FDA seeks plan to curb opioid pain killer abuse
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. drug regulators asked on Friday for manufacturers of prescription pain medications to provide more specifics on an industry plan to curb growing abuse of morphine, methadone, oxycodone and other opioid drugs. At a Friday meeting, industry representatives told FDA they intended to develop a phased-in approach to deal with the problem. This could include a voluntary training program for doctors to better educate them about proper use of pain killers and government certification for prescribing of controlled substances. Currently, a physician must be certified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to prescribe this class of drugs. Congress would have to approve any requirement for physician training to receive DEA certification. The director of the FDA’s Office of New Drugs, John Jenkins, said the goal was to find a balance between reducing abuse of the drugs and maintaining access for patients who need the pain killers. There was concern that doctors might opt out of prescribing the pain killers if the requirements are too burdensome. FDA will hold more meetings with the industry group, doctors and the public next year. (Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
The Food and Drug Administration in February had asked manufacturers including Johnson & Johnson and King Pharmaceuticals to come up with a joint plan to deal with the public health problem, particularly involving slow release and long acting versions of the drugs. This is the first time the agency has sought to develop risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for an entire class of drugs.
Posted via email from chiropracticforever’s posterous
Heavy kids may suffer back pain, spinal disc woes
CHICAGO (Reuters Health) – Add severe back pain and spine abnormalities to the list of problems overweight and obese adolescents can develop.
Among a group of young people who came to an emergency department for severe back pain, researchers found that many had abnormalities in the lower spine. Most of those abnormalities occurred within the discs, which are sponge-like cushions in between the bones of the spine.
Spinal disc abnormalities were more common in children who were overweight or obese.
“Back pain and degenerative disc disease are yet another problem associated with obesity in children, along with type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Judah G. Burns, of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York City reported here at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA 2009).
“Disc herniation and spinal disease are generally thought of as a problem of older people, but we’re seeing it in obese youngsters, too. This is the first study to show an association between increased body mass index and disc abnormalities in children,” Burns noted. (Read more…)
Posted via email from chiropracticforever’s posterous
Think again! PMS Isn’t All in Your Head
Chiropractic works in easing and eliminating “certain problems” that might otherwise be classified as “mental.” I’m a woman and a chiropractor, and I know. Take PMS for instance. Most women have heard, at least once in their life, that the premenstrual symptoms they were experiencing, especially extreme irritability and nervousness, were all in their head. And, no doubt, they heard that proclamation from a man. Why do I say that? Because statistics show that at one time or another, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) disturbs and estimated 90% of women (The other 10% we would assume to be highly compassionate and understanding.). However, for a man to say to a woman that her PMS is “just in her head” is not only risky, it’s also wrong! In fact, in most cases there are definite, physiological reasons for PMS. One of those reasons may even surprise you. Did you know that spinal misalignment can often be the exacerbating cause not only for PMS, but for other female health issues? That’s right. Spinal misalignment, especially in the lower back, can often produce a large variety of female health problems in addition to Premenstrual Syndrome, such as pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and even infertility.
Chiropractic works by getting rid of nerve disturbance in the body. Since the nervous system controls and regulates every cell, fiber, tissue, organ, and system in a woman’s body, her reproductive system is included in this master regulation. If a woman’s reproductive system isn’t functioning properly because of nerve impedance, it can generate an array of “ferocious” symptoms such as those connected with PMS. In addition to extreme agitation and irritability, a woman may experience intense pain, heavy bleeding, and severe cramping.
So, if you’ve been thinking that your PMS is just in head, think again! If nerve restriction is producing your PMS symptoms, remember that chiropractic works. You don’t need to suffer with PMS, or frighten the unenlightened males around you. Chiropractic treatment offers an all natural solution for PMS that could help you to escape periodic misery, without medication and “down time,” and keep you pain-free and active all month long.
Stifled Anger at Work Doubles Men’s Risk for Heart Attack
More open on-the-job interaction might ease the problem, researchers say
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Nov. 23 (HealthDay News) — Men who bottle up their anger over unfair treatment at work could be hurting their hearts, a new Swedish study indicates.
Men who consistently failed to express their resentment over conflicts with a fellow worker or supervisor were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack or die of heart disease as those who vented their anger, claims a report in the Nov. 24 online edition of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
In fact, ignoring an ongoing work-related conflict was associated with a tripled risk of heart attack or coronary death, the study of almost 2,800 Swedish working men found.
“It is not good just to walk away after having such a conflict or to swallow one’s feelings,” said study co-author Constanze Leineweber, a psychologist at Stockholm University’s Stress Research Institute.
The study did not specify good ways of coping with work-related stress — “We just looked at the bad side of coping,” Leineweber explained.
The study doesn’t advocate being belligerent at work, Leineweber cautioned. “Shouting out, and so on, is not proper coping,” she said. (Read more…)
Posted via email from chiropracticforever’s posterous
Stifled Anger at Work Doubles Men’s Risk for Heart Attack
More open on-the-job interaction might ease the problem, researchers say
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Nov. 23 (HealthDay News) — Men who bottle up their anger over unfair treatment at work could be hurting their hearts, a new Swedish study indicates.
Men who consistently failed to express their resentment over conflicts with a fellow worker or supervisor were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack or die of heart disease as those who vented their anger, claims a report in the Nov. 24 online edition of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
In fact, ignoring an ongoing work-related conflict was associated with a tripled risk of heart attack or coronary death, the study of almost 2,800 Swedish working men found.
"It is not good just to walk away after having such a conflict or to swallow one's feelings," said study co-author Constanze Leineweber, a psychologist at Stockholm University's Stress Research Institute.
The study did not specify good ways of coping with work-related stress — "We just looked at the bad side of coping," Leineweber explained.
The study doesn't advocate being belligerent at work, Leineweber cautioned. "Shouting out, and so on, is not proper coping," she said. (Read more…)
Posted via email from chiropracticforever’s posterous
Sacramento Chiropractor: If You’re Interesed in Avoiding Golf Injuries, Shape Up!
Injuries are not uncommon with any type of sport. So, it’s a good idea to find out what injury is inclined to occur in a specific sport and then to do what it takes to avoid it. The truth is, though, that sports injuries can’t always be avoided. Therefore, it’s beneficial to take conscientious care of your body to make getting injured less likely, or less traumatic. The most valuable thing that you can do is to be certain that you have a suitable fitness level prior to beginning to play a sport, such as golf. You may very well keep your body safe from injury if you stick to these general guidelines: Maintain a healthy lifestyle; keep your joints mobile and your muscles limber; warm and stretch your body before to activity; use proper form and good postures while actively playing; allow yourself plenty of cool down and relaxation time.
Golf injuries don’t simply happen to amateurs. Nearly one-third of pro golfers playing in the same time frame are playing injured. Fortunately, all-round good health and fitness can reduce how many injuries you may incur and may possibly deter them completely.
It is vital for you to have effectual body strength in the muscle areas most utilized during golf. However, it’s prudent to make sure your spine is in proper alignment and that it has good mobility before you set out to build muscle strength. A proficient golf swing hinges on your spine’s capacity to adequately move in a rotational action. Back injuries are the most prevalent type of injuries experienced by golfers. Your Sacramento chiropractor will establish that your spine is in proper alignment and that there is effectual movement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic care can go a long way in helping you to avert back injury.
It’s time to strengthen once you’re “straightened.” A safe, injury-free day on the green depends upon your being prepared for your golf game. Golf stretching and flexibility practices will warm up your muscles and make injury them less likely. Whole body range of motion (ROM) exercises will enhance flexibility, fairly quickly, in all parts of the body. In addition, elastic band conditioning offers functional golf range of motion improvements and can increase needed energy in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Sports professionals, like your chiropractor, are adding elastic band training to their golf conditioning programs because the bands offer dynamic resistance that regular weight lifting does not offer.
Quite a few golfers suffer from “Golfer’s Elbow” along with back injuries. There is a minor difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow though they are almost identical injuries. Whereas the outside of the upper arm is disturbed in tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow disturbs the inner arm. Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, can be a reaction to a single violent action, such as (in golf) hitting the mat at the driving range or striking a hard fairway surface. Repetitive stress from smaller shocks, however, is generally the protagonist. In addition, it can come upon those who all of a sudden begin to play too much golf. For instance, if those that usually play golf once or twice a month elect to enter into a tournament, they are conceivably at risk for developing the injury.
Golf makes exclusive requirements on the body. Fatigue can be a problem because the game ordinarily lasts longer than many other sports. When the body is fatigued, unhealthy posture and impeded coordination often follow. These two factors combined can produce an assortment of injuries. In addition, as a result of the repetitive swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are subject to injury. Just as it is vital for you to stretch and warm up prior to starting your golf game, be sure to rest your body suitable between games.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is, sometimes, a surprising injury connected with golf. But, this injury can be caused by a large number of games of golf played over a number of months constantly since it is a problem that happens due to repetitive stress Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a severe injury causing incapacitation and sometimes needing surgery. However, if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, discovers it at an early stage, chiropractic care and, frequently, the use of a brace will relieve the problem.
Injuries are assumed to be an inescapable part of life for a good majority golfers. However, a healthy, mobile spine, judicious preparation, specific exercise and muscle conditioning, reaching and maintaining a an appropriate fitness level, and prudent rest and recuperation after your game is over, can assisting in making injuries much less a part of your golfing experience.
Dr. Yong Kim is a chiropractor in Sacramento with over thirteen years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1707 Professional Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825. He has special training in the area of sports injuries. Dr Kim is himself an avid health enthusiast. For more information go to his website at http://www.sacramentochiropractor.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yong_J_Kim
Chiropractic Works…Just Ask a Friend
If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor, you know from your own healing experience that chiropractic works. So, you are probably as dismayed as I am about how much misinformation and out-and-out lies are out there about chiropractic treatment. My mom used to tell me never to believe anything I hear and only half of what I see, and that was decades before the Internet. Nowadays anyone can write a blog, or write on someone else’s blog, about anyone or anything and not have to back up one word of what is written with any hard facts at all. So, it is extremely disheartening that a very few, but extreme and outspoken critics of chiropractic are making such an effort to keep people away from the chiropractic help they need.
If you are someone who is suffering from pain and injury, and the only medical advice you’re getting is that you should take drugs or have surgery (or both), I know that it is difficult for you to find out the true facts about chiropractic treatment — what it is and how it can help you with out drugs or surgery. I know that there are enough distortions and complete untruths written about chiropractic to keep you confused and, yes, even frightened enough to stay away from the very treatment that will get you out of pain and help you to get your life back.
I know from my own experience that chiropractic works. If you have never been to a chiropractor, my advice is for you to speak with a friend or someone you trust who has been to a chiropractor. Ask them about their experience and tell them about your concerns. Believe me, people who have gone from pain and disability to pain-free mobility and renewed energy and activity are more than willing sing the praises of this wonderful, natural, drug-free approach to health. But, I warn you, once you get them started telling you about the benefits of chiropractic treatment, it may be hard to get them to stop!
What’s In a Name?
What’s in a name? Many times the origin of particular words and terms, and the deeper meaning, has been lost through time. “Chiropractic,” for instance, came from the two Greek words, cheir and praxis, which literally means “hand and action” or “done by hand.” Chiropractic is definitely a “hands on” healing technique. An experienced chiropractor can not only “feel your pain,” but “feel your pain’s” origin.
That’s one of the reasons chiropractic works so well. In these days of “advanced technology,” we can sometimes “lose touch” with the things that matter. Chiropractors never get out of touch with their patients. They know what matters when it comes to diagnosing problems within the musculoskeletal system, and then treating those problems naturally, with a “healing touch” rather than a handful of drugs.
Chiropractic has been a recognized form of health care for more than 112 years. It is practiced in all 50 states, as well as Canada, UK, and in more than 100 nations across the world. The number of people who choose chiropractic treatment is growing every year. Why? I’ll say it again: Chiropractic works!
Chiropractic Works to Reduce Stress
There’s no getting around it. Life is stressful right from the start. Just being born was a stressful event, right? Getting out of the birth canal required our pushing our way through a very small space in a limited amount of time. And, sometimes, doesn’t it seem like you still have to “push” to get anything accomplished? And, that time is usually of the essence! Stress can make you tired and sick, or sick and tired. And, even though chiropractic treatment may not change the stresses in your life that have to do with your job, home, kids, relative, and the economy, seeing your chiropractor regularly can help to reduce the effects of stress on your body.
As a reaction to stress, our muscles unconsciously tighten. Tight muscles cause a precipitation of more tight muscles, as well as the shortening of muscles and ligaments. This results in a decrease in joint mobility, especially shoulder and hip joints, and certain joints of the spine.
Excessive muscle tension, in addition to being painful, wastes valuable nutritional resources and uses up the energy required for vital functions of the body. Stress causes a chain reaction as lactic acid accumulates in tight muscles, irritates nerve endings, and the irritation increases muscular tightness. Increased irritation and decreased joint mobility produces pain in the body and, naturally, creates more stress.
Chiropractic treatment breaks the chain of stress restoring healthy spinal motion. When muscle tightness is eased, metabolic processes are able to return to normal, and nutrients become more available to help maintain healthy body functioning.
When we are out of pain, we are more able to handle the daily stresses in our life.
Celebrate National Chiropractic Month…And Get Rid of Your Headache
This October, during National Chiropractic Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is encouraging families to consider chiropractic care as a treatment for several types of headaches. While many people associate chiropractic care as a treatment for back pain, there is growing documentation that chiropractic is also effective in the treatment of cervicogenic headaches, migraines and cluster headaches.
Research is proving spinal manipulation to be an effective treatment option for headaches. Not only does drug-free, conservative chiropractic care provide almost immediate relief from pain, it also has far fewer side effects than prescription medications.
Additionally, doctors of chiropractic are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling—all of which are
important components in the management of chronic headache pain.
If you frequently suffer from headaches, the American Chiropractic Association recommends 1) taking a break and stretching every 30 minutes to one hour is you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer; 2) doing low-impact exercises that may help to relieve the pain associated with primary headaches; 3) drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration that can lead to headaches; 4) avoiding slouching; 5) eating a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet demonstrated by a recent study to dramatically lower the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine headaches; 6) reducing stress at home and working by planning ahead and engaging in breathing and relaxation exercises; 7) getting plenty of sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Celebrate National Chiropractic Month by calling your local chiropractor because chiropractic works!