High Blood Pressure in Kids from TV and Computer Use.

by Dr. Pina LoGiudice (www.InnerSourceHealth.com)

Date: August 8, 2009

TV and computer screen time has been linked to high blood pressure in youngsters. Recent evidence shows that children who watch television for 1.5hrs to 5.5hours of televsion a day shows that even if a children is trim and active, they will still have higher blood pressure. A study of 111 children from age 3 to age 8 showed that the increased blood pressure wasn’t associated with the sedentary behavior overall, but specifically linked to increased TV viewing. Two possible reasons are because children tend to snack unhealthy foods while watching TV, or because they watch material that is stressful or represent overactivity for their minds and reduce the ability to keep an increased metabolism. One other possibility is because it cuts into sleep time, which is needed for a host of healthy body processes. Surprisingly, the Amercian Academy of Pediatrics recommend children watch no more than 2 hours of 'high quality' television a day. In light of this information, this recommendation needs to be lowered.

Invented in 1929, television was first introduced to the public at a World's Fair in 1939. The first licenses issued were for commercial stations - this fact tells us that the motivation for TV was to be a vehicle for selling advertising for goods and services while providing entertainment. In the early 1960s, the first educational stations (later Public Broadcasting) began offering programs with the aim to educate and enrich people's lives. Regarding computers, in 1953, the UNIVAC was the first commercial computer and was able to pick presidential winners. In 1983, Apple introduced the first home computer.

Although these inventions can enrich our lives, this study emphasizes how they can also disrupt normal physiology. It is important limit TV to the minimum possible, and keep computer use in balance with other, more natural and healthful activities. written by Dr. Pina LoGiudice - www.InnerSourceHealth.com.

references:
http://www.mediafamily.org "the history of televsion" accessed August 8, 2009
Eisenmann J. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. August 2009

Meditation Lowers Heart Attack Risk Highest Risk Group of African Americans find benefit

by Dr. Peter Bongiorno and Dr. Pina LoGiudice (www.InnerSourceHealth.com)

In most cases of naturopathic care, stress reduction techniques are a central part of helping the body to heal itself. In our practice, we find for virtually any condition, stress reduction modalities such as meditation, yoga, exercise, and acupuncture will help patients get healthier faster, decrease their dependence on medications, and sustain any gains. Heart disease is the number killer in the United States.

One recent study announced at the most recent American Heart Association gives credence to this approach. A major study of stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation program was associated with 43% reduction in risk for all cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke in a high-risk sample of African Americans. A selected stress reduction approach may be useful in the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. The subjects were 201 African American participants (half male and half female) with documented coronary artery disease. Subjects performed either Transcendental Meditation or another program called "health education control." Regular care was continued in all subjects.

After 5 years of follow-up, the heart attack risk in the meditation patients was 43% reduced. Systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased by mean of 5.1 mm Hg. Also, there were reductions in psychosocial stress in a high stress subgroup. There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) or Body Mass Index.

It was concluded that stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation program was associated with 43% reduction in risk for all cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke in a high-risk sample of African Americans. A selected stress reduction approach may be useful in the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. It is likely that even greater benefits would be achieved in lower risk individuals. Also, greater benefits would probably result in those doing other lifestyle changes like exercise, the Mediterranean Diet, and proper nutrients.

It is not known if other methods are equally as effective at this point. If you are not including some kind of relaxation program as part of your health regimen, this is a great time to start.

ref: Schneider R et al. Effects of Stress Reduction on Clinical Events in African Americans With Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Abstract 1177: Circulation. 2009;120:S461

Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (WA state licensed), Licensed Acupuncturist (NY licensed)
Vice President, NY Association of Naturopathic Physicians
NYANP Physician of the Year 2008
http://www.InnerSourceHealth.com
email: drpeter@innersourcehealth.com
appointments: reception@innersourcehealth.com, 631.421.1848

Sign up for InnerSource's free newsletter: http://www.innersourcehealth.com/signup.html

Working Moms Undiagnosed for Depression

Working Moms Undiagnosed for Depression

by Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc and Pina LoGiudice ND, LAc (www.InnerSourceHealth.com)

An evaluation of national data on 2,130 mothers revealed that working mothers with depression were less likely to receive adequate treatment, possibly because excessive work hours do not allow time for proper care. It seems working mothers are greater risk for more difficulty from depression, for more than 65 percent of U.S. mothers with depression don't receive adequate treatment, a new study has found. Even more, Black, Hispanic and other minority mothers are least likely to receive adequate treatment. Moms with health insurance are three times more likely to receive adequate treatment. Depression in mothers can have a major impact on the entire family, especially on the health and well-being of their children, the researchers noted. Treating depression in mothers can improve the long-term health of their families. Mothers with depression have children with higher incidences of a number of diseases, including asthma and psychological illness.

Commentary: Given this information, it seems crucial that the workplace becomes a place where working moms can have access to proper diagnostic techniques and integrative health solutions. Oftentimes, discussion of the condition with an empathic ear can be a part of the healing. Furthermore, there are numerous natural remedies that are very useful to help moms feel better while lifestyle and environmental changes are sought.

Note: Dr. Peter Bongiorno’s book: Naturopathic Treatments for Depression will be released in January of 2010 (CCNM Press).

Reference: Litzelman et al. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research e-publication ahead of print (November 2009)