Wheat The Truth

Is wheat healthy? Wheat gets picked on a lot these days, as a common allergen and as the demonized white flour. But are these concerns justified? What about whole wheat, seitan (made with wheat gluten), and sprouted wheat?


Source:  Youtube, healthyeatingstartshere.com

Got That Tingling Feeling?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is pressure on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the "thumb side" of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger).
The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:

• Driving
• Painting
• Playing some musical instruments
• Playing sports such as racquetball or handball
• Sewing
• Using tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
• Working on an assembly line
• Writing

The condition occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is more common in women than men.
A number of medical problems are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

• Acromegaly
• Alcoholism
• Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Infections
• Kidney failure and dialysis
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and scleroderma   

Symptoms

• Clumsiness of the hand when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Pain extending to the elbow
• Pain in the wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Signs and tests

During a physical examination, the health care provider may find:

• Numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger
• Weak hand grip
• Tapping over the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand (this is called Tinel's sign)
• Bending the wrist forward all the way for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness (this is called Phalen's test)

Tests may include:

• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction velocity
• Wrist x-rays should be done to rule out other problems (such as wrist arthritis)

Treatment

You may try wearing a splint at night for several weeks. If this does not help, you may need to try wearing the splint during the day. Avoid sleeping on your wrists. Hot and cold compresses may also be recommended.
There are many changes you can make in the workplace to reduce the stress on your wrist:

• Special devices include keyboards, different types of computer mouse, cushioned mouse pads, and keyboard drawers.
• Someone should review the position you are in when performing your work activities. For example, make sure the keyboard is low enough so that your wrists aren't bent upward while typing. Your health care provider may suggest an occupational therapist.
• You may also need to make changes in your work duties or recreational activities. Some of the jobs associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include those that involve typing and vibrating tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome has also been linked to professional musicians.

MEDICATIONS
Medications used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroid injections, given into the carpal tunnel area, may relieve symptoms for a period of time.
SURGERY
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that cuts into the ligament that is pressing on the nerve. Surgery is successful most of the time, but it depends on how long the nerve compression has been occurring and its severity.
See also: Carpal tunnel release

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms often improve with treatment, but more than 50% of cases eventually require surgery. Surgery is often successful, but full healing can take months.

Complications

If the condition is treated properly, there are usually no complications. If untreated, the nerve can be damaged, causing permanent weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Your symptoms do not respond to regular treatment, such as rest and anti-inflammatory medications, or if there seems to be a loss of muscle in your fingers

Prevention

Avoid or reduce the number of repetitive wrist movements whenever possible. Use tools and equipment that are properly designed to reduce the risk of wrist injury.
Ergonomic aids, such as split keyboards, keyboard trays, typing pads, and wrist braces, may be used to improve wrist posture during typing. Take frequent breaks when typing and always stop if there is tingling or pain.

Source: Chad Madden, Physical Therapist, PubMed Health

1. Huisstede Bm, Hoogvliet P, Randsdorp MS, Glerum S, van Middlekoop M, Koes BW. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Part I: effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments--a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91:981-1004.
2. Huisstede BM, Randsdorp MS, Coert Jh, Glerum S, van Middlekoop M, Koes BW. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Part II: effectiveness of surgical treatments--a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91:1005-1024.
3. Keith MW. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91(10):2478-2479.
4. Keith MW. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2010;92(1):218-219.

GMO & You (Genetically Modified Foods)

What is GMO?  (Genetically Modified Foods)

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, plants, fish, and mammals. GMOs are the source of genetically modified foods, and are also widely used in scientific research and to produce goods other than food. The term GMO is very close to the technical legal term, 'living modified organism' defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which regulates international trade in living GMOs (specifically, "any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology").

Source: PhyscheTruth, Youtube, Wikipedia

The American Obesity Epidemic

One in four Canadian adults is considered obese, a dramatic increase over the past 25 years, Statistics Canada reports. According to results for the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, which measured most of the 35,000 respondents' height and weight, 23 per cent of all adults are obese, representing 5.5 million people.

• INDEPTH: Body Mass Index

The study is considered Canada's most accurate measurement of waistlines.

In 1978-79, the last time a survey of this type was taken, 14 per cent of adults were obese. Obesity rates were calculated using the body mass index (BMI) by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. A normal BMI rate is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range while someone who records a BMI over 30 is considered obese.
Among adults, those aged 25 to 34 and 75 or older recorded the biggest increase, nearly doubling their obesity rates to 21 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

Dr. Gregory Taylor

Three per cent of children aged two to 17 were obese 25 years ago. That rate shot up to eight per cent in 2004. The biggest increases in obesity rates in young people occurred among those aged 12 to 17, where the rate tripled from three per cent to nine per cent.
"Obese and overweight children tend to be obese and overweight adults and they'll be experiencing the risks of that for their entire lifetime," said Dr. Gregory Taylor of the Public Health Agency of Canada in Canada.

• INDEPTH: Obese Nation

The health risks of excess weight include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, some cancers and gallbladder disease that put more pressure on Canada's health-care system.
Promoting healthy habits

• INDEPTH: School phys-ed

To help reverse the trend, nutritionists at the University of Alberta have designed a hospital-based program to help children eat better, exercise more and learn about their health.
"Children are still developing those lifestyle behaviours that may lead to overweight," said Geoff Ball, a pediatrics professor. By targeting them at an earlier age, doctors and parents have a chance of steering children to a healthier track, he said.
Provincially, men's rates were significantly above the national level in Newfoundland and Labrador (33 per cent) and Manitoba (30 per cent). Women's rates surpassed the national figure in Newfoundland and Labrador (35 per cent), Nova Scotia (30 per cent) and Saskatchewan (33 per cent).
But Canada's adult obesity rate was significantly lower than the U.S. While 23 per cent of Canadian adults were obese in 2004, the rate was nearly 30 per cent south of the border.
The researchers also found men and women who ate fruit and vegetables less than three times a day were more likely to be obese than were those who consumed those foods five or more times a day.
People who were sedentary were more likely than those who were physically active to be obese. For example, 27 per cent of sedentary men were obese, compared with 19.6 per cent of active men.

Source: Youtube, Aljazeera, CBC

Boost Your B's!

Source: Dr. Vic Shayne, Nutrition Research Center

Tennis Elbow Exercises

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)


Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. But several other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
There are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach. Primary doctors, physical therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care.


Source: Dr. Kahl Goldfarb, D.P.T., C.S.C.S., American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

500 Rep Challenge

Source: Open Sky Fitness, Youtube

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Source: Heidi Kaufman, Nutritionist