I was reviewing some health related articles when I came across one on MSN Health News that talked about "triggers" for heart attacks.
The article stated that "A major analysis of data on potential triggers for heart attacks finds that many of the substances and activities Americans indulge in every day -- coffee, alcohol, sex, even breathing -- can all help spur an attack."
I just want all of my patients to know that I am doing just fine, in that of the above 4 causes of heart attack, I only have a problem with one of them. I let you figure out which one...
So, in spite of this recent brilliant article, please, keep breathing.
Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Running and Stretching
Every once in a while I come across a study that causes me to just stop and scratch my head. Recently, for example, I read an article about running and stretching. It was posted on MSN Health.
The study divided 2000 runners into two groups, one of which was instructed to perform about 5 minutes of stretching before running, while those in the second group were told not to stretch before running. The purpose of the study was to determine if running related injuries could be prevented through performing a simple series of stretches before jogging and running.
The interesting outcome was that it really didn't matter! The rate of injury was the same in both groups, was about 16%, with most injuries occurring in the feet, ankles, and knees.
To make things even more strange, the study found that injuries were significantly higher for those that changed their routines in order to participate in the study. In other words, injuries increased by 40% in runners that were used to stretching before a run and then had to quit stretching to participate in the study. The injury rate was 22% higher in those that went from not stretching to stretching.
The moral of the story is that everyone is different, and routines vary from person to person. As a runner, I have found that I do not like to stretch before a run. Instead, I start lightly and gradually build the intensity of the run as I warm up. If you find that you enjoy stretching before you run and exercise, by all means continue.
Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
The study divided 2000 runners into two groups, one of which was instructed to perform about 5 minutes of stretching before running, while those in the second group were told not to stretch before running. The purpose of the study was to determine if running related injuries could be prevented through performing a simple series of stretches before jogging and running.
The interesting outcome was that it really didn't matter! The rate of injury was the same in both groups, was about 16%, with most injuries occurring in the feet, ankles, and knees.
To make things even more strange, the study found that injuries were significantly higher for those that changed their routines in order to participate in the study. In other words, injuries increased by 40% in runners that were used to stretching before a run and then had to quit stretching to participate in the study. The injury rate was 22% higher in those that went from not stretching to stretching.
The moral of the story is that everyone is different, and routines vary from person to person. As a runner, I have found that I do not like to stretch before a run. Instead, I start lightly and gradually build the intensity of the run as I warm up. If you find that you enjoy stretching before you run and exercise, by all means continue.
Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
Acupuncture Helps with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A recent study that was done in Sweden, at the University of Gothenburg, shows that acupuncture can help to treat the symptoms of abnormal hormone levels and menstrual bleeding patterns associated with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
According to an article on Medical News Today, "PCOS is a common disorder that affects up to 10% of all women of child-bearing age. Women with PCOS frequently have irregular ovulation and menstruation, with many small immature egg follicles in the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone which, in turn, leads to troublesome hair growth and acne. Obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease are also widespread among these patients."
Subjects in the study were divided into three groups. One group of subjects received acupuncture treatment, a second group was instructed to exercise three times per week, and a third group acted as controls. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, showed that both acupuncture and exercise helped these patients, presumably by reducing testosterone levels, thus leading to a more healthy and regular menstruation. Of the two groups, the acupuncture group responded the best. All of the test subjects were instructed in the importance of regular exercise and of eating a healthy diet.
Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
According to an article on Medical News Today, "PCOS is a common disorder that affects up to 10% of all women of child-bearing age. Women with PCOS frequently have irregular ovulation and menstruation, with many small immature egg follicles in the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone which, in turn, leads to troublesome hair growth and acne. Obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease are also widespread among these patients."
Subjects in the study were divided into three groups. One group of subjects received acupuncture treatment, a second group was instructed to exercise three times per week, and a third group acted as controls. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, showed that both acupuncture and exercise helped these patients, presumably by reducing testosterone levels, thus leading to a more healthy and regular menstruation. Of the two groups, the acupuncture group responded the best. All of the test subjects were instructed in the importance of regular exercise and of eating a healthy diet.
Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
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