The Healthy Choices Wellblog

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Greg Arnold

Numerous studies over the past 15 years have shown that older Americans continue to fall short of the recommended amounts of many nutrients from food alone(1, 2). Because vitamin deficiencies contribute significantly to the chronic diseases so prevalent in the elderly population(3), a growing proportion of older adults are using vitamin and mineral supplements to “substantially increase” nutrient intake(4).

But while supplement compliance in the elderly can be an issue with hip fractures(5), a new study(6) finds that supplements can help prevent vitamin deficiencies in the elderly and can improve the overall quality of food intake.

In the study, researchers analyzed data on more than 2,500 American aged 51 years or older from the US Department of Agriculture’s 1994-96 CSFII and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey, a nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized individuals in all 50 states(7). Dietary intake data were obtained during in-person interviews and 24-hour recall. Supplement intake information on both vitamin/mineral supplements ( multivitamin ) and specific types of single vitamins/minerals (vitamin A , vitamin C , calcium , and iron ) was also obtained during the in-person interviews.

The researchers found that 34% of men and 41% of women took supplements, with 74% of men and 71% of women taking a multivitamin supplement. Vitamin C (19%) and vitamin E (34%) were the most commonly mentioned single vitamin or mineral supplements while calcium supplements were popular among older women; 26% of users aged 51 to 70 years and 18% of users aged 71 years and older took them.

While non-supplement users were very “borderline” in meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for minerals, nutrient intake from food in the supplement group was higher for nearly every mineral tested (Vitamin A, C, E, folic acid , magnesium , zinc , iron). This indicated that supplement users most often followed healthier diets due to a healthier mindset regarding their diet. When adding in their supplement use, total mineral intake rose to several times that of non-supplement users and satisfied the EARs with every mineral tested except for magnesium. Only 3% of the men exceeded the upper limits for vitamin B-6, C and calcium, while 10% of men exceeded the upper limits of zinc and iron.

While “supplement users were more likely to have adequate nutrient intakes from food alone than non-users for many of the nutrients studied”, the researchers concluded that “generally, supplement users consume more nutritious diets than non-users” and that “supplements had a positive influence on nutrient adequacy for men and women aged 51 years and older.”

Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by visiting his web site at www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com

1 J. Hallfrisch and D.C. Muller, Does diet provide adequate amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc in a well-educated population, Exp Gerontol 28 (1993), pp. 473–483

2 E.S. Ford and A.H. Mokdad, Dietary magnesium intake in a national sample of US adults, J Nutr 133 (2003), pp. 2879–2882

3 K. Chandra, Impact of nutritional status and nutrient supplements on immune responses and incidence of infection in older individuals, Ageing Res Rev 3 (2004), pp. 91–104

4 A.E. Millen, K.W. Dodd and A.F. Subar, Use of vitamin, mineral, nonvitamin, and nonmineral supplements in the United States: The 1987, 1992, and 2000 National Health Interview Survey Results, J Am Diet Assoc 104 (2004), pp. 942–950

5 Prince RL. Effects of Calcium Supplementation on Clinical Fracture and Bone Structure. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:869-875.

6 Sebastian RS. Older Adults Who Use Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Differ from Nonusers in Nutrient Intake Adequacy and Dietary Attitudes. Jou Amer Diet Assoc 2007; Aug;107(8):1322-32

7 K.S. Tippett and Y.S. Cypel, Editors, Design and Operation: The Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey, 1994-96, US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville, MD (1988) Nationwide Food Surveys Report No. 96-1.

Insisting on More Discriminatory Use of CT Scans Could Reduce Your Cancer Risks

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved. Views expressed are my own. Presented for educational purposes and not intended to replace needed medical attention

I’ve talked about several medical practices here that I feel are abused or overused. I’m obviously not the only one concerned about the overuse of antibiotics and how this practice has, I feel, contributed to the creation of the MRSA superbug.

I’m also not the only person screaming about off-label prescribing. At least three people in my close family have been adversely affected when their doctors prescribed medications not typically prescribed for their health challenge or combined medications with adverse results for their health challenge.

I’ve also posted information on the concerns being raised about the practice of reusing medical syringes and the sometimes unnecessary risk patients are put at by the prescribing of discretionary blood transfusions.

Now, I must add something else to the list….the overuse and, in some cases, abuse of CT Scans.

There seems to be a tendency to trust the doctor so completely that there is no room for questioning. Some doctors even promote this type of blind trust so that they don’t have to spend as much time answering questions. I am of the strong belief that health is a very personal responsibility and that any doctor helping me must consider the relationship a partnership where each party has a say and can input along the way.

Along with you right to decide if you want a discretionary blood transfusion, want to try off-label prescribing to treat your challenge, or want to take that Z-Pac that the doctor gave you along with your allergy shot, you also have the right to decide whether or not a CT Scan is worth the risk.

By the way, concerning antibiotics, a good question to ask with the Z-Pac is whether or not your doctor actually found bacterial infection or are just prescribing the Z-Pac “for safe measure”. If it’s for safe measure, maybe it’s safer to skip it sometimes……

Well, I’m getting off track. This post is about CT Scans.

What you should know about a CT Scan before you agree to one. Yes, you do have a choice. It is your body.

I decided to post this after reading, and also hearing on a newscast, that new research is throwing up red flags on indiscriminate use of CT Scans and, in particular, full body CT Scans.

From what I’ve read, it is expected the future research will prove that CT Scans cause 2 percent of all cancers. However small that percentage looks, there are some groups which make up most of those at risk and the percentage of risk among those people is much higher.

For example, those whose doctor has suggested annual CT Scans are much more at risk. In fact, from what I’ve read, I am convinced that any doctor suggesting a yearly CT Scan is putting their patients at unnecessary risk of contracting the very disease they are trying to detect, which is usually cancer when CT Scans are suggested on an annual basis. If your doctor has suggested an annual CT Scan, please read this report on cancer risks for full body CT Scans.

CT Scans and X-Rays are NOT the same
Some people mistakenly believe that a CT Scan is just another way of having an x-ray done. The truth is that one CT Scan delivers the same amount of radiation as survivors of those exposed to atomic bombs during World War II. Your body is literally being subjected to that much radiation in a single full body CT Scan.

CT Scans deliver a massive dose of radiation to a small area, your body, in a concentrated way.

CT Scans for the heart
If your doctor suggests a CT Scan to detect cardiovascular issues, you should know there is now an FDA-approved cardiovascular function test that may be able to tell your doctor what they need to know without this risk. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions and to ask about alternatives to invasive procedures like cardiac catheterizations or tests that put you at risk, like CT Scans and the traditional cardiac stress test that is done on the treadmill, stressing already weak hearts to see if they can withstand the greater stress of surgery. Bizarre medicine.

As dangerous as CT Scan overuse is among adults exposed to repeated scans, the dangers are much higher for children because their systems are more sensitive to the effects of radiation. If I were a parent, my doctor would absolutely need to convince me that a CT Scan was the only option available for detecting what was wrong with my child. Absolutely convince.

The important thing here is education and communication. Educate yourself with the facts about CT Scans and also, specifically about the type of CT Scan your doctor recommends. If it’s partial, say only scanning the colon, then read up on colon-specific info. Then, have a strong, firm conversation with your doctor about risks, alternative testing and the degree of need. Think twice about any suggeste scan that your doctor terms “discretionary” or “exploratory”. You have a right to all the facts and all know alternatives to scanning be presented to you before you make your decision.

Cardiology Conference Reveals Limited Benefit from Vytorin use

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

Are you taking Vytorin for high cholesterol? It may not be helping as much as you hoped.

If your doctor has you on Vytorin or Zetia, you may find the recent information presented by the conference on cardiology in Chicago to be of interest.

Their findings stated that Vytorin (and Zetia, which is a component of Vytorin) demonstrated only limited proof of benefit in reducing high cholesterol.

To read more on the cardiology report on Vytorin and Zetia, and to discover natural ingredients that may be helpful in addressing high cholesterol, please
read this article on Vytorin and Zetia benefits

Cinnamon for high blood sugar - type of cinnamon used is vital to success

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

I remember reading about cinnamon for lowering triglycerides and helping to lower blood sugar levels, maybe even a few years ago. I’ve also read about using this spice to help with weight loss. However, I just read that there are diffierent types of cinnamon and that the type you need to be using for these medicinal properties is NOT the type that ends with the word “cassia”.

There are apparently compounds in the cassia form of cinnamon that, if taken longterm, might interfere with blood thinners like coumadin and also have toxic properties.

Other types of cinnamon include the wild cinnamon that grows in Japan, called Cinnamomum inners and Saigon Cinnamon.

The type of cinnamon that is suggested for use to help with blood sugar levels, and the type of cinnamon considered “true cinnamon” is Cinnamomum Zeylanicum.

more information about the medicinal properties and historical uses of cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum is considered superior to Cinnamomum cassia and I assume that’s why it is called “true cinnamon”. However, I found reference in a couple of other resources that listed “true cinnamon as Cinnamonum verum. For example, NOW brand cinnamon is listed as containing the “true cinnamon” Cinnamonum verum.

I surmise from what I’ve read so far that as long as it is one of those two types, it’s superior to the use of Cinnamomum cassia and safer for use as a medicinal spice.

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING CINNAMON
You should always check with your doctor before adding new products to your health care regime, whether those products are natural, over the counter or prescription. It’s vital to rule out drug interactions with herbs, such as that which could occur with the cassia brand and blood thinners like coumadin, as well as just to get your doctor’s input on your choices.

articles of interest to those with blood sugar challenges and diabetics

Health Conditions that can Mimic or be a factor in dementia. Learn more about senile dementia

Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

I was surprised to come across some information about dementia and to realize that so many other health conditions could either contribute to the condition or even mimic the symptoms of senile dementia. Before accepting a diagnosis of dementia, it would be wise to rule out the following health conditions:

Deficiencies that can cause some of the same symptoms as senile dementia include iodine deficiency and Vitamin B deficiencies. Specifically noted as cause of some of the same symptoms as
dementia were deficiencies in Vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Related article on effects of B-12 deficiency

As far as iodine deficiency goes, you may think you get all the iodine you need in salt but on a salt-restrictive diet this might not be the case and, if the person eats a lot of soy products or drinks a lot of soy milk, they can still be deficient in iodine even though they eat iodized salt. Soy has something that blocks absorption of iodine. Also, some salts do not have iodine, such as some sea salts. I know the sea salt I use says right on the box that it does not contain iodine.

Certain B-Vitamin deficiencies can happen when taking certain medications. My mom’s heart doctor has her on several B vitamins for that reason so check with your doctor to see if you need to supplement with B-vitamins because these vitamins are not fat-soluble which means the body can’t store them up like it does D or A. They need to be replenished daily, either in our diet or by supplementation.

Besides these common deficiencies, I’d also ask directly whether or not your doctor ruled out conditions like:

Subdural hematomas
Menningitis
Encephalatis
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ( NPH )
Heavy metals poisoning

In addition, if you have known heart disease then oxygen supply may be a factor. Check to see if decreased oxygen supply is evident and ask what can be done to help that condition which may, in turn, help the symptoms of dementia.

If symptoms have their onset soon after having had anesthesia, also have your doctor followup to see if you might have had a reaction to the anesthesia or if too much may have been given. I’ve seen two special reports lately about hospital mistakes that have caused people unnecessary suffering, pain and even death. Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists….they are all people. People can make mistakes.

Drug abuse, whether with recreational or prescription drugs, can cause disorientation, confusion and other symptoms associated with dementia but you can also unknowingly have an allergic reaction to a medication or have an interaction between different prescription medications and end up with symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s a good idea to go over all drugs and discuss all potential side effects and potential drug interactions with your pharmacist and your doctor.

Get information about frequently asked health questions and about the non-invasive testing procedures now available without going to your doctor or the hospital

I am all for out-patient diagnostic testing as long as it is reliable. These folks have several tests that are reported to be just as dependable as what you’d get at your doctor’s office or in the hospital. They just cost a whole lot less.

If you have questions about any of the following conditions, you’ll find good, general information as well as info on any tests that are available and when the Life Screening Crew might be coming to your area soon.

Frequently asked questions cover the following health conditions: Osteoporosis,
Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke, Carotid Artery Health Problems, Atrial Fibrillation (also called afib), Irregular Heart Rhythm, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Peripheral Arterial Disease .

Related articles: What is the difference between Heart Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation?

Access the frequently asked health questions here

ps. I’ve had all the heart and arterial health tests done except for the afib test (the didn’t have that when I went…it’s new) and was impressed with the results. Good to know how your cardiovascular health is doing.

More information on the underestimated and undetected risks of prescription drugs

Those who visit my sites very often have heard me crow about being proactive with your pharmacist and doctor, for your own good. Prescription drug safety is a necessary area of self-education, to avoid interactions and to fully understand your risks.

I’ve written a lot about off-label prescribing but there are also risks to taking commonly prescribed drugs just as directed and for the cause intended.

This information excerpted from the Health Matters Newsletter, courtesy of Good Health Supplements™, Ira Marxe / Jim Utzinger, 2006, all rights reserved

From Jim and Ira…..I tell you this story as an introduction to a recent Consumer Report’s investigation of prescription drugs. In this investigation, 12 relatively common prescription drugs were discovered that had significant health risks that were either underestimated when approved by the FDA or completely undetected when these drugs were approved. The risks sited include increased likelihood of heart disease, stroke, cancer or suicide.

Some of these drugs should have black box warning labels. They do not. Some are advertised making false claims leaving out potential risks. With its present day power, there is little the FDA can do about it.

You know we have always advised that you seek a nutritional solution to your problems before resorting to traditional drugs. There are many nutritional solutions out there if only people will look for alternatives instead of blindly accepting their doctor’s drugs as the only solution.
You need to seriously question the advisability of a drug solution and consider all of the side affects of the drug being prescribed. Don’t only rely solely on your M.D. who may be drug-biased, or really doesn’t know.

Ask your pharmacist. Research the Internet. Be thorough so that you can make an educated decision.

Let me remind you of what we have been saying for a long time, your body is the great healer….if given the right nutrients.

Drugs should be used only as a last resort, and some should never be used. Don’t let drug company ads push you into becoming a prescription drug addict. Drug companies are only interested in the profits they can make by keeping you on their drugs for as long as possible. It is not in their best interest to cure you.

Here are the 12 prescription drugs that Consumer’s Reports found will put you at great risk if you take them. If you are taking any of these drugs, talk to your doctor about an alternative or go find another doctor.

Drug Risks the FDA’s System Missed:
Celecoxib (Celebrex) – Pain and Inflammation: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Rosuvastatin (Crestor, strongest of the statin drug group such as Lipitor, Zocor, etc.) – Elevated cholesterol levels: Muscle breakdown and kidney failure, especially in Asian Americans.

Estrogen (Premarin, Prempro, and others) – Menopausal symptoms and post menopausal osteoporosis: Increased risk of brëast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) – Severe nodular acne: Birth defects, depression, psychosis, and suicidal tendencies.

Malathion (Ovide) – Head lice: Flammability of hair and neurotoxicity.

Medroxyprogesterone injections (Depo-Proveeral) – Contraception: Irreversible bone loss.
Mefloquine (Lariam) – Malaria prevention for travelers: Disorientation, severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and depression.

Salmeterol (Serevent) – Asthma: Increased asthma-related deaths; risk may be higher in African-Americans.

Sibutramine (Meridia) – Weïght loss: Increased blood pressure and heart rate; heart-rhythm abnormalities, heart attack, cardiac arrest, memory problems.

SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) venlafaxine (Effixor) – Anxiety and depression: Increased suicidal tendencies initially or after dosage changes, particularly in children and teens but possibly in adults as well. All antidepressants may have similar risks, but current evidence appears stronger for SSRIs.

Tegaserod (Zelnorm) – Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: Potentially dangerous diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

Topical immunosupprressants primecrolimus (Elidel), tacrolimus (Protopic) – Eczma: Increased cancer risk.

About Prescription Medications for Acid Reflux

Request for information on successfully reducing acid reflux coughing fits at night - online acid reflux information scanty

Off-Label Prescribing and why it may matter to you
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved

I learned a new term yesterday. Off-Label Prescriptions. It was kind of a new concept for me and one I had not considered in light of health challenges. Since I almost never have taken a prescription drug in my life, I was not aware of off-label prescribing.

As I understand it, a doctor goes “off-label” when they prescribe larger doses of a medicine than the label suggests or when they prescribe a medicine for a reason other than what it is typically prescribed to treat.

I have always been an advocate of informed healthcare. If you are not actively asking questions of your doctor and your pharmacist, about any prescription drug you are taking, you may be missing vital information that might matter to you.

I suggest education and pro-active partnership with all healthcare professionals to whom you entrust your health.

read more about off-label prescribing

There are legal and ethic questions that are right to ask, about off-label prescriptions and the doctors who prescribe them. I’m not the only one asking questions about that. Here are a few of the questions that Ira Marxe, of Good Health Supplements, is asking:

- Are you an “off-label” guinea pig
with your doctor?

- Quick Quiz: How many drug reps
are there per physician?

- What three minutes causes you to
pay 52 percent more for prescriptions?

- Why were a third of the negative
antidepressant drug studies never published?

full article on off-label prescriptions