Tamiflu

Beware of relying on drugs as a means of achieving or maintaining health. Check out this story about the Food and Drug Administration and popular flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. Can you afford to trust your child's health to the pharmaceutical industry?

FDA Advisers Back New Warning on Tamiflu

WASHINGTON — The most widely used flu drug in the world should carry a stronger warning label about psychiatric problems seen in a handful of patients, government advisers said Tuesday.

A panel of experts to the Food and Drug Administration recommended drug maker Roche change the warning label for Tamiflu, which has been used by 48 million patients since its launch in 1999.

The drug's label already mentions reports of delirium and self-injury, primarily among children in Japan, but some FDA's experts suggested the language should mention several patients died as a result of these abnormal behaviors. The panel was discussing specifics of the language late Tuesday.

For the full story CLICK HERE.

Sears

I noticed on the business news this morning that Sears profits are down 99% from this same time last year. While it's been along time since I enjoyed shopping at Sears, I WILL spend some money there this year...and maybe from now on.

I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn't always my first choice. Amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and they haven't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

In my mind, Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

Chronic Fatigue

I can’t begin to tell you how many people I’ve seen over the years who’ve been diagnosed with “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. Well, I just don’t buy it. For one thing, how do you come up with a diagnosis for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? In my opinion, it’s one of those “junk drawer” diagnoses that is often used when nothing specific can be identified. What causes it? How should it be treated?

The problem with diagnoses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD, etc. is that because they’re little more than a collection of symptoms whose cause cannot be specifically identified they end up with sometimes bizarre treatment regimes, like antidepressants, muscle relaxers, steroids, etc. Once on the treatment path, it’s almost impossible to get off the treadmill.

In my practice, I’ve observed that when someone begins to look at the bigger picture of their lives and living more intuitively, their symptoms tend to fade away. As they take more control over the things they can control (their thoughts and behavior) and quit worrying about the things over which they have no control, their reliance on either over-the-counter or prescription drugs goes away.

If you’re always tired and have little energy to do the things you want and must do, I strongly encourage you to try to get off the symptom chasing treadmill. Find a holistic wellness practitioner and develop a plan for living a free and healthy life. Freedom is found outside the pill bottle.

Thanksgiving

In all things, Give Thanks!

We have no control over what happens to us in life and business. WeDO, however, have control over our response. One of the major laws ofphysics says that for every action there's an opposite and equalaction. See the possibilities before you and KNOW that there is somegood that CAN come from every event in your life. As quaint and triteas it may seem, the saying still holds "You can't have the flowers without the rain".

Embrace your life and all the goodness before you. You NEVER know what possibilities await you!

Dr. Tim

Conventional Wisdom – Is It Really Wisdom or Just Lazy Thinking?

Many of us rely on conventional wisdom to help guide us through routine decision-making processes. But, does conventional wisdom really serve us that well? Or does it actually keep us from making the best decisions possible? While common knowledge can be helpful in certain situations, it keeps us from making progress in almost every aspect of our lives, as well as that of our society and the worldwide community.

By now, we’re all too familiar with the example of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Western World. Conventional wisdom of the day was that the Earth was flat and if you sailed far enough you would simply fall off the end of the Earth. Having little more than intuition and faith, Columbus defied conventional wisdom and set out on his voyage of discovery. Of course, the rest is history.

One of the areas most affected by conventional wisdom is in the area of health and wellness. For centuries, Western cultures have favored scientific advances in the fight against death and disease. Obviously, advances have been made that improved the plight of mankind. Discovery of the causes of many diseases have led to improvements in sanitation and drinking water supplies. Unfortunately, these advances have received little credit for the virtual elimination of such diseases as polio and tuberculosis (in developed countries) while mass vaccination programs have received almost all of the credit. Conventional wisdom says that vaccination prevents disease. In depth analysis might point to many differing perspectives.

Another bit of conventional wisdom is that animal protein is unhealthy for humans. It’s supposed to increase cholesterol and cause cardiovascular disease. Just this week, though, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released a study that counters that conventional wisdom. For years, Dr. Robert Atkins, developer of the high protein, low carbohydrate weight-loss program named after him was called a quack, huckster and charlatan by mainstream medicine. The JAMA study showed that the high-protein Atkins diet was more effective at helping participants lose weight than other mainstream programs, like The Zone diet and the Ornish diet. Even more amazing is that with the unconventional high-protein, high-fat Atkins diet participants not only lowered blood pressure, they reduced LDL, or bad, cholesterol and increased HDL, or good, cholesterol. Maybe Dr. Atkins’ critics will now let him rest in peace.

Conventional wisdom also tells us “germs cause disease”. Fortunately, the theory that germs alone cause disease is about as silly a notion as the one that Columbus had to overcome. Unfortunately, the Germ Theory (misapplied) has done much to set up Western civilization for potentially huge public health problems in the near future. Let’s take a closer look. If germs really caused disease then why doesn’t everyone in a household get a cold or the flu at the same time? Or, why do just some people at work get the flu and not everyone? In its haste to eliminate disease by killing germs, modern Medicine has abandoned the real precepts of the Germ Theory that tell us it’s the strength of the germ (or pathogen), the amount of exposure and the strength (or weakness) of the host (you and me) that determines if one will actually develop a disease or condition when exposed. The main reason that some get sick and some don’t is the strength of our immune system and it’s ability to isolate and kill those germs. Many believe that conventional wisdom regarding the war against disease is that it has caused potential problems with over-vaccinating children and abuse of antibiotics among a host of other problems. It has also created a situation that actually invites a pandemic catastrophe.
There are many sets of conventional wisdom that bear scrutiny, including global warming, mandatory vaccination programs and the net benefit of mandatory public education. Of course, the list is limited only by your own observation.

So, how can we keep from becoming a victim of conventional wisdom as both individuals and as a society? First, realize that “common knowledge” is just that. It’s common, accepted by all without little thought or analysis, the lowest common denominator and far from the final answer. “Conventional wisdom” is more consensus than wisdom. It stifles thought and fosters ignorance among the masses. Second, force yourself to ask “Is this true or does it just seem true because so many people accept it?” Finally, let principles guide you rather than the mere assertions of others.

Here are some principles that will never let you down.

• The human body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism. It doesn’t as much need help as it just needs less interference.
• If drugs worked, rich people wouldn’t die.
• Individual freedom is superior to group identification.
• Morality, self-restraint and personal responsibility are more effective than regulation.
• If something can be imagined, it can be done.
• The human mind contains all the knowledge of the Universe. Don’t allow your thinking to be limited by common knowledge or conventional wisdom.
• The Earth has been here a long time. It can correct anything Mankind can do to it.
• The wisdom of Nature is greater than the sum of all Mankind’s knowledge now and forever.
• Mother Nature always wins in the long run. Work with it not on it or against it.

Just know that principles win out over knowledge every time. Live your life in accord with solid principles. Don’t be a victim of common knowledge or conventional wisdom. Think for yourself. Be all that God designed you to be.

Backpacks and Posture Problems: As the Twig is Bent So Grows the Tree

As we approach the coming school year, we head off to the stores and malls to buy school supplies. Of course, most kids have outgrown most of the clothes they finished the last school year in just a couple of months ago. And then, there’s the usual array of binders, pencils, paper and of course the trusty backpack.

If your kids are anything like mine, it almost seems like they need a pack mule to carry all their new supplies to school. And, it seems like the book bags and backpacks get bigger every year. At the same time we’ve tried to get a backpack that’s big enough to carry everything, we could be setting our kids up for future posture problems and potentially scoliosis and other health problems.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine seem to grow like weeds. The minute you turn your back, they seem to grow an inch before you can turn back around. While it’s not quite that dramatic, they really do grow rapidly. Then, somewhere around middle school most kids have what’s called a growth spurt where they actually grow even faster. Girls usually have their growth spurt earlier than boys. Hmmm. Maybe there’s a link between earlier growth spurts and a higher incidence of scoliosis in girls than in boys.

Here’s the problem. At a time when kids (especially girls) are growing rapidly, they’re also saddled with as much as 20-30 pounds of books, papers, etc. in their book bags. And as we all know, most of those bags are typically carried over one shoulder or the other. It’s like strapping a bowling ball to the top of a little pine sapling. Surely, it will bend under the weight. Your kid’s spine works the same way. Now, imagine that little pine tree growing in that bent over position. As it grows, it will grow in that same position. So, too, will your child grow to develop posture problems by carrying a heavy load of books on a regular basis while their bones are still softer and growing.

How can you tell if your kid is developing posture problems? Actually, there are a couple of ways. First, simply look at them from the back and then from the side. As you observe them from the back, see if their head tilts from one side to the other or if one shoulder is higher than the other. The slightest difference can indicate a problem that could get even worse over time if not corrected. Have them bend over at the knees. If you can see that one side of their back is higher than the other, there may be what’s called a functional scoliosis. Finally, have them turn so their side is facing you. As you look at them you should be able to almost draw a straight line from their ear, through their shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. If you can’t see that straight line, there’s a potential problem that should be addressed before it gets worse.

So, just what kind of problems might posture problems in kids lead to? First, bad posture can lead to structural problems that can lead to chronic pain and soreness in the neck, middle and lower back. Second, it will lead to uneven stresses on the spine and potential degenerative back problems as they get older. Finally, stress on the spine can also cause stress on the spinal cord and central nervous system. When that happens, there’s always the potential for a variety of chronic health problems.

So, what can be done to prevent and correct these potentially harmful effects on your kids as a result of heavy backpacks and book bags? Obviously, I think every child should be checked for postural problems at an early age. Many times these problems can be prevented with attention, exercise and good habits. Family chiropractors that see kids can recognize the problem and, in many cases, slow down or reverse the problem if dealt with early. While the kids might not like it, buy a book bag with rollers and an extendable handle or one that will distribute the weight load evenly. And finally, pressure should be put on school systems to reduce both the size and quantity of books a child should be required to carry home from school. These days, most families have a computer at home. School systems should make books available on DC (compact disk) to lighten the physical load of carrying books.

Your kids’ posture and health are worth the extra attention. Don’t let them grow into health problems that could have been prevented with a little attention.

Drugs Don't Work!

That sounds like a pretty bold statement. Maybe it is. But frankly, if drugs worked there‘d be no more chronic disease like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and so on. Sadly, chronic disease is the leading cause of death of Americans. The treatment of those diseases is reported to also be among the leading causes of death.

Maybe in one sense drugs do work in that they might provide temporary symptom relief. However, their purpose is to fool the body so that it responds inappropriately to certain conditions. By altering your body’s normal function, drugs cause problems for other systems that may not be revealed for years to come.

Everyone’s heard about Vioxx and Celebrex and the risks those prescription drugs carry, including death. In recent months the popular diabetes drug, Avandia, has been shown to also put you at risk of heart failure. Kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD who take drugs like Ritalin and Adderol are at risk for problems ranging from stunted growth and insomnia to suicide. Anti-depressants have been implicated in numerous mass murders, including Columbine and Virginia Tech. Even common over-the-counter drugs for colds, arthritis, allergies and headache carry significant health risks.

What is this fascination we have with drugs? Granted, Mankind has been self-medicating itself since the beginning of time. However, that was on an individual basis and self-limiting. But I’m afraid our societal love affair with drugs is having (and will have) a long-term negative impact on the health of our economy, health care system and well being of our nation as a whole.

Have we evolved (or devolved) as a species to the point where we can’t tolerate any discomfort, whatsoever? If so, how can we ever survive? I’ve never seen a dog or cat complain of a headache or depression. When they’ve eaten something bad, they don’t reach for the Pepto Bismol. They simply throw up and move on. But we humans, having dominion over all the Earth, can’t survive without taking a pill to manage a headache, a fever, diarrhea, constipation, blood pressure or whatever.

By this time, you’re probably thinking I’m some sort of nut. Drugs have all been researched and approved by the government and wouldn’t be on the market if they weren’t safe. Right? Well, I would only ask that you check out the facts and compare them with what you know or what you have seen. Some of you will probably say, “I’ve been taking drugs all my life and have never had a problem”. But, a good many of you will honestly “You know, I’ve been taking drugs for so long, I can’t remember. But, he’s got a point. I’ve STILL got my problem!” And there’s a reason why you’ve still got that problem.

For the most part, drugs have only one purpose, managing your symptoms. While temporary symptom relief is not a totally bad thing, it’s never a permanent solution. Think about the addict that continually escapes from their problem by getting drunk or high only to find their problem has worsened If he’d deal with his real problem his life would take on new meaning, power and significance. So it is with you. Find the source of your problem and correct it.

OK. So what can you do to get off some of your medications? The first thing I recommend is to take some time to consider your lifestyle. Are you overweight? Do you exercise, at all? What do you eat? Got stress? After you’ve taken a serious look at some of the things you might be doing to make yourself sick, make a plan to begin to change some of those habits. Even better, think about the life you want to live and start living it. As you begin to pursue health, it will pursue you. As you clean the crap out of your system, your body will function better and you’ll feel better. Find a good wellness chiropractor, a nutritionist, a personal trainer, drink tons of water and maybe even find a family doctor who will help you get off the drugs. Live the life you want and you’ll rarely need to cover up the parts that don’t work perfectly.

Weak Muscles - Weak Joints

As a chiropractor, I see people from all walks of life for a variety of reasons. Some are wellness clients that get checked on a routine basis to build and maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle. These clients generally bring their whole family and do so to get off (or stay off) the medication merry-go-round. Others come to avoid a problem that had been corrected that they just don’t want to have to deal with again. Still others come in to correct a problem for which painkillers just don’t cover up any more.It’s that last group I want to talk about today. Sometimes the problem might be in their arm or shoulder, sometimes the knee, and sometimes in different parts of the spine or hips. While my focus as a chiropractor is on the nerves and spinal cord by way of the spine, problems with the spine can cause other problems in other parts of the body.

Let’s talk about those joints, though. Our bodies were designed for movement. And body movement involves three components; nerves, muscles and bones. Muscles move bones after getting signals from the nervous system. Joints, or hinges, make movement more efficient and more effective. I think everyone would agree that the moving parts in any machine (especially the human machine) are generally the first parts to wear out.

The tendency is to blame joint problems on aging. Well, that’s just too easy a copout. If it were as easy as that, every senior citizen would have bad joints. Granted, many seasoned citizens do have joint problems, not all. But aging alone is not really the problem. Besides, there’s nothing we can do about getting older. BUT, there is plenty that can be done about HOW we get older.

Since “structure affects function”, we should look at the other aspects of body movement and joint stress. One component of joint stress is body imbalance. We’ll spend more time on this component in the near future. But, just know that if you look in the mirror and notice that one shoulder or one hip is higher than the other or your head tilts in one direction, you are predisposed to structural problems that will affect you down the road.

The power to move is generated from the muscles. The stronger and more flexible your muscles, the less stress there is on your joints. If your muscles are weak, the joint bears all of your body weight and all the stress of movement. Oh yeah, and folks who don’t maintain a good level of muscle tone are usually somewhat overweight, putting even more stress on their joints.

So, what’s the answer? Well, there are a couple depending on your perspective. If you’re one of those passive individuals who beleive that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, then just wait until your knees, elbows, wrist, back or hip wears out and hope that drugs or surgery will “fix it”. If that’s you, I wish you good luck. You’ll need it. On the other hand, if you want to make sure your joints last longer and work better, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure you drink plenty of water on a regular basis. This helps keep the joints from drying out. Second, start a regular conditioning program. If you’re not exercising already, start slowly. But start! And don’t just focus on just those parts you want to look firmer. Firm it ALL up! That will help you lose unwanted fat quicker and strengthen all your joints. Walking is great and can be done almost anywhere. Just use your whole body when you do. When you get stronger, start doing some resistance exercises to get even stronger.

Finally, if you notice any posture distortions or other problems, find a good wellness chiropractor. Remember, structure affects function. And, how your body functions affects every aspect of your life. Life is motion. Get moving!