Dr. Aaron McMichael has stepped down as President of the North Central Academy of Chiropractic (NCAC) to serve in his newly elected role of District Director to the Ohio State Chiropractic Association (OSCA). NCAC is a regional group of doctors of chiropractic that works with the state association.

Dr. McMichael will be serving on multiple committees in the OSCA including the Opioid Task Force. "I look forward to continuing to promote better solutions to the opioid crisis in Ohio. Though non-drug treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic have been recommended by various guidelines, there are still too many hurdles to proper patient access. I'll be working hard to reduce the barriers to patient access to chiropractic care and non-drug treatments."

The OSCA plans a special Advocacy Day in March, pushing state legislation that will improve Medicaid coverage of chiropractic care including exams that are not currently covered. "One of the great reasons to utilize doctors of chiropractic as a solution to the opioid crisis, is that research has indicated it not only works to reduce opioids and improve patient health, but it reduces health care costs at the same time. We'll be educating Ohio's legislators to make sure they understand the value of chiropractic as a cost-effective solution."

A recent study performed at Columbia University found that prescription opioid use carries significant risks not just to the user, but also others on the road. Columbia researchers examined fatal two-vehicle crashes over a 24-year period where one driver was cited as causing the accident and looked at toxicology reports for drug use.

Researchers concluded that driver use of prescription opioids was associated with causing fatal accidents regardless of alcohol use. Drivers on prescription opioids like Vicodin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone or others were twice as likely to cause a fatal accident. Most accidents occurred when the driver failed to stay in their lane. The researchers also noted, "While counseling patients about the risks of opioid analgesics, clinicians should take into consideration these medications' adverse effect on driving safety."

Prescription Opioids Used as Directed Cause Impairment

The risks of addiction and death with even short term prescription opioid use is now well known, but the impairment caused by prescription opioids when used as directed in not well appreciated or discussed. As this study noted, "Opioid use may result in dizziness, drowsiness, and sedation, which may impair the requisite psychomotor and cognitive skills necessary for safe driving." Opioid medications cause impairment that can also significantly increase risks at work. It's startling how often these medications are still used for work injuries, especially when these workers are returned to using large industrial equipment while taking these opioids. Patients also have to be careful with similar side effects caused by muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety meds, and antidepressants.

Not only do opioid painkillers carry high risks, recent studies have indicated they are far less effective as a treatment for chronic pain than long assumed. With this high burden of risk, it's best to follow updated pain management guidelines that recommend chiropractic and non-drug treatment first. Not only is there no associated impairment, but chiropractic treatment is associated with improved function and reaction time. Whenever possible, try non-drug treatment like chiropractic for pain first and reduce your risk with driving or using heavy equipment.

Cleaning tasks performed at home and work often include the use of harsh chemicals and could cause lung damage similar to smoking cigarettes. Asthma and other respiratory conditions have been reported related to the use of cleaning products, so researchers took a closer look at long term risk of lung problems with cleaning. How do you think using chemical cleaning products compares to smoking?

Researchers collected data on over 6000 participants for over twenty years and compared frequency of cleaning at home and work to measurements of lung health. They concluded, "Women cleaning at home or working as occupational cleaners had accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that exposures related to cleaning activities may constitute a risk to long-term respiratory health." Rates of asthma were higher in women that reported more frequent cleaning at home or for work. Researchers noted, "the effect of occupational cleaning was thus comparable to smoking somewhat less than [1 pack/day for 20 years]."

How Can Cleaning Products Be So Harmful to the Lungs?

Researchers noted, "most cleaning agents have an irritative effect" on the lining of our airways. Some may cause a harmful immune system response, and others could cause scar tissue type changes that damage the airways and reduce lung function. They specifically named ammonia and bleach as chemicals likely to cause lung damage. Think about the irritation of skin with these chemicals if you don't use gloves. The same irritation can occur in the lungs with each breath.

What Can You Do to Avoid Lung Damage While Cleaning?

The first step to reduce your risk of lung problems with cleaning is to reduce your exposure. You don't have to stop cleaning the house. Limit the use of the harshest chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Try to use those as infrequently as possible, and if using, try to avoid spraying them into the air or use a mask to limit exposure. Remember: the stronger it smells, generally the more you are breathing in.

Fortunately, more and more natural cleaning products are available that are significantly less harmful. Check out your options next time you go to the store. Simple vinegar and baking soda can also be used for lots of cleaning needs. And don't get too concerned about having the most sterile house on the block. Over-cleaning your space has been associated with more health problems.

Similar to improvements in lung health measured in smokers that quit, those who improve their cleaning habits are also likely to note improvements in lung health. It's never too late to make changes that will benefit your health. If you want even more help, consider a detox program to reduce your body's chemical load.