June 15, 2004 [Volume 5, Issue 13]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

• Recommended Reading: Opportunities in Chiropractic Careers
• Getting Hip to Chiropractic
• Exercise and Pregnancy: Can You Do Both?
• Eat Soy: Prevent Baldness and Prostate Cancer?

This month's featured title is Opportunities in Chiropractic Careers by Bart Green, DC; Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd; and Louis Sportelli, DC. Authored by three well-known and respected voices in the chiropractic profession, Opportunities in Chiropractic Careers is an eye-opening look at this rapidly growing health care profession, and should interest readers of all disciplines and chosen occupations. This book introduces the readers to the various schools and organizations, qualifications, and background of the chiropractic profession. The authors provide a detailed history of how the profession came to be and subsequently evolved into its current state. In addition to this overview, the book discusses the advantages of being a doctor of chiropractic, including competitive wages, independence, image, and "the gratification in contributing to human betterment." Essential to this book is the discussion related to what goes into chiropractic education. For those considering a career in chiropractic, or those simply interested in the journey of the chiropractic profession, this is an excellent resource.

Click here to read the complete review.

An estimated 85 percent of people between the ages of 55 and 64 suffer from osteoarthritis - a debilitating condition that causes extreme joint pain and stiffness in the knees, hip, hands and spine. But osteoarthritis of the hip can be especially debilitating, since pain around the hip joint can radiate to the groin and thigh, and impede walking and other movement.

In a small pilot study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Eight patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis or suffering from hip pain were assigned to a chiropractic group or a sham treatment group. Patients in the chiropractic group were assessed for limitation in hip range of motion and joint-play restriction, and received chiropractic manipulation six times over a three-week period. Patients in the sham group did not receive any hands-on assessment, but were treated with a device modified to deliver a series of "thrusts" without any real force.

While the sham group reported some positive benefits, the study showed that at least six chiropractic treatments over a three-week period could benefit patients suffering from hip osteoarthritis. Researchers noted, however, that additional research on such treatment for the condition is still warranted.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that affirms the benefits of chiropractic in treating more than just back and neck pain. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or any other debilitating condition, pain relief may be as close as your doctor of chiropractic.

Visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/musculoskeletal for more information about maintaining musculoskeletal health.

Reference: Brantingham JW, Williams AM, Parkin-Smith GF, et al. A controlled, prospective pilot study of the possible effects of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of osteo-arthritis of the hip. European Journal of Chiropractic 2003;51(3):149-166.

Over the years, there has been considerable debate regarding the importance (and safety) of physical activity during pregnancy. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published new guidelines for exercise during pregnancy and the period immediately after giving birth.

This article examines various recommendations related to exercise during pregnancy, but the authors' conclusion sums it up best: "Pregnancy should not be a state of confinement, and pregnant women should be encouraged to continue and engage in physical activities. ... Despite the fact that pregnancy is associated with profound anatomical and physiological changes, exercise has minimal risks and confirmed benefits for most women."

As these guidelines emphasize, if you're expecting a child, certain physical activities are safe and even beneficial; on the other hand, some activities may be dangerous. Before you begin any exercise program during pregnancy, talk to your doctor to ensure that you and your growing child stay as healthy as possible.

For more information on women's health, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/women.html.

Reference:Artal R, O'Toole M. Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2003;37:6-12.

A naturally occurring substance, DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a byproduct of the male hormone testosterone that helps control the development and functioning of the prostate gland; in most men, DHT is relatively harmless. However, some studies have shown that high levels of DHT can damage hair follicles, leading to male pattern baldness, or lead to an enlarged prostate or, in extreme cases, cancer of the prostate gland.

Researchers in the U.S. and China recently discovered that the answer to stopping DHT may be as easy as eating soy. The scientists conducted a pair of experiments in which two sets of rats were injected with "equol," a molecule abundant in soybeans and other soy-based products. While the equol did not prevent DHT from being made, it "handcuffed" the hormone by binding to and deactivating it.

"Directly binding and inactivating DHT without influencing testosterone gives equol the ability to reduce many of the harmful effects of androgens [male hormones] without affecting the beneficial ones," said the study's lead researcher. Another one of the study authors added that the findings "are of immense clinical importance."

Additional information about the benefits of sound nutrition can be found at www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/nutrition.

Reference: Lund TD, Munson DJ, Haldy ME, et al. Equol is a novel anti-androgen that inhibits prostate growth and hormone feedback. Biology of Reproduction 2004;70:1188-1195.

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