Column

We watched footage of the scarred, burned fuselage wreckage of the Asiana Boeing 777 at SFO over and over and over again. Our morbid curiosity was fueled by several factors: tragedy, heroic struggle, human frailties, the fact that many of us are getting on a plane again probably sooner than later, and the news media latching onto a story that was really a story.

A sub plot in all of this is the government’s transparency, the refreshing management of information by the Chairwoman of the NTSB, Deborah Hersman. And it makes sense.   You can spend your life trying to trace back to where government officials stopped trusting the media and the American public, and where we stopped trusting it—where government almost treated the public’s right to know as an enemy manifesto. Could it have been the Vietnam War era or Watergate, or even before?  What has transpired over the years has been a policy of “give the public a morsel and see if it will go away.”  For “gawd’s” sake, don’t tell them everything, and surely not the whole truth.

Look at the NSA…okay, let’s not go there again.  So on to the stage stepped Deborah Hersman who was telling us in a very matter-of-fact way, what the agency was doing.  True transparency. What she did in some quarters was subject of speculation, wild as it may have been sometimes, but not her fault. She was careful to say they were looking at everything and wouldn’t have a full conclusion of cause for possibly months. She was taken to task.

The Airline Pilots Association stepped up and said she shouldn’t be releasing the information she did.  The Pilot’s Association pretty much stepped back, realizing the NTSB was releasing all possibilities—from systems failure, to industry reliance on technology, to pilot error, to a sudden flash of blinking light in the pilot’s eyes, to inexperience.  Hersman’s no-nonsense presenting of facts, knowledge, and investigation progress was refreshing.

As a journalist, I firmly believe a lot of angst could have been spared over the years if officials, politicians—well, quite frankly anybody in public life—stepped up and said, “this is what we know,” or, “this is what we don’t know,” or, “I blew it.” Looking back over the years, there are probably a lot of people who wish they had taken that path.

Thank you, Chairwoman Hersman, for taking us through a very difficult process and for being transparent with information through a very tough time.  Anymore of this, and we might begin trusting government again.  Make sense?

 

Bone health is not high on most people’s worry list. It is invisible and certainly below the surface of concern. Unfortunately, when a problem is discovered it is invariably after a fracture or an abnormal bone density test. Up to that point, let’s face it, what we don’t know can hurt us.

Decreased bone density can signal weakness of other organ systems.  For instance, if your bones are losing calcium and strength, it is likely that it’s more than a calcium deficiency and related to Vitamin D levels, blood glucose surges, hormonal flux or  adrenal function (high cortisol levels will inhibit bone formation) or… well a lot of other things that aren’t called calcium. In fact, in my experience, osteoporosis can be successfully controlled by thoroughly dealing with inflammation and hormone issues.  That’s why I’m writing this—because all the most recent scientific studies show that a combination of factors, organ systems, food intake and genes, determine your bone strength health, and it turns out that you have control of about 80% of that.

Quickly, initial bone loss (below normal) is called osteopenia and more substantial bone loss is called osteoporosis.  If you are reading this, probably you or someone you care about is suffering from either of these.  This is scary, because fracture is so sudden, painful and disabling.

Here’s the deal: In osteoporosis, we are constantly making and losing (excreting) bone matrix all the time. In fact, your bones are replaced every seven years. It’s a balance thing with some going out while some is going in. This process is pushed toward losing matrix with low functioning organ systems in the body. We’re unable to add matrix if we can’t absorb correctly or form matrix out of our diet. It’s just not a simple issue of not having enough calcium.

We’ve been told for many years that you can solve this problem by taking drugs like bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva).  Well, kinda. Initially the bone mass will increase but not in the way you, or anyone else, would like. It turns out that the crystal lattice structure that sets the stage for the incredible stability in bone (like concrete and re-bar) is not stabilized by these drugs at all. So these woman, after a few years of taking the drug do not improve, but in fact have increased fractures in odd places, like the middle of the thigh bone—very unusual.  This is because these drugs don’t allow any natural breakdown of bone leading to old, funky bone.  Also, if that wasn’t disappointing enough, taking calcium supplements simply doesn’t work because low calcium is not the cause in the first place.

So where doesthis strong bone matrix come from?  Well, let’s take a look at absorption.

First, minerals are absorbed in the small intestine and if it is inflamed we absorb fewer minerals. In this case, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium can’t be used to make bone.  This is the reason osteoporosis is high with celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and autoimmune disease. These conditions all involve inflamed intestines and malabsorption.

Second, the retention/secretion issue here is basically one of acid/base relationships and a net alkalinizing diet. A diet with at least 20% coming from fruits and veggies should do the trick.

Third, clearly hormone flux can be at the heart of bone loss and evaluation of all the players of hormone function need to be at optimal levels.

We have to look at each person as an individual because the cause in one person may not be the same cause in another. Proper lab work with bone markers and adrenal gland testing for proper cortisol levels is required.  Gut testing and clear and concise exercise options are a must.

If this makes sense to you, let’s take a look at your total profile to find out what your body can tell us about your bone density matrix.

If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for our breakthrough procedures for treating Bone Loss give us a call at (925) 279-4325 or visit WalnutCreekHealth.com to schedule a free consultation.

 

You may not be aware, but the growth and development of your child, both physical and mental, can be vastly improved by making minor lifestyle changes and correcting hidden problems that mostly go ignored.

I feel very fortunate to belong to the American Association of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. The goal of this group is to bring a fuller, more integrated care to the public by building bridges and common understanding between all of the various health care providers. Much of the theme of the last meeting was on the subject of proper breathing and how it influences the growth and development of our children.

Sleep apnea can have a profound effect on both the mental and physical development of children.  Children can be much more affected by a lower threshold for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) than adults. An adult with fewer that five apnea episodes per hour is considered normal. Most pediatric sleep centers view apneas or hypopneas occurring more than once per hour as abnormal.

Snoring is not cute, it is dangerous. Current research has suggested that snoring, even without apneas, can be associated with cognitive and psychosocial problems. Snoring in children has been shown to be associated with lower scores on memory and learning tests including some IQ tests. Growth hormone production can also be altered by SDB.

Proper sleep and breathing has also been associated with the development of the immune system.  If your child has allergies, frequent colds, cold soars, is sleepy at school, has a weight problem or avoids exercise, it could be due to SDB. Dark circles under the eyes are a big clue.

Many years ago I was one of 25 American orthodontists lucky enough to learn the use of the Frankel appliance from Dr. Frankel himself.  He developed an appliance that alters the growth of the oral complex and face, an received the Russian equivalent of the Nobel Prize for it.

This appliance is removable and only placed in the mouth at night. It corrects “bucked teeth” by causing the lower jaw to grow forward. Previous orthodontic methods push the upper teeth back with head gear or extractions, decreasing the airway. It is possible that OSA can be not only corrected in the child, using his appliance, but prevented in the adult.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

Does your child snore, gasp or does his or her chest heave while trying to breathe?  If your child raises the chest and shoulders to breathe you should be very concerned and contact your doctor.  If your doctor is not concerned, find one that is, because this serious problem is found in more recent literature which the practitioner may not be aware of.

In my TMJ and Sleep Apnea practice I have found a very high percentage of patients over 40 who should have had their nasal airway treated as a child. An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) can correct the nasal airway surgically, with very little discomfort.  Don’t try nasal sprays unless they are prescribed by a practitioner and have no side effects.

In growing children, nasal congestion can create an alteration of the development of the nose and face. Making sure a child primarily breathes through the nose can not only help sleeping but create an environment in which the face can develop to what it was supposed to be.An ENT can be very effective in achieving this.

Growth occurs mostly during sleep and an open mouth causes the teeth to erupt more and forces a low tongue posture in order to breath. This results in a narrow and crowded upper jaw as well as creating a longer face with a more reduced chin. Now you have an orthodontic or even surgical orthodontic challenge.

When we control the apnea we are correcting an upper protrusion by growing the lower jaw forward. Not only is far more beautiful, but it increases the airway giving many additional health benefits.

Needless to say, being the one who lives with a growing beautiful child, you must take an aggressive part in that child’s development.  The pediatrician is there to check if everything is going all right and treats any illness, but you must be there to make sure the little angel is breathing through his or her nose with closed lips and sleeps calmly.

Now that you have done your part for your child, it is very important for you to get your sleep.  The same rules apply if you want to enjoy your life to its fullest.  A good night’s sleep is not only a pleasure, but extremely essential to your health and to remaining youthful.

Robert Brown, DDS has a TMJ, orthodontia, and sleep apnea practice in Danville and thoroughly enjoys discussing holistic medicine. You can contact him at 925-837-8048, at info@aodtc.com, or visit his web site at www.aodtc.com.

 

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With Love And Beauty, The Rouge        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are suffering with neck pain from a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. At Align Healing Center we specialize in treating pain naturally.  It is our mission to help relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures and without inducing more pain!  If you or someone you care about suffers from pinched nerves or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the natural therapies that are available today.

What is cervical disc herniation?

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) spine.

A herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc. As we age, our discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. The jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, rupture or break into fragments.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck?

Herniated discs in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases a very large herniated disc in the neck may cause weakness or unusual tingling affecting other parts of the body, including the legs.

Arm pain from a cervical herniated disc is one of the more common cervical spine conditions. The arm pain from a cervical herniated disc results because the herniated disc material “pinches” or presses on a nerve in the neck, causing pain to radiate along the nerve pathway down the arm. Along with the arm pain, numbness and tingling can be present down the arm and into the fingertips. Muscle weakness may also be present due to a cervical herniated disc.

How can I heal my pain without drugs or surgery?

1. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state of the art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging or degenerated discs. This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments. Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, and/or were told they would need surgery.

This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both cervical and lumbar disc injuries.

2. Class IV Laser Therapy

Lasertreatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 Class IV Laser.  Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal.This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue.  During each painless treatment,laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

There is hope!

We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging discs or spinal degeneration.

This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for neck or back pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic low-back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections or surgery.  With proper care and rehabilitation of your spineyou can be back to your healthy self quickly!

For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

 

 

Q. I’m thinking about recycling the household wastewater to water our backyard garden. Are the chemicals in the water from the soap, shampoo, etc., harmful to plants?

A. Recycling household water is not a bad idea, however, it’s not the ideal answer for everyone just like solar panels for electricity. Household wastewater is called Graywater. It gets its name from the cloudy appearance of the leftover water from baths, showers, hand basins or a washing machine. Black water refers to any water containing human waste while fresh or portable water is called white water.

Since Graywater hasn’t been disinfected, you need to use a common sense approach to eliminate any potential hazard. Shower and bathroom sink water is the best to recycle. Food particles and grease are the biggest concerns with kitchen water from cooking, dishpan and food preparation. For plants, traditional soaps and detergents pose the biggest threat. Biodegradable soaps appear to have the least harmful effect. There are a number of environmentally friendly products available that reduces this risk. With recycled washing machine water, avoid all modern detergents that whiten, brighten, soften or have “enzymatic powers.” In addition, avoid Bleach and Borax products and anything containing chlorine and boron. Although these are secondary plant nutrients, they can quickly build up to toxic levels in soils. Graywater is applied to landscape trees and most shrubs along with turf with no ill effects. But, it’s used sparely on Azaleas, Begonias, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs as the soil can become more alkaline from the chemicals. It can be used on containers and with edibles with precautions. Gray water is always applied directly to the ground. You should avoid splashing it on to the foliage plants, thus, it’s not recommended for root crops such as, radishes, carrots, beets, etc. In addition, you should avoid edible that mature close to the ground such as cucumbers, strawberries, squashes and leafy vegetables like spinach, Swiss Chard, and lettuce. Gray water is best used on those crops that mature above the ground like beans, tomatoes, peas, corn and eggplant. The biggest hurdle you need to address is the collection, storage and distribution of the Graywater. The answers to these questions, more than likely, make a good idea impractical for most. You should also check with your local water agency for any incentive installing a Graywater system within a residence. Here are several other points to remember: Fresh water is rotated with gray water to flush or leach out any harmful build-up. Mulching plants along with cultivating is encouraged, as the naturally occurring microorganisms break down the wastewater residue or bacteria. Plant should be fed with organic type fertilizers containing the naturally occurring microbes and mycorrhizae, such as Dr. Earth, FoxFarm, Happy Frog and other similar brands. Again, these products can break down harmful residues.

In summary, the recycling household water is an effective water-wise technique for general ornamental landscape plants and grasses; however, it does require fair amount of planning and resources to set up efficiently.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero