Exercise and Lymphedema

 Exercise and complete decongestive therapy best ways to manage lymphedema, MU expert says

 Posted By News On October 22, 2012 - 6:00pm

COLUMBIA, Mo. –Nearly 40 percent of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup, as a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy. A cure for lymphedema does not exist, so individuals with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes. Now, a team of researchers and clinicians working with a University of Missouri lymphedema expert has found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) are the best ways for patients to minimize their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
"There's a sense of empowerment—of autonomy—that comes from meeting the challenge of living with lymphedema," said Jane Armer, an MU nursing professor. "Some breast cancer survivors say that they've become a new person after cancer because they met a challenge, and they like the stronger person they've become. The challenge of lymphedema is similar. It's something that is pervasive in every part of life. It takes problem solving and persistence to manage the condition without letting it interfere with their goals."
Armer and her colleagues reviewed published research about lymphedema self-management in order to determine which practices were most effective in managing the condition. The researchers found that full-body exercise, such as weight lifting and stretching, was likely to be effective in minimizing lymphedema symptoms. In addition, the researchers concluded that complete decongestive therapy (CDT), a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging of swollen limbs, also helps patients effectively manage the condition.
"Previous research suggests that, the earlier the interventions, the better the outcomes," Armer said. "If patients can learn how to successfully manage the condition early on, then they can continue those processes throughout their lives, and their outcomes will be better than those of individuals who resist participating in self-care."

Source: University of Missouri-Columbia

What is a High Frequency Facial Treatment?

The high-frequency unit is used as one of the final steps of a facial or during a Manual Lymph Drainage session. Depending on how it is used, it can be warming and soothing, or stimulating. It can also deliver a mild antiseptic effect. A high-frequency current is a current that alternates very rapidly – in the range of 100,000 or greater hertz. A high frequency current passes through the body very easily, exciting the water molecules in the body. They begin to vibrate very rapidly, warming the body tissues.
The instrument transmits high frequency current that can benefit the skin in many ways:
  Increases metabolism and Lymphatic movement
  Produces heat inside the body tissues
  Stimulates glandular activity
  Increases the circulation of blood and lymph
  Aids in elimination and absorption
  Creates germicidal action – During the direct method, the electrical current generates ozone, which has
germicidal properties, helping kill bacteria on the skin.
Current can be applied directly to the client’s skin
Method: The therapist places the electrode directly on the client’s skin and moves it gently over the
skin. High-frequency energy is discharged into the skin at the point of contact. The direct method both
warms and stimulates the skin.


 

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM)

Tecnica Gavilan is a soft tissue protocol that utilizes instruments, (IASTM), to improve the restoration and healing of soft tissue pathologies.  Some areas the instruments can be utilized for:   Scar Tissue, Adhesion, Muscle Strains, Ankle Sprains, Plantar Facitis, Achilles Tendon,Patellar Tendon, Illiotibial Tract, Rotator Cuff, Biceps Tendon, Hamstring Tendons, Runner’s Knee, Jumper’s Knee, Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Baseball Shoulder, Swimmer’s Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Myofascial Syndrome and Back & Neck Pain.  
Some of the Benefits of IASTM are: 

• Increased motion with decreased pain
• Rehabilitation is shortened
• Strength returns earlier
• Increased flexibility

• Facilitates power and strength

• Enhances performance
• Conditioning may continue

Call for more information or to set up an appointment 760/408-7661

Pure Raw Energy Bite’s

These are Yummy little high protein goodies to boost energy. They travel well and are easy to put together.
Your local health food store should have the ingredients.


To make these little goodies just mix all ingredients (except the chocolate bar) and form into small balls. Put in the freezer for about an hour. Melt the chocolate bar in the microwave and dip the balls into the chocolate. Put the balls into the fridge for a few minutes to harden the chocolate.  They keep in the fridge very well.

Peanut Butter Buzz Bites 

38 balls 

1 cup           Maca  

2 tbsp          Coconut Oil                               

1 cup           Peanut Butter                           

6 squares     Dark Chocolate  Bar for melting                                      

1 package    Coconut Flakes  unsweetened                       

2 tbsp          B Pollen

½ cup          Salba Seeds                             

¼ cup          Honey                                 

½ cup          Oats 

Almond Butter   Buzz Bites

28 balls

1 scoop       Pea Protein Powder       

1/2 tbsp       Coconut Oil                               

1 cup           Almond Butter                           

1 pkg           Dark Chocolate Bar for melting                                      

¾ cup          Sunflower Seeds                             

4 tbsp          Honey                                 

½ cup          Oats                      

1 tbsp          Maca

Hemp   Buzz Bites

25 balls

1 scoop       Hemp Protein Powder       

1 scoop       Pea Protein Powder       

2 tbsp          Coconut Oil 

2 tbsp          Peanut Butter                             

2 tbsp          Salba or Chia Seeds

¼ cup          Sunflower Seeds                             

5 tbsp          Honey                                 

½ cup          Oats                       

2 tbsp          Maca

¼ cup          Raisins

1 pkg           Dark Chocolate Bar for melting                                                                             

Enjoy!                                  

UTI: Can We Trust Our Own Immune Systems?

I recently came across a 2005 article published in "Reviews in Urology," titled Practical Management of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Premenopausal Women. The article is a review of past and present treatments for recurrent urinary tract infections, or bladder infections as they are commonly called. 

The author, Dr. Nickel, noted that women in the 18th century, who didn't have access to antibiotics of course, were sick for about four weeks, and once they recovered they did not seem to suffer recurrent bladder infections. He asks whether the modern dependence on antibiotics has actually created recurrent UT infections. 

Modern treatment for recurrent bladder infections does depend on antibiotics. Women with recurrent infections are prescribed larger doses for a longer time, or they are given refillable prescriptions so they can take a three-day course of antibiotics whenever they feel an infection beginning. Some women are prescribed low doses of antibiotics to take over a long period of time, six months or more.

Of course, antibiotics aren't perfect. Overuse of antibiotics leads to drug-resistant superbugs. Women who take a lot of antibiotics often develop yeast infections, which can be nearly as miserable as a bladder infection. And, Dr. Nickel points out, once a woman quits taking the antibiotics, she goes back to having recurrent bladder infections. For those without prescription insurance, the cost may be too high, also.

So why not suffer through the infection and allow your immune system to defeat the bacteria and develop antibodies so that you will likely not have another infection? Well the obvious answer is that bladder infections are very painful and inconvenient. I imagine most women don't want to suffer the infection that long, even if it could possibly prevent future infections.Another risk of just riding it out is that the infection could travel to the kidneys, and kidney infections are very serious indeed.

But, I wonder whether it might not be wiser to endure the infection, taking a medication that controls the pain and drinking lots of water and cranberry juice. As a person who has suffered in the past from recurrent bladder infections, I think I'm willing to try it. I think anyone who tried would have to have the cooperation of her doctor, who could prescribe the pain medication, and she would have to watch carefully for signs of a kidney infection. Or, have we come to the point where we don't really trust our immune systems any more?

Of course, I'm talking about ordinary bladder infections, usually caused by E. coli from the digestive system. I think more serious problems like kidney infection or interstitial cystitis need more serious treatment. If you are a woman with recurrent UTIs, I'd like to hear from you -- what do you think about the points brought up in this article?  The link is here.

Echinacea

Echinacea has been used in north America for centuries as a sort of "cure-all," for infections, wounds and many of the diseases now treated with antibiotics. Now, it is often used to reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Is it effective, what are the important components of echinacea, and are there any concerns you should know about?

The echinacea plant contains polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides and flavonoids, all beneficial compounds. Polysaccharides in particular are known to trigger the immune system. The above-ground portions of the plant contain more polysaccharides, the roots contain more essential oils. If you are taking echinacea, find out what part of the plant is used in your echinacea supplement. Many supplements contain both root and aerial portions of echinacea.

Research seems to indicate that echinacea does in fact boost the immune system. This might help you overcome an infection faster than it would if you didn't take echinacea. However, because it is an immune stimulant, people with immune disorders such as HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, leukemia or liver disorders should not take it. If you are concerned about whether you should take echinacea, discuss it with your doctor.

If you take prescribed medications, check online or with your pharmacist to see whether echinacea interacts harmfully with your other medicines. Herbal supplements might seem safe, because the entire plant is used, not just an extract. But, some herbs such as echinacea can have a potent effect on your body and can interact with other herbs and medicines.

If you are allergic to other plants in the daisy family, such as chrysanthemum, ragweed or marigold, you might possible be allergic to echinacea. So, if you use it and notice any allergic symptoms, especially difficulty breathing or swelling of your lips or face, see a doctor immediately to prevent a severe reaction.

Don't take echinacea for more than two weeks. Taking it for an extended time may stress your liver.

University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
NCCAM: Echinacea
MedlinePlus: Echinacea
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Echinacea

Essiac Tea: An Example of How Herbal Knowledge Grows and Changes

Continuing the ideas I mentioned in the last blog, let’s use Essiac tea as an example of how herbal knowledge grows and changes, helping you make better decisions about alternative/complementary treatments.

Essiac tea, also called Flor Essence, Tea of Life or Vitalitea, is an herbal formula promoted by many websites as a cure for cancer. The formula for the tea, which includes burdock root, slippery elm inner bark, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb root, comes from a Canadian nurse named Rene Caisse, who opened a health clinic in 1924 and treated thousands of patients with the formula.

Caisse said she got the formula from on Ojibwa medicine man, which may be true, although there is no evidence to support her assertion. Ancient people developed many medicinal formulas using herbs, many of which have been passed down through the centuries, so it is possible that this is actually an old herbal blend.

The principal ingredient in Essiac tea, burdock root, has historically been used to treat conditions like arthritis, diabetes and hair loss. Rene Caisse claimed it could cure cancer. All of these ideas are based on tradition. The question is, does modern science support those uses? Has research discovered any important uses for traditional herbs not known before?    

As for its ability to cure cancer, research indicates Essiac tea is not effective. Does that mean the formula is useless? No. In fact, research has discovered that “Essiac tea possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents,” according to the January 2006 "Journal of Ethnopharmacology.”  In an article published in the November-December 2007 “Anticancer Research,” authors reported that Essiac has “significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties as well as neoplastic-cell-specific cytotoxicity, “ particularly mentioning ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells.  Authors of an article published in the June 2010 “Journal of Food Science” agree that burdock contains antioxidants, which help to block free radical molecules that damage your cells. Research indicates that ingredients in Essiac tea may also lower blood sugar and alleviate the severity of liver damage from carbon tetrachloride or acetaminophen.

What’s my point? Well, many of the herbs that have been used for centuries to treat disease are validated by modern research; although the research doesn’t always support traditional uses, it reveals new uses. Essiac tea, for instance, may be more effective for preventing cancer than curing it. 

A final word: if you want to use herbs along with mainstream medical treatment, or instead of it, be aware that not all herbs have been studied for effectiveness or safety. Also, herbs are quite potent and can interact harmfully with other medications you may be taking. Do your research, so you make better decisions. The previous blog post listed several places you can find more information about herbs and alternative treatments, and there are many more reliable sites online that can give you information.

"Am J Chin Med"; Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage; Lin SC et al.; 2000;28(2):163-73

"Anticancer Res;" In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac; Seely D, Kennedy DA, Myers SP, Cheras PA, Lin D, Li R, Cattley T, Brent PA, Mills E, Leonard BJ; 2007 Nov-Dec

"Eur J Cancer;" How useful are unconventional cancer treatments?; Ernst E, Cassileth BR; Oct 1999

"J Altern Complement Med;" Trial of Essiac to ascertain its effect in women with breast cancer; Zick SM, Sen A, Feng Y, Green J, Olatunde S, Boon H; Dec 2006

"J Food Sci"; Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of the Fractions From Burdock Leaves; Lou Z, Wang H, Li J, Chen S, Zhu S, Ma C, Wang Z; June 2010

"Journal of ethnopharmacology;" Essiac tea: scavenging of reactive oxygen species and effects on DNS damage; Leonard SS et al; Jan 2006

"Nutr Cancer;" Evaluation of the antiproliferative effects of Essiac on invitro and in vivo models of prostate cancer compared to paclitaxel; Eberding A et al; 2007 188-96

"Oncol Rep"; In Vitro Comparison of Essiac and Flor-Essence on Human Tumor Cell Lines; Tai J, Cheung S, Wong S, Lowe C; Feb. 2004

“Am J Chin Med “; Lin CC, Lu JM, Yang JJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. 1996;24(2):127-137.

“Am J Chin Med “; Lin SC, Chung TC, Lin CC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. 2000;28(2):163-173.

“J Biomed Sci “; Lin SC, Lin CH, Lin CC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa Linne on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. 2002;9(5):401-409.

“Mutat Res “; Morita K, Kada T, Namiki M. A desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa Linne). 1984;129(1):25-31.