While sugar may only have 15 calories per teaspoon, it masks the adverse effects it can have on your health. Sugar induces cravings and often results in binge eating — which can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart problems, tooth decay, and deprives your body of vital nutrients.

Knowing this, consumers opt for artificial sweeteners, such as Aspartame and saccharin — which have been linked to a long line of health problems and disease.

An Evaluation of Consumer Complaints Related to Aspartame Use, reviewed 231 cases of Aspartame complaints and found that the most common symptoms are aggressive behavior, disorientation, hyperactivity, extreme numbness, excitability, memory loss, loss of depth perception, liver impairment, cardiac arrest, seizures, suicidal tendencies, severe mood swings, headaches, and death.

Ralph G. Walton, MD, Chairman, The Center for Behavioral Medicine, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, conducted additional studies, which supported this data.

Walton analyzed 164 studies, of which 74 were funded with aspartame-industry sponsorship, and found 92% identified one or more problems with Aspartame.

SOURCE: www.emagazine.com, January-February 2001; “FDA issuing for collusion with Monsanto,” Nancy Markle; www.holisticmed.com, October 17, 1996; Center for Disease Control, www.swankin-turner.com.

Here are several cases in point of people who have been helped by Acupuncture after they endured a condition for years, even decades.

Linda had been suffering from severe headaches for the past 25 years. The cause of her condition was isolated to food and inhaled allergies. After trying numerous remedies, her life changed within just several weeks when she began Acupuncture treatments. “I’m happy to say that after only 3 treatments my headaches are almost gone, and I feel happier and I have a better outlook on life.”

Jim Curran didn’t wait 3 years, just 1 year before he visited an acupuncturist to seek help for recurring ear infections. Before Acupuncture, his typical trip to a doctor would include having his ear drained and paying $75 for medications. While this was occurring, his hearing in the ear was getting worse. That’s when a friend suggested Acupuncture. Jim admits that little happened during his first three visits. “On the fourth treatment, there was a burning sensation in the ear. It felt like it was on fire. I heard a little pop and from that day forward I have never gotten the ear infection back and my hearing has almost returned to normal.” He is definitely convinced that Acupuncture works.

Rebecca had been suffering from excruciating dry eyes and insomnia for 3 years. She said she never felt rested as she could never fall into a deep sleep. Her dry eyes were so painful that she said she literally had to peel her eyelids off of her eyes. Countless visits to doctors and even a dietician produced no help. Finally, her last resort was Acupuncture.  Help for Rebecca was not instant, but after 3 visits she had such trust in her acupuncturist that she was determined to continue. “I kept going for treatment mainly because she was the only person who acknowledged I wasn’t well. But, to my amazement, after 14 treatments I got better overnight. I was amazed that the insomnia, dry eyes and a host of other symptoms disappeared at the same time.” Rebecca says that she has been well for a year, and that she has now become an Acupuncture student.

Acupuncture has been known to help people with all sorts of bodily conditions. Many of these people, like the ones here, had pretty much given up hope that any help could be found for what was plaguing them.  And, frequently, in Western culture, many people try lots of other remedies first.

One day in the near future, as more and more folks find out that Acupuncture does indeed work, people may seek out an acupuncturist first and save a great deal of time and money on the way to better health.

Source: Acupuncture.com. Testimonials. http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/allergy3.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/earinfection.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/dryeyes.htm

A variety of drugs that doctors prescribe for these problems fall into a class known as anticholinergic medications. These drugs work to block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This substance affects the way nerve impulses are transmitted, thus producing such effects as reduced blood pressure or lesser symptoms of depression. Some are used to control allergies or stomach acid and others to reduce incontinence.

A recent study found that these medications are producing undesirable effects on older persons. One of the very noticeable changes is that older people taking these medications are walking more slowly. In essence, many are behaving in a way that would be characteristic of a person who is several years older than their current chronological age.

“These results were true even in older adults who have normal memory and thinking abilities,” said Kaycee M. Sink, M.D., lead author of the study recently completed at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “For older adults taking a moderately anticholinergic medication, or two or more mildly anticholinergic medications, their function was similar to that of someone three to four years older.”

Generally, blood pressure medications have a mild level of anticholinergic properties. Antacids would have a higher amount, and incontinence medications would be very high in the blocker. In the study of more than 3,000 persons with an average age of 78 years, 40 percent of the participants were taking more than one anticholinergic drug.

In another study, researchers found that patients who received dementia drugs and medication for incontinence at the same time had a 50 percent faster decline in their functions than did persons who were being treated only for dementia. “Over a year’s time, the decline we observed would represent a resident going from requiring only limited assistance in an activity to being completely dependent, or from requiring only supervision to requiring extensive assistance in an activity,” said Dr. Sink.

The two most common medical conditions in nursing homes for which drugs are given have to do with dementia and urinary incontinence. Caregivers who are responsible for aging parents or loved ones in a nursing home would be wise to check with the person’s physician regarding prescriptions for these two conditions. If anticholinergic medications and dementia medicines are both being prescribed, there is a very good chance that the aging process of the patient will be rapidly accelerated, according to the results of this study.

Source: Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Press Release. “Dual Treatment of Incontinence and Dementia Associated with Functional Decline” May 2008.
http://www1.wfubmc.edu/News/NewsARticle.htm?ArticleID=2359 and Science Daily. Press Release. “Commonly Used Medications Associated with Impaired Physical Function in Older Adults.” May 2008. http://www.sciencedaily.com:80/releases/2008/05/080504095641.htm

The study conducted by the Honolulu Heart Program has been going on for over 40 years. During this time researchers tracked the physical health and longevity of 5,280 Japanese-American men who lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. The aim of the study was to determine longevity based on a number of factors that were associated with reduced disability and longer life.

The overall health of each study participant was tracked through the period of 40 years extending from 1965 to 2005. Each of the individuals was measured for grip strength at the start. They were also checked for overweight, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, smoking and excessive use of alcohol.

Of the group, approximately 42 percent reached their 85th birthday while 58 percent died before reaching this age of the “oldest old.” Of the surviving group, 13 percent of the men were living with one or more chronic diseases but had no disability to speak of. Eighteen percent of the men were living with some disability but no chronic disease. Finally, 11 percent of the group now named “exceptional survivors” reached their 85th birthday with no chronic disease and no disability.

It is most interesting to note that the “exceptional survivors” had greater grip strength in their middle years. Researchers indicated that this was because they were more physically fit at that time. In addition, this group also tended to be leaner in their youth and middle adulthood years. During their middle years they also had lower levels of triglyceride, glucose and uric acid, indicating a lower risk for the later development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

According to the study, a person’s chance of making it to 85 and over is near 69 percent with none of the six risk factors present, and all the way down to 22 percent with all six factors present. More and more men are living to reach the age of the “oldest old,” and it is the fastest-growing segment of the population in most industrial nations, according to researchers.

The factors analyzed in this study are of most interest since they are life-style considerations that can easily be monitored and regulated by the individual. The elimination of smoking, heavy alcohol use, weight reduction and the monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure levels are all things a person can do something about. The question for a person is, “Are you ready to take the steps required to help improve your chances of hitting 85?” The choice is up to you.

Source: National Institute on Aging. Press Release. “Fewer Risk Factors in Midlife Linked to Healthier, Longer Lives for Men.” 2006. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20061114midliferisk.htm
HEALTH REPORT
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 43

Vitamin D has recently been touted for enhancing health and warding off major health problems. These include providing help in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and hypertension. Additionally, it is known to help in the production of strong bones which reduces the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In fact, its anti-inflammatory properties might also protect against many other diseases and immune disorders.

The recommended daily doses for Vitamin D have been established for some time and are now being looked at for possible increase. Daily recommendations are now set at 200 International Units (IU) per day for persons under the age of 50, 400 IU for those 50 to 70 and 600 IU for those over 70.

Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) got into the action with a policy statement at the organization’s annual meeting held in Chicago. According to the AMA, the organization would like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to re-examine the current daily intake value of Vitamin D based on new scientific finds about its benefits. “The health benefits of Vitamin D are plentiful, such as strong bones and a reduced risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease,” said AMA Board Member Steven Stack, M.D. “It’s time to take a good look at the current daily recommended level of Vitamin D and ensure that Americans know the appropriate levels so they can reap the full health benefits.”

In a case where a person does contract cancer, having higher levels of Vitamin D may bode well for their future survival. A study recently conducted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Harvard University showed that among colon cancer patients, those with greater Vitamin D levels had a much higher chance of survival than those with lower levels of Vitamin D.

For this study, researchers identified 304 colon cancer victims between 1991 and 2002. Each had provided a blood sample at least 2 years before they became ill with colon cancer. The group was divided into four quartiles. The highest Vitamin D levels were assigned to the top 25 percent and the lowest levels to the bottom quartile. During the time of the study until 2005, 123 of the patients died, 96 of them dying from the cancer.

Researchers found that those in the highest quartile were 48 percent less likely to succumb to colon cancer than those in the lowest group of Vitamin D levels. “Our data suggests that the higher pre-diagnosis plasma levels of Vitamin D after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may significantly improve overall survival,” the authors of the study said. “Future trials should examine the role of Vitamin D supplementation in patients with colorectal cancer.”

It looks like a lot more is going to be said and written about the healthful and healing qualities of Vitamin D in the future, and there is a very good chance the daily recommended levels may go higher.

Sources: Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Study Links Vitamin D to Colon Cancer Survival.” June 2008. http://www.danafarber.
org/abo/news/press/2008/study-links-vitamin-d-to-colon-cancer-survival.html and The American Medical Association. “AMA Adopts New Public
Health Policies at Annual Meeting.” June 2008.http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/18696.html
HEALTH REPORTS
Vol. 12 Issue 90
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The order they are disputing is one which many raw and natural food experts agree is greatly reducing the food and nutritional value of almonds. It is now law that all California almonds be steam-heated or treated with the agent propylene oxide – a product the Environmental Protection Agency recognizes as a carcinogenic – before being sold to American consumers. Moreover, these treated almonds can still legally be sold as “raw” even though they have been subjected to one of these nutrition altering measures.

The reason for the fumigation has to do with two known outbreaks of salmonella poisoning in the past decade that appear to be traceable to almonds. As a result, the USDA in conjunction with the California Almond Board invoked a plan that began on Sept. 1, 2007, to treat almonds as a necessary food safety requirement. This was done even though the USDA investigators were never able to pinpoint how salmonella bacteria somehow contaminated raw almonds. Their investigation did center around one large “factory farm” almond and pistachio grower who raised over 9,000 acres of product.

This order by the USDA virtually wiped out much of the business for the 15 smaller almond growers and handlers involved in the suit, as much of their product was destined for the health food market where people value the nutritional qualities of raw or organically-grown almonds. Now the market for raw almonds is being filled by product coming into the U.S. from outside the country where the same treatment laws do not apply to imported almonds.

According to the suit, tens of thousands of angry consumers have contacted the USDA to protest this new regulation. Many have expressed outrage that almonds that have been fumigated or heated can still be sold as “raw.” While this consumer voice has been heard in Washington, it does not appear the USDA is much concerned. The following comment is from Bruce Knight, Under Secretary of the USDA for Marketing and Regulatory Programs while speaking at an Almond Industry Conference in California in December 2007: “I want you to know that the USDA is continuing to receive letters from raw food advocates and their Congressional representatives opposing the salmonella treatment rule. However, we are not planning to reconsider this rule.”

Regardless of this deaf ear presented by an official of the USDA, persons interested in preserving the natural quality of their food would be well-advised to continue to write to their elected representatives to get these regulations changed. In the meantime, a health conscious person who wants “raw” almonds will have to be very certain of the source before making a purchase. Remember, the word “raw” on the label is no guarantee of a non -pasteurized or -fumigated product.

Source: The Cornucopia Institute. “Almond Growers and Handlers File Federal Lawsuit Seeking to End ‘Adulteration’ of Raw Nuts.” September 2008.
http://www.cornucopia.org/index.php/almond-growers-and-handlers-file-federal-lawsuit-seeking-to-end-adulteration-of-raw-nuts/#more-494 and the USDA. “A
Strong Outlook for US Agriculture.” December 2007. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/speeches/content/2007/12/Almonds%20final%2012-6-07.doc
HEALTH REPORTS
Vol. 12 Issue 115
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The story of Michael Phelps and his eight gold medal performance continues to rocket around the globe faster than a 50 meter “splash and dash” race. Following on the heels of this record-shattering effort is one of even more Herculean significance. Michael Phelps and his family beat the symptoms of ADHD and gave him a drug-free handling.

This does not mean that teachers, psychologists and doctors did not push the drugging choice into Michael’s life. This highly energetic child who could not sit still or be quiet in school did get huge pressure to accept the drugging solution that is almost immediately pushed in our society today. Michael’s mom Debbie, an educator herself, was not happy with this solution and worked to pursue alternatives.

Yes, there was a period of time in Michael’s life where he and his family agreed to give the drugs a try. It actually went on for almost two years before Michael was a teenager. After a while, Michael decided to say no to the drugs. He decided he could handle the situation without the medication, and he did. Swimming provided a major outlet for his energy and certainly a focus for his attention that doctors and teachers said he’d never be able to achieve without drugs.

Michael’s performance in the Olympics and the way he and his family dealt with his problems is highly laudable and has drawn praise from many. This comment from national organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) basically says it all:

“It’s important for people living with ADHD to pursue interests they enjoy and at which they excel,” said CHADD Board President Marie Paxson. “Phelps’ success demonstrates that being a part of a supportive family, setting goals, engaging in enjoyable activities and receiving positive feedback are all important in the building of self-esteem. Phelps is clearly an exceptionally talented athlete and a source of pride for millions of people affected by ADHD.”

Michael Phelps and his mom Debbie are to be commended for standing up against the pressures of the drugging industry and beating his symptoms of ADHD with family involvement, athletic activity (in his case) and lots of support. It is hoped that this one person’s ability to embrace a drug-free solution will be an inspiration to many more youngsters and their families in handling their own ADHD solutions without drugs.

Eight gold medals in one Olympic Games is a truly magnificent performance. If this feat serves to enlighten a world that there are solutions to ADHD that reach beyond drugs, it will be the Olympic story for all times.

Source: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Press Release. August 2008.
http://www.chadd.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Press_Releases1&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7437
HEALTH REPORTS
Vol. 12 Issue 108
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A group of researchers from the Group Health Center for Health Studies investigated the cases of 3,519 persons 65 and older who had been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Cases were studied to determine which of the persons had received flu shots and which had not taken the precaution. All received hospital care during the flu seasons 2000 through 2002.

The findings of the study showed that those who had been immunized against the flu were no less likely to develop pneumonia that required hospital care than those who had not been vaccinated. According to flu season hype and advertising, researchers had expected to find a much higher rate of pneumonia among the group that did not receive flu shots. However, this was not the case.

“This [study] suggests that the flu vaccine doesn’t protect seniors as much as had been thought,” said lead study author Michael L. Jackson, PhD, of the Group Health Center for Health Studies. In fact, the study which included persons from age 65 all the way up to 94 found no link between flu vaccination and the risk of pneumonia during the 3 flu seasons.

The methodology of the study involved comparing two groups of patients: people who were treated in a hospital or elsewhere for pneumonia and people similar to the first group in age and gender but with no symptoms of pneumonia. All of the persons were studied to make certain they had immune systems that were intact with none of the persons residing in a nursing home facility. Both of these groups had the same rate of flu vaccinations, and there was no significant difference recorded in their rates of pneumonia.

This study is considered to be the largest of its kind ever developed. “We tried to overcome the limits of previous studies done by others,” he said. “Those studies may have overestimated the benefits of the flu vaccine in the elderly for various reasons.”

Seniors are advised to weigh the risks with the promised benefits of flu shots before making the decision to get an annual vaccination. However, if the reason to get a flu shot is to reduce the risk of pneumonia, this data certainly helps to put a new light on the value of such a vaccination.

The Group Health Center for Health Studies is a Seattle-based organization that conducts research on preventing, diagnosing and treating major health problems. Published in The Lancet.

Source: The Center for Health Services. “Flu Vaccine May Not Protect Seniors Well.” July 2008. http://www.centerforhealthstudies.org/newsroom/newsrel/2008/080731.html

The word “wort” is defined as a medicinal plant. St. John’s wort is produced from the extracts of the plant Hypericum perforatum (commonly known as Tipton’s weed or Klamath weed). It has a history of being prescribed more frequently in Europe and especially in Germanic-speaking countries where it is used to treat depression and sleep disorders.

A study was recently conducted by the Centre for Complementary Medicine in Munich, Germany involving 5,489 patients with symptoms of major depression. Researchers reviewed 29 separate trials on the way to reaching their conclusion using a well-known rating system to measure depression levels. The results of the study were published in The Cochrane Library.

“Overall, we found that the St. John’s wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to placebos and as effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects,” said Klaus Linde, the lead researcher. Also of note was that fewer persons taking the St. John’s wort dropped out of the study due to undesirable side effects. And it was interesting to note that persons from Germanic countries had the highest overall success rate with the herbal product.

In presenting the positive findings of the study, Mr. Linde urged caution to a person considering an immediate switch to a St. John’s wort remedy. He suggested that patients seek consultation from a healthcare professional and to be a selective consumer when purchasing a St. John’s wort product. “Using a St. John’s wort extract might be justified, but products on the market vary considerably,” he said.

Still, it is very interesting to learn of the possibilities that St. John’s wort could have among the large segment of the American population that has turned to pharmaceutical drugs as a remedy for even minor feelings of depression. Based on the findings of this study, many thousands could be helped without drugs and their harmful side effects.

Source: Centre for Complementary Medicine. “St. John’s Wort Relieves Symptoms of Major Depression.” October 2008.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-10/w-sjw100208.php

As a result of the lawsuit, the attorney general seeks to recover millions of dollars of taxpayer and consumer money improperly spent on Zyprexa. This money was spent as a result of the company’s illegal marketing of the drug and millions more required to treat the serious side effects resulting from use of Zyprexa. According to the suit, the deceptive marketing campaign concealed the risks associated with the drug including the onset of diabetes, cardiovascular problems and significant weight gain.

Zyprexa has been on the market since it was introduced in 1996. In the United States, it is prescribed for short- and long-term schizophrenia, acute mixed and manic episodes of bipolar disorder and for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. According to the company, 23 million people worldwide have been prescribed the drug to treat these disorders. These are the only uses for which Zyprexa has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the suit, Eli Lilly created unlawful enterprises to promote Zyprexa for unapproved uses and at the same time worked to avoid federal prohibitions against off-label drug marketing. (“Off-label” is prescribing drugs for uses that have not be approved by the FDA.) Some of these nefarious activities included creating a facade of independent doctors paid by Eli Lilly to promote Zyprexa to peers at “educational” forums and to pay ghostwriters to create favorable articles promoting Zyprexa for unapproved uses while omitting details about the serious side effects of the drug. This would include unapproved uses for adolescents at detention centers and the elderly in nursing homes. Sometimes these promoting physicians received tens of thousands of dollars to illegally promote Zyprexa, according to the suit.

Through the Connecticut Medial Assistance Programs (CMAP), the state pays for part or all medical benefits for those enrolled. This includes pregnant women, newborns, adults with disabilities, people age 65 and over and people who live in nursing homes. Between 1996 and 2006, the CMAP spent more than $190 million on Zyprexa. In addition, millions of dollars have also been spent to treat injuries related to the use of Zyprexa.

“The illegal marketing campaign exploited children and senior citizens, causing severe weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular problems,” said Blumenthal. “Through a complex series of illegal rackets and lies, Eli Lilly built a multi-billion dollar drug enterprise at the expense of taxpayers, consumers and patient’s lives. This action seeks millions for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers who continue to suffer the financial and physical ruin resulting from the improper prescribing of Zyprexa. Eli Lilly adopted a sick marketing mindset: profits over patients, sales over safety. Driven by fierce greed, Eli Lilly corrupted doctors, pharmacies and public officials nationwide who easily abandoned integrity and decency for self-enrichment.”

“Despite only limited studies on its efficacy and safety, and only limited federally approved use,” said Blumenthal, “Zyprexa has become the third best-selling drug in the world. As a result of Eli Lilly’s illegal promotions, the company has grossed an estimated $22 billion to date.”

Sources: The State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. Press Release. “Blumenthal Sues Eli Lilly for Illegally Marketing Antipsychotic Drug Zyprexa for Unapproved Uses.” March 2008. http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2795&Q=411628 and Eli Lilly Company, Inc., Press Release. “Statement form Eli Lilly and Company: Response to Connecticut Attorney General News Release.” March 2008. http://newsroom.lilly.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=299082