Published Study Draws Attention

Chiropractic Care Benefits Adults with ADHD

(09/12/07). Dr. Yannick Pauli – President of the Swiss Chiropractic Pediatric Association – has authored a study that concludes that chiropractic care can benefit adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

The study entitled — Improvement in Attention in Patients Undergoing Network Spinal Analysis: a Case Series Using Objective Measures of Attention —was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.

Pauli monitored nine adults (four men and five women with an average age of 40 years) who displayed various symptoms of ADHD.  Each underwent care known as Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) twice a week for two months. “NSA is a holistic approach to wellness and body awareness,” explained Dr. Pat Dougherty, a Spokane-based chiropractor. “The study group receivedgentle adjustments and low-force touch to the spine that eliminated inner and outer tensions, thereby promoting overall health. The patients were also educated about their bodies. Simply by improving their diet, exercising and adopting a positive mental approach to life, they learned that they themselves could enhance in their overall health and well-being,” added Dougherty.

The degree of each patient’s ADHD disorder was established using the Test of Variable of Attention (TOVA). This test was done once before the study began, one month into chiropractic adjustments, and again after the two-month study. “TOVA is a 22-minute continuous, interactive computer test that measures the response times of its participants to changing visuals on the screen,” said Dougherty. “This test does not trigger a learning effect; therefore, re-testing does not alter the test scores’ overall outcome, making TOVA a reliable means of repeatedly measuring an individual’s extent of ADHD,” he clarified.

After two months of chiropractic care, those in the study group experienced a significant improvement in their TOVA scores as well as a normalizing of their ADHD symptoms.

“The NSA approach not only enabled these individuals suffering from ADHD to
take charge of their own health, but it measurably improved the range and scope of their attention span and reaction time as well as their motor control, memory and alertness,” noted Dougherty.

“Attention is the cognitive process of selectively concentrating on one thing, while ignoring other things,” writes Dr. Pauli. “Spinal adjustments can benefit individuals with this disorder, because there is a neurological correlation between spinal subluxation and an impaired functioning of parts of the brain, especially the vermal region of the cerebellum, which regulates attention and other cognitive responses,” continued Pauli.

“These findings offer hope to all those — children and adults — suffering from ADHD, a disease that can have devastating consequences on their lives, ranging from a rise in accidents to poor performances in school and work. The results are clinically significant and offer proof as to the positive impact that chiropractic care has on the performance of the human body — including proper brain function. Even the subtlest spinal adjustments carry tremendous physical, psychological and neurological benefits,” summarized Dougherty.

“And, paired with lifestyle changes, we can all significantly improve our health,” he concluded.

                                                    

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Local Doctor Calls for Further Research

Study Shows Chiropractic Care Can
Benefit Autistic Children

(11/11/06, Spokane, WA). The past decade has seen the number of diagnosed cases of autism rapidly increase throughout the nation. These alarming numbers have Spokane-based Dr. Pat Dougherty, D.C. pointing to a study that indicates that chiropractic care may alleviate – at least to some degree – some of the associated symptoms of autism.

Dr. Dougherty references a study published this year in Clinical Chiropractic. The study showed that spinal manipulation (particularly upper cervical adjusting) may help with some symptoms of autism. It cannot cure or treat the underlying disease process, but for patients with autism, it may be the symptoms of autism that are the most distressing.

“Although the results of this study are promising, further research is clearly needed,” said Dougherty, who follows scientific developments in the chiropractic profession quite closely.

Autism is a life-long developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication and imagination. There are no medications that can cure autism,

but drugs can relieve and treat symptoms – such as aggression and hyperactivity  – thus helping autistic individuals cope with their disease. Even though the exact causes for the disease are still unknown, current research mainly focuses on genetics; however, environmental factors and imbalances in neurochemistry may also be involved. There is no single, unique measure of abnormality found in autism, because the spectrum of autistic conditions and symptoms is wide ranging – from severe disability in some patients to mild problems of communicating and understanding in others with average and above average intelligence.

Parents first become concerned about their child’s behavior – particularly the absence of play – when their child is around 18 months old. Earlier detection, however, is possible. According to Jane Jennings and Martina Barker of the Newbury Chiropractic Center in Berkshire, Great Britain, a simple checklist can help parents evaluate early on whether their child might be autistic:

Does the child pretend play? Does the child use his or her index finger to point, to indicate interest in something? Does the child take an interest in other children? Does the child enjoy playing peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek? And does the child ever bring objects over to you to show you something?

If the answer to two or more questions is “no,” autism may be a factor because it impairs the way the child communicates, relates to other people and understands emotional expressions.

During the aforementioned study, researchers carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. The results were an improvement in certain reflexes and sensations, an increase in neck range of motion, and improvement of other health problems.

Many of the children were taken off Ritalin; their bladder and bowel control improved; some children started to speak, eye contact and attention span improved while hyperactivity and aggressive behavior were reduced. Also, five children were able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.

The autistic children suffered from neurological interference that hindered their development. The researchers concluded that correcting a chiropractic partial dislocation can positively affect local neurological function and cause an overall improvement. Even though there was no control group to back up the findings, the results are encouraging: They show that chiropractic care may improve the quality of life of autistic children by relieving some of the symptoms of their disease.

“To the extent that chiropractic care can have a positive effect, that is beneficial; but improving the quality of life for autistic children is just a first step toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure,” concluded Dougherty.

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Reference Material: 
“Autism:  A Chiropractic Perspective” by Jane Jennings and Martina Baker of the Newbury Chiropractic Centre, Newbury, Berkshire, UK, published in Clinical Chiropractic (2006), Vol. 9, pp. 6-10.

Exercise Can Have a Positive Impact on the Brain

Researchers see benefits beyond traditional thinking

 

(02/02/2007, Spokane).   It has long been accepted wisdom that exercising several times a week has many health benefits – from weight loss to preventing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and Type 2 diabetes. Now, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign believe you can add better brain function to the list.

After reviewing clinical data from the past 40 years, the researchers established that regular exercise might help brain structure and function in the elderly to the point of delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and reducing mortality. They found that people who exercise several times per week for at least 15 to 30 minutes, may delay the onset of neurological diseases, age-related cognitive decline, brain atrophy, depression and dementia.

“I’m not surprised. Exercise increases neuroprotective molecules in the brain while physical and mental activity sustains the levels of cerebral blood flow,” said Dr. Pat Dougherty when contacted about the study.  Dr. Dougherty, whose chiropractic offices are located in Your Spokane, WA, follows developments in chiropractic science closely.

In addition, the research concluded that the benefits of exercise could last for up to several decades – even for people predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.
 
“The findings are encouraging,” added Dougherty.  “Vanity is not the only reason to lace up your jogging shoes. Documentation regarding the long-term effects of a healthy lifestyle is a step in the right direction in the fight to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps other neurological disorders,” he continued.

For those looking to partake in a wellness regimen, the Illinois-based researchers believe that aerobic exercise seems to have the most health benefits because it strengthens brain plasticity as well.

“There’s validity in comparisons of the human body and a fine automobile. The care and maintenance you provide often make the ride longer and more enjoyable,” concluded a smiling Dougherty.

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Reference Material:
Laurie Barclay, “Exercise May Have Neuroprotective Effect,” Medscape, August 11, 2006 (Edited and re-written by Tekla Szymanski)

Study ranks U.S. health care system the worst among 23 countries.

(02/15/07).  Despite spending 16% of its Gross Domestic Product — and double the median on health care expenditures compared to any other country in the world — the United States recorded the lowest score among 23 countries whose health care systems were evaluated in a report published by the Commonwealth Fund this past fall. The Commonwealth Fund is an internationally renown private foundation established in 1918 that finances independent research on health care issues while issuing grants for projects designed to stimulate innovative health care practice and policy in the United States and other industrialized countries.

The U.S. health care system received a score of 66 out of 100 in the study which also concluded that by improving its health care system, the U.S. could save at least $50 - 100 billion in health care spending while preventing 100,000 to 150,000 deaths over a calendar year. The low score was attributed to the poor quality of life that the U.S. offers its patients — rated the worst of those reviewed.

“This is just another reason why people should have a daily regimen that includes exercise, a proper diet and a healthy mental outlook — combined with regular chiropractic care which allows the incredible human body to operate efficiently…a maintenance and preventive care program if you will,” said Dr. Pat Dougherty when contacted about the study.

“We’ve all read and heard about ‘overweight America.’ Well, mix an unfit society with a poor health care system and you have a recipe for disaster,” added Dougherty, whose chiropractic offices are located in Spokane, WA.

“We’ve all read and heard about ‘overweight America.’ Well, mix an unfit society with a poor health care system and you have a recipe for disaster,” added Dougherty, whose chiropractic offices are located in Spokane, WA.

The Commonwealth Fund report also gives the U.S. health care system failing grades regarding the prevalent overuse (and sometimes unnecessary duplication) of expensive medical services, a breakdown in communication and coordination among health care providers — and an overall uneven quality of medical services provided.

“It get worse,” noted Dougherty. “The United States scores 15th out of 19 developed nations on easily preventable deaths, like heart attacks, where timely medical care is crucial. We also had the highest infant mortality rate. Moreover, the study found that only 49% of Americans receive preventive care, and even privately insured patients or patients with Medicare don’t necessarily enjoy better life-saving services. And for good measure, only a quarter of U.S. doctors computerize their patient files or keep digital records of written prescriptions,” continued Dougherty.

“Makes you want to go outside and start jogging, doesn’t it?” quizzed the smiling doctor.

“Our nation’s health care system is in the hands of our elected officials. But, you can do something that will have a positive impact on your long-term health. “

“Change the way you live. Maintain optimum health while preventing future concerns,” said Dougherty. “The Commonwealth Fund’s report is pretty clear. Our care system is not healthy — so while it’s always best to stay fit, the importance is magnified while our nation searches for a cure to our health care woes,” he concluded.

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Source:
Maggie Fox, Reuters, Sept. 20, 2006

University of Chicago Medical Center study links chiropractic care with reduction of blood pressure.

Lowering Blood Pressure an Easy Adjustment

(06/06/07, Spokane, WA).  Researchers at the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center are reporting stunning reductions in the blood pressure of patients afflicted with hypertension following simple and painless chiropractic care.

In the study – published in the March 2, 2007 issue of The Journal of Human Hypertension and featured on WebMD – 50 patients with hypertension were divided into two groups of 25 each.  One group of 25 received a specific light force chiropractic adjustment (administered by a chiropractor) to the atlas vertebra (uppermost bone in the neck). 

This vertebra holds up the head and only relies on soft tissue to maintain alignment.  Misalignment, also known as subluxation, usually goes undiagnosed and causes no pain or discomfort. The other group of 25 received a similar procedure but with no adjustment being given. Researchers called this procedure the "sham adjustment." Since the type of adjustment given was very light force, the patients involved in this study did not know if they were receiving the real or sham adjustments.

After 8 weeks of care, the 25 people in the group receiving the real chiropractic adjustments all showed a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to the group that received the sham adjustment. Those patients who got the real adjustment showed an average of 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average of 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number) over those who got the fake or sham adjustment.

 “As noted by the chiropractor who performed on the study team, at the base of the brain are two centers that control all the muscles of the body. If you pinch the base of the brain – if the atlas gets locked in a position as little as a half a millimeter out of line – it doesn’t cause any pain but it upsets these centers," said Dr. Pat Dougherty, a chiropractor whose family wellness practice is located in Spokane.

X-rays confirmed that the chiropractic adjustments actually changed the position of the atlas vertebra among those in the study group. 

 “The study leader reported that the procedure had the effect of not one, but two blood pressure medications given in combination.  And, his team reported no side effects whatsoever from the adjustment," added Dr. Dougherty.

“Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is widespread among adults in the United States. And, if uncontrolled, it can lead to heart and kidney failure or a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in three adults suffers from hypertension. However, many are unaware that they are afflicted – making high blood pressure the ‘silent killer.’ This study offers so much hope,” noted Dr. Dougherty.
Even with the overwhelming results, the authors of the study posed several questions of their own in the WebMD interview.  They wanted to know why blood pressure was reduced. What caused the reduction? What is the relationship between the misaligned atlas vertebra and hypertension?
“Chiropractic care is a maintenance program for the nervous system. If the nervous system is free of stress and operating at peak efficiency, it can lead the body to do incredible things. This study begs for further research. While man struggles to create new and better technologies on a daily basis, we continue to find that the human body is the greatest technology on today’s market – let’s take good care of it,” concluded a smiling Dougherty.

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Research lends hope to infertile women.

Chiropractic Care Can Aid Conception

(10/26/07, Spokane, WA).  A study authored by Dr. Madeline Behrendt – Chairwoman of the World Chiropractic Alliance Council on Woman’s Health – links chiropractic care and the ability of previously infertile woman to conceive a baby and carry the fetus full term.

Behrendt’s work, entitled: Insult, Interference and Infertility: An Overview of Chiropractic Research, was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. The study tracked 15 women, ages 22-65, who had a history of fertility problems – some for as long as nine years. Eight of the women had previously undergone unsuccessful fertility treatments.

These 15 woman entered chiropractic care. “Each was determined to close the gap between how her body was designed to function and the reality of how her body was functioning,” stated Dr. Behrendt.

The results were incredible.

14 of the 15 women became pregnant following the start of chiropractic adjustments. The 65-year old woman had ceased having a menstrual cycle at age 18 following a traumatic fall. Then, nearly five decades later – and little more than a month after starting chiropractic care – her cycles resumed. Although she did not get pregnant, she was advised to use birth control.

“Some of the case studies are remarkable,” noted Dr. Pat Dougherty, a Spokane-based chiropractor.

Dr. Dougherty pointed to a 32 year-old woman described in the study. “She had no menstrual cycle for 12 years. She had attempted multiple fertility treatments with no success. After two months of chiropractic care – with attention to the lumbar regions – menstruation started. And, after four cycles, unassisted pregnancy occurred,” said Dougherty. “I’m not saying that chiropractic is a specific cure for infertility, but I will point to the concept that interference within your nervous system can disrupt normal body functions,” he continued.

Also detailed was the plight of a 26 year-old woman who suffered from severe scoliosis with a Cobb’s angle of 58 degrees. She too was infertile despite numerous medical treatments to assist conception. “After six months of chiropractic care – with adjustments applied to the sacrum, lumbar and cervical regions – the Cobb’s angle decreased to 47 degrees. One month later, unassisted pregnancy occurred,” commented Dougherty.

The study offers hope to infertile women and an alternative to fertility drugs. There are 40,000 births in the U.S. each year that are achieved using assisted reproductive technologies.  But, there are yet to be studies as to the long-term effects of these drugs nor has there been a uniform tracking of birth defects among children conceived using these methods.

“The study also defines the chiropractic profession. Chiropractic in itself is not a cure for what ails you, but a means of allowing the human body to operate as it was designed. And, when operating at peak efficiency, the human body can do great things. When you cut yourself – you heal. When the climate changes – your body adjusts. In short, chiropractic care is a great vehicle to improve your general health and function,” added Dougherty.

“Again, Dr. Behrendt’s research is wonderful news for couples trying to start a family. It also serves as further evidence that regular spinal adjustments can have benefits far beyond those that the public normally associates with chiropractic care,” concluded Dr. Dougherty.

 

---

 

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Swiss researcher Dr. Yannick Pauli identifies link in published work.

Chiropractic Care May Ease Learning Disabilities

(01/22/08, Spokane, WA).  A renowned Swiss doctor has authored research which concludes that chiropractic care has benefited those with learning disabilities and should be included in a multidisciplinary approach to treat affected individuals.
 
The published work of Dr. Yannick Pauli – the president of the Swiss Chiropractic Pediatric Association – is entitled The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Individuals Suffering from Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia: A Review of the Literature. “Pauli’s culmination of data certainly gives hope to those afflicted and their loved ones,” said Dr. Pat Dougherty, a chiropractor whose family wellness practice is located in Spokane.

Of all school-age children in the United States, 3-10% are affected with a learning disability. These range from speech and language disorders to academic skills disorders like dyslexia (which affects 8 in 10 children diagnosed as learning disabled) and include motor skills disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

These neurodevelopmental disorders have long-term effects as well. It is not only about the inability to read, write or concentrate. The disorders may also interfere with self-esteem, family and peer relationships later on in life. And, they can cause loss of motivation and/or problems in socializing.

“Since most learning disorders are based in the brain, they are central nervous dysfunctions thought to be triggered by nerve interference or misalignments called vertebral subluxations,” added Dr. Dougherty.

Pauli writes that these spinal misalignments “alter the quality and quantity of neural inputs to the central nervous system […] and result in an asymmetric function of brain hemispheres […], [thus preventing] the achievement of temporal coherence between the two hemispheres.”

“In other words, a reduction of spinal misalignment may restore proper joint and central nervous system function and improve motor balance overall,” noted Dougherty.

In his analysis, Pauli also found that chiropractors are not primarily interested in the cure of cognitive and behavioral disorders. He states, “The chiropractor does not attempt to take over the role of a speech therapist, educational psychologist or neuropsychologist in diagnosing or treating the disorder, but rather offers a unique perspective by attempting to correct a central nervous system dysfunction thought to impair the individual’s potential to learn properly.”

Pauli explains that correcting the underlying cause may be the key in maintaining various cognitive abilities that are essential to learning, because the only source of constant stimulation to the brain comes from the spine. And misalignment of the spine causes inadequate stimulation of the brain, which in turn triggers problems throughout the body.

“It is important to point to Dr. Pauli’s call for a multi-disciplinary approach when assisting those with a learning disability,” said Dougherty. “Chiropractic care – a combination of adjustments, proper diet and exercise plus a healthy mental approach – is not a cure all. But, it is a wonderful maintenance program for the nervous system. And, a full functioning nervous system allows the incredible organism known as the human body to do some amazing things,” concluded Dougherty.

 

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Holy Mackerel!

Research identifies fatty fish oil’s many health benefits.

(08/14/07, Spokane, WA). It’s no fish story that those who include seafood as a staple in their diet benefit from the ingestion of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids — known to reduce the risks for heart-related diseases, age-related cognitive decline, abnormal brain development and functioning, even obesity and mood disorders. Now, new studies have shown that it is the oil from fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel) that may offer the most health benefits. 

During the course of a 10-year study conducted in Sweden, it was established that the consumption of fatty fish oils might inhibit a commonly found receptor for kidney cancers in women, the Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), which triggers more than 80% of kidney cancers. Consistent long-term intake of fatty fish oil reduced the RCC risk by up to 74% in the Swedish women tracked for the report. At the same time, the intake of fatty fish oils triggered an increase in the level of serum vitamin D in these women. Low levels of vitamin D are believed to trigger the development and progression of RCC.

“You might say that fatty fish oil is phat!” said a smiling Dr. Pat Dougherty when contacted about the study.  “Even lean fish — although to a lesser extent — provide similar health benefits,” the doctor continued. Dougherty, whose chiropractic offices are located in Your Spokane, WA, follows developments in chiropractic science closely.

“Consuming fish oil or eating raw, baked or broiled fish — not fried — can also protect your heart’s electrical system by decreasing the risk of fatal heart-rhythm disorders,“ noted Dougherty. “Omega-3 fats have been found to benefit a healthy heart rhythm,” he added.

Fatty Fish Oil is Fabulous                                             

In addition, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, fish oil consumption by the elderly prevented a decline in heart rate variability that was caused by same-day exposure to indoor airborne pollutants (which can trigger arrhythmia and sudden death.)

This study also found that a diet including fish at least once a week has other significant health benefits for the elderly. These finds included a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as a 10% slower rate of annual age-related cognitive decline (and a 13% slower rate decline when fish was consumed more than once a week). In addition, seafood and by products decreased incidences of strokes because high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA or docosahexaenoic acid) are crucial for normal brain functioning.

There’s even more to this school of thought.

“ Several epidemiological studies find a correlation between omega-3 fatty acids intake and mood disorders like depression — which are affected by an omega-3 fatty acids deficit. In addition, people suffering from coronary artery disease may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids as well since there is an established link between the disease and depression,” stated Dougherty.

“An increased omega-3 intake, even through supplementation, may have therapeutic benefits,” he declared.   

Fishing for compliments about a reduced waistline?

A study conducted by the University of South Australia noted that daily omega-3 fatty acids intake — when combined with exercise — can aid in weight loss because fatty acids increase blood flow to the muscles during exercise and thereby assist in fat burning.

A study conducted by the University of South Australia noted that daily omega-3 fatty acids intake — when combined with exercise — can aid in weight loss because fatty acids increase blood flow to the muscles during exercise and thereby assist in fat burning.

“The studies are overwhelming. Will people change their dietary habits due to the promise this research shows? It’s certainly food for thought,” concluded Dougherty.
 

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Reference Material:
Alicja Wolk, Susanna C. Larsson, Jan-Erik Johansson, and Peter Ekman: Long-term Fatty Fish Consumption and Renal Cell Carcinoma Incidence in Women, JAMA, September 20, 2006, Vol. 296, No. 11

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 12, 2006.

Fish Oil Prevents Potentially Deadly Heart Rate Variability, Science Daily, December 2005.

Fish Consumption May Be Linked to Reduced Cognitive Decline, Medscape, Oct. 11, 2005.

Gordon Parker, Neville A. Gibson, Heather Brotchie, Gabriella Heruc, Anne-Marie Rees and Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic:  Omega-3-Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders, The American Journal of Psychiatry, June 2006.

Reuters, Australian Study Finds Fish Oil Helps Weight Loss, July 28, 2006.

Childhood Obesity Can Be Deadly

Harvard study finds that overweight kids risk premature death.

(09/30/07, Spokane, WA).  Overweight children most often become overweight adults. Sure, there are those who seek guidance or find inspiration and commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, those success stories are few and far between. The majority of obese children leave adolescence for an adult life already ripe with health concerns. And, according to a study by Harvard’s School of Public Health, those lives often end prematurely.

The Harvard study – published by the Annals of Internal Medicine – evaluated the health habits and medical records of more than 100,000 women who had provided data through the Nurses’ Health Study (an ongoing federally financed study on women’s health issues) since 1989. Researchers found that those women who were overweight or obese at age 18, had a far greater risk of dying from cancer or heart disease before reaching middle age.

“Today, one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight,” said Dr. Pat Dougherty when contacted about the study. “And, the Harvard research confirms that childhood obesity is a death sentence, “ added Dougherty, whose chiropractic offices are located in Spokane, WA.

“The physical and emotional strain on an overweight child is compounded by the type of behavior uncovered in this study.  The obese youth were found less likely to exercise and more likely to have smoked and consumed alcohol. Let me be the master of the obvious, this is a recipe for a shorter life,“ continued Dougherty.                                               

While the Harvard study did not establish whether permanent weight loss after age 18 decreases the risk of dying prematurely, Dr. Dougherty urged parents and children to address their health regimen.

“Change the way you live, and you can alter the life path you currently travel,” noted Dougherty. “I preach to my patients that chiropractic care is part of a maintenance program that includes proper diet, exercise and a healthy mental outlook.  There is a reason that clichés become clichés. Treat your body like a temple, and that temple will stand for a long time,” he concluded.

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.

Study Offers Hope to Those with Traumatic Brain Injuries

Crash Victim Responds to Chiropractic Care

(11/07/07).  A Canadian doctor has authored a study detailing the positive impact that chiropractic care has had on those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). The article – published in The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research – highlights the incredible recovery of a 55-year old woman with a severe brain injury caused in a horrific car accident. What makes the case even more remarkable is the fact that the noticeable strides in the healing process began nine years after a half-ton truck had plowed into her parked car – and only after chiropractic care was initiated.

A TBI occurs when an external force causes damage to the head by inducing motion of the brain within the skull. TBI’s are divided into two sub-categories: primary and secondary. The primary injury occurs at the point of the trauma while secondary injuries occur after trauma and produce effects that continue for long periods of time.

“There are physical, biochemical and emotional stresses associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries,” noted researcher Dr. Andrea Ryan from her Barrie, Ontario practice.  “Since one of the aims of chiropractic care is to reduce those stresses and find a balance in a person’s life, it has proven to be a vital component to the healing process of anyone afflicted with a TBI,” she added.

“In 1910, D.D. Palmer – the Founder of chiropractic – stated that if the spinal column is free of interference that compromises neural integrity, then the human body is able to adapt to its inner and outer environment to the best of its ability,” said Dr. Pat Dougherty, a Spokane-based chiropractor.  “Dr. Ryan’s work really illustrates this long held chiropractic principle,” continued Dougherty.

And, there is no greater example than Dr. Ryan’s star patient.

Nine years after her dehabilitating accident, the aforementioned 55-year old woman came to Dr. Ryan still suffering from significant neurological and neuromuscular symptoms including disturbed vision, dizziness when bending over or standing too quickly, and pain throughout much of her body. She was forced to walk with a cane or walker. Her quality of life deteriorated to the point where depression set in and she attempted suicide.

“Dr. Ryan was able to identify and monitor nerve interference through the use of chiropractic technologies called surface electromyography and thermal scanning. These technologies have proven invaluable to the likes of NASA and professional sports teams who seek to maximize the physical capabilities of their employees. Today, they are benefiting those in the general public,” explained Dougherty, whose practice features such state-of-the-art equipment.

Dr. Ryan’s course of care included chiropractic adjustments twice a week. Within a month, the woman’s dizziness had decreased dramatically. After seven months, the patient reported spectacular health improvements including no dizziness and increased muscle strength in her shoulders, arms and legs – all while living virtually pain free. She became more stable and comfortable while walking (although she still used a cane). Her quality of life improved to the point where she could accomplish numerous daily activities – and depression was a thing of the past.

“Dr. Ryan’s work offers hope to those afflicted with Traumatic Brain Injuries. And, the case of the accident victim is a vivid account that underscores the value of her research. But, it is important to note that chiropractic care did not cure anything that ailed the woman involved. The adjustments she received decreased or eliminated nerve interference which in turn allowed her body to adapt and function as it was intended – which is exactly the premise that D.D. Palmer defined nearly a century ago,” summarized Dougherty.

“And, as impressive as today’s technology that allows chiropractors to effectively evaluate the nervous system may be, there is nothing more impressive than the human body itself,” he concluded.
                                                           

---

Editor’s Note:
Those seeking additional information regarding this study may contact Dr. Pat Dougherty directly at 2110 N. Washington St. Suite One, Spokane WA 99205; (509) 327-4373.