Dr. Frisch

September is here!

It was an enjoyable, if seemingly fast summer.  The weather was tolerable, but untypically dry in Minnesota.  The last summer with this weather pattern was in 1988.  We seem to remember the past when it reoccurs.  Isn't human nature funny?  In keeping with that line of thought, this issue of ENews will focus on topics about the world around us. 

Unless a natural disaster occurs or a tragedy effects us directly, how many of us truly think about the world around us?  Not too many I would bet.  The world, however, does play an integral role in our daily lives.

Some of the material in this issue is experiential, while other topics took a little work to find and then validate as true.  This is not going to be a big "Global Warming Issue".  Anyone who really looks into that topic will shoot it full of holes, unless that is were they derive their income or social acceptance!

We are animals of this earth.  We are made up of elements found on this planet.  To think that our internal chemicals and neurotransmitters are not effected by events that occur in the environment is to be fairly short-sided.  Just because we don't understand why something occurs, it is not appropriate to discredit the fact that it may occur and be predictable.  We just don't know why!

I am going to have some fun in this issue, but I also hope that the information I give is of benefit to you.

Dr. Frisch

Weather and Joint Pain

As goofy as this may sound, there is a factual basis to the "old-wives tale" that changing weather can cause or increase existing joint pain.  Some of the earlier reported research (which usually wasn't) reported  the phenomenon of weather-related pain as a scam or hoax for attention and/or money.  As example of this is the 1996 study below: 

• "In 1996, a Stanford University collaborated with the University of Toronto on a study of weather related joint pain. Researchers found no correlation between patients' symptoms and the weather. The scientists' best explanation is that the human brain is designed to look for patterns even if statistically the patterns do not exist. Quite simply, if your joints ache, then your brain begins to look for a reason."       St. John's Hospital Newsletter.

Other more recent, and likely accurate, studies have been performed that do related weather changes to joint pain.  This interesting study was recently published on PRWeb.  It was performed by a group of scientific Meteorologists:

• IN GERMANY, SOON IN THE U.S: Every day in Germany a weather pain report is issued, reporting about how the weather will affect the way people feel over the next 24 hours. It is not yet available to the general public everywhere in the US, but this winter and spring a private company has an advanced preview, of the “Hill Weather Sensitivity Index”
  
  ”The weather sensitivity index" will be used by a select group of Arthritis, migraine and joint pain suffers this winter and spring. Meteorologist Brian Hill says "they will track their own "Weather Sensitivity" based on a daily forecast of weather change for their city.
  
  The Weather Pain .com meteorologists use a weather sensitivity index created by Meteorologist Brian Hill and determine the amount of weather change in many weather indices over the next 24 hours. The goal is to help give pain suffers who are weather sensitive some advance warning of bad days or an indication of when their pain may decrease.
  
  ACTION: When a forecast predicts a level of change that affects them, pain suffers may choose to take appropriate action on the advice of their physician.
  
  RESEARCH: Research in 2002 tends to backs up the concept that weather change can cause some people pain, especially those who are "Weather Sensitive". See reports from different journals at www.weatherpain.com.

This study actually seems to make more sense than incompetently saying, "It's all in your head.  Weather has no part in your pain.  Oh, by the way, are you still taking your VIOXX or shall I write you a new prescription?"

Time will tell on the aspect of weather-related pain, but until definitive, irrefutable research exists, we have to pay attention to our own bodies and what they tells us!

Hucksters From Afar

In sticking with the environmental theme, let's briefly touch on the topic of 'naturally found' herbs, supplements, tonics, creams  and anything else that is only found in a "very, very high place, very, very far away".

IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT LIKELY IS.  ASK FOR DATA.  DO NOT RELY ON TESTIMONIALS!

Just because something is found naturally in the environment DOESN'T mean it is good for you!  When was the last time you felt the need to eat a hand full of pebbles just to get things 'moving again'? (Please don't try this at home)  It may sound like I am being silly here, but it is a valid proposal when you consider what we are being told that we can't live without.  Here are a few examples:

• Colored Algae:  This was highly pushed in the past several years as an anti-aging remedy and overall tonic.  There was never an serious research on the plant, but because IT had high vitamin and mineral content, it was assumed we could absorb it.
• Phosphorolated Calcium:  I wonder why no one ever questioned the fact that calcium and phosphorous fight each other for binding sites in the body?
• Magnetic Therapy:  I learned about magnetic therapy decades ago, but there was no more data to support success back then than there is now.  There are multi-level marketing companies associated with the Magnetic Therapy push, but each time I ask for supportive data I only get anecdotal claims.  
• Cava and other herbal 'stimulants':  These are often found in energy or fad drinks.  Be careful of these.  Natural stimulants can be just as dangerous as prescription strength amphetamines.  Heart attacks and strokes have been linked to these substances.  It is not a 'coup' against the natural food market.  They can be truly dangerous because they are drugs.  Give them the respect they deserve!
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin:  These two common supplements are purported to help heal damaged joints.  The research does not support the claims of recovering damaged cartilage, but only (maybe) SLOWING the cartilage destruction.  Chondrocytes are the little guys that actually produced cartilage in the first place.  They continue to produce chondroitin until damage to the joint occurs.  Improper weigh-bearing on a joints stops chondrocytes from producing chondroitin and the cartilage breaks down.  Advertisers are promoting these two supplements to 'fix' damaged joints.  Unfortunately, that may not even be possible.  What they should be saying is "get to your chiropractor and get your joint's weight-bearing balanced".  

Copper as a Culprit?

First it was mercury in the water, next it was aluminum in our deodorants and now copper is being implicated in a possible link to disease as well.

Dr. Larry Sparks, a researcher at Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona has been studying laboratory rabbit 'models' for many years.  His research had been focused primarily on how cholesterol effected Alzheimer's onset and progression in a laboratory setting.

In previous studies, rabbits given cholesterol would develop Alzheimer's on a consistent and predictable basis.  Studies like these are what determined the link between cholesterol in humans and heart disease as well as brain disorders.

In the Sun City research, something interesting occurred.  The rabbits were, unknowingly, being given distilled water rather than tap water which had been used in all prior studies.  The rabbits being given distilled water and cholesterol DID NOT develop Alzheimer's disease.  This meant that something in the tap water could be contributing to the onset of disease.  The 'culprit' was copper!

When copper was added to the distilled water along with cholesterol, the rabbits began to develop Alzheimer's disease consistent with prior studies.  They tried to isolate for zinc, aluminum, iron and other metals, but the findings did not show the link that copper presented.  The amount of copper used was 1/10 of the amount that the U.S. EPA says is safe for human consumption.  The numbers were formatted according to rabbit index and the numbers were comparable.  This means that the accepted levels of copper consumption may need to be revised!

A significant key to the 'leaching' process of the copper was ACID.  Acid in the water and/or our digestive system allowed the copper to be activated and absorbed.  They did not discuss things like copper necklaces or bracelets that may have a skin absorption rate.  I suspect that topic to be addressed in future studies.

Drs. Sparks and Schreurs published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Eileen's Corner

The start of fall in Minnesota means a gravitation toward 'comfort food'.  I think you'll like this one!  It is perfect accompanied by a simple salad.

Beef Stroganoff

1 (2-3lb.) Beef Pot roast

1/2 Cup Red Wine

2 Bay Leaves

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans Cream of Mushroom Soup

2/3 Cup Sour Cream

Cooked Rice or Egg Noodles

Place the beef, wine, bay leaves, basil, marjoram and salt & pepper in a crock-pot.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours.  

Remove the bay leaves from the crock-pot and discard.  Remove the cooked beef from the crock-pot and cut into small pieces.  

Stir the soup and sour cream into the cooking juices and then return the meat to the pot.  Simmer this on high for 15-20 minutes.  

Serve the beef with sauce over cooked noodles or rice.  Makes 6 servings.

Enjoy!

Eileen

Green Grass

Do you have a 'tough to grow' area in your yard or maybe an area that you want to use for 'minimal maintenance?  There is a product out called 'Grow-Low' that may be of help.  It is a slow growing grass that won't get very high and needs only minimal maintenance.  It is commonly used on golf courses.  Most of your nurseries will carry it, but you will have to ask for it.  Don't be surprised if some of the staff looks at you weird because they may not even know they carry it!

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Foe

This topic raises all kinds of arguments because nearly everyone has an opinion on the harmful effects of carbon monoxide.  The problem with opinions is emotion!  When someone has an emotional tie to a topic, they will be more emphatic with their opinion about that issue, even if they are wrong.  The bottom line is that CO is a poison!

Carbon monoxide is the bi-product of burning fossil based fuels.  A volcano releases massive amounts of CO for the same reason.  The problem arises when we are forced to breath carbon monoxide.  In our bodies, CO has an affinity for red blood cells and will attach up to 10x's faster than oxygen.  When oxygen can't attach to red blood cells, it can't get into and move around our bodies.  The end result is hypoxia ("little oxygen") and death.  It is that simple!

Our biggest worry is probably 'indoor' exposure to carbon monoxide.  This could arise from our furnaces, home chemicals, improper 'release' ventilation and even garage exhaust entering the home.  Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, ringing in the ears, nausea, skin blood vessel dilation and redness along with difficulty breathing.  there are many more, but this is a pretty good start.

There are a multitude of medical studies on the adverse effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, but don't be too afraid.  If you take the proper steps, it should not be a problem you have to worry about.  Take these precautions:

• Have your furnace checked by a professional on a regular basis
• Do not store toxic cleaning chemical in your home.
• Do not seal your home up tight in the winter.  Your home needs to breath and have some ventilation.
• Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home!  I can't stress this strongly enough.  You can't SEE, SMELL or TASTE carbon monoxide.  Do not think you can outsmart a gas.  You will lose!
• If you are not feeling as well as you would like, schedule a medical physical.  The symptoms you are experiencing may be more than a bug.

Taking these steps will help with indoor safety.  Nature will help with outdoor air quality.

In closing,  We all have to remember to BE SMART!  We need to remember that we are actually parasites of this planet.   It doesn't really care if we are here.  There is a natural ebb and flow to the Earth that happens regardless of what we do.  We can't predict or control a bolt of lightening or El Nino, but we can do small things to keep ourselves safe.   We also need to evaluate each piece of 'reporting' given to us as a supposed fact.  Who, What, Why, Where and How Much?  Do not take everything as gospel, there are too many people making too much money by telling you what they want you to hear.

  I hope that you enjoyed this 'Environmental' issue of ENews it was fun to write. but even more enlightening to research.  We must all pay attention because what we are being given as facts isn't always accurate or beneficial to more than a select few!

Have a Good Month,

Dr. Frisch

p.s. The hole in the ozone is closing and should be closed within about 25 years, give or take a few.  Guess who's taking credit?  The Fluorocarbon folks!  Earth just can't get any credit.