Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become so common that I would bet just about everyone knows someone that has it. CTS has become synonymous with computer use. Yet patients are often misdiagnosed when told they have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Unfortunately, successful treatment relies on an accurate diagnosis. Perhaps this explains why many people see no improvement after medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Somehow my patients are receiving exceptional results from their care; many of them are avoiding surgeries that was thought to be inevitable. Why? Continue reading to find out what sets my specific treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome apart from the rest.

An Accurate Diagnosis Is The First Step

CTS is often a generalized diagnosis used to describe symptoms such as:

1. Numbness in the hand or fingers
2. Wrist pain
3. Other hand symptoms

More accurately, CTS is a compression of the Median Nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the hand. This generates numbness or weakness in the palm, thumb, pointer, and middle fingers. CTS does not include wrist pain and in fact does not even occur in the wrist. Instead, CTS occurs amongst the bones that compose the hand know as the carpal bones (pictured). This is an important distinction between CTS, wrist pain, and other hand symptoms.

It Might Be More Than Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…

When we consider the path of the Median Nerve from the neck to the hand, there have been identified no less than 12 spots where the nerve can become compressed. The Carpal Tunnel is but one of these dozen or more points. Once involvement of the Carpal Tunnel is confirmed or ruled-out, the remaining locations must also be tested to determine if this is ‘true’ CTS or a Median Nerve compression involving multiple locations.

It is this step that is often overlooked in general practice and in my opinion is the reason why many CTS treatment plans fail. Current estimates state that 95% of CTS surgeries are considered a failure at the 6-month follow-up as the symptoms have returned. The reason is simple, the Median Nerve was compressed at multiple sites. By focusing on only one of those sites the treatment is incomplete; and the outcomes are poor.

The Painful Wrist

Even though CTS is more or a numbness symptom, CTS is associated with pain in the wrist. It is true that CTS often coincides with wrist pain, but the wrist pain is actually a separate and distinct problem.Wrist pain in my experience occurs as the result of:

1. Compression of the hand bones into the forearm bones (Carpal Compression)
2. Compression of the Nerve of the Wrist Joint
   (Anterior Interosseous Nerve)

Carpal Compression occurs when the ligaments of the wrist bones loosen causing the wrist arch to collapse. (This is very similar to how the arch of the foot collapses in people with ‘flat feet’.) When the wrist is extended, like when typing on a computer, the bones of the hand are forced into the forearm and pinching can occur.

The Anterior Interosseous Nerve carries the signals to and from the wrist joint itself. It can become compressed in the muscles of the forearm which causes the nerve to become hypersensitive. Compression of this nerve can create pain sensations in the wrist in what is called “referred pain”. The pain is actually in the nerve of the wrist; but since nerves can’t feel pain, the body feels the wrist pain instead. In much the same way, a kidney infection can generate referred back pain.

The Cure For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Understanding CTS is only the first step for patients and clinicians. The most important step is what is done with that information. Treatment can take time to get the maximum results. To complicate matters, nerves take longer to heal than other tissues in the body. Even when the condition is ‘fixed’ it could take several months to regain full strength and sensation in the affected area.

So what can be done? Here are but a few of the options I use:

Myofascial Release

Nerve compression is often the result of tight or tense muscles. Over time these muscles can pinch the nerve.  Scar tissue can also build up and increase the compression. This is often called a “nerve entrapment”. Manual massage techniques like myofascial release can relax the muscles and relieve the pressure on the nerve. Myofascial release can also be used to break up the scar tissue surrounding the nerve and eliminate entrapment.

Spinal Manipulation Therapy

The role of the neck in nerve compression syndromes is often overlooked by most professionals… except for Chiropractors. Lack of mobility and irritation in the neck (especially the lower neck) can create compression and tension on the nerve roots as they enter the spine. This is increased by poor posture and slouching as the lower neck takes the brunt of the strain in these positions. By manipulating the spine, mobility can be improved and neural compression can be alleviated at the spinal origin of these nerves.

Dry Needle Acupuncture

I love Dry Needle Acupuncture! There is no treatment better for nerve-related conditions than Acupuncture. Dry Needle Acupuncture is even better as it strips away a lot of the unnecessary aspects of traditional acupuncture. This leavs a treatment that is highly effective and that doesn’t require the time that more traditional acupuncture methods do. In Dry Needle Acupuncture needles are inserted along the nerve path at the sites of compression, entrapment, or irritation. These needles are then immediately withdrawn. In 3-4 minutes a patient can experience a tremendous treatment that creates immediate and noticeable changes. Dry Needle Acupuncture is my treatment of choice for CTS.

If you or someone you know has struggled with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other arm complaints you can simply call our offices. We are always happy to answer your questions and would look forward to being able to book an evaluation to see if you are a candidate for our highly effective treatments.

Call us today to book your evaluation!

Dr. Shane Conrad DC, DAc, CCSP, CSCS
Clinical Director – Conrad Chiropractic & Wellness
(719) 596-8700

Knee pain is an increasingly common complaint associated with athletic activity; and is often thought to be a ‘natural’ consequence of aging. Patients are often told to rest the knee, take some Aspirin, or lose a bit of weight; advice which most often does nothing to help alleviate the pain or to correct the problem.

Our knees hurt for a reason. Problems with the knees can be treated; and are not a part of the aging process that you should accept. After all, we’re only given two knees… and if you want to keep up with your grand kids you’ll need both of them! If your knees hurt then keep reading; fixing the problem starts with educating yourself about your treatment options.

In The Beginning, There Is Pain

When the knee starts to hurt, it often occurs in one of three patterns:

1. Pain inside the knee
2. Pain around the knee
3. Pain both inside and around the knee

Pain inside the knee is often associated with Arthritis, or deterioration of the cartilage that lines the knee joint. Pain is often achy in its character and gets worse with changes in the weather. Internal knee pain also results in knees that seem to stiffen when held in the same position for a long period of time. Internal knee pain can make it hard to walk, run, or kneel.

Pain around the knee is often associated with deterioration in the soft tissues that surround the knee. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons can weaken. When forces are exerted by the muscles during activity, the soft tissues are irritated and pain results. The classic presentation of pain around the knee occurs just below the knee cap when walking up a flight of stairs; or when walking/jogging. External knee pain can limit our activities, and in chronic cases can become a constant source of soreness even at rest.

Pain in and around the knee is quite simply the combination of the above two conditions where basically everything hurts the knee.

Going Beyond The Symptoms

Its easy when the knee hurts to simply do what makes it not hurt. We avoid stairs, stop jogging, or take fist-fulls of Ibuprofen.  None of these self-imposed treatments actually correct the knee problem. You’re merely alleviating the symptoms. Will you be able to avoid stairs forever? Is jogging something your willing to give up? What effects will long-term use of Ibuprofen have on your body? I challenge you when faced by pain to think outside the box: what is causing my knees to hurt and can it be fixed? The answer is most often a resounding “YES!”. Knees can be fixed; and in many cases without the use of harmful injections, or painful surgeries.

Finding a competent health care professional is the first step. Chiropractors and Physical Therapists should be the first people you consult. Both professions are knowledgeable in both the diagnosis AND treatment of knee pain. An even better recommendation is to seek the care of a Chiropractor who specializes in Sports Medicine, or a Physical Therapist that is a certified Orthopedic Specialist. That way you can ensure that you are getting the best provider that each of these professions has to offer.

In The End, There Is No Pain

Once you’ve chosen your provider, you are well on the way to a recovery. Depending upon your specific problem, treatment can  take weeks or even months to achieve a full recovery. There are a variety of of techniques and treatments that have shown effective results in scientific literature and in clinical practice. There is no “one size fits all” approach so I’ve discussed a few of my personal favorites at the end of this article. Discuss these therapies with your chosen provider. With the right combination and some consistency every knee has the potential to be a pain-free knee!

Dr. Shane R. Conrad DC, DAc, CCSP, CSCS

Doctor of Chiropractic

Acupuncturist

Chiropractic Sports Practitioner

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is my “go to” treatment for knee pain. It provides amazing results in a very short period of time for internal knee pain. Acupuncture can also improve joint mobility and swelling (if present). Dry needle acupuncture is my preferred method to treat external sources of knee pain. The use of traditional acupuncture and dry needle acupuncture together is the single most successful form of treatment currently available.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Establishing normal joint biomechanics is the key to long-term success. This can only occur when the joint is properly positioned, and the musculature is in balance. Additionally, the foot/ankle and hip/lower back must also be taken into consideration when treating the knee joint. We must never discount the ability of surrounding joints to affect one another. Following a proper assessment, your chosen provider can get you started on the road to health.

Exercise

Any exercise to help the knee should center around establishing balance within the flexibility and strength of the various muscle groups that work about the knee. The key goal in using exercise to “rehab” the knee is to provide proper stability to the knee and to establish normal tracking of the knee cap within the groove of the knee. Each individual has differing strengths and weakness which is why a one-size-fits-all approach is disaster for the knee. Consult a qualified health professional who can asses you properly and ensure your rehab is appropriate and efficient.

Custom Foot Orthotics

In order to treat the knee we must always consider the role of the foot. Foot problems can cause knee problems. If you don’t correct the foot problems, the knee will only feel better for short periods of time following therapy – the pain will always come back. Custom foot orthotics can help support the foot and correct many of the problems that lead to knee pain. But don’t be fooled cheap inserts. Off-The-Rack or Over-The-Counter shoe inserts are not custom foot orthotics! Often times the money you spend on flimsy  imitations could have gone towards a high quality pair of custom orthotics that would have lasted years.

Supplementation

Probably the most common treatment for sore knees is the joint complex containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM. These supplements often come packaged in a single pill and are relatively inexpensive. Joint complexes provide the building blocks necessary to maintain the cartilage lining within the knee joint. However, they have no active role in reducing the inflammation that is often associated with joint degeneration. Anti-inflammatory supplementation could be an entire article in itself; however to simplify I will say this: to reduce inflammation a high-quality Omega-3 oil supplement 1200-1500mg should be incorporated. I recommend a combination of fish/krill oil (400mg), flax seed oil (400mg), and borage oil (400mg). The lesser prices of the flax and borage with help offset the cost of the more expensive fish oils.

Often it’s recommended that you change your footwear every 400-500 miles. You, like so many others, may be preparing to spend some of your dollars on a new pair of running shoes. The good news is that you have more choices today than ever before. The bad news is that picking the proper pair of runners is getting as complicated as high-definition televisions. In this article I’ll show you 5 easy tests to guide you in your next running shoe purchase.

Zone 1 – Forefoot Construction

The first thing we should assess when looking at a new pair of runners is the forefoot construction. That is, the front 1/3^rd of the shoe.

In the front of the shoe, we’re looking for flexibility!

Test 1 – The Rock Test

Take your potential shoe and rest it on a flat surface. Then at eye level, examine the upwards curve present at the front of the shoe (what I call “The Rock”). The more curved this part of the shoe is, the better. Next, press down on the front tip of the forefoot. The heel of the shoe should lift off the flat surface.

A shoe with a good “rock” allows for a smoother transition from the stance phase (foot flat on the ground) to the propulsion phase (toeing off) during your running stride. A running shoe with a good “rock” conserves energy every time you take a stride.

Test 2 – The Flex-ie-bend Test

Now pick the shoe up and grasp the heel firmly. Place the middle three fingers of the opposite hand on the tip of the shoe. Hold firmly onto the heel, and gently press the toe-box backwards. Pay special attention to where the shoe bends. A good shoe will bend exactly where your foot does – at the base of the toes often referred to as the ball of the feet. Now consider how much force you needed to put into the shoe to make it bend. The easier this bending occurs, the less resistance the shoe will give your foot when you run. In fact, the best shoes will have horizontal grooves in the sole (called Flex Grooves) to maximize the flexibility along this ridge where the forefoot bends.

The pictures above show a running shoe with excellent forefoot bending using minimal force.

Zone 2 – Mid-foot Construction

The mid-foot (middle 1/3^rd) of the shoe is constructed to transfer momentum from the heel of the shoe to the toes with a minimized loss of energy. It’s often hard to get everything we need in every shoe. The mid-foot of the shoe sometimes requires us to make a few sacrifices. Ideally, look for a balance between the rigidity in the mid-foot and the overall weight of the shoe. Heavier shoes tend to be more rigid through the mid-foot, but running around with two lead bricks attached to your feet hardly feels good after 5 miles.

In the mid-foot we’re looking for rigidity.

Test 3 – The Twist

Turn the shoe over so you’re looking at the sole. Grasp the heel in your right hand and use the left hand to grasp the entire front 1/3^rd of the sole. Now pretend it’s a wet towel and twist like you’re trying to wring the water out. A well constructed shoe should have minimal twisting (called torsion).

Side note:

Several years ago Adidas made a line of shoes called the “Torsions”. These shoes allowed for A LOT of torsion through the mid-sole. Injuries abounded (especially in the tennis pros they sponsored) and Adidas quietly phased this technology out. Surprisingly you can occasionally find a pair of torsions on the shelf – but buyer beware!

Zone 3 – Rear-foot Construction

The most confusing part of the shoe is the rear-foot. Mainly because individuals vary in how their rear-foot functions. There are three types of rear-foot motion:

1. Underpronator – About 20% of people are underpronators, also called supinators. This means when the heel strikes the ground, the bones in the ankle roll outwards and up. These people normally have what are called “high arches”.
2. Neutral – About 50% of people are neutral pronators. When their heel strikes the ground, the bones in the ankle roll inwards and down. This is the “normal” or ideal pattern.
3. Overpronators – About 30% of people are overpronators. When their heel strikes the ground, the ankle is already shifted inwards and down. Then, as the heel strikes, the ankle bone moves even further inwards and down – causing some MAJOR problems! These are typically your “flat feet” people.

The Wet Test

At home wet your feet and take a walk on a piece of dark construction paper, or dry concrete. The foot print you leave will give a pretty good estimate of what type of rear-foot motion you have.

The Heel Counter

The most important function of the rear-foot of the shoe is to hold the heel in place. If your heel is shifting around in the back of the shoe it can lead to a variety of injuries like plantar fasciitis, sprained ankles, shin splints, or worse!

Test 4 – The Pinch Test

Turn the shoe so you are directly looking at the back of the shoe. With your free hand grasp the heel counter directly above the sole and pinch aggressively trying to deform the heel counter. A good heel counter will resist this and you will not be able to pinch your fingers together even a small amount.

Test 5 – Thumbs Down

The second test for the heel counter is to place the tip of your thumb in the Achilles notch (if it doesn’t have an Achilles cut out consider a different shoe) and push into the heel counter, trying to bend it forward. If it bends it gets a “Thumbs down” from me like the shoe shown in this picture!

If you find a shoe that passes all five of these tests you can rest assured that your feet will be adequately protected for the next 6 months. A 4/5 score isn’t bad either; but anything less than a four shouldn’t be on your feet. There are just too many great shoes made by too many great companies to get locked into a bad shoe just because they look cool or are the latest marketing trend in shoe wear. Trends come and go (remember the Reebok Pump shoe) but solid shoe construction lasts forever… or about 600 miles. Take my advice and put your money where it counts… construction!

This article is meant for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Proper treatment of all injuries should only be initiated after a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Part I: The Truth As We Have Been Told

CHD – Coronary Heart Disease (heart attack and stroke) is the number one killer of Americans. As such, we have been inundated with information about how to improve our chances of becoming more than just another statistic. Lifestyle changes are still the most recommended means to lower your risk for developing heart disease. But for those of us unwilling, or unable, to change there is a new “miracle” class of prescription drugs called Statins.

The medical profession believes that Statin drugs are the miracle cure for preventing heart disease. This information comes to them through the clever marketing and promotion of these medicines by their producers, the pharmaceutical industry. But have we been told the truth, or are we being sold a product that is not only ineffective, but also harmful to our health. You may recall a time when the Tobacco industry touted the safety of smoking and advertisements even went as far as to depict physician smoking. Now 50 years later we know the truth about the dangers of smoking. Fifty years from now, will we look back at the pharmaceutical industry as the latest group to jeopardize our health for their own financial profits?

I intend to shed light on the true facts of these dangerous medications. It is my opinion that any informed  individual would never voluntarily pollute their body with these toxic drugs. Furthermore, educated physicians should ensure these medications are used appropriately and infrequently. The information contained in this article could save you money, protect you from illness; or even save your life.

High Cholesterol: An Invented Disease

Medical science is expanding our knowledge of the human body at an exponential rate. Once of these advances has been the discovery of a compound in our body called Cholesterol. We discovered that this compound is found in foods that we eat and that it is naturally produced by our body. Cholesterol has a variety of functions. It is the backbone of our bodies hormones, it is a major component in our nervous system (40% of the brain is pure cholesterol), and it is present in every cell in our body.  But the most notorious function of cholesterol is as a way to transport fat in our blood stream.

Everyone knows that water and oil don’t mix. Fat is essentially an oil-like compound that our body uses for energy. But it won’t dissolve in our blood on its own. Cholesterol binds to fat and carries it through our blood stream so that we can use it for energy. Once we discovered that cholesterol circulates in our blood stream we started to measure its concentration and explore whether  cholesterol concentrations affected our health.

Of course once we could test for cholesterol, everyone wanted to know what was a normal level to have. In the 1980′s cholesterol levels of >200 were considered normal but research was showing that the plaque associated with heart attacks was mostly made of cholesterol. So somewhere along the way a doctor or scientist recommended that in order to prevent heart attacks and heart disease we needed to lower our cholesterol. Suddenly we had a new disease, Hypercholesterolemia - or high cholesterol.

Statin Medications: A Manufactured Cure

Now that cholesterol was considered a disease, the pharmaceutical companies set about finding a cure to help lower your cholesterol through a medication. They invested millions of dollars into research and development that led to the statin medications. And with the ability to patent this medicine, they can now sell it to people ‘diseased’ with high cholesterol.

Statin drugs go by the trade names Lipitor®, Crestor®, and Zocor® to name but a few. Together these drugs block the natural production and absorption of cholesterol by the body. It has been assumed that since these drugs lower cholesterol, that they are the answer to prevent heart disease.  And they were marketed aggressively and effectively to our family physicians as the cure for heart disease. They are advertised in every media outlet in this entire country; and as of 2010 over 25 million people are taking these medicines to lower cholesterol in hopes of preventing death from heart attack or stroke.

Statin medications are prescribed to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. The general population views this information to mean “Take this medicine, and you won’t die of a heart attack.”

The Pharmaceutical Companies Want You To Be Sick

Since their inception, statin medications have become a $100 Billion industry. They are amongst the most readily prescribed, and the most profitable medications the world has ever seen. They are easily the most profitable drugs ever created. But the drug companies aren’t satisfied with a measly $ 100 Billion. And so we have been driven into a frenzied state of paranoia that is the result of a systematic manipulation of what is considered healthy, and what is considered diseased.

Once upon a time, cholesterol above 300 was considered hypercholesterolemia. Every few years, a panel of medical experts is assembled to re-evaluate these recommendations.  And every time a panel is convened the recommendations on normal cholesterol get lower and lower. Currently a ‘healthy’ cholesterol level is less than 200 total cholesterol (optimal 160-180), with LDL cholesterol of less than 130 (optimal is below 100 for persons at risk for heart attack or stroke). What is more infuriating is that these healthy levels have no basis in scientific data or observation. They are in fact an arbitrary number determined by these so-called experts.

This means that currently over 200 Million people in the world are candidates for statin drug therapy. As a result; men, women, children, and diabetics are all being recommended these harmful drugs to prevent heart disease. Statin drugs have even been suggested to be of benefit in preventing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The pharmaceutical companies have purposefully manipulated the definition of what constitutes disease so that even healthy individuals are being diagnosed with high cholesterol. More diagnoses means more prescriptions. And more prescriptions means more profits. In fact, in their latest move, the pharmaceutical companies have been promoting the use of statin medications as a preventative measure in person with normal cholesterol; and they continue to push to have statins approved for over-the-counter use without a doctor’s prescription or supervision. Unbelievable!

Part II: The Truth We Haven’t Been Told

The truth is that this group of drugs has never scientifically shown that taking them will decrease your risk of having a heart attack/stroke; or your risk of dying from a heart disease related event.  However, they have been shown to have significant adverse side-effects. So much so that some studies have observed a 30% drop-out rate of their participants due solely to the nature of their adverse reactions to the statin medicines.

The pharmaceutical companies have continued to cleverly market these drugs based on a very select, but poorly designed, scientific studies. They choose to ignore the scientific consensus that Statin medications have NO EFFECT on reducing your risk for a coronary heart disease and that the adverse side effects make the drugs highly controversial.

What are the adverse side-effects of someone taking statin medications? The list is almost too numerous to have here in full detail. But I have taken the most common ones and explained how statin medications are contributing to a decline in health status despite a lowered cholesterol level.

Cancer

In every study done to date using rats, statin drugs have caused cancer. EVERY SINGLE STUDY! This is insane. Unfortunately, cancer takes much longer to appear in humans than it does in rats so the incidence of cancer has been less apparent in human trials. Still, the CARE (2002) study showed an increased incidence of breast cancer with a 1500% increased appearance versus the placebo group.

Manufacturers of statin drugs have acknowledged the fact that statin drugs depress the immune system, which can lead to cancer and infectious disease. Yet they choose to see only more potential patients and recommend statin use for inflammatory arthritis and as an immune suppressor for transplant patients. Talk about spinning a negative finding.

Muscle Pain and Weakness

Muscle pain and weakness is the most common side-effect of using statin medications, most likely due to its tendency to deplete CoQ10 within the body. In fact anyone on statin medications should be supplementing with CoQ10 as a general rule.

For most patients, muscle pain shows up briefly after starting statin therapy. These are usually corrected once the medication is terminated. However, in some cases it can take long-term use to appear and discontinuing the medication does not always correct the symptoms for several months.  Active people are much less likely to develop these side-effect than sedentary people which makes them particularly dangerous for the senior citizen population.

In general,  anyone suffering from muscle problems, fibromyalgia, coordination problems and fatigue needs to look at low cholesterol plus Co-Q₁₀ deficiency as a possible cause.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is characterized as tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands or feet and can be associated with difficulty walking, loss of grip strength, or generalized clumsiness.  Studies have shown that taking statin for as little as 1 year can increase your risk for developing neurological problems by as much as 15%. This trend continues to increase as the time on the medication increases.

The most unfortunate problem is that patient’s that have these complications the damage that is done is often irreversible even after the drug is discontinued.

Heart Failure

Deaths attributed to heart failure have more than doubled from 1989-1997. This not surprisingly closely correlates with the introduction and FDA approval of Statin drugs in 1987. Again, CoQ10 depletion/deficiency is the likely culprit as CoQ10 is the direct energy source for heart muscle.  CoQ10 depletion also increases as the dosage of statin medication is increased in an attempt to drive patients to ultra-low levels of blood cholesterol. Of nine studies currently available on CoQ10 depletion as the result of Statin drug use, 8 showed significant depletion of CoQ10 and associated heart muscle dysfunction.

A recent study in Britain actually showed that patients with heart failure benefited from having elevated cholesterol further indicating that use of statin medications is inappropriate in persons with a history of heart disease/failure.

Dizziness

Dizziness is usually associated with the potential for statin medications to cause blood pressure lowering. However, it could also be caused by neurological damage to the 8th cranial nerve which is directly responsible for our sense of balance.

Cognitive Impairment

Do you recall that 40% of the brain (by weight) is composed of cholesterol? It makes sense then that by limiting cholesterol that we would have an impact on the brain itself. Use of statin medication can cause progressive cognitive decline in some patients – changes that are irreversible. Memory, problem solving, and motor skills can all be negatively affected by use of statin medications. This is especially apparent in the elderly who seem to suffer from this side-effect more often – yet a reason for this has not bee proposed.

Depression

Our body’s hormones are built on a backbone of cholesterol. Without cholesterol, hormonal concentrations and balance is disrupted in the body.  Not surprisingly yet another complication of statin therapy is depression which is directly associated with a change in brain chemistry and particularly in the role of serotonin, norepinephrine, testosterone, estrogen and the list goes on. Thus, other complaints such as irregular menstruation, early menopause, lack of sex drive, and even  loss of bone density all could be attributed to statin drugs as the result of hormonal disruption.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis as the result of statin drug use has been reported in the literature and appears usually within the first two weeks of initiating the medication but can occur after several months to years of use as well. If left untreated (or undiagnosed) it can develop into necrotizing pancreatitis which will, most likely, result in death.

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis are moderate to severe abdominal pain. If you are on statin medication and develop this symptom consult your doctor immediately!

Think that this is just an over-exaggeration of the risks? Here are just some of the more recent controlled studies that have been performed and a brief summary of each.

Heart Protection Study (2002)

this Oxford University study found that persons taking Zocor® (simvastatin) had a lower mortality/death rate than those not taking the medication. However: This finding was determined to be independent of blood cholesterol concentration. Therefore, since statins lower cholesterol the finding of decreased mortality are likely not related to the fact that the participants were taking statin medication.

Honolulu Heart Program (2001)

Found that elderly individuals with artificially lowered serum/blood cholesterol had a greater risk of death than those with normal or slightly elevated blood cholesterol.

MIRACL (2001)

Found that use of Lipitor® did not decrease the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

ALLHAT (2002)

Statin medications were used on 10,000 people over 4 year period. When compared to people who took normal preventative measures (healthy body weight maintained, no smoking, exercise)  the cholesterol medication group showed no significant lowering in risk of heart attack, heart disease, or death.

PROSPER (2002)

This study showed no overall increase in life expectancy associated with use of statin medications. It showed no decrease in first-event heart attack or stroke versus a placebo. It did show a significant decrease in second-event heart attack versus placebo, but no difference in mortality from this event. A statistically significant increased cancer rate was found in the group taking statin medications.

J-LIT (2002)

A Japanese study with almost 50,000 patients followed over a 6 year period on Zocor® (simvastatin). This study followed the patients and categorized them by how much their blood cholesterol was lowered. What they found was that a lowered cholesterol level had absolutely no effect on mortality. Patients with cholesterol >200 lived as long as those that had cholesterol <80.

Meta-Analysis (2003)

This looked at 44 different trials using various statin medications.  They found that:

1. There was no difference in death rate/mortality between stain and placebo groups.
2. Approximately 45% of enrolled patients reported a significant side-effect to the statin medications.
3. Almost 4% of patients withdrew from the studies due to a significant side-effect.

Statins and Plaque (2003)

This study measured the progression of arterial plaque (arteriosclerosis) of two groups: i) high dose statin intervention ii) low-dose statin intervention. They found that statin use had no effect in slowing or stopping the progression of arterial plaque build up. Additionally they found that both groups had an average increase in arterial plaque build-up of 9.2% despite use of stain medications.

Statins and Women (2003)

This study concluded that the use of statins by females offers no benefit for the protection or prevention of heart disease.

ASCOT-LLA (2003)

This was a 5-year study investigating the use of Lipitor® in decreasing heart attack rates. The study was stopped after 3 years and did show a decreased rate of heart attacks in the treatment group but no change in death rates were present. You therefore had fewer heart attacks, but were just as likely to die from that heart attack as someone not taking the medication.

Cholesterol Levels in Dialysis Patients (2004)

This investigation did not use statin medications as an intervention. Instead, they looked at cholesterol levels in people receiving dialysis. They found that patients with higher cholesterol had a lower mortality rate than those with lower cholesterol rates. Once again the thought that lower cholesterol levels are beneficial to our health was unproven.

PROVE-IT (2004)

This study conducted at Harvard Medical was funded by Bristol-Myers-Squibb, a major pharmaceutical company and makers of Pravachol® . It received a great deal of media attention when it came out because the scientists found a 16% decrease in the relative risk for mortality of any cause for patients taking either Pravachol® or Lipitor® . However, when the data is examined closely, only a 1% actual decrease in mortality was present versus placebo. This study has become a poster-child for how a misinterpretation of scientific data and bias can result in studies that are funded by the company’s whose products are being ‘studied’.

Additionally of note: over 30% of the study’s participants withdrew due to significant adverse side-effects to taking either Pravachol® or Lipitor® .

REVERSAL (2004)

Conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, this study reported a 0.4% decrease in coronary plaque aggregation in patients whom used Lipitor® or Pravachol® over an 18 month period. The results led the researcher to comment that these results indicate that the use of statin medications should be widely expanded and that an estimated 200 million people could benefit from use of these drugs. This commentary shows not only tremendous scientific bias, but also calls into question the investigators ethics. To make such a bold statement on such a minuscule result leads one to believe the investigators set out with the intention of proving a point rather than scientifically exploring a hypothesis.

Critics of this study have countered that the measurements used to determine plaque accumulation were performed incorrectly and thus any data obtained is inherently invalid.

Why then, why?

With all this evidence is there really even any benefit to taking these medications? Most doctors are convinced that the benefits of statin drugs far outweigh the side effects. Contrary to this convention, Dr. Ravnskov has pointed out in his book The Cholesterol Myths, the results of the major studies up to the year 2000–the 4S, WOSCOPS, CARE, AFCAPS and LIPID studies–generally showed only small differences and these differences were often statistically insignificant and independent of the amount of cholesterol lowering achieved. In two studies, EXCEL and FACAPT/TexCAPS, more deaths occurred in the treatment group compared to controls. Dr. Ravnskov’s 1992 meta-analysis of 26 controlled cholesterol-lowering trials found an equal number of cardiovascular deaths in the treatment and control groups and a greater number of total deaths in the treatment groups.

An analysis of all the larger (and therefore more scientifically valid) controlled trials reported before 2000 found that long-term use of statins for the primary prevention of heart disease produced a 1 percent greater risk of death over 10 years compared to a placebo.

Something to think about isn’t it???

REFERENCES

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Much of the information contained in this article has come from:

Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About Popular Cholesterol Lowering Medicines

written by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD

Part III: Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

A summary of suggestions:

• Choose lower fat dairy products: Skim or 1% Milk, non-fat yogurt.
• Avoid vegetable oil and hydrogenated soy bean oil.
• Choose olive oil or peanut oil.
• Eat high fiber foods (broccoli, whole wheat, bran, and brown rice).
• Enjoy fish and seafood at least once a week.
• “Cholesterol free” doesn’t necessarily mean fat free. Usually these products are high in saturated fats!
• Supplement with a high-quality multivitamin and a cholesterol complex containing Policosanol AND Gum Guggal.

Heart disease is the number one killer in North America. While heart attacks occur suddenly, they are predictable and preventable. Modern medicine has pinpointed the risk factors associated with heart disease and as many of us know, the single biggest factor is our cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a compound that occurs naturally in our bodies. It helps package and transport fats to our body’s cells where they can be used for energy and cell replication. It’s important to realize that cholesterol and fats are not the enemy. Too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol is the problem.

Step 1 – Out with the bad.

The first and foremost cause of heart disease is dietary. It’s all about the fat! Modern dietary suggestions recommend that our total fat intake not exceed 30% of our total dietary intake and saturated fats should be <10% of this amount.  Saturated fat can be found in dairy products (particularly cheese, whole milk, and butter); red meats and processed meats (salami, bacon, bologna) and egg yolks. These foods are also high in cholesterol (discussed later). Limiting our fat consumption, particularly saturated fats and cholesterol, is the first step to being heart healthy.

Bad cholesterol (or LDL) sticks to the lining of your arteries and causes a build up of fat on the walls. Overtime, this builds similar to sludge in a pipe. Eventually it will begin to narrow the artery which causes a restriction of the blood flow. Heart attacks occur due to restricted blood flow to the arteries of the heart.

Current cholesterol medications (like Lipitor, Crestor or Plavix) aim at eliminating cholesterol at its source – the liver. Others prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Both types have serious side effects including permanent liver damage. Unfortunately, with heart disease such a prominent killer in our society, the medical community seems to accept the “side-effects” of these medications as a necessary evil. Yet natural remedies exist that are as good, or better, than our current medications. You won’t find them advertised on television, but they are proven to work without any side-effects.

Step 2 – Choose the right fats and leaner meats

Remember our bodies still need fat to function. Choosing the right types of fat is the first step to reducing your cholesterol naturally. Monounsaturated fats are a great substitute for the more harmful types. These are found in olive oil (extra virgin of course), canola oil, and peanut oil. Try substituting your vegetable oil (bad fat) for canola – and use olive oil whenever you can! Second, the best oil we can consume is Omega-3 oils found in fish and seafood. Fish in particular is a great source of Omega-3 fats and you should try to have fish 1-3 meals each week. Fish is also a lean meat and contains very little bad fats. Chicken and turkey are also very lean and can be eaten without worry and are high quality sources of protein.

Choosing good fats will increase your good cholesterol (or HDL). HDL is like a vacuum cleaner for bad fats. It travels through your blood stream sucking up the bad fat and cholesterol. As a result HDL helps prevent fat from depositing on your artery walls. High levels of HDL are a good thing.

Step 3 – Eat more fiber.

The second step in lowering your cholesterol naturally is to eat a diet high in fiber. Fiber is a cholesterol cruncher. It binds to cholesterol naturally and prevents its digestion. For vegetables, the greener it is the more fiber it contains. Whole wheat, bran, and soluable fiber (Metamucil or Benefiber) are also great ways to add fiber to the diet.

Step 4 – Exercise.

Of course it’s been drilled into our heads that we need to exercise. But you don’t have to run marathons to be heart healthy. Experts insist that 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (walking, jogging, cycling) done a mere 3 times a week will drastically reduce your risk for heart disease. New studies even show that 20 minutes of brisk exercise after a high-fat meal may reduce the amount of bad cholesterol absorbed into our bodies.

Step 5 – Add Supplements and Vitamins.

The first line of defense is always a good multivitamin. It gives us everything that we may not be getting from our diet. But two specific natural compounds have been tested against the cholesterol-lowering drugs with surprising results.

Policosanol is a natural compound found in sugar cane and beeswax. When tested against the cholesterol drugs, it outperformed them both in lowering LDL (an amazing 24%) and raising HDL. And it did it without major side-effects. Dosages should be between 1.0-2.0 mg per tablet.

Gum guggal is derived from the Mukul Myrrh tree and has been shown to lower cholesterol 14-27% and reduce blood fats 22-33%! The recommended dosage is 500mg standardized to 2.5% guggulsterone content (very important). It has a proven safety record, no toxicity, and is frequent prescribed in India for high cholesterol before pharmacological intervention.

Now that you know what medical doctors don’t, you can take action immediately. Although these interventions do not require supervision, I would recommend discussing them with your family doctor. And never discontinue any prescribed medication without properly discussing it with your physician.

Written by:

- Dr. Shane R. Conrad D.C.

In 2008, a study was commissioned by the state of Colorado to determine the impact our current motor vehicle laws were having on insurance claimants. The study found that Colorado’s laws were unfavorable for patient’s obtaining medical care; and health care professionals responsible for providing that care were having extreme difficulty in getting paid for their efforts. As a result, Colorado enacted a law making medical payment coverage a mandatory coverage for all insured motorists. This coverage, called MEDPAY, is used to provide reimbursement for any necessary medical care. Ambulances, doctor’s visits, medications, and other medically necessary therapies (including Chiropractic care) would be available to you without restrictions.

Unfortunately, with everything good there is often comes at least something undesirable. To appease those who couldn’t stand  to see their insurance premiums increase, the legislators allowed people to opt-out of this coverage. This opt-out has led a great number of people to drop this ‘mandatory but optional’ coverage. There exists a great deal of misunderstanding as to the nature of MEDPAY. I’m hoping this article will help answer some questions.

Let’s do some math

So is MEDPAY really worth it? According to figures obtained from the insurance industry, it most definitely is. According to statistics, most people will be involved in a car accident once every 7-9 years. For those injured, the average cost of medical recovery is between $10-12,000.00. So if we round off the numbers statistically you will have one car wreck every 10 years and it will cost about $10,000.00 to get you better. Statistics are, of course, averages. And many people will actually spend less on recovery. but for every person spending less that is balanced out by someone who actually pays more to get better. Insurance is all about statistics. The insurance company is betting that you won’t get into an accident, and you’re betting that you will. Insurance is actually  a bet against yourself.

In the example above,  the medical expenses would equate to around $1,000.00 per year. I currently carry $25,000.00 of MEDPAY on my auto policy for an additional premium of $10.75/month. That’s an annual cost of $129.00/year. Over ten years, $ 1,290.00. So I’ll bet that money that I will get into an accident. If I do, then I win and the insurance company must pay for my recovery. They’ll pay me $10,000.00 for what I only paid $1,290.00. So if you get into one accident in ten years, having MEDPAY will pay me about $7,700.00. More correctly it will pay my doctor bills. But that’s money that I won’t have to spend on my treatments.

Then consider this scenario: what if you are driving to soccer practice with your wife, your two kids, and your son’s best friend? MEDPAY covers all the occupants of the vehicle without restrictions. And without an extra increase in the premium. Everyone in the car is still covered for $25,000.00 for that $10.75 premium. If two of the occupants were injured, you’ve just saved yourself $15, 400.00 in potential medical expenses by having MEDPAY. What if everyone in the car was hurt. You can add it up yourself. MEDPAY is, in fact, the cheapest form of healthcare currently available in our country. It’s thousands of dollars cheaper than even basic health insurance.

My health insurance will take care of my medical bills, won’t it

Will your health insurance waive your annual deductible if you’re in a crash? MEDPAY has no deductible. Does your health insurance have co-pays for doctor’s visits, and medications? MEDPAY pays 100% of the cost, without co-pays. Are other forms of care like physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy covered? MEDPAY will also pay for all these additional services. Finally, will your health insurance cover your son’s friend. What if his family doesn’t have health insurance? MEDPAY would cover his treatment too!

Relying on your standard health insurance is a way to slowly rack up huge expenses, especially if your recovery takes 6 months; 12 months; or more than a year. Co-pays are often $20.00 or more. Twenty visits to a physical therapist alone would cost you $400.00. Money that you never have to spend when you have MEDPAY.

Choosing your coverage

MEDPAY is usually available in $5000.00 increments up to $25,000.00 and then also available for $50,000.00 and $100,000.00 amounts. This is the cap of the coverage and it is available without restrictions. However, everyone’s needs are different so I’ve outlined some key things to consider:

1. Do you have standard health insurance? If you do not then you should buy as much MEDPAY coverage as your insurance company will allow you to. Most company’s cap out at $25,000.00. Shop around if you want more. If you do have health insurance, I still recommend carrying at least $15,000.00 to cover ambulances, co-pays and non-covered services like massage therapy.
2. What’s the average cost of recovery? As I mentioned previously it’s about $12,000.00. I would recommend a minimum of $15,000.00 coverage to give you some extra. But I highly recommend you get at least $25,000.00 coverage in case you or another occupant is more seriously injured.
3. Do you drive in a smaller vehicle? If you do you are more likely to be seriously injured in a crash if it occurs. The smaller your car the more MEDPAY you should buy. This also goes for people who do a lot of highway driving. Injuries are usually more extensive when they occur at higher speeds.
4. Do you carpool? Friends, and your kid’s friends could also be injured in an accident. They might end up having to sue you to get their medical expenses covered. If you want your friends to still be your friends after an accident, make sure you carry enough coverage to get them better.
5. Do you carry un-insured/under-insured motorist coverage? Some estimates say that up to 40% of drivers are un/under insured. So if they hit you there is no insurance to protect you. If you don’t have un/under insured motorist coverage then you need at least $25,000.00 of MEDPAY.
6. Are you a bad driver? Then buy more MEDPAY.
7. Do you have a teenage driver? They are 40% more likely to get into an accident in their first 5 years of driving than an adult. If you have teenage drivers you need MEDPAY.
8. Do you want to live a long and healthy life; or are you comfortable suffering with pains that were the result of a car accident? If you ever want to keep up with your grandchildren you need not just survive a car wreck; you need to recover from it. MEDPAY is the surest way to assist that recovery.

Ask the doctor

If you don’t believe me, ask any health practitioner you can find. Most love MEDPAY. Why? Because it pays 100%, and its hassle-free. Doctors don’t need to worry about how they will be paid for the time they are spending with you. MEDPAY assures they will get paid within 90 days. That makes them better able to take care of  you without all the red-tape associated with the insurance game. It frees doctors up from dealing with the administrative end of your injury and allows them to focus on the healing aspects of their craft – which is the reason we all got into those professions to begin with.

I hope this has helped answer some questions and shed light on the necessity of having MEDPAY on your auto insurance.

Knowledge is power. And now you know!

Download a full-color PDF version of this article click here.

For years a debate has existed on what therapy is the best. Among the many therapies, there exists a continued disagreement on the roles of heat and ice. A great deal of misinformation and misconception exists on this topic. I see people almost everyday that have received bad advice as to when to heat and when to ice. I felt it was finally time to official answer that question and end the debate once and for all.

The Short Answer: ICE, ICE BABY

While it certainly doesn’t “feel” as wonderful as a warm heat pack, icing (also called cryotherapy) is the way to go. People naturally question this. Many of us have grown up with the myth that you heat an injury. Some of us have even been told by doctors, nurses, or friends to use heat. So is ice better?

The answer is yes, and here’s why:

Ice creates a response in the body known as vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction limits the amount of blood that enters an area by causing the blood vessels to shrink. This is important because inflammation is transported via the blood vessels to the injured area. These products then “leak out” of the blood vessels to start healing the damaged area and “swelling” ensues.

Inflammation is beneficial. Without it, normal healing could not occur. However the body tends to overreact,  and the inflammatory response is in excess of what is actually required for healing purposes. This creates a scenario where the body has too many “cooks in the kitchen”. The healing processes become less efficient and recovery is prolonged.

The Verdict: Icing creates vasoconstriction which limits inflammation and injuries heal faster.

The Long Answer: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER USE HEAT

By contrast, when heat is applied to an injured area vasodilation occurs. This causes increased inflammation and complicates the healing process. Heat sure does feel nice while it’s on the area. It will feel warm, and loose, and have a generalized feeling of relaxation. But it’s what happens in the hours after you take the heat off that things fall off track. It’s like the Tin Man playing in the rain: it feels nice today, but in the end you just end up rusted.

Opponents to my rule will say that heat helps loosen the muscles. Or that the increased blood flow will promote healing. The truth is, that even with ice applied to an area there will always be enough blood flow for proper healing to occur. Muscles will feel more stiff after icing. But the goal is not to feel better, it’s to get better.

Note: This rule is a perfect rule but for one situation: diabetics. Diabetics should avoid applying ice or heat to any area, especially  the hands and feet.

Here’s My Protocol

I have come up with a protocol in my practice that is highly effective. It’s not so convenient to do. But for those that make the commitment, the consensus is that the results are so incredible they fall in love with their ice pack and can’t imagine they ever used heat.

Step One: 10 MIN ON

• Place the ice pack on the injured area. It should never be placed directly on the skin, but also never through more than one layer of clothing (like a t-shirt).
• Whenever possible you should lay on the ice pack so that your body weight compresses the pack into the inflamed area. This helps the cold to conduct better. This positioning is easy with backs and necks, but can be hard to accomplish when icing arms and legs. In these areas I find wrapping the icepack with an ACE bandage works well.
• Ice the area for 10 minutes; no more and no less. 10 minutes.
• The goal here is to cool the skin and superficial layers of muscle tissue.

Step Two: 10 MIN OFF

• Take the ice pack off the area now and throw it back in the freezer. Wait 10 minutes before reapplying.
• The goal here is to allow the skin and superficial layers of muscle tissue to warm back up a bit and for the cold to penetrate to the deeper tissues. It prevents overcooling of the skin and eliminates the risk of frostbite.

Step Three: 10 MIN ON

• Repeat the application as described above in Step One for a final 10 minutes.
• The goal here is to re-cool the superficial tissues and to “lock in” the cold in the deeper tissues.

Step Four: Recover

• Wait at least 2 hours before repeating the cycle (10 ON – 10 OFF – 10 ON).

Most people will not feel a major difference from the first 1-3 cycles of icing. Icing is like making a deposit into a bank account. The more deposits you make, the faster your balance grows. By the time you’ve done 6-7 cycles over a 24-48 hour period you will definitely be noticing a significant improvement. Consistency is the key!

Not All Ice Packs Are Created Equally

As important as icing is, so too is the quality of the ice pack you are using. A good ice pack is an investment. Spending $15-$25 on an ice pack can ensure that you’ve got a high-quality pack that will last you for years. I’ve got two in my freezer at home that are over two years old and still work like new. Here’s some advice when choosing an ice pack:

1. Expect to spend $15-$25 on a quality ice pack. It should be flexible so that it can conform to your body’s contours. A good ice pack will also be cold to the touch and stay that way for at least 20-30 minutes.
2. Never use instant cold packs. They are fine for first aid kits, but can’t be used more than once.
3. Avoid the pharmacy “blue gel” packs. They get too cold and then rapidly loose their cool usually in less than 10 minutes.
4. Avoid using ice cubes or frozen peas. It just makes a mess.
5. For ankles, feet, and hands use an ice bath. Pour cold tap water in a basin and submerge the area for 3-5 minutes. Add ice cubes and keep the area in the basin for an additional 3-5 minutes. Done. DO NOT REPEAT FOR 2 HOURS.

A Final Note

While ice helps control the inflammation associated with an injury, it does not help the injury to heal. Ice is not therapeutic. It’s about controlling inflammation and pain so that you can begin therapy sooner and receive therapy with fewer side-effects (like pain during treatment). With an ice pack in the freezer you can get rid of your heating pad. Throw it out so that you’re never tempted to fall into the same trap again.

Knowledge is power, and now you know!

Download a full-color PDF version of this article click here.

The dry heat of the arid Colorado summer will soon be upon us. Many of us will be throwing on our running shoes, strapping on a bicycle helmet, or heading down to our favorite park for some overdue fun in the sun. Yet, this dry Colorado heat could result in a lot more than a good sweat.

Every summer thousands of people experience heat injuries. Heat injuries are caused by an overexposure to the heat, or an inability of the body’s cooling mechanisms to properly regulate our body temperature. Heat injuries are like an environmentally-induced fever, and can be seriously life-threatening. So as you prepare to hit the road, a little information and some smart planning could make sure you stay out of ‘hot water’.

Keeping your cool.

The first step in avoiding heat injuries is prevention. Take special precautions based on your environment. You are at risk during periods of Elevated temperatures, full sun, and high humidity. You are especially at risk if you are exercising or doing strenuous work (i.e. yard work) in these conditions.

Following these simple precautions can make sure your fun doesn’t end too soon:

Full Sun: Avoid the sun’s peak intensity (10am-3pm).
Elevated temperature: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
High humidity: Drink lots of water and wear moisture-wicking fabrics.

When exercising or doing yard work in any of these conditions make sure to stay hydrated, take plenty of little breaks, and whenever possible use shade to your advantage.

The heat is on.

Learning to identify the symptoms of heat-injuries could save your life. Or the life of someone you know. Heat injuries are classified into three types:

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are brief, but excruciating muscle cramps/spasms resulting from overheating, dehydration, poor conditioning to the activity, and electrolyte imbalance. They are the least dangerous of the heat injuries.

If heat cramps arise:

• Remove yourself (or the person) from the hot environment.
• Rest the cramping muscle.
• Replace fluids by mouth. Water is best, but sports drinks can also be used.
• If the cramp persists, get to your local hospital as it may be a serious episode requiring intra-venous (IV) re-hydration.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself (either due to high heat or humidity), and overheating results. Heat exhaustion is particularly common in persons who are not conditioned to the heat, or when weather increases the regional heat above its usual level (“heat waves”).

People exercising or working in the heat, the elderly, and small children are at particular risk of developing heat exhaustion. In heat exhaustion, the body becomes so dehydrated and overheated that the disturbances occur in blood circulation causing a mild form of shock (i.e. exhaustion). This isn’t considered a medical emergency, but it is a serious event that should be treated seriously.

There are six major symptoms to look out for:

1. Cool, clammy skin.
2. Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
3. “Cotton mouth” and excessive thirst.
4. Elevated body temperature.
5. Increased resting pulse rate.
6. Nausea and light-headedness.

What to do:

• Remove yourself from the hot environment. Go indoors or seek out shaded areas.
• Loosen or remove clothing to assist in cooling.
• Replace fluids slowly using cooled water. If water isn’t available, use any fluid.
• Lie down with the legs elevated.
• Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

Heat exhaustion also occurs during the summer boating sessions when hot weather, and excessive consumption of alcohol mimic the dehydration that occurs during physical activity.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a rapidly developing condition whereby the body’s cooling mechanism, controlled by the brain, has been shut off. This causes a rapid increase in body temperature (>105° F) that results in brain damage and damage to the internal organs. For lack of a better explanation, your body essentially cooks inside its own skin.

This is a life threatening condition and an immediate medical emergency.

What to look for:

Risk Factors

• A history of a sweating disorder (diagnosed medical condition).
• Medical prescriptions including antihistamines, antidepressants, or high blood pressure medications.
• Infants and the elderly are more prone to develop heat stroke.

Signs & Symptoms

• Hot, dry skin (no sweating) that is bright red.
• Conscious but disoriented or unconscious and unresponsive to verbal commands.
• Constricted pupils.
• Rapid pulse rate and high blood pressure followed by dramatic decrease in both pulse and blood pressure.
• Vomiting.

What to do:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should never be treated in the home. Activate 911 emergency medical services (EMS) immediately and tell them you suspect heat stroke.

While waiting for EMS to arrive you may do the following:

• Cover the patient in wet towels or sheets.
• Aggressively fan the patient.
• Give cool beverages if the patient is not vomiting.
• Place in a cold water bath. The patient could lose consciousness at any moment; so constant monitoring is required.

Heat stroke, although serious, is relatively uncommon. Recognizing the signs could mean the difference between life and death.

Physical activity in any environment carries with it certain risks. Knowledge is power and could help you avoid exposing yourself to serious injury. Colorado is all about outdoor fun, but try to limit your sun exposure and always drink lots of water.  Enjoy our beautiful parks and keep moving. That’s one sure way to be ‘living life better’.

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