Monday, March 30, 2009
Chiropractor made my baby poo!!!
Study Shows Chiropractic Care Benefits Constipated Infants
Mar. 30, 2009 - Covington, WA. A very small study group—three infants, all under two years of age—was put into chiropractic care for periods of three weeks to three months in a controlled research project. Following the study, which was funded by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association of Media, PA, all three children showed marked improvement in their condition.
“Chronic constipation afflicts the very young and the aged among our population with more frequency than the rest of us,” said Covington-based Dr. Treye Hovinga, D.C. “This problem accounts for 25% of all visits to pediatric gastroenterologists, but few formal studies have been conducted.”
Researchers chose three infants who were experiencing infrequent bowel movements of from once a week to once every 3 or 4 days. Parents of these infants had tried dietary changes and the use of cod liver oil and mineral oil, all under the direction of medical doctors. Nothing worked.
“The infants received full spinal chiropractic care,” said Dr. Hovinga, “for periods ranging from three weeks to three months. All three experienced almost immediate improvement, and by the end of the study, all three had bowel movements at least once every 1-2 days.”
“This study represents a very preliminary level of findings, and much more research is needed,” Dr. Hovinga added. “But the results should offer some encouragement for parents of children with this problem. In fact, I have had great results with infant constipation in my own office."
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Hovinga, whose office is located at 17039 SE 272nd St, STE 100, Covington, WA. (253) 639-9822.
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Reference:
“The successful chiropractic care of pediatric patients with chronic constipation: A case studay and selective review of the literature,” Clinical Chiropractic (2008) 11, 138-147.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Chiropractic Care Eases Severe Depression
More than 15 million American adults are diagnosed with mood disorders every year, which include major depression, Dysthymia and Bipolar Disorder. The disease is usually treated with antidepressants, according to the study, but the quality of life of people who are clinically depressed is subdued by the medications’ many unwanted side effects.
The prevalence of the disease has Dr. Hovinga pointing to the case report published this year in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The report states the important role chiropractic care can play in the management of depressions.
In this particular study, a 46-year old man suffered from major depression and was taking an antidepressant with unwanted side effects, such as decrease in his sex drive, dizziness, muscle weakness and insomnia. A chiropractic evaluation revealed that he had suffered physical trauma in the past, which led to vertebral subluxations. A subluxation is a condition in which the body is unable to function properly because of interferences with the nervous system, and the condition may be corrected with chiropractic adjustments.
The patient had a total of 34 adjustments done on various parts of his spine over a period of 11 months. After the first visit, his dizziness subsided, and he experienced a decrease in lower back and neck pain. After three visits, he felt less anxious and fatigued and reported an increase in muscle strength. Over time, his depression significantly improved, and he was eating healthier.
Previous studies have shown a correlation between injury or trauma to the spine and the onset of social disorders, in addition to biochemical changes in the brain.
One of the areas that chiropractic care focuses on in the spinal cord is enriched with neuropeptides receptors, which are responsible for the so-called brain reward cascade that triggers a feeling of well-being.
“An impairment of these receptors due to subluxation in the corresponding area of the spine can be one of the underlying causes for depression and for mood or social alterations,” said Dr. Hovinga. “However, more studies of this kind are needed. But one thing is clear: An adjusted spine is vital to our health, to our overall state of well being and thus to our quality of life.”
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Editor’s note:
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga, whose office is located at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100, Covington, WA 98042 (telephone 253-639-9822).
Reference:
“Effect of Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care on Quality of Life in a Patient With Major Depression” by Alain M.J. Desaulniers, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 23, 2008.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Diet Change May Ease ADHD
As part of a long-term study that began in 1996-1997 in the southwestern Norwegian town of Stavanger, 23 children aged four to 11 — all suffering from hyperactive disorders including ADHD — were put on milk-free and/or gluten-free diets. Their development has been monitored by researchers ever since in a quest to prove a theory by scientist Karl Ludvig Reichelt that a metabolic disorder hinders the adequate breakdown of certain proteins in kids suffering from hyperactive disorders.
Eating certain foods like milk and gluten may accelerate ADHD in the children, because they lack an enzyme that breaks down proteins like casein (which is found in milk and enables milk-clotting to make cheese), explains Covington-based Dr. Treye Hovinga, D.C. Moreover, the missing or inhibited enzyme has an opium-like effect on the children’s brains. By reducing the intake of foods containing proteins that require casein for proper digestion, the patients’ hyperactivity can be controlled.
Dr. Treye points to the study published this year by Agence France Press.
In the study, 22 of the children taken off milk products and other foods containing casein showed an almost immediate improvement in their mental health, including overall behavior, enhanced attention-span and increased learning capabilities. The symptoms returned, however, as soon as the foods were reintroduced into their diets. Most kids had been taking medications, like Ritalin, to treat the disorders prior to changing their diets. After adjusting their food intake, however, they were taken off the medicine.
Similar international research has already been done to link the protein disorder with autism and schizophrenia. Now, ADHD may stem from the same digestive disorder as well.
“Digestive problems and metabolic imbalances have an overall effect on our bodies, even on our mental state,” explains Dr. Treye, who also stresses the importance of a properly functioning nervous system. Dr. Treye’s chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station, a technology used by NASA in the space program, to measure nervous system health and performance.
“Listen to your body and you can dramatically alter your well-being,” Dr. Treye continued. “That old adage is true: You are what you eat.”
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Treye, whose office is located at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100, Covington, WA 98042 (telephone 253.639.9822).
Reference:
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Infants and chiropractic
Chiropractic Care Helps Pre-Term Infant Thrive
(Aug 14, 2008~ Covington, WA). A case report authored by Kelly A. Miller credits chiropractic care with the successful management of a pre-term infant who had suffered severe lung ailments, gastrointestinal complications and developmental delays, both physical and mental.
More than 50,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States each year, according to Covington-based Dr. Treye Hovinga, D.C. Of those who survive, many suffer from lung ailments and respiratory distress, with some facing a life-long battle.
These alarming numbers have Dr. Hovinga pointing to the case report published this year in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The report suggests that chiropractic care may alleviate some associated effects of premature births.
In this particular study, an infant born at 24 weeks gestation, underwent surgery and spent four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. After her discharge from the hospital, she continued to receive antibiotics as well as ventilation and oxygen therapy. Three months after her discharge, she was diagnosed by a
chiropractor with spinal subluxations. The infant weighed only 12 pounds; she
was listless, constipated and congested. She was put on a regimen of regular
chiropractic evaluations and adjustments, starting with twice daily for two weeks,
that were decreased gradually to once every two weeks. During the course of chiropractic care, according to the case report, the baby increased her range of motion and started breathing on her own as her lung function improved; she was less congested and colicky and became noticeably more verbal and alert to her surroundings. She sat up and was able to stand on her own.
Four months later, the infant was virtually symptom-free and in no need of further medical attention. In her physical and cognitive development she was now one month ahead of her age.
“This case study, where chiropractic care improved health challenges associated with premature birth, is promising,” said Dr. Hovinga, “but more studies of this kind are needed. Nevertheless, this report gives hope to many parents of premature babies with underdeveloped lungs. Even full-term infants as young as a few months can benefit tremendously from regular chiropractic care.”
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Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga directly at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100 Covington, WA 98042, telephone (253) 639-9822
Reference:
“Chiropractic Care of a Pre-Term Infant with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia & Vertebral Subluxation” by Kelly A. Miller, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, February 19, 2008.
Autism and chiropractic
Study Shows Chiropractic Care Can
Benefit Autistic Children
(Sep 4, 2008-Covington, WA). The past decade has seen the number of diagnosed cases of autism rapidly increase throughout the nation. These alarming numbers have Covington-based Dr. Treye Hovinga, D.C. pointing to a study that indicates that chiropractic care may alleviate – at least to some degree – some of the associated symptoms of autism.
Dr. Hovinga references a study published this year in Clinical Chiropractic. The study showed that spinal manipulation (particularly upper cervical adjusting) may help with some symptoms of autism. It cannot cure or treat the underlying disease process, but for patients with autism, it may be the symptoms of autism that are the most distressing.
“Although the results of this study are promising, further research is clearly needed,” said Hovinga, who follows scientific developments in the chiropractic profession quite closely.
Autism is a life-long developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication and imagination. There are no medications that can cure autism,
but drugs can relieve and treat symptoms – such as aggression and hyperactivity – thus helping autistic individuals cope with their disease. Even though the exact causes for the disease are still unknown, current research mainly focuses on genetics; however, environmental factors and imbalances in neurochemistry may also be involved. There is no single, unique measure of abnormality found in autism, because the spectrum of autistic conditions and symptoms is wide ranging – from severe disability in some patients to mild problems of communicating and understanding in others with average and above average intelligence.
Parents first become concerned about their child’s behavior – particularly the absence of play – when their child is around 18 months old. Earlier detection, however, is possible. According to Jane Jennings and Martina Barker of the Newbury Chiropractic Center in Berkshire, Great Britain, a simple checklist can help parents evaluate early on whether their child might be autistic: Does the child pretend play? Does the child use his or her index finger to point, to indicate interest in something? Does the child take an interest in other children? Does the child enjoy playing peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek? And does the child ever bring objects over to you to show you something? If the answer to two or more questions is “no,” autism may be a factor because it impairs the way the child communicates, relates to other people and understands emotional expressions.
During the aforementioned study, researchers carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. The results were an improvement in certain reflexes and sensations, an increase in neck range of motion, and improvement of other health problems.
Many of the children were taken off Ritalin; their bladder and bowel control improved; some children started to speak, eye contact and attention span improved while hyperactivity and aggressive behavior were reduced. Also, five children were able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.
The autistic children suffered from neurological interference that hindered their development. The researchers concluded that correcting a chiropractic partial dislocation can positively affect local neurological function and cause an overall improvement. Even though there was no control group to back up the findings, the results are encouraging: They show that chiropractic care may improve the quality of life of autistic children by relieving some of the symptoms of their disease.
“To the extent that chiropractic care can have a positive effect, that is beneficial; but improving the quality of life for autistic children is just a first step toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure,” concluded Hovinga.
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Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga directly at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100 Covington, WA 98042, telephone (253) 639-9822
Reference Material:
“Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective” by Jane Jennings and Martina Baker of the Newbury Chiropractic Centre, Newbury, Berkshire, UK, published in Clinical Chiropractic (2006), Vol. 9, pp. 6-10.
Fish Oil - ESSENTIAL fatty acid
Research identifies fatty fish oil’s many health benefits.
(Aug 1, 2008 Covington, WA). It’s no fish story that those who include seafood as a staple in their diet benefit from the ingestion of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids — known to reduce the risks for heart-related diseases, age-related cognitive decline, abnormal brain development and functioning, even obesity and mood disorders. Now, new studies have shown that it is the oil from fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel) that may offer the most health benefits.
During the course of a 10-year study conducted in Sweden, it was established that the consumption of fatty fish oils might inhibit a commonly found receptor for kidney cancers in women, the Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), which triggers more than 80% of kidney cancers. Consistent long-term intake of fatty fish oil reduced the RCC risk by up to 74% in the Swedish women tracked for the report. At the same time, the intake of fatty fish oils triggered an increase in the level of serum vitamin D in these women. Low levels of vitamin D are believed to trigger the development and progression of RCC.
“You might say that fatty fish oil is phat!” said a smiling Dr. Treye Hovinga when contacted about the study. “Even lean fish — although to a lesser extent — provide similar health benefits,” the doctor continued. Hovinga, whose chiropractic offices are located in Covington, WA, follows developments in chiropractic science closely.
“Consuming fish oil or eating raw, baked or broiled fish — not fried — can also
protect your heart’s electrical system by decreasing the risk of fatal heart-rhythm disorders,“ noted Hovinga. “Omega-3 fats have been found to benefit a healthy heart rhythm,” he added.
In addition, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, fish oil consumption by the elderly prevented a decline in heart rate variability that was caused by same-day exposure to indoor airborne pollutants (which can trigger arrhythmia and sudden death.)
This study also found that a diet including fish at least once a week has other significant health benefits for the elderly. These finds included a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as a 10% slower rate of annual age-related cognitive decline (and a 13% slower rate decline when fish was consumed more than once a week). In addition, seafood and by products decreased incidences of strokes because high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA or docosahexaenoic acid) are crucial for normal brain functioning.
There’s even more to this school of thought.
“ Several epidemiological studies find a correlation between omega-3 fatty acids intake and mood disorders like depression — which are affected by an omega-3 fatty acids deficit. In addition, people suffering from coronary artery disease may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids as well since there is an established link between the disease and depression,” stated Hovinga.
“An increased omega-3 intake, even through supplementation, may have therapeutic benefits,” he declared.
Fishing for compliments about a reduce waistline?
A study conducted by the University of South Australia noted that daily omega-3 fatty acids intake — when combined with exercise — can aid in weight loss because fatty acids increase blood flow to the muscles during exercise and thereby assist in fat burning.
“The studies are overwhelming. Will people change their dietary habits due to the promise this research shows? It’s certainly food for thought,” concluded Dr Hovinga.
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Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga directly at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100 Covington, WA 98042, telephone (253) 639-9822
Reference Material:
Alicja Wolk, Susanna C. Larsson, Jan-Erik Johansson, and Peter Ekman: Long-term Fatty Fish Consumption and Renal Cell Carcinoma Incidence in Women, JAMA, September 20, 2006, Vol. 296, No. 11
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 12, 2006.
Fish Oil Prevents Potentially Deadly Heart Rate Variability, Science Daily, December 2005.
Fish Consumption May Be Linked to Reduced Cognitive Decline, Medscape, Oct. 11, 2005.
Gordon Parker, Neville A. Gibson, Heather Brotchie, Gabriella Heruc, Anne-Marie Rees and Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic: Omega-3-Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders, The American Journal of Psychiatry, June 2006.
Reuters, Australian Study Finds Fish Oil Helps Weight Loss, July 28, 2006.
(Edited and re-written by Tekla Szymanski)
Childhood Obesity
Harvard study finds that overweight kids risk premature death.
(Jul 4, 2008, Covington, WA). Overweight children most often become overweight adults. Sure, there are those who seek guidance or find inspiration and commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, those success stories are few and far between. The majority of obese children leave adolescence for an adult life already ripe with health concerns. And, according to a study by Harvard’s School of Public Health, those lives often end prematurely.
The Harvard study – published by the Annals of Internal Medicine – evaluated the health habits and medical records of more than 100,000 women who had provided data through the Nurses’ Health Study (an ongoing federally financed study on women’s health issues) since 1989. Researchers found that those women who were overweight or obese at age 18, had a far greater risk of dying from cancer or heart disease before reaching middle age.
“Today, one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight,” said Dr. Treye Hovinga when contacted about the study. “And, the Harvard research confirms that childhood obesity is a death sentence, “ added Hovinga, whose chiropractic offices are located in Covington, WA.
“The physical and emotional strain on an overweight child is compounded by the
type of behavior uncovered in this study. The obese youth were found less likely
to exercise and more likely to have smoked and consumed alcohol. Let me be the master of the obvious, this is a recipe for a shorter life,“ continued Hovinga.
While the Harvard study did not establish whether permanent weight loss after age 18 decreases the risk of dying prematurely, Dr. Hoivnga urged parents and children to address their health regimen.
“Change the way you live, and you can alter the life path you currently travel,” noted Hovinga. “I preach to my patients that chiropractic care is part of a maintenance program that includes proper diet, exercise and a healthy mental outlook. There is a reason that clichés become clichés. Treat your body like a temple, and that temple will stand for a long time,” he concluded.
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Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga directly at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100 Covington, WA 98042, telephone (253) 639-9822