Your Health Records on Google?

Ever wonder what happens to your medical records?  That’s alright.  Most people never give it a thought.  They don’t know about the Medical Information Bureau, an information clearinghouse similar to credit reporting agencies.  Information in your insurance dosier can be used to qualify (or disqualify) you for insurance coverage or employment at some time in the future.  With the Federal Trade Commission reporting that credit bureau information is wrong 40% of the time, how could that affect you in a critical job search or insurance application?

Now we  see that Google is considering storing health records in its massive database.   While I’m a Google fan, this is distressing information to anyone serious about privacy rights.  You know, it’s amazing what you can find on Google.  But what’s even more amazing is just how much information Google has available on each of us.  Imagine the marketing power that gives a company like Google.

One of the reasons that I’ve converted to a cash practice is that I’m concerned about your privacy.  My relationship to the people who come to me is a matter of confidentiality between them and me.  It should not be available for developing a database that can be used for hyper-focused marketers.

If I could encourage you to do one thing it would be to check out www.privacyrights.org and be aware of what’s happening with your personal credit and health data.

Here’s the link to the story “Google to store patient’s health records”.

If you’re interested in a chiropractor who protects your privacy, check out my web site.

Lipitor, Alzheimers & MS: The dangers of symptom management

OK. So, now we find that Lipitor (used to reduced cholesterol) can cause forgetfulness when used on a regular basis. In fact, I saw a short story on Good Morning America about a woman who was exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, it was so bad that she was no longer allowed to keep her grandkids. Eight days after taking herself off Lipitor, she was back to normal.

Also in the news this week are stories of a link between statin drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, etc.) and multiple sclerosis, or MS. Your body creates cholesterol naturally and for many good reasons, including myelination (or insulation) of nerve tissue. One of the indicators of MS is de-myelination of nerve tissues. Do drugs that cause your body to do its normal job of producing cholesterol, thus causing symptoms of supposedly unrelated diseases? You decide.

The point is this. Chasing symptoms as a means of preventing future calamity is a limited, shortsighted and apparently dangerous approach to health. I prefer building health with nutrition, exercise, water, rest, peace of mind and a good nerve supply. By taking a wellness approach, you eliminate many sources of potential harm while better preparing your body for the challenges life throws your way.

Inspiration is a much better way to live than desperation.

Flu shot: 8 reasons why I don’t get it

I don’t believe flu shots work.   Here’s why:

• If they work…why do some people who get the shot still get the flu?
• If they’re only 50% effective, why get the dang shot, anyway?
• I don’t know what’s in that vile
• Where’s the proof that they REALLY work?
• EVEN if the flu shot worked, the little flu virus adapts quicker than the appropriate vaccine can be developed.
• Did you know that many MDs that recommend the flu shot DON’T get them.
• Anecdotally, the last flu shot I got was forced on me by Uncle Sam before I left the Air Force 33 years ago.  I’ve had the flu ONCE.
• Isn’t it funny how flu season ALWAYS comes AFTER the flu shots are given out?

Botox, Cerebral Palsy and Chiropractic

The FDA has just released the following notice on adverse reactions to Botox injections for approved and not approved uses of the drug, specifically spastic contracture of muscles in children. The media is reporting this dangerous off-label use of Botox as a treatment for conditions relating to cerebral palsy.

As you’ll read in the text of the FDA release, the problems occur away from the injection site, causing difficulty in swallowing, weakness and breathing problems. All are neurological symptoms of botulism poisoning.

Most chiropractors know that specific adjustments of the upper cervical spine may improve parasympathetic nervous system function. While the damage resulting from cerebral palsy may not be reversible, its effects can be reduced without subject children to off-label experimentation with dangerous drugs.

I know parents will go to any means to reduce their child’s suffering. But, medical quackery should not be allowed at the risk of a child already damaged at birth. If you or someone you know needs a referral to chiropractor in your area or if I can answer any specific questions, e-mail me today.   Read “Rockie’s Story” on this blog or “Why I am a chiropractor” on my web site.

The full text and the link to the FDA’s notice follows:

Adverse Reactions Linked to Botox

Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses.

In an early communication based on FDA’s ongoing safety review, the agency said the reactions may be related to overdosing. There is no evidence that these reactions are related to any defect in the products.

The adverse effects were found in FDA-approved and non approved usages. The most severe adverse effects were found in children treated for spasticity in their limbs associated with cerebral palsy. Treatment of spasticity is not an FDA-approved use of botulism toxins in children or adults.

The adverse reactions appear to be related to the spread of the toxin to areas distant from the site of injection, and mimic symptoms of botulism, which may include difficulty swallowing, weakness and breathing problems.

FDA is not advising health care professionals to discontinue prescribing these products. The agency is reviewing safety data from clinical studies submitted by the drugs’ manufacturers, as well as post-marketing adverse event reports and medical literature. After completing a review of the data, FDA will inform the public of its conclusions, resulting recommendations, and any regulatory actions.

http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/botox020808.html

Partisan Politics

I’ve watched with interest during this Presidential primary campaign at all the partisan bickering. During the last 12 years, at least, that’s all we’ve seen. Actually, I think it really started during the Clarence Thomas hearings. Many people see to think it’s time for partisan politics to come to an end. I disagree.

Personally, I think partisanship is a GOOD thing. When the people’s interest is promoted in a partisan way, usually principle wins out. When compromise rules the day, only the politicians and/or bureaucrats win. I’ve always believed that NO solution is better than a compromised Government solution.

We all talk about. Funny, all things were designed to adapt to change, even the human body and the entire ecosystem. It’s only when systems can NOT adapt that they get sick and die. The same applies to every aspect of life, including families, churches and political parties. BUT, change for the sake of change is not healthy.

Republicans worship Reagan for what he accomplished. But, it wasn’t necessarily Ronald Reagan that made those things happen. It was the principles of freedom and smaller Government that made them work. Reagan, The Great Communicator, simply stood fast on those principles and the rest is history. The same can be said for Newt Gingrich’s Contract With America in ‘94. Somehow, we’ve confused personality with principle.

I encourage voters to find the ONE person that most supports those principles that are dearest to them, NOT just the person they think can win in November. When the American voter finally (and inevitably) decides to vote for principle over personality, there will be a return of power to the people like WE have NEVER witnessed. That’s when the lines will be so clear that party affiliation will not matter.

Stay engaged. Make them work for your vote. When you step up to that ballot box ONLY you (and the computer hacker) will know for whom you voted. Make it count and let the chips fall where they may.

Performance Enhancing Drugs

Over the last several weeks, we’ve been treated to the so-called Mitchell report identifying several Major League stars that had used performance enhancing drugs. The report was received with a collective yawn by most Americans. Many were shocked by the seeming apathy at what many consider “cheating” by using steroids or human growth hormone.

But how could we be surprised by the public’s “so what” reaction to the allegations. For years, owners simply turned their back while MLB was enjoying growing fan interest with the home run race between Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa. Better hitters and faster pitchers are good for the game, right? And, what would the player’s union say? After all, more fans and more revenue for MLB mean bigger salaries and prolonged careers for its members. As a fan of Aaron, Mays, Rose, Koufax, Clemente and so many other greats of the past, I’m disgusted and have decided to all but ignore professional sports altogether.

In a society where children from the age of two are given the equivalent of cocaine (Ritalin, Adderol, etc.) supposedly to help them do better in school by suppressing “symptoms” of ADD/ADHD. As adults, we take pills for potency (Viagra, Cialis, etc) or pills to sleep or for depression and anxiety. In fact, our society seems to be based on the premise of “better living through chemistry”. “Whatever it takes” is the mantra of today’s American athlete. Heck, maybe that’s one of the problems facing our entire culture. We’re so bent on winning that we’ve cast aside corny virtues like integrity, hard work and sportsmanship.

There was a time when Americans ridiculed Eastern Bloc countries for using steroids to boost their performance in the Olympics. But then again, that was before the USA decided to use professional basketball, baseball and hockey players to ensure winning Olympic medals. I wonder how many Americans relish the specter of American amateur athletes winning the gold medal in hockey or basketball, any more. I hardly even watch the Olympics these days.

But, unless we’re willing to clean up the rest of society, why the double standard for MLB players? Professional sports in some ways merely reflect social mores. Maybe we’ll eventually get the idea that how we play the game and how we live our own lives are more important than the instant gratification of hollow victory. Real victory is an expression of who you are deep inside and reflects the training, dedication and endurance of one who really loves who they are and what they do. Honor, principle and the game itself are far more important any statistic or season.

Posted by Tim Langley at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Labels: ADD/ADHD, Adderol, Alternative health care, athletes, Cialis, drugs, Mitchell Report, MLB, Ritalin, sports, Steroids, Viagra

Thanksgiving

In all things, Give Thanks!

We have no control over what happens to us in life and business. We
DO, however, have control over our response. One of the major laws of
physics says that for every action there’s an opposite and equal
action. See the possibilities before you and KNOW that there is some
good that CAN come from every event in your life. As quaint and trite
as it may seem, the saying still holds “You can’t have the flowers
without the rain”.

Embrace your life and all the goodness before you. You NEVER know what
possibilities await you!

Dr. Tim

Shingles and Chiropractic

So, can chiropractic cure shingles?  Of course not.  But, neither can Medicine.  There is no cure for shingles, a condition that causes extreme pain to those afflicted.

Shingles is a condition where the Chicken Pox (herpes zoster) virus settles into a person’s nerve root and causes no problems until activated, usually by stress.  Once activated, the entire nerve is affected causing extreme discomfort and pain.  Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to alleviate the problem other than try to lessen the symptoms.

However, many sufferers of shingles have found that finding ways of reducing and dealing with stress keeps the virus from becoming active.  One of those ways is getting adjusted by their chiropractor on a regular basis.  Chiropractic adjustments help balance stress on the nervous system.  Reducing that stress helps prevent shingles outbreaks and helps your body recover quicker when there is an outbreak.

If you suffer from shingles, I encourage you to find a wellness chiropractor whose focus is on the upper cervical spine.