Study Shows Glucosamine Not Effective for Lower Back Pain

A new study shows that Glucosamine does not work any better than a placebo for lower back pain.

More than 20 million adults in the US suffer from lower back pain. It is the second most common symptom presented to primary care physicians. Glucosamine sulfate is among the most popular forms of self treatment for this ailment, with 6 million Americans using this form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) according to a 2007 study.

Glucosamine no better than placebo

Philip Wilkens and his colleagues at Oslo University Hospital, and the University of Oslo, Norway gave 250 adults with chronic lower back pain and degenerative osteoarthritis either 1,500 mg daily of glucosamine sulfate or a placebo for a year. Patients taking the glucosamine showed no better results than those taking the placebo. This was the first large, randomized, double-blind study to look at the efficacy of glucosamine for treating back pain.

The authors reported, "No statistically significant difference in change between groups was found when assessed after the six-month intervention period and at one year for RMDQ (the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, a widely used health status measure for low back pain), and for measures of lower back pain at rest, lower back pain during activity and quality-of-life."

The results were published in the July 7 issue of The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA).  "Based on our results, it seems unwise to recommend glucosamine to all patients with chronic low back pain," say the researchers in the JAMA article.

Make informed choices

In prior studies, glucosamine has shown some limited promise in treating knee osteoarthritis. This new information does not mean that anyone should necessarily change their supplement regime. Just be aware of the latest science, make informed choices, and spend money wisely. If you have any questions check with your doctor.

Women More Concerned About Weight than Health

Women in the US seem more concerned with how much they weigh than the state of their health.

Even though weight and health are inseparable, a new AP-iVillage poll of 1,000 adult women shows that fifty percent are not satisfied with their weight—while only a third say they don’t like the status of their health.

The survey also found that the women only exercised 80 minutes per week, and a meager eight percent consumed the recommended five-servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The latest research by the American College of Sports Medicine shows that it takes “150 to 250 minutes per week of physical activity for even modest weight loss, and even more to keep it off.”

The road to great health and a buff body are not paved with good intentions, but rather, consistent and positive lifestyle choices. So, get off the couch and bring an apple for your walk!

Whether steeped in fact or fiction, the truth about tea is that people love it

White tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, red rooibos tea, herbal tea. After water, tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. People from many cultures take pleasure in the ritual of tea drinking—experiencing quiet contemplative moments, conversation with friends, celebrations and ceremonies. There must be something pretty special about this brew. So many teas…so little time! Find your favorite and put the kettle on to boil.

Navigating the world of tea can be a steamy voyage. The easiest route to discovering your favorite is to divide and conquer:

True teas are derived from the camellia sinensis (also called the tea tree), a species of plant whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce white, green, black and oolong teas.

Herbal teas, which include red rooibos, chamomile, peppermint and a nearly endless list of others, are not technically “teas” at all. They come from the flowers, roots, leaves and other parts of the plants they are typically named for.

True Teas

The only difference between true teas is in the way they are processed. The darker the tea, the more its leaves have been processed. White and green teas are the least processed and, as you might imagine, seem to have the highest health benefits—particularly green tea with the highest concentration of antioxidants.

The antioxidants contained in true teas are called polyphenols, which can protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are believed to cause a wide variety of cellular problems, including abnormal cell mutation and cell death.

Green is still the rock star of teas. Scientists have studied it far more extensively than any other type of tea and have found that it contains some of the most powerful antioxidants known. However, none of these studies are considered “solid proof,” at least not by the government. There’s still a lot of debate going on about whether or not the health claims are true, therefore, the FDA does not allow green tea producers to include health benefits on their packaging.

Regardless, green tea’s reputation for offering unlimited benefits has sent it sailing upward on popularity charts.

Tisane teas, more commonly referred to as herbal teas, are not made with the leaves of the tea plant. Instead they are made from herbs and any combination of dried leaves, flowers, bark, fruit, roots, grasses, nuts and/or seeds. Herbal teas are really botanical infusions that look like tea and are brewed in boiling water like tea. Selected ingredients give them their taste and contribute to an array of folk and researched-based benefits.

In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal teas are prescribed to address a variety of health concerns. Health benefits linked to herbal teas are widely reported, but you may be surprised to find out that very few scientific studies actually exist on the matter. There just isn’t much data supporting either side, yet they maintain almost a cult following of fans.

Whether for health benefits, or simply because a cup of hot tea soothes your soul, stick to your favorites (which for me is white tea with a squeeze of agave nectar and a splash or two of milk), try a new variety, relax, and breathe deeply to enjoy all that tea time can offer.

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The Next Health Wave is White

Move over green tea. The popularity of white tea is gathering momentum and here’s why: White tea is measured to have an antioxidant content up to three times greater than green tea. And white tea lacks the grassy green tea taste that many people find unpleasant.

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Cutting back on caffeine?

According to the American Dietetic Association, a cup of tea contains an average of 40 mg of caffeine, compared to 85 mg as found in a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

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Study found tea may protect against ovarian cancer
Researchers from Sweden followed more than 60,000 women ages 40 to 76 for more than 15 years. Analysis of their food frequency questionnaire showed that women who drank more than two cups of tea per day lowered their ovarian cancer risk by 46 percent; those who drank one cup of tea each day lowered their risk by 24 percent. On average, each additional cup of tea was associated with an 18 percent decrease in the risk for developing ovarian cancer. The results of this study were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in December 2005.

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Study found that green tea reduces death rates from heart disease

Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan investigated data of more than 400,000 participants aged 40 to 79 years. These individuals were followed for 11 years, and the death rates from heart disease, cancer and other causes were analyzed. Researchers found that the heart disease death rate from participants who drank more than five cups of green tea daily is 26 percent lower in the first seven years of study. In addition, researchers found that the benefits of green tea appeared to be stronger in women than men. The results of this study were published in the Journal of American Medical Association in September 2006.

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More Terrific News About Tea

A report in Archives of Internal Medicine looked at about 500 Chinese men and women who regularly drank green tea for more than 10 years. Compared with nonhabitual tea drinkers, green tea regulars had higher bone mineral densities, even after exercise and calcium were taken into account.

Researchers at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, asked test subjects to eat low-fat, low-calorie prepared meals and drink five cups of caffeinated green tea or caffeinated and non-caffeinated placebos that mimicked the look of tea. Levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol dropped 10 percent among the test subjects who drank tea.

Dr. Kenneth Mukamal of Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reported that out of 1,900 heart-attack patients, those who drank two or more cups of green tea a day reduced their risks of dying over th

More than money, true prosperity is a combination of beliefs

By Kathleen Jaap, CPA, MA, Prosperity Coach

Many people believe that prosperity is simply the accumulation of money and material possessions. But your true prosperity consists of those people, places and things that make you happy. While that may include money, it is much more than just your cash flow or financial net worth. Everyone has their own unique prosperity blueprint. And in today’s economy, it can often feel challenging to accept that your prosperity is available to you any time you choose, just for the asking.  In order to do this you must first know how your mind works, what prosperity means to you and actions you can take to enjoy the daily blessings that are all around you.

Prosperity begins in your mind—your subconscious mind—this is where all the action is. You are constantly attracting into your life according to what you believe and where you place your attention and energy. Your deeply held beliefs and what you vividly imagine and feel are what you bring into your life each and every day. You manifest from where you place your time, energy and attention—both wanted and unwanted. Your subconscious mind does not know if what you think and believe is real or not real. Every moment your mind is going about its normal business of looking for evidence in the external world to support what you think and believe.  When you want something and it is not manifesting, it is most likely because of limiting beliefs. Remaining stuck in old thoughts of lack and need only produce more of the same. If you are stuck in chronic thoughts of wishing and hoping, then you will always be wishing and hoping. Both of these states of mind imply the possibility of failure to achieve your goals.

We do not eliminate our problems by denying their existence. Resistance towards your problems and challenges stops the energy of abundance and attracts more of what you do not want. However, you can deny their power over your mental and spiritual peace of mind. Become aware of the beliefs and patterns you have around money and prosperity. When you make peace with where you are currently, this allows you to shift in the direction you want to be. While releasing thoughts of lack will certainly help you out of this rut, the real key is to plant thoughts of abundance and prosperity. You can learn to activate and amplify your own conscious awareness of prosperity and abundance.

There are some things you can begin doing now that will help you shift your mental energy. One of the simplest ways you can begin to tap into the energy of your personal prosperity is by noticing the everyday good things that occur in and around you. It is easy for us to see the things in life that we don’t like, and it is just as easy to begin noticing the things in life that really matter.

Buy a pack of index cards or a small notepad that you can keep with you. Throughout the day, simply begin to notice anything that you like or appreciate. You will soon notice that lots of good things are happening all around you every day! This exercise is a bit different from a gratitude journal. While a gratitude journal is normally posted to at the beginning or end of the day, this exercise records prosperity within moments and allows the process to build on itself. As you continue this daily practice and gain momentum, you will be amazed at how many good things are happening right now. You will begin to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

At first you may need to make the effort to notice and experience your prosperity.  So much of our prosperity comes from things that we tend to take for granted or overlook. Start with your five senses. Yes, stop and smell the roses, admire their beauty. Slow down your eating and really take the time to smell and taste a delicious meal. You will actually eat less and feel much more satisfied. Take a time out and feel the softness of your pet’s fur. Enjoy feeling the gentle breezes that are coming our way as the season changes. It truly is all of the little things that add up to create a rich and abundant life of enjoyment and peace of mind.

Get clear on your goals and desires. Having a clear vision for your future combined with desire and setting goals to create that reality are powerful catalysts for success. Clear out clutter to make room for new energy and ideas. Holding on to people, situations, stories and things you no longer need creates a stagnation of energy. Surround yourself only with those people and ideas that support you and your success.

Smile. Yes, smile.  This tried and true strategy brings instant change within yourself and to those around you. Smiles are contagious!

Say, “Thank you.” Gratitude is a powerful feeling that energizes you towards your prosperity. When you are thankful and saying YES to abundance, more good things come your way.

Read the timeless works written by the giants of prosperity consciousness: Catherine Ponder, Florence Scovill Shinn, Ernest Holmes, Goddard Neville, Eric Butterworth, Napoleon Hill and Wallace Wattles. I highly recommend reading The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Dr. Joseph Murphy.

So what is prosperity for you? What are the day to day things that bring you joy and happiness? What puts a smile on your face or warms your heart? These are what make up your unique prosperity blueprint. There is a wonderland of joy waiting for you every day. When you take the time to notice, you will be surprised how much prosperity and abundance is surrounding you for your enjoyment right now!

Taking Time to Talk with Your Daughter about the Changes Ahead

By Jayme Lamm

Girls start to experience puberty between the ages of 9 and 16, but the timing is different for every girl.  This is a time of many changes including body size and shape, development of breasts and pubic hair, and the start of periods. Puberty is not only a time for physical changes, but emotional changes as well. Even though bodily changes are the most obvious signs, it’s important to talk to your children about the emotional and sexual changes that also come with puberty.

“Mothers are often the ideal go-to person for girls to talk about their changing bodies – mom went through it too!  But if girls are uncomfortable talking to their moms, an aunt or teacher may be willing to assume this role. I have many moms and daughters that come in together to talk about these bodily changes, and it proves to be educational for both,” says Friendswood gynecologist Jeanmarie Salinas., MD.

Many mothers wait until their daughters start to ask questions about puberty, but if she is shy or embarrassed, she may not come to you. It’s important to talk to her before the changes happen so they don’t come as a big surprise. Open communication is the key to making her feel comfortable asking questions about what’s going on with her body. Young girls need to be reassured that what is going on with their body is normal. The more girls understand what a period is and what to expect, the more comfortable they are.

Cramps

Just as periods are different for everyone, so are cramps.  Some girls are lucky enough to not experience cramps while others can barely get out of bed because of pain. There are a number of things that can help with cramps such as heating pads, taking a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory, getting regular exercise and rest, drinking plenty of water and avoiding salty foods. If your daughter is suffering from major cramps and it’s keeping her out of school or other activities, visit a doctor to see what else can be done.

Responsibilities

When your daughter hits puberty, it’s more than just her period. She is experiencing hormones and hair growth and many other bodily changes. Explain the importance of showering daily and implementing a daily facial cleansing routine to battle acne and body odors. Keep a calendar to chart menstrual cycles. Get at least eight hours of sleep at bedtime. Remember, puberty is a time when your little girl turns into a woman.  There are many responsibilities that come with being a woman and safe sex or abstinence talks are very important.

When to See a Doctor

Most girls going through puberty or starting their periods do not need to see a doctor.  All girls develop at different rates, and there is a large range of normal ages between which puberty occurs. “If the first changes or signs of puberty occur before eight, it may be precocious puberty (simply meaning the changes happen earlier than normal) and needs to be evaluated. If your child is 15 or older and has not shown any signs of puberty, she may be experiencing delayed puberty and should visit with a doctor,” Salinas adds.

Dr. Salinas is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has been practicing medicine in the Friendswood community since 1984.

1650-B East Winding Way, Friendswood, TX 77546

P. 281.996.7788

Five Stages of Puberty

1. Between ages 8 – 12:  No visible signs of physical development, but the ovaries are enlarging and hormone production is beginning.
2. May begin anywhere from ages 8 – 14:  Height and weight increase rapidly. Fine hair growth begins close to the pubic area and underarms. Breast buds appear; nipples become raised and their area may be tender. Sweat and oil glands become more active, which can result in acne.
3. May begin anywhere from ages 9 – 15:  Breasts become rounder and fuller. Hips may start to widen in relation to waist. Vagina begins secreting a clear or whitish fluid. Pubic hair becomes darker, thicker and curlier. Height and weight continue to increase. For some girls, ovulation and menstruation (periods) begin, but may be irregular.
4. May begin anywhere from ages 10 – 16:  Underarm hair becomes darker. Pubic hair starts to form a triangular patch in front and around sides of genital area. The nipple and the dark area around the breast (areola) may stick out from the rest of the breast. For many girls, ovulation and menstruation begin, but may be irregular.
5. May begin anywhere from ages 12 – 19:  Adult height is probably reached. Breast development is complete. Pubic hair forms a thick, curly, triangular patch. Ovulation and menstruation usually occur regularly. The overall look is that of a young adult woman.

Track Your Cycle

Visit http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates and enter “Menstrual Calendar” in the search box to download a free calendar to help your daughter track spotting, heavy days, cramping, etc.

21^st century learners find new and innovative ways to engage their brains and keep dendrites firing

By Barbara Gruener

The other day when I bumped into a friend, I was greeted with this inquiry: “What are you reading?”  I wondered how she knew I was reading anything, and then it occurred to me that a Lifelong Learner (LLL) is always reading something.  It just so happened that I was carrying around a novel that was recommended to me, but just not doing anything for me, so we lodged into a spirited debate about whether or not I ought to feel compelled to finish a novel once I’ve started it. I learn by leaps and bounds when I engage people in discussions about dilemmas that don’t necessarily have a right or a wrong answer!

What else besides reading and discussing can a LLL do? Consider these:

1. Enroll in a Continuing Education Course: To sharpen a skill you already have or gain a new skill, why not look at your Community Education program? Opportunities to learn about calligraphy or cooking, painting or photography, guitar or gardening abound.  These enrichment courses persuade your brain to stretch and grow while creative juices flow and you produce cool stuff.

2. Join a Book Club or PLC: You’re likely to be really challenged if you’re spending time with people who like to think. Find five other readers and agree on what novel or self-help book you’ll read next. Get together to discuss, then enjoy the new perspective. Based on the work of Richard DuFour, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) allow for colleagues to collaborate and learn from one another while they build trust and put action plans in place to maximize learning. Thinkers sharing what they think with other thinkers generate palpable brainpower.

3. Collect Stuff: My seventh-grade teacher charged us to “hoard words like a coin collector”—to learn new words, discover their origins, and figure out their orthography.  Enrich your vocabulary by collecting a new word every day. Or start a coin collection.  Find out where the coins originated, where they were minted, and what they’re worth. Or collect stamps. Sorting and cataloguing them will keep you thinking.

4. Seek Out Teaching Opportunities: You don’t have to have a degree in education to teach. Learning is solidified as you teach skills to others. I became a better knitter, for example, as I taught people to knit. What skill would you like to share? Start in your church, at a community center, or in a school. Be a mentor and see what you learn!

5. Blog: Reading and writing online through blogs can be a great way to stay up on the latest research and observe specific topics of interest to you. Journal your thoughts and chew on the reflections of others.

6. Take An Online Course: Consider getting an advanced degree, license or certification through an online program like the University of Utah online, which offers “one-evening get-aways, Friday evening date nights, and Sunday field trips.”  The ever-popular University of Phoenix, a pioneer in online degrees “offers online and on-campus degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level—each is a balanced combination of academic theory and practical application.”  If you don’t have the time or money for an entire course, sign up for a webinar that piques your interest.

7. Puzzle Yourself: LLLs don’t necessarily need textbooks. Research suggests that puzzles will also keep your brain waves rippling. Traditional table-top or 3D jigsaws provide hands-on, kinesthetic learning while Sudoku, Crosswords and Word Search puzzles offer a more abstract, academic task. Better yet, create a puzzle of your own for a family member or friend to solve.

8. Travel. Traveling allows your brain to experience new territory as you cross over boundaries that normally keep you protected, safe and secure. Research places to visit, either foreign or domestic. Calculate the cost to get there and back. Explore learning opportunities while you’re there, like visiting the Art Museum or taking in a play at a local theater. Experience the culture by taking a back-roads tour and trying some traditional cuisine. Ask questions about the history and traditions. Can’t afford a real trip? Planning a virtual trip is just a click away. Or host a foreign exchange student and bring the cultural experience into your home.

9. Learn Another Language: Think you’re too old to acquire another language? Think again. There are a myriad of ways to get exposure to a second language. Sign up for a conversational course first to see if you like it. You can use audio CDs to listen to and learn the language in your vehicle. Try acquiring vocabulary by watching television in another language. Find a teenager who’s also learning that course and become study buddies. Or use an online translator to make post-it notes for common areas like on the bathroom mirror or the refrigerator door. Not too interested in a spoken language? Give Latin or Sign Language a shot.

10. Pursue Music Lessons: Playing a musical instrument or simply taking voice lessons might strike a chord with some of you. A University of California research team has shown in experiments with adults that music—either performing it or listening to it—has the power to enhance some kinds of higher brain function. Start small with a recorder or ukulele and watch your dendrites crescendo to new heights.

11. Start a Dinner Club. Gather some friends to join you for a monthly gathering around the dinner table. But don’t settle for just the ordinary—make it extraordinary. Agree to research ethnic dishes and try new recipes. Explore the traditions of the region to share with your guests. Dress in customary garb for more authenticity. Serve the meal as they would in the country that you’re highlighting.

12. Volunteer. Never underestimate the power of giving back. Find a charity that sparks your interest. I like Heifer International (www.heifer.org) because of my farming roots; Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) pulls at my heartstrings for kids. Research a cause and find out how you can help, then experience the power of the Pay It Forward movement.

Lifelong learning opportunities don’t exist in a vacuum; clearly they take place all around us. All it takes is the initiative to seize the momentum and make the most the synergy it generates.

THROUGHOUT HISTORy MUCH IS DESCRIBED OF THE VITAL role the sun plays in our existence and ongoing survival. From spiritual, psychological and physical perspectives, the sun is portrayed as a life source without which the world as we know it would cease to exist. In Plato’s,

REMEMBER THE SUMMER OF LOVE?

Maybe it wasn’t perfect, (or was it?) but it was a full out movement and a breath of fresh air that came at a time when it was really needed. Let’s bring back the summer of love – okay – without the free sex and drugs. But the music was good and the underlying current of peace, love and happiness – “it’s all so groovy man,” and “far out”! Wouldn’t it be nice to see each other and life that way today?