How’s your back? A few aches and pains? Nothing that the doctor can really give a definitive diagnosis for? Are you now considering taking matters into your own hands and like more and more people are you exploring the possibility of visiting a Chiropractor?
The inception of modern chiropractic can be traced back to 1895 when Canadian Daniel David Palmer performed the first Chiropractic adjustment and went on to found The Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1897.

The 20th century saw the growth and development of the profession worldwide, gaining recognition and respect for the place it has taken in the primary care environment. Influential research has underpinned the development of the profession and has come both from both within and outside of the chiropractic research communities.
Chiropractic is the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions, which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their associated effects on the nervous system. The training of Chiropractors takes five years during which time medical subjects are studied to the level of GP’s and in other subjects (neurology, orthopaedics, radiology) to levels approaching consultants. After medicine and dentistry it is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world.

At a first consultation Chiropractors begin by discussing the patient’s symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and posture. The patient is then examined using standard neurological and orthopaedic tests and the joints are tested in motion. Treatment is through the use of hand movements known as adjustments, which restore normal motion in the joints.
The body has the capability to heal itself. If, through accident or lifestyle, a joint or vertebra becomes slightly misaligned, it can affect the nervous system, causing pain, discomfort or even disease. Chiropractors can restore normal alignment, which allows the body’s tissues and structures to heal.

Chiropractors use many different techniques to adjust the body, and always offer self-help advice as well and in fact the patient that follows the instructions of his Chiropractor at home is the one who will do the best, as in most things, we have to start by helping ourselves! X-rays may be taken and, if examination identifies underlying disease, or a condition for which chiropractic is inappropriate, immediate referral to a GP or consultant will follow. Chiropractors do not use drugs or undertake surgery.

It is perhaps less well known that Chiropractic treatment is suitable for all ages including pregnant women and the elderly and even babies and infants.

Many health insurance companies now pay for chiropractic treatment and chiropractors are recognised as primary health care professionals by the medical establishment. And many Chiropractors have clinic sessions early in the morning or in the early evening to fit in with busy working schedules. Fees vary, of course, but generally speaking are not beyond the reach of most.

I spoke to one Chiropractor who has his practice in The South of the UK. Dr. Robert Wilson MSc(Chiro) DC. came to the UK from South Africa and told me that his interest in Chiropractic started through his experience with the martial arts, as a gym instructor and during the time that he was in the army as a paramedic. In particular Dr. Wilson was concerned about the over use of medication in all areas and felt that Chiropractic, which relies in part on the body’s own ability to heal itself, was an area to which he could make a positive contribution.

Dr. Wilson told me that his patients vary in age from a baby of 10 days old with infantile colic to a 97 year old. ‘Obviously when you are dealing with a 20 stone rugby player your technique will be different to that used on a frail 97 year old.’ The most common complaint of the patients Dr. Wilson sees is lower back and neck pain which he attributes to the increase in bad posture, primarily amongst those sitting in front of computers for long periods.

So if that pain in the back is still niggling, perhaps it’s time that you looked into Chiropractic, it could be the answer you’ve been looking for!

Sharon Clarke nearly didn’t attend the ‘Out of the blue’ invite for a mammogram when she received it. ‘ I was too busy – and besides, nothing would be wrong.’ She said.

A last minute decision to attend and get this ‘ inconvenience’ out of the way turned out to be a life saving decision.

Nothing can prepare you for the words “ I am sorry to inform you that you have invasive breast cancer.” Sharon said “Cancer is a frightening word, which riveted me to my seat, sent a cold chill from my brain to my toes and left me speechless (for those who know me, finding me speechless will be hard to believe!).

Instead of listening to the all-important information about what was to happen next my mind was somewhere else. My immediate thoughts were that I was going to lose my breast, be in pain, lose my hair – and more seriously, was going to die.

Once the shock had subsided I remember questioning the diagnosis.
I had regularly checked myself for lumps and bumps and there was nothing. The doctor has also thoroughly examined me and could feel nothing, but the mammogram showed irregularities. Had they given me someone else’s results? No – they hadn’t. A needle biopsy concluded that it was a tumour and was aggressive, as it was growing at a rapid pace. I have worked for Royal Mail for nearly 30 years, starting as a post woman, then a driver, a PHG and finally a manager and I was touched at the amount of people from different areas who came to see me in hospital and at home. The genuine concern from my work colleagues and of course family and friends was also a great support. Life is precious, and I am just so happy that this type of screening programme opened up an opportunity to survive longer. I have also agreed to take part in trials to help to improve knowledge about cancer and to develop new treatments.

Seven months on I am still having treatment, the surgery is behind me now, so too is the chemotherapy and radiotherapy and my hair is just sprouting through!
I didn’t lose my breast – I had a lumpectomy, which removed the tumour, and some of the surrounding tissue to ensure no cancer cells were left behind to cause mischief! Lymph nodes were also removed to check for spread – and they were clear yippee!!
I still attend hospital regularly to see the Oncologist and now take Tamoxifen to suppress the hormone Oestrogen that feeds the type of cancer that I have. In addition I go to the day unit every three weeks to be given Herceptin intravenously.

The support I have received from the Breast Clinic, Surgeon, Oncologist, Chemotherapy staff, Radiologists and Macmillan nurses have been and still are phenomenal. In the UK, all women between the ages of 50 and 69 are offered mammograms (breast x-rays) every three years as part of a national breast-screening programme. This aims to detect breast cancers early, so that there is a high chance of successful treatment.
Women between the ages of 40 and 50, who have a close relative with breast cancer, can discuss with their GP whether they should have a regular screening before the age of 50.Mammography can detect changes in the breast tissue before they develop into a lump large enough to be felt with the fingers.

And Sharon’s message to any woman who thinks she hasn’t the time to attend for a mammogram?

Too busy? Think again!

Arthritis is a very common medical condition, affecting about millions of people world wide. And affects women more than men. In fact it is not a single disease, but comes in about 200 different forms.

The term ‘arthritis’ essentially means an inflammation of the joints. This inflammation makes the joints painful, stiff, swollen, and in severe cases can significantly restrict movement. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system, which acts to repel infections and other foreign invaders, malfunctions, and attacks the tissues of the body itself.

Why this happens is unclear. Genetic factors play a role, but not in every case.

Specifically focusing on rheumatoid arthritis, this condition is caused by inflammation of the lining (synovium) of the joints.

In some people, it can also affect other parts of the body, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. The joints affected by the disease may also lose shape, resulting in loss of normal movement.

Research suggests that in some cases the condition may be triggered by an infection. Rheumatoid arthritis causes affected joints to feel tender, stiff and swollen. The symptoms can last for a long period of time, or may suddenly flare up, and then recede again.

In severe cases the condition can cause serious joint damage and disability. So what is the current thinking on easing the symptoms of the condition? It is widely thought that eating a varied and balanced diet can help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Exercise, too, is thought to be helpful.

Physical therapy is widely used, as are alternative therapies such as acupuncture and magnet therapy, which I covered in 2005. There are, of course, many prescription medicines available for relief of the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

Each class of medicines works in a different way. Some are used only for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, while others help patients with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Various types of surgery are used to treat arthritis, but usually only in serious cases where other treatments have failed but if you are one for whom this surgery is recommended, a successful outcome will undoubtedly bring a new lease of life.

Surgeries commonly undertaken on arthritis sufferers are:

Arthrodesis: A procedure to fuse the bones together in an arthritic joint by removing the cartilage and putting a bone graft in the joint. This is done to create a solid, and hopefully pain free, structure.
Arthroplasty: The rebuilding or replacement of an entire joint.
Arthroscopy: The use of tiny instruments to trim and wash out abnormal cartilage fragments, and/or bony overgrowths.
Osteotomy: A correction of hip or knee deformities in younger patients
Synovectomy: The removal of diseased lining of the joints.

Recent studies done using mice in Sweden apparently found that a small amount of alcohol in their water each day greatly reduced the onset of symptoms from their induced arthritis and once symptoms did develop those symptoms made far less impact than on the mice in the study who had not been given alcohol. It was concluded that a small amount of alcohol might stimulate testosterone, which in turn inhibits the release of proteins that trigger the inflammation of arthritis. As yet there have been no definitive guidelines as to how much or what type of alcohol might be recommended to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis but I will keep an eye on this for you. Ancient Chinese herb treatments are also gaining popularity with those for whom the traditional prescribed medicines have not worked.

So we have arrived in November, holidays now over, children back to school and shortly your surgery will be offering flu jabs. Some groups at risk like the elderly, those with conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart conditions to name a few are offered jabs as a mater of course. Then there is the old chestnut, how can we tell what is flu and what is a cold? Both colds and the flu are viral infections that exhibit similar symptoms, such as coughing and sore throat. A cold however, is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, on the other hand, is usually more severe, with symptoms that include the sudden onset of high fever and the addition of aches and pains.

Flu symptoms like fever chest discomfort, headaches aches and pains extreme exhaustion and residual tiredness that can last for 2-3 weeks and a dry severe cough are common and although most of these symptoms do occur with a cold the severity of the tiredness and other symptoms is much less, with any associated cough being mostly chesty.

Once you have been infected with either flu or a cold it is important to act within two days of the start of symptoms.

Learning the facts about flu is the first step toward protecting yourself. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection and it is highly contagious. It is most common in the autumn and winter, and is caused mainly by viruses called “type A” and “type B” influenza viruses. These enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes.
When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. School-age children are often the first to get the flu, which they carry home and to other places in they visit

The flu generally strikes 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. Fever is one indicator of the flu in all age groups. However, fever alone is not sufficient for a flu diagnosis.
Common flu symptoms have been identified for three different age groups: Adults and children over 5 years Children under 5 years and elderly individuals.
To recognise flu in adults and children over 5 years look out for: fever chills/sweats, cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, fatigue and weakness and sore throat.
If you develop these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. Get a diagnosis within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms and, if appropriate, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication, which attacks the influenza virus (the flu) and stops it from spreading inside the body.
In children under 5 years call your doctor if your child complains of or if you observe: fever vomiting, diarrhoea, nasal inflammation, and sore throat.
Flu in the 50+ populations often presents with fever fatigue and weakness confusion and nasal obstruction.
A doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication, which, if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, attacks the flu virus and stops it from spreading inside the body.
It is important that you rest. It will help you get better and keep you from spreading the flu virus. Flu is contagious for 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear. You should drink plenty of fluids, which your body will need to avoid dehydration.

To help alleviate symptoms, hot liquids may relieve the feeling of congestion. Taking a pain reliever, may lessen aches and fever. Over the counter medications, while not treating the virus that causes flu – may also temporarily relieve flu symptoms.
Of course, never give aspirin to a child under 12 who has the flu, or any fever-causing illness, due to the risk of a serious adverse effect known as Reye’s syndrome.
Antibiotics are only useful for treating bacterial infections and cannot cure flu which is a viral infection. Antivirals are the only prescription medications that can treat the flu.

Flu can be a very serious illness in the elderly infirm and in the very young. If you are offered a flu jab, have one. Surely it is worth trying to avoid the misery that a true dose of the flu can bring? As with anything else it is important for us to do our best to help ourselves. Trying to ensure that we are eating a healthy diet is definitely a step in the right direction!

If you do get infected however, taking to your bed, rather than spreading your germs to friends and colleagues is the by far the best course of action.

I know that there is a lot of pressure to turn up at work whatever state we are in but it really is not a good idea to spread germs that may have a very serious effect on a more medically vulnerable person. So have a good winter and above all – keep well!

I read an article recently by a Dr. Caddle a certified doctor in body surgery and also a writer in body fitness. Dr. Caddle started by asking:
Exercise, is it really important? Caddle observed that for some, exercise is a part of their lives and they would’t feel right without taking their morning exercise such as jogging or even just simple stretching. Then there are those that couldn’t end the day without going to the gym to run a whole mile on a treadmill, or to lift heavy weights to build up their muscles. Then there are the rest of us, me included to whom this would be unthinkable, so I thought it would be worth finding out the true reason that we need to exercise and how much of it we really need.
Men know that a good physique will attract the women and also gives them a good opportunity to show off. Women may also want a good figure for the same reason: to feel good about themselves and to attract men. This is the reason that some people make it their habit to go to the gym and do weight loss exercise because it makes them feel good about how they look. But a lot of people don’t have that kind of reasoning, and do not place such importance on looking good physically and that is why obesity has become an increasing problem in some countries, especially in the US and the UK.
Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated and is being stored in the body to such an extent that their health may be negatively affected. Obesity arises from taking in too much energy in in the form of calories for a person’s basal metabolic rate to utilise or cope with, put simply, too much input combined with too little output causes obesity.
So why do people who gain weight get so much flack Is it because being fat doesn’t make you look good? Well we know that that is not the only reason why being fat is not good and on this site the associated diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis have been well documented. And as a result, we are told, obesity has been found to reduce life expectancy, although there are differing opinions in this respect.
Caddle maintains that being overweight doesn’t only make you feel heavy and uneasy on the outside, but also heavy and uneasy on the inside. I am not sure that I entirely agree with that as many people are overweight and happy and lead active lives. But it is true that much attention is being paid to the growing population of the obese and the overweight.
The moral of the story is that you must put out as much as you put in to your body to maintain a steady weight or to lose weight you will need to use more energy than you take in, in the form of calories. And this is where the trouble starts. People who are very overweight feel self conscious about going to the gym and coming face to face with the toned sinewy and sweaty bodies of the dedicated exercisers whom we spoke about earlier. But the gym is not the only form of exercise available. Walking is great and so is swimming. All right, I know that if you were reluctant to go eyeball to manic eyeball with the gym bunnies then stripping off to a swimsuit might be a bit of an ask to begin with so maybe start with walking. After all why confine yourself to a treadmill smelling other peoples sweaty pits when you could get out in the fresh air and replace a food feast with a visual feast to get your exercise. I am not a diet Nazi and I do firmly believe that you can be overweight and still be healthy and happy.

The secret for everyone overweight or not, is to keep active. If you have a dog, that will be taken care of for you! But try taking you pooch for a more demanding walk or a longer walk, or a walk over rougher terrain, (walking on rough terrain burns more energy) or if you fancy trampolining, you can get very neat small ones to use at home.

I think that those programmes like the Wii games and keep fit modules would also be great fun although I confess I have not tried them myself. I think the secret of exercise is to make it interesting. Try to find something that appeals to you, that you will look forward to doing, rather than something to have to do.

As with many things I think that categorising people into rigid parameters is dangerous and does not necessarily give the best results.

So use a bit of imagination when you think about the exercise that will work for you. There is no need to go mad, just keep moving and keep as fit as you can and do try to find something that you think you can stick at. There is nothing more demoralising or counterproductive than starting on an exercise campaign and then giving up after a couple of weeks. If it is going to be a part of your life and do you the maximum good, then it needs to stick! Good luck!