Doctor Higginson’s Blog

The following article was writting by Andrea Glane of Andrea’s Pet Services, www.andreaspetservices.com. I had the pleasure of her join me during a trip to the dog park with my dogs, Ranger and Wrigley. I was very impressed with her passion for pets and her depth of knowledge.

Happy Pets Equal Happy Homes

In order to have a well behaved happy dog, there are some basic needs that must be met. Every dog requires exercise, mental stimulation, nutrition, and attention.

When talking about exercise, I mean a good hour of aerobic exercise. Placing the dog in the backyard to entertain himself is not a good definition of aerobic exercise. Yet, every dog is different. Some older/mellow dogs benefit from a long walk in the neighborhood or playing fetch in the backyard. Other more active dogs require a long hike in the woods, running, or biking with their owner. No matter what kind of dog you have, try to get their heart rate up. If they cannot get daily aerobic exercise, then some type of exercise is better that none. Keep in mind, “A tired dog is a good dog.”

Mental stimulation can come in different forms. Have your dog work for what they want. Add some basic obedience commands to their daily routine. (Yes, your dog will benefit from a routine.) Ask them to sit before you throw the ball, give them their dinner, or go for a walk. Incorporate mini training sessions into their day; teach them something new or reinforce what they already know. Interactive toys are a great way for them to exercise their minds without demanding more time from you.

Nutrition is a difficult subject because everyone has a different opinion on what is the “perfect” diet for dogs. Just remember to consider their age, body type, and lifestyle. No matter what you decide to feed your pet, make sure you are watching their calorie intake. If your pet is over weight and you want to give them treats, feed them carrots. Please do not to feed your pet “people” food. They won’t beg for it if they have never had it.

I don’t think that I need to remind anyone about giving attention to their pets. But before you begin petting your dog, ask yourself, “Do I want to be massaged every minute, of everyday, everywhere I go?” And remember that attention does not replace exercise or mental stimulation.

People and pets are very similar when referring to basic needs. Consider your own needs and how they affect you and it will be easy to recall your pet needs.

RAKING TECHNIQUE

What seems like a simple act requires preparation and thought about the effect it has on your body. The American Chiropractic Association suggests:

Warm up

Do five minutes of low-intensity physical activity such as walking, jogging in place or riding a stationary bicycle. Make large, controlled circular movements with your arms to warm muscles in the upper body.

Stretch

• Stand and prop your heel on a back door step or stool with your knee slightly bent. Bend forward until you feel a slight pull at the back of the thigh. Hold the position for 20 seconds, then relax. Do it once more, then repeat with the other leg.

• Stand and put your right hand against a wall. Bend your left knee and grab your ankle with your left hand. Pull your heel toward your buttocks to stretch the quadriceps muscle at the front of your thigh. Hold position for 20 seconds, relax and do it again. Repeat with other leg.

• Weave your fingers together above your head with your palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds to stretch the side of your upper body, then reverse. Repeat two or three times.

• Hug yourself: Wrap your arms around yourself after letting out your breath and rotate to one side as far as you can go. Hold it for 10 seconds. Then reverse. Repeat two or three times.

Pay attention to posture

• As you rake, stand up straight. Don’t reach so far forward that it causes you to slump.

• Use the scissors position. Start with your right foot forward and your left foot back. Reverse foot positions every five to seven minutes to limit repetitive motion injuries.

• Switch hand positions to limit stress on one side of the body. Place one hand toward the top of the rake handle and the other down far enough so that your elbow bends just slightly.

• Create small piles of leaves. They are easier to pick up and lessen the chance of back strain. As you pick up piles, bend at the knees, not the waist. Pay attention to keeping your back straight .

• Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. When you feel tired or sore, stop.

Mulching

Fallen leaves can easily go into natural areas under the canopy of shade trees or into shrub beds. This free mulch decomposes slowly and improves the soil.

But don’t overdo it. More than 4 inches could compress and create a barrier, keeping water and air out of the soil. Do not heap leaves against tree trunks. The mulch area should stop several inches from the trunk.

Once flower beds and vegetable gardens are cleared of this year’s plants, dig in these leaves or turn them under with a tiller. Because smaller pieces decompose faster, mow them into a grass catcher before adding them to the beds.

Two places where leaves (and grass clippings) should not be placed or piled are in the streets or in or beside streams, says Jennifer Krupowicz, water quality educator for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. In both cases, this could have a negative effect on water quality. When put in streets, leaves can clog storm drains and lead to flooding.

Composting

The natural decomposition of leaves, helped along by nitrogen-rich matter such as grass clippings or manure and microscopic organisms, creates a rich, fertile compost. This will improve native clay soil once it is worked into it. You need tree leaves, green matter such as grass clippings, alfalfa meal and kitchen waste such as old lettuce and peelings. Garden soil that’s loaded with microorganisms will get the process going. Plus you need a bin, purchased or made with 12 feet of wire fence (3 feet high) turned into a circle.

• Make a bottom for the compost bin with coarse matter such as twigs and small sticks. This allows for air circulation and drainage and keeps the bottom of the compost from staying soggy.

• Add 3 to 6 inches of leaves, then 1 to 2 inches of green matter, then a thin layer of soil. Moisten the layers. Continue to build the layers to about 3 feet. Add leaves as the material in the bin settles.

• Water it. Keep it damp. Rain may do this for you, but don’t let it dry out if rain doesn’t fall or if you have a lid on your bin.

• Stir it up. It speeds the process. Bring the material on the outside to the inside by stirring. A bin that isn’t stirred takes longer to produce compost because oxygen doesn’t reach the microorganisms that do the work. Compost should be ready by spring.

Losing the plump could also help you at the pump according to a recent study that says Americans are burning nearly 1 billion more gallons of gasoline each year than they did in 1960 because of their expanding waistlines. Simply put, more weight in the car means lower gas mileage.

Using recent gas prices of $2.20 a gallon, that translates to about $2.2 billion more spent on gas each year.

“The bottom line is that our hunger for food and our hunger for oil are not independent. There is a relationship between the two,” said University of Illinois researcher Sheldon Jacobson, a study co-author.

“If a person reduces the weight in their car, either by removing excess baggage, carrying around less weight in their trunk, or yes, even losing weight, they will indeed see a drop in their fuel consumption.”

The lost mileage is pretty small for any single driver. Jacobson said the typical driver — someone who records less than 12,000 miles annually — would use roughly 18 fewer gallons of gas over the course of a year by losing 100 pounds. At $2.20 per gallon, that would be a savings of almost $40.

Forty dollars a year won’t bring about early retirement, but it is yet another reason to keep fit.

Full Story:  Yahoo Health.com 

Very few issues in healthcare have created as much controversy as the mercury compounds contained in vaccines.  Large studies have been done on both sides that completely contradict each other.  The public has been left without a definitive answer regarding the safety of vaccines.

A group called the Coalition for Mercury-free Drugs petitioned the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 seeking the restrictions on thimerosal, citing concerns that the preservative is linked to autism. In a reply dated Sept. 26 but made public only Tuesday, the FDA rejected the petition.

Thimerosal, about 50 percent mercury by weight, has been used since the 1930s to kill microbes in vaccines. There have been suspicions that thimerosal causes autism. However, studies that tracked thousands of children consistently have found no association between the brain disorder and the mercury-based preservative. Critics contend the studies are flawed.

Vaccines have been credited with the eradication of numerous illnesses since their introduction.  In discussing the efficacy of these vaccines it is also important to notice the disappearance of these diseases in countries that did not have access to vaccines.  Furthermore, according to government statistics diseases like polo were on the decline long before the introduction of the polio vaccination.

In weighing the option to use vaccinations, it is important to be diligent in your research.  Make sure you know who is providing the “facts” and do they have an ulterior motive.  There are a lot of book on the subject and I would recommend compiling as much information as you can regarding this issue.

Full Story: CNN.com

Most of us have heard the common cliché, “wherever you go you take yourself.”   According to Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist at Leicester who developed the first “World Map of Happiness,” where you go might be the most important factor.

White’s research used a battery of statistical data, plus the subjective responses of 80,000 people worldwide, to map out well being across 178 countries.

Not surprisingly, the countries that are happiest are those that are healthy, wealthy, and wise. “The most significant factors were health, the level of poverty, and access to basic education,” White says. Population size also plays a role. Smaller countries with greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of national identity tended to score better, while those with the largest populations fared worse.

The Top Ten Happiest Countries:

10. Canada
9.   Brunei
8.   Bhutan
7.   Sweden
6.   Finland
5.   Bahamas
4.   Iceland
3.   Austria
2.   Switzerland
1.   Denmark

With a high standard of living, negligible poverty, and a broad range of public and social services, it’s easy to see why Denmark tops the happiness map. There’s a high level of education; public schools are top-quality and private ones are affordable. The low population gives the nation a strong sense of identity. And Denmark’s physical beauty forms a great backdrop to daily life. The weather is a bit tough, though.

SALEM, Oregon (AP) — Oregon State University researchers are fine-tuning a purple tomato — a new blend of colors and nutrients. The skin is as dark as an eggplant. But it doesn’t just look cool — it could be better for you.

The novel pigment contains the same phytochemical found in blueberries that is thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Six years in the making, the purple hybrid could hit salad plates in two years.

Genetic origins are not at issue. The purple tomato traces its roots to a wild species in South America, not a petri dish.

Jim Myers, the Oregon State professor overseeing the project, said he doesn’t see it changing the world, but it may entice gardeners and commercial growers to try it.

Although locals can’t buy the hybrids yet, several got to sample them at farmers markets around the Mid Valley this summer, and a handful got a sneak peek at a local nursery.

Barbara Taylor, of Monmouth, marveled at its color when she saw the tomato last month. “Wow,” she said. “It’s definitely different.”

There is no doubt that automobile manufactures have been successful in lowering fatalities associated automobile accident.  Advancements like airbags have been credited with preventing serious injury and preventing death, but do these advancements come at a cost.

Why can one person suffer chronic pain following a low speed rear-end collision, while another can walk away with just minor symptoms?  This is a question that has haunted whiplash research for 40 years.  A new study conducted by some of the world’s leading engineers indicates that one culprit may be bumper design.

Bumper stiffness has been a major issue in the insurance industry the last few years.  The Insurance Institution for Highway Safety rates cars annually on how expensive it is to repair bumpers after low speed collisions, with the goal of making them stiffer - and less expensive to fix.

A state-of-the-art study was performed to determine the forces that are being experienced by occupants of cars with bumpers that have been stiffened to keep repair costs down.  The researchers found that the occupants of these cars experienced a larger acceleration which translated to increased force on the joints and muscles of the neck.

Another key factor in preventing whiplash injury is proper headrest placement.  If the headrest is too low or too far from the back of the head, the head experiences a higher degree of whipping when the occupant is struck from behind.  The top of the headrest should be just below the top of the head and there should be very little space between the back of the head and the headrest.

Errors made by doctors in office settings play a role in almost 60 percent of situations where patients are injured by missed or delayed diagnoses, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

An examination of more than 300 medical malpractice claims revealed that 181 involved diagnostic errors.

Most of the cases involved cancer of one type or another, and 30 percent concerned situations that led to the death of the patient.

Mistakes by doctors included:

Failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests
Failure to create a proper follow-up plan
Not obtaining an adequate patient history
Not performing an adequate physical examination
Incorrect interpretation of tests
The leading factors that contributed to errors included failures in judgment, vigilance, memory, knowledge, patient-related factors or handoffs.

Commentators on the study have said that physicians need to err on the side of caution when it comes to diagnostic tests, detailed records and follow-up. Others have said that the research shows that doctors need more help in making decisions, whether from better electronic records, better evaluation techniques, or more use of nurse practitioners to ensure follow-up.

More: Annals of Interternal Medicine

Western States Chiropractic College in Portland has been awarded one of the largest grants in the history of chiropractic medicine to study treatment of one of the most common ailments for which Americans seek care: lower back pain. The grant is the largest given to a single-study project by the complementary medicine arm of the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s foremost independent source of funding for biomedical health research.
The $2.8 million federal grant is aimed at giving chiropractors more specific treatment plans, patients a firmer idea of how long it will take before they feel better, and insurance companies guidelines on how many visits to cover.
Four hundred volunteers from the Portland area who suffer from lower back pain will be recruited, beginning after the first of the year. There will be no financial obligation to participants in the drug-free study.
For further information and/or to volunteer for the study on low back pain, call the Research Department at 1-800-678-9072.
Funded by:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institute of Health: http://nccam.nih.gov.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who want to keep their bones strong may want to keep their cola consumption to a minimum, a new study suggests.

In a study of more than 2,500 adults, Dr. Katherine L. Tucker of Tufts University in Boston and colleagues found that women who consumed cola daily had lower bone mineral density (BMD) in their hips than those who drank less than one serving of cola a month.

“Because BMD is strongly linked with fracture risk, and because cola is a popular beverage, this is of considerable public health importance,” the authors write in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Studies in teen girls have tied heavy soft drink consumption to fractures and lower BMD, the researchers note, but it is not clear if this is because they’re drinking less milk, or if it is due to any harmful effects of soda itself.

To investigate this question in adults, the researchers measured BMD in the spine and at three points on the hips in 1,413 women and 1,125 men participating in a study of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

While there was no association between soft drinks in general and BMD, the researchers found that women who drank the most cola had significantly less dense bones in their hips. The greater their intake, the thinner the bones, and the relationship was seen for diet, regular, and non-caffeinated colas.

Cola consumption had no effect on BMD in men.

Women who drank more cola did not drink less milk, but they did consume less calcium and had lower intakes of phosphorus in relation to calcium. Cola contains phosphoric acid, the researchers note, which impairs calcium absorption and increases excretion of the mineral. Caffeine has also been linked to osteoporosis, they add.

“No evidence exists that occasional use of carbonated beverages, including cola, is detrimental to bone,” they note. “However, unless additional evidence rules out an effect, women who are concerned about osteoporosis may want to avoid the regular use of cola beverages.”

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2006.