Calcium Reduces Complications of Pregnancy

In my practice, I recommend a calcium with vitamin D supplement to every woman in the practice.  The following article is a reason for pregnant women to continue with their calcium and vitamin D supplement. We sell a very high quality gel cap with liquid calcium (600 milligrams and 200 milligrams of vitamin D).  It is  easily absorbed and very high-quality.  Our price is $12 for 60 tablets.  So for roughly six dollars a month you can battle osteoporosis and preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia occurs in between 5 percent and 10 percent of all pregnancies. While rarely fatal, preeclampsia can make an otherwise normal pregnancy quite complicated, and cause conditions such as hypertension and edema. Previous research has suggested that women who do not consume enough calcium may be at increased risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. A new study lends weight to that theory, and has found that women who increase their calcium levels are far less likely to suffer many of the disorders associated with preeclampsia. In the trial, more than 8,300 pregnant women who already consumed low amounts of calcium were assigned to two groups. One group took a total of 1.5 grams of calcium supplements per day (one tablet, three times per day at mealtime), or placebo tablets that were identical in taste and appearance. All of the women were recruited before the 20th week of their pregnancy, and received either calcium or the placebo from the time they enrolled in the study through to delivery. 

While the overall reduction of preeclampsia was low, the development of other conditions, such as eclampsia and severe hypertension, was significantly lower among women in the calcium group. Overall, there was a 25 percent reduction in severe preeclamptic complications, and a 30 percent reduction in neonatal mortality, among women taking calcium supplements.  If you are pregnant and concerned about the amount of calcium you eat, talk to your doctor about ways to increase your calcium intake. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are extremely good sources of dietary calcium. Other good sources include meat, fish and cereal products.  Villar J, Abdel-Aleem H, Merialdi M, et al. World Health Organization randomized trial of calcium supplementation among low calcium intake pregnant women. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology March 2006;194:639-649. 

Whiplash Helped With Chiropractic

Research shows that there are between 1-3 million whiplash injuries per year in the United States.  There are approximately 13 million motor vehicle accidents each year.  That means that 8-13% of motor vehicle accidents produce a whiplash type injury.  Approximately 25% of whiplash injuries go on to become chronic.  Whiplash injuries cost society between 29 and $43 billion a year.

Yours in health,

Dr. Dan

if you are ever injured in a motor vehicle accident, and live in our area, please feel free to contact us for treatment. 

 An article published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine in 1999 pointed out the superiority of chiropractic care for patients suffering from long term whiplash.
 The authors of the article noted that a previous study had shown that 26 of 28 patients, or 93 percent, of patients with chronic whiplash benefited from chiropractic care.  In the authors own study, they interviewed 100 consecutive chiropractic referrals of patients with chronic whiplash.  Their results also showed that of the 93 patients who remained in the study, 69 of them, or 74 percent, found improvement.  The researchers concluded their opening comments with the statement, “The results from this study provide further evidence that chiropractic is an effective treatment for chronic whiplash symptoms.”

Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) and where to buy them.

In my Preventative and Wellness care practice in Beverly Hills I observe that the one essential supplementation that everyone is currently taking is Omega-3 fatty Acids/Fish Oil.   I am aiming to post one new article per week on the benefits of Omega-3’s.   I take them and my wife and seven and five-year-old children take them.  I have some wonderful articles on children and Omega-3’s.  With nutritional supplements the old adage that you get what you pay for has never been truer.  Our Omega-3’s  are pharmaceutical grade and each batch has been assayed for purity and lack of mercury.  I can honestly say that there is no better product, to my knowledge, on the market.  Because I believe so firmly in taking Omega-3’s I have purchased a large quantity and am able to pass the supplements on to you at a phenomenal price.  Check it out on our web site  www.bhcmg.biz or if you’re in Beverly Hills come by the office.

Yours in health,

Dr. Dan

American Heart Association Recommendation 

Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease. We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week.  Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do.  Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).The table below is a good guide to use for consuming omega-3 fatty acids.Summary of Recommendations for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake

Population	Recommendation
Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD)	Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts).
Patients with documented CHD	Consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish.  EPA+DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician.
Patients who need to lower triglycerides	2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.

Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules should do so only under a physician’s care.  High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.BackgroundIn 1996 the American Heart Association released its Science Advisory, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Lipids and Coronary Heart Disease.” Since then important new findings have been reported about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease.  These include evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials.  New information has emerged about how omega-3 fatty acids affect heart function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics) and arterial endothelial function.  These findings are outlined in the November 2002 Scientific Statement, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease.”The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk are still being studied.  However, research has shown that they

• decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
• decrease triglyceride levels
• decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• lower blood pressure (slightly)

What do epidemiological and observational studies show?Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce Cardio Vascular Disease incidence.  Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources.The ideal amount to take isn’t clear.  Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes.  For alpha-linolenic acid, a total intake of 1.5–3 grams per day seems beneficial.Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes).  They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients.  However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event.  For example, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials are needed to document the safety and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in high-risk patients (those with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smokers) and coronary patients on drug therapy.  Mechanistic studies on their apparent effects on sudden death also are needed.Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable.  However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone.  These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement.  Supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses.  The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.You can purchase a high quality, pharmaceutical grade omega-3 fatty acid supplements from

www.bhcmg.biz www.bhcmg.com or in person at the Beverly Hills Comprehensive Medical Group, Inc.

Degenerative Disc Disease of the lumbar spine.

Degenerative disc disease is something that we see very often in our
Beverly Hills office.  Most people are told by their family doctor or general practitioner that it is something that “you have to live with” and it occurs “normally with age”.    Over the last 22 years I found it very interesting that my older, active and thin patients have very little “normal” degeneration.  I also find it very interesting that my younger, weekend warriors, Advil and Aleve users seem to have more than they should.   My personal prescription to combat lumbar degeneration is

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Stay very active, “movement is life, lack of movement is lack of life”
3. I take omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and a combination of Glucosamine and MSM
4. Listen to your body when it hurts rest.

Yours in health,Dr. Dan. 

Disc degeneration
Degenerative disc disease refers to a syndrome in which a compromised disc causes low back pain. Lumbar degenerative disc disease usually starts with a torsional (twisting) injury to the lower back, such as when a person rotates to put something on a shelf or swing a golf club tennis racket or bowling ball. However, the pain is also frequently caused by simple wear and tear on the spine. Despite its rather dramatic label, degenerative disc disease is fairly common, and it is estimated that at least 30% of people aged 30-50 years old will have some degree of disc space degeneration, although not all will have pain or ever receive a formal diagnosis.  Lumbar degenerative disc disease pain and symptoms
Most patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease will experience low-grade continuous but tolerable pain that will occasionally flare (intensify) for a few days or more. Pain symptoms can vary, but generally are:Centered on the lower back, although it can radiate to the hips and legs Frequently worse when sitting, when the discs experience a heavier load than when patients are standing, walking or even laying down Exacerbated by certain movements, particularly bending, twisting or lifting The low back pain associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease is usually generated from one or both of two sources:Inflammation, as the proteins in the disc space irritate the surrounding nerves, and/or Abnormal micro-motion instability, when the outer rings of the disc – the annulus fibrous – are worn down and cannot absorb stress on the spine effectively, resulting in movement along the vertebral segment Excessive micro-motion, combined with the inflammatory proteins, can produce ongoing low back pain  Lumbar degenerative disc disease diagnosis
Following a review of the patient’s history and a physical examination, a formal diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disc disease can be confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI findings that are closely linked to a painful disc include disc space collapse of greater than 50% and cartilaginous endplate erosion. More controversial are MRI findings of early disc space degeneration such as disc desiccation (disc are blacker on a scan because they do not have as much water as a healthy disc), a disc bulge, or an annular tear (tear into the outer annulus of the disc space on a scan that shows up as a bright white spot).  Lumber degenerative disc disease treatment
For most people, degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated with conservative (meaning non-surgical) care consisting of medication to control inflammation and pain (either oral or injection), and physical therapy and exercise. Surgery is only considered when patients have not achieved relief over six months of conservative care and/or are significantly constrained in performing everyday activities. 1.             Non-surgical treatment for degenerative disc disease
The ongoing pain, as well as the frequency and intensity of the flares, can be mitigated through a number of non-surgical options. Modifying activities to preclude lifting of heavy objects and playing sports that require rotating the back (e.g. golf, basketball or football) can be a good first step. Other options include:   2.             Chiropractic manipulation can relieve low back pain by taking pressure off sensitive nerves or tissue, increasing range of motion, restoring blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and, like more active exercise, promoting the release of endorphins within the body to act as natural painkillers 3.             Heat/Ice packs. Applying heat to stiff muscles or joints to increase flexibility and range of motion, or using ice packs to cool down sore muscles or numb the area where painful flares are concentrated. 4.             Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, COX-2 inhibitors) and pain relievers like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) help many patients feel good enough to engage in regular activities. Stronger prescription medications such as oral steroids, muscle relaxants or narcotic pain medications may also be used to manage intense pain episodes on a short-term basis, and some patients may benefit from an epidural steroid injection. Not all medications are right for all patients, and patients will need to discuss side effects and possible factors that would preclude taking them with their physician. 5.             Exercise Program. An exercise program is essential to relieving the pain of lumbar degenerative disc disease and should have several components, including:  Hamstring stretching, since tightness in these muscles can increase the stress on the back and the pain caused by a degenerative disc A strengthening exercise program, such as Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization exercises, where patients are taught to find their ‘natural spine’, the position in which they feel most comfortable, and to maintain that position. Low-impact aerobic conditioning (such as walking, swimming, biking) to ensure adequate flow of nutrients and blood to spine structures, and relieve pressure on the discs 6.             Epidural steroid injections can provide low back pain relief by delivering medication directly to the painful area to decrease inflammation7.             Surgery for degenerative disc disease
Patients unable to function because of the pain, or who are frustrated with their activity limitations, may consider lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Fusion surgery works because it stops the motion at a painful motion segment. A one-level fusion at the L5-S1 segment does not significantly change the mechanics in the back and is the most common form of fusion, as this is the most likely level to break down for degenerative disc disease. Fusion of the L4-L5 level does remove some of the normal motion of the spine as this is a major motion segment (as opposed to L5-S1 which has really limited motion) Multi-level fusions are more problematic. A two-level fusion may be considered for patients with severe, disabling pain, but three-level fusions are not recommended because back movement is too diminished and altering the muscle composition can in and of itself cause pain (this has been termed fusion disease).While it is a major surgery, fusion surgery can be an effective option for patients to enhance their activity level and overall quality of life. This is particularly true now that minimally invasive techniques are available to decrease post-operative discomfort, preserve more of the normal anatomy of the low back, and result in higher rates of fusion than previous techniques.A newer surgery to treat pain and disability from lumbar degenerative disc disease is artificial disc replacement. The theory is that replacing the disc, instead of fusing the disc space together, maintains more of the normal motion in the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the chance that adjacent levels of the spine will break down due to increased stress. This procedure is still a new procedure in theUS, so long-term efficacy, and potential risks and complications are still relatively unknown. 

Health is a choice and good health is a good choice

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree.

“Which road do I take?” she asked.

“Where do you want to go?” was his response.

“I don’t know,” Alice answered.

“Then,” said the cat, “it doesn’t matter.”–Lewis Carroll