Category Archives: Editorials

Editorials By Len Saunders

Effects Of Shamanism In Curing And Healing Modern Illnesses

Posted on by
Reply

newsDoctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on the recent work of director Nick Polizzi on the effects of shamanism in curing and healing modern illnesses.

In an interview with Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/would-you-trust-your-life-to-amazonian-medicine-men), Polizzi notes, “Most people involved in this holistic health genre work with medicine men and shamans, and understand that at the core of a lot of these symptoms, there are much deeper, ancient, and more spiritual roots.”

As the article “Would You Trust Your Life to Amazonian Medicine Men?” reports, Polizzi sent out a call for anyone with a severe illness—such as diabetes, cancer, or gastrointestinal diseases—and asked them if they’d be willing to risk everything and come to the Amazon rainforest for 30 days to see if ancient holistic methods of healing could help them, when Western medicine couldn’t. Overnight, he had over 400 applicants, which he narrowed down to eight people with very serious diseases: neuroendocrine cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer; Parkinson’s disease; depression/alcoholism; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); type 2 diabetes; and Crohn’s disease.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article states that each participant was given a unique protocol, including meal plans, teas, and herbal regimen, prescribed by the native medicine men living in the Amazon rainforests. The participants spent most of their days in seclusion in the jungle, other than their daily visits by the medicine man who was taking care of them.

Polizzi says, “In a typical day, you would wake up, eat breakfast—very simple food, which is also part of the protocol—the blander, the better it is when you’re trying to heal, because (the healers) feel that indulging your senses diminishes your body’s reserves. They want all that energy to be focused on healing instead.”

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin reports, the healing process consisted of a few key components: isolation; medicine from plants, trees, and herbs; a simplified diet; and sacred ceremonies. After one month in the Amazon rainforests, five people returned home with real results, satisfied with their improvements, two returned disappointed, and one person passed away there.

Polizzi adds, “The goal is to bring these techniques back into the mainstream because they’re really effective.” And he concludes, “Modern medicine is not effective at treating things like cancer—we are in need of a serious reinvestigation of what else is out there.”

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Tips On Managing Risk Factors For Tooth Loss

Posted on by
Reply

toothThe loss of teeth can affect more than just oral health, according to a March 7, 2013 Web MD article (“Tooth Loss Associated with Higher Risk for Heart Disease”). Woodland Hills dentist Dr. Kanani stresses the importance of prevention with regular cleanings, and possibly sedation for those who fear dental work.

Associated with Higher Risk for Heart Disease” (webmd.com/oral-health/news/20130307/tooth-loss-associated-with-higher-risk-for-heart-disease). Research from an international study spanning just under 40 countries showed links between the loss of teeth and the loss of heart health, insulin acceptance, and good blood pressure levels. Dr. Kaveh Kanani, a cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills, says that regular dental checkups can help patients deal with symptoms early on, but adds that sedation techniques can also help those who just fear getting into the dentist’s chair.

The study mentioned in WebMD was presented recently at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting, in San Francisco. One of a few studies that shows a link between heart health and oral health, the study results haven’t yet been deemed conclusive, because the study results are still due to be posted in a peer-reviewed journal.

Some of the results support other study’s findings, like the link between the loss of teeth and smoking. Buffalo News reported on April 20, 2013, “Smoking, tooth loss linked”, (buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130420/REFRESH/130429904/1063)that women experiencing menopause after smoking may also experience many more lost teeth than non-smoking women. Smoking itself seems to bring on more tooth loss linked to gum disease than to cavities, but tooth loss at any age is discouraging, especially when it brings dental implant cost s along with it.

Other results from the study posted on WebMD, which involved almost 16,000 people, were a little more surprising – like the link between the loss of teeth and diabetes. Apparently, instances of lost teeth can increase diabetes risk by 11% each time. Blood pressure levels and high cholesterol levels were also matched up with bleeding gums, which is an early warning sign of gingivitis and periodontitis. Apparently, an “enzyme that promotes inflammation and the hardening of the arteries”, Lp-PLA2, is the culprit – leading to higher blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

The problem for dental patients, says the Woodland Hills dentist, is that dental implants cost in more ways than one. For example, dental implants really wouldn’t cure an existing health problem – they would just cosmetically deal with the after-effects of a current health issue. Prevention, such as cleaning and flossing (and regular dental checkups) does a great deal more for keeping away dental implants cost than almost anything else – except for the avoidance of smoking and regular exercise.

Sedation procedures can also be helpful, says the [dentist Woodland Hills, Dr. Kanani. Since many people have deteriorating oral health because they fear going to the dentist, it’s possible to keep fear at bay by being sedated through anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or by taking a pill. That way, when the patient wakes, the work is all done without worry. Dr. Kanani also has a new laser-driven WaterLase© iPlus machine that takes the pain out of the dentist equation, so that patients need not fear that either – or the prices, which range around $400 for both sedation and dental implants.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

ACSM Applauds Physical Activity Guidelines Act

Posted on by
Reply

newsBill in U.S. House, Senate would ensure guidelines reflect current research

The American College of Sports Medicine today hailed federal legislation with huge potential to improve public health and deliver co-benefits including lower health care costs and reduced environmental impacts.

H.R. 2179, “The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act,” introduced by Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) and Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL), would require the secretary of Health and Human Services to publish physical activity guidelines every ten years based on the latest scientific evidence. During the intervening five-year period, the secretary would be required to issue a midcourse report that outlines best practices and ongoing issues relating to physical activity. The original U.S. physical activity guidelines were published in 2008.

The American College of Sports Medicine enthusiastically expressed its support. ACSM president Janet Walberg Rankin, Ph.D., FACSM, said, “Since the first federal U.S. physical activity guidelines were published in 2008, much research has led to a greater understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health. We are also learning how to motivate people to lead healthy lifestyles, and how better to incorporate physical activity and exercise into daily living. Just as with nutritional guidelines, Americans need physical activity guidelines that reflect the growing evidence base supporting this crucial area.”

Congressman Ron Kind, sponsor of the legislation, said, “The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act will help provide valuable, up-to-date information about leading a healthy, active and productive life.” “Public health and physical fitness are pressing concerns for our country. By empowering parents, students, and local leaders with access to more resources and programs, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to improving America’s health.”

Congressman Aaron Schock, an original co-sponsor of the bill, said, “An important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle is embracing good habits early in life. This includes educating both parents and children about the health benefits of physical activity. Key to good decisions is good information. By using a similar system to the Agriculture Department’s food pyramid, our bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to publish physical activity guidelines as a tool that families can use as they work together toward balancing the demands of life. Our bill is about arming the American public with good information so they can make smart and healthy choices for themselves. With two-thirds of our country obese and overweight, personal choices about food and physical activity can do more to curb rising health care costs than any pieces of health insurance legislation.”

Identical legislation (S. 531) was introduced in the Senate earlier in the year by Senator Harkin and Senator Wicker, garnering widespread support for its potential to provide better public health, cost savings and other co-benefits.

- Courtesy of ACSM

Virus’ Reaction To Vaccine Discovered Using Genome Sequencing

Posted on by
Reply

newspaperDoctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on a new study finding how a virus reacts in the presence of a vaccine using genome sequencing.

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/health-news/how-this-discovery-can-boost-vaccine-effectiveness) notes, a person’s genome is all of their hereditary information encoded in their DNA. In 2003, scientists in the U.S. completed the Human Genome Project. This was an incredible feat given that the DNA of the 24 different human chromosomes contains about three billion chemical building-blocks. The researchers undertook this massive investigation in order to reveal the 25,000 odd human genes within our DNA.

As the article “How This Discovery Can Boost Vaccine Effectiveness” reports, the DNA sequence maps are now being used to study human health and biology to better develop preventions and treatments for disease, as well as more effective vaccines. And this was the focus in a recent clinical trial that used genome sequencing technology to see what changes a population of pneumococcal bacteria went through after being exposed to a vaccine.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article states that pneumococcal bacteria typically cause respiratory problems including coughing, sneezing, and congestion. When this bacterium colonizes in the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. It can also spread to the blood where it can trigger septic shock and life-threatening low blood pressure.

The article reports that when scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the U.K. used genome sequencing to study a sample of pneumococci, they determined that some of the bacteria were wiped out when exposed to a certain vaccine. In this void grew pre-existing bacteria with a slight genetic variation, and this variation was likely responsible for a drop in the pneumococcal disease, according to the researchers.

Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin concludes by stating that the scientists hope to be able to follow the changes a bacterium goes through in order to flag the sudden emergence of a disease-causing strain. It’s this ability of being able to quickly and precisely investigate a disease outbreak that has got the medical community excited. However, there’s one snag: some infections are caused by two different strains of the same bacteria. If only one strain is sequenced, then the ability of genome sequencing to help is limited. Scientists are working on this problem right now.

(SOURCES: Croucher, N.J., “Population genomics of post-vaccine changes in pneumococcal epidemiology,” Nat Genet. May 5, 2013; Eyre, D.W., et al., “Detection of Mixed Infection from Bacterial Whole Genome Sequence Data Allows Assessment of Its Role in Clostridium difficile Transmission,” PLoS Comput Biol. May 2013; 9(5): e1003059; Schubert-Unkmeir, A., et al., “Genome-Based Bacterial Vaccines: Current State and Future Outlook,” BioDrugs. April 16, 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

New Study Linking Sweat To Good Health

Posted on by
Reply

girljogBel Marra Health, who offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, reports a study revealing the healthy and healing benefits of sweating.

As Bel Marra Health reports in its article, (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/general-health-2/dont-sweat-about-perspiration-heres-why-its-good-for-your-health/), sweating is a natural bodily function that occurs during exercise, hot temperatures and from stress. It is understandable that sweating can cause some people discomfort and embarrassment; however, research shows that sweating is linked to good health.

Sweating involves two different glands; the eccrine glands release perspiration to keep our body temperature under control, while the aprocine glands release sweat triggered by stimulation or stress, such as exercise. As body temperature elevates, people sweat in order to bring temperatures back down to normal, healthy levels. It is extremely important that the body is allowed to do this, in order to avoid over-heating, heat exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, or heat stroke.

Moreover, studies show that sweating is also good for the skin. As the glands release sweat and body temperature rises, pores open up and this allows skin to be properly cleansed. This is why many spas will use steam during facials to prepare the skin for deep cleaning.

Humans also contain toxins from a variety of sources, including air pollution and pesticides in farmed foods. Sweating can release some of these toxins to the surface of the skin, which is why older age groups have also become interested in activities such as hot yoga and sauna treatments.

More surprisingly, sweat may also be a natural remedy for contamination. According to researchers at Eberhard-Karls-University at Tubingen in Germany, sweat may contain an antibiotic known as “Dermcidin” which can help kill off bacteria such as E. coli. The University of Michigan Health System has also found that stem cells, found in human sweat glands, can arise from beneath a wound and quickly assist in healing them.

Without proper hydration, sweating does not occur properly. Fitness experts say the body loses about 10 percent of its daily water through sweat, and even more is lost with exercise. Water is essential to replenishing the body after sweating, but also to stay hydrated and maintain good health. The amount of water each person needs depends on weight and size, but Bel Marra Health Doctors suggest getting at least eight glasses a day for good health and hydration.

Sweating may not always be the most appealing or comfortable, but it can help to improve health. However, it is not good to leave sweat sitting on top of skin; this could cause glands and pores to become clogged. The best defense is to wash the face and body as soon possible after sweating.

(SOURCE: University of Michigan Health System, 2012, November 20; Sweat glands play major role in healing human wounds. ScienceDaily.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Choosing A Safe Trainer And Gym

Posted on by
Reply

malepushupStudio South Fitness in Sarasota offers three tips for choosing a personal trainer. According to a recent University of Arkansas study, workout injuries at gyms have risen by 35%. Fitness buffs can prevent injury and maximize their workout by picking a trainer who is certified by a reputable organization (such as NSCA, NASM or ACSM) and is required to take continuing education classes.

Five million Americans will buy a personal training session this year. For those who do, Tiffany Liashek, owner of Studio South Fitness in Sarasota, FL, has some advice. “Take a long look at credentials and experience. The variation in education and qualifications among personal trainers is huge,” she says. “A trainer can pay $69.50 and get certified online in just 40 minutes. That scares me.”

Good trainers invest in themselves

A serious, professional trainer spends close to $9,000 and seven months of study on anatomy and technical body movement. Prevent injury and maximize workouts by picking a trainer who is certified by a reputable organization (such as NSCA, NASM or ACSM) and is required to take continuing education classes.

Top tips for choosing a trainer & gym

A recent University of Arkansas study cites a 35% rise in workout injuries at gyms, so it’s especially important to work out at a quality gym with a conscientious trainer.

1. Pick a trainer with top-notch credentials – Studio South doesn’t leave it to chance – Tiffany conducts background checks and requires her gym’s trainers to evaluate each other. She says, “I’ve seen some personal trainers lie about their background and experience. And a few years ago, I sustained an eight-month-long back injury while working with a supposedly experienced personal trainer at a big box gym.”

exerciseball2. Look for happy clients rather than sheer numbers – Instead of a judging by a packed gym, measure quality by effectiveness and client results. Consider the number of options for getting fit, the personal attention to make it happen, and above all, the return on the investment.

3. Get a Functional Movement Screen™ assessment – A baseline evaluation is a smart way to start a new fitness program. Before Studio South trainers design a custom workout program, they assess their clients’ strengths, weaknesses, balance and mobility with an FMS screening. Used in the NFL and other professional sports leagues, FMS also provides data on how to set up a safe strength training plan.

“I could not believe the improvement in balance and flexibility I gained from the corrective exercises,” says Studio South client Steve Appelbaum. I lost 18 pounds with the recommendations they gave me and 5% body fat in 8 weeks, as well improved the drive of my golf game.”

Whether the motivation for starting a fitness program is to boost strength, tone up or just for fun, Tiffany offers a nudge. “I’m inviting Sarasota folks to Studio South for a complementary one-week trial in May 2013.”

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Arthritis Patients Not Taking Medications

Posted on by
Reply

newspaperDoctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, recently released a statement noting the reasons why arthritis patients are not taking their medications.

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/why-arthritis-patients-arent-taking-their-meds) notes, it is an interesting conundrum: a disease that causes chronic pain, but patients who often refuse to take their meds.

As the article “Why Arthritis Patients Aren’t Taking Their Meds” reports, arthritis refers to almost 200 different versions of the disease. In general, arthritis can be divided into two categories: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation, which is celebrating Arthritis Awareness Month this May, results from the natural wear and tear of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article adds that it can be a challenge to reverse arthritis symptoms—medical experts say there is no cure.

As Dr. Victor Marchione, Editor at Doctors Health Press, states, “Many people find that living with pain simply becomes a part of their life. Doctors freely prescribe meds, and yet, according to a recent study, many don’t take these meds. This ‘intentional non-adherence’ is rampant.”

Marchione adds, “Why are arthritis patients refusing to take prescription drugs? Part of the problem is the ever-present threat of side effects. NSAIDs—the drugs most commonly prescribed as painkillers for those with osteoarthritis—can potentially cause heart problems … and raise blood pressure… But side effects aren’t the only deterrent that keeps arthritis patients from taking prescription drugs—cost is a major factor as well. Popular NSAIDs like ‘Celebrex’ and ‘Voltaren’ can cost upwards of $200 for a month’s supply.”

According to the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article, if arthritis patients are truly to be helped through medication, scientists need to work together to find drugs that have minimal side effects. Drugs that are affordable also need to be manufactured.

Marchione continues, “During this Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to encourage you to become more aware of the need for more research and more treatments to help cure this debilitating condition.” He concludes, “Educate yourself on how we can all do our part to find a cure.”

(SOURCES: Tracey-Lea, L., et al., “Patient preferences for adherence to treatment for osteoarthritis: the Medication Decisions in Osteoarthritis Study [MEDOS],” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2013, 14: 160; “Cardiovascular side effects of NSAID painkillers,” Harvard Health web site, last accessed May 14, 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From The Risks Of Osteoporosis

Posted on by
Reply

seniorcoupleexercisesmallDr. Stuart H. Garber, D.C., Ph.D., and founder of Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions condition specific remedies offers sound advice on achieving and maintaining optimum bone health. Even though National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month (May) has passed, this article still has great advice and information.

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Dr. Stuart H. Garber, D.C., Ph.D., explains “Today osteoporosis affects more than 10 million Americans while another 18 million suffer from low bone density, placing them at increased risk for the disease. Although most commonly thought of as a “woman’s disease,” one in every five diagnosed with osteoporosis is a man. “

Fractures of the hip, vertebra or wrist are the most common complication. In fact, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of all women over the age of 50 and one in four men will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

In the elderly, however, a fracture can be more serious. Becoming bed ridden as a result of a broken hip, for example, can lead to severe complications and in many cases death.

Achieving and maintaining optimum bone health is not difficult when you follow a proper diet. Good nutrition can help insure better bone health and protect you from the risks of osteoporosis. By “good nutrition” we mean both what we consume, absorb and assimilate, as well as what to avoid or limit.

Calcium is essential to normal bone formation. The majority of calcium in our bodies (99%, in fact) is found in our bones and teeth. Since our bodies are not able to produce new calcium, it is vital to consume calcium-rich foods every day.

For most people the best source of calcium are non-dairy products with green leafy vegetables such as arugula, kale, collard greens, and spinach at the top of the list. These are also great sources of vitamin K, another key nutrient for bone health.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin required for the proper absorption of calcium and can be found in fish oils, fatty fish and certain mushrooms. Your body also makes Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun. If necessary, Vitamin D and calcium can also be consumed as a supplement.

Good nutrition also means avoiding foods that can negatively affect bone health. Excessive amounts of alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks such as tea and soft drinks may interfere with calcium absorption, resulting in bone loss. As with anything moderation is the key.

Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions for Bone Strength enhances the assimilation of calcium and other minerals into the bone. Daily use can support the cells that build new bone and the cells that break down and remove old bone. The unique biotherapy formula can be found at many Whole Foods Markets, on Amazon and the website store at drgarbers.com.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Study Shows Eating Junk Food While Pregnant May Increase Likelihood Of Childhood Obesity

Posted on by
Reply

Recent studies have shown that eating junk food during pregnancy can have lasting effects on your child. Liquid Health suggests a healthy diet and a high quality-prenatal vitamin to get all the essential nutrients necessary for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

pregnantA study recently published in March 2013 issue of The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found a link between consuming junk food during pregnancy and health concerns later in the child’s life. The study’s findings “suggest that exposure to a maternal junk-food diet results in early desensitization of the opioid system which may explain the increased preference for junk food in these offspring.”

“When opioid receptors are being suppressed a person feels an increased desire for less healthy foods, like ones high in sugars and fats. This puts kids in a position where they are more at risk at becoming obese,” according to Brandon Siggard, CEO of Liquid Health, Inc. “This is a big reason why Liquid Health developed a prenatal multivitamin: to help supplement nutritional needs during pregnancy.”

In addition to a high-quality prenatal vitamin, eating a good, well-balanced diet can help to provide a number of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are vital to a developing baby’s growth. Some of the most important nutrients and vitamins during pregnancy include calcium, folate and vitamin A. There are many food sources for these vital nutrients.

Avocado
Brandon Siggard says, “Folate is one of the most important things to support the development of a growing baby. This nutrient is vital to preventing the development of neural tube disorders in your baby.” Avocados are a great natural source of this important nutrient. They are also a good source of other important vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Yogurt
Calcium is extremely important during pregnancy, making yogurt an essential addition to any pregnancy diet. He also says, “Greek yogurt is not only a good source of calcium, it also provides great levels of protein. Yogurt can easily be added to a smoothie or mixed with fresh fruit to give it some variety.”

greenlettuceDark Green, Leafy Vegetables
“Dark green, leafy vegetables should be a staple in everyone’s diet, but they are especially important during pregnancy,” he added. Foods like spinach and broccoli provide good amounts of folate and calcium per serving, making them ideal for all pregnant women.

Milk
“It’s well known that calcium is important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones, this nutrient is just as important for a baby’s development of teeth and bones,” he said. Pregnant woman should try to get between 1,000-1,300/mg of calcium/day. Consuming more milk during pregnancy is a great way to do this.

Carrots
“Vitamin A is vital to the development of a baby’s bones, teeth and eyes. Carrots are packed with this essential vitamin, making them a great snack option for pregnant women,” he added.

There are a number of ways to get all the nutrients needed during pregnancy. By combining a healthy diet with a good prenatal vitamin and avoiding junk food during pregnancy, pregnant women can go a long way to ensuring a happy and healthy pregnancy. All questions about diet and supplements during pregnancy should be asked of a professional medical provider.

To read the full press release…..Click here

- Courtesy of PRWeb

To Brace Or Not To Brace

Posted on by
Reply

joggingBeing an athlete carries with it the risk that an injury is one play away.

And for years, athletes, doctors and trainers have been coming up with new methods to help prevent injuries form occurring in the first place.

Prophylactic bracing is one of many things experts have come up with to help the athlete stay in the game, but do they work?

“Injuries are a part of all sports,” said Dr. Stephen Karam, PT, DPT with KORT Physical Therapy in the Chevy Chase area of Lexington. “We want to look at ways to keep (athletes) safely on the field, and bracing and taping has always been an option.”

And while fans will see many players sporting braces for the knee and ankles, there are mixed results when it comes to the research, Karam said.

“The purpose of those braces are to prevent ACL, MCL, LCL and even meniscus injuries,” he said. “The most current research that we have out shows that we don’t really have anything definitive that shows it limits those injuries from occurring. There are mixed results from the research, and in fact, there’s even a couple online articles that shows there are more injuries to the extremity, possibly the foot, ankle or leg in some of the people that wear those braces.”

According to a fact sheet from KORT, in a 2010 issue of the Journal of Sports Health, Salata et al conducted a review of six articles that studied the use of knee braces in football and injury prevention.

The review suggested that there may be limited protection of the medial collateral ligament and there was no evidence that wearing the knee braces prevented anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus injuries.

“Other articles will say that these braces may prevent some of the MCL injuries, and that would be to the mechanism of the force — which way the force is coming from, and it may help to prevent that kind of injury from occurring,” Karam said. “We can confidently say that it does not necessarily prevent ACL injuries from occurring to the rotary force that occurs from the ACL injury.”

Karam said a high percentage of injuries to the ACL usually result from an internal rotation of the tibia bone, and not the result of a contact injury.

There are other prophylactic bracing devices that may help an athlete, Karam said.

Ankle braces are popular for high-school and college basketball players, he said.

“The great debate is to wear a brace or not wear a brace, or to even have your ankle taped,” Karam said. “What we know for sure is wearing a brace, like a figure-8 lace-up brace, or getting your ankle taped is by far better than nothing as far as prophylactic bracing.”

Karam said studies show that taping up an ankle usually is effective for about 30 minutes.

“It kind of loosens up in the shoe or on the foot, so part of its protective property may change a little by halftime,” Karam said. “I personally look at lace-up braces as the best mechanism of preventing an ankle-sprain injury, and it does do a pretty good job of that versus nothing at all.”

With the mixed bag when it comes to the many studies, Karam said one thing is clear when it comes to the use of bracing and taping.

“For the most part, we know it doesn’t hurt the knee,” he said. “There’s only been one article that says it may cause other injuries, but we know that’s not fairly consistent, so the cost of what we know is the value of the player being on the field is; the budgets are so high that they can absorb the cost.”

To read the full press release…..Click here

- Courtesy of PRWeb