We are blessed this week with rare weather for May in Chicago! It is sunny, hot and humid. Don't miss this opportunity to get out and sweat in the sun. Most people being Vitamin D deficient, could certainly benefit from this early abundant sunshine. Make sure you eighty-six the sunscreen and wear shorts so you can experience maximum rays to as much of your body as possible. Just make sure you don't burn (cover up or get out of the sun if this starts to happen)!
Also with it being so hot, make sure you eat extra fruit and always have plenty of filtered water with you so you can rehydrate as you sweat out the toxins from the long winter. The skin is an important organ of elimination and sweating is a great way to get this party started. People pay thousands of dollars for detox programs, so turn this into a free one!
Don't miss this rare gem of an opportunity to get the summer started off right. It may not be easy at first, but you will thank me when you look better pool-side. As always, use common sense, take is slow, and call me if you have specific goals or special needs.
-Dr. Steven Sciame
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Long-Term Bisphosphonate Use Linked to Abnormal Bone Formation
March 12, 2010 (New Orleans, Louisiana) — An unusual type of bone fracture has been reported in women who have taken bisphosphonates for osteopenia and osteoporosis for more than 4 years, according to 2 studies reported here at the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2010 Annual Meeting.
"Bisphosphonates are wonderful drugs. They've cut the vertebral fracture rate by 70% and the hip fracture rate by 50%. People die from hip fractures. There has been great enthusiasm for these drugs, and clearly the rate of hip fractures is decreasing," said Joseph Lane, MD, chief of the Metabolic Bone Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery and professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York CIty.
But concern is mounting that long-term use might (nice try! It totally does!) adversely affect bone quality, he added.
There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures. Vertebral fractures can result in chronic disabling pain, and 1 in 5 patients who have a hip fracture die within 1 year, researchers told meeting attendees.
Bisphosphonates have been shown to prevent the rapid loss of bone that occurs during the first years of menopause and to reduce the incidence of fracture in postmenopausal women.
However, there have been reports of "peculiar" fractures — that is, low-energy femur fractures that are typically transverse or slightly oblique, diaphyseal, or subtrochanteric, with thickened cortices and a unicortical beak — in patients who have been on long-term bisphosphonate treatment. The first report was published in 2005 in a "semi-obscure" journal, Dr. Lane told Medscape Orthopaedics.
In a small prospective study, Dr. Lane and his colleagues obtained bone biopsies from the lateral femurs of 21 postmenopausal women with femoral fractures. Twelve of the women had been on bisphosphonate therapy for an average duration of 8.5 years, and 9 had no history of bisphosphonate use.
They found that the heterogeneities of the mineral/matrix ratio were significantly reduced in the bisphosphonate group by 28%, and the crystallinity of the bone was significantly reduced by 33% (P < .05).
"The biopsies showed that the bone was very, very old," Dr. Lane said. "This suggests to us that suppression of bone turnover, which is what bisphosphonates do [over the] long term, results in a loss of heterogeneity of the tissue properties, and this may be a contributing factor to the risk of atypical fractures that we are starting to see."
(---------Duh! This is totally predictable for anyone who has even an elementary understanding of physiology!--------)
(---------Duh! This is totally predictable for anyone who has even an elementary understanding of physiology!--------)
In a second unrelated study, Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD, Robert E. Carroll Professor of Hand Surgery at Columbia University in New York City, and colleagues evaluated the bone structure of 112 postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis, 62 of whom had been taking bisphosphonates for at least 4 years, and 50 control subjects who were taking only calcium and vitamin D supplements.
They found that bisphosphonate use improved structural integrity early in the course of treatment, but that these gains were diminished as treatment extended beyond 4 years. (Emphasis mine------- Again totally predictable)
"It seems as if there is a plateau of benefit at 4 or 5 years and, after that, the benefit is negated. In the early treatment period, patients using bisphosphonates experienced improvements in all parameters, including decreased buckling ratio and increased cross-sectional area," he said in an interview with Medscape Orthopaedics. "But after 4 years of use, these trends reversed."
Women who are being treated with bisphosphonates should take a drug holiday if they have been on them for 5 years, both investigators toldMedscape Orthopaedics. (------Can you believe the verbiage?? How about everyone learn to be healthy to allow for a permanent drug holiday-----)
"These drugs are excellent," Dr. Rosenwasser said. "But women should take some time off of them. Exercise caution. Don't throw them away, but don't stay on them for long periods." (How does this guy sleep at night?)
Dr. Lane added that "bisphosphonates are wonderful for preventing fractures. At 5 years, however, go back and talk to your doctor and ask if you should continue the drug or take a rest period. This is what I would tell my patients. Nobody in my field would ever treat a patient past 5 years. (------Is he kidding??? What rock did he crawl out from under-----) We're never going to do that again because our information suggests that you need a rest period." (-----How about recommending lifestyle changes that improve bone density naturally with NO SIDE EFFECTS!! Not much profit in that huh doc?------)
It would also be a good idea for women who have been on bisphosphonates for more than 5 years to have a test to measure their bone turnover, Dr. Lane said.
However, this can be problematic for a number of reasons. Many physicians do not know how to interpret tests for bone turnover. (-----Big Surprise!----) The tests are controversial, and most insurance companies will not pay for them, "so it's a real problem right now," he said.
The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research has struck a task force on these atypical fractures and is in the process of developing a consensus statement to warn the public, Dr. Lane added. "The goal is to have this available by the fall of 2010, at least to give some guidelines to the public." (----Why not wait until next spring to make a couple billion more----)
Approached for independent comment about these 2 studies, Thomas Moore, MD, director of trauma at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, agreed that there is increasing evidence that the long-term use of bisphosphonates can cause spontaneous transverse fractures, particularly in the femur in women.
"The question is whether or not the [US Food and Drug Administration] should put out some warnings about this particular clinical entity. I myself have seen this occur. Women are taking these bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, and in fact they do decrease hip fractures, but these new types of fractures represent a catastrophic complication that really needs to be looked at statistically, and appropriate warnings [need to] be put out."
Dr. Lane, Dr. Rosenwasser, and Dr. Moore have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2010 Annual Meeting: Abstract 241, presented March 10, 2010; Abstract 339, presented March 11, 2010.
Dr. Sciame's Comments: It is very sad when treating lifestyle diseases with drugs becomes so mainstream that people rarely question its necessity, methodology, or its rationality. A healthy diet and lifestyle is simply the best way to improve the health of an individual. The addition of toxic drugs into one's body for diseases caused by poor lifestyle choices will only make someone sicker in the long run. At a time when health care costs are skyrocketing to the point that people are demanding free health care reform from the federal government, we can go a long way toward reducing costs by cleaning up our sick lifestyles.
Any physician that does not make these recommendations is either lazy or incompetent and is directly contributing to the sick state of our nation. It is up to the consumer (patient) to demand REAL solutions to health problems and not let their physician get away with just dealing a pill for every ill.
Dr. Sciame's Comments: It is very sad when treating lifestyle diseases with drugs becomes so mainstream that people rarely question its necessity, methodology, or its rationality. A healthy diet and lifestyle is simply the best way to improve the health of an individual. The addition of toxic drugs into one's body for diseases caused by poor lifestyle choices will only make someone sicker in the long run. At a time when health care costs are skyrocketing to the point that people are demanding free health care reform from the federal government, we can go a long way toward reducing costs by cleaning up our sick lifestyles.
Any physician that does not make these recommendations is either lazy or incompetent and is directly contributing to the sick state of our nation. It is up to the consumer (patient) to demand REAL solutions to health problems and not let their physician get away with just dealing a pill for every ill.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Juice Plus gains NSF Certification
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn.–Juice Plus+® Orchard and Garden Blend and Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend® received certification from NSF International. Juice Plus+® is a line of whole food based nutritional products made by NSA LLC. Juice Plus+® Orchard and Garden Blends provide added nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains, while Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend® provides nutrition from nine varieties of berries and grapes in a capsule.
To achieve this certification, Juice Plus+® products met the requirements of NSF International’s dietary supplements and functional foods certification program. These requirements are part of NSF/ANSI Standard 173, the only accredited American National Standard for dietary supplements and functional foods. They include: product testing for contaminants and heavy metals, label and formulation review to verify that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the product does not contain undeclared ingredients or contaminants, and manufacturing facility audits to ensure the products are produced in accordance with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Separately, select batches of the Juice Plus+® products have been additionally tested and certified by NSF International’s Athletic Banned Substances Certification (Certified for Sport™) Program, which screens for more than 140 banned substances, including stimulants, narcotics, steroids and diuretics. Major League Baseball (MLB), the MLB Player’s Association, the National Football League (NFL), the NFL Player’s Association, the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) have all chosen NSF International’s Certified for Sport Program to help further verify that the products their athletes use are free of banned substances.
“These two certifications highlight the efforts of Juice Plus+® to produce products that have met the highest standards for safety and quality,” said Edward Wyszumiala, general manager of NSF International’s Dietary Supplement Certification Programs.
“We’re proud to have received these certifications from NSF International,” said John Blair, senior vice president of product and research for Juice Plus+®. “Juice Plus+® is committed to providing high-quality, whole-food based nutritional products. These certifications show that our products meet the highest industry standards.”
(This has been reprinted from naturalproductsmarketplace.com. http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2010/02/juice-plus-gains-nsf-certification.aspx )
Dr. Steven's Comments: This is great news and further validates Juice Plus. This is the ONLY nutritional product that I personally take and recommend to my friends, my family, and my patients. Visit www.doctorjuiceplus.com to learn more. When visiting the site, click on the video to learn important details about this health essential.
To achieve this certification, Juice Plus+® products met the requirements of NSF International’s dietary supplements and functional foods certification program. These requirements are part of NSF/ANSI Standard 173, the only accredited American National Standard for dietary supplements and functional foods. They include: product testing for contaminants and heavy metals, label and formulation review to verify that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the product does not contain undeclared ingredients or contaminants, and manufacturing facility audits to ensure the products are produced in accordance with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Separately, select batches of the Juice Plus+® products have been additionally tested and certified by NSF International’s Athletic Banned Substances Certification (Certified for Sport™) Program, which screens for more than 140 banned substances, including stimulants, narcotics, steroids and diuretics. Major League Baseball (MLB), the MLB Player’s Association, the National Football League (NFL), the NFL Player’s Association, the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) have all chosen NSF International’s Certified for Sport Program to help further verify that the products their athletes use are free of banned substances.
“These two certifications highlight the efforts of Juice Plus+® to produce products that have met the highest standards for safety and quality,” said Edward Wyszumiala, general manager of NSF International’s Dietary Supplement Certification Programs.
“We’re proud to have received these certifications from NSF International,” said John Blair, senior vice president of product and research for Juice Plus+®. “Juice Plus+® is committed to providing high-quality, whole-food based nutritional products. These certifications show that our products meet the highest industry standards.”
(This has been reprinted from naturalproductsmarketplace.com. http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2010/02/juice-plus-gains-nsf-certification.aspx )
Dr. Steven's Comments: This is great news and further validates Juice Plus. This is the ONLY nutritional product that I personally take and recommend to my friends, my family, and my patients. Visit www.doctorjuiceplus.com to learn more. When visiting the site, click on the video to learn important details about this health essential.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Raw Homemade Sauerkraut Now Available!
We are proud to announce that we now have raw homemade sauerkraut available! Contact us today to add this healthful delicacy to your diet. Supplies are limited so call (847) 824-0222 for details on how to reserve yours today!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Give The Gift of Health This Holiday Season!
Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift for that special someone? Instead of buying something worthless that will probably be thrown away in less than a year anyway, give the gift of health to someone you love!
Contact us today for gift ideas that can make a real difference in someone's life! You will be surprised!
Dr. Steven (847) 824-0222
Friday, November 13, 2009
AARP DRiver Safety Class
We here at Expanding Wellness Chiropractic Center are proud to host another AARP Driver Safety Class.
Under Illinois law, those above 55 - whether AARP members or not -qualify for worthwhile multi-year auto insurance discount* by completing this course! Studies have shown that fewer fatal and injury-causing crashes and fewer violations occur among drivers who have taken this nationally-recognized course. It is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. There is no final test to pass.
Upon completion of the course, each attendee is awarded a certificate. All participants must pre-register: the cost of the course is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.
To register or for more information, please contact the volunteer course instructor, Dr. Om Johari, phone: 847-985-6677 (E.mail: omjohari@comcast.net). *Please check with your insurance company for the exact discount and the correct procedure to obtain it.
This is a great opportunity to learn safe driving concepts and save some money on your car insurance. Register today as space is limited!
Under Illinois law, those above 55 - whether AARP members or not -qualify for worthwhile multi-year auto insurance discount* by completing this course! Studies have shown that fewer fatal and injury-causing crashes and fewer violations occur among drivers who have taken this nationally-recognized course. It is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. There is no final test to pass.
Upon completion of the course, each attendee is awarded a certificate. All participants must pre-register: the cost of the course is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.
To register or for more information, please contact the volunteer course instructor, Dr. Om Johari, phone: 847-985-6677 (E.mail: omjohari@comcast.net). *Please check with your insurance company for the exact discount and the correct procedure to obtain it.
This is a great opportunity to learn safe driving concepts and save some money on your car insurance. Register today as space is limited!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fitness Opportunity
As any of you who are familiar with our philosophy at Expanding Wellness Chiropractic Center already know, physical fitness is an ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL aspect of one's lifestyle. The importance of this point cannot be overemphasized or overstated. We are always looking for new ways to help people add healthy physical activity into their lives, so I was excited to learn about the Juice Plus 90 Day Fitness Effect.
This special program gives you one more incentive to participate in regular physical activity.
Here is how it works:
The "fitness effect" that each individual will experience obviously varies depending on a number of factors, including your particular exercise regimen, the overall healthfulness of your diet, and your level of fitness at the beginning of the 90 days. I will walk you through a brief survey at the end of your 90 days to help you evaluate this. We’ll pose questions like: how well you’re sleeping, what your energy levels are like, whether you’ve noticed any change in eating habits, or the amount of water you’re drinking.
Often people experience a reduction in various symptoms, and because they aren’t present any longer the benefit may not always be perceived. We’ll try to help you to start thinking more about your health and fitness and, as a result, become more aware of the state your body is in. When you complete the Juice Plus+® 90 Day Fitness Effect and become eligible for an added reward!
Health and fitness are great rewards in and of themselves, of course. But we’re prepared to “sweeten the pot” by giving you either a complimentary two-month supply of Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend® (added whole food based nutrition from nine different berries and grapes) or 30 servings of Juice Plus+ Complete® (whole food based nutrition in the form of a meal replacement drink) once you complete our 90-day program.
To make participation in this program EVEN EASIER, we now have personal training available at our location! Call (847) 824-0222 to get started today!
This special program gives you one more incentive to participate in regular physical activity.
Here is how it works:
Juice Plus+® - Take Juice Plus+® as recommended every day!
Juice Plus+® provides added whole food based nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient and inexpensive capsule form. It has been clinically documented in published, peer-reviewed research to help support your immune system, reduce oxidative stress, help protect your DNA, and impact key indicators of cardiovascular wellness. These are important attributes of good health to everyone, of course, but especially for those who exercise.
90 Day - Combine great nutrition with regular exercise by eating Juice Plus+® and exercising at least 30 minutes a day – 5 days a week. What kind of exercise should you do? That’s easy: the one that you will do! As long as you are physically active – whether it’s a comprehensive workout routine or a daily walk – it counts towards your 30 minutes.
Fitness Effect - We believe that eating Juice Plus+® in combination with regular exercise over a 90 day period will create a noticeable “fitness effect” in you. Being both healthy AND fit can open a whole new world for you! You’ll be able to do more things, do them better – and, ultimately, do them longer into your life.
Take the Juice Plus+® Fitness Effect Survey at the end of your 90 days.The "fitness effect" that each individual will experience obviously varies depending on a number of factors, including your particular exercise regimen, the overall healthfulness of your diet, and your level of fitness at the beginning of the 90 days. I will walk you through a brief survey at the end of your 90 days to help you evaluate this. We’ll pose questions like: how well you’re sleeping, what your energy levels are like, whether you’ve noticed any change in eating habits, or the amount of water you’re drinking.
Often people experience a reduction in various symptoms, and because they aren’t present any longer the benefit may not always be perceived. We’ll try to help you to start thinking more about your health and fitness and, as a result, become more aware of the state your body is in. When you complete the Juice Plus+® 90 Day Fitness Effect and become eligible for an added reward!
Health and fitness are great rewards in and of themselves, of course. But we’re prepared to “sweeten the pot” by giving you either a complimentary two-month supply of Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend® (added whole food based nutrition from nine different berries and grapes) or 30 servings of Juice Plus+ Complete® (whole food based nutrition in the form of a meal replacement drink) once you complete our 90-day program.
To make participation in this program EVEN EASIER, we now have personal training available at our location! Call (847) 824-0222 to get started today!
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