The information comes from the Archives of Internal Medicine.

In one study, researchers found that people may be exposed to up to four times as much radiation as previously estimated by earlier studies.  They determined that a patient could get as much radiation as 74 mammograms, or 442 chest x-ray.  (That’s a lot of radiation).

Young people have the highest risk from excess radiation, partly because they have many years ahead of them in which cancers can develop.

However, not all doctors agree about the risks of CT scans. Scientists have not yet determined whether low doses of radiation actually increase cancer risk or whether the risk rises only after exposure levels reach a certain threshold, says James Thrall, chairman of the American College of Radiology.

He says it’s also tricky to compare cancer rates between people who have had CT scans with those who haven’t. People undergoing scans may have underlying health problems that predispose them to cancer, he says.

In many cases, CT scans can be lifesaving. In other cases, there’s no evidence a CT scan is really better than other approaches. It is estimated that up to one-third of all CT scans are unnecessary.

So what should you do if you or someone you know is considering a CT scan?

First, ask your doctor about alternative options that may be available to you.

Second, make sure you keep all of your medical records handy should you need to consult with another doctor.

Third, ask your doctor if the CT scan facility has been accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Have a great day and I’ll talk to you soon,

Dr. Jason Gerard DC

A report was recently released that showed bans on smoking in public places really do work at reducing heart attacks from second hand smoke.  The major study by the U.S. Institute of Medicine showed that smoke free policies can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 47% and significantly reduce the likelihood of other heart problems.

Another interesting thing the study found was compelling evidence that even a brief exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger a heart attack.

The findings in the report show that implementing smoking bans in public areas like restaurants and bars significantly reduces the risk of acute coronary events.

The doctors who did the study said they did conclude a “cause and effect” relationship between heart disease, heart attacks, acute coronary events, and secondhand smoke exposure. 

This new study further proves that smoke-free laws result in fewer heart attacks.  Because of this new information, more states might pass smoke free legislation for public areas. 

Danny McGoldrick, the Vice President for research at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said “If policy makers are paying attention to the science, and this is one more piece of evidence that says you can actually save people’s lives and save health care costs, then those states that have yet to act should do so.  How many dramatic findings do you need before you are finally going to act and protect everybody’s right to breathe clean air?” 

To read the article in its entirety, visit the link below at the US World and News website: 

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/15/smoking-bans-reduce-heart-attacks-study.html 

I don’t know about you, but I like the smoke free environment in restaurants and bars.  Not being exposed to the second hand smoke makes my evening much more enjoyable!

Dr. Jason Gerard, D.C.

“The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings.  Let food be your medicine.”

-Hippocrates

Begin to consume foods that are non-processed, non-denatured, non-altered and watch what happens to your health, your weight, your energy, and attitude.  Commit to a diet that’s 80% natural and just 20% processed.

“” I lost 30lbs in 30 days by attending the Maximized Living Makeover and just changing one thing, what I put into my body.”  -Dave M.

Listen, we are all either fathers/mothers/brothers/sisters/ or cousins of someone.   Your health affects everone around you and impacts your contribution to society.  Commit today to getting one one of our Maximized Living makeover workshops, and watch the pounds fall of tommorrow.

In a world filled with ever increasing health and life stress, we have found to these four exercises to be at the top of our superstar list to change one’s life.  So here they are…

1.  Swimming.  What can we say, simply a better overall body exercise than anything else with little to no joint compression.  Lap or aerobic suggested.

2.  Surge training.  New and exciting.  Can do at home, and incredibally effective in a short period of time.  You will be sweating a ton in just a ten minute workout.

3.  Cross country skiing.  Get the family out.  Great overall body workout with little pounding on the joints.  Outside time is crucial for the body.

4.  Pilates.  Super for strengthening and balancing that core part of the body which is so weak with so many people.  Cheap too.

We  at Lakewoods want to be your health leaders, your health visionaries. You see, your body doesn’t care what the Dow says, what financial markets in China predict for the next day, when your house will go in foreclosure.  We have a saying here that says “The Power that Made your Body is the Power that Heals your Body”.  Unlocking that Power is not only the key to your health, but the key to your life!  Research scientifically and biblically has shown that we should live 80-120 years of GOOD health, not continual disease.

Three Ways How To Make 2009 A Health Triumphant One:

1. Get your spine checked 1x/week.

2. Get involved with our programs like The Extreme Body Makeover, Movie night 2009, The Extreme Lifestyle Makeover.

3. Tell others…