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Text Box: Here’s To Your Health

Text Box: Lead Story Headline

Text Box: Chiropractic Helps in Prevention of Recurring Ear Infections. In the October 1998 issue of the Ladies Home Journal appeared an article entitled, "Chiropractic Adjustments for Chronic Ear Infections." This article reviewed several studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for preventing re-occurring ear infections known as Otitis Media or OM. According to the article, reoccurring ear infections account for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Sometimes these infections are due to bacteria and sometimes these are due to a virus. The most common medical care for this situation has been antibiotics, even though antibiotics have no effect on viruses. While the article mentions that the antibiotic may be effective in an acute bacterial infection, they do nothing to stop repeat infections. Research and statistics is now showing that repeated use of antibiotics is contributing to future infections by creating drug-resistant infections. The surgical approach has met with little long term results as the "tubes" placed in children’s ears often come out and usually require a child to be put under general anesthesia to do the surgery. The article in the Ladies Home Journal states, "Chiropractic care is thought to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments (called subluxations) and allowing normal fluid drainage from the middle ear." What the article took special note of was that 6 months after the chiropractic care was given to the children in the study, 80 percent had not suffered a recurrence of ear infections. In closing the article did make a profound statement. They made a recommendation to parents on this subject. "If your child is between ear infections and his doctor suggests ear-tube surgery, ask if you can try chiropractic treatment first." While we agree with that sentiment, we suggest you not wait for a period between episodes, and you don’t have to "ask" permission from any other doctor to seek chiropractic care. As the sneaker company said, "just do it!"

Text Box: For Your Own Sake, Don't Fake Bake! People are increasingly using artificial tanning devices, such as tanning beds and sunlamps, simply to look better. Many people may feel that a tan enhances one's attractiveness. But appearances can be deceptive: Tanning devices emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which browns the skin, but may also lead to skin cancer. Researchers recently sought information on the link between tanning devices and two forms of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. New Hampshire residents were interviewed about factors related to sun exposure, including sun sensitivity; sunbathing; tanning-device use; and time spent outdoors. Participants were divided into three groups based on presence of skin cancer. Roughly 600 basal cell carcinoma patients, 300 squamous cell carcinoma patients, and 550 healthy individuals were involved in the study, which appeared in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Use of any tanning device was linked to an increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma of two-and-a-half times; tanning-device use was associated with an increased risk for basal cell carcinoma of one-and-a-half times. The odds for skin cancer increased steadily for each decade younger that a person first used a tanning device. Some sunlight is beneficial for good health, as it increases vitamin D production in the body. Only 15 minutes of sunlight per day on the face and arms is usually enough. But tanning on a bed, in front of a lamp, or under the sun for extended periods just to enhance your appearance simply isn't worth the risks. Reference: Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, et al. Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2002:94(3), pp. 224-226.