tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Focused on the impacts and causes of weight gain and strategies for weight reduction and maintenance. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55662 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

As I alluded to in part 1 of this series [Sept. 9 issue], I've discovered it is extremely difficult to determine what foods are consumed in the longevity hotspots (aka, "blue zones") around the world, for a number of reasons.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN As I alluded to in part 1 of this series [Sept. 9 issue], I've discovered it is extremely difficult to determine what foods are consumed in the longevity hotspots (aka, "blue zones") around the world, for a number of reasons. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55625 2011-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

In this sedentary society of ours, there has been a progressive decline in physical activity and a concomitant increase in weight gain despite multiple warnings from governmental agencies and a large and ever-increasing number of scientific publications recommending much greater amounts of physical activity and exercise, along with a reduction of caloric intake. An increase in obesity, deconditioning, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and overall increased morbidity are some of the consequences.

By Malik Slosberg, DC, MS In this sedentary society of ours, there has been a progressive decline in physical activity and a concomitant increase in weight gain despite multiple warnings from governmental agencies and a large and ever-increasing number of scientific publications recommending much greater amounts of physical activity and exercise, along with a reduction of caloric intake. An increase in obesity, deconditioning, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and overall increased morbidity are some of the consequences. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55613 2011-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55607 2011-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million adults and children in the United States live with diabetes. One of the most common problems diabetics face is foot ulcerations; when not properly cared for, such ulcerations can lead to loss of part or all of the lower extremity.

By Mark Charrette, DC According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million adults and children in the United States live with diabetes. One of the most common problems diabetics face is foot ulcerations; when not properly cared for, such ulcerations can lead to loss of part or all of the lower extremity. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55567 2011-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Back on April 27, 2010, the Santa Clara County (California) Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance banning the use of toys to encourage children to eat unhealthy meals offered by restaurants. This was the first move by a government body to try to address the obesity epidemic that is plaguing America's children. Approximately 12.5 million children over 2 years of age are currently considered obese. That's 17 percent of our children or one out of every six kids.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Back on April 27, 2010, the Santa Clara County (California) Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance banning the use of toys to encourage children to eat unhealthy meals offered by restaurants. This was the first move by a government body to try to address the obesity epidemic that is plaguing America's children. Approximately 12.5 million children over 2 years of age are currently considered obese. That's 17 percent of our children or one out of every six kids. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55512 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

After reading substantial criticism regarding the USDA replacing its food pyramid guide for healthy eating with a plate divided into fruits, vegetables, grains and protein (see "A Pyramid Is Replaced by a Plate," Aug. 12 issue), it made me wonder what the healthiest people around the world eat. Anyone who spends any time researching nutrition knows you can find a critic for almost everything, including (in my opinion) some of the healthiest things man can consume.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN After reading substantial criticism regarding the USDA replacing its food pyramid guide for healthy eating with a plate divided into fruits, vegetables, grains and protein (see "A Pyramid Is Replaced by a Plate," Aug. 12 issue), it made me wonder what the healthiest people around the world eat. Anyone who spends any time researching nutrition knows you can find a critic for almost everything, including (in my opinion) some of the healthiest things man can consume. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55451 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

The much-maligned USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) food pyramid has been replaced by a four-quadrant plate. The pyramid had little impact on the average person for the simple reason that people do not think of meals in the form of a pyramid. People also do not think in serving sizes.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN The much-maligned USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) food pyramid has been replaced by a four-quadrant plate. The pyramid had little impact on the average person for the simple reason that people do not think of meals in the form of a pyramid. People also do not think in serving sizes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55398 2011-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

One of the things that stands out for me in my experience teaching nutrition-related programs to individuals and groups is the underappreciation of the damaging effects saturated fat has in promoting heart and vascular diseases. Key aspects of saturated fat and lipoprotein physiology help clarify the matter, allowing you to share this important message with patients.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS One of the things that stands out for me in my experience teaching nutrition-related programs to individuals and groups is the underappreciation of the damaging effects saturated fat has in promoting heart and vascular diseases. Key aspects of saturated fat and lipoprotein physiology help clarify the matter, allowing you to share this important message with patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55347 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

More than 50 million Americans suffer with chronic pain, accounting for more than 25 million physician visits per year for low back pain alone. The outcome is a nation of people who rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief. Unfortunately, this is associated with various side effects that can be life-threatening for some. The second leading cause of peptic ulcers is the use of NSAIDs. Concerning ulcer-induced mortality, one third of NSAID / aspirin deaths are associated with low-dose aspirin use, presumably to prevent cardiovascular disease.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN More than 50 million Americans suffer with chronic pain, accounting for more than 25 million physician visits per year for low back pain alone. The outcome is a nation of people who rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief. Unfortunately, this is associated with various side effects that can be life-threatening for some. The second leading cause of peptic ulcers is the use of NSAIDs. Concerning ulcer-induced mortality, one third of NSAID / aspirin deaths are associated with low-dose aspirin use, presumably to prevent cardiovascular disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55308 2011-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

The obesity problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions - and it's only getting worse. It is a multifactorial problem, the unintended consequences of the economic, social, and technological advances realized during the past several decades. The increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health concern, since obesity is associated with several chronic diseases.

By Meridel I. Gatterman, MA, DC, MEd The obesity problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions - and it's only getting worse. It is a multifactorial problem, the unintended consequences of the economic, social, and technological advances realized during the past several decades. The increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health concern, since obesity is associated with several chronic diseases. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55169 2011-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

A few years back, a research team from Pennsylvania State University recruited 28 men and women with high cholesterol and fed them nuts; pistachios to be exact. How much? About an ounce serving (32 grams) either once a day or twice a day for a month. Levels of high-density lipoprotein ("good") and low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol were monitored carefully before and after the pistachio month.

By Jacob Schor, ND A few years back, a research team from Pennsylvania State University recruited 28 men and women with high cholesterol and fed them nuts; pistachios to be exact. How much? About an ounce serving (32 grams) either once a day or twice a day for a month. Levels of high-density lipoprotein ("good") and low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol were monitored carefully before and after the pistachio month. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55163 2011-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

The condition of being overweight or obese has reached epidemic proportions: 34 percent of adult Americans are overweight and 34 percent more are obese. That's 68 percent of adult Americans who are either overweight or obese. Even more disturbing, these same statistics roughly hold true for people under the age of 20. Obesity is so prevalent among young people that our military has to turn down one in every four young adults who try to enlist. Officers are quite concerned about the strength of our military because of the dwindling men and women who are qualified (physically) to serve.

The condition of being overweight or obese has reached epidemic proportions: 34 percent of adult Americans are overweight and 34 percent more are obese. That's 68 percent of adult Americans who are either overweight or obese. Even more disturbing, these same statistics roughly hold true for people under the age of 20. Obesity is so prevalent among young people that our military has to turn down one in every four young adults who try to enlist. Officers are quite concerned about the strength of our military because of the dwindling men and women who are qualified (physically) to serve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55133 2011-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

If you have followed my articles over the years, you know that I focus on inflammation reduction. This is not because I am fixated on inflammation due to a personal obsession, but rather because the subjection of inflammation demands our attention. That said, at first glance, the notion that the brain can be inflamed may appear silly. This is because we typically view inflammation in the context of swelling after an injury.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN If you have followed my articles over the years, you know that I focus on inflammation reduction. This is not because I am fixated on inflammation due to a personal obsession, but rather because the subjection of inflammation demands our attention. That said, at first glance, the notion that the brain can be inflamed may appear silly. This is because we typically view inflammation in the context of swelling after an injury. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55114 2011-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

The arms of the middle seat were visibly straining outward as Angie negotiated herself into the space that would be hers for the duration of our four-hour, 28-minute flight. She was even more uncomfortable as she tried to wrap the seat belt around herself. The belt was clearly gouging into her flesh when it finally clicked on the fourth try. Angie is obese, a fact that she is reminded of countless times every day. The constrained accommodation of our cross-country plane flight was just one more reminder.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher The arms of the middle seat were visibly straining outward as Angie negotiated herself into the space that would be hers for the duration of our four-hour, 28-minute flight. She was even more uncomfortable as she tried to wrap the seat belt around herself. The belt was clearly gouging into her flesh when it finally clicked on the fourth try. Angie is obese, a fact that she is reminded of countless times every day. The constrained accommodation of our cross-country plane flight was just one more reminder. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55092 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

On Nov. 2, 2010, the effort to fight childhood obesity gained momentum. On that day, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to require that kids' meals meet certain nutritional standards before they can be sold with toys.1 The ban is similar to the one passed by Santa Clara County last April.2 And while San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome vetoed the ban (as he had threatened to do from the outset), the 8-3 vote meant the board could uphold its ruling with a repeat vote, which it did by the same 8-3 margin only days following the mayor's veto.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher On Nov. 2, 2010, the effort to fight childhood obesity gained momentum. On that day, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to require that kids' meals meet certain nutritional standards before they can be sold with toys.1 The ban is similar to the one passed by Santa Clara County last April.2 And while San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome vetoed the ban (as he had threatened to do from the outset), the 8-3 vote meant the board could uphold its ruling with a repeat vote, which it did by the same 8-3 margin only days following the mayor's veto. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55084 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Around this time of year, many patients decide to pursue a weight-loss program. If you have a program in place in your practice or have patients who are participating in other weight-loss programs, you will notice that in the majority of cases, initial weight loss is rapid and motivation is high. Some patients may even reach their weight-loss goals. However, over time, there is often gradual weight regain to previous levels or even higher. In fact, evidence suggests there is a greater than 80 percent recidivism rate to pre-weight-loss levels after otherwise successful weight reduction.

By Jasper Sidhu, BSc, DC Around this time of year, many patients decide to pursue a weight-loss program. If you have a program in place in your practice or have patients who are participating in other weight-loss programs, you will notice that in the majority of cases, initial weight loss is rapid and motivation is high. Some patients may even reach their weight-loss goals. However, over time, there is often gradual weight regain to previous levels or even higher. In fact, evidence suggests there is a greater than 80 percent recidivism rate to pre-weight-loss levels after otherwise successful weight reduction. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55073 2010-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Obesity rates for adults and children remain a growing concern. With the rate of obesity among adults reported to have doubled in the past 30 years and the rate among children tripling over the same amount of time, there are probably several factors that have led to these staggering statistics. We know that sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices are a definite area of concern. Research is also showing that the actual manufacturing and production of some food items that are prevalent in many diets could be a primary factor.

By Claudia Anrig, DC Obesity rates for adults and children remain a growing concern. With the rate of obesity among adults reported to have doubled in the past 30 years and the rate among children tripling over the same amount of time, there are probably several factors that have led to these staggering statistics. We know that sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices are a definite area of concern. Research is also showing that the actual manufacturing and production of some food items that are prevalent in many diets could be a primary factor. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55043 2010-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

Does normal activity lead to the release of inflammatory mediators? Is this related to chronic pain? And is there a dietary connection? There is a growing perception that chronic pain is caused by an overactive central nervous system. I partially to mostly disagree with this view because convincing evidence has yet to be presented that would lead us to discount ongoing peripheral inflammation and nociception.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN Does normal activity lead to the release of inflammatory mediators? Is this related to chronic pain? And is there a dietary connection? There is a growing perception that chronic pain is caused by an overactive central nervous system. I partially to mostly disagree with this view because convincing evidence has yet to be presented that would lead us to discount ongoing peripheral inflammation and nociception. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55001 2010-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are undigested, meaning they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber is "soluble" in water; when mixed with water, it forms a gel-like substance and swells. Soluble fiber has many benefits, including moderating blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol. Pectin and gums are among the better known soluble fibers. Advantages of consuming soluble fiber include the production of salubrious compounds (antioxidants, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic compounds) during the fermentation process.

By Donald Hayes, DC There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are undigested, meaning they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber is "soluble" in water; when mixed with water, it forms a gel-like substance and swells. Soluble fiber has many benefits, including moderating blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol. Pectin and gums are among the better known soluble fibers. Advantages of consuming soluble fiber include the production of salubrious compounds (antioxidants, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic compounds) during the fermentation process. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54835 2010-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

According to a 2005 report published by the Institute of Medicine, "Over the past three decades, [the rate of childhood obesity] has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2 to 5 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6 to 11 years. At present, approximately nine million children over 6 years of age are considered obese." The reason for this alarming rise in childhood obesity is simple: Children are eating more calories than they burn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Large portion sizes for food and beverages, eating meals away from home, frequent snacking on energy-dense foods and consuming beverages with added sugar are often hypothesized as contributing to excess energy intake of children and teens."

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher According to a 2005 report published by the Institute of Medicine, "Over the past three decades, [the rate of childhood obesity] has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2 to 5 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6 to 11 years. At present, approximately nine million children over 6 years of age are considered obese." The reason for this alarming rise in childhood obesity is simple: Children are eating more calories than they burn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Large portion sizes for food and beverages, eating meals away from home, frequent snacking on energy-dense foods and consuming beverages with added sugar are often hypothesized as contributing to excess energy intake of children and teens." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54632 2010-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Several epidemiologic studies have shown that a three- to four-cup daily consumption of coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as well as being effective in weight management. The science strongly suggests that the phytonutrient chlorogenic acid is the major reason for these effects. Chlorogenic acid is also found in high amounts in cherries and plums, but coffee is its greatest dietary source.

By John Maher, DC, DCBCN, BCIM Several epidemiologic studies have shown that a three- to four-cup daily consumption of coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as well as being effective in weight management. The science strongly suggests that the phytonutrient chlorogenic acid is the major reason for these effects. Chlorogenic acid is also found in high amounts in cherries and plums, but coffee is its greatest dietary source. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54594 2010-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

When I went to chiropractic college in the early/mid-1980s, we learned about inflammation in about two pages of Guyton's Physiology. Inflammation was discussed in the context of infection, so there was little context for chiropractors, who overwhelmingly deal with non-infectious musculoskeletal conditions. We were then introduced to dealing with musculoskeletal inflammation with adjunctive therapies such as electrical modalities and ice.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN When I went to chiropractic college in the early/mid-1980s, we learned about inflammation in about two pages of Guyton's Physiology. Inflammation was discussed in the context of infection, so there was little context for chiropractors, who overwhelmingly deal with non-infectious musculoskeletal conditions. We were then introduced to dealing with musculoskeletal inflammation with adjunctive therapies such as electrical modalities and ice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54571 2010-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

If you kept a nutritional journal on the children in your practice, you would probably discover that dairy is among the top five products consumed daily. This is troubling because individuals who are being allergy tested or just performing their own elimination diet for themselves or their children are finding that dairy (and more specifically casein) is a contributing factor to allergy reactions and behavioral problems in those sensitive to it.

By Claudia Anrig, DC If you kept a nutritional journal on the children in your practice, you would probably discover that dairy is among the top five products consumed daily. This is troubling because individuals who are being allergy tested or just performing their own elimination diet for themselves or their children are finding that dairy (and more specifically casein) is a contributing factor to allergy reactions and behavioral problems in those sensitive to it. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54514 2010-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

Health may be best defined as the ability to maintain a condition of homeostasis, which is the ability of a body to regulate its internal conditions, such as the chemical composition of body fluids, so as to maintain health and functioning, regardless of outside conditions. A common way many of us begin to lose our health is by losing our ability to maintain a healthy level of sugar in our blood. In fact, some experts have said that dysglycemias have become an epidemic.

By John Maher, DC, DCBCN, BCIM Health may be best defined as the ability to maintain a condition of homeostasis, which is the ability of a body to regulate its internal conditions, such as the chemical composition of body fluids, so as to maintain health and functioning, regardless of outside conditions. A common way many of us begin to lose our health is by losing our ability to maintain a healthy level of sugar in our blood. In fact, some experts have said that dysglycemias have become an epidemic.