Below is an article that I think you should read. I totally believe in the nutrition of whole foods and not vitamins that are manufactured. People seem to take them all the time.
February 9, 2009, 4:42 pm
Study Finds No Benefit From Daily Multivitamin
Multivitamins are the most commonly used diet supplement, but new research shows that daily multivitamin use doesn’t ward off cancer or heart disease.
In a study of 161,808 women who were part of the government-funded Women’s Health Initiative research effort, doctors from 40 centers around the country collected data on multivitamin use. While research shows that people who eat nutrient-rich diets filled with fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease and cancer, it hasn’t been clear whether taking a daily supplement results in a similar benefit.
After following the women for about eight years, they looked at rates of various cancers and heart problems among the 42 percent of women who were regular multivitamin users, and compared them to those who didn’t take vitamins. The researchers found no evidence of any benefit from multivitamin use in any of 10 categories studied, including no differences in the rate of breast or colon cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots or mortality. The findings were published in the current issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The finding that multivitamins produced no benefit in such a large, well-regarded study is disappointing, given that some earlier research has produced mixed results. While some earlier studies failed to show a benefit of daily multivitamin use, other research has suggested a possible benefit for colon and breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, those data were collected from less rigorous studies, and researchers say the lack of a benefit measured in the Women’s Health Initiative is a “robust finding.” In the tightly controlled W.H.I. trials, data from women were copiously collected, and participants actually brought vitamin bottles to W.H.I. centers so supplement use could be confirmed by researchers.
“We have very detailed information on what people were taking measured over a period of many years,” said Marian Neuhouser, the lead author and associate member in cancer prevention at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. “We thought there could be a modestly reduced risk, but there is nothing. There is no helpful benefit, but they’re not hurting either.”
About half of all Americans use some form of vitamin or dietary supplement, spending $20 billion annually on the products. In a statement, the vitamin industry trade group, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, said the study shouldn’t dissuade consumers from using multivitamins, since many of them aren’t getting essential nutrients in their diets.
“From a practical standpoint, this study does not change the fact that the majority of consumers could benefit from taking an affordable multivitamin,” said Andrew Shao, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs with the council. “It is better to meet these recommendations than not, and consistently taking a multivitamin over the long term could help fill these nutrient gaps and may help consumers lead healthier lives.”
Dr. Neuhouser said she realizes that many people who are devoted vitamin users will be skeptical of the finding that they are receiving no benefit from a daily multivitamin.
“I don’t want to disparage people who take multivitamins — it’s their choice as a consumer,” Dr. Neuhouser said. “What we’re presenting is the science showing it’s neither beneficial nor harmful. If they want to choose to spend their dollars elsewhere this might be a good place to do so. Perhaps they can buy more fruits and vegetables.”
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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Whole Food Nutrition
The benefits of Whole Food Nutrition
What is Whole Food? Whole Food is any type of food that is in its natural state and does not receive any processing, additives or preservatives. The best example I know is an Apple. Apple pie is not a whole food.
Today, many people are sacrificing the value of authentic live whole food nutrition for convenience. When too many natural, live whole foods are replaced with chemically modified products, it can promote illness and disease because your body is not getting the nutrition that it needs. In an attempt to counteract the impact of poor nutrition, we supplement our diet with “process nutrition” in the form of isolated synthetic environments, minerals and antioxidants that are only slightly more beneficial then be processed foods that are creating the problem.
Our bodies require a complete balance up your nutrients and energy provided by live whole foods. The modern demands of our fast-paced world have led to the processing of food to the point where it has little nutritional by.
Do you eat at least 7 servings of raw fruits and vegetables every day?
Benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables are:
Increased Energy
Healthier Skin and Fewer Wrinkles
Sleep Better
Lose Weight Faster When Dieting
Feel Better
Overall Improvement in Your General Health
Less Colds and Flu
Hair and Nails Grow Faster and Stronger
Do you consume a diet of whole foods? Thanks to my wife, I do. I feel and look great. Even though I currently use a wheelchair due to MS, my doctor say’s I am one of his healthiest patients!
What is Whole Food? Whole Food is any type of food that is in its natural state and does not receive any processing, additives or preservatives. The best example I know is an Apple. Apple pie is not a whole food.
Today, many people are sacrificing the value of authentic live whole food nutrition for convenience. When too many natural, live whole foods are replaced with chemically modified products, it can promote illness and disease because your body is not getting the nutrition that it needs. In an attempt to counteract the impact of poor nutrition, we supplement our diet with “process nutrition” in the form of isolated synthetic environments, minerals and antioxidants that are only slightly more beneficial then be processed foods that are creating the problem.
Our bodies require a complete balance up your nutrients and energy provided by live whole foods. The modern demands of our fast-paced world have led to the processing of food to the point where it has little nutritional by.
Do you eat at least 7 servings of raw fruits and vegetables every day?
Benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables are:
Increased Energy
Healthier Skin and Fewer Wrinkles
Sleep Better
Lose Weight Faster When Dieting
Feel Better
Overall Improvement in Your General Health
Less Colds and Flu
Hair and Nails Grow Faster and Stronger
Do you consume a diet of whole foods? Thanks to my wife, I do. I feel and look great. Even though I currently use a wheelchair due to MS, my doctor say’s I am one of his healthiest patients!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pressure Ulceration
Back in the summer of 2003, my wife noticed a skin abnormality on my backside. I thought nothing of it and kept on working. After a month or so passed and it was a bit worse, my wife called for some nursing care. They came over two times per week and dressed it. I felt no pain and because I could not see it, I blew the whole thing off. BIG MISTAKE. Well, the wound continued to get worse. Both my wife and my nurse were totally grossed out. I began to get nervous.
We tried putting a vacuum pump type device on it to remove any fluid and dead tissue. It worked very well at first. One day, the only thing being removed was a Black Fluid. It was pretty disgusting. My nurse got very nervous and sent us to a plastic surgeon. He took one look and told me that surgery was necessary. He wanted to do a Flap Job. That is a type of skin graft where they take a High Tech Meat Slicer and remove a portion of skin from a nearby healthy part of your body leaving a piece attached. They then flap the detached portion of the skin over to the wound, place it in the wound and seal me up. The portion that was left attached was to allow for blood flow into the wound. I am not a doctor. That is my best explanation
The surgery went very well and all of the people in the hospital told me how nice my backside was. What can I say? However, after the surgery and for the next three years, I continued to have small-scale skin eruptions, mostly because I dropped a lot of weight in the hospital. I stopped eating because the hospital food was incredibly bad. Just Raisin Bran and Italian Ice. The last wound healed exactly 631 days ago. Not a day goes by where I am not worried.
How did this happen? To start off, I am a wheelchair user and can not adjust my position. Secondly, and most importantly I sit at my desk all day working. At the time, I was using a terrible cushion to sit on. I did that because I needed to be lower relative to my desk. Why did everything happen ? Well, I have always been very aggressive at my job. I take it very seriously. I lean forward on my desk to type on my computer, take notes and speak on my telephone.. When you lean forward like that, pressure occurs between the skin on your backside and the ischial (sp) bone. Constant pressure with no movement or blood flow in the tissue essentially kills it. The skin rips open and you have a problem. Now, I do not lean on my desk , use Dragon Naturally Speaking and things i are quite stable . This is as simple and laymen like as I could put it.
Below is a description for you:
Pressure Ulcers(Pressure sores; Bedsores; Decubitus Ulcers; Decubiti)
The Merck Manual Minute
Pressure ulcers are areas of necrosis and ulceration where tissues are compressed between bony prominences and hard surfaces; they result from pressure alone or pressure in combination with friction, shearing forces, or both. Risk factors include old age, impaired circulation, immobilization, malnourishment, and incontinence. Severity ranges from nonblanchable skin erythema to full-thickness skin loss with extensive soft-tissue necrosis. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment includes pressure reduction, avoidance of friction and shearing forces, local care, and sometimes skin grafts or myocutaneous flaps. Prognosis is excellent for early-stage ulcers; neglected and late-stage ulcers pose risk of serious infection and nutritional stress and are difficult to heal.
Etiology
An estimated 1.3 to 3 million patients in the US have pressure ulcers (PUs); incidence is highest in older patients, especially those who are hospitalized or in long-term care facilities. Aging increases risk, in part because of reduced subcutaneous fat and decreased capillary blood flow. Immobility and comorbidities increase risk further.
We tried putting a vacuum pump type device on it to remove any fluid and dead tissue. It worked very well at first. One day, the only thing being removed was a Black Fluid. It was pretty disgusting. My nurse got very nervous and sent us to a plastic surgeon. He took one look and told me that surgery was necessary. He wanted to do a Flap Job. That is a type of skin graft where they take a High Tech Meat Slicer and remove a portion of skin from a nearby healthy part of your body leaving a piece attached. They then flap the detached portion of the skin over to the wound, place it in the wound and seal me up. The portion that was left attached was to allow for blood flow into the wound. I am not a doctor. That is my best explanation
The surgery went very well and all of the people in the hospital told me how nice my backside was. What can I say? However, after the surgery and for the next three years, I continued to have small-scale skin eruptions, mostly because I dropped a lot of weight in the hospital. I stopped eating because the hospital food was incredibly bad. Just Raisin Bran and Italian Ice. The last wound healed exactly 631 days ago. Not a day goes by where I am not worried.
How did this happen? To start off, I am a wheelchair user and can not adjust my position. Secondly, and most importantly I sit at my desk all day working. At the time, I was using a terrible cushion to sit on. I did that because I needed to be lower relative to my desk. Why did everything happen ? Well, I have always been very aggressive at my job. I take it very seriously. I lean forward on my desk to type on my computer, take notes and speak on my telephone.. When you lean forward like that, pressure occurs between the skin on your backside and the ischial (sp) bone. Constant pressure with no movement or blood flow in the tissue essentially kills it. The skin rips open and you have a problem. Now, I do not lean on my desk , use Dragon Naturally Speaking and things i are quite stable . This is as simple and laymen like as I could put it.
Below is a description for you:
Pressure Ulcers(Pressure sores; Bedsores; Decubitus Ulcers; Decubiti)
The Merck Manual Minute
Pressure ulcers are areas of necrosis and ulceration where tissues are compressed between bony prominences and hard surfaces; they result from pressure alone or pressure in combination with friction, shearing forces, or both. Risk factors include old age, impaired circulation, immobilization, malnourishment, and incontinence. Severity ranges from nonblanchable skin erythema to full-thickness skin loss with extensive soft-tissue necrosis. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment includes pressure reduction, avoidance of friction and shearing forces, local care, and sometimes skin grafts or myocutaneous flaps. Prognosis is excellent for early-stage ulcers; neglected and late-stage ulcers pose risk of serious infection and nutritional stress and are difficult to heal.
Etiology
An estimated 1.3 to 3 million patients in the US have pressure ulcers (PUs); incidence is highest in older patients, especially those who are hospitalized or in long-term care facilities. Aging increases risk, in part because of reduced subcutaneous fat and decreased capillary blood flow. Immobility and comorbidities increase risk further.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Bee Venom Therapy -- Apitherapy
For approximately 3 years I experimented with Bee Venom Therapy. It is also known as Bee Sting Therapy or Bee Acupuncture. My wife would take a bee in a tweezers, placed it up to the point on my body designated for a sting and the Bee would pretty much do the rest. Over the three years, I was stinging myself 3-4 times per week up to 60-100 times per session. Stings on the legs, feet, stomach, arms and back were not very painful. However, stings on the neck, head and ears were very often Off the Charts. Stings were administered on "hotspots " (places that were a little bit sensitive than others -- I can't really explain it) or acupuncture points . My expectations were extremely high and this therapy did not cure me. I also took bee products such as propolis, bee pollen, honey and royal jelly. Each has great medicinal properties and they are totally natural. Bees are an amazing creature that you should read about and not fear. Below are some details about Bee Venom Therapy. Please read on with a very open mind. Good Luck
BEE VENOM THERAPY
by Mihály Simics
Bee venom therapy is the part of apitherapy which utilizes bee venom in the treatment of health conditions. Apitherapy is the use of beehive products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom. It has been used since ancient times to treat arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, skin diseases and in this modern age as an alternative therapy to treat multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Bee venom comes from the stingers of honey bees who use it in defense of the bee colony.
Bee venom is a rich source of enzymes, peptides and biogenic amines. There are at least 18 active components in the venom which have some pharmaceutical properties. The effect mechanism of the venom is not entirely know yet. Scientists believe it can modify the way the immune system functions in the body and contribute to increased cortisol production.
Traditionally, bee venom was administered with live bees by stimulating them to sting in the affected area, trigger points or acupuncture points. Depending on the nature of the disease, the standardized venom can be used in a cream, liniment, ointment or injection form. Bee venom is most effective when it comes directly from the live bee during the late spring to early fall season when bees have a good pollen source to produce potent venom. Their venom during the winter period is less potent. Next to the effect of a live bee, injectable venom solution is considered to be a standard method to administer bee venom. Venom solution is prepared from pure bee venom (Apis Venenum Purum) and is a homeopathic preparation. It is administered intradermally just between the skin layers or subcutaneously under the skin to imitate the effect of a bee sting. Each injection is equivalent to or is less than the average dry venom sac content of a honey bee. Bee venom is also used topically in creams, liniments and ointments. The application of venom solution with electrophoresis or ultrasonophoresis is practiced in Europe and China.
Bee venom therapy is practiced by health practitioners and lay apitherapists. There are treatment protocols available to follow. In general, the therapy starts with the determination of whether the patient is allergic to the venom by administering a small amount of venom intradermally. If no allergic reaction develops within a certain time, the therapy is continued with the administration of one to two bee stings or injections. The therapy is carried out every other day (three times a week) by gradually increasing the number of bee stings or injections. The length of the therapy is determined by the nature and severity of the condition.
There is discomfort associated with the administration of bee venom including pain, itching, swelling, inflammation and redness. Symptoms like redness, swelling and itching are desired effects of the therapy showing the response of the patient to the venom. The more severe the reaction, but not anaphylaxis, the faster the recovery. Anaphylactic reactions which can be life threatening are also reported from bee venom, but they are rare.
The literature of bee venom therapy is very extensive and lists over 2,000 titles. There are basic guidelines of the therapy which need to be followed. The education on the part of the patient and the therapist is critical and the obtained result is proportional to the knowledge and experience of the administrator of the venom.
Bee venom therapy is an alternative form of healing. In the hands of a licensed practitioner, it is considered to be safe and can be used when the patient does not respond to conventional treatment methods.
BEE VENOM THERAPY
by Mihály Simics
Bee venom therapy is the part of apitherapy which utilizes bee venom in the treatment of health conditions. Apitherapy is the use of beehive products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom. It has been used since ancient times to treat arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, skin diseases and in this modern age as an alternative therapy to treat multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Bee venom comes from the stingers of honey bees who use it in defense of the bee colony.
Bee venom is a rich source of enzymes, peptides and biogenic amines. There are at least 18 active components in the venom which have some pharmaceutical properties. The effect mechanism of the venom is not entirely know yet. Scientists believe it can modify the way the immune system functions in the body and contribute to increased cortisol production.
Traditionally, bee venom was administered with live bees by stimulating them to sting in the affected area, trigger points or acupuncture points. Depending on the nature of the disease, the standardized venom can be used in a cream, liniment, ointment or injection form. Bee venom is most effective when it comes directly from the live bee during the late spring to early fall season when bees have a good pollen source to produce potent venom. Their venom during the winter period is less potent. Next to the effect of a live bee, injectable venom solution is considered to be a standard method to administer bee venom. Venom solution is prepared from pure bee venom (Apis Venenum Purum) and is a homeopathic preparation. It is administered intradermally just between the skin layers or subcutaneously under the skin to imitate the effect of a bee sting. Each injection is equivalent to or is less than the average dry venom sac content of a honey bee. Bee venom is also used topically in creams, liniments and ointments. The application of venom solution with electrophoresis or ultrasonophoresis is practiced in Europe and China.
Bee venom therapy is practiced by health practitioners and lay apitherapists. There are treatment protocols available to follow. In general, the therapy starts with the determination of whether the patient is allergic to the venom by administering a small amount of venom intradermally. If no allergic reaction develops within a certain time, the therapy is continued with the administration of one to two bee stings or injections. The therapy is carried out every other day (three times a week) by gradually increasing the number of bee stings or injections. The length of the therapy is determined by the nature and severity of the condition.
There is discomfort associated with the administration of bee venom including pain, itching, swelling, inflammation and redness. Symptoms like redness, swelling and itching are desired effects of the therapy showing the response of the patient to the venom. The more severe the reaction, but not anaphylaxis, the faster the recovery. Anaphylactic reactions which can be life threatening are also reported from bee venom, but they are rare.
The literature of bee venom therapy is very extensive and lists over 2,000 titles. There are basic guidelines of the therapy which need to be followed. The education on the part of the patient and the therapist is critical and the obtained result is proportional to the knowledge and experience of the administrator of the venom.
Bee venom therapy is an alternative form of healing. In the hands of a licensed practitioner, it is considered to be safe and can be used when the patient does not respond to conventional treatment methods.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hippotherapy
I did Hippotherapy for approximately 3 years. It was a wonderful experience. I had to give it up because my arms were just getting too weak and my balance was not getting better. There was a period of considerable improvement. MS just doesn't care. Below is a link to the American Equestrian/Hippotherapy Society website and also there are some details for you to read below. It was great to be around horses and very positive people.
http://www.americanequestrian.com/hippotherapy.htm
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction. Historically, the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC. The use of the horse as therapy evolved throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.
Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Why the Horse?
The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then use this movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.
Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism and Learning or Language Disabilities. However, hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals.
http://www.americanequestrian.com/hippotherapy.htm
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction. Historically, the therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC. The use of the horse as therapy evolved throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.
Hippotherapy uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to the client. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the client. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Why the Horse?
The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then use this movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.
Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism and Learning or Language Disabilities. However, hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Myofascial Body Therapy
Myofascial Body Therapy is a type of massage. I have a session every two weeks . I have found it to be quite helpful . Not moving much causes the fascia to become hardened
and movement will be restricted more than it already is. I have included a link to some further information on it . I have been getting this type of massage every other week for the past 2 years . I hope you find this interesting and helpful
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp
Below is an excerpt from the article :
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
and movement will be restricted more than it already is. I have included a link to some further information on it . I have been getting this type of massage every other week for the past 2 years . I hope you find this interesting and helpful
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp
Below is an excerpt from the article :
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Electric Stimulation
I can't really exercise right now so, we have to take steps to make exercise automatic. Exercise of any kind is not an option for me. We have an Electric Stimulation machine. It wasn't very expensive. Pads are placed on certain locations of given muscles and once the process is set in motion, my muscles receive electrical current for eight seconds and nothing for six seconds. This On/off process occurs for 12 minutes. Muscles are either flexed or extended depending on pad placement. I don't breathe hard or sweat, but the muscles are being worked. You do not have to set the machine at the highest level. Higher settings are not better. Suffering is not required. My chiropractor gave me some advice on therapy with it. I highly recommend that your physical therapist, chiropractor or doctor show you the ropes for pad placement (to ensure a healthy flexion, extension) and level setting. There is a link off on the right of this blog for a stimulation machine. Please let me know if you use an electric stimulation machine and in what way/results you get. Thanks
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