Disclaimer: The information included in this newsletter is in no way intended as medical advice; as a diagnosis of medical condition; or as a prescription for medical treatment in any manner. It is strongly suggested that a licensed medical professional be consulted in all circumstances concerning any medical condition.

In The News

Antidepressants and bone fractures

As published in the Chicago Tribune, a Canadian study at McGill University in Montreal, has shown that men and women in their 50's and older who take antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac and Paxil, may be doubling their risk of bone fractures. According to the research leader, Dr. David Goltzman, “There is good scientific evidence that serotonin is involved in bone physiology, and if you alter the system, you can get low bone density.”

Prevacid Linked to Hip Fractures

Prevacid (generic: lansoprazole) is just one of a few antacid medications that are called proton pump inhibitors. Other common proton pump inhibitor drugs include Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix. Prevacid gained FDA approval in 2000 and is manufactured by Tap Pharmaceutical Products.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Hip Fractures
On December 26, 2006, a report was released that showed the correlation between people taking powerful antacid drugs called proton pump inhibitors and the increased risk of hip fractures.  The report was based on a University of Pennsylvania study that showed a class of antacid drugs called proton pump inhibitors could increase the risk of hip fractures as much as 260 percent. Proton pump inhibitors are usually prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and are among the most widely used drugs in the United States . Popular drugs in the class include: Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix which are often prescribed for stomach conditions.

The University of Pennslyvania report can be found in the Dec. 27, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

"If you take acid-suppression medications on a chronic basis and you are 50 or older, your hip fracture risk is even higher than usual," said study author Dr.Yu-Xiao Yang, an assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology. "In addition, if you are one of the few patients who requires high doses, then your risk is even higher," Yang added.

Study Results
In the study, a team lead by study author Dr.Yu-Xiao Yang collected statistics on 13,556 people with hip fractures and 135,386 healthy people, all aged 50 or older. The researchers discovered that taking a proton pump inhibitor for more than one year increased the threat of hip fracture by 44%, compared with people not taking these medications. Additionally, the risk was 2.6 times higher among people who took high doses over a long period. The risk of hip fracture increased with both the dosage and the duration of proton pump inhibitor therapy, Yang's team found.

Yang said he feels these drugs are prescribed too often. "Not everybody is on this medicine for good reasons," he said. "Proton pump inhibitors have been on the market for 15 years, and the general feeling is that they are safe to be taken on a chronic basis. So, they are given often without having a clear indication or without making sure the patient is benefiting from the medication." Moreover, Yang thinks that both men and women taking prescription proton pump inhibitors should also take a calcium supplement to insure that they maintain their bone mass and lower their risk of hip fracture.

Dr. Lawrence Brandt, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center , in New York City , said "Proton pump inhibitors are probably one of the most abused classes of drugs in the world. So, there are a lot of people on this medication who shouldn't be on this medication." While Acphex, Nexium Prevacid and Protonix all require a prescription, Prilosec is now sold over the counter which increases the potential for overuse.
source: www. yourlawyer.com

It' s the season for Colds and Influenza

This is the time of year when many suffer from colds and flu symptoms. Many over the counter medications exist to help relieve symptoms and allow us to continue with the everyday tasks we all have to complete. Here is some additional information that may help in understanding why some symptoms persist long after the initial onset of disease.

The common cold and influenza are both caused by viral infection, a virus enters a cell in the lining of the respiratory tract and takes over the function infects the surrounding area. Eventually, in the average person with an immune system strong enough to react properly, the body produces antibodies other agents to fight the infection. The course of a cold runs over a few days on average while flu may persist a few days longer. Colds generally affect the upper respiratory tract, throat, and sinuses while flu also causes muscle aches, joint aches, fever and lung congestion. People are susceptible to contracting colds and flu repeatedly because the viral agents responsible for infecting us have the ability and habit of mutating or changing their genetic structure. Thus, our body defense mechanisms do not recognize the mutated virus and we go through the process of getting sick and generating antibodies over and over again in the course of our life.

Some people seem to suffer from sinus congestion and runny noses for extended periods of time. One contributing factor may be overly tense muscles - in particular, the sternocleidomastoid, temporalis and masseter muscles in the neck and jaw.

Below is information about the sternocleidomastoid muscle. We have used lay terms and medical terms to describe it. Massage therapy techniques applied by a trained massage professional can release some of the tension in the muscle and may result in an improvement in symptoms.

Sternocleidomastoid

Location and attachments:
Medial clavicle (collar bone) manubrium of sternum (top of breast bone), mastoid process of temporal bone on skull (behind ear). This muscle lies across the middle of the neck on each side.

Actions:
Flexes head/neck (brings head toward chest); laterally flexes head and neck (bends head/neck to side); rotates head/neck; juts chin forward as when craning neck forward to see well. Also may be used in forced inspiration (deep forced breathing).

Dysfunctional patterns:
Among symptoms that may be caused by trigger points (tender spots) in this muscle: Pain and tightness of muscles in back of head; arching pain over eyes and in forehead area; pain in jaw; tinnitus (ringing buzzing in the ear); blurred vision; dizziness; twitching eyelids; sinus congestion or excess nasal discharge; dry cough; pain in back of tongue (sore throat) when swallowing.

Essential oils and viruses.
Nature has provided us with some protective substances sourced in the plant kingdom. Essential oils are found circulating in the vital fluids of the plant. Humankind has captured them for thousands of years, concentrated them, and used them medicinally. Due to the complexity of the chemical structure of essential oils, viral and bacterial organisms have been unable to effectively mutate so as to render their therapeutic qualities ineffective.

Some essential oils whose chemical constituents have been found effective in fighting viruses: Oregano, thyme, melaleuca alternifolia, rosemary, lemon, clove, cinnamon.

Some essential oils whose chemical constituents have made them effective historically for respiratory health: Eucalyptus radiata, ravensara, myrtle, hyssop, spruce.

Raindrop Technique

An effective form of therapy involving the use of therapeutic grade essential oils is the Raindrop Session. Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that viruses or bacteria lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn cause other diseases in the body. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and attack the viral agents responsible for it. The entire Raindrop session takes about 45 minutes to complete and effects may be felt several days following treatment. There is no special knowledge or skill required to attend a class and learn the technique.

Check the events section of this website for the time and date of the next class.

Introduction to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural plant derivatives that have been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. Chemical components found in essential oils have been shown to fight disease, build the immune system and enhance the function of the body including the digestive, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Research is showing that essential oils have profound effects on our physical and emotional well being.

Click here for more information or to register .

REIKI

Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Reiki is a hand's on energy technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low or becomes blocked in an area, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being stress free and healthy.

Reiki seeks to restore balance to the person whose vital energy has become unbalanced. It is a holistic, natural healing system that addresses the body, mind, and spirit.

The client draws the reiki energy through the practitioner as needed. Thus, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing. Reiki involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to client to enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki sessions work by dissolving or eliminating toxic energy.

Reiki has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Essentially, those receiving Reiki energy decide subconsciously just how much of the life energy is taken in.

Once someone has been trained and attuned to the Reiki energy they can work with themselves or with friends and family. Reiki Practitioners desiring to relieve a client's cold can place their hands on either side of the nose, with the palms covering the eyes and the fingertips cover the cheeks (Third Eye position). This position covers the sinuses, eyes, Pituitary gland, and teeth. It is useful for dealing with colds, sinusitis, eye complaints, allergies, fatigue and general discontent.

Another position is to place the hands over the ears, with the fingertips extending down the jaw-line to the neck, encompassing the ears including the semi-circular canals, responsible for balance. The effect also extends to the pharyngeal area. Diseases and problems of these organs such as colds, trouble with balance, hearing loss, etc. are dealt with in this position.

For relieving conditions such as headaches, colds, asthma and circulatory problems, place the hands on the back of the head. It also promotes relaxation

Reiki is an effective means to balancing energy on all levels - emotional, physical, spiritual and mental. It is a form of healing that can address the cause of physical ailments, such as colds, pain, chronic and acute illnesses, among many other things.

Reiki Attunement

A Reiki Attunement is a process in which a person is made a Reiki practitioner by opening up his/ her chakras. The difference between a healing and an attunement is, a Reiki healing gives a person energy to help him deal with his problem, whereas an attunement is the process of making a person capable of healing others.

To become a Reiki healer, contact a Reiki teacher in your area and learn from them. The Wellness and Massage Training Institute offers courses open to healthcare professionals and lay people. There are no special requirements to attend these trainings. Check the events section of this website for the time and date of the next class.

Linda Miller is a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner on staff at WMTI. She teaches classes in all levels of Reiki as well as Channeling.

Disclaimer: The information included in this newsletter is in no way intended as medical advice; as a diagnosis of medical condition; or as a prescription for medical treatment in any manner. It is strongly suggested that a licensed medical professional be consulted in all circumstances concerning any medical condition.