Feature Articles:
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• Back Pain In The Elderly •
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Increasing age is shown to be associated with a relatively high incidence of back pain. According to a newly released study, a 31.5 percent incidence of frequent back pain was found in a sample of 1,299 people aged 65 and older. According to results, back pain was reported less often by men and the very old. The back pain was moderate in intensity and primarily aggravated by carrying, lifting or pushing heavy objects. Those with back pain were significantly more likely to report difficulty in heavy household chores, carrying a shopping bag, cutting toenails, and using public transportation. Fortunately, according to researchers back pain in the elderly as well as many of the previously mentioned functional limitations are potentially reversible with the appropriate care. Chiropractic care has successfully helped millions with back pain regain their freedom including even the eldest of people.
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| SOURCE: Spine. 31(10):1149-1155, May 1, 2006. |
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• Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Cancer •
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In a new report published by the National Cancer Institute, low levels of vitamin D appear to be associated with increased cancer rates within men, especially digestive system cancers. The primary source of vitamin D for humans is exposure to sunlight. It is believed by many experts that sunlight may inhibit the growth of cancer in humans. It’s important to note that unprotected or prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of deadly skin cancer. Given that, it seems appropriate to enjoy outside activities regularly, but ensure that proper steps are taken to protect the skin such as the use of sunscreen (spf 30 or greater). It also makes sense to consider supplementing with vitamin D as recommended by your doctor of chiropractic or other primary health care provider.
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| SOURCE: Journal of the National Cancer Institute April 5, 2006 |
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• Cancers Signs Include Hiccups •
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Hiccups could be more than just an annoying occurrence. According to researchers, persistent hiccups could be caused by cancer of the esophagus. Additional symptoms of this involuntary spasm of the diaphragm include weight-loss and difficulty swallowing. Other more common causes of hiccups are believed to be eating too quickly, eating too much, laughing and drinking too much alcohol. In a recent study of 99 patients with esophageal cancer, 27 complained of persistent hiccups. Cancer of the esophagus is the sixth most frequently found cancer worldwide with more than 400,000 cases detected annually. The most important risk factors of esophageal cancer are smoking and alcohol.
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| SOURCE: Reuters. April 19, 2006. |
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• Xenical™ Drug Linked to Cancer •
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According to the consumer group Public Citizen, the diet drug Xenical™ should be banned due to its link to cancer. Recent data has linked its use to precancerous lesions within the colons of animals. More specifically, Xenical™ has been shown to cause abnormal cell growth in the lining of the colon. Given that, it seems appropriate to proceed with much caution. Interestingly, the FDA just recently granted the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline conditional approval to sell the drug without a prescription, assuming certain undisclosed criteria are met. Public Citizen claims that the FDA was aware of a breast cancer risk as well as possible colon lesions with Xenical™ when it initially considered Xenical™, but still approved it for human weight loss use. We'll leave it up to you to draw your own conclusion.
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| SOURCE: Reuters. April 11, 2006. |
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