Ever wonder what happens to drugs when they leave your system? No? Neither have most Americans. However, due to environmental changes where wastewater run off occurs from municipal water treatment facilities, researchers are starting to take notice. Every drug that enters our bodies is excreted in some amount into the wastewater supply. It's this water that goes to the treatment facilities to be treated and used again. How do we solve this problem? Do we add more chemicals to the water to attempt to kill the excess medications? Do we only use filtered or bottled water? How about we reduce or even eliminate most of the drugs people take? As we reach into the community and spread the word of Chiropractic, we can help to reduce someone's health conditions but we can also help reduce the impact of these medications on our environment. If more people are under Chiropractic care, fewer medications will be needed to treat the symptoms of various conditions. Our purpose is to reach as many people as possible who have health conditions they want to get rid of. Can you help us with this purpose? You can help us by referring your friend, family member, co-worker, or others so that we can find out if we can help them. That is such an amazing way to not only improve the person's life but also to do a part to improve the environment.

As the weather changes, please remember to keep your immune system supported. Watch out for poor nutrition habits and poor resting habits. Take some time to let your body rest as you munch on an apple or other fruit. Don't forget that we have Immucore for those people that need to boost immune support. Please let Wendy know when you need to order a bottle or two.

“A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time - pills or stairs.” Joan Welsh quotes

Yours in Health,
Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael, Leigh Ann

NEW EASIER DETECTION FOR DRUGS IN MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Recent media reports have pointed to growing concerns that quantities of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs are finding their way into our waterways. Reports from various areas warn of water life mutations occurring near municipal water discharge as a result of drugs passing through the system. Increased use of some illegal drugs is a growing concern in many communities.
Until now, wastewater testing was generally done after the water left the sewage treatment plant.
Now, a team of researchers has developed an automated monitoring method that makes it possible to detect drugs, from cocaine to caffeine and from Paxil to Prozac, before they enter municipal wastewater plants. In effect, it can locate and monitor patterns of drug use in entire communities as they enter treatment facilities.
The research group was lead by Oregon State University chemist Jennifer Field, and she reported her findings recently at the American Chemical Society meeting held in Boston, Mass. “It’s like taking a very diluted urine sample collected from an entire community,” said Ms. Field.
The presence of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs in municipal wastewater has been known for several years, beginning with groundbreaking studies in Europe that tracked the presence of drugs in sewage and river water. Ms. Field pointed out that she and her colleagues have developed new methods of chemical analysis so that detection is possible from very small samples. Such testing can be done automatically over a 24-hour period from wastewater as it enters a treatment plant.
This data can be used in several ways including providing information regarding community drug use. “This method is most useful for drug surveillance at the community level,” said Ms. Field.
“Wastewater analysis is a more powerful indicator at the community level.”
For instance, in their preliminary studies, researchers found patterns of drug use with higher wastewater concentrations of recreational drugs (such as cocaine) on weekends. They found no change in concentrations of either prescription drugs or methamphetamines in their samples, suggesting more consistent use.
This method of testing can have benefits for large cities and particularly smaller towns. Typically, drug use and abuse studies focus on the larger demographic areas. With both the ease and cost effectiveness of these new methods, data can be collected from smaller residential areas as well.
Researchers hope that the state of Oregon will benefit from their work. “The methods allow us to better understand the geographic differences in the abuse of drugs (particularly methamphetamine) with the state of Oregon,” said Daniel Sudakin, an Oregon State toxicologist who was one of the researchers.
“We hope that these tools may be useful in identifying communities at risk and developing preventative interventions to reduce the adverse impact of methamphetamine throughout the state.”
And, hopefully, this information will help water treatment specialists to reduce the flow of drugs flowing through their plants that are now ending up in our lakes and rivers.

Source: Oregon State University, August 2007,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhgg6TuFrc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYD-qf9pZAg

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_1c170191-c245-5cf2-a819-d...

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/newsarch/2007/Aug07/drugsinwastewater.html (broken link)

According to new research, the incidence of children coming into the ER after accidental poisoning from prescription drugs has jumped 30%. This staggering statistic doesn't even include hospitalization and injuries from these drugs which is even more common. This jump is likely due to the number of prescription drugs within the home, including painkillers, blood pressure medications, childhood medications, even diabetes medications. The findings show that powerful painkillers and sedatives, including sleep aids and muscle relaxants, are behind much of the rise. Findings also indicate the poisonings usually occur when kids get into medications themselves—not when parents give them too much by mistake. As a society we’ve become way too complacent about having drugs around and accessible. With chiropractic care you will not have that fear. We use a natural drug free approach to healing. It is such a powerful form of health care and should be used by ALL ages! Please protect those you love by locking up all medications you may have at home. Better still, let us know what medications you may be taking and let us see if we can help you become drug free!!

There are a few exciting events coming up that we would love our patients to attend.

On Saturday, October 22nd, Sanders Auto in Ankeny will be celebrating Customer Appreciation! From 9am - 1pm, we will be performing free stress relief massages for all those present. Come on down for an oil change and get a massage at the same time! Feel free to spread the word.
The next home care class will be held on Monday the 24th at 6:30PM here at our office. We will be providing a meal and seating will be limited so please let us know that you and a guest or two (or three) will be attending.
On Friday, October 28th, we will be having our Halloween Bash! Come dressed in your costume for the costume contest, enjoy bobbing for apples, get your face painted and place your hands into the mystery boxes to guess what's inside. So come on out and enjoy the fun!

"The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness." - Arthur Schopenhauer

-- For your health, Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael & Leigh Ann

A Seven-Year-Old's Tragic And Unnecessary Death Illustrates The Dangers Of Invasive Medical Care

Ben Kolb was an active seven-year-old, the captain of his soccer team. Then Ben had ear surgery performed to handle eustachian tube blockage. When scar tissue formed, Ben was sent back to the hospital for outpatient surgery to remove scar tissue.
During the simple elective procedure, two drugs were mixed up and as a result, Ben was injected with adrenaline instead of a local anesthetic. His heart rate rocketed, his blood pressure soared and he went into a coma. He died soon after.
An invasive medical procedure involves entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument). Any invasive procedure is accompanied by risk - even that of death. Chiropractic is completely non-invasive and has been shown to be effective in the prevention of the kinds of ear infections and problems that result in a recommendation of ear tubes. As reported in Health Report Issue 53 of Volume 9 (of the Singer Health Reports), Dr Joan Fallon, a Chiropractor who practices in Yonkers, New York, has published research showing that, after receiving a series of Chiropractic adjustments, nearly 80 percent of the children treated were free of ear infections for at least a 6 month period following their initial visits (a period that also included maintenance treatments every four to six weeks).
The greatest tragedy is the possibility that no surgery at all may have been needed in this young boy's case.

Sources: http://www.sun-sentinal.com/news/daily/0.1136.36000000000114725.00.html (link broken)
http://www.acatoday.org/print.cfm?CID=130
http://www.singerhealthreports.com/ Vol 9, Issue 53

October is prescription drug errors education and awareness month. It is vital that people know the dangers of prescription drugs. Medication errors are one of the most common medical mistakes affecting at least 1.5 million people per year. In one survey, 42% of people polled indicated that they or someone they know has suffered from medication mistakes. Pharmaceutical errors can cause serious health complications, and, in some cases, even wrongful death. With Chiropractic care you do not have these worries because it is a safe and effective form of care for a myriad of health conditions. Did you know the first Chiropractic patient was deaf and had his hearing restored? Chiropractic can even help with conditions not normally thought related to Chiropractic such as allergies, indigestion, or even depression. We love having our patients spread the word about this fantastic form of care and how it can help so many through patient testimonials at events, on our website, and even through our story book! If there is someone in your life that needs our help, give Wendy a call and we'll see about getting them set up with an appointment.

Last month was so much fun with our Chiropractic Birthday Bash! Thanks to all for the donations, for the participation and for the fun. Hope to get just as many people participating next year. I'm looking forward to it!

We have another home care class coming up on Tuesday October the 11th at 6:30pm here at the office. Have you attended yet? Home care can help your body heal faster, help you hold your adjustments longer and it can help alleviate pain. If you are interested in attending, please let us know because space is limited and we will be providing dinner for you and the guests you bring. Just contact Leigh Ann at events@drmoss.net or call 515-964-9114. Look forward to seeing you there!

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn

--
For your health,

Dr. Moss, Angi, Wendy, Rachael, and Leigh Ann

DRUG SIDE EFFECTS: IS ANYONE LISTENING?

For more than a decade, airwaves and magazines have been glutted with direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs. Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies have been required to include information on the side effects of their drugs, a minimal concession to truth in advertising. But is anyone listening to these lists of dangerous, damaging or even life-threatening effects?
In a soothing tone of voice, announcers quickly read off a list of effects that would make any mother cringe, or the back page of a magazine ad is filled with small print. The real story behind some of these effects is only hinted at. It seems to be up to the consumer to take the hint… or not.
Look at the side effects that follow. Would anyone in their right mind risk these side effects unless their lives depended on it? None of these drugs are intended for the treatment of life-threatening illnesses.
Cialis®: treats erectile disfunction. Cialis comes in two forms: a dose that goes to work within 30 minutes and can continue to have an effect for 36 hours, or a low daily dose. Possible side effects include sudden decrease or loss of vision or hearing.
Celebrex®: treats arthritis pain. More than 1 million prescriptions for Celebrex are filled each month. Celebrex increases the chance of serious skin reactions or stomach and intestinal problems such as bleeding and ulcers, which may cause death. Elderly patients – the ones most likely to need medication for arthritis pain – “are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.” Other possible effects: stroke, severe liver reactions, perforated intestines, kidney injury and hypertension.
One of the most astounding drugs still on the market may be the decongestant and weight loss ingredient phenylpropanolamine. A study at Yale University showed an increased risk of bleeding of the brain in people who were taking phenylpropanolamine in decongestants or weight loss products. In fact, at least 51 cases of hemorrhagic stroke were found in the FDA’s adverse reaction files for this drug.
In 2000, the FDA asked manufacturers to voluntarily discontinue marketing products with this ingredient but stopped short of banning it outright. It is still available at any drugstore as Nalgest, Andecon Pediatric Drops, Naldecon, Uni Decon and other medications.
In short, the safest way to achieve health is by living a healthy lifestyle that supports good immunity and overall health, rather than depending on drugs that may one day be shown to be killers.

Source: http://www.cialis.com/Pages/safety.aspx,
http://www.celebrex.com/isi.aspx,
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm150767.htm,
http://www.citizen.org/hrg1542