February 2011 Health Newsletter

If you've been to a chiropractor in the past, you may have noticed that your chiropractic procedure was associated with a popping sound. This sound is actually quite normal and is created by the negative pressure within the joint resulting in the release of nitrogen gas. In fact, this is what occurs when cracking your knuckles. With certain chiropractic procedures delivered by licensed doctors of chiropractic, this noise is completely normal. However, there are many times when the popping sound isn't heard. New research performed to evaluate neck pain and the presence of an audible "pop" heard immediately following the chiropractic procedure indicates the lack of an audible "pop" does not necessarily contribute to the reduction of pain or overall effect on the nervous system. In other words, that audible "pop" is not required to get great results!

New research suggests those with a flat foot or lack of an inner arch may be at an increased risk of developing knee pain later in life. The study involved approximately 1,900 adults aged 50 and older. According to findings, those with the flattest of feet increased their risk of developing knee pain by a significant 31 percent. Moreover, those same individuals were 43 percent more likely to have cartilage damage to the inner knee. While more studies are needed to determine whether flat feet causes the knee pain, whether knee pain causes the flat feet, or, perhaps a pelvic or spinal abnormality is also involved, those with knee pain should consider having their feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine checked out by their local licensed chiropractic doctor. Most chiropractors receive extensive training on the evaluation and treatment of all joints in the body, in addition to the spine.

New dietary guidelines released from the Obama administration recommend Americans eat more fruits and vegetables while reducing their intake of fatty foods and those high in sodium. Additionally, it is recommended to reduce portion size and avoid sugary drinks such as sodas and instead, drink more water. Recommendations directly from the guide include:

• Increase vegetable and fruit intake.
• Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark green and red and orange vegetables and beans and peas.
• Consume at least half of all grains as whole grains. Increase whole-grain intake by replacing refined grains with whole grains.
• Increase intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or fortified soy beverages.
• Choose a variety of protein foods, which include seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Increase the amount and variety of seafood consumed by choosing seafood in place of some meat and poultry.
• Replace protein foods that are higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories and/or are sources of oils.
• Use oils to replace solid fats where possible.
• Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, which are nutrients of concern in American diets. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk and milk products.
  

To access the complete guideline, visit: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm

Congress Moves to Expand Chiropractic Services to Veterans and Military Beneficiaries Chiropractic Profession Urged to Enlist Support from Local Members of Congress
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) today expressed support for newly introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives designed to expand the availability of the services delivered by chiropractic physicians in the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and to those who utilize the military's health care delivery system, TRICARE, run by the Department of Defense (DoD). Ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), has again introduced the Chiropractic Care to All Veterans Act (H.R. 329), a bill similar to legislation that was overwhelmingly passed by the entire House in 2010 but was not considered in the Senate. H.R. 329 would require the VA to have a chiropractic physician on staff at all major VA medical facilities by 2014. It would also amend the current statute, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001, ensuring that chiropractic benefits are included in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and therefore, cannot be denied. "Our nation's veterans and active-duty military, along with their family members, have sacrificed so much for our country. They deserve the best health care available, and that includes chiropractic care," said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. "It makes me proud to see the chiropractic profession working with our congressional allies in support of this important legislation." Through previous congressional action, chiropractic care is now available at 36 VA facilities across the country; however, in the more than 100 major VA medical facilities without a chiropractic physician on staff, the chiropractic care benefit Congress authorized for America's veterans remains virtually nonexistent. Detroit, Denver, and Chicago are a few of the major metropolitan areas still without a chiropractic physician at the local VA medical facility. The ACA and ACC believe that integrating chiropractic care into the VA health care system would not only be cost-effective, it would also speed the recovery of many of the veterans returning from current operations overseas.A 2010 report from the Veterans Health Administration indicates that over half of all veterans returning from the Middle East and Southwest Asia who have sought VA health care were treated for symptoms associated with musculoskeletal ailments – the top complaint of those tracked for the report. In addition, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) has re-introduced another piece of legislation in the House that would extend chiropractic care to U.S. military retirees, dependents and survivors as part of the TRICARE program. H.R. 409, the Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act, would require the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to allow any beneficiary covered under TRICARE to select and have direct access to a chiropractic physician. The plan deadline is Aug. 31, 2011. Currently, only active duty members are afforded the chiropractic benefit. "I am pleased that Congress has taken these two important steps that, when taken together, facilitate access by our veterans, active military and their families to fundamental health care benefits such as chiropractic care," said ACC President Dr. Frank Nicchi, "Chiropractic continues to enjoy high levels of satisfaction among our servicemen and women." H.R. 409 defines "chiropractic services" as diagnosis (including X-ray and tests), evaluation and management, and therapeutic services for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal health conditions. The legislation specifically notes that chiropractic services may only be provided by a chiropractic physician. Rep. Rogers introduced nearly identical legislation in the past two sessions of Congress.