A Happy, Healthy Halloween!

 

As those of you that came to our Fourth Annual Halloween Bash last Friday know, Rubin Family Chiropractic loves Halloween.  It's that one day a year when you can let your inner superhero or princess show on the outside (without raising any eyebrows, that is)  However, Halloween can also lead to sugar highs and tummy aches if not handled carefully.  Here are a few things to consider in order ensure both a happy and a healthy Halloween:

• If you wouldn't want your children eating it, think twice about handing it out to the neighbors kids.  Remember, you get what you give - so put forth the very best!  Consider skipping the more processed candies for something made with organic ingredients.  Yummy Earth makes some of the tastiest organic lollipops around; they're what we like to give out at our office and can be found at Whole Foods.  Perhaps consider giving snack packs of Annie's graham bunny's or other non-candy treats that can be found at your local organic food store.  They might be a little more expensive, but think of it as planting an idea in the heads of other parents who see your treats as they are sorting through their children's pillow cases later!
• Maybe skip handing out food all together! Now, you don't have to be the dreaded "House on the Block that Gives Out Pennies" - you could be the awesome family that gives out new Halloween pencils, or packs of crayons, or other small toys.  A whole variety of handouts can be found at the dollar store and you'll have the benefit of standing out amongst a sea of chocolate.  Plus, it'll last more than 30 seconds once the kiddos get home!
• If you absolutely can't bring yourself to give up on the idea of handing out standard Halloween candy, do your research as to which types are the "least unhealthy", and try to limit the amount that each trick-or-treater takes
• When your own ghouls and goblins come home, try to limit the candy intake per day.  If possible, perhaps offer an exchange - 25 cents per piece of candy they are willing to part with. Or trade the candy for a healthier variety like those described previously.
• As to what to do with all of those leftover treats?  Many dentists offer free toothbrushes and other goodies in exchange for candy you turn in.  There are always food pantries to donate to - not that we want the less fortunate to be stuck with low-nutrient food, but it's hard to justify even candy going to waste when it could brighten someone's day.

What ever your decisions around the holiday are, remember it's about having fun and being safe! Feel free to stop by in costume today - we love to see our patients enjoying the holiday!

Autism: Early Dection and Intervention

 

Many parents are acutely aware of the staggering statistics concerning autism.  The latest numbers place the rate in the US at approximately one in 88 children.  Given the prevalence of the disorder, research concerning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has picked up in the last decade.  Concerns focus on early detection and, therefore early intervention, in an attempt to reduce the severity of the condition and allow the affected child to lead as normal a life as possible.

In an article released this month by the American Psychological Association, a "state of the union"-type address is given.  The goal of current research is primarily to diagnose ASD in children before the age of six when most interventions have the greatest success. Through the use of functional MRI and analysis of genetic and environmental risk factors, signs of the disorder may be caught before starting preschool or even in infancy.  All of this means hope for parents of children placed on the spectrum early: with proactive care there is an increased possibility that a child may reduce the severity of his or her disorder, or even move off the spectrum completely.

There is SO much chiropractic has to offer kids on the 'spectrum.'  Between adjustments to integrate their nervous systems, specific exercises to strengthen their brains, and dietary modifications to enhance their nervous systems performance, we have seen amazing results.  The key is this: the younger the child starts care, the better their outcome will be.

This article may be found at http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/10/autism.aspx# - as always, we are here to answer any questions you may have and help you begin a Chiropractic Functional Neurological approach to ASD intervention.

Glicksman E. Catching Autism Earlier. Monitor on Psychology. Oct 2012;43(9):56.

Before I die I want to...

How many of us have really taken the time to consider own own mortality? Have we honestly considered the impact that we will have on the world when our time is up on this earth?  Has it even occurred to us that we COULD have an impact?

In her brief but inspiring TED talk, Candy Chang relives her own struggle with filling in the blank at the end of the sentence "Before I die, I want to_____".  She explains how she felt the need to bring this idea to the forefront of the public's mind, and the steps she took to do just that in New Orleans. As you will see in the video below, this project was replicated throughout the world with amazing results. By painting a giant chalkboard on the side of an abandoned building, Chang allowed people to ponder the difference they desired to make, and the dreams they wished to fulfill.  Her talk recounts the sometimes funny, sometimes heart-wrenching, always moving ways people are looking to affect the world.

We here at Rubin Family Chiropractic were so inspired by Chang's project that we decided to create our own "Before I die, I want to" wall.  So start thinking of your answer and be on the look out for one of the most moving pieces of interactive art you'll ever see!

What is Pertussis?

"What is pertussis?" - this question is being asked with increasing frequency as news of pertussis outbreaks (also known as whooping cough) makes nationwide news.  As an office promoting natural health and chiropractic care, many of our patients are growing concerned over the pertussis virus and what it means concerning their choice to not vaccinate or delay vaccination.  While vaccine choice is completely up to our individual patients and their families, the choice is entirely dependent on becoming informed.  We here at Rubin Family Chiropractic would like to provide you with some of the latest information concerning this potentially daunting disease.

What is pertussis?

• Pertussis is more commonly known as Whooping Cough, a virus characterized by a loud inhalation called a 'whoop'.  It can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can at times become fatal.  The virus is caused by strains of the Bordetella virus, most commonly Bordetella Pertussis.

Who can be affected by pertussis?

• The most at risk populations are children under one year of age.  They are most likely to be severely affected by the disease, given their still-developing immune systems.  The fact of the matter is, however, that even those who have been vaccinated against the disease are still at risk.

Why is pertussis recieving so much attention lately?

• Pertussis is cyclic in nature, meaning that every few years there are more cases, followed by a decline in the number of cases.  In the last decade or so the upswings have been increasingly severe, prompting more coverage by the media.

Why the increase in cases?

• There are several issues to blame for why we are seeing an increasing number of pertussis cases as of late - none of which seems to be the choice of some parents not to vaccinate (and that's straight from the CDC!)  One reason is due to a change in the type of vaccine used.  During the 1990's scientists made a switch from a whole-cell version of the vaccine to an acellular version. This acellular version does not appear to be as effective in the long term. 
• Another issue:  Although many cases of Pertussis are the result of Bordetella Pertussis, which the vaccine is specifically made for, an increasing number of cases are due to other organisms such as Bordetella Parapertussis. The vaccines are not made for the Parapertussis virus strains, so they offer little, if any, protection.  It has been suggested that while there is an 8-fold decrease in risk for vaccinated patients when it comes to the B. Pertussis virus, the risk in vaccinated patients for contracting B. Parapertussis or some other strand of the disease may actually increase.  
• To repeat, the latest media slams of non-vaccinated children as being the cause of the latest outbreak are completely wrong, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  The more likely reasons are the change in the actual vaccine and the lack of the Parapertussis toxin to be in the vaccine.  

As always, vaccination is a hot-button issue and the only way to make a right choice is to make an informed choice.  We are happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you to sources to help you make the most educated decision for your child!  Feel free to contact the office at rubinchiropractic@gmail.com - we're here to serve!

Sources:


de Melker HE et al. Reemergence of Pertussis in the highly vaccinated population of the Netherlands: Observations on surveillance data. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2000,6(4):348-57.[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2640897/pdf/10905967.pdf]

Long GH et al. Acellular pertussis vaccination facilitates Bordetella parapertussis infection in a rodent model of bordetellosis. Proc R Soc B. Mar 2010.[http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/02/26/rspb.2010.0010.full.pdf+html]

Sheridan SL et al. Number and order of whole cell Pertussis vaccines in infancy and disease protection. JAMA. 2012;308(5):454-456. [http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1273011]

http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/faqs.html

SpoOoOoky Cooperative Promotional Opportunity!

As you may know, Halloween is one of our favorite holidays here at Rubin Family Chiropractic. We are currently preparing for our Fourth Annual Halloween Party!  Over the last several years, we have seen hundreds of families dressed in their spookiest and silliest costumes, proving even the scariest ghost and prettiest princess can benefit from chiropractic care.

The success of this event relies on the participation of our local businesses! If you or anyone you know would like to be involved - by supplying give-aways, putting together a contest (one of our favorites is "Guess How Many Candy Corn are in the Jar"), or just by putting out business cards, we'd be happy to have your help!  And then, of course, we would love to see you on the big day - Friday, October 26th - for your healthiest Halloween yet!

If you have any interest in lending a haunting - er, helping - hand please email Dr. Rubin at rubinchiropractic@gmail.com.

Happy Vaccine Awareness Week!

According to the National Vaccine Information Center, September 30th though October 6th is Vaccine Awareness Week!  We here at Rubin Family Chiropractic love to aid our patients in making informed decisions when choosing to vaccinate (or not vaccinate!) their children.  Below are some important websites, movies, and books parents may look to in order to make an educated decision about their child's healthcare.

Websites:
National Vaccine Information Center: http://www.nvic.org/

• This is THE source for vaccine information concerning exemptions, what to do if you believe you or your child has had a reaction, what's in the vaccine itself, and information in regards to adapting the vaccine schedule to suit your child.  It is not, as many believe, an "anti-vaccination" website, but rather attempts to remain neutral and report just the facts.

Mercola Health: http://www.mercola.com/

• This website is a conglomeration of many natural health articles, some of which concern vaccinations and alternatives for boosting the immune system

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association: icpa4kids.org

• This is the headquarters for all things chiropractic and pediatrics.  In addition, it contains several other articles concerning aspects of healthcare unique to children, such as vaccines, and taking an approach that compliments a parent's attempt to raise his or her child naturally.

Books:
Walene James - Immunization: The Reality Behind the Myth

•  This book (Dr. Rubin's favorite n the subject!) is told from a mother's point of view rather than a scientist's, making it approachable to parents and not just doctors.  An out-look changing read!

Barbara Lowe Fischer - Any of her books

• One of the most famous vaccine information advocates, she writes with an attempt to educate, not just influence the public.  As the mother of a child who had a vaccine reaction, she has made it her life's mission to make sure every parent is informed of his or her ability to choose what is believed to be healthiest for their child.

Neil Miller - Any of his books

Documentary:
 The Greater Good 

• An amazingly simple and powerful documentary that examines both sides of the issue and includes interviews with professionals in a variety of fields voicing their educated opinions about the state of the vaccination process and industry, and follows the lives of several families affected in some way by the vaccines.

These are our favorites - what are yours?