Kids and Chiropractic: A Growing Trend

More parents are choosing alternative therapies to complement their families’ health strategy, and chiropractic care has been established to be first and foremost on their mind. Our office is a proud, supporting member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) because the ICPA stands behind its advanced training with published research! Yes, this nonprofit organization uses all profits from their Pathways magazines to fund research on chiropractic: family wellness care.

Chiropractors and Pediatric Patients In 2010, the ICPA evaluated 548 ICPA chiropractors in the U.S., Canada, and Europe on their pediatric practices. They found that 21% of their patients were children under the age of eighteen. Even considering the increase in likelihood of pediatric care due to participants being ICPA members, this is a stark increase from a previous study that showed pediatrics comprising only 11% patient load in 2000. When parents bring children to one of our members’ practices, they receive specific chiropractic adjustments tailored to the child’s age and size. 

While pediatric chiropractic involves the correction of spinal misalignment that may be linked to various health conditions, its primary focus includes wellness visits, with otherwise healthy children coming in for preventative “checkups.” Of course, the scope of chiropractic does not include the treatment of disease, and 80% of responders said that they refer patients to medical practitioners when needed. ICPA chiropractors, hope to help our patients develop healthcare partnerships that involve professionals in all fields. Integrative health care of this sort may significantly improve one’s quality of life. Ideally, all patients would have this kind of access to multiple healthcare professionals, offering them high quality care in each of their fields of expertise. Unfortunately, the chiropractors that we evaluated reported that only 29% of them had received a referral from a medical physician. One-sided partnerships like this are limited in efficacy, and the disparity may be linked to misinformation or a lack of information about pediatric chiropractic care.

Scope of Pediatric Chiropractic Care 

It’s important to acknowledge that chiropractic care is not a new development. In fact, chiropractic is considered to be the oldest “alternative” medicine in North America. Of the health care professionals who have primary contact with patients in the U.S., chiropractors fall third, just after physicians and dentists. Chiropractic has developed over time, and its growing popularity is a testament to its reputation of being a trustworthy and reputable profession. While the vast majority of adults typically visit their chiropractor to resolve neck or back pain, pediatric visits are not as limited. In our study, care relating to pain fell well below wellness care, digestive health, and ear, nose and throat complaints.

Controversy for Non-Pain Related Visits 

When chiropractors are visited, it is stereotypically for their work on painful conditions of the neck and back. With such a high volume of pediatric patients coming in for non-pain related issues, the question of efficacy and necessity arises. Bringing ear aches and digestive wellness or preventive care for infants into the question is often unfamiliar to people outside of our circle. Nonetheless, chiropractic adjustments to resolve spinal misalignments are the focus of the professional. And even when pediatric patients visit for seemingly unrelated issues, chiropractors do not treat these conditions directly, but only address the misalignments, regardless of the issue. Unfortunately, validation supporting these matters is scarce because performing blind studies proves a difficult task. It’s virtually impossible to “fake” a chiropractic adjustment, the clinical ramifications of performing an adjustment in an incorrect manner (to test the hypothesis that a properly performed adjustment is clinically relevant) is inhumane and would never pass the scrutiny of a research review board. 

Despite these challenges, the ICPA does have an excellent body of data to evaluate in their Research Program methods; not to mention countless testimonial accounts spanning the globe of how children’s lives are being dramatically enhanced by what we do. As ICPA Director of Research, Joel Alcantara, D.C., concluded in a commentary on an adverse events report: Evidence-based practice is dependent not only the existing literature, but also the clinical expertise and patient’s or parents’ wishes. Yes, studies are lacking in making risk assessments on the use of spinal adjustments in the pediatric population. However, we in the chiropractic profession have over 100 years of clinical experience on the chiropractic care of children. I would assert that chiropractors perform adjustment procedures more than any other healthcare profession. In other words, the proof is in the pudding and ever since the first adjustment in 1895, chiropractors have been serving whole families in their communities with great success! 

Why Alternative Therapies are Appealing 

The long history of chiropractic may be a contributor to the growing popularity of pediatric care. Individuals are seeking more integrative health and becoming more informed as research and health philosophies become accessible. When a patient turns to alternative therapies, it is not because they are unhappy with their conventional care providers. On the contrary, they report a preference for alternative medicine because it aligns with their belief system. Patients and parents who become more informed on health and wellness issues tend to have a paradigm shift, congruent with the growing preference for integrative care, and many find that the chiropractic lifestyle aligns with this paradigm. 

Because of this philosophy shift, a partnership between allopathic medicine and alternative remedies is more important than ever. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized this, establishing the Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Medicine to help educate physicians and their patients. Opening communication between physicians and chiropractors will help to establish the integrative care that patients thrive under, helping them to feel confident making informed choices, knowing that their care providers will partner to provide their children with the highest standard of care.

Provided by Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, published by ICPA, Inc. For more information visit: www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org and www.icpa4kids.org. 

To Your Health February, 2015 (Vol. 09, Issue 02)

Growing Up With Antibiotics, Growing Up With Asthma?

By Editorial Staff

In the latest (but probably not the last) research to associate antibiotic use during infancy with the development of asthma, three studies suggest exposure to antibiotics (either prescribed to the pregnant mother or the child during the first year after birth) increases the risk that the child will suffer from asthma.

The first study found that "both prenatal (before birth) and post-natal exposure to antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of asthma." Building on this, the second study noted: "Antibiotic use in the first year life is associated with an increased risk of early-onset childhood asthma that began before 3 years of age. The apparent effect has a clear dose response" (the more you take, the greater the risk).

The third study compared babies born in urban areas with those born in rural areas. While a number of factors increased the risk of asthma, "the use of antibiotics" was one factor contributing to development of the condition, particularly in urban areas.

Talk to your doctor about the risk-benefit profile of any medication you're prescribed / recommended (including over-the-counter products); then make an informed decision on whether it's worth the risk.

ADHD Research found that 64% of children with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to...

Factoid:
A study at the ADHD Research Center in the Netherlands, found that 64% of children diagnosed
with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food.

Make Nutrition a Priority

Unless your child is having an acute situation that demands urgent intervention, please explore safe, natural
approaches that emphasize nutritional factors before you subject your little ones to dangerous, traumatic surgeries,procedures, and toxic drugs.
There are thousands of surgeries performed every year on children who have had recurrent ear infections, for
example; surgeries that frequently could have been prevented by identifying and eliminating offending foods from the child’s diet. Either do some research and experimenting on your own or work with a chiropractor or other holistic practitioner who is knowledgeable about food sensitivities. Also be sure to have your child’s spine checked by a chiropractor, as nerve interference is often at the root of childhood conditions including ear infections and bed wetting.
By now I hope you are convinced that helping your children to eat well is essential, and have a pretty good idea of what to feed them. But I know what many of you are probably thinking at this point—actually getting them to eat better is another story. We’ll address that topic in an upcoming article, Tips for Helping Kids Eat Healthier. So stay tuned!

Tylenol in Pregnancy: ADHD in Kids

The list of dangers for acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, just grew substantially. JAMA Pediatrics recently reported that acetaminophen use by women who are pregnant can double the risk of behavior disorders in their children. This new report adds to the growing list of acetaminophen dangers.

If you visit www.drugs.com and search "Side Effects of Tylenol" you will see 12 pages of side effects ranging from unpleasant digestive issues, mood swings, seizures and dizziness to list a few. The FDA warns that too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever during pregnancy in many countries. Research data suggest that acetaminophen is a hormone disruptor, and abnormal hormonal exposures in pregnancy may influence fetal brain development. A study of over 64 thousand families in the Danish National Birth Cohort revealed that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is strongly linked to an increase as much as 30% of ADHD cases in children during the first 7 years of life. 37% of children are at greater risk of Hyperkinetic Disorder if exposed to acetaminophen before birth. According to the study, 20 or more weeks of acetaminophen use nearly doubled the risk of Hyperkinetic and Attention Deficit disorders. The study’s authors state "it is possible that acetaminophen may interrupt brain development", and "should no longer be considered a safe drug for use in pregnancy".

Tylenol is not candy and neither is any acetaminophen-filled medication, whether it available over-the-counter or in prescription strength. During pregnancy what a woman puts in her body directly affects her unborn child by becoming the building blocks used to develop the baby’s eyes, ears, lungs, heart, muscles, skin and brain.

Instead of taking drugs, many women are flocking to chiropractors for relief from discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy as well as to keep their pelvis aligned and balanced which supports a healthy delivery. A study published in 2012 by Chiropractic and Manual Studies stated, "All patients found chiropractic treatment to be effective and that it helped relieve them of their lower back pain and associated symptoms. Patients reported that chiropractic treatment had improved their daily living activities and their mobility, while it decreased their overall pain and discomfort."

There are many chiropractic techniques that are gentle on pregnant women and their babies and provide great results. There is even one specialized technique that can assist in turning a breech positioned baby into its normal position. Dr. Larry Webster developed a gentle chiropractic adjusting technique (called the Webster Technique) to restore movement and alignment in the lower spine throughout pregnancy. During his career of working with over 1,000 pregnant moms, Dr. Webster reported that over 90% of the babies optimized their positioning in utero when the mother received this adjustment.

Rather than risk the immediate and long term effects of acetaminophen, contact us and experience how Chiropractic Care can help you enjoy a healthy drug free pregnancy and live the healthy drug free lifestyle you and your family deserve.

References:
JAMA Pediatr. Published online February 24, 2014. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4914

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2012, 20:32 doi:10.1186/2045-709X-20-32 http://www.chiromt.com/content/20/1/32

http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/for-many-pregnant-moms-webster-technique-is-the-key-to-a-safer-birth/All-Pages.html

The Real Dangers of Soda to You and Your Children

by Dr. Joseph Mercola and Rachael Droege

How many sodas have you had today? How about your kids? The average American drinks an estimated 56 gallons of soft drinks each year, but before you grab that next can of soda, consider this: one can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites.

This is an alarming amount of sugar, calories and harmful additives in a product that has absolutely no nutritional value. Plus, studies have linked soda to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. Despite this, soda accounts for more than one-quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States.

Teenagers and children, who many soft drinks are marketed toward, are among the largest consumers. In the past 10 years, soft drink consumption among children has almost doubled in the United States. Teenage boys now drink, on average, three or more cans of soda per day, and 10 percent drink seven or more cans a day. The average for teenage girls is more than two cans a day, and 10 percent drink more than five cans a day.

While these numbers may sound high, they’re not surprising considering that most school hallways are lined with vending machines that sell, of course, soft drinks. It’s not uncommon for schools to make marketing deals with leading soft drink companies such as Coca-Cola from which they receive commissions—based on a percentage of sales at each school—and sometimes a lump-sum payment.

The revenues are used for various academic and after-school activities, but what activity could be worth devastating the students’ health, which is exactly what consuming all that soda is doing? Getting rid of vending machines in schools— or replacing their contents with pure water and healthy snacks—could make a big difference, as vending machines can increase the consumption of sweetened beverages by up to 50 or more cans of soda per student per year.

Let’s take a look at some of the major components of a can of soda:

• Phosphoric Acid: May interfere with the body’s ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the teeth and bones. Phosphoric acid also neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which can interfere with digestion, making it difficult to utilize nutrients.
• Sugar: Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single user of refined sugar in the United States. It is a proven fact that sugar increases insulin levels, which can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, premature aging and many more negative side effects. Most sodas include over 100 percent of the RDA of sugar.
• Aspartame: This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Further, when aspartame is stored for long periods of time or kept in warm areas it changes to methanol, an alcohol that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens.
• Caffeine: Caffeinated drinks cause jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion, breast lumps, birth defects, and perhaps some forms of cancer.
• Tap Water: I recommend that everyone avoid drinking tap water because it can carry any number of chemicals including chlorine, trihalomethanes, lead, cadmium, and various organic pollutants. Tap water is the main ingredient in bottled soft drinks.
• Soda is one of the main reasons, nutritionally speaking, why many people suffer health problems. Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of soda is likely to leave you with little appetite for vegetables, protein and other food that your body needs.

If you are still drinking soda, stopping the habit is an easy way to improve your health. Pure water is a much better choice. If you must drink a carbonated beverage, try sparkling mineral water.

About the Author:

© Copyright 2005, Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. Please visit Dr Mercola’s site for additional information and to subscribe to his free Natural Health Newsletter: www.mercola.com

Soda Causing Nutritional Deficiencies

Children and adolescents who drink soda may be depriving themselves of several important vitamins and minerals, results of a new survey suggest.

The researchers note that soda consumption among children and adolescents rose 41% between 1989–1991 and 1994–1995, mostly displacing milk and juice, the leading sources of many vitamins and minerals in the American diet.

The results are based on data from more than 4,000 children aged 2 to 17 years.

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Among children aged 2 to 5:

• 75% drank milk
• 53% drank juice
• 34% drank soda

In those aged 12 to 17:

• 63% of boys and 49% of girls drank milk
• 34% drank juice
• 68% of boys and 63% of girls drank soda

Soda drinkers were less likely to get the recommended levels of:

• vitamin A
• calcium
• magnesium

Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
November, 2000; 154: 1148-1152

- See more at: http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/component/option,com_crossjoomlaarticlemanager/Itemid,523/aid,1245/view,crossjoomlaarticlemanager/#sthash.4MqlUhYq.dpuf

New autism guidelines may reduce diagnoses by nearly one-third

New guidelines for defining autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may reduce the number of people being diagnosed with the condition by nearly one-third.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, researchers from Columbia University have concluded that the updated guidelines, released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 2013, may result in thousands of children with developmental delays no longer qualifying for the social and medical services they need.

The guidelines are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), often touted as the psychiatrist’s “bible” for diagnosing mental health disorders. The manual’s previous version, the DSM-IV-TR, listed three distinct subgroups for ASD: autistic disorder (AD), Asperger’s disorder and pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).   

But in the manual’s latest edition, the DSM-5, these subgroups were eliminated and replaced with one broad diagnosis of ASD, which places individuals on a continuum depending on the severity of their symptoms.  Additionally, another category called social communication disorder (SCD) was added for people with verbal and nonverbal communication impairments, and the APA noted that many individuals with PDD-NOS might now fall under this category.

After conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of diagnostic rates, researchers found a 31 percent decrease of ASD diagnoses under the new DSM-5 guidelines, compared with cases of ASD identified by the DSM-IV-TR.  They also found a decrease in AD diagnoses of 22 percent and a decrease of PDD-NOS by 70 percent.  Furthermore, many of the people who failed to meet the criteria for ASD under the DSM-5 failed to qualify for SCD as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 88 children suffer from ASD – a statistic the researchers think will soon change.

"We are potentially going to lose diagnosis and treatment for some of the most vulnerable kids who have developmental delays," lead author Kristine Kulage, director of the office of scholarship and research development at Columbia Nursing, said in a press release. "In many instances, children require a diagnosis of ASD to receive medical benefits, educational support and social services."

Improvement in Quality of Life for Six Pregnant Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: The Promise of PROMIS

CASE SERIES

Improvement in Quality of Life for Six Pregnant Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care: The Promise of PROMIS

Joel Alcantara, DC Bio & Jeanne Ohm, DC Bio

Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic ~ Volume 2013 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 11-14

Abstract

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Introduction: The use of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in chiropractic pregnant patients remains virtually non-existent.  In this paper pregnant patients are characterized showcasing the use of the NIH PROMIS program to determine baseline HRQoL measures.

Methods: In addition to describing sociodemographic and clinical data, patient-centered outcomes measures utilizing the PROMIS-29 Profile V1.0 are demonstrated.

Results:   Six pregnant patients (average age=33.33 years) with average parity at 0.33 and mean gestation of 20 weeks are described. Their primary caregivers were obstetrician/gynecologists, nurse-midwives and midwives. All were aware of concurrent chiropractic care. The patients presented with NMS complaints and for wellness care. The PROMIS scoring demonstrated the dynamic nature of the HRQoL domains in pregnant patients with improvements (i.e., fear/anxiety, pain interference and satisfaction with social roles) and decrements (i.e., physical functioning and sleep disturbance) in HRQoL domains.

Discussion:   Evidence-informed practice expects that some aspect of chiropractic patients’ HRQoL measures will have demonstrable improvements. The use of PROMIS within a chiropractic Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) offers promise in this regard.

Conclusion:  Pregnant patients attending chiropractic care within a PBRN are characterized using PROMIS HRQoL measures. The use of valid outcome measures to demonstrate chiropractic effectiveness should be further implemented in research and practice.

Keywords:  Chiropractic, Practice Based Research Network, pregnancy, Health-related quality of life, PROMIS

Allergies less common among kids born outside US

Children who move to the United States have a lower risk of allergies than kids born in this country, a new study suggests.

In the study, children who immigrated to the United States were about 44 percent less likely to have an allergy condition — including asthma, eczema, hay fever or food allergies — compared with kids born in the country.

The study is published today (April 29) in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Children need to "eat dirt" so to speak. We as parents need to expose our children to the environment around us and let the child's God given immune system get a workout. If you wanted to get stronger or run faster you need to exercise, the same is true for the immune system. Give it a workout and make sure it is functioning at its best. How do you know if it is not? Have them checked by a pediatric chiropractor. (That's me, Dr. Maly)

The findings support the " hygiene hypothesis," which proposes that exposure to germs or infections during early childhood may protect against some allergies, the study authors said.

However, the apparent protection from allergies seen in the study was not permanent. Foreign-born children who lived in the United States for more than 10 years were about three times more likely to develop an allergy compared to foreign-born children who lived in the country for two years or less, the study found.

The findings are in line with what the researchers had observed anecdotally in their own practice: people who immigrate to the United States tend to develop allergies at a later age than those who were born here, said study researcher Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, a dermatologist at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City.

The new findings suggest that allergies may arise differently depending on where a person was born, a topic that needs further study, Silverberg said.

Previous studies had shown that the prevalence of childhood allergies is higher in the United States than in other countries such as Mexico and China. However, few studies had examined the risk of allergies among U.S. immigrants.

The new study was based on information from about 91,800 U.S. children. Parents were asked in a survey in 2007 and 2008 whether a doctor had ever told them that their child had asthma, eczema, hay fever or food allergies.

About 34 percent of children born in the United States had an allergy, compared with about 20 percent of those born outside the country. The link held true regardless of participants' ethnicity, income level or whether they lived in an urban or rural area.

Children born outside the United States were 73 percent less likely to have asthma, 55 percent less likely to have eczema, 66 percent less likely to have hay fever and 20 percent less likely to have a food allergy compared with kids born in the United States.

Children who were born in the United States but whose parents were immigrants also had a reduced risk of allergies.

Foreign-born children who lived in the United States for longer than 10 years were more likely to have eczema or hay fever than those who lived in the country for two years or less.

The new study cannot say why children born in the United States are at greater risk for allergies than those born in other countries.

Silverberg said he suspects that a number of factors, including climate, diet and obesity, play a role in triggering allergies. 

By Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily

Carry on: Study finds it's good to hold your baby

When mothers in the study carried their babies while walking around, the infants became noticeably more relaxed and stopped crying and squirming. The babies' rapidly beating hearts also slowed down, evidence that the children were feeling calmer.A new study from Japan confirms what many mothers may know instinctively: Picking up and carrying a fussy baby usually calms down and relaxes the child, making the move a good one for both moms and infants. 

"Infants become calm and relaxed when they are carried by their mother," said study researcher Dr. Kumi Kuroda, who investigates social behavior at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Saitama, Japan. The study observed strikingly similar responses in mouse babies.

Since carrying (meaning holding while walking) can help stop an infant from crying, Kuroda said, it can offer mothers a way to soothe short-term irritations to their children, such as scary noises or vaccinations.

Getty Images stock

A new study confirms: Hold that baby as much as you want!

The findings were published online today (April 18) in the journal Current Biology.

A strong calming effect For the small study, researchers monitored the responses of 12 healthy infants ages 1 month to 6 months. The scientists wanted to discover the most effective way for mothers to calm a crying baby over a 30-second period — simply holding the baby or carrying the infant while walking.

Young babies carried by a walking mother were the most relaxed and soothed, compared with infants whose mothers sat in a chair and held them, the study found. As a mother stood up and started to walk with her child cradled close in her arms, scientists observed an automatic change in the baby's behavior.

These results held even after the researchers took into account other factors, such as the child's age and sex, and the mother's age and walking speed.

Kuroda said she was surprised by the strength of the calming effect from maternal holding and walking. In observing experiments on both humans and mice, she was amazed at how quickly the heart rate slowed, and by how much immediately after a mother started walking. (Mother mice pick up their young by the scruff of their neck with their mouths.)

According to the researchers, maternal walking may be more effective in calming infants than other kinds of rhythmic motion, such as rocking.

Advice for parents When an underlying reason for crying persists, such as hunger or sustained pain, the infant may start crying again soon after the end of carrying.

That's why Kuroda recommended that when a baby starts crying, a brief period of carrying may help parents to identify the cause of the tears. She acknowledged carrying might not completely stop the crying, but it may prevent parents from becoming frustrated by a crying infant.

The findings also have implications for one parenting technique in which parents let babies cry as a way to help them learn to fall asleep by themselves, the researchers said.

"Our study suggests why some babies do not respond well to the 'cry-it-out' parenting method," Kuroda said.

Proponents of the technique advise parents to let infants, after a certain age, cry themselves to sleep — without mom or dad comforting them — in the hopes the baby will learn how to soothe himself or herself.

But Kuroda said that calming by maternal carrying, as well as crying during separation, are both built-in mechanisms for infant survival. These behaviors have been hard-wired for millions of years. "Changing these reactions would be possible as infants are flexible, but it may take time," she said.

Although this study looked at a baby's behavior in response to its mother, Kuroda said the effect is not specific to moms, and any primary caregiver for the infant can perform the carrying. The researchers observed the same carrying-induced calming effects when fathers, grandmothers and an unfamiliar female with caregiving experience carried babies who were under 2 months old, Kuroda said.

Cari Nierenberg

MyHealthNewsDaily

MSG is the grim reaper of food additives

Monosodium Glutamate is a neurotoxin that can be legally hidden from you and/or be labeled "natural flavors" in the ingredients list. MSG is not a natural flavor - in fact, it can cause brain lesions, neuro-endocrine disorders, and neurodegenerative disease in humans, but you won't hear any doctors of Western Medicine mentioning that at your next extreme migraine emergency visit. There are more than 25 names for MSG, so sometimes you find it spread out a little, just in case the manufacturer gets "checked out" by anyone other than the FDA.

The FDA does not require that any source of MSG be identified. This means that the FDA code does not require that "constituents" of an ingredient be disclosed to the consumer. Yet in hundreds of studies around the world, scientists are creating obese mice using MSG because it triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and perhaps humans) to become obese. This is what the FDA calls natural. There's even a name for the fat rodents that eat this "Natural Flavor" additive: they're called "MSG-Treated Rats."

Not only is MSG scientifically proven to cause obesity, it is an addictive substance. Since its introduction into the American food supply 50 years ago, MSG has been added in larger and larger doses to processed meals, soups, chips, and fast foods. The FDA has set no limits on how much of it can be added to food.

How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 6 of 6

Subluxation

The focus of science has shifted from separate entities of the immune system and nervous system to an interactive immunology model. It is now understood that there is an intimate connection between the nervous system and the immune system, and that neurotransmitters can influence the activities of the immune system. In fact, nerve fibers physically link the nervous system and the immune system and there is a constant traffic of information that goes back and forth between the brain and the immune system.

The sympathetic division of the nervous system is the part of the nervous system that reacts to stress. It is the “fight or flight” control center. The sympathetic division of the nervous system also regulates all aspects of immune function, and abnormal activity of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the cause of conditions where a selection of humoral versus the cell-mediated response plays a role, including allergic reactions.

Spinal movement influences the sympathetic nervous system. Changes to the relative position or movement in the spine interfere with the sympathetic nervous system causing the release of stress hormones and altering immune cell function. The result is suppression of the cell-mediated immune response, and in its absence an increase of the humoral response.

Early stress and trauma is believed to play a profound role in the development of spinal dysfunction, or subluxation, causing immune imbalance. In his research, Gottfried Guttman M.D., found that spinal injury was present in more than 80% of the infants he examined shortly after birth, causing interference in sympathetic function. Tissue injury to the spine and surrounding soft tissue results in scar tissue deposition in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. This leads to decreased motion in the joints and surrounding tissues. Neurologic changes accompany the spinal insult. This leads to chemical changes and a general shift in the body to the stress response or the “fight or flight” response. Subluxation in the infant and child has been associated with stress experienced at birth, particularly as the result of interventions, and early falls or other traumas.

Restoring proper function to the spine through chiropractic adjustments removes the interference in the nervous system shifting the body away from the sympathetic “alarm” response allowing the immune system to regain equilibrium and reducing hypersensitive reactions. In one study, 81 children under chiropractic care took part in a self-reported asthma impairment study. The children were assessed before and two months after chiropractic care using an asthma impairment questionnaire. Significantly lower impairment rating scores (improvement) was reported for 90.1% of subjects 60 days after chiropractic care in comparison to their pre-chiropractic scores. In addition, 30.9% of the children decreased their dosage of medication by an average of 66.5% while under chiropractic care. Twenty-four of the patients who reported asthma attacks 30-days prior to the study had significantly decreased attacks by an average of 44.9%.

Our children are born with an immune system that is capable of operating against anything that threatens it. Our role as parents should be to support the natural responses of their body in every way that we can; in some cases, that means giving the body a chance to overcome an infection on its own with out antibiotics. In another case, it means providing the proper nutrients to restore inner balance. Most importantly, it means realizing that when a child’s nervous system has interference, the body still knows what it is supposed to do, but is simply unable to do it. Let’s start by removing the interference from the body and then getting out of its way—appreciating that the fever and congestion and vomiting are all part of the miracle that is our child’s immune system working properly, not a sign that their body is failing. The less we focus on the eradication of germs and the more emphasis we place on creating a strong, balanced body, free of subluxation, the better off our children will be.

How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 5 of 6

Dietary Fat Consumption

Chicken nuggets, potato chips, and other fried foods, while convenient for parents, are relegating their children’s immune systems to behave badly. Another factor that has been identified as a contributor to the rise in allergic diseases is the increased consumption of omega-6 fatty acids and the decreased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. It has been known for many years that individuals with allergic conditions have disproportionately high levels of omega- 6 fatty acids in their blood. Omega-6 fatty acids actually suppress the immune system and promote inflammation, and allergic responses are, by their very nature, inflammatory. Sources of omega-6 fatty acids are corn, cotton, soybean, peanut, safflower, and sunflower. Omega-6 fatty acids are also present in most animal products.

Inversely, omega-3 fatty acids are known to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and protect the nervous system. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have well documented immunological effects. Sources are flax, hemp, walnut, and cold water fatty fish, especially salmon. It is important to note though that the plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids are inadequate for infants and thus offer minimal benefit early in life. One study showed that children who regularly consumed oily fish were 74% less likely to develop asthma. Other studies show that fish oil supplementation is associated with improved asthma symptoms and reduced medication usage. The immune benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are likely greater during the critical stages of early immune development before the allergic responses are established, so it is recommended that women monitor their fatty acid intake during pregnancy and continue to do while nursing. Once the child is old enough there are omega-3 products designed specifically for children.

How We Are Making Our Children Sick part 4 of 6

Vaccination

Most childhood infections are caused by viruses, and thus do not respond to antibiotics, hence the development of our current vaccine program. Infections contracted naturally are ordinarily filtered through a series of immune system defenses. Naturally-contracted viral diseases stimulate a cell-mediated response, and it appears that because of this, early viral infections are protective against allergic diseases. When a vaccine is injected directly into the blood stream, it gains access to all of the major tissues and organs of the body without the body’s normal advantage of a total immune response. This results in only partial immunity, consequently the need for “booster” shots. Vaccines stimulate a humoral response so their contents are never discharged from the body, the way they would be if the disease were naturally contracted, leaving the body in a chronic state of sensitization. In a study of 448 children, 243 had been vaccinated against whooping cough. Of these, 10% had asthma compared to less than 2% of the 205 children in the non-vaccinated group, suggesting that the pertussis vaccination can increase the risk of developing asthma by more than five times.

The Dangers of Gatorade and other Drink-like Substances for your Child

I would bet if you are older than 25 you have never thought that something that professional athletes use would be bad for you, let alone your child. And I am not talking about steroids, alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. On a side note, do you remember when Gatorade came in glass bottles? If you do you will be shocked at what is actually in that bottle today.

"Pediatric athletes can benefit from using sports drinks that contain carbohydrates, protein, or electrolytes; however, for a child engaged in routine physical activity, the use of sports drinks in place of water on the sports field or in the school lunchroom is unnecessary. Stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diets of children or adolescents. Excessive regular consumption of carbohydrate-containing beverages increases overall daily caloric intake without significant additional nutritional value. Therefore, frequent consumption adversely affects the appropriate balance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes needed for optimal growth, development, body composition, and health." 
(Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics)

The beverage was first developed in 1965 by researchers at the University of Florida, to replenish the combination of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that the school's student-athletes lost in sweat during rigorous athletic competitions. Thus, its name was derived from the collective nickname of the university's athletic teams, the Florida Gators.

Disadvantages of Drinking Gatorade

Gatorade is a sports drink that claims to benefit athletic performance, and professional athletes promote the beverage. While Gatorade may offer advantages in some circumstances, such as fueling endurance activities, Gatorade isn't an optimal sports beverage and can prove detrimental to your health and the health of your child in some ways.

Erosion and Tooth Decay

Gatorade's high sugar content may make it detrimental for your overall health. Each 20 oz. bottle of Gatorade contains 34 g sugar, which is nearly 2.5 times the amount in a 1/2 cup serving of ice cream. In addition, Gatorade contains citric acid. According to the American Dental Association, both sugar and citric acid can promote tooth decay and erosion of your teeth. And don't even ask about G2, that stuff will kill you faster.

Reduced Testosterone

Although Gatorade is purported to enhance athletic performance, some features of the drink can actually be counterproductive for athletes. One factor is the high sugar content; a study performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital found that consuming a large dose of sugar reduced testosterone production. According to research published in the June 2009 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," higher testosterone levels improved endurance, muscle size and strength, in a group of older men, so it's possible that reducing your testosterone production through over consumption of sugar could hinder your athletic ability.

Upset Stomach

Although carbohydrates can be helpful for promoting energy, certain types, such as sugar, may be disadvantageous. Consuming too much sugar during or before exercise may result in an upset stomach, which can hinder your performance.

Fatigue

Athletic activity can be tiring, and drinking a sugar-laden drink such as Gatorade may actually make you feel more tired. This is because sugar causes an initial increase in blood sugar levels that is followed by a dramatic reduction, which can make you feel fatigued. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grain products and certain nutrition bars and drinks, are preferable because they provide sustained energy and don't cause large fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Weight Management

Drinking Gatorade may impair your ability to manage your weight, as it is calorie dense, with 130 per 12 oz. serving. Additionally, Gatorade contains no fiber, which can help suppress appetite. Gatorade also has a high glycemic index rating, as it contains sugars but no protein or fat. According to a study from the June 2011 edition of "Journal of Nutrition," consuming high-glycemic foods can impair your weight loss efforts. Additionally, the fact that Gatorade is a liquid can also be detrimental, as high-calorie liquids are less filling than solid food.
Artificial Colors/Flavors
These have been linked to ADD/ADHD and other behavioral issues in children. These should be avoided in all foods.

Ingredients

High Fructose Corn Syrup- is an inexpensive sweetener--cheaper than sugar--that is used extensively to sweeten foods and beverages. It is also a preservative, used to extend the shelf-life of processed foods and it tops the list of items to be eliminated from your diet for numerous reasons. One of the latest reasons to avoid high fructose corn syrup is outlined by The American Society of Nephrology in a press release dated Oct. 29, 2009 detailing the results of its study. "These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the U.S. adult population with no previous history of hypertension," Plus it will make you fat.
dextrose - more sugar
citric acid - dental erosion (see above)
natural flavor - This could be anything like MSG, Aspartame or GMO (genetically modified organisms) even bugs! The FDA can not and does not police this additive.
sodium chloride - (table salt)
sodium citrate - emulsifier
monopotassium phosphate - is a soluble salt which is used as a fertilizer, a food additive and a fungicide
and flavoring/coloring ingredients - causes cancer in mice
brominated vegetable oil as a stabilizer, they just took this out. After a petition they decide our Gatorade did not need to be flame retardant. 

If this all makes sense and you say, "I just drink G2. (diet gatorade)" Then you missed the point, artificial can not replace natural.
To sum up, your child does not need Gatorade. No matter what Jeter or Jordan says. Water should be the go to re-hydration drink of any child.
Check out one of my favorite blogs, this one is on Pedialyte.
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/31/homemade-pedialyte/

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