Nanaimo Chiropractor Discusses Women's Health

Hi there, I'm Dr. J, a chiropractor in Nanaimo, British Columbia. In this Hub, we look at a sampling of the common health issues affecting women, including their diagnosis and natural means of dealing with them. I'm passionate about helping people live healthier lives. Our current healthcare system is really a sickness care system. Many people wait for something to go wrong and then try to "fix" it. We need to break away fro the idea that just because you feel fine, you are healthy. Simple lifestyle changes can improve your health, longevity and quality of life.

If you have any questions for issues you would like to see addressed in this or future Hubs, please submit them in the comment section below.

Although found to a small degree in men, this is predominantly a women's health issue. A shocking 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer. It affects women of all ages. There are several known risk factors for developing this disease:

·         Smoking

·         Long term use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy)

·         Alcohol consumption

·         Early onset of periods (younger than 12 years of age)

·         Late pregnancy (over 30 years of age)

·         Late menopause

But a little known fact is that only approximately 7% of breast cancer cases are due to genetic factors.  Further, 75% of those with breast cancer have no known risk factors.  When it comes to breast cancer, prevention is the key! One of the biggest areas of prevention is weight control.  Being only 45 pounds overweight doubles your risk.  Try to loose the weight the way you know you should, through eating well and exercise.  exercise is important.  A recent study has shown that walking just 4 hours a day reduces risk by 33%!

While we're on the subject of diet, it is good to note that a diet reich in anti-oxidants helps prevent all types of cancer.  You get antioxidants in a diet with plentiful and varied fruits and vegetables.  These antioxidants help rid the body of harmful cancers causing byproducts of your metabolism, free radicles.

Although it is common knowledge that breast feeding reduces the rate of breast cancer, another surprising study has shown that it also reduces the rate of the disease in the baby as well!

Be sure to conduct regular monthly exams.  The best time to do this is 10 days after the onset of your period as the breast will be less naturally lumpy.  Many experts suggest you do your self exam in the shower with soapy water.  Be thorough in your exam, including the upper chest and periphery.  Note any lumps, dimpling of the skin, exudates or changes in nipple appearance.  If you note anything unsual, contact your physician immediately. 

It is estimated that 10-12% of people have sub-clinical, or low level hypothroidism. These cases largely go undiagnosed, and the sufferer puts their condition down to fatigue. Here are the major symptoms:

· Low energy

· Weight gain

· Coarse skin and brittle nails

· Lack of mental clarity / Depression

· Loss of libido

· High cholesterol

· Anaemia/nosebleeds

· Gout

With full clinical hypothyroidism, you will need to take thyroxine. Luckily, with subclinical hypothyroidism, there are some steps you can take to improve your situation. One of the best things you can do is to take up regular exercise. Everyone knows that exercise allows you to burn off more calories, but many do not know that your metabolism will remain elevated for up to 24 hours or maore after your have finished your exercise. That means you continue to burn calories even after you're done your workout!

Diet also plays a role. Always eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast encourages your body to go into starvation mode and slows down your metabolism even further. Likewaise, be a nibbler, not a gorger. Eat smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, rather tahn just one meal in the evening.

Another important dietary consideration is that the thyroid requires iodine for thyroid function.  Foods rich in iodine are eggs, cheese milk, haddock, cod, sea food and sea salt.  Some food items actually block your body's ability tp use iodine, espically when they are raw.  these foos are cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, turnip, soy and walnuts.  B vitamins are also important for thyroid function, especially B12.

Neck injury and whiplash has been linked to hypothroidism.  This may be due to damage to the blood supply to the throid gland or damage to the seventh nerve of the cervical spine.  If you have a history of neck injury and hypothyroidism you should consider consulting with a chiropractor.

Fibromyalgia is a relatively new diagnosis. In fact, many physicians don't belive this condition exists and put the patients complaints as "all in their heads." It is in fact a real condition. If affects women at leat 9 times more than men. Symptoms include:

· Muscle tenderness

· Tender spots on the neck, spine, shoulders and hips

· Difficult sleeping

· Digestive problems / Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

· Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

· Lack of mental clarity

· Chronic headaches in 50-60% of fibromyalgia sufferers

· Depression – may be due to long term pain, not an actual symptom

Current medical treatment only adresses the symptoms of the disease, not the cause. This includes sleeping pills, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and pain killers. Is this treating anything???

Research has shown an increased level of activity in the sympathetic nervous system of firomyalgia sufferers. This part of the nervous system is often known as the flight or fight system. This is often known as the fight or flight system. Further, fibromyalgia is often preceeded by a physical trauma. Given these two facts, it makes sense that fibromyalgia sufferers often respond well to chiropractic care. The chiropractor is able to restore normal mechanics to the spine and allow the nervous system to properly fuction.

Menstrual pain affects a large proportion of women.  There are certain risk factors that make this more likely:

-alcohol: prolongs discomfort

-smoking: 50% more likely to have period pain

-overweight: twice the risk of period pain.

-caffeine: this overstimulates the nervous system

-stress: stress hormones overstimulate the nervous system

There are two probable causes for the cause of the pain:

1. Too much of a chemical called prostaglandin in the uterus.  Natural food item omega 3 fatty acids decrease prostaglandins.  Omega 3 is found in salmon, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.  Prior to taking omega 3 supplements, consult with your healthcare provider if you are on blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin due to possible interaction.

Magnesium has also been shown to help with period pain.  This can be found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.  Magnesium may affect blood pressure and diabetes medications, as well as antibiotics.

2. Research has shown that an abnormal nervous system response may also be the cause.  These people may find benefit from chiropractic care.

Dr. Hare has international experience as a chiropractor. He trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic.. After this he practiced under an Iowa license and remained at the school as an instructor or anatomy. Later, he moved to London to work . After 8 years in England, Dr. Hare returned to Canada to become a Nanaimo chiropractor and form his chiropractic clinic, Pure Chiropractic.