November 26th, 2008 09:15pm
Dr. John C. Maynard
Today I was asked about using protein supplements to help build muscles. Creatine is sometimes taken as a nutritional supplement in weight lifters. But it can cause an allergic reaction in the kidneys called interstitial nephritits. And if you have any early kidney problem, it can make it get worse. Eating a high protein diet is associated with increased pressure in the kidneys in experimental animals; this is called glomerular hypertension and leads to scarring in the kidneys. If you know for sure you will never get any problems putting you at risk for kidney trouble - that is, no hypertension, diabetes, weight problem, vascular disease or need to have a kidney removed - then you kidneys will be safe if you eat a high protein diet. Especially if you do not plan on getting old. But we don’t know what the future holds for us, do we. You may want to donate a kidney to someone. Or maybe you do want to get old, after all. And you probably will get at least one of the above conditions at some point. So my advice is to avoid protein supplements that are not prescribed by your doctor, and avoid a high protein diet. Eat a well-balanced diet, following the “food pyramid” published by our own government. John C Maynard, MD Rockford Nephrology Associates
November 25th, 2008 01:18pm
Megan Nimmers
Snoring is caused by a vibration of the soft palate frequently associated with narrowing of the upper airway. The narrowing may be caused by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, uvula or a deviated septum. Snoring may also be associated with a more serious health problem known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is estimated that more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea and most are undiagnosed. OSA occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that increase the risk. Having a small upper airway(large tongue, tonsils or uvula), being overweight, having a small jaw, recessed chin or a large overbite, a large neck( 17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), smoking and alcohol use, being age 40 or older, having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and daytime tiredness. OSA is a disorder in which people actually stop breathing while they sleep. Muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. You arouse yourself with a snort or a gasp for breath to resume breathing and this typically disrupts your sleep. This pattern repeats itself throughout the night and can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. This may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of automobile crashes and can be life-threatening. Contact your doctor or SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center if you feel that you suffer from it.
November 10th, 2008 04:00pm
dr. mike teuscher
Welcome to the Register Star’s first ever dental blog. I’m Dr. Mike Teuscher, and I have been practicing dentistry in Rockford since 1985. The focus of my practice is holistic family care, and we emphasize creating plans to help folks stay healthy over a lifetime. I have advanced training in adult reconstructive, implant and cosmetic dentistry.
We hope that this blog creates an opportunity to share accurate information on dental health. I will base my responses to your questions on the scientific data that drives our health care strategies. It is truly possible today to establish and maintain a completely healthy mouth. I’m excited to have this chance to discuss what today’s preventive dentistry has to offer.
I look forward to your questions and comments!
For more information about our practice please visit us on our website at www.teuscherdental.com
Dr. Mike Teuscher
October 29th, 2008 02:30pm
Leslie Aalund
Caution should be taken when using over the counter NSAIDs. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, motrin, aleve, and naprosyn to name a few. Serious gastrointestinal (GI) complications occur in 1-4% of NSAID users each year. These serious events such as bleeding or ulcerations can occur without any warning. NSAID induced events result in an estimated 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths each year in the U.S.. These risks are greater with a history of peptic ulcer disease, taking steroids and anticoagulants at the same time, high-dose NSAIDs, and older age. Drinking alcohol while taking NSAIDs may increase the risk of the gastrointestinal complications.
NSAIDs are hard on your kidneys. NSAIDs can cause and or aggravate hypertension, heart failure, edema (fluid retention), and kidney problems.
NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of complications in people with known cardiovascular disease or existing cardiac risk factors. The cardiovascular complications could possibly include myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, heart failure, and hypertension. Ibuprofen may interfere with the cardioprotective effect of a daily aspirin dose. It is recommended, by the American Heart Association, for patients taking immediate release low-dose aspirin and ibuprofen, to take the ibuprofen at least 30 minutes after the aspirin or at least 8 hours prior to the aspirin dose. Naproxen has not been shown to interfere with the cardioprotective antiplatelet effect of low dose aspirin.
NSAIDs are effective analgesics for many different types of pain, especially pain due to inflammation. It is safest to take NSAIDs at the lowest dose for the shortest time they are needed. If you take NSAIDs regularly each day for longer than 10 days to 2 weeks, you should consult with your physician, especially if you have known risk factors of heart disease, gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, reflux or ulcers. or kidney problems. Don’t assume over the counter medication is safe.
October 9th, 2008 09:07am
Dr. Martin Lipsky
This past month, I celebrated 25 years of marriage, so I dedicate this “blog” to my wife, Darice. What better time to acknowledge that “health-wise,” marriage is a good deal for men. While both married men and women are on average healthier and live longer than their unmarried counterparts, men tend to reap more health benefits from marriage than women. For example, long term data from one study shows that married men have a 25 percent lower rate of death from cancer, while women did not show any cancer survival benefit.
So men, we should recognize that marriage is like our own personal health insurance policy. Another study that tracked mortality over an eight year period found that individuals who never married were 58 percent more likely to die during that time than their married counterparts. So what health benefits are there? In addition to a lower death rate from cancer, married men suffer from fewer infections, have a stronger immune system and a reduced likelihood of dying from heart disease. Married men are also less likely to commit suicide, experience accidents, and, if their wives don’t kill them, they are less likely to be murdered. Not surprisingly, married men tend to have lower rates of mental illness, experience less depression, and have lower rates of alcoholism and anxiety disorders. Certainly, those married men who remain faithful reduce the likelihood of having sexually transmitted diseases and while they may fanaticize about their lives as bachelors, married men have sex more often than their unmarried counterparts.
The exact reasons why married men have a health advantage over their unmarried counterparts is unclear. One reason might be that healthier people are more likely to get married. Some of it may be social; living with someone reduces loneliness, and if you become ill or injured, your partner is there to help nurse you back to health.
Another reason may be financial. Married men tend to have higher incomes and save more. Wealthier individuals tend to have better health habits, smoke less, and are less likely to be sedentary or eat poorly.
However, there may also be physiological changes associated with marriage. Levels of stress hormones are lower in happily married men. High levels of these hormones can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack, and can adversely affect the immune system. One experiment showed that having a spouse hold your hand before receiving a painful shot reduced the activity in the area of the brain that triggers the production of stress hormones.
Now before all unmarried men propose to the next woman they see, there are a couple of warnings. One of them is that marriage is fattening. Married men are 20 percent more likely to be overweight. One possible explanation is that they may be more likely to be in a household with prepared dinners. Also, bad marriages, while maintaining some health benefits, can undo much of the marriage health benefits, and divorce is actually harmful to your health.
The last concern is that we men need to work to keep our wives healthy. There is truth to those tails about married men who die shortly after their wives. Again, this phenomenon of a married partner following their spouse into the grave is less likely for a woman.
So I suggest to men that the next time your wife gives you your daily instructions or tells you that you left the toilet seat up, don’t argue or protest just smile and thank her for the years she adds to your life.
October 6th, 2008 02:45pm
Leslie Aalund
There are two very popular over the counter analgesics (pain relievers). Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. People assume these type of medications are very safe because they can be purchased withouth a prescription, but this is not true. In this blog I will discuss acetaminophen. I will discuss NSAID use in a future blog.
There is 325 mg in regular strength acetaminophen and 500 mg in each extra strength pill. The maximum daily recommended dose for a short period of time is 4000 mg/day. Acetaminophen is hard on your liver. A study has shown taking 4000 mg of acetaminophen regularly, for a prolonged period of time, to cause an elevation in liver enzymes. The American Liver Foundation issued a warning in July 2006 recommending people not to exceed 3000 mg of acetaminophen each day for a prolonged period of time. This means if you take acetaminophen regularly for several weeks, the maximum dose per day should not be over 6 extra-strength tablets. Pediatric dosing is determined by the child’s weight; it is important to follow label directions and/or check with your physician for infant and young child dosing.
Alcohol is also hard on your liver. If you consume alcohol regularly, you should not use acetaminophen without speaking with your doctor. Also, acetaminophen should not be used by persons with liver disease.
A 2005 multicenter study indicated acetaminophen overdose to be the cause of 42% of acute liver failure. Acetaminophen is included in over 200 over the counter combination medications; such as cold, allergy, flu and headache medications. Acetaminophen is also included in combination pain medications such as vicodin, norco and percocet, to name a few. It is the unintentional overuse of acetaminophen that accounts for most of acute liver failure. Be aware of the content of pain medications you are taking and read labels when purchasing over the counter medications to avoid overuse of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can be an effective medication for mild pain if taken correctly. It is the number one recommendation for pain in the American Geriatric Society guidelines.
October 1st, 2008 05:52pm
Megan Nimmers
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest. This urge to move is usually, but not always, accompanied by unpleasant sensations that are described as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling. This is quite different then a muscle cramp. The movements usually are worse when sitting or lying still. You can find temporary relief by stretching or moving the legs. The sensations usually appear in the calves, but some people have symptoms in the arms or other parts of the body. RLS occurs more often in women and in older people ans is also hereditary. It is unsure what causes RLS, but some medical conditions increase the chances of having it. Diabetes, arthritis, low iron levels in the blood, poor blood circulation in the legs, nerve problems in the spine or legs, alcoholism and certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies to name a few. Some medications like over the counter allergy and cold medications may trigger RLS. Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco use may make the condition worse. Some home remedies may help people with occasional or mild RLS. These include hot baths, massage, pain relievers, regular exercise, the elimination of caffeine, heat or ice packs. When symptoms are severe or home remedies do not work, you can take prescription medications to treat RLS. Contact your primary care physician or SwedishAmerican’s Sleep Disorder Center at 815-489-4429.
September 17th, 2008 05:06pm
Leslie Aalund
This may sound like a silly question if you are experiencing pain, of course you are aware of your pain, but lucky people without pain may not give this a thought. 1/5th to 1/3rd of the United States population suffers with persistent pain. It would be safe to assume that 1/5th to 1/3rd of the Northern Illinois population also suffers with persistent pain. So, it is important for Northern Illinois to be aware of pain.
Although treatments are available today to manage or greatly ease most pain, pain is undertreated. Undertreated pain weakens the immune system and slows recovery from disease or injury. Undertreated pain increases the workload on the heart. Undertreated pain results in longer stays in the hospital, increased emergency room visits, and leads to unplanned clinic visits. Uncontrolled pain ruins a persons quality of life; affecting almost every aspect of life including sleep, work, and social and sexual relations.
Unfortunately, there are many barriers that prevent effective pain treatment. Most healthcare professionals have little or no training in pain management. Yet, pain is the number one reason people seek medical treatment. People often believe that the opioid (morphine or morphine like substances) medications are addictive and produce euphoria. It is a fact that when properly prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken as directed, these medications give relief-not a “high.” There is not a physiologic measure of pain, so a person’s report of pain must be accepted. These are only a few of the many barriers.
Pain doesn’t discriminate. Most likely it will affect you or someone you care about at some point in your life. Pain relief has a positive impact on life and health. It is imperative that effective pain management be a concern and a priority in Northern Illinois. Responsibility for pain management lies with the person in pain and the healthcare team. Communication and education are key. You are invited to a FREE community event titled “Pain in Illinois-The State of Affairs” on Tuesday, September 23rd from 4:30-6pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St, Rockford. Light refreshments and door prizes included. Registration to 815-387-8310 appreciated.
August 29th, 2008 12:47pm
Dr. Martin Lipsky
Most people know that the risk of heart disease can be reduced by embracing a healthy lifestyle. However, people may be surprised to learn that many cancers can be linked to lifestyle factors as well. The good news is that many of the behaviors that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, also help reduce the risk of cancer. As hard as it might be to believe, doctors are finding it difficult to discover the health positives for being overweight, sedentary, smoking and drinking to excess. While I might think that studying the benefits of a Henry the VIII lifestyle sounds appealing, it appears unlikely that the results of that study would provide any comfort to those who find it difficult to exercise, maintain a normal body weight, avoid tobacco, and limit their alcohol intake. The good news is that there is no prohibition about enjoying life and that enjoyment may be heart healthy as well. Below are some of the behaviors that can reduce the risk of cancer:
- Avoid tobacco usage and contact. The most critical, modifiable risk factor for cancer is tobacco use. For a person who smokes, quitting is the single most important action that can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition to smoking, chewing tobacco and exposure to passive smoking are cancer risk factors. While most people know that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, it is important to know that it also increases the risk of multiple other cancers including cancer of the oral cavity, esophagus, kidney and bladder. For those who do use tobacco and are finding it difficult to quit, a family physician can help assist in finding an effective way to quit.
- Limit sun exposure. Skin cancer is increasing in prevalence and sun exposure is a risk factor. Wear protective clothing, avoid exposure during the peak UV hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wear sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Practice safe sex. The use of condoms can decrease the risk of exposure to carcinogenic viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), the hepatitis viruses, and HIV.
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life. Being overweight increases the risk for some cancers, such as breast and uterine. For those who do develop cancer, obesity is also linked to a poorer prognosis at the time of diagnosis.
- Exercise regularly. While all levels of exercise can be beneficial, experts suggest trying to achieve at least a moderate level of exercise (an increase of heart rate but not to the point where one is unable to speak) for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. Try to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Avoid processed red meats because of an association with gastrointestinal cancer and monitor portion control in order to maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two ounces as day for men and one ounce for women. One ounce of alcohol is equivalent to a glass of wine, a beer or a single mixed drink. This level of alcohol is not considered harmful to healthy individuals and may even be heart healthy.
- Check your body regularly for early signs of cancer by performing self-examinations.
And, of course, given my training as a doctor I would be neglectful if I didn’t advise people to follow their doctor’s recommendations for cancer screening examinations and tests.
August 25th, 2008 02:20pm
Leslie Aalund
I meet with the Chronic Pain Support group at SwedishAmerican Hospital on the second Monday of each month at 10am. These individuals are terrific weather forecasters. Some experience pain fluctuations with slight changes in the barometric pressure. Severe weather changes, such as thunderstorms, cause the most increase in pain before and during the storm. Weather related joint pain actually has a physiologic explanation. There are sensory nerves in joints called baro-receptors. These respond to changes in atmospheric pressure, especially when there is low barometric pressure. Low barometric pressure occurs when the atmosphere changes from dry to moist. Arthritic joints have less cartilage to provide cushion, so people with arthritis are prone to feel these changes more readily. So, the next time someone with chronic pain states they can feel it is going to storm, don’t think it is “all in their head”, think it is in their joints and grab an umbrella!
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