FDA Bans Chemicals Used In Antibacterial Soaps as Ineffective

The FDA has ruled that products containing 2 dozen ingredients including  triclosan, can no longer be marketed as antiseptic. This affects many antiseptic soaps, hand sanitizers, cosmetics, ointments, and even toothpaste. Some popular brands are:

Soaps:

* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle

Deodorant:

* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

* Merrell Shoes
* Sabatier Chef's Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks

Children's Toys:

* Playskool® :
o Stack 'n Scoop Whale
o Rockin' Radio
o Hourglass
o Sounds Around Driver
o Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
o Animal Sounds Phone
o Busy Beads Pal
o Pop 'n' Spin Top
o Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop

Other:

* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
* Thomasville® Furniture
* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
* Bauer® 5000 Helmet
* Aquatic Whirlpools
* Miller Paint Interior Paint
* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
* California Paints®
* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
* Dupont™ Air Filters
* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
* Advanta One Laminate Floors
* San Luis Blankets
* J Cloth® towels
* JERMEX mops

Source: BeyondPesticides.org

The amount of antiseptic ingredients in these and other "antibacterial" products isn't enough to have any of the marketed effects. They aren't any more effective than soap and water. There is evidence that they might even be harmful.

In place of triclosan products, you can use plain soap and water, washing for 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60 and 95 percent are good if soap and water aren't available. Essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, witch hazel, pure aloe vera gel, and vitamin E oil can be helpful. 

https://www.medpagetoday.com/hospitalbasedmedicine/infectioncontrol/69990?xid=NL_breakingnews_2017-12-19&eun=g485087d0r

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/generalinfectiousdisease/60016

https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/antibacterials/triclosan/products-containing-triclosan

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Winter Blues: Understanding And Managing The S.A.D. Condition

This time of the year as the days are shorter and the cold settles in, many people find themselves feeling tired, depressed, agitated, having trouble concentrating, having poor sleep, craving sugar, carbohydrates and comfort food, having a sense of heaviness in your arms and legs, and feel like hibernating away from all human contact and binge watch Netflix. If this is you or someone you know, you may be experiencing a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D. is the psychiatrist who first described the condition in the 1980’s. People with SAD feel depressed during the shorter and darker days of winter (especially from November though February), and more cheerful and energetic during the brightness of spring and summer. It’s related to of less direct and intense sunlight effects on the body’s hormonal and nervous systems.

While varying degrees of SAD can affect anyone, the most common affected are those who are:

~ Women

~ Age 15 -55

~ Have a family history of SAD or depression

~ Live far north of the equator (like New Jersey!)

~ Have a personal history of depression or bipolar disorder

~ Have low vitamin D levels

If you have SAD, you can help yourself through a combination of the following:

1. Use a light box. Light therapy is key in treating SAD. Think of light as a nutrient that you’re getting enough of in winter. I recommend the use light therapy daily.

Generally, the light box should:

·         Provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light

·         Emit as little UV light as possible

When using the light box it’s best to do the following:

·         Use it within the first hour of waking up in the morning

·         Use it for about 20 to 30 minutes

·         Keep it at a distance of about 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) from the face

·         Keep your eyes open, but not looking directly at the light

There are many good light boxes on the market. The light box I personally use is Lightphoria by Sphere Gadget Technologies.

http://lightphorialamp.net/

2. Exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill has been shown to help people with SAD. Research also suggests that it’s the frequency and consistency of exercising, rather than the duration or intensity. A little everyday is better than a marathon session once or twice a week.

3. Get Out. Get outdoors as much as possible whenever the sun is out. If warm enough, go without a hat to allow your head to absorb the rays.

4. Take a Vitamin D3 Supplement. Have a blood test to see if your vitamin D levels are very low.

5. Eat Well. Lots of lean protein, leafy greens and fish. You’ll need t fight the comfort food cravings. Soups and stews are particularly good. When you do get the urge for carbs, choose complex, whole-grain varieties, like whole-grain pasta and bread, instead of nutrition-deficient white carbohydrates.

6. Join the Conversation. Keep connected with those you are close with and care about. Regularly make calls and visit, emails & texts are not as effective for raising your mood. Don’t be shy about asking for help during this down season.

7. Go To Sleep Earlier. The sun sets earlier, so fall more in tune with nature’s rhythm by going to bed earlier to help re-set your own internal clock.

8. Go South, or West. Spend some time in sunnier climates to recharge your internal solar batteries. 

9. Seek Help. If you are finding yourself falling into a deep emotional hole of despair, lethargy, and have difficulty functioning in your life, seek out professional help. 

10. This Too Shall Pass. After the winter solstice (around December 21^st) the days get longer. Keep focusing on the fact that eventually spring will arrive and with it a lifting of your mood and spirit.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298?pg=2

http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/10888476

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Surprise: Chiropractors Can Treat These 5 Conditions

US News and World Report recently published a good article on the benefits of Chiropractic care. It's refreshing to see the mainstream media covering how adjustments and Chiropractic care can help more than back and neck pain, whiplash, and herniated disc conditions.

The article touches on 5 conditions commonly helped in our office. These are:

Migraine and Tension Headaches
Stress and Anxiety
Fibromyalgia
Weak Immune system
Flexibility

You can read the article here:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/11/30/surprise-chiropractors-can-treat-these-5-conditions

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

ANNUAL Toy and Food Drive!

ANNUAL Toy and Food Drive!

It is the time of year for caring and sharing.

Please donate a toy and food for those in need.

We will be collecting non-perishable unopened packages, cans of food, and toiletry items to be given to the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter. Supermarket and restaurant gift cards are also accepted.

We will also be collecting new and unopened toys and games through December 12^th to be delivered to:

 Saint Peter’s Village Orphanage

 http://www.stpetersorphanage.org

Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter

http://www.njcbw.org/guide.htm

We will give you a bag to stuff with toys and food!

These organizations request that all toys should be of a non-violent nature, and they CAN NOT accept stuffed animals. Age ranges are from infants to teenagers, and includes boys and girls. Gift cards to local stores, movies, and restaurants are also good ideas, especially for the older teenagers.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!

Chiropractic Care Helps Pain Patients Get Off Opiod Drugs: Award Winning Project

A Candian pilot project has shown phenomenal results in relieving chronic back pain in patients and getting them off opiod dugs like Percoset and Tylenol #3. A key part of the program is Chiropractic care. Dr. Bruce Flynn, shown in the picture, said as the project progressed, “The data was showing there was a major reduction in medication use, including opioid medications."


83 per cent of patients relied less upon pain medication following treatment.

93 per cent said the quality of their lives improved as a result of having less pain.

A 51 per cent decline in disability between initial examination and re-examination was found.

The study also integrated other therapists and pharmacists, integrated with the Chiropractic care.

http://www.intelligencer.ca/2017/11/14/back-pain-project-wins-award

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Why Don't We Make Good Health Choices?

Why do we make health choices against our nest health interest? We know we should do something, but we deliberately don't. We choose immediate gratification, convenience, and experience over what is good for our short and long-term health. Choosing good food over junk, exercising, turning off the computer and social media and going to bed  at night, etc.

One reason is we think that it will be more stressful and a hardship to do it. Another is that we each have different standards and values when it comes to the definition of “health” and “well-being.” Conflicting information on what is good for us is another (and don't get me started on Dr. Google!).

Being healthy can feel good, but it for alot of us a bowl of steamed vegetables seldom rivals the hedonistic experience of a great bowl of ice cream or a pizza. A power walk at the end of the day loses out to sitting back in a comfy lounge chair.  Not to mention the addictive qualities of nicotine, sugar, alcohol, etc.

Sometimes it's economic. Junk food is cheaper to buy. However, the long term costs of inevitable disease from these choices eventually catches with us. We reap what we sow.

Much deeper reasons, if we look at it, include our sense of power to affect our lives positively. Many people feel the're at the mercy of their habits, cravings, and situations with little ability to change. Another is that we don’t trust that making healthier choices will actually lead us to a happier, more satisfying place. 

Making good choices requires several things. You need a good deal of self-esteem -  you have to feel you're worth the effort. You need good information - I can help you with that. You have to take a leap of faith that it will be worth it - 30 years of taking care of thousands of patients have shown me that it is.


https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2017/11/heres-dont-care-health.html

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

HALF OF MEDICAL JOURNAL EDITORS RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM MEDICAL DEVICE & PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

About half the editors at the most prestigious medical journals in the U.S. receive payments from the pharmaceutical or medical device industries. Only 30 percent of these journals make it clear to readers what their policies are regarding such conflicts of interest. Is this a problem? Maybe.

All doctors depend on these journals for accurate and unbiased information on health and medical issues to treat their patients. 

Medical journals should have transparency about who funds their publication. Researchers need to give full disclosure in their articles about their funding. Journal editors and reviewers should be held to the same standard.

https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2017/11/158902/#.WhBOmq4HdgY.twitter

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

NEW BACK PAIN GUIDELINES

NEW BACK PAIN GUIDELINES

New guidelines from the American College of Physicians (ACP) were just published this year in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The ACP made the following strong recommendations:

• For patients with acute or subacute low back pain, first-line therapy should include nondrug therapy, such as superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation. If nondrug therapy doesn’t relieve the pain, consider NSAIDs or skeletal muscle relaxants.
• For chronic low back pain, consider nondrug therapy, such as exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation.
• For chronic low back pain that does not respond to nondrug therapy, consider NSAIDs next. For second-line, consider tramadol or duloxetine. Consider opioids only in patients in whom first- and second-line therapy has failed, in whom the risk outweigh the benefits, and only after full discussion of the potential risks and benefits.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation (adjustment) is the non-pharmacological therapy of choice for many patients for all three phases of back pain acute, subacute, and chronic.  

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Back and Core Exercises That Heal Not Harm

STOP DOING SIT-UPS! STOP DOING CRUNCHES!

They don't work and can do more harm than good over the long run.

What to do instead? 

Dr. Stuart McGill, professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo in Canada, demonstrates a core exercise program that emphasizes all the major muscles that support the spine. Watch this video to learn spine sparing exercises that protect and strengthen the back including “safe modified sit-ups”, “stir the pot”, “side planks” and “bird dog”.

You can view them here:

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Diet To Prevent Dementia?

Can diet help keep your mind sharp and young as you age? Recent studies suggest that it can! It seems a good diet for your heart and joints is also good for your mind. Here are some findings:

Mediterranean Diet:
People who adhere to a Mediterranean diet have lower rates of Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

• Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

• Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil

• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods

• Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month

• Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week

• Enjoying meals with family and friends

• Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

• Getting plenty of exercise

• Green leafy vegetables (like spinach and salad greens): At least 6 servings a week

• Other vegetables: At least one a day

• Nuts: 5 servings a week

• Berries: 2 or more servings a week

• Beans: At least 3 servings a week

• Whole grains: 3 or more servings a day

• Fish: Once a week

• Poultry (like chicken or turkey): Two times a week

• Olive oil: Use it as your main cooking oil.

• Wine: One glass a day

• Red meat: Less than 4 servings a week

• Butter and margarine: Less than a tablespoon daily

• Cheese: Less than one serving a week

• Pastries and sweets: Less than 5 servings a week

• Fried or fast food: Less than one serving a week

MIND Diet:
Older people who followed the MIND diet showed less decline in memory and mental speed, and were less likely to have developed Alzheimer disease at 4.5-year follow-up.


Source: http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/0715p10.shtml

Bon Apetit!



http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/869379?nlid=109612_764&src=WNL_mdplsfeat_161004_mscpedit_imed&uac=18894MK&spon=18&impID=1209092&faf=1

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.

Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.