How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 3 of 6

Antibiotics

Antibiotics given in the first year of life quadruple a child’s risk of developing asthma. Children given antibiotics after age one year are still one and a half times more likely to develop asthma than children not given antibiotics. What is particularly concerning is that every course of antibiotic treatments a child increases the occurrence of allergies and that treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, such as streptomycin, tetracycline, and Cipro®, appear to be more likely to be associated with allergy development than is ordinary penicillin.

Antibiotics enhance allergic reactions by sidestepping (my son would say "cheats") the normal immune system response. Whenever the immune system successfully deals with an infection it emerges from the experience stronger and better able to confront similar threats in the future. Through the process of developing and then conquering infection, the child gets rid of acquired toxins and poisons from the body and receives a boost to the immune system. If you always jump in with antibiotics at the first sign of infection you do not give the immune system a chance to grow stronger.

Antibiotics also act nonspecifically, killing infectious bacteria as well as upsetting the normal gut flora. (There will be a whole other posting on that little nugget.) Substances that are introduced through the mouth are normally ignored by the humoral system (look back at part 2). But, in order for this to occur, the normal bacteria in the intestines need to be present. Alterations in the normal intestinal bacteria levels, especially in infancy, allow food proteins and other particles to pass into the blood stream before they are broken down, where the body identifies them as a threat, contributing to a persistent humoral response and the development of allergic diseases.

How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 2 of 6

Hygiene

There are numerous reports that suggest the excessive cleanliness practiced in modern society may be partly responsible for the increased incidence of allergic diseases. Repeated exposure while young to various types of bacteria and spores found in dirt, dust, and animal dander may actually protect against the development of allergies. A molecule known as an endotoxin naturally occurs in the outer membrane of bacteria. When the bacteria die the endotoxin is released into the environment. Children are exposed to these endotoxins by breathing them in, or by ingesting them when they put their hands or other objects into their mouths. The exposure to bacteria, viruses, and endotoxins is essential for the maturation of the immune system; less exposure leads to imbalanced immune responses.

Children’s early exposure to allergens and infections prime their immune systems to resist them later on. Although children in daycare seem to get sick more often than other children do, this is not necessarily a bad thing. These colds and other infections may be giving their immature immune systems a health workout, resulting in a lower incidence of asthma. Children with the highest degree of personal hygiene are the most likely to develop eczema and wheezing between the ages of two and a half and three and a half years. In 2000, a study of 61 infants between the ages of 9–24 months found that the more house dust an infant was exposed to, the less likely that they would suffer allergies.

How We Are Making Our Children Sick

The purpose of the immune system is to allow us to live in harmony with our environment. In fact, most of the trillions of foreign cells present within our body coexist peacefully, and in some cases even contribute to our health and well-being. In spite of this, chronic diseases such as allergies, asthma, and eczema, which were rare several decades ago, have risen exponentially, especially in children, quadrupling during the last two decades.

The number of asthma sufferers in the United States is expected to double by the year 2020, affecting 1 in every 14 people and outnumbering the combined projected populations of New York and New Jersey. A growing number of scientists now believe that the routine measures taken to suppress and prevent infections actually weaken certain responses of a child’s immune system, allowing other less appropriate responses to operate without control. The reduction of childhood diseases has been heralded as one of medicine’s finest accomplishments, yet there are growing suspicions that infection intervention may be having an adverse effect; as childhood infections have decreased, chronic afflictions have increased.

The immune system has two different aspects: the cell-mediated immune system and the humoral immune system. The cell-mediated immune system involves white blood cells and specialized immune cells which “eat” antigens, or foreign particles in the body. This helps drive the antigens out of the body causing symptoms such as skin rashes and the discharge of pus and mucous from the throat and lungs. The cell-mediated response is associated with the beneficial acute inflammatory illnesses (not a correct term) of children, and represents the externalization, or driving out of the infection.

The other aspect is called the humoral immune system whereby antibodies—special defense proteins—are produced to recognize and neutralize the antigen. It is a persistent humoral response that is associated with chronic allergic-type diseases.

In order to be healthy, a child must keep a balance between the cell-mediated system and the humoral system, with the cell-mediated system predominating. The cell-mediated response is activated by the natural exposure to bacteria and viruses, in the way children are exposed by interacting with their friends. Through repeated exposure to infectious organisms a child develops a diverse repertoire of immune response patterns. It is the cell-mediated response that protects a child from future illness, and develops the type of immune response we commonly associate with life-long immunity. The cell-mediated system suppresses the activity of the humoral system. The more active the cell-mediated activity is, the less active the humoral system is.

However, if the cell-mediated system is not properly stimulated it does not fully develop, leading to an abnormally high production of humoral system antibodies. A humoral system that is continually engaged will overdevelop, creating a hypersensitive environment. When infants are exposed to germs early, their immune systems are pushed to go in an “infection-fighting direction.” Without this push, the immune system’s shift to infection fighting is delayed, and it becomes more likely to overreact to allergens—dust, mold, and other environmental factors that most people can tolerate.

Early life experiences are believed to play a crucial role in the formation and patterning of a child’s immune system. Sensitization begins in utero and the first few months of life are crucial, for once cell-mediated/humoral imbalance occurs it tends to persist until specific measures are taken to shift the immune system back to equilibrium. There are several ways that pattern the reaction of the immune system toward either the cell-mediated response or the humoral response based on their timing and frequency. The important thing for a parent to understand is that their child’s immune system will react based on the way it has been patterned and programmed to react. If your child’s current immune capacity is poor, then it is possible to improve it by making better choices in the future.

In part 2 of 6 we will discuss ways to improve your child's immune system.
How confident are you that you have done everything possible to insure your child's immune system is functioning at its highest level? Not sure, then I am excited for you to read the next 5 issues.

CASE STUDY: Infantile Physiological Reflux & Feeding Difficulties

Resolution of Infantile Physiological Reflux & Feeding Difficulties Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic: A Case Report

Trent Maly, DC, Bio

Abstract

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Objective: To discuss the care of a seven week old female with spit up (physiological reflux) and resultant feeding difficulties.

Clinical Features: The seven week old female was brought into the clinic by her mother with a history of spitting up after feedings, breast feeding difficulty on one side, only sleeping with head turned to one side.

Interventions and Outcomes: Chiropractic adjustments by means of sustained contact as well as Craniosacral Therapy, were performed aimed at reducing vertebral subluxations in the upper cervical spine. The spitting up, sleeping issues and feeding difficulties were resolved by the third adjustment.

Conclusion: The resolution of these health challenges in three adjustments suggests there is a possible connection between them and vertebral subluxation. Research supports this possibility that physiological reflux and feeding difficulties are related to upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. The parent reported an increase of sleeping time from 1-2 hours to 6-7 hours of continuous sleep. There is a need for more research to explore the association between vertebral subluxation and these childhood disorders.

Key Words: Chiropractic, spit up, irritable baby, adjustments, craniosacral therapy, spinal manipulation, subluxation, feeding difficulties

Tylenol is Not Candy

For many people, at the first sign of a fever, headache or other minor discomfort,the "go to" remedy is acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Since pain is a sign that something is wrong, covering up the symptoms without getting to the cause is not a good plan and often creates more serious problems. Helping the body to heal itself without drugs is a much better option.

Google "acetaminophen dangers" and see what comes up. The results are scary, especially if you take acetaminophen like candy. According to the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, "some symptoms of acetaminophen overdose mimic flu-like symptoms, resulting in the individual continuing to use acetaminophen."1 It is scary to know that the symptoms of an overdose might cause you to take even more and aggravate the problems. 

Tylenol is not candy! Is the risk of extreme side effects and liver damage worth taking a quick fix drug that has the potential to quickly and permanently make things worse? Drugs.com provides 12 pages of side effects from Tylenol and other acetaminophen based drugs ranging from unpleasant digestive issues and mood swings to seizures, hives and dizziness. 

"Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. People often think that this pain-relieving medicine is extremely safe. However, it may be deadly," says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.3 Since we humans come in all shapes and sizes, the standard dose for one may not be right for another and let’s be honest: How many people really wait 4-6 hours before taking the next dosage? 

On WebMD’s internationally recognized website, an article entitled Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning by Dr. Michael Ameres and Dr. Daniel Crough states that, "Too much acetaminophen can overwhelm the way the liver normally functions."2 So how much is too much? 

Slightly increasing the recommended dose can be dangerous and can happen unintentionally. McNeil Consumer Healthcare issued a press release in July 2011 announcing plans for new dosing instructions. Tylenol’s recommended dose per day is being dropped by 1000mg because of people taking other medications that have acetaminophen as an added compound. 

Recently published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, a research project by Dr. Kenneth Simpson of the University of Edinburgh revealed little known information about the dangers of "staggered overdose." The research indicates, "People experiencing pain who repeatedly take slightly more Tylenol than they should are in danger of suffering a staggered overdose. They haven’t taken a massive overdose taken by people who try to commit suicide, but over time the damage builds up and the effect can be fatal. These patients were more likely to have liver and brain problems, require kidney dialysis and were at a greater risk of dying that people who had taken a single overdose."4

Instead of reaching for the pill bottle or the tablespoon to measure out the next dose, and risking taking too much or giving too much to a loved one, contact your 100 Year Lifestyle Provider or go to www.100yearlifestyle .com to find a provider near you and experience how Chiropractic Care can help you live the healthy drug free lifestyle you deserve. 

References:
CDER’s Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity Working Group. Acetaminophen Overdose and Liver Injury – Background and Options for Reducing Injury. May 2009.

www.emedicinehealth.com/acetaminaphen_tylenol_poisoning/article_em.htm

Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, Acetaminophen overdose
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002598.htm 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/238220.php

Baby Boomers vs. Their Parents

- Which Group is Healthier?

- Don’t Wait for a Crisis
- Easy FitNESS Acronym to Remember

Which Group is Healthier?
Unhealthy lifestyles have caused too many members of the baby boom generation to be in worse health compared to their parents during the same stage of life. 

A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine reported only 13% of today’s baby boomers are in excellent health while their parents’ generation was 32%. Comparatively speaking, 39% of today’s baby boomers are obese and 16% have diabetes. The previous generation’s numbers for these same conditions are 29% and 12% respectively. 

According to Dana King, a professor at the West Virginia School of Medicine and the study’s lead author, today’s baby boomers are twice as likely to use a cane or walker than the previous generation. “It’s not too late to adopt new, healthy lifestyle habits and make a difference in your health,” said King.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis
What will it take for you to make the lifestyle changes you know you need to make to improve your quality of life? Will you wait for a severe crisis that leaves you with permanent damage and a future of disability or will you make a quality of life, Lifestyle Care, choice that will ensure your quality of life for the remainder of your years. 

Easy FitNESS Acronym to Remember
The acronym FitN2ESS can get you on the right track immediately. To get and stay healthy and fit you need neurology, nutrition, endurance strength and structure. 

Neurology: Every cell tissue and organ needs innervation, nerve supply, to function properly.

Nutrition: Choose quality calories over empty calories every time you make a food choice and drink plenty of good clean water.

Endurance: Cardiovascular exercise including walking, running, riding a bike or swimming will prepare you for the marathon of your extended life.

Strength: We have all seen an older person struggle to get out of a chair. Don’t wait until you lose your strength to try and get it back. Strength train now.

Structure: The health and function of your posture, spine and nervous system will determine how active and healthy you can be as you age. 

If your posture appears to be changing don’t waste another minute and schedule a chiropractic check-up. Lifestyle Care can improve your health dramatically. It is very important that today’s baby boomers learn from our current generation of seniors and super-seniors who were blindsided by their extended lives. You cannot blame your genes for your current health condition. Adjust your lifestyle and optimize the expression of your genes so that you can enjoy the quality life you deserve.

Childhood Falls and Health Problems

Research led by Jessie Garciaguirre and Karen Adolph published in Introduction to Infant Development, Oxford Press, 2007, showed that fourteen month old toddlers fall an average of fifteen times per hour while playing. Fifteen times! That is not a trivial number especially when you begin to add the number of falls they take during a day, a week, a month or a year. The cumulative impact of these repetitive falls can cause problems in the spine and nervous system that contribute to many unexplainable health problems.

Do the math! Fifteen falls per hour, six hours minimum per day, is approximately 90 falls a day. This equals nearly 700 falls per week, and up to 2,500 falls per month. And while their young bodies are capable of adapting to the environment during their developmental years, these repetitive strains can be overwhelming and cause injuries to the spine and nervous system that affect their health on every level. In addition, these falls can cause abnormal spinal patterns that become lifelong problems and lead to unhealthy aging.

Injuries to a child’s spine called vertebral subluxations can result from these falls. They can also be caused by trauma from the birth process. Research out of the University of Colorado by Seth Sharpless, M.D. found that it only takes 10 millimeters of pressure, the weight of a dime, to reduce nerve transmission. While this amount of pressure may seem insignificant, it is enough to wreak havoc within a growing body and cause immediate symptoms, or it may remain symptom-free and go unrecognized for years. Also, since not all nerve interference is felt as pain and can affect the organs, many unexplainable health problems can result.

The medical profession is well aware of these types of conditions and has termed them "Medically Unknown Symptoms" [MUS]. These are conditions for which there are no medical examination findings even though the individual may be suffering from symptoms such as pain, irritable bowel syndrome, non-cardiac chest pain and fibromyalgia [Hatcher, S, Arrol B. Assessment and management of medically unexplained symptoms. BMJ 2008; 336:1124]. 

In fact, among patients seeking medical care, the prevalence of MUS is in the range of 50 %, varying from 25 to 75 %, with pain being the most common symptom [Smith RC, Dwamena FC. Classification and diagnosis of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. J Gen Intern Med 2007; 22:685].

The nervous system controls and coordinates the function of every cell, tissue and organ in the body, and adapts you to your environment. Because of the vast nature of nervous system control, many symptoms related to spinal injuries are overlooked and unexplainable through traditional medical examinations. This can be true with many childhood maladies ranging from ear infections and digestive disturbances to growing pains.

A chiropractic examination can determine whether repetitive falls may be affecting your child’s health and development. This important, non-invasive examination can ensure the healthy function of their spine and nervous system, and a healthy future. 

A common-sense solution to your child’s unexplainable health concerns may be right around the corner. Or, if you want to ensure that your child’s spine and nervous system are developing normally in spite of all their falls, this comprehensive spinal examination can give you the security you are looking for.

Either way, explaining the unexplainable may be a phone call away. Don’t waste another minute in worry or wonder. Make an appointment for your child today.