We all know that exercise is good for us. So why is it that so many of us don’t? I suspect there are several reasons- starting a program can be intimidating or overwhelming, weather can be challenging, health clubs can be expensive. Perhaps you don’t have the energy to start, find it boring, too time consuming or it just plain hurts to get going. Well take heart as I believe I may have found the perfect exercise!
For many years our clinic has worked with children and their parents that have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Medical treatment for these conditions involves medications which can have side effects that can range from bothersome to quite serious.
Most people view the new year as a time to get a fresh start on things, like eating healthier, starting a new workout routine, and letting go of things in the past year. Another great way to get a fresh start is by doing a detoxification program. If you haven’t heard of detoxification, it is really about resting, cleaning, and nourishing the body from the inside out. It removes toxins and gives the body healthy nutrients, which then helps protect from disease and increases the ability to maintain optimum health. Detox can be done for symptoms such as chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, irritated skin, difficulty concentrating, and menstrual difficulties, but it can also be done as a routine measure to keep your body healthy.
Well, almost a week ago now was the “beginning of winter”, and yet we have been enjoying 30-50 degree weather here in Minnesota. Although with the holidays there is a lot of talk about snow in the clinic. Many are happy we haven’t had to deal with driving in the snow. Snow lovers are anxiously awaiting fresh snow to get out and enjoy their winter activities, and the snowbirds well…..are starting to head south. Of course with all that snow comes the task of SNOW REMOVAL. This isn’t going to be a one-time deal either. The average snowfall in the Twin Cities is 45.3 inches with an average of 100 days per year with at least 1 inch of snow cover. It’s no secret we’ll be shoveling this winter.
In our health history form, we routinely inquire about internal health concerns a patient may be experiencing. I am amazed at the frequency of men over 40 years of age that have some degree of prostate disease. Studies support what I am seeing: by 50 years of age, 20% of men will have prostate cancer and 75% will have an enlarged prostate; by age 75, approximately 60% will have prostate cancer. Nearly 100% of men that live full lives will die with cancerous lesions in their prostate, though usually not actually dying from prostate cancer.
Whenever I read or attend continuing educational seminars, I do so with the intention of learning something I can bring back for our patients. Recently I was at a conference that not only benefits our patients, but also got my attention for my own health. It was a conference on the neurotransmitters of the brain and the topic of sleep disturbances came up. I have since looked at sleep problems for my patients differently, but also have helped myself as well.
Every week I get notices with interesting information on various health topics. Recently there were a few talking about the negative effects of statin drugs.
Have you ever been frustrated after exercising and eating healthier but still don’t lose weight? Is there a way to reduce exercise time and burn more fat?
Living in the United States, we often take for granted the luxuries we have of living in a developed country with access to an abundant food supply, safe housing, and clean water. But is our water really clean? If you drink city water, as most people do, it goes through a purification process that includes the addition of fluoride, among other things. It is a common belief that the ingestion of fluoride reduces tooth decay. In fact, many pediatricians prescribe fluoride supplements if infants are not fed formula that is mixed with fluoridated water. Some have even recommended the use of Nursery Water, which has fluoride added to it and can be found in stores near the baby formula. Where exactly does the fluoride in our water supply come from?
Ever wonder just how effective your medications are? You trust your doctor, but do researchers and pharmaceutical companies play with statistics and research results to mislead? Remember, they are a for profit industry. This doesn’t make them evil, but could it affect what they decide to tell you about their medication? A good mathematician (or marketer) can make statistics say anything, so it is important for patients and doctors to have a standard way of analyzing results with less “fudge factor.” The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is a great way of looking at the ACTUAL benefit or harm of a medication.
