To Your Health

[Gottlob]

This thread is where you can discuss matters of health and fitness. Feel free to bring up any topic associated with health, illness, wellness, etc., or to reply to others' comments on health-related matters. Let's get started with some facts about heart block:

Basic Facts
Heart block, also called atrioventricular block or A-V block, is an abnormality of the spread or flow of electrical activity from the upper heart chambers, the atria, to the lower heart chambers, the ventricles.
Heart block results in an abnormality or disturbance in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Heart block occurs in three levels of severity. First-degree block is a delay of the signal that stimulates the ventricles to contract, and second-degree block is a partial or intermittent interruption of the signal that stimulates the ventricles to contract. Third-degree block is a complete interruption of the signal that stimulates the heart to contract.
Typically, the heart beats with a regular rhythm at a rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. An arrhythmia is a change in the heart's normal rate or rhythm. Arrhythmias that occur because of heart block are generally slower-than-normal heart rates, and at least 10 to 15 percent of people aged 70 and older experience some form of an arrhythmia.

[SheLovedMuch]

Great thread topic.

I am going to throw out a question to everyone. Is there anyone here well versed in acidic versus alkaline food? Asking because I read a very interesting article this summer in regard to this, and how our bodies simply work better with a higher alkaline diet.

[Gottlob]

Although I cannot give you a thorough analysis of the subject, I can say that the reason we work better with a higher alkaline content is that our normal body pH is 7.35-7.45, which is slightly alkaline. A neutral pH would be 7.00. If our pH drops below 7.35, we can go into a condition called acidosis, while if our pH rises above 7.45, we enter into alkalosis. Both conditions create a homeostatic imbalance which is detrimental to our health.

[SheLovedMuch]

Thanks! I think I'm going to do some more research into this subject

[Sparkles]

I have also heard that one is better off with a more alkaline diet. However, I don't know where we can find a good list of acid/alkaline food, and why it might be important.

[Gottlob]

Sparkles, the basic importance of it would probably lie in the essential nature of keeping our pH within the normal range of 7.35-7.45.
I will, as soon as I have time, do some research on the Internet myself, and will post the results if I find any.

[SheLovedMuch]

Whoo Hoo, found a list!

http://www.essense-of-life.com/moreinfo/foodcharts.htm

Weird that lemons are 'extremely acidic' and limes are alkaline.

[Sparkles]

SheLovedMuch, Thanks so much for the food list. It has a lot of extremely good information in it.

[Gottlob]

The shoulder joint is designed for total freedom of movement, rather than stability. Thus, the glenoid cavity (the socket into which the head of the humerus fits) is shallow, and the humerus head fits like a golf ball sitting on a tee. Such an arrangement is far less stable but far more mobile than the hip joint in which the head of the femur fits into the very deep acetabulum for stability and weight-bearing. Becuse of the shallowness of the glenoid cavity, and because the shoulder's anterior and inferior reinforcements are weak, shoulder dislocations are quite common, especially for baseball pitchers.
http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/Themes/classic/images/icons/modify_inline.gif

[Gottlob]

It has often been said that persons with pacemakers should avoid mocrowave ovens and certain other electrical equipment. The veracity of this statement depends on the particular pacemaker. For example, with most St. Jude Pulse Generators microwave ovens are no problem so long as they are in good operating condition. This caveat applies to all household appliances. If you have a pacemaker, you should never use equipment with frayed or broken cords or improper grounding, since these can be sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). It would be a wise idea to have your home wiring upgraded to provide for outlets which accept three-prong plugs. Additionally, be sure that all appliances with two-prong plugs are polarized (one prong wider than the other). Electric razors should not be held close to the chest if you have a pacemaker since prolonged exposure can also expose the device to EMI.
If you have a pacemaker, doubtless you have received a booklet with it. That booklet is VERY good reading. Anyone with further questions should always consult his/her doctor.
REMEMBER: While it is true that many pacemakers can safely operate around a microwave oven, this may not be true for all units. If in doubt on this point, it's best to avoid your microwave until you can consult your doctor on the matter.

[SheLovedMuch]

Microwaves and health are a whole 'nother subject! I remember a gf's mom getting one when they first came out (I distinctly remember she paid $1200. for it). Nary a thought to the safety of the food we are eating. I have nothing to substantiate my inner belief that cookng food in these things can't be good for you, but it's enough for me to use it rarely, if ever. I'm at the point now that I resent this big built-in machine that I rarely use taking so much space.

[Gottlob]

Everyone should at least occasionally be tested for cancer, but if you're over 35, regular screenings are a must, because once cancer metastacises, it's especially difficult to nearly impossible to control it. Many an individual has died needlessly because he'/she failed to heed early warning signs of cancer.

[SheLovedMuch]

However, one must not live in fear of C. I was told by an pediatric oncologist that at any given time we have many many cancer cells floating in our body - these would show up in a test - but that is not the problem. It is once they group together that the cancer can take 'root' and grow to something dangerous. As I understand it, prostate cancer is one of those diseases that may be 'over treated'.

[SheLovedMuch]

Thirty minutes a day of moderate exercise prevents many maladies.

Mitford, let's go for a morning walk this fine Labour Day!

[merri]

I have been waiting for my walking friend to go walking for weeks, enough waiting, I have read up on which exercises are good for those who have fibromyalgia and I am going to start out slowly, walk one day, yoga the next and then when I am feeling really good maybe I will try pilates again, the point is I have to get moving again.

[Gottlob]

Yes indeed. Nearly all health care providers recognize the value of moderate exercise. Aerobic exercises are very important, and some strength-building exercise also helps. However, over-exercising, like overdoing anything, can be detrimental.

[Gottlob]

This is for everyone who's ever felt like his/her head was splitting ---they have just found a "cure", I think you could say, at least for maybe 80% of sufferers of cluster headaches ----by accident.

There was a report on Good Morning America ABC, probably in July 2009.(possibly June)
So, I'm hoping by going to www.ABCNews.com (http://www.abcnews.com/) someone could scroll through GMA and find the report.

Also, a friend that suffered terribly from migraines - the kind you have to hide in a dark room for a day and also throw up ---found a cure for her ---this also works for me before a headache ----the second you first get a sign that a migraine is starting ---usually that "halo" or you see "sparkles"-----take 3 aspirin.

Sounds ridiculously simple, I know ---but it actually works ---within 15 minutes the aura, halo, sparkles go away and no headache/migraine ever happens!!

Also, a woman with brain cancer had severe headaches - her neighbor - my friend -told her to try magnesium (as I had told her) -she did and it got rid of them ---she later died -but she had a bit of relief for awhile, Bless her soul.

I can't say how much she took ---but as a rule you take it to bowel tolerance ---example -1000 mg is fine for me at 5'8" and slender ---1200 mg and I have abdominal cramping and diarrhea 5 hours later.

(Always take powdered or capsules on an empty stomach ---never tablets. PM is best. By the 3rd morning, btw, you will notice you are not as stiff or achey any more, also....)

[SheLovedMuch]

Just learned today that the majority of Canadians are Vitamin D deficient. Listen up: 95% of our Vitamin D comes from the sun. Those that are in the north, the rays are not strong enough. 1000 IU per day, taken at night (because coffee leeches Vit D from our bodies) and with distilled water (because Teddy said so ;) ).

[JoyceMn]

Yes. I take 1000 units of Vit D every nite.
I keep saying I hate taking pills but I guess I can't stop any of them.

[Gottlob]

As has often been said, too much or too little of a good thing, (e.g., an essential nutrient) can do more harm than good.

[merri]

your right Charles, that's what my doctor says. I went walking last night and am now looking for a window of quiet in the house to try yoga again, I have a DVD, it is really easy at first, so I will do that for awhile. My husband bought me a mp3 player last night on ebay so when I have to go walking alone I can listen to chip Ingram, my favorite /teacher/preacher.

[Gottlob]

There is now a whole area of health care called Complementary health care. It deals specifically with exeercise routines like yoga and with such things as Tai Chi and acumuncture. Herbal medicine is also being explored in this area.

[Gottlob]

One of the primary reasons so many elderly people (ag 75 and older) often die after breaking a hip is that forced immobility often causes the lungs to fill with fluid, resulting in pneumonia. Elderly citizens are often weaker than when they were younger, and their immune and general organ systems have become more fragile, making it much harder to fight off pneumonia (or much of any other disease (especially, bacterial infections).
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[SheLovedMuch]

There is now a whole area of health care called Complementary health care. It deals specifically with exeercise routines like yoga and with such things as Tai Chi and acumuncture. Herbal medicine is also being explored in this area.

Many companies have employee plans that will cover areas that work on preventative medicine/lifestyle. Gym memberships included.

[Gottlob]

It will indeed be nice when the insurance industry in general wakes up to preventative medicine, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Gottlob]

Here is an interesting and educational video about tooth fillings that contain mercury:


http://iaomt.org/videos/

I have not seen the video; however, I've just talked with a retired dentist in my community, and he tells me that mercury is bonded into silver fillings (which are long-lasting and inespensive), and the American Dental Association has conducted extensive research showing no harm from the use of these fillings.

This item is copied from "Mercury in Your Tooth Fillings?" posted on The Porch by Bambi.

[Bambi]

It's worth watching.

[Bambi]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/contributors/ellen-brown/headshot.jpg (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-brown)
Ellen Brown (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-brown)

Author, "Web of Debt"


The Mercury Mischief: As Obama Warns of Hazards, The FDA Approves Mercury Dental Fillings (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-brown/the-mercury-mischief-as-o_b_271520.html)



The government seems to be speaking out of both sides of its mouth, as the President preaches one thing and the FDA does another. If we are going to have "smarter medicine that really works," we need to get politics, lobbies and cronyism out of science.

President Obama has proposed covering the costs of his new medical plan with "smarter" medicine, meaning the adoption of procedures that eliminate inefficiencies and stress prevention. At a town hall (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/08/obama-healthcare-transcript-new-hampshire.html) meeting in New Hampshire on August 11, 2009, he gave the example of a diabetic needing to have a foot amputated, at a cost of $30,000 to $50,000. It would have been smarter to counsel the patient on diet and weight loss and monitor his medications before amputation was required. The insurance company would have saved money and the patient would have saved a foot.

The 2008 Obama/Biden Plan for a Healthy America also stressed preventive approaches to disease, including the reduction of toxins to which the body is exposed; and chief among these toxins was mercury. The Plan stated as a fundamental goal:Reduce Risks of Mercury Pollution. More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood, and approximately 630,000 newborns are born at risk every year. The EPA estimates that every year, more than one in six children could be at risk for developmental disorders because of mercury exposure in the mother's womb.As a Senator, Obama was responsible for extensive legislation reducing environmental exposure to mercury, including a ban on the export of elemental mercury, and legislation to phase out the use of mercury in the manufacture of chlorine.
Mercury can get into the blood by various routes, and one that has been lately in the news is the mercury found in the thimerosol in vaccines. Another source that made the news in July is the mercury released from dental fillings by chewing. The World Health Organization has stated that between 3-17 micrograms of mercury are released into the body each day by chewing, compared to only 2-5 micrograms from fish and all other environmental sources combined. In 1990, the New England Journal of Medicine published an editorial calling mercury amalgam fillings "possibly the chief source of exposure [to mercury] of a large segment of the U.S. population".
Surprise FDA Ruling
When mercury amalgam made the news (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2009/07/fda_rules_mercury_amalgam_fill.html)on July 29, 2009, however, it was not to warn of its hazards. Rather, it was to report the FDA's surprise ruling that mercury fillings are safe. The ruling came after years of foot dragging by the FDA and a wave of consumer lawsuits. A growing consumer movement had amassed so much evidence for the dangers posed by mercury dental fillings that when a court finally ordered the FDA to come out with a ruling, the plaintiffs announced, "We won!" But instead of the declaration they expected, the FDA imposed no restrictions on the use of mercury amalgam. Dentists were not even required to inform their patients that "silver" fillings are composed mostly of mercury. The FDA conceded that it did not know if amalgam was harmful to children under six, pregnant women, or nursing mothers, but it took no steps to protect them. It even pulled from its website an existing neurological risk advisory that said, "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses."
Consumer advocates were stunned, as the FDA had earlier agreed to strengthen its warnings against mercury amalgam fillings. The evidence against mercury amalgam dental fillings was considered so compelling that Sweden, Norway, and other countries had already banned their use entirely. Degussa, Germany's largest producer of amalgam and the world's largest producer of metals for dentistry, completely shut down its amalgam production after a federal court ruled that dentists who used it faced legal liability. The FDA was expected to follow suit.

Why its unexpected about-face? Charles Brown (http://www.healthtruthrevealed.com/articles/16433723008/article), of the National Counsel for consumers for Dental Choice, suggests it had to do with a change in personnel. In May 2009, Dr. Margaret Hamburg succeeded to the post of FDA Commissioner. The Wall Street Journal noted that for five years before that, she served on the board of Henry Schein Inc., a $4 billion firm that distributes medical and dental supplies, including vaccines. Brown wrote skeptically:Washington is famous for the revolving door -- those in the party out of power take highly paid corporate positions, then return to government to bail out their benefactors. The new FDA Commissioner, Margaret Hamburg, worked in the Clinton Administration, then went out and became a director at the dental products colossus Henry Schein, earning a quarter million dollars a year for the handful of hours it takes to be a director. Corporations do this because they know the other party will return to power, at which time the corporations will call in their chits. Science or Politics? The Liability Question
Beyond that potential conflict of interest, there was likely to have been heavy pressure from the American Dental Association, the professional union of dentists. If mercury amalgam were officially declared to be toxic, an estimated two billion mercury amalgam fillings might have to be replaced at practitioners' or insurers' expense, not to mention the flood of lawsuits for medical injuries that would follow.

Dentists could hardly defend by pleading ignorance of mercury's harmful effects, since its health risks have long been known. Lewis Carroll alluded to the toxic effects of mercury in his nineteenth century character the Mad Hatter. Felt hat workers exposed to mercuric nitrate were observed to exhibit emotional symptoms including sudden anger, depression, loss of memory, timidity, insomnia, irritability, hallucinations, delusions and mania, a condition referred to as "mad hatter syndrome." The manufacturer of the product Dispersalloy, consisting of capsules of metal powder mixed with liquid mercury and placed in the patient's mouth, has a warning on its website stating:Inhalation of mercury vapor over a long period may cause mercurialism which is characterized by fine tremors and erethism... Erethism may be manifested by abnormal shyness, blushing, self-consciousness, depression or despondency, resentment of criticism, irritability or excitability, headache, fatigue and insomnia. In severe cases, hallucinations, loss of memory and mental deterioration may occur. Among other disturbing studies prompting consumer concerns was one reported in August 1990 by Drs. Lorscheider and Vimy (http://ajpregu.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/258/4/R939?ck=nck) of the University of Calgary in Alberta, in which twelve radioactive mercury amalgam fillings (a typical number for a human adult) were placed in the mouths of sheep. A control group received fillings made of an inert material. Within thirty days, the sheep that got the amalgam had lost half their kidney function. The study showed that mercury in amalgam fillings is not locked in the teeth but spreads through the body to the organs. Similar data have been reported for monkeys. The isotope labeled mercury showed poisoning of the internal organs and the brain of both sheep and monkeys.

Studies in humans include one conducted at the University of Kentucky (http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/hydro/amalgam.htm), showing significant elevations of mercury in the brains of 180 Kentucky residents who were autopsied after dying of Alzheimer's disease. When the concentrations of trace elements were analyzed, the most important imbalance found was an elevation of mercury. In studies of the cadavers of accident victims, those with a mere five amalgams had three times the amount of mercury in their brain tissues as cadavers without amalgams.
Other studies (http://www.flcv.com/neurohg.html) have linked mercury fillings to multiple sclerosis. In one reported by Colorado State University researcher Robert Siblerud, MS patients having amalgams were compared to MS patients whose amalgams had been removed. The former group was found to have significantly lower levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, T-Lymphocytes and T-8 suppressor cells (indicating lowered immunity). They also had 33 percent more flare-ups of their symptoms during the previous year. In another study, mercury levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients were shown to be eight times higher than in controls. Siblerud observed that MS was first described by a French doctor in the mid-1830s, less than a decade after silver/mercury fillings were first promoted in Paris.

All of which suggests that the FDA's July 31 ruling was based more on politics than science. The effects of mercury amalgam fillings on the patients themselves apparently carried less weight than its effects on the balance sheets of medical professionals and insurance companies.
If we are going to have "smarter medicine" that really keeps people well, we need to get politics out of medicine. We need a government agency that explores and funds solid research into what keeps people healthy and what makes them sick, an agency that makes its determinations independently of lobbies, drug detail men, funding from industries standing to benefit from the results, or revolving doors into and out of those industries.
Written in consultation with Richard Hansen, D.M.D.,

[Mema Jane]

Former President Bill Clinton said on ABC both yesterday and today in interviews that he feels within 20 years we will be discovering cancer while it is in the microscopic stage. The ability to examine and stop disease will be so well advanced that he expects the life expectancy to be into the 90's!