According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two out of every three Americans are obese or overweight. If the current trajectory continues one in two adults will be obese by 2030.
“Research shows obese people receive less income than people maintaining a healthy weight,” said Gregory Adams, MD at Bon Secours. “Obesity results in lost workdays, lower productivity and negative health outcomes, including diabetes and depression.”
There are many key factors that account for weight loss success. They include education, support and supplements. Applied Health gives you access to a team of specialists, doctors, nutritionist, trainers and counselors.
“Never underestimate the value of drive,” Adams said. “We can give you all the tools, but enthusiasm and effort are up to the individual.”
The cost of obesity
According to a George Washington University study released September 2010, the annual cost of being obese is $4,879 for a woman and $2,646 for a man. These were tallied by health care costs and wages lost from the salary differences between individuals who are height and weight proportionate and those who are obese.
Adapted from Healthy Communities Vol V No 2 Summer 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Low Back Pain FAQs & Stats
Back Pain Facts & Statistics
Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition. In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.1
A few interesting facts about back pain:
•One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.2
•Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
•Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
•Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.3
•Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.4
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
Manipulation as a Treatment for Back Problems
Used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century, manipulation has been largely ignored by most others in the health care community until recently. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment and cost effectiveness, manipulation is receiving more widespread attention.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.5
In fact, after an extensive study of all currently available care for low back problems, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. And it recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.6
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to make an informed choice about your back care. To learn more about how chiropractic manipulation may help you, contact a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area. Search our online database of ACA members to find a doctor of chiropractic near you.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
•Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
•Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
•Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
•Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
•Maintain proper posture.
•Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
•Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
•Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
•Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References:
1. Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.
2. Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.
3. This total represents only the more readily identifiable costs for medical care, workers compensation payments and time lost from work. It does not include costs associated with lost personal income due to acquired physical limitation resulting from a back problem and lost employer productivity due to employee medical absence. In Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville,
4. In Vallfors B, previously cited.
5. Time to recognize value of chiropractic care? Science and patient satisfaction surveys cite usefulness of spinal manipulation. Orthopedics Today 2003 Feb; 23(2):14-15.
6. Bigos S, Bowyer O, Braen G, et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guideline No.14. AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December, 1994.
Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition. In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.1
A few interesting facts about back pain:
•One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.2
•Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
•Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
•Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.3
•Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.4
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
Manipulation as a Treatment for Back Problems
Used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century, manipulation has been largely ignored by most others in the health care community until recently. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment and cost effectiveness, manipulation is receiving more widespread attention.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.5
In fact, after an extensive study of all currently available care for low back problems, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. And it recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.6
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to make an informed choice about your back care. To learn more about how chiropractic manipulation may help you, contact a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area. Search our online database of ACA members to find a doctor of chiropractic near you.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
•Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
•Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
•Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
•Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
•Maintain proper posture.
•Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
•Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
•Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
•Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References:
1. Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.
2. Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.
3. This total represents only the more readily identifiable costs for medical care, workers compensation payments and time lost from work. It does not include costs associated with lost personal income due to acquired physical limitation resulting from a back problem and lost employer productivity due to employee medical absence. In Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville,
4. In Vallfors B, previously cited.
5. Time to recognize value of chiropractic care? Science and patient satisfaction surveys cite usefulness of spinal manipulation. Orthopedics Today 2003 Feb; 23(2):14-15.
6. Bigos S, Bowyer O, Braen G, et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guideline No.14. AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December, 1994.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Calorie Count In The Juice Aisle
When in the juice aisle, looking over a stretch of shelves packed with
colors, claims and stats, you see plenty of key words: antioxidant,
all-natural, 100%. However, when it comes to satisfying your thirst, think
before you drink. Beverages can be a top source of sugar and empty calories
– and it’s not just soft drinks, it’s also juices and sports drinks.
While teas or juices seem like healthier options, these drinks can lead to
weight gain and high blood sugar. For instance, some cranberry drinks contain
18 teaspoons of sugar in a single serving.
Judy Heidenthal, registered dietitian at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center,
recommends drinking water – but not necessarily the eight glasses
traditionally cited. “Factors like age, health, activity level and climate all play
a role in how much we need to drink,” said Heidenthal. “The eight glasses per
day rule is not scientific. The easiest way to ensure you’re drinking enough
water is to check the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow, you’re probably
drinking enough.”
The recommended daily amount of total beverage consumption varies for
men and women. Experts suggest men should drink roughly 2.5 liters (10
cups) of liquids daily, while women should ingest about 2 liters (eight cups).
To reach these daily goals, Heidenthal recommends drinking sugar-free
beverages and water. According to American Dietetic Association (ADA),
calorie-free beverages are effective at managing weight, maintaining blood
glucose levels and preventing cavities.
colors, claims and stats, you see plenty of key words: antioxidant,
all-natural, 100%. However, when it comes to satisfying your thirst, think
before you drink. Beverages can be a top source of sugar and empty calories
– and it’s not just soft drinks, it’s also juices and sports drinks.
While teas or juices seem like healthier options, these drinks can lead to
weight gain and high blood sugar. For instance, some cranberry drinks contain
18 teaspoons of sugar in a single serving.
Judy Heidenthal, registered dietitian at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center,
recommends drinking water – but not necessarily the eight glasses
traditionally cited. “Factors like age, health, activity level and climate all play
a role in how much we need to drink,” said Heidenthal. “The eight glasses per
day rule is not scientific. The easiest way to ensure you’re drinking enough
water is to check the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow, you’re probably
drinking enough.”
The recommended daily amount of total beverage consumption varies for
men and women. Experts suggest men should drink roughly 2.5 liters (10
cups) of liquids daily, while women should ingest about 2 liters (eight cups).
To reach these daily goals, Heidenthal recommends drinking sugar-free
beverages and water. According to American Dietetic Association (ADA),
calorie-free beverages are effective at managing weight, maintaining blood
glucose levels and preventing cavities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)