Russ Chiropractic's Wellness Blog

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.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study has promising results

(Chiropractor Wilmington NC). A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics reported on a study involving 326 children, ages 3 to 5, who participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled test of the effects of probiotics on cold and flu-like symptoms.

Wilmington-based Dr. David Russ, D.C., follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications.  “People often think of chiropractors in terms of treating neck and back pain,” said Dr. Russ, “but many of my colleagues and I, myself, are involved in all aspects of our patients’ health and well-being, including proper nutrition and illness-preventative measures.”

In this particular study, children in the study group were assigned at random to get one of three planned dosages.  One group received just a placebo, or common sugar pill with no therapeutic value.  A second group got a single probiotic dosage, and the third group got a combination probiotic dosage.

“The study participants received their allocated dosage twice a day for six months,” Dr. Russ related.  “They were then analyzed to determine both the incidence of cold and flu-like symptoms during the test period, as well as the duration of such symptoms.”

In comparison to the placebo group, those children who had taken the single-strain probiotic had a 53% reduction in fevers, a 41.4% reduction in coughing, and a 28.2% reduction in rhinorrhea, or runny nose.

“The combination-strain probiotic group fared even better,” said Dr. Russ.  “The incidence of fevers was reduced by 72.7%, coughing by 62.1%, and rhinorrhea by 58.8%.”

The study also measured the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms in the study group, and, once again, there was a marked improvement for those children using some form of probiotics over the placebo group.  The single-strain probiotics usage resulted in a lesser duration of symptoms by 32%; the combination-strain usage caused a 48% reduction in the duration of the symptoms.  The study also concluded that children getting some form of probiotics had less need to take antibiotics during the test period and also were absent much less from nursery school or other group child care facilities.

Wilmington NC Chiropractor – Cardiovascular Effects of Energy
Drinks on Children and Adolescents

High doses of caffeine may exacerbates
cardiac conditions for which stimulants
are contraindicated.17,18,84– 86 Of
particular concern are ion channelopathies
and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
the most prevalent genetic
cardiomyopathy in children and young
adults, because of the risk of hypertension,
syncope, arrhythmias, and sudden
death.11,86,87

Effects of Energy Drinks on Children
and Adolescents With ADHD

ADHD occurs in 8% to 16% of US schoola ged
children and may be more prevalent
in children with heart disease.88,89
Some 2.5 million US children take stimulants
for ADHD, which may increase
heart rate and blood pressure.89–91
Children with ADHD have higher rates
of substance abuse, including the
abuse of caffeine, which blocks the A2A
adenosine receptors and thereby enhances
the dopamine effect at the D2
dopamine receptor, similarly to the
way guanfacine works for ADHD.92,93 As
with the ADHD stimulants, the combined
effects of energy drinks and antidepressants
are unknown.94 For the
subpopulation with methylphenidate
cardiotoxicity, energy-drink use may
increase cardiac events.95,96

Energy-Drink Use in Children and
Adolescents With Eating Disorders

Children and adolescents with eating
disorders, especially anorexia nervosa,
may regularly consume high amounts of
caffeine to counter caloric-restriction–
associated fatigue, suppress appetite,
and produce looser stools and some diuresis.
71–100 The risk of cardiac dysrhythmias
and intracardiac conduction
abnormalities from high-caffeine
energy drinks in children with eating
disorders at higher risk for cardiac related
morbidity/mortality and electrolyte
abnormalities is disconcerting.91–99

Effects on Caloric Intake and Diabetes

Because obesity is epidemic, caloric
increases from energy-drink consumption
become important. Additional
calories may increase blood
pressure, blood glucose levels, BMI,
calcium deficiency, dental problems,
depression, and low self-esteem.4,101,102
Sugar and caffeine may also synergistically
increase postprandial hyperglycemia,
which is of concern for children
with diabetes.38,51,52

Effects on Bone Mineralization

Early adolescence is the time of maximal
calcium deposition in bone, and caffeine
interferes with intestinal calcium absorption.
103,104 It remains controversial
whether caffeine itself has the most
marked effect on bone acquisition during
adolescence or whether replacement
of milk intake by caffeinated beverages
is the leading contributor.103,104

Marketing of Energy Drinks

Youth-targeted marketing strategies
date to 1987 when Red Bull was introduced
in Austria.100 When it took 5
years to get permission to export Red
Bull to Germany, rumors about its legality
and dangerous effects helped
fuel its popularity, and it became
known as “speed in a can,” “liquid cocaine,”
and a “legal drug.”100
Energy-drink marketing strategies include
sporting event and athlete sponsorships,
alcohol-alternative promotion,
and product placement in media
(including Facebook and video games)
oriented to children, adolescents, and
young adults.43,105 Newer alcoholic energy
drinks, the cans of which resemble
the nonalcoholic counterparts, target
risk-taking youth.43

Contrasting with brand design is the
voluntary fine-print warning label on
some products, which state that they
may not be safe for children, those
who are sensitive to caffeine, or for
pregnant or nursing women.105–107

Excerpted from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2009-3592v1?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=energy+drinks&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT
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Bottom line is that parents need to keep their kids away from energy drinks. For older children they need to be taught why these drinks are not good for them.  And as parents you need to set an example by not relying on these drinks or any other stimulant to keep yourself going. Proper rest, good nutrition, stress release techniques, and chiropractic have been shown to help boost energy levels naturally. If you feel your energy is lacking get evaluated by your local wellness chiropractor.

Wilmington NC Chiropractor. A study in the January 10, 2011 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that more than 50% of the 4,218 recommendations in guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America were based on level III evidence — the lowest possible category.
Level lll evidence is the opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.
Don Heun Lee, MD, and Ole Vielemeyer, MD, of Drexel University in Philadelphia, say that doctors sometimes assume that following practice guidelines means they are practicing quality, evidence based medicine. However, they say, the quality of the supporting literature varies greatly.
Only 14% of the recommendations were linked to the highest level of evidence with 55% supported only by expert opinion.
In an accompanying editorial, John Powers, MD, of Scientific Applications International Corporation in Bethesda, Md., said the findings “reinforce that absolute certainty in science or medicine is an illusion.”
He goes on to say the message is to “be wary of falling into the trap of ‘cookbook medicine,’” adding that “guidelines will never replace critical thinking in patient care.”
“Although the evidence and recommendations in guidelines may change across time,” he wrote, “providers will always have a need to know how to think about clinical problems, not just what to think.”

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Many patients, in all types of practices, are led to believe that everything that their doctor does with them comes as the result of the analysis of hard data and this could not be further from the truth. If this were true the all doctors would have the same recommendations. Most doctors while in medical school, chiropractic school, or wherever, are required to read relevant research and use it to make clinical decisions. The issue is that a medical doctor might cite a study backing his recommendations for a drug to lower blood pressure, a chiropractor may cite a study where fish oil can lower blood pressure. Who is right? The answer is neither. You as the patient are ultimately responsible for your health. As an informed patient you must choose a doctor who respects your beliefs and guides you accordingly.

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/171/1/18

I came across an article in which Doctor’s were asked the question, “Which Medications would you skip?” Here’s their response:

1. Advair – It’s asthma medicine that can make your asthma deadly. Advair contains the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) salmeterol. A 2006 analysis found regular use of LABA’s can increase the severity of an asthma attack. Researchers estimate salmeterol may contribute to as many as 5,000 asthma-related deaths in the United States each year.

2. Avandia – Diabetes is destructive enough on its own, but if you try to control it with rosiglitazone, better known as Avandia, it could cause a heart attack. A study found that people who took rosiglitazone for at least a year increased their risk of heart failure or a heart attack by 109 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

3. Celebrex – This painkiller has been linked to increased risks of stomach bleeding, kidney trouble, and liver damage. According to a 2005 study, people taking 200 mg of Celebrex twice a day more than doubled their risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. Those taking 400 mg twice a day more than tripled their risk.

4. Ketek – This antibiotic, which has traditionally been prescribed for respiratory-tract infections, carries a high risk of severe liver side effects. In February 2007, the FDA limited the usage of Ketek to the treatment of pneumonia.

5 & 6. Prilosec and Nexium – The FDA has investigated a suspected link between cardiac trouble and these acid-reflux remedies, although they did not find a “likely” connection. Whether this is true or not, they can raise your risk of pneumonia, and result in an elevated risk of bone loss. The risk of a bone fracture has been estimated to be over 40 percent higher in patients who use these drugs long-term.

7. Visine Original – These eye drops “get the red out” by shrinking blood vessels. Overuse of the active ingredient tetrahydrozoline can perpetuate the vessel dilating-and-constricting cycle and may cause even more redness.

8. Pseudoephedrine – This decongestant, found in many drugs, can raise blood pressure and heart rate, setting the stage for vascular catastrophe. Over the years, pseudoephedrine has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, as well as worsening the symptoms of prostate disease and glaucoma.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24777955/ns/health-health_care/

If you are looking for natural ways to get healthier and reduce your need for medication call 910-395-5066. Click here -> Chiropractor Wilmington NC for more information

Most parents today understand the importance of feeding their children healthy food but more often than not fail to do so due to the convenience of of fast food. This is another topic in and of itself. The issue today is what are the schools feeding our kids?

The answer………

Pizza, cheeseburgers, sloppy joes, hot dogs, corn dog, french fries, fried chicken, and all of this is washed down with sugared-up fruit juices or even worse, soda. Even when options like salads and vegetable are offered the children usually gravitate towards the fatty or sugar laden foods.

What do mom and dad usually pack with their child’s lunch?

The answer….

HoHo’s, DingDongs, potato chips, candy bars, little debbie’s cakes, and other “treats” that ultimately contribute to the demise of their child’s health in the long run. Think of the last time you ate a bunch of junk food for lunch…. You probably got hyper for a little while and then you crashed for the rest of the afternoon.

Could this be why teachers are having difficulty controlling their classes? Imagine being in a room of 30 sugar-high kids and trying to get them to learn. This is the struggle going on in the class rooms everyday which is contributing to the increase in diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. Many studies have been done linking ADD/ADHD to nutritional issues.

So what can we do about this?

Parents need to take action!! These are YOUR kids and YOU are responsible for their health, end of story. Parents need to educate their children at home about proper nutritional choices and empower them to do the right thing.

The schools need to remove the soda and candy machines. We are allowing people to take advantage of our children for financial gain the the very place that they should be the safest. This is an absolute disgrace and poor reflection of this country’s commitment to the next generation. Schools need to abandon all junk foods from their menus which, in my opinion as well as other prominent researchers, would eliminate many of the behavioral issues that have been affecting kids today.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to do their part and get healthier themselves. By setting a better example we can lead the next generation to make better choices and start reversing the downward trend that the American health care system has been experiencing.

-Dr. David Russ is a Chiropractor in Wilmington NC who is passionate about health of his community and especially that of its children. For more information please visit Russ Chiropractic and Wellness Center or call 910-395-5066.