Another Makeover

Our Natural Life Clinic website has gotten another makeover. If you want to take a look visit here.

We would also welcome suggestions and comments on how to make our site better.

Toilet seats are cleaner than your keyboard

The term “computer virus” has just taken on a whole new disturbing meaning.

Microbiologist James Francis recently conducted a study on the cleanliness of the average computer keyboard and mouse. He swabbed 33 different keyboards in an office building. As a means to have something to compare his findings against, Francis also collected samples from an office toilet seat and a restroom door knob.

Here’s the bad news: the toilet seat was cleaner than all 33 keyboards in the test. Here’s the worse news: four of the keyboards he swabbed were potential health hazards—meaning that serious health problems and sicknesses could arise by simply coming into contact with the germs on the keyboard.

Why are keyboards so dirty? It’s simple; most germs are transmitted by our hands. If we touch something dirty or contaminated, then touch a keyboard, the keyboard becomes infected. If you share a public keyboard, or fail to clean it regularly, it becomes a breeding ground for germs and viruses.

Get into the habit of washing your hands after you use the computer. And be sure to disinfect your keyboard and mouse on a regular basis. A little bit of prevention will go a long way in maintaining your health.

[Source: Consumer Affairs, May 5, 2008 “Study Gives Whole New Meaning to ‘Computer Virus’]

Nutrition and Health (funny)

For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you

Hospital Drug Errors Hurt 1 in 15 Kids

The rate is alarming: one in fifteen hospitalized children will fall victim to an accidental overdose, experience a bad reaction to medication, or will be given the wrong drug—all of which could end in death.

Researcher used to believe that only two in 100 hospitalized kids would experience a drug-related harmful event. But a recent study using a new medical error detection method has found that number to be much higher. It’s now believed that 11 in 100 kids will be harmed during their hospital stay.

Until hospitals begin using fool-proof methods to prevent accidental overdoses and medicine mix-ups, it’s important that parents stay with their children in the hospital and question every medication that is being administered. Ask what medication your child is being given and why. Do your homework and be the watchdog your child needs.

Of course, avoiding the hospital altogether is the highest goal to achieve. That’s why chiropractic adjustments are such a valuable key to maintaining health—even in new born infants and small children. Take proactive measures to keep your kids out of the hospital. Feed them a healthy diet and forget the junk food. Make sure they get outside to play and exercise. And schedule them for regular chiropractic adjustments.

[source: April 2008 issue of the journal of Pediatrics]

Open in Cartersville!

We have opened our New Office in Cartersville! The Address is 32 West Main St. Suite #114
The phone # is 678-535-7760. Dr. Pete Egan has joined the staff at Natural Life Clinic we are thrilled to have him on board!

Also, the latest issue of our e-newsletter is out! If you don' currently receive it click here to subscribe. It has loads of interesting health articles.

The latest issue

Previous issues

Depression helped with Chiropractic

A documented case study appearing in the April 23, 2008 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, showed the improvement of a patient with major depression with chiropractic care. In this case study a 46-year-old man suffering from his third bout of major depression, presented himself for chiropractic care.

In addition to the diagnosis of depression the man also had many symptoms related to his depression such as generalized bilateral neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue, and a small appetite. He was also suffering from the effects of the medications he was taking, which included a decrease in sex drive, dizziness, overall muscle weakness, and insomnia.

A standardized questionnaire known as the SF-36 was used to determine the patients initial status as well as his responses to chiropractic care. The SF-36 is a health survey questionnaire with 36 questions. It has been tested by the federal health authorities and is used to predict quality-of-life improvement after a particular healthcare treatment or intervention. The average American scores a 50 on the SF-36 test.

The case study notes that Mood disorders affect 18.8 million American adults (9.5% of the population) in any given year. The study points out that clinical depression is quite different than just feeling depressed. They note that most everyone occasionally has such experiences, in times such as grieving for the death of a loved one.

As noted in this case a 46-year-old occupational software support engineer presented for chiropractic care with the diagnosis of major depression and with the intention of improving his overall health. He was currently suffering his third bout of depression and was on medical leave due to this situation. The severity of his situation was highlighted by the addition of many symptoms related to his depression which included loss of appetite, malaise, fatigue, joint stiffness, neck pain, low back pain, as well as thoughts of suicide and anxiety. He was taking the medication Paxil which then added the symptoms of decreased libido, increased perspiration, weakness, and dizziness.

His self rating according to the SF-36 initially showed a score of 40 for physical component summary, and a score of 25 for mental component summary, compared to the average of 50. The patient's initial chiropractic evaluation consisted of x-rays and a number of tests and procedures that revealed multiple findings of vertebral subluxations.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the subluxations. He received a total of 34 adjustments over an 11 month period. After just three visits, the patient reported a decrease of anxiety and fatigue and an increase in muscle strength. Over the course of his care his low back and neck discomfort had resolved. He no longer experienced dizziness. His depression improved considerably, according to his SF-36 scores and his Global Wellness Scale scores.

The author of the case study concluded, "This report details the life history and symptomology of a 46-year-old man suffering with major depression; the 11 months of chiropractic care; and the man’s physical, social and mental response to correction of vertebral subluxations. This report supports the previous literature written regarding correction of vertebral subluxation, and it’s positive effect on physical, mental and social well-being.

Source:Now You Know Newsletter

Going Green with Chiropractic

You recycle glass bottles and newspapers. You bought a canvas grocery tote to replace plastic bags. You drive a hybrid vehicle. Yet every time you purchase over-the counter and prescription medication, you are most likely contributing to the contamination of our national water supply—and you never even knew it.

In 2007 a study sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Pharmacists Association found that many public water supplies around the U.S. were contaminated with pharmaceuticals.

A study of Lake Michigan water samples found traces of ibuprofen, Tylenol, beta blockers from heart medication and birth-control pill hormones. An examination of treated drinking water in the Grand Rapids, MI area contained the anti-seizure medication carbamazepine.

Medications get into the water supply every time we throw medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

Researchers acknowledged that at this time, the drugs found in water samples were measured in parts per trillion, and were not considered to be a threat to human consumption. However, these scientists also agreed that no one knows the dangers associated with being exposed to low dose medications over a lifetime.

The aquatic life in these lakes and streams are not as fortunate. Already scientists have discovered male fish that grew female ovarian tissue due to their long-term exposure to birth-control hormones in the water. Here’s a bigger question, are we eating these fish?

Consumers are advised to be warned about taking medication. Not only could you hurt your body with unforeseen side effects, but your demand for these medications will be taking a toll on the environment.

Give your body, and your water supply, a “going green” makeover. Treat your health concerns naturally—through chiropractic adjustments and a healthy diet. It’s that simple.

[Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service article “Improper Disposal of Unused mediation Inspired New Awareness Program” www.fws.gov]