11/17/2015 Research Roundup: Animal Antibiotics Hurt Kids, Bad Medicine, and Healthy Eating Improves Health!Read NowEnjoy the latest research on health care and healthy living: American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) Says No to Antibiotics in Animal Feed Feeding livestock antibiotics to artificially boost growth is big business and America's Pediatricians are finally saying that's enough. MedPage reported on the AAP's announcement discouraging use of antibiotics in animal fed due to the potential harm for children. While 7.25 million pounds of these drugs are sold for use in humans, more than 32.2 million pounds are sold for use in animals -- animals that often have no active infection. The overuse of antibiotic medication in children was also briefly addressed: "Clinicians bear some responsibility for this problem because we ourselves are not always prudent in our use of antibiotics...Unfortunately, too many people still prescribe antibiotics for colds or sore throats without having an appropriate bacterial diagnosis. So, since clinicians are part of the problem, they can be part of the solution." For your family's safety, choose meat that has been raised without antibiotics or other chemicals. And avoid antibiotic use for common colds, runny noses, and sore throats that are caused by viruses that cannot be killed with antibiotics. Medical Errors Still Alarmingly High Forbes recently reported: "A disturbing new study, published in the October 2015 issue of Anesthesiology, found that medication errors occurred in nearly half of all surgical procedures. Additionally, the study found that one-third of all errors resulted in adverse drug events or harm to patients." The study reviewed surgeries performed at a Harvard-affiliated hospital "considered a leader in patient safety." Clinicians weighing in on the study felt this actually underestimates the number of medical errors. This follows research estimating deaths due to preventable medical errors at 400,000 per year in the United States. Furthermore, these estimates seem to only consider hospitalized medical care, not accounting for other medical treatment. It's always important to recognize the significant risks associated with even "non-invasive" or "minor" medical care, utilizing safer conservative care first whenever possible. Now Some Good News: Americans Are Eating Better And Reducing Disease Don't let us mislead you, researchers still conclude the diet of Americans is "poor". However, an analysis of diet trends (from 1999-2012) found small signs of improvement with a big payoff: 1.1 million fewer premature deaths, 8.6% fewer cardiovascular disease cases, 1.3% fewer cancer cases, and 12.6% fewer type 2 diabetes cases. Good job Americans - now keep going! You're apparently drinking fewer sugary beverages and eating more fruit, but you haven't increased your veggies. Get those veggies in and keep cutting the sweets and carbs. Eat real unprocessed food and get moving!
0 Comments
In the US and Canada, about 90% of canola is genetically modified to withstand heavy doses of herbicidal chemicals used to kill weeds. As "superweeds" develop resistance to chemicals, these herbicides are being used in higher quantities. Still sound healthy? Consider using olive oil or coconut oil instead.
While soft drink companies continue to promote sugary drinks as a reasonable part of a healthy diet, studies continue to show significant health risks for kids and adults drinking them. A recent study of children ages 8-15 years old looked at how drinking sugary beverages affected their triglyceride (blood fats) and cholesterol levels over 12 months. Researchers found a significant worsening of triglyceride and cholesterol for those consuming more sugary drinks. Another recent study analyzed over 40,000 men to determine whether sweetened beverages increase the risk of heart failure. Sweetened beverages for this study included soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices, and drinks with artificial no-calorie sweeteners. When researchers ruled out other causes, they found that sweetened beverages significantly increased the risk of heart failure. Don't be fooled by marketing. You can't outrun or out-exercise regular consumption of sweetened beverages. Start reducing your intake today. Alternatives to consider include kombucha, coconut water, soda water with lemon, or good-old-fashioned water. Cut out sugary drinks for a week and feel the difference - then From its beneficial effect on diabetes to reducing weight gain, a recent study confirmed that eating more homemade meals is good for your health. Researchers "analyzed data from nearly 58,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study and more than 41,000 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and followed for up to 36 years." Results showed a significant health benefit from eating homemade meals instead of eating out. "People who ate about two homemade lunches or dinners each day — or about 11-14 meals a week — had a 13 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to people who ate less than six homemade lunches or dinners a week." There was also significantly less weight gain over the years for those eating more homemade meals. With the holidays coming soon, it's time to get cooking. Homemade meals help you take control of what your family is eating, and avoid hidden junk that often sneaks into packaged or processed foods. The more home-cooked meals you eat, the better. Cooking at home can help you maintain healthy weight, avoid diabetes, and help with a variety of other health conditions. |
Details
THE NATURALS
AuthorsDr Aaron McMichael + Dr Ryan McMichael Categories
All
Archives
October 2024
_Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. This blog is not a doctor and will not diagnose or treat your problems.
|