as well as the extracranial arteries supplying the brain, or aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.

Teenaged Girls, Carbonated Beverage Consumption, and Fractures

Do we need any studies to tell us this? The average teenager consumes 3.5 cans of soda per day, at the expense of other healthier beverages. It is not surprising to find health problems with this lifestyle. Teenaged Girls, Carbonated Beverage Consumption, and Bone Fractures

Medical Errors

This is a very realistic and straightforward approach set forth by this author on medical mistakes and the impacts of them. wjm -- Reinertsen 172 (6): 356

One of Every Four Americans Has a Musculoskeletal Condition

So why don't more people see a chiropractor?? Chiropractors have the training and skills to address just about ANY musculoskeletal condition and effectively treat it.

Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in the US population have reached epidemic proportions, costing US $254 billion annually, and affecting 1 of every 4 people, according to a report released at the launch of the Bone and Joint Decade. The United Nations, the World Health Organization, and 22 countries have proclaimed the years 2000-2010 as the Bone and Joint Decade, and President Clinton has issued a letter of support for this global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research, and improve quality of life for people with these conditions.