Women in their early 40s with the highest intake of vitamin D and calcium from food sources may have a lower than average risk of starting menopause before age 45, a recent study suggests.
Taking vitamin D or calcium in supplement form had no benefit in the large study of U.S. nurses, the study team writes in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and there may be other substances in dairy foods that also contribute to their apparent protective effect.
“Early menopause can have substantial health impacts for women. It increases their risk of cardiovascular disease and early cognitive decline and osteoporosis,” lead author Alexandra Purdue-Smithe told Reuters Health.
In addition, as women are delaying having kids into their later reproductive years, having early menopause can have a substantial impact on their ability to conceive as they wish, which can have psychological and financial consequences, said Purdue-Smithe, an epidemiologist with the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“Given that (early menopause) affects roughly 10 percent of women in the U.S. and other Western populations, it felt like a worthwhile problem to start investigating and seeing if there are any potentially modifiable risk factors for it,” she said.
Menopause, when a woman stops menstruating and her levels of hormones like estrogen decline, typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause before age 45 is considered “early.”
Vitamin D may be involved in some of the hormonal mechanisms of early menopause, but little is known about how dietary vitamin D and calcium affect the risk, Purdue-Smithe and her colleagues write.
They analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, a long-term study of more than 100,000 U.S. registered nurses who were 25 to 42 years old in 1989 when they began answering health questionnaires every two years.
The questionnaires were designed to assess the nurses’ lifestyles, behaviors and overall health. Questions about diet were asked five times over 20 years. Researchers followed the participants until 2011, by which time 2,041 women experienced early menopause.
“The women who consumed the most vitamin D from food sources had a 17 percent lower risk of having early menopause as compared to women who consumed the least,” Purdue-Smithe said. The researchers found this association only with dairy sources of vitamin D, like milk, not with non-dairy sources like oily fish.
Women who consumed the most calcium from food sources were also about 13 percent less likely to experience early menopause compared to women who consumed the least calcium, and once again, only dairy foods seemed to provide a benefit.
“Our next direction is to look at actual individual dairy foods and see if there’s something else going on with dairy itself,” Purdue-Smithe said.
The study team also found that taking high doses of calcium in supplement form was associated with a higher risk of early menopause. But the researchers speculate that these women might have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or other conditions that are also risk factors for early menopause.
“Most of what is known about the relationship between calcium and Vitamin D and women’s issues is related to bone health,” said Sandra Arevalo, a dietitian and director of the Nutrition Services and Community Outreach for Community Pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
Lack of Vitamin D and calcium in a woman’s diet, mainly as age progresses, increases her risk of low bone mineral density, osteoporosis and bone fractures, said Arevalo, who wasn’t involved in the study.
The top 10 food sources of calcium are low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, sardines, calcium-fortified soy milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, salmon, calcium fortified ready-to-eat cereal, turnips, kale and bok choi, she noted in an email.
The top 10 sources of Vitamin D are cod liver oil, swordfish, salmon, tuna fish, vitamin D fortified orange juice, low-fat vitamin D-fortified milk, yogurt, fortified margarine, sardines and liver, Arevalo said.
In October of my junior year of high school, I was at the top of my cross-country game. I was running five to six days a week, knocking more and more time off my mile split, and gearing up for a big race that would finally prove I had what it took to hit varsity status. So when opportunities arose to run a few extra miles and push myself harder, I took them without a second thought.
Then came the day of the race. I�d been noticing some pain and throbbing in my shins for a few days, but assumed I just had�shin splints�something I�d dealt with many times in the past. So before my event, I popped a couple of Ibuprofen�and visualized myself totally dominating the race. Spoiler: That�s not what happened.
When the race started, I took off�and headed to the front of the pack. I kept up my pace as I wove through the trail, adrenaline surging through my body. That is, until about mile 1, when my runner�s high was interrupted by an excruciating pain in my left shin.
I tried to ignore it, unwilling to give up just yet. But the pain only got worse, and soon I was limping. Girls passed me left and right, but I kept hobbling my way across the grassy path until I reached the finish line and collapsed.
Fast forward through two doctor’s visits, an X-ray, and a bone scan. The verdict was that I had seven small stress fractures in my left shin.
My case is certainly nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, ABPM-certified podiatrist Melissa Lockwood, DPM, says nearly one in five runners she sees is for a stress fracture. But why do young, healthy people end up with this injury? Here, she explains what causes stress fractures, and shares tips for preventing and treating them.
Stress fractures are characterized as “overuse injuries.” They occur when a bone experiences repeated, unusual force, says Dr. Lockwood, who’s based in Bloomington, Illinois:��For example, when runners increase their distance and speed�basically anything that changes the amount of pressure they�re putting on the body.�
Dr. Lockwood typically sees these injuries happen in the metatarsals, which are the small bones right behind your toes, and the�lower leg (as in my case). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 50% occur in the lower leg.
While stress fractures are associated with running, �they can also be caused by regular force, if the bones are weakened by other problems, such as osteoporosis or another systematic problem like an eating disorder,� adds Dr. Lockwood. Research suggests�women are more susceptible, possibly�because they’re more prone to the above-mentioned conditions.
But really, stress fractures can�affect anyone. Dr. Lockwood got one in her foot after walking around Disney World all day. (See her X-rays below.)
�The biggest thing is to watch for increased pain with increased activity,� says Dr. Lockwood. �Meaning it doesn’t�hurt so badly first thing in the morning, but then the more you�re on it throughout the day, or after you go for a run, the pain gets worse, even excruciating.�
Unlike a strain or pull, the ache associated with stress fractures doesn’t�tend to resolve itself after a couple of days, or go away with rest. So if you still feel a throbbing pain after sitting down, that�s also pretty good indicator.
But diagnosing a stress fracture can get a bit tricky: �Typically you can�t see a stress fracture on an X-ray until two weeks after the initial injury.� For that reason doctors often order other tests, like an MRI or bone scan, to identify the injury.
If a patient describes stress fracture symptoms, Dr. Lockwood always treats it as one, she says, unless she figures out an alternative explanation.
Once you�ve had one stress fracture, it puts you at greater risk for another, says Dr. Lockwood. [Insert un-amused emoji here]�But luckily, there are a number of smart strategies you can use to keep your bones healthy.
For starters, invest in solid sneakers. If you�re a runner, head to a running store and find a pair that works optimally for your stride and foot type.
It�s also crucial to retire your shoes after a certain amount of use, Dr. Lockwood warns. Either toss them based on time (no more than 6 months) or miles (no more than 300).
And whether you�re an athlete or not, if you�ve suffered a stress fracture in the past, you may want to consider getting custom orthotics to make sure you�re moving with the right biomechanics, says Dr. Lockwood.
At the time of my own injury, I was stupidly wearing a pair of sneakers that were past their expiration date. So please, don�t make the same mistake, and actually pay attention to your shoes!
Don�t get discouraged
After my injury, I felt really down. I worried that my body wasn�t cut out�for running, and that this was a sign I needed to throw in the towel.
But�as Dr. Lockwood puts it,��having stress fractures does not mean your running career is over.� It may mean you need to change�how you�re training, whether that�s adjusting the distance or frequency of your runs, or running on softer surfaces (think grass vs. concrete).
For me, getting back into running�entailed everything Dr. Lockwood mentioned:�scaling back my runs, paying better attention to my form, and regularly swapping out my shoes. Today running is still a huge part of my lifestyle. I even run-commute to work sometimes. But I’m much better about�listening to my�body now,�and taking notice when it needs a break.
If you sense that something is off with your body, �don�t sit and wait to get it checked,� says Dr. Lockwood. �Or rather, don�t run and wait.�
Kids of all ages are invited to sign up for the 2017 edition of the UTEP Miners Summer Camps. Officials say this year�s camps are offered for cheerleading, men�s basketball, football, soccer, track & field and volleyball.
The cheer camp is slated for July 5-8 at the Don Haskins Center.� Men�s basketball has two sessions � June 19-21 (Miner Basketball Camp) and June 26-29 (Boys and Girls Camp), both at the Don Haskins Center.
Football will hold its annual Youth Camp on June 10 in the Sun Bowl.� Soccer has two Advanced Camps and two Soccer & Splash Camps, both June 19-22 and July 17-20.
Track & Field will conduct a Speed and Agility Camp June 15-16 at Kidd Field.� Volleyball has two Li�l Miners Indoor Camps (June 7-9 and July 13-15), two Miners Indoor Camps (June 7-9 and July 13-14), two Miner Position Camps (July 11 and July 12), and four Miners Beach Volleyball Camps (June 7�10 am and pm and July 12-15 am and pm).
Visit the UTEP Athletics Website�for full details on all the camps or to sign up.� Inquiries will also be accepted by phone (747-6065) or via e-mail (minercamps@utep.edu).
Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez examines why sciatica can be so painful.
Sciatica may be perceived as the worst form of nerve malady, but that�s more reputation than reality.
Nerve pain is one of the most extreme forms of pain. It elicits imagery of searing heat, electric shock, and lightning bolt -like shooting sensations. And, the most dreaded kind of spinal nerve damage is arguably the tell tale low back and leg pain of sciatica.
A question patients frequently ask is, � Why is sciatica so distressing?� That�s not the case, although they often consider there�s something exceptional about sciatica versus other kinds of spinal nerve malady.
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Myth-busting Sciatica Pain
Many assume sciatic nerve compression delivers more pain than other pinched nerves through the body because sciatica requires the sciatic nerve, which can be the longest and largest nerve within the body. But in 99 percent of sciatica cases, it�s not the sciatic nerve that�s compressed�it�s the nerve roots in the lumbar spine (low back) that join as they leave the spinal column and form the sciatic nerve.
When most folks refer to sciatica, they describe pain that shoots down the leg after the path of the sciatic nerve, but it�s actually one or two nerve roots compromised (commonly, the L4 or L5 nerve root). Doctors ascertain the exact nerve roots which are compressed by the positioning of the pain, like if the pain goes down to the side of the foot or the big toe.
Other Sources Of The Sciatica Stigma
It Affects Your Legs
One of the reasons sciatica gets so much attention is since the sciatic nerve�s roots feed to the legs, and we use our legs a lot. Sciatica may be perceived by patients as being more painful when compared to a compressed root in a less active portion of the human body, for example in the torso. In case you compressed or irritated another nerve of prominence or identical use to your own leg, it will be equally as distressing as sciatic pain.
Muscle Spasms Are�The Actual Culprit
Another rationale sciatica is associated with intense pain isn’t related to nerve compression muscle spasms. A patient with sciatic symptoms is hunched over and can�t stand up straight when, that�s a signal the patient has had a back spasm due to the nerve irritation. As sciatica changes your lumbar spine, the muscles that could spasm following nerve damage will be the large, postural back muscles. You�ll feel them when they spasm, because these muscles are so large. On the other hand, if a neck nerve root is compressed by you, you won�t find a muscle spasm that is potential quite as much because the muscles near the cervical spinal column are much smaller. (But spasms of neck muscles can nevertheless be really painful!)
Sciatica Is A Standard Enemy
The lumbar spine is prone to wear and tear on the intervertebral discs. When this happens, materials that irritate the encompassing nerves are leaked by the discs. Discs can also herniate, and that may irritate the nerve. Sometimes, the commonality of sciatica helps it be a catch all diagnosis when a patient doesn�t even have nerve root problem. For example, tweaking your back from lifting is generally a muscular problem, not a nerve issue.
Nerve Pain Is Created Equal
There are various causes of back malady, and sciatica is merely one. As they are all equally hazardous, sciatica isn�t especially unique when you compare it to other types of nerve malady. It can be really intense and debilitating, when nerve pain happens everywhere in the body. Lives are turned upside down from nerve pain, so don�t hesitate to see a spine specialist to simply help alleviate nerve pain in your neck or back.
Luis Martinez chose to come to Push-as-Rx � in order to change his life and now he’s in the best shape he’s ever been. Mr. Martinez encountered health challenges despite taking care of his health but Push as Rx helped him overcome his hardships. Luis Martinez is grateful to the trainers for believing in him to succeed in regaining his health once more.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.� The�PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. �Immediately,�we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance.� This highly adaptive system with continual�dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics.��PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
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Diana Alvarado, mother of Danny Alvarado, shares her incredible life changing experience at Push-as-Rx �. From a young age, Danny was greatly driven to be strong and his dream was to build a gym to help people gain strength. To Diana Alvarado, Push as Rx is more than her son’s dream, it has impacted her health for the better. Faced with osteoporosis and with the influence of her son, Mrs. Alvarado attended Push-as-Rx � where she was quickly taken by overwhelming wellness. Proud of her son, Mrs. Alvarado encourages people of all ages, to come to Push as Rx.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs. The PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. Immediately, we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance. This highly adaptive system with continual dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics. PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.
Sure, spin class feels killer, but outdoor cycling may require you to work even harder, according to a study in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Plus, “there�s something really nice about covering distance and being in the fresh air and sunshine,” says Jim Rutberg, a cycling expert for Carmichael Training Systems and Strava in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He created the 30-minute interval workout below. If you�re a beginner, try doing the workout in a loop first so you can log the distance without getting too far from home. Once you feel comfortable, turn it into an out-and-back ride and explore some new terrain.
� Six 30-second speed intervals separated by 30 seconds of easy recovery. Rev your cadence and power as you accelerate for 30 seconds, then pedal very lightly as you slow down for 30 seconds before starting the next effort. These aren�t really sprints so much as hard, seated accelerations.
� 3 1?2 minutes easy recovery
� 8-minute tempo interval. Effort should be a 6 on a rate of perceived exertion scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being as hard as you can go. Your breathing should be deep and controlled, nowhere near panting.
� Cool down with an easy pace for 5 minutes.
This workout burns approximately 285 calories (for a 30-minute ride at 12 to 14 mph for a 150-pound person).
Not sure how to tell if you’re biking at “easy” or “fast”? There are a lot of ways to gauge your intensity level, but you won�t always have a heart rate monitor handy. Instead, you can use a �talk test� to track your efforts.
� Talking casually: recovery pace/easy ��1 to 2 sentences at a time: endurance pace/moderate � 2 to 3 words at a time: labored breathing/hard
For timed intervals,�look at a watch, or you can time the distance between landmarks, like phone poles, and use those as your markers.
Tracy Lutich, coach and club director of the El Paso Diggers volleyball club, has seen a phenomenal difference in her athletes. Coach Lutich has seen the trainers at Push-as-Rx � work to better her athletes, not only in strength and conditioning, but also mentally. Tracy Lutich continues to see enhanced results and she greatly contributes the improvement of her athletes to Push-as-Rx �. She recommends the exceptional work of the trainers at Push as Rx, to others willing to take the challenge.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.� The�PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. �Immediately,�we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance.� This highly adaptive system with continual�dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics.��PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.
Adrienne Holguin, a wrestler faced with many challenges, pushed herself to strive high by training hard. It was then when she received a back injury that she joined Push-as-Rx �. The training was hard but the trainers at Push as Rx helped her through every step of the way, accommodating the exercises to her injury. Adrienne Holguin is grateful for the friendly atmosphere at Push as Rx and to the trainers for pushing her to become the best.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs. The PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. Immediately, we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance. This highly adaptive system with continual dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics. PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.
Many Americans are overweight or obese and find low back pain is a debilitating problem. Studies have shown that losing weight might have an important effect on controlling low back pain. Weight loss programs can be very helpful for patients that are overweight or obese and who need to relieve their back pain that is low.
However, there are numerous weight loss programs to select from, plus they have their differences. Some are commercialized, others managed with a doctor. Nutritional supplements are endorsed by some plans; drug is prescribed by others. Some are insured by insurance companies; many aren’t.
With each one of these aspects to consider, it�s significant to do a little research to discover the proper weight loss program before signing up and spending any cash. Some weight loss programs might not follow the very best practices recommended by doctors, and it might be hard to tell just by looking at their respective websites.
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Health and Wellness Details
A recent study looked at 191 different weight-loss programs in the Maryland�Washington, DC�Virginia region. The overwhelming bulk of programs did not offer enough important info on their websites.
The kind of diet, the amount of exercise, types of behavioral treatments, use of drugs�these are all vital details that were missing online. Many sites aren’t designed to provide details of a program, but alternatively to offer contact information for prospective clients.
Finding the Proper Weight Loss Program
A comprehensive lifestyle program should feature:
A somewhat- caloric meal plan that is reduced
A regimen for increased physical action
A behavioral therapy strategy
These are three vital aspects to a highly effective weight loss plan, as recommended by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, as well as the Obesity Society (AHA/ACC/OBS). FDA-approved medications to help treat obesity are accessible, but have to be prescribed by an accredited physician.
Some programs may include weight loss supplements ; again, information that might not be mentioned on an internet site. Patients ought to be mindful with products not accepted by the FDA. Some materials may be ineffective or possibly harmful, which explains the reason why it is essential to consult a physician before taking something to lose weight.
Seek Professional Advice
Many weight loss programs are commercialized products or services that don’t meet professional standards. Based on Dr. J. Michael Gonzalez-Campoy, MD, PhD, FACE, a specialist in obesity medicine, patients should first seek guidance from health care professionals who are trained to treat obesity and overweight.
�With the epidemic of overweight and obesity in this country, two-thirds of Americans will seek help managing their weight. The point is well taken that there is a lot of commercialism�selling products with a promise of unrealistic accomplishments. It’s best for every patient to address weight control with their personal health care professional first. � Speaking into a licensed pro is a course that is more efficient and far safer. Patients can locate obesity medicine doctors through the web site of The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).
Physical Activity With Low Back Pain
Many patients might think it is challenging to be active with low back pain. Nonetheless, inactivity can lead to weak and back muscles that are stiff, and core strength is required to assist support the spine. Walking or working out in a pool (aquatic treatment) is low-impact motion which may be a great choice to help reduce weight and strengthen muscles.
Patients with obesity are more inclined to have weak muscles in their lower back, making it tough to walk on a treadmill or measure mill. A good approach to remaining active with low back pain would be to talk with a specialist�such as physical therapist, physician assistant, or a primary care doctor. It could be wise to procure a precise analysis if pain worsens, and/ although obesity or overweight can cause/contribute to pain in the low back or is accompanied by numbness weakness or tingling sensations.
Regular Exercise is Beneficial
Regular exercise can enable you to prevent exacerbating low back pain during physical action that is prolonged or intense. Over time, routine exercise can increase flexibility, strength and endurance.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
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