Archive for March, 2010

Painkillers May Decrease Hormone Levels That In Turn May Reduce Breast and Ovarian Cancers

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

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Research published in the recent issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention concluded that postmenopausal women regularly using aspirin and other painkillers have lower estrogen levels than those not using these products and that may contribute to a decreased risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

Seven hundred forty postmenopausal women who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study were examined for an association between the use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen and concentrations of estrogens and androgens. Findings showed an inverse relationship between the frequency of painkiller use and estradiol, free estradiol, estrone sulfate and the ration of estradiol to testosterone.

Average estradiol levels were 10.5% lower among women regularly using aspirin or NSAIDs. In addition this group also showed 10.6% lower free estradiol levels, and 11.1% lower estrone sulfate levels. In addition, among regular users of any painkiller (aspirin, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen) the levels of these hormones were 15.2% lower (estradiol), 12.9% lower (free estradiol), and 12.6% lower (estrone sulfate).

Michael Thun, M.D. Vice-President Emeritus of epidemiology and surveillance research at the American Cancer Society said that the association of painkillers use and breast cancer risk is important but still unresolved. He further said that the results do not confirm a relationship between painkillers and lower circulating levels of estradiol but it is promising and further research is needed.

Dr Francisco Contreras and Dr Arlene Donar to be Guests on the Holistic Health show

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

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Dr Francisco Contreras and Dr Arlene Donar will be guests on the Holistic Health Show this week. Its tax time and that is very time consuming for me. Thus, I must repeat a previous show that I hope you will enjoy. On the following show I will resume my back pain series.

Dr Contreras is the Medical Director, President and Chairman of the Oasis of Hope where they have treated over 100,000 cancer patients since opening in 1963 and have an active research program on effective interventions for different cancers. He is recognized internationally as a cancer expert who combines conventional and alternative treatments with emotional and spiritual support. Currently he oversees the treatment of 400 cancer patients annually.

Dr Contreras graduated with honors from the prestigious School of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and continued studies at the University of Vienna, Austria where he specialized in surgical oncology and again graduated with honors. He received personal instruction from his father, Dr Ernesto Contreras, who was a pioneer in alternative medicine. Dr Contreras lectures frequently at Universities and Conferences throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. He has authored 12 books on cancer including The Hope of Living Cancer Free, The Coming Cancer Cure, Fighting Cancer 20 different Ways, Dismantling Cancer, and his recently published Hope, Medicine, and Healing. More information is available at www.oasisofhope.com

Dr Donar graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is board certified and licensed as a Naturopathic Physician in Connecticut. Part of her education took place in Switzerland where she worked with patients having cancer and other acute and chronic conditions. She also completed an extern program in New York City at Callen-Lorde community Health Center where she worked with allopathic physicians who specialized in HIV/AID’s health care.

Dr Donar is the former Medical Director of the supplement manufacturers, Heartguardian, located in Princeton, New Jersey. Currently, she is in private practice working with clients with chronic health problems and lectures locally on prevention and treatment of diseases using biological medicine and clinical nutrition. She has written articles for magazines and been a guest on Tribecca Radio. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic physicians. More information is available at www.drdonar.com

I will also talk briefly about my lung cancer experience 36 years ago when I was given 6 months to live by traditional cancer specialists and consequently chose an alternative approach to successful treatment. My focus will demonstrating the holistic approach I used that involved physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

Osteoporesis Drugs May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

Friday, March 26th, 2010

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A new study reported in the British Journal of Cancer on March 5, 2010 concluded that women who take some types of bone building drugs to prevent osteoporosis may be at a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
The study included almost 6,000 Wisconsin women betweeen the ages of 20 and 69. Half had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and half had not (for comparison). Women were interviewed about their bone health-their history of whether they had been diagnosed with osteoporosis, biophosphonate use and fractures. Data also included information on breast cancer risk factors such as first-degree family history of the disease, age at first birth, postmenopausal hormone use and body mass index. Results showed that women who used bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva and Zomita, for more than two years were almost 40% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who did not. This protection was not afforded women who were obese.

Alexander Technique Effective for Back Pain

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

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In a study published in Family Practice researchers concluded that the Alexander technique was considered effective by most patients. The Alexander Technique is a method of teaching bodily awareness and reducing muscle tension. Patients are taught standing and sitting postures and how to move correctly.

Researchers at the University of Southampton and Bristol surveyed patients to determine their expectations of and experiences with the Alexander technique and prescribed exercises. One hundred eighty three people who had received lessons in the Alexander technique returned questionnaires and 176 who had received prescribed exercises returned them. A follow up questionnaire was completed 3 months after the first and many of the subjects were interviewed. Findings included positive expectations of both groups at the beginning of the study that remained the same for the exercise group after 3 months. However, the expectations were higher after 3 months for the Alexander technique group. This group believed they had learned how to manage their back pain and the method fit well into their lifestyle.

Yoga, Physical Therapy, Graston Technique and Therapies Used by a Sufferer for Back Pain Relief

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Richard Vincent DC

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Guests of Dr Carl O Helvie, Host, on the Holistic Health Show yesterday were Dr Richard Vincent (left), Ms Ginger Garner in a yoga pose (right), and Mrs Lynda Cookson (below).

Dr Vincent, a chiropractor, is President of the Integrated health Care Practice Resource Group, a management group, and introduced the Graston Technique, a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to the chiropractic profession in 2001. More information is available on a previous blog here or at www.grastontechnique.com

Ms Garner is a physical therapist and founder of Professional Yoga Therapy Studies and developer of the Professional Yoga Therapy and Elementary Renewal Method of Rehabilitation. More information is available on an earlier blog here or www.gingergarner.com

Mrs Cookson is from the West of Ireland and was forced to change her career as owner of a clinic to artist and writer when she developed severe back pain. She is a well established artist and has sold painting around the world. More information is available on an earlier bloig here or at www.lyndacookson.com

The interview with these guests follow. I hope you enjoy and learn from it.

 
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Papaya May Slow Cancer Growth in a Variety of Tumors

Friday, March 19th, 2010

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In research published in the February issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmocology researchers from the University of Florida and colleagues in Japan concluded that papaya leaf extract has a dramatic anti-cancer effect against tumors of the breast, cervix, liver, lungs, and pancreas. They exposed 10 different types of cancer cell cultures to four strengths of papaya leaf extract and measured the effect after 24 hours. They said papaya slowed the growth of the tumors in all of the cultures and the effects were strongest when the cancer cells received large doses of papaya leaf tea. The extract does not have any toxic effect like many cancer therapies and is effective by boosting the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines that help regulate the immune system. They believe further researchers may discover therapies that can use the immune system to fight cancer.
They also said their results are consistent with those in indigenous populations in Australia and Vietnam.

Integrative Therapies May Reduce The Need for Medications in Invidivuals with Chronic Back Pain

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

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A new study published in a letter to the editor in the most recent issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (52 (3), 256-157, concluded that high-touch Integrative Medicine (IM) therapies can help employees manage their back pain by using fewer medications. The study utilized assembly workers at Ford Motor Company diagnosed with low back pain. The subjects were divided into 2 groups and both groups received care at the onsite clinic. One group received conventional therapies including pain medication. The other group received integrative therapies including acupuncture, and relaxation/meditation CD’s to manage stress and pain. Both groups received treatment over 6 weeks with a 12 week follow up.

The sample size was too small for definitive conclusions but the researchers were encouraged because the group who used integrative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine had the same outcomes as the conventional medicine group but they also had a 58% reduction in pain medication use.

Graston Technique, Physical Therapy/Yoga and an Artist from Ireland with Chronic Back Pain

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Richard Vincent DC

GGarner

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Guests of Dr Carl O Helvie on the Holistic Health Show on Saturday will be Dr Richard Vincent (top left), Ms Ginger Garner (top right), and Mrs Lynda Cookson (below).

Dr Vincent is a graduate of the Chiropractic Institute of New York and is currently the President of Integrated Health Care Practice Resources and past president of the Practice Resource Group, a management organization. He is also past president of the Society of Chiropractic Management Consultants and also served as the president and CEO of Spine Management Care Network and as clinical director of Chiropractic Services for Triad Health Care, Inc.
Dr Vincent introduced the Graston Technique, a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to the Chiropractic profession in 2001. He has integrated the technique at the college and University level for chiropractors and directs a cadre of instructors who teach the technique in seminars throughout the world. He currently serves as GT clinical advisor.
In his profession he has served as president of the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society, chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Chiropractic Examination and Registration, president of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and president of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
He has also been active in the community serving as chairman of the board of trustees of the North Shore Community College, and on the board of directors of the Beverly Saving Bank. He has been a member and vice-chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Mental Retardation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is currently a member of the citizens advisory board, Department of Mental Retardation in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
In 2005 Dr Vincent was awarded the George Arvidson award for excellence in chiropractic regulation and public protection by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board. In 2006 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of law degree from National University of Health Sciences.
He has published articles dealing with practice management and the ethical delivery of chiropractic care. More information is available at:
www.grastontechnique.com

Ms Ginger Garner who holds a masters degree in physical therapy and has advanced studies in yoga and yoga therapy and certification in pilates, ayurveda, and studies in spinal manual therapy, music and sound therapy and women’s health is founder of Professional Yoga Therapy Studies and developer of the Professional Yoga Therapy and Elementary Renewal Methods of Rehabilitation.
She has written and teaches continuing education courses across the United States on treating lumbopelvic/sacroiliac joint pain, is founder and executive director of a school that exclusively certifies licensed health care professionals to practice alternative rehabilitation methods in yoga therapy, and has had tremendous success treating patients with these methods. She has a DVD available and more information is available at: www.gingergarner.com

Lynda Cookson from the west of Ireland ran her own clinic for 5 years prior to being forced to change careers in 1992 to that of an artist and writer because of severe back pain. Lynda is a certified reflexologist, a namikoshi shiatsu therapist, an aromatherapist, and studied iridology, ayurvedic healing and acupuncture. Since changing her career she has become an accomplished artist and writer having sold works in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Namibia, the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Dominican Republic and Malaysia. Her paintings are part of permanent collections, have been auctioned, and collected throughout Ireland. Her most recent publication is a book titled Tea’n Turps published in 2009 that takes a humorous look at the lives of 12 well-established artists living and working in Ireland. More information is available at: www.lyndacookson.com

An Optimistic Disposition May Improve the Outcome for Those With Lung Cancer

Friday, March 12th, 2010

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In a report published in the March issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology (JTO) researchers concluded that lung cancer patients who are optimistic have a more favorable outcome than those with a pessimistic outlook. Building upon previous findings the researchers at the Mayo Clinic evaluated 534 adult lung cancer patients who had completed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) around 18 years before being diagnosed with lung cancer between 1997 and 2006 in a retrospective study. The MMPI determined whether the patient was optimistic or pessimistic. All patients (men and women) who were classified as optimistic survived an average of six-months longer than the pessimistic group.The five-year survival rate for the optimistic group was 32.9% and for the other group 21.1%. This relationship was independent of smoking status, cancer stage, treatment, comorbidities, age and gender. More research is needed to validate this finding.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective for Chronic Back Pain

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

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In a study published in Lancet 26 February 2010 researchers reported that a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly improves subacute and chronic back pain both short term and for up to 1 year compared to medical advice alone. Seven hundred patients with low back pain were in the study and 468 were treated with up to 6 sessions of group cognitive behavioral therapy and 233 received a 15 minute session of medical management advice that included information on staying active and the appropriate use of pain medications. After 12 months, 59% of those in the cognitive behavioral group reported recovery from their low back pain compared to 31% in the other group. In addition, 65% of those in the CBT group reported satisfaction with their treatment compared to 28% in the other group. The researchers concluded that CBT is a cost effective treatment for low back pin when compared to the cost of chiropractic care, and acupuncture.