The Healing Power of Music

Music therapists who work in nursing homes across the country are finding that listening to favorite music through headphones improves the mood and increases cognitive skills for Alzheimer’s patients.  The need for medications is reduced.  Not infrequently, patients who not spoken for a long time begin to speak again and recognize family members.  It is predicted that one out of every 8 baby boomers will get Alzheimer’s disease.  So begin the music habit now.

 See AARP Bulletin, July-August, 2015, p. 30-31.

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Beware Text Messages on Vaccinations

A recent study from Columbia University found that they could better convince parents to get their children a second flu shot each year by sending them an educational text message as a reminder.  They failed to mention in their message that the flu shots are now the only childhood immunizations that contain mercury.  I do not recommend mercury laced flu shots, especially for the growing brains in children.  Much safer is a homeopathic like mucococcinium and even more effective in my opinion.
 

See Family Practice News, January, 2015, p. 5.

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Simple Measures to Deal with Toxins

We received a great message from Dr. Sharon Norling about the impact of toxins in our environment and important steps you can take to minimize the risk.  She suggests the following:  Avoid topping at the gas pumps, use a natural bug repellent, use only natural cleaning products, avoid artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners, switch to a natural brand of toiletries, eat organic produce as much as possible, remember that processed foods are processed with chemicals, avoid artificial food additives, replace amalgam fillings, and install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets.

 

See Dr. Sharon Norling in Medical Moments.

 

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Vaginal Estrogen Not Linked to Cancer

Oral or topical synthetic estrogen is commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.  Estrogen in this form has been linked to endometrial cancer.  A new report from Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, California shows if the estrogen is given in lower doses vaginally, there is no increased risk for cancer.  I would suggest that adding some natural progesterone and using bio-identical hormones are even safer.  This is good news for women who continue to suffer from such symptoms.

See Family Practice News, June 15, 2015, p. 23.

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Another Reason to Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York have established a link between regular use of artificial sweeteners and the most common form of thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).  Equal, Nutrasweet, and Splenda are common culprits.  They are commonly used in diet sodas.  Interesting enough, the use of these products might actually cause weight gain.  Neurologic side effects have also been reported.  If you already have a thyroid problem, there is preliminary information that giving up the sweeteners might eliminate the thyroid disease.

 See Family Practice News, June 15, 2015, p.16.

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Walking can Help Knee Arthritis

A report at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis  reported that regular walking can reduce the pain of arthritis in the knees.  Even walking on concrete can be helpful.  Recommendations are to start at 3000 steps a day and work up to at least 6000 steps.  Walking fast enough to work up a sweat is desirable, which usually takes about 100 steps per minute.  Of course, a doctor should review the recommendation for each patient.

See Family Practice News, June 15, 2015, p. 10-12.

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Saving Your Brain

An article in AARP refers to the Institute of Medicine’s report on effective ways to save your brain as you age.  Listed benefits include regular exercise, staying socially active, eating a healthy diet, and getting a good night’s sleep.  Stimulating the mind by playing cards, reading, writing, volunteering, and attending worship services are helpful but the jury is still out on commercial brain games that have been advertised.  Keeping your heart healthy and your blood pressure low are definitely important, but there is no evidence that taking statin drugs is useful.  I would add that taking certain supplements like Prevagen, acetyl-l-carnitine, and phosphatidyl serine can be very helpful.  We offer cold laser treatments in the office, which is very promising.

 See the AARP Bulletin, June, 2015, p. 16.

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Bulging Discs in the Low Back are Common

50% of patients have bulging discs on MRI’s.  There is no correlation between sciatic pain and bulging discs.  Do not get surgery for this problem.  It might make matters worse.  If you have back pain, several natural therapies can be very effective, such as acupuncture, pain neutralization technique, manipulation, decompression, and prolotherapy.

See Overdiagnosed by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch.

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