Antibiotic resistance is a serious health problem contributing to the deaths of tens of thousands of people annually. The connection between overuse of antibiotic drugs and development of antibiotic-resistant infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is fairly well-recognized. It then comes as no real surprise to learn the results of a new study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Canadian researchers found that children who do a round of at least one antibiotic have triple the risk of developing MRSA compared to children with no antibiot ic use. Children are 18 times more likely to have MRSA when they have taken four or more antibiotics!
In this particular study, researchers from McGill University in Montreal analyzed data from more than 400 clinics in the UK. They showed particular interest in children diagnosed with MRSA between 1994 and 1997. Over half of the 297 children who had tested positive for MRSA had previously been prescribed an antibiotic within a 30-180 day window prior to diagnosis.
Though many people picture hospital environments as being one of the primary sources for superbugs like MRSA, contraction of superbugs outside of hospitals and in the general public (aka community-acquired MRSA) is now proving to also be problematic, according to this study.
Antibiotic therapy can be a valuable therapeutic method in certain situations, but should not be regarded as a panacea for every complaint. If they are used (and overused) without regard to the impact on our children's health, serious consequences can result. In many cases, numerous excellent herbal and nutritional remedies can be used to effectively eliminate infectious organisms, help correct the reason they got there in the first place, all the while not contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance! Another tip for those interested in putting a stop to antibiotic resistance is to avoid consumption of animal products whereby the animals have been administered antibiotics, as these can be passed on to the end consumers (us!). Support local, free-range and organically-raised products as much as possible.
Dr. Shana McQueen
http://www.naturalnews.com/033337_antibiotics_superbugs.html#ixzz1VC2vPH4f
Aug 13, 2011
Breast Cancer Risk Declines with Fiber Intake
Overall health and prevention of chronic disease has a whole lot to do with functioning of the digestive system. A new study has shed more light on the importance of dietary fiber in breast cancer prevention. Researchers performed a meta-analysis, which is basically a review of previous studies on the same subject. Ten studies looking at the association between intake of dietary fiber and breast cancer were analyzed. The assessment included a total of 712,195 participants and 16,848 breast cancer cases.
Results of the meta-analysis indicated that people with the greatest consumption of fiber had an 11% lowered risk for breast cancer in comparison with those who consumed the least amount of fiber. Even more eye-opening was the researchers’ discovery that with every 10 grams of fiber consumed daily, there was a drop in breast cancer risk by 7%.
Fiber has multiple ways in which it acts to optimize overall health. High fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fiber helps foods move more quickly through the digestive tract, thus preventing any toxic by-products from lingering too long. The liver and colon are able to excrete toxic waste products from the body through regular bowel movements. Fiber is a vital factor in keeping people “regular,” meaning that bowel movements occur 1-2 times per day, are well-formed, and easily passed. Fiber also plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels as well as keeping blood sugar stabilized.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775566
Results of the meta-analysis indicated that people with the greatest consumption of fiber had an 11% lowered risk for breast cancer in comparison with those who consumed the least amount of fiber. Even more eye-opening was the researchers’ discovery that with every 10 grams of fiber consumed daily, there was a drop in breast cancer risk by 7%.
Fiber has multiple ways in which it acts to optimize overall health. High fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fiber helps foods move more quickly through the digestive tract, thus preventing any toxic by-products from lingering too long. The liver and colon are able to excrete toxic waste products from the body through regular bowel movements. Fiber is a vital factor in keeping people “regular,” meaning that bowel movements occur 1-2 times per day, are well-formed, and easily passed. Fiber also plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels as well as keeping blood sugar stabilized.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775566
Aug 12, 2011
Fatty Foods Trigger Release of Natural Marijuana-like Chemicals
Has it ever crossed your mind why it can be so difficult to resist eating an entire bag of chips once you’ve tasted a few? Newer research published in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that a natural biological mechanism is at least partly responsible for the temptation to overeat fatty foods like chips and French fries. Marijuana-like chemicals known as endocannabinoids are produced in the body when these types of fats are consumed. The team of researchers at UC Irvine found that endocannabinoids are produced in the digestive tracts of rats when they eat something fatty, but the same effect was not observed with consumption of sugars or proteins.
According to Louise Turner Arnold Chair in the Neurosciences and professor of pharmacology, “This is the first demonstration that endocannabinoid signaling in the gut plays an important role in regulating fat intake.” With the production of endocannabinoids, there is an apparent cascade of events tied with the release of other chemicals associated with hunger and satiety that encourage further food intake.
From an evolutionary perspective, this biological mechanism is quite brilliant. With fats being fairly scarce in nature but essential for healthy cell functioning, this mechanism stimulates animals to “stock up” on fats while they are available. With fats being abundantly available in modern human society, this same biological mechanism is likely contributing to some of our major health problems today. Although we should be careful not to demonize fats as a whole -- healthy fats are absolutely necessary for optimal health -- the overconsumption of fats in general, particularly unhealthy fats like trans-fats and hydrogenated oils, is certainly playing a major role in the development of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other health conditions today.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Earlier Bedtimes Influence Depression in Teens
Restful and adequate amounts of sleep are essential for optimal health across all age groups. A study recently published in the journal Sleep emphasizes the importance of adolescents getting to bed early. Researchers at Columbia University found that adolescents with parentally-set early bedtimes (10 pm and earlier) were less likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts than fellow classmates allowed to stay up later (until midnight or beyond). In comparison with teenagers whose parents required lights-out by 10pm, the teens with later bedtimes were 24% more likely to be depressed and 20% more likely to think about suicide. In this particular study, over 15,000 children grades 7-12 and their parents were surveyed.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/17/earlier-bedtimes-may-fend-off-teen-depression
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/17/earlier-bedtimes-may-fend-off-teen-depression
Stress Reduction Improves Fertility
Too much stress will take its toll on anyone. Both casual and clinical observation continue to demonstrate excessive amounts of stress being related to multiple health conditions, including problems with fertility. New research published in Fertility and Sterility found that women who are involved in a mind-body program designed to help lower stress while undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) have a much higher success rate for pregnancy compared with those do not.
Principal investigator Alice Domar, Ph.D, OB/GYN, noted that the probability of conception can be reduced by stress. Domar was responsible for introducing the Mind/Body Program for Infertility at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 1987. She later moved the program to Boston IVF in 2002. This was designed as a 10-week stress management program for couples attempting to conceive. Certain modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, are incorporated into the program to provide tools for successful stress management.
In Domar’s study, about 100 women participants ready to begin treatment at Boston IVF were selected and randomly assigned to either the Mind/Body intervention group or control group (no mind/body program). All participants were 40 years of age or younger, had normal hormone levels, and underwent IVF treatment. After most of the women involved in the Mind/Body program had completed at least five sessions, a significant increase in pregnancy rates was observed. According to Domar, “By that point, they had acquired some real life skills to deal with their stress.” During the study, out of those women involved in the Mind/Body program, 52% became pregnant compared with only 20% of women in the control group. Even though this was a small-scale study, it effectively highlights the importance of stress management when it comes to successful conception. Bringing new lives into the world will naturally be easier when life is not overwhelmed by stress!
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509150845.htm
Principal investigator Alice Domar, Ph.D, OB/GYN, noted that the probability of conception can be reduced by stress. Domar was responsible for introducing the Mind/Body Program for Infertility at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 1987. She later moved the program to Boston IVF in 2002. This was designed as a 10-week stress management program for couples attempting to conceive. Certain modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, are incorporated into the program to provide tools for successful stress management.
In Domar’s study, about 100 women participants ready to begin treatment at Boston IVF were selected and randomly assigned to either the Mind/Body intervention group or control group (no mind/body program). All participants were 40 years of age or younger, had normal hormone levels, and underwent IVF treatment. After most of the women involved in the Mind/Body program had completed at least five sessions, a significant increase in pregnancy rates was observed. According to Domar, “By that point, they had acquired some real life skills to deal with their stress.” During the study, out of those women involved in the Mind/Body program, 52% became pregnant compared with only 20% of women in the control group. Even though this was a small-scale study, it effectively highlights the importance of stress management when it comes to successful conception. Bringing new lives into the world will naturally be easier when life is not overwhelmed by stress!
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509150845.htm
Aug 4, 2011
Antifungal Benefits of Lavender Oil
Many people recognize lavender oil by its delightful and relaxing aromatic scent, but few are familiar with the impressive antimicrobial properties it has to offer. Newer studies have shown that lavender oil may be better at managing fungal infections than standard anti-fungal medications. Research published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that the pure essential oil of Lavadula viridis shows potent antifungal activity against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The oil was found to be lethal to a variety of skin-pathogenic strains, known as dermatophytes, along with various species of Candida.
Unlike many of the conventional medications used to treat these types of infections, lavender oil comes without a long list of harmful side effects. As conventional anti-fungal drugs continue to lose their effectiveness due to the development of superbug resistance, it is becoming more important to find natural and effective alternatives like lavender oil. Not only does lavender show promise as being a safe and natural anti-fungal, it is also widely available, cost-effective, and easy to use.
Essential oils derived from various types of plants in general can be very concentrated and potent medicines. Be aware that not all essential oils have the same properties or safety profiles, and always use caution when using any type of essential oil. Some essential oils are NOT appropriate for use topically, while some may be ok to apply topically if diluted and/or used in drop doses. Essential oils should NEVER be used internally unless you are working with an experienced medical practitioner!
When buying essential oils, including lavender oil, be sure to find a good source. Many products sold in stores are not pure and may contain added synthetic ingredients that smell similar to the oil of interest. Oils with synthetic ingredients will not have the same therapeutic benefits as pure medicinal oils.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/033114_lavender_essential_oils_fungal_infections.html#ixzz1TGLGV8kI
Unlike many of the conventional medications used to treat these types of infections, lavender oil comes without a long list of harmful side effects. As conventional anti-fungal drugs continue to lose their effectiveness due to the development of superbug resistance, it is becoming more important to find natural and effective alternatives like lavender oil. Not only does lavender show promise as being a safe and natural anti-fungal, it is also widely available, cost-effective, and easy to use.
Essential oils derived from various types of plants in general can be very concentrated and potent medicines. Be aware that not all essential oils have the same properties or safety profiles, and always use caution when using any type of essential oil. Some essential oils are NOT appropriate for use topically, while some may be ok to apply topically if diluted and/or used in drop doses. Essential oils should NEVER be used internally unless you are working with an experienced medical practitioner!
When buying essential oils, including lavender oil, be sure to find a good source. Many products sold in stores are not pure and may contain added synthetic ingredients that smell similar to the oil of interest. Oils with synthetic ingredients will not have the same therapeutic benefits as pure medicinal oils.
Dr. Shana McQueen
Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/033114_lavender_essential_oils_fungal_infections.html#ixzz1TGLGV8kI
Encouraging Children to Eat Their Veggies
We’ have all heard the famous line that “children don’'t like vegetables.” It is true that most people, young and old, like the taste of sweets and may express it as a preference over the taste of vegetables. But contrary to what many people believe, most children enjoy eating vegetables when provided the opportunity.
Probably one of the most important things parents can do to get their children to “eat all of their vegetables” is to model this behavior regularly. Children learn and develop habits by watching others. When parents show consistent interest in eating different types of vegetables on their plates, children will naturally follow. If you want your children to develop healthy habits, it’s always a good idea to look at yourself first and make any necessary changes as early on as possible! If you really want to peak your childs interest, take them for a visit to a community garden or farm, and let them explore where their food comes from. This can be a wonderful hands-on learning opportunity that will also stimulate more interest in eating a variety of foods.
For those parents seeking out other options to encourage increased consumption of veggies in their child’s diet, consider throwing some vegetables into the blender and finding creative ways to enhance typical recipes with the resulting puree. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University randomly gave 40 children regular meals or meals with either 3 or 4 times the vegetable content of the regular meals. Pureed vegetables were included in some of the meals, including zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower and squash. When the children were asked to rate the taste as yucky, O.K. or yummy, over 70% of the children gave the vegetable-enhanced meals ratings as O.K. or yummy. It was observed that the 3-6 year-olds consumed the same amount of food by weight whether or not the meals included the pureed veggies. This study was published in the April 2011 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
So there you have it- the old adage that you have to force kids to eat their veggies has been debunked!
Dr. Shana McQueen
Probably one of the most important things parents can do to get their children to “eat all of their vegetables” is to model this behavior regularly. Children learn and develop habits by watching others. When parents show consistent interest in eating different types of vegetables on their plates, children will naturally follow. If you want your children to develop healthy habits, it’s always a good idea to look at yourself first and make any necessary changes as early on as possible! If you really want to peak your childs interest, take them for a visit to a community garden or farm, and let them explore where their food comes from. This can be a wonderful hands-on learning opportunity that will also stimulate more interest in eating a variety of foods.
For those parents seeking out other options to encourage increased consumption of veggies in their child’s diet, consider throwing some vegetables into the blender and finding creative ways to enhance typical recipes with the resulting puree. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University randomly gave 40 children regular meals or meals with either 3 or 4 times the vegetable content of the regular meals. Pureed vegetables were included in some of the meals, including zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower and squash. When the children were asked to rate the taste as yucky, O.K. or yummy, over 70% of the children gave the vegetable-enhanced meals ratings as O.K. or yummy. It was observed that the 3-6 year-olds consumed the same amount of food by weight whether or not the meals included the pureed veggies. This study was published in the April 2011 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
So there you have it- the old adage that you have to force kids to eat their veggies has been debunked!
Dr. Shana McQueen
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