Russ Chiropractic's Wellness Blog

The following is a guest blog written by Leroy Templeton, a recent college graduate and health nut looking to make a difference, about cancer and how to deal with the effects of chemotherapy should you decide to pursue that avenue of treatment.

A cancer diagnosis certainly does mean changes in lifestyle for the patient before, during and after treatment. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential, however exactly what the cancer patients needs to stay healthy and able to endure the process of chemotherapy and other treatments is slightly different than the required intake for the population at large.

Preparing For Chemotherapy

This form of treatment affects all of the body’s systems, and the result of chemo is often a lack of appetite, a disruption in metabolism and changes in the efficiency of digestion and absorption. It is therefore necessary to have the body in good overall condition before treatment begins, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to undertake a daily food regimen that is loaded with proteins, vitamins and foods that are otherwise easy to digest. The need for protein usually increases during chemotherapy, and since the body needs a certain amount of complementary proteins as well as complete proteins from meat and fish, combining foods rich in protein material and yet are easy on the digestive system is highly recommended. These would include eggs, dairy products and legumes, especially protein-laden beans.

Weight Loss During Cancer Treatment

Weight loss is a notorious symptom of cancer in many patients. However undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment often increases this reduction in weight, so patients are often encouraged to pack on the calories before treatment begins. This can actually mean an increased amount of fat intake, combined with foods that are again rich in proteins. However it is vitally important to make sure that every calorie counts – avoid empty calories like soda pop – and instead go heavy on the meat, fish, starches such as potatoes and rice, and remember to also get a good amount of fiber. A bowl of oatmeal that contains brown sugar as a sweetener is fine, but instead of relying on sugar alone, try out foods that are naturally sweet such as berries. These often have more protein and a greater amount of usable carbohydrates than many fruits such as apples or oranges.

Plentiful Amounts of Water

Both before and during chemotherapy treatments it is essential to increase the water intake. Most forms of cancer treatment put a strain on the kidneys and it is important not to tax them further. Hydrating the body fully also helps to reduce nausea symptoms from chemotherapy, not to mention reducing pain that is often felt as a result of undernourished cells. Extensive intake of water has also been noted to help prevent and limit the effects of many respiratory cancers including lung cancer and papillary mesothelioma. Also, many patients perspire more during cancer treatment, have diarrhea or watery discharges, so replacing this lost fluid is vital.

Always follow the advice of the physician in charge of treatment and recovery. After being treated it is always recommended that a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, even during the initial recovery period, be undertaken to reduce lingering symptoms and help regain lost body mass. Exercise in combination with diet will tone the muscles, which are often weakened during cancer treatment.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Leroy brought up quite a few very good points in this very informative post. One thing I will add the most people don’t know about is that chiropractic is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment to help relieve pain, improve lymphatic drainage, and enhance the nervous system. If you or anyone you know is undergoing therapy for cancer be sure to include chiropractic in your treatment plan. For any questions please visit Chiropractor Wilmington NC.

A Systemic Review Of The Literature shows promising data:

The Chiropractic Care of Infants with Colic

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A recent article in Explore performed a systemic review of the literature on the chiropractic care of patients with infantile colic.  26 articles were included, which consisted of three clinical trials, two survey studies, six case reports, two case series, four cohort studies, five commentaries and four reviews of the literature.

“A common definition of colic is: crying at least three hours per day on at least three days of at least three weeks.  The occurrence of infantile colic in the population varies and ranges from 10% to 40% depending on the study methodology, the population and the definition of infantile colic used.”  Dr. David Russ, Wilmington-based, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, “Abuse is a concern in these situations such as slapping, hitting or shaking the baby.  Not surprisingly, marital tension and social disruption within the family and poor sleeping habits and frequent temper tantrums on the part of the child were reported, even well past the course of the child’s colic symptoms.”

The findings of the review revealed that chiropractic care is a viable alternative to the care of infantile colic and congruent with evidence-based practice, particularly when one considers that medical care options are no better than placebo or have associated adverse affects.

“Chiropractic care is an alternative approach to the care of the child with colic,” explained Dr. Russ, “I encourage more research, both quantitative and qualitative, in this area of pediatric care.”

Randomized control study shows exciting data
The Effect of Add-On Yogic Prana Energization Technique on Healing of Fresh Fractures

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A recent article in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine reported on a study that documented the positive effects of Yoga Prana Energization Technique (YPET) on the healing of fresh fractures.
“Bone fractures represent a global medical challenge for health care administrators, orthopedic care providers and patients alike, as millions of people across the world are afflicted by these injuries annually” said Dr. David Russ, a Wilmington-based chiropractor who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications. “In fact, of the estimated 6.2 million fractures occurring annually in the United States, between 5% and 10% exhibit either delayed healing or non-union. Even those fractures that heal ideally without complications can take months to heal.”
Thirty patients, 22 men and 8 women, between the ages of 18 and 55 with simple fractures of long and short bones were selected and randomized into yoga and control groups. Both groups received the conventional plaster of paris immobilization of the fracture site as the primary treatment. The yoga group, in addition, practiced YPET twice a day (30 minutes/day) for two weeks using taped audio instructions after learning under supervision for one week. “YPET is an advanced yoga relaxation practice that involves breath regulation, chanting, and visualization, which according to yogic science revitalizes the tissues by activating the subtle energies (prana) within the body.” stated Dr. Russ.

Both groups were assessed on the 1st day and the 21st day by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, tenderness, swelling, fracture line density and the bridging of cortices. The yoga group, when compared to the control group showed better pain reduction, reduced tenderness and swelling, increased fracture line density and the number of cortices were significantly better.

“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Russ, “but the role of add-on yoga-
based YPET and its beneficial effects on the fracture healing merit further investigation.

-

Dr. David Russ is chiropractor and health advocate in Wilmington NC with a passion for spreading the message about the true path to wellness. Its a confusing world out there with the amount of drug ads, misinformed doctors, and misleading articles. Dr. Russ aims to be a beacon in the vast sea of knowledge guiding you to a healthier you.

If you need to make some changes to your nutrition and need some help click here -> Chiropractor Wilmington NC

I was just sitting down after a few early afternoon adjustments and the big thing on everyone’s mind is Hurricane Irene and the preparations they are making/ need to make. And I got to thinking that couldn’t this be a metaphor for how many of us treat our body?

Think about it.

Whenever there is a hurricane people flock to the stores to stock up on hurricane supplies both perishable and nonperishable. For our purposes lets talk just about the non-perishable items, namely stuff that isn’t food. Home Depot and Lowes are crazy places right now with people buying up candles, batteries, flashlights, generators, cutting plywood to cover windows, containers to hold emergency water, etc. To me this is a metaphor for how most of us deal with all issues. We ignore the risks and ramifications associated with our actions and in-actions and then frantically scurry about trying to make things right at the 11th hour. This is all stuff that we should have on hand anyway.

Hurricanes have been hitting our area for hundreds or thousands of years, if not more. Why do we act surprised when another one is coming. The old Boy Scout motto is ‘be prepared.’ This means being ready for as much as possible at all times.

When it comes to your health, how do you prepare? Do you wait until you are on the brink of permanent disability or disease before addressing your health problems? Or do you prepare by getting plenty of rest, exercise, good food, having a good attitude, and a body free of nerve interference?

Being able to successfully overcome challenges, whether with hurricanes or your health, preparation is key.

So take it from an Eagle Scout and ‘Be prepared.’

Dr. Dave Russ

- If you are looking for a chiropractor in Wilmington, NC to help you prepare your body for a lifetime of health and vitality call 910-395-5066.

As chiropractor in Wilmington NC I get many questions regarding nutrition as it relates to health and one of the most common question is about GMO’s. There is a lot of misinformation out there so hopefully this clears a few things up. Genetically modified (GMO) foods are becoming more and more widely used in the United States despite the fact the most other industrialized nations are removing them from their food supply completely. They are doing this because of the devastating health effects that consuming GMO’s can have on our health. Here is a list of the main GMO’s that may be negatively affecting your health and that of someone you love and care about

1. Soy

2. Corn

3. Cottonseed (found in vegetable oils)

4. Canola (Canola Oil)

5. Sugar from Sugar Beets

6. Hawaiian Papaya

7. Some Varieties of Zucchini

8. Crookneck Squash

This means you should avoid products with corn, soy, canola, and any of their derivatives listed as an ingredient, unless it’s labeled USDA 100% Organic. Please read the link attached to learn the whole story on this blog to learn how to safeguard your family’s health.

Click here -> The Dirty Secret GMO Companies Don’t Want You to Know

The only way this stuff will be eliminated from the food supply is if we refuse to eat it and refuse to elect politicians who accept bribes from these companies. Please read the article and send it to your friends and family.

Case study shows promising data

Einstein is said to have had Aspergers

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A recent article in the 2010 Proceedings of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Conference reported on a 6 year old boy diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome along with asthma and allergies who received chiropractic care.

Following the study, the child showed a reduction of Asperger’s signs and symptoms as well as a reduction in asthma and allergies as determined by objective and subjective findings. Wilmington -based Dr. David Russ, D.C., follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications.  “This was not a short term case study,” said Dr. Russ, “but actually lasted for 9 years with consistent positive results.”

Asperger’s syndrome is considered a high-functioning autism, but it differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development.

In this study, a 6 year old boy presented at a chiropractic office with his parents with Asperger’s Syndrome that resulted in uncontrollable “rocking, jumping and flapping” of his hands; astma triggered by exertion; seasonal allergies and colds or bronchial congestion; and severe allergies to mold, dust, animal dander and seasonal triggers. “Standard medications for Asperger’s made his asthma and allergy symptoms.” Dr. Russ related.  “Therefore at the time of his initial office visit he was only taking asthma medication and a multivitamin.”

“The patient and family reported that the Asperger’s Syndrome symptoms, “settled down within the first week of care.”” said Dr. Russ.  After 3 months of care his Asperger’s symptoms had been stabilizing and he was off medications for asthma and allergies.   The patient is now 15 years old and has not needed any medication during the past 7 years, nor have his Asperger’s symptoms returned.

“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Russ, “but with such promising short and long term results, further research is merited to investigate the relationship between chiropractic care for Asperger’s and other autistic spectrum disorders.”

Case report reveals interesting data

ADHD Chiropractor Wilmington NC

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). The 2010 Proceedings of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Research Conference recently published a case study involving the response of a 7-year-old child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to chiropractic adjustments over the course of a year.

Approximately 8 million children in the United States are labeled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD and generally are being medicated for this condition.  ADHD is a childhood mental disorder with onset before 7 years of age and involving impaired or diminished attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The behaviors must be excessive, last for at least six months, and cause a problem in a social environment, such as at school or home. Wilmington-based Dr. David Russ, D.C., explains that “Ritalin is a common prescription given for ADHD, but since medications offer risk as well as possible dependencies, alternative options are worth investigating.”

A male child was diagnosed by a psychiatrist at age 3 with ADHD, due to behaviors such as uncontrolled violent outbreaks, difficulty following directions, and inability to function in social situations.  From 3-7 years the child was prescribed anti-psychotropic medications, which only moderately controlled the patient’s behavior.  His parents were under extreme stress attempting to cope with their child’s aggressive behavior and sought chiropractic care as a last resort at age 7.

“Within one month of care the patient demonstrated significant behavior improvements.” Dr. Russ related. “The parents reported the child was significantly calmer, “less defiant,” and had reduced aggressive behavior.”  Working with the psychiatrist after 5 months of chiropractic care the child was able to be weaned off all psychotropic medication without any relapse of prior behavior.

“Chiropractic care of children with ADHD has some evidence in the published literature,” explained Dr. Russ, “so it is possible that a mechanical and/or neurological dysfunction could be contributing to a patient’s presentation as well as explain the success of chiropractic care with some cases.  Greater research is needed into the study of chiropractic care of pediatric patients presenting with ADHD.”

Case study and selective review of literature show positive correlation:

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A nine-month-old boy with a history of recurring ear infections who received chiropractic care during an episode of otitis media which resulted in the reduction of symptoms within a week.  Additionally, according to the case study published in The Journal of Maternal & Family, no ear infections have been reported since.

Wilmington-based Dr. David Russ, D.C., who has seen similar results in his own practice stated, “Chiropractic care has historically had favorable and lasting results for patients with otitis media. Unlike the typical allopathic method of attempting to kill the bacteria or virus, chiropractic seeks to restore normal function of the nervous system which in turn results in a stronger immune system.”

Acute otitis media results in inflammation of the middle ear and is caused by bacteria is 70% of the cases.  The most common cause of childhood hearing loss is chronic otitis media and can result in developmental impairment affecting linguistic, behavior, motor and social skills.

In 1990 there were more than 20 million prescriptions for Ear infection-related antibacterials prescribed and 25 million visits made to office-based physicians in the United States for this condition.  Approximately 10% of infants by 3 months of age will have an episode of acute otitis media and 50% of children by 3 years of age will have had more than three episodes of acute otitis media.  The annual costs associated with management of pediatric otitis media has been estimated at $5.3 billion.

“Prescribed treatment is typically a course of antibiotics.” Dr. Russ related.  “Problems with antibiotic use include allergic reactions and cross-reactions, GI upset and the increased resistance of pathogens to antibiotics necessitating stronger antibiotics.”

In this study the 9 month old patient was brought into the chiropractic clinic by his mother who stated he was having recurring ear infections.  She also relayed that there was a possibility of having tubes placed in his ears in the future.  The patient’s mother stated that the ear infections started after four months of vaccinations; he was four months old at the time.  The child was administered antibiotics and was afflicted with ear infections about every three weeks.

“Within the first week of regular adjustments the child was sleeping better,” said Dr. Russ.  An examination performed on the second week found both ears clear, with some wax, but no fluid.  The child was adjusted three times that week as well as the next and twice a week for the fourth week of care.  Both ears were clear and the patient was assessed as showing improvement.

A re-examination performed in the fifth week of care found no infections and the mother reported his naps were longer and he was getting better quality sleep.  On the seventh week of care the patient visited his ENT and his ears were reported as clear with no need for tubes.

“Chiropractic literature has several studies showing the benefit of chiropractic adjustments and otitis media,” explained Dr. Russ, “and these studies show that there is a strong correlation between the resolution of otitis media and chiropractic adjustments.  That being said, further research concerning the efficacy of chiropractic care and otitis media should be pursued.”

Case study illustrates promising results

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A recent article in the Journal of Maternal & Family Health reported on a 6 year old male child originally diagnosed with Autism who received chiropractic care over a period of 16 weeks.

Following the study, the child showed a reduction of autistic signs and symptomatology as determined by objective and subjective findings. Wilmington-based Dr. David Russ, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, was not surprised by these findings.  “Studies of a similar nature have been conducted previously with similar outcomes,” said Dr. Russ, “but more research needs to be conducted in order to evaluate the precise connection between chiropractic care, Autism and other Autistic-like Disorders.”

Autism is defined as a brain development disorder that causes impaired social interaction, decreased communication ability, restrictive repetitive or stereotypical behaviors, and decreased cognitive and learning abilities.  In the United States, the number of people with autism ages 6-21 has risen from 5,145 in 1991-1992 to 118,602 in 2001-2002.  The increase in students in the United States with Autism has risen 1700% over that same time period

“This has profound implications not only on the population, but also on the economy.” Dr. Russ related.  “It is estimated that as of 2000, $18,581,511,000 is spent annually in the United States for children with autism and autistic-like disorders in their education.”

In this study, an Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was utilized to evaluate the child in order to have a baseline for the monitoring of future clinical changes in the patient.  ATEC was designed by the Autism Research Institute to assist parents, physicians and researcher to evaluate virtually any treatment for Autism.

“Improvement was noticed after the 4^th adjustment,” said Dr. Russ.  After the 4^th adjustment the mother mentioned that the child no longer rocked his head and jabbered less.  After the 6^th adjustment the child began spelling out the words on video cassette covers, which is something he had never done before.   By 7 weeks the child began to vocalize his name, as well as the words that he had been spelling.

After 8 weeks, a reassessment was conducted which showed marked improvement.  Positive structural and postural changes were noted and by the 12^th week of care the child was performing well in school.  It was reported that the child did exceptionally well in math and reading class.  The mother was able to change the child’s diet to a more healthy option and also withdrew Ritalin.  The mother also stated there were improvements in his communication skills, sociability, awareness and behavior.  The child was able to use sentences that contained four or more words; he would make eye contact and show less disagreeability; he began to understand his own name more often and would understand explanations more frequently; and there were no incidences of rocking, less incidences of crying, obsessive speech and hyperactivity.

After the 16 weeks were completed, a second ATEC was given to the mother in order to measure the progress of the patient.  The overall improvement on the ATEC measured 54.3%, bringing him up from a moderate severity classification to mild severity.