Health Digest for: April 26, 2016

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Immunizations: Stop sickness before it starts

Immunization is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your children against infectious disease. By stimulating your body’s natural resistance to disease — thereby creating immunity — vaccines are your first line of defense against the likes of polio, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

“Were it not for the widespread use of vaccines in the U.S., a far greater number of deaths would occur during childhood and many more people would be living with chronic and often crippling after effects of disease,” says Mayo Clinic Health System pediatrician Joel Cassingham, M.D.

The immediate result of immunization is the prevention of dangerous, potentially life-threatening infectious illnesses. The long-term goal of an immunization program is the complete eradication of a disease. Smallpox, a devastating illness that killed 30 percent of those infected and left the others with disfiguring scars, was completely eradicated through immunization in 1979. Measles cases in the U.S. have dropped by 98 percent, and diphtheria, a condition that caused more than 15,000 deaths in 1921, now is only reported in two or three cases every year because of immunization.

Every vaccine is tested and must meet strict safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. This can take up to 10 years and even after being opened to the public, every immunization is monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS) 

Spinal manipulation techniques differ among practitioners

Chiropractors commonly perform spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, but osteopathic doctors, physical therapists and medical doctors may provide the service, as well.

Specific techniques may differ, but in general, during spinal manipulation, the practitioner applies a controlled amount of force to a spinal joint, either manually or using a device. Alternatively, a rhythmic force is applied to improve joint motion in your neck, spine and pelvis. The practitioner may use a special table to help perform adjustments.

Evidence indicates that spinal manipulation can help with common headaches, neck pain, and low back pain, especially if the pain is recent and not due to compression of a nerve root.

Spinal manipulation generally is considered to be safe when it’s performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Common side effects are soreness in the treated area, dizziness or tiredness, which typically clears up within a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare, but may include pinching of spinal nerves, resulting in leg pain and weakness or worsening of a herniated disk. High-velocity neck manipulation rarely has been associated with stroke.

Spinal manipulation generally isn’t recommended if you have severe osteoporosis, cancer in your spine, previous spinal surgery or inflammatory arthritis.

If you’re considering spinal manipulation therapy, ask your doctor for a referral. Importantly, let the provider doing the spinal manipulation know about any other conditions you may have and other treatments you may be receiving. 

— Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS) 

Upcoming presentations on brain health

Dr. Sayed Shah will review highlights of Dr. James Greenblatt’s webinar, “Introduction to Integrative Medicine for Mental Health,” at 6 p.m. May 11 at Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus, 3300 River Drive. 

Dr. Shah will address the role of digestive health in brain and mental health. 

Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. in a meeting room in the eastern most building on campus, with lectures beginning at 6 p.m. Park on the east, north and west ends of the campus, accessed by walking through the center of campus.

To RSVP, text 309-737-2022 or email ci3752@yahoo.com by May 7. 

Health Digest for: April 26, 2016