Every year at this time before the weather turns colder, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) begins a campaign geared toward motivating the masses to get the flu vaccine. This year the advertising will likely be even more urgent due to outbreaks of the "swine flu" virus, which have spread from one country to the next in the past several months.

So, the big question most ask is, "Should I get myself or my children vaccinated against the flu?" I am not writing this article to encourage you to vaccinate or not to vaccinate against the flu, but rather to provide you with some basic information so you can decide for yourself. Of course, you should always talk to your internist when deciding whether to receive any vaccination or medication.

What exactly is the flu shot? The shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot has been approved for use in people older than 6 months of age, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. What the CDC does not make readily known is that the other ingredients in the flu shot include, but are not limited to the following:
- Ethylene glycol - antifreeze
- Phenol - a disinfectant and dye
- Formaldehyde - known carcinogen
- Aluminum - associated with Alzheimer's disease and seizures
- Thimerosal - a mercury disinfectant and preservative; can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease
- Neomycin and Streptomycin - used as antibiotic; known to cause allergic reactions in some people

Just like all vaccines and medications, there are potential side effects associated with the flu shot. It is important to at least be familiar with these potential side effects and weigh the potential risk vs. benefit when deciding whether you or your child should receive the shot. Side effects range from the minor to the more serious. Minor side effects include muscle soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and other aches and pains. More serious side effects include allergic reactions to the vaccine such as breathing problems, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, and a fast heartbeat or dizziness. The CDC has recognized the danger of an allergic reaction and recommends that those who have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past not get the flu shot before speaking with their health care professional. An even more serious side effect is Guillain-Barre syndrome in which the body damages its own nerve cells resulting in muscles weakness and sometimes paralysis.

The flu vaccine is always changing because the flu strains change from one year to the next. The swine flu is one such variation. The manufacturers of the vaccine, therefore, are taking a shot in the dark and hoping they get the right strain each year. After consideration of the risks associated with the vaccine, it is wise to weigh those risks against those of the flu.

When all is said and done, perhaps the safest way to avoid the flu (the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics also advocate these) is by practicing a few simple health habits to prevent the spread of the illness. Taking these steps can help people avoid the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the used tissue away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing.
- Keep yourself and any babies and children away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if you are in close contact with people who are sick or have been sick.

It seems like most every week I encounter at least one new patient who comes in with a chief complaint of carpal tunnel-like symptoms.  

While most reports list a common cause being repetitive flexion of the wrist (for example, repetitive use of a computer keyboard), there are typically other factors at play as well. These include forward head posture, rounded shoulders and other postural faults caused by shortened, adhesed muscles and other soft tissue structures. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involves compression of the median nerve, the nerve that supplies feeling and movement to the thumb and "thumb-side" of the hand. The transverse carpal ligament is suspected in most median nerve entrapments, but is seldom the cause of the problem. Entrapment anywhere along the course of the nerve can cause symptoms. Statistically, surgery has not proven to be very successful in resolving the cause of CTS. I have found the combination of ART (Active Release Techniques), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and Kinesio Taping to be very effective in helping alleviate the symptoms and eliminating the cause of CTS.

While performing ART, I use my hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. It is very common to find very tender areas at the proximal insertions of several muscles along the course of the nerve - from the scalenes at the neck, the pec minor and coracobrachialis at the upper arm, the pronator teres and flexor digitorum (superficialis and profundus) of the elbow and forearm, and at the carpal ligament at the wrist. When done correctly, ART has proven to be very successful in ridding the involved tissue of stubborn adhesions which restrict normal, efficient movement.

One recent study (Sept. Clinical Rheumatalogy) involving low-level laser therapy showed a significant difference between those patients receiving LLLT and those who were splinted. All patients in the study had been experiencing symptoms for over 3 months and were diagnosed with unilateral, mild-to-moderate CTS. The results of the study were quite revealing. The grip strength of splinting group was actually decreased significantly! 23% of the LLLT had full recovery and 57% had partial recovery, while only 4% of the splint group had full recovery.  It was concluded that laser therapy was more effective at stimulating nerve recovery than splinting.

The Kinesio Taping Method assists by reducing the edema and pain associated with the syndrome. I can also apply the tape in a space correction manner during acute inflammation, a fascia correction for chronic conditions, a mechanical correction to apply pressure to an area, or a functional correction to limit a certain movement. The great thing about the Kinesio Tape is that as long as it is worn, it is providing a therapeutic effect.

The three tools compliment one another very well, and all play a valuable role in facilitating the healing process. I have found that most cases of CTS respond almost immediately with significant reduction of symptoms within three to six visits.

 

The has been much talk recently in the health and nutrition media about the "anti-inflammatory" diet. While it seems to be the new thing, when you think about it, it has actually been around for many years. Whereas now it is a specific diet, it used to be more of a concept.

What's my point here? Well, there are some underlying themes that fuel inflammation. Rather than get all caught up in terms such as GMO-free vegetarian, all-organic, raw foods, etc...there are some simple guidelines which can be followed to ward off inflammation, promote a healthier system, and move closer to optimal health. There are five common dietary imbalances that cause inflammation.  They are: 1) too many calories, 2) too much saturated fat, 3) too much sugar and refined carbs, 4) high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and 5) high sodium to potassium ratio.

Unfortunately, all too often all five of these imbalances are present in many meals. Take a typical fast-food lunch for instance. One goes to the local Mickey D's and orders a cheeseburger, fries, and soft drink. This meal offers high calories, high saturated fat, highly refined carbohydrates, high sodium, and low amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If this person then hits the local Mellow Mushroom for dinner and has a meal consisting of of two slices of pizza, salad (iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons with blue cheese or Italian dressing) and a beer, the result is a second consecutive five-point pro-inflammatory exposure. While this scenario may sound far-fetched, believe me, this is not that uncommon for a lot of folks out there. I could give you several examples of meals which provide similar nutritional characteristics and are, therefore, no better than going to Mickey D's or Mellow Mushroom.

In my next newsletter, I will continue to explore this topic of "anti-inflammatory diets", including looking at various pro- vs. anti-inflammatory foods and how to apply the concepts of reducing inflammation in practical ways for all of us.