Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "New Findings on Cancer and Obesity"

I'm sure everyone has heard that Obesity is a risk factor for certain types of cancer. But have you ever wondered, Why? Well new research is uncovering possible clues as to why obesity may increase the incidence of cancer. If this research is proven to be true, it may be the gateway to future treatments for cancer. However, the best intervention and most commonsense approach remains to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular activity and exercise. On to the study.

Scientists have found an enzyme called, monoacylglycerol lipase or (MAGL), that normally helps to break down stored fat cells. However, this same enzyme seems to become over active in some cancer cells and may help the cancer cells to spread.
The study authors found that this enzyme promotes the production of free fatty acids, which can later go on to actually promote the proliferation of cancer cells.

"Historically, research has focused on the mechanisms leading to cancer formation, and therapies have focused on taking out cancer cells. But here we were looking for pathways that lead to cancer aggressiveness," corresponding author Benjamin Cravatt, chair of the Scripps Research Department of Chemical Physiology, said in a news release.

Researchers also noted that people who eat diets high in fats are constantly introducing free fatty acids into their bodies.

Some of you may find this a little abstract but to draw another connection, I'm sure many of you have heard of the term "anti-oxidants". Well these beneficial molecules found in healthier foods serve to counteract the effects of harmful substances like free fatty acids and free radicals. This may also help to explain why Western cultures have been known to have a higher proportion of cancer. It starts with the food we eat.

I find these issues important for me to pass on to my patients because they rarely hear this type of advice from other health care providers. In addition, as a Chiropractor, I feel it is my duty to promote "lifestyle medicine" to my patients. Once they are made aware of issues that can affect their immediate and long-term health, I believe that they can make better decisions!

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chiropractic Rated #1 - According to Consumer Reports Survey"

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that respondents rated Chiropractic as #1 when asked, "Who Helped the Most?" regarding back pain.

As you may or may not know, about 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives, and "back pain" is in the top 5 reasons people go see their doctors. With back pain being so common and also affecting our economy as well as one's own enjoyment of life, Consumer Reports wanted to know, "Who helped the Most?" when back pain sufferers went looking for relief.

The survey done on about 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers came out with some surprising results. First off, more than half of respondents reported their back pain severely affecting their daily activities. 46% said it affected their sleep. 31% said it affected activity levels and their efforts to maintain a healthy weight. 24% said it affected their sex life and 88% reported their back pain recurred throughout the year!!

As Consumer Reports found, many people go to their family physicians for treatment and advice when it comes to back pain. However, Consumer Reports was surprised to discover that a significant number of their respondents were disappointed with what their family doctors could do to help. So, "Who Helped the Most?"

Professional - Highly Satisfied (% of Respondents)

- Chiropractors - 59%
- Physical Therapists - 55%
- Acupuncturists - 53%
- Physician, Specialist - 44%
- Physician, General Practitioner - 34%

The respondents of this survey tried an average of 5-6 different forms of therapy and these were the results.

As a Chiropractor, I can't say I am totally surprised with these results. Especially when I hear from patients in my own practice how disappointed they were with what their family doctor had to offer. But to even my own surprise is the amount of dissatisfaction people felt with the care/advice they received from a specialist. Although respondents were significantly more satisfied with the care they received from a specialist compared to a general practitioner, it still trailed far behind the care from a Chiropractor.

I believe that as time goes on and more surveys and studies emerge regarding the efficacy and benefits of Chiropractic, these types of findings will become more commonplace. However, until that happens it is up to the patients to ask their doctors about Chiropractic and discuss with them the most effective form of therapy for back pain. If you were to believe a group of 14, 000 people, chances are good that you too will be happy with what a Chiropractor can do for you!

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Men Might Want to Drink Coffee and Exercise to Fight Prostate Cancer!"

Current health guidelines are recommending that men start screening themselves for Prostate cancer starting at the age of 40. Prostate cancer is a more serious concern in men the older they get.

This article is suggesting a protective link between coffee, exercise and prostate cancer as seen in two studies. However, the lead researcher is the first to admit that there still needs to be a lot more study regarding the connection but it appears that both can help to reduce a man's mortality to prostate cancer.

The study looked at data collected for 50, 000 men. It found only a weak relationship between coffee consumption (6 or more cups per day) and a reduced risk of all forms of prostate cancer. But the interesting thing was, this relationship grew stronger if the form of cancer was more aggressive. The researcher also hinted that the more coffee a person drank, the larger the effect noted.

"I wouldn't recommend that people change their coffee-drinking habits based on this study," said Kathryn M. Wilson, a research fellow in epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, and lead author of one report. "But if you like coffee, there is no compelling reason to cut back at this point."

Wilson also wanted to uncover the rationale behind this effect. She stated that is was not due to the caffeine in coffee but suspected something else. Wilson believes coffee's benefits lie in it's effect on glucose and insulin metabolism.

In a related study on Prostate cancer and outcome, it was found that exercise also had an effect on improving the prognosis for cancer patients. This study found that the mortality rate was 56% lower in men who exercised vigorously (at least 5 hours/week) compared to men who did not exercise at all.

This is just another reason to continue exercise and a healthy lifestyle as you get older.

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Menopause and Worsening Cholesterol Often Related"

As many people know by now, Cardiovascular disease is more and more prevalent now more than ever. Many health professionals have encouraged healthy lifestyle habits in their patients, especially exercise and a sensible diet.

The following study is particularly of interest to women. It is just another in a growing body of research that links menopause with increased cardiovascular risk, in this case, Cholesterol.

This data comes from an ongoing study that has followed 3000 women since 1996. Researchers are finding that with menopause comes decreased levels of estrogen and it seems to be related to elevated levels of LDL (Bad Cholesterol) in the body.

"This suggests that as women approach menopause, they need to have their lipid profiles checked," said Karen A. Matthews, a professor of psychiatry, epidemiology and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and the study's lead author. A report on the findings is published in the Dec. 15/22 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which is focused on prevention of cardiovascular disease.

To reiterate the underlying message is that women need to pay closer attention to their lifestyle habits and weight as they get older. The ideal scenario is to have adopted healthy eating habits and exercise while young, so as to minimize the natural effects of age. (As a side note, it is well known that Osteoporsis is more of a concern in women than men as we age. Bone density is well established by a woman's 20's, so healthy living and exercise is a wise choice for bone as well as cardiovascular health)

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Long-Term Back Pain Can Be Avoided - Study"

Many of my patients that see me suffer from chronic low back pain. Or they suffer seemingly 'regular' bouts of back pain that lasts maybe 2-3 weeks, perhaps a few times a year. These same patients often ask me if they'll ever be able to live without fear of pain or the next episode.

Studies have shown and I believe this wholeheartedly, that a person must adopt a healthy lifestyle complete with active stretches and exercise if they are hoping to 'beat' chronic back pain for good. This article I came across demonstrates that a significant number of chronic back pain patients can also get better with time.

This study involved 400 participants who sought care at a primary care provider and who had not recovered after 90 days. During telephone interviews 9 and 12 months later, the patients progress was reassessed.

35% of the respondents reported complete recovery at 9 months and 41% reported complete recovery after a year. The findings show that the rate of recovery from chronic low back pain is higher than previously reported and that the prognosis for these patients isn't uniformly poor, said lead study author Dr. Luciola Menezes Costa of the University of Sydney.

These results are reassuring to patients with chronic back pain because it shows that relief is possible. However, from a Chiropractor's stand point, I can't help but think of the 60% who are still suffering after a year. Needless to say, this study shows that the majority of patients who seek primary care for their back pain are still in pain more than a year later.

If you're like me, then you agree that this is entirely unacceptable. In my practice I have helped many patients with long term pain. But right from the start, I educate my patients that with a little bit of patience, some effort and commitment, they have a good chance of beating low back pain. In fact surveys have shown that back pain patients who seek care from a Chiropractor are significantly more satisfied with their care compared to conventional medicine. So if you've never tried Chiropractic, what are you waiting for?

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Spinal Injuries are Common in Car Accidents'

In my practice, I often see patients who have been involved in a car accident. By far the area most affected is the neck in my office. I also have patients complain of shoulder, back and low back pain as well. I also notice that because a lot of accidents are rear-enders, the neck is especially vulnerable. However, collisions from the side and front also wreak havoc on the neck as well as other parts of the body.

Another common concern many people involved in car accidents have is, 'how long until I get better'. This questions is more difficult to answer. Of course, a priority for many people is reduction of pain symptoms and headaches. Unfortunately, I notice that these patients also lose function in their bodies. By this I mean weakness in the muscles/joints, loss of motion in the joints, pain upon moving too much and similar findings. I always advise patients who have been involved in a car accident to take their time. The injuries incurred are not like a simple muscle strain due to over-doing it at the gym. For many reasons, recovery will be far more involved.

This article sheds some light on the major causes of injuries in car accidents and some common sense ways to lessen the damage of a crash.

Nearly 13% of people in car crashes suffer spinal injuries serious enough to cause paralysis or death. But a new study finds that greater use of seatbelts and airbags could greatly reduce this statistic.

"It is extremely important to come to grips with the carnage on the highways," said Dr. Charles H. Tator, a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Toronto, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine.

"If we lost 1/100th of these people to meningitis, there would be a national outcry, but because it's just another crash and a few more deaths we don't get serious about it," he added.

The researchers also suggested lowering the speed limits on our roadways. The researchers pointed out that many drivers travel at speeds that exceed the limit. Traveling at those kinds of speeds not only makes it harder for people to react to driving situations, but it also increases the severity of injuries if a crash does occur.

Now with the technological age and the rise of cellphone use and texting while driving, it only seems that the risks involved with driving has just gone up. From a Chiropractor's note, please drive safely and carefully. Talking or being distracted while driving is just too much of a gamble just for convenience sake.

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Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Breast Feeding Can Help a Mother's Heart"

So some of you may be wondering why a Chiropractor is writing a post about breastfeeding. Well the answer is simple, being by the Commercial Drive neighborhood, I see many new and expectant moms. As I help them relieve pain and achieve better health, the conversation always includes, "What's good for the baby?".

Many of you have heard the benefits of breast milk to a growing baby, but this recent study actually showed benefits to the cardiovascular health of the mother as well. I encourage all my female patients to breastfeed their babies whenever possible.

Ok, so now on to the details of the study.

This study is going to appear December 3 in the online version of the journal, Diabetes. This study involved about 1400 women and they were re-evaluated at regular intervals over 20 years. (Just to note, a 20 year follow up is great and only adds to the validity and relevance of the researcher's findings)

The researchers found that breast feeding, even for a little as a few months can lower a woman's chance of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of cardiovascular risk factors and is commonly associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The researchers also found that the longer a mother breastfed her baby, the better it was for her. Women who breastfed for longer than 9 months found their risk for developing metabolic syndrome dropped by 86% if they had gestational diabetes. For women who did not develop gestational diabetes, their risk dropped by 56%.

"Breast-feeding has favorable health benefits for women as well as for children. Breast-feeding may help protect women from heart disease and diabetes in the future," said the study's lead author, Erica Gunderson, an epidemiologist and research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

Researchers admit they were not studying how this "protection" for the mothers was occurring, but a reasonable explanation was proposed. Breast feeding is thought to increase the levels of good cholesterol in the mothers while helping to reduce belly fat. In addition, breast feeding may help control the body's insulin levels. All these factors considered, may be helping to reduce the chance of developing metabolic syndrome.

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(DISCLAIMER: the information in this post is meant to be informative and is not to replace a diagnosis and/or care from a healthcare professional)