Pathways Issue 6 Summer2005 Article Summaries and References

 

Feature Article:

Not a Battle but a Housecleaning
Philip Incao, MD

Our feature article this edition offers insight into the role of infection in the body not as an enemy, but as a means of cleanout for the body. The article begins with the provocative paragraph: "Fear of infection is increasingly common today, but it is based on a misunderstanding. Most of us imagine that we are uninfected when we are well and infected when we are sick. We therefore imagine that a cold, sore throat, flu etc. are the result of a virus or bacterium having recently entered our body and having directly caused the irritation and inflammation that we are suffering i.e., the pain, fever, mucus and other familiar symptoms. We further imagine it is a good thing if we never get these inflammatory symptoms, because it means that we have a strong immune system which guards our body from becoming infected."

He continues with, " When we come down with a cold or a flu most of us imagine that some stress or other has weakened our “defenses” or our “resistance” and allowed “a bug” (a virus or bacterium) to enter our body, where it multiplies and attacks us from within. We think of this as “an infection,” that the new bug within us is making us sick, and that we will feel better as soon as our immune system has killed it off. When we don’t feel better soon enough, we might seek remedies or antibiotics to kill the bug more effectively.

"This pretty much describes the way almost everyone today, physicians included, thinks about what I refer to in this article as an acute infectious/ inflammatory illness like a cold, flu or sore throat. Yet this commonly held picture does not correspond to the facts. It is a deceptive misunderstanding that in itself is a characteristic sign of the simplistic, weakened and fear-based thinking that hinders progress in many areas of life today."

Later in the article he adds the vitalistic perspective tied into children's health,"Children who are able to have their normal childhood healing crises, consisting of fevers and discharges, thereby exercise and build their cellular immune systems to be strong and resilient, which is a great benefit for their overall health. Vaccinations, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol and ibuprofen all interfere with this inflammatory cleansing of the body and the immune system-strengthening which results."

He concludes with age old remedies to support immune system function.

Bio: Philip Incao studied liberal arts and life sciences at Wesleyan University and then received his M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1966. He studied anthroposophy and anthroposophic medicine in Forest Row, England and Arlesheim, Switzerland.

From 1973 until 1996 he had a busy general practice of anthroposophic medicine in rural Harlemville, New York, next to a biodynamic farm. During this same time period, Dr. Incao also served as the medical director of Camphill Village in Copake, New York, a unique community residence with adult mentally handicapped persons.
He has been studying vaccinations and the immune system for the past 27 years. His article on vaccinations and the immune system, "Supporting Children’s Health" in the September 1997 issue of Alternative Medicine Digest magazine, generated much interest and was reprinted both in Canada and in Australia.

Dr. Incao moved to Denver in September 1996 in order to help the growth of anthroposophic medicine in the western United States. He opened the Gilpin Street Holistic Center, located at 1624 Gilpin Street in Denver in March 1997.

Dr. Philip Incao's special interest is strengthening the health of children against the increasingly stressful influences of modern life, especially of modern healthcare. He has been studying vaccinations and the immune system for the past 27 years. He also lectures frequently on the practical application of a spiritual yet scientific understanding of the human being to healing.

Dr Phil can be reached by e-mail at: DrIncao@juno.com

Family Life:

A Family Affair: Getting Dad Involved
Ted Greiner, PhD

This article explores a Father's role in breastfeeding and how his attitude affects breastfeeding success. He raises this provocative question: "Can we create a new norm regarding the father's role in infant feeding-before the infant formula companies succeed in doing so? One small study in the UK found that "One of the most significant factors influencing the decision to bottle feed appears to be a desire for paternal involvement". In Sweden I am attempting to promote the idea that the father's role after six months of exclusive breastfeeding could be "chief solid feeder." From the very beginning, dad can act as a "kangaroo", as his body is just as good as an incubator at maintaining infant body temperature."

Read his bio and visit him at: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/3156/Ted.htm

REFERENCES
1. Pool R, Nyanzi S, Whitworth JA. Breastfeeding practices and attitudes relevant to the vertical transmission of HIV in rural south-west Uganda. Ann Trop Paediatr 2001;21(2):119-25.
2. Chen CH, Chi CS. Maternal intention and actual behavior in infant feeding at one month postpartum. Acta Paediatr Taiwan 2003;44(3):140-4.
3. Chang JH, Chan WT. Analysis of factors associated with initiation and duration of breast-feeding: a study in Taitung Taiwan. Acta Paediatr Taiwan 2003;44(1):29-34.
4. Scott JA, Aitkin I, Binns CW, Aroni RA. Factors associated with the duration of breastfeeding amongst women in Perth, Australia. Acta Paediatr 1999;88(4):416-21.
5. Scott JA, Landers MC, Hughes RM, Binns CW. Psychosocial factors associated with the abandonment of breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. J Hum Lact 2001;17(1):24-30.
6. Macaulay AC, Hanusaik N, Beauvais JE. Breastfeeding in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake: revisited and redefined. Can J Public Health 1989;80(3):177-81.
7. Ingram J, Johnson D, Greenwood R. Breastfeeding in Bristol: teaching good positioning, and support from fathers and families. Midwifery 2002;18(2):87-101.
8. Scott JA, Landers MC, Hughes RM, Binns CW. Factors associated with breastfeeding at discharge and duration of breastfeeding. J Paediatr Child Health 2001;37(3):254-61.
9. Birenbaum E, Fuchs C, Reichman B. Demographic factors influencing the initiation of breast-feeding in an Israeli urban population. Pediatrics 1989;83(4):519-23.
10. Martin-Calama Valero J, Villar Villanueva A, Orive Iglesias I, Prieto Joanin MJ, Conde Redondo F, Sanchez Villares E. [Current trends in breastfeeding in Valladolid]
Spanish. An Esp Pediatr 1985;22(5):371-7.
11. Issler H, Leone C, Quintal VS. [Duration of breast feeding in an urban area of Sao Paulo, Brazil] Portuguese. Bol Oficina Sanit Panam 1989;106(6):513-22.
12. Shepherd CK, Power KG, Carter H. Examining the correspondence of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding couples' infant feeding attitudes. J Adv Nurs 2000;31(3):651-60.
13. Falceto OG, Giugliani ER, Fernandes CL. Couples' relationships and breastfeeding: is there an association? J Hum Lact 2004;20(1):46-55.
14. Giugliani ER, Caiaffa WT, Vogelhut J, Witter FR, Perman JA. Effect of breastfeeding support from different sources on mothers' decisions to breastfeed. J Hum Lact 1994;10(3):157-61.
15. Kvist B, Katajavuori G, Viemero V. [Breastfeeding in relation to knowledge and social support] Swedish. Nord Psykol 1988;40(1):24-33.
16. Arora S, McJunkin C, Wehrer J, Kuhn P. Major factors influencing breastfeeding rates: Mother's perception of father's attitude and milk supply. Pediatrics 2000;106(5):E67.
17. Matich JR, Sims LS. A comparison of social support variables between women who intend to breast or bottle feed. Soc Sci Med 1992;34(8):919-27.
18. Mahoney MC, James DM. Predictors of anticipated breastfeeding in an urban, low-income setting. J Fam Pract 2000;49(6):529-33.
19. Bentley ME, Caulfield LE, Gross SM, Bronner Y, Jensen J, Kessler LA, et al. Sources of influence on intention to breastfeed among African-American women at entry to WIC. J Hum Lact 1999;15(1):27-34.
20. Libbus MK, Kolostov LS. Perceptions of breastfeeding and infant feeding choice in a group of low-income mid-Missouri women. J Hum Lact 1994;10(1):17-23.
21. Humphreys AS, Thompson NJ, Miner KR. Intention to breastfeed in low-income pregnant women: the role of social support and previous experience. Birth 1998;25(3):169-74.
22. Black RF, Blair JP, Jones VN, DuRant RH. Infant feeding decisions among pregnant women from a WIC population in Georgia. J Am Diet Assoc 1990;90(2):255-9.
23. Littman H, Medendorp SV, Goldfarb J. The decision to breastfeed. The importance of father's approval. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 1994;33(4):214-9.
24. Bar-Yam NB, Darby L. Fathers and breastfeeding: a review of the literature. J Hum Lact 1997;13(1):45-50.
25. Freed GL, Fraley JK, Schanler RJ. Attitudes of expectant fathers regarding breast-feeding. Pediatrics 1992;90((2 Pt 1)):224-7.
26. Freed GL, Fraley JK, Schanler RJ. Accuracy of expectant mothers' predictions of fathers' attitudes regarding breast-feeding. J Fam Pract 1993;37(2):148-52.
27. Giugliani ER, Bronner Y, Caiaffa WT, Vogelhut J, Witter FR, Perman JA. Are fathers prepared to encourage their partners to breast feed? A study about fathers' knowledge of breast feeding. Acta Paediatr 1994;83(11):1127-31.
28. de Chateau P, Holmberg H, Jakobsson K, Winberg J. A study of factors promoting and inhibiting lactation. Develop Med Child Neurol 1977;19:575-584.
29. Cohen R, Lange L, Slusser W. A description of a male-focused breastfeeding promotion corporate lactation program. J Hum Lact 2002;18(1):61-5.
30. Sciacca JP, Dube DA, Phipps BL, Ratliff MI. A breast feeding education and promotion program: effects on knowledge, attitudes, and support for breast feeding. J Community Health 1995;20(6):473-90.
31. Susin LR, Giugliani ER, Kummer SC, Maciel M, Simon C, da Silveira LC. Does parental breastfeeding knowledge increase breastfeeding rates? Birth 1999;26(3):149-56.
32. Earle S. Why some women do not breast feed: bottle feeding and fathers' role. Midwifery 2000;16(4):323-30.
33. Christensson K. Fathers can effectively achieve heat conservation in healthy newborn infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85(11):1354-60.
34. Kocsis E, Forgacs A, Marton S. [The role of knowledge about breast-feeding and infant nutrition in selecting the method of feeding]
Hungarian. Orv Hetil. 2001;142(51):2845-9.
35. Jordan PL, Wall VR. Breastfeeding and fathers: illuminating the darker side. Birth 1990;17(4):210-3.
36. Gamble D, Morse JM. Fathers of breastfed infants: postponing and types of involvement. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 1993;22(4):358-65.
37. Greiner T. The planning, implementation and evaluation of a project to protect, support and promote breastfeeding in the Yemen Arab Republic [Ph.D. Thesis]. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University; 1983.

 

Pregnancy Matters

A Timely Birth: Part Two
Gail Hart

In this part two section of a three part article, Gail Hart challenges the post date theory and claims, " Postdates, by itself, is not associated with poor pregnancy outcome. Extreme postdates or postdates in conjunction with poor fetal growth or developmental abnormalities does show an increased risk of stillbirth. But if growth restriction and birth defects are removed, there is no statistical increase in risk until a pregnancy reaches 42 weeks and no significant risk until past 43 weeks. The primary “evidence” of a sharp rise in stillbirth after 40 weeks- often misquoted as “double at 42 weeks and triple at 43 weeks”- seem to come from one study based on data collected in 1958.(1)"

"The first question one should ask is whether neonatal mortality statistics from the 1950s should be compared to modern statistics, since labor anesthetics and forceps rates were very different. Early labor monitoring was scanty and prenatal monitoring not yet developed. The McClure-Brown report shows a rise in stillbirth from 10/1000 at 40 weeks to about 18/1000 at 42 weeks. Yes, that is nearly double. But think about those numbers. Even the beginning point is nearly ten times the modern mortality rate. Either modern delivery methods are vastly different or something is wrong with the data collection. This study should be updated by research conducted at least in this century! Modern statistics show an almost flat rate of stillbirth from 40 weeks to 42, with a slight rise at 43 weeks (all number being close to 1/1000).(2)"

"There is a creeping overreaction in dealing with postdates pregnancies. It is true that the stillbirth and fetal distress rates rise more sharply after 43 weeks, but it is also true that less than ten percent of babies born at 43 weeks suffer from postmaturity syndrome (over 90% show no signs). We should react to this rise by monitoring postdate pregnancies carefully and inducing if problems arise. But the rise in problems at 43 weeks does not imply a similar risk at 42 and 41 weeks. Postmaturity syndrome is a continuum. It becomes more likely as weeks progress past the due date but does not start on the due date. And the risks need to be compared to the risks of interventions. Induction, as already noted, is not risk free. In addition to the risks of prematurity, induced labors have higher rates of cesarean section, uterine rupture, cord prolapse, meconium aspiration, fetal distress, neonatal jaundice, maternal hemorrhage and even the rare but disastrous amniotic fluid embolism. "

Excerpted from "A Timely Birth," by Gail Hart, Midwifery Today Issue 72

"Copyright ©2004 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission from Midwifery Today, Winter 2004, Number 72.
www.midwiferytoday.com / PH + 1 541 344 7438”

To contact the author, please write to her at: hdw4@msn.com

Chiropractic for Life

Movement is Life and Chiropractic Delivers!!
James L. Chestnut B.Ed., MSc., D.C.

This outstanding article by Dr. Chestnut examines the neurological relationship between body movement (especially of the spine) and brain development and function.

References:
1. Schmahmann, J. The Cerebellum and Cognition. Int Rev Neurobiology Vol 41
2. Chestnut, J.L. "The 14 Foundational Premises for the Scientific and Philosophical Validation of the Chiropractic Wellness Paradigm" 2002
3. Seaman, D.R. Dysafferentation: a novel term to describe the neuropathophysiological effects of joint complex dysfunction. A look at likely mechanisms of symptom generation. JMPT 1998; 21 (4).
4. Guyton, A. Textbook of Medical Physiology
5. Restak, R.M. (1979) The brain, the last frontier.
6. Guttman, G. Blocked atlantal nerve syndrome in babies and infants. Manual Medicine 1987 (25).
7. Jensen, E. Learning with the body in mind. 2000

Bio: Dr. Chestnut is an instructor for the ICPA's post graduate Diplomate program. You can read his CV here: http://www.icpa4kids.com/seminars/instructors_chestnut.htm

Mind- Body

Time for Play Everyday

"There was a time when children played from morning till night.

They ran, jumped, played dress-up, and created endless stories out of their active imaginations.

Now, may scarcely play this way at all. What happened?"

This article lists: THE BENEFITS OF PLAY, WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD PLAY, BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR PLAY, OTHER RESOURCES FOR REVIVING PLAY

This article was contributed by the Alliance for Childhood. They promote policies and practices that support children's healthy development, love of learning and joy in living. You may visit them here.

References:

1-Emory Woodard, “Media in the Home 2000,” Annenberg Public Policy Center, U. of Penn., 2000.
2- Anthony D. Pellegrini and P.K. Smith, “Physical Activity Play: The Nature and Function of a Neglected Aspect of Play,” Child Development 69 (3), June 1998; Susan J. Oliver and Edgard Klugman, “What WE Know About Play, “ Child Care Information Exchange, Sept. 2002.
3- Doris Bergen, “The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development, “ Early Childhood Research and Practice, 4 (1), Spring 2002; Jerome L. Singer, “Cognitive and Affective Implications of Imaginative Play in Childhood, “ in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Textbook, Melvin Lewis, ed., 2002; Oliver and Klugman, op. cit; Edgar Klugman and Sara Smilansky, Children’s Play and Learning: Perspectives and Policy Implications, New York; Teachers College Press, 1990; Pellegrini and Smith, op. cit.
4- Robert J. Coplan and K.H. Rubin, “Social Play,” Play from Birth to Twelve and Beyond, Garland Press, 1998:Klugman and Smilansky, op.cit.; Singer, op. cit.
5-Edward Hallowell, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness, New York: Ballantine, 2002.

Birth:

Childbirth Affirmations: The Power of Positive Thought
by Bridgett Torrence

This article explores the important issue of thought anf birth outcome.
"Such is the power of the mind-body connection. According to Susan Fekety MSN CNM, author of The Pocket Midwife: Affirmations for Healthy Pregnancy and Normal Birthing, "Affirmations are mindfully worded statements that guide the subconscious mind to manifest a particular situation. More and more research in mind-body medicine shows that many (if not all) physical responses start in the mind-emotional realm. Think of a blush, or the high heartbeat when a lover approaches, or butterflies in the stomach; what we are discovering is that the body responds to thoughts."

Bio: Bridgett Torrence is a mother, editor and freelance writer. She attributes her positive birthing experiences to the power of affirmation. Write to Bridgett at mama@mamawrites.com

Sources:

Fekety, Susan. Personal interview. Portland, Maine: 9 October 2003.
Fekety, Susan. The Pocket Midwife: Affirmations for Healthy Pregnancy and Normal Birthing. Excerpts courtesy of Fekety. (Publication data on request.)
Fekety, Susan. The Pocket Midwife. Website: http://www.pocketmidwife.com.
Gaskin, Ina May. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. New York: Bantam, 2003.
Gaskin, Ina May. Personal interview. The Farm, Tennessee. 10 October 2003.
Myung, Brooke. Personal interview. Modesto, California: 9 October 2003.
Ormonde, Julie Suzanne. Personal interview. San Diego, California: 4 October 2003.

 

Wellness Lifestyle:

The Outside-In Child
Claudia Anrig, DC

From the article: "Unfortunately what begins as the well-meaning parent providing the best for their children, ends up as exposure to chemicals that are unnecessary. We end up teaching our children the cure comes from a bottle and we begin the process of training our next generation that their “relief” and comfort comes from an outside-in approach.

Children model their parents and follow this behavior as they’re growing up. To relieve stress or pain the family pattern is to find answers from outside of us (an outside-in approach); from over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or learning to self-medicate with alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs or food.

No longer are we finding a drug culture beginning with teens experimenting or altering their natural state of being, but we find it’s beginning with our elementary school children. The rise of depression, obesity and behavioral problems is the outward symptom of an inside imbalance which has its roots in early outside-in influences."

Bio: Dr Claudia Anrig is both a board member and insrtuctor for the ICPA. Read her CV here: http://www.icpa4kids.com/seminars/instructors_anrig.htm

Nutrition:

Engineered Foods: A Threat to Children

From the articles:
"Genetic engineering is the largest food experiment in the history of the world. We are all the guinea pigs.
There are about 40 varieties of genetically engineered crop approved for marketing in the U.S. As a result, 60-70% of the foods on your grocery shelves contain genetically engineered (GE) components.
Genetically engineered foods contain substances that have never been a part of the human food supply. They are not subjected to rigorous pre-market safety testing. And THEY ARE NOT LABELED.
Is genetic engineering safe for you and your family? Safe for the environment? Safe for the future of mankind? No long-term studies have been done. No one can answer these questions."

The above articles come from the following organizations. For additional information and resources:
Mother ’s for Natural Law: http://www.safe-food.org/-issue/ge.html

Institute for Responsible Technology: http://www.seedsofdeception.com/utility/showArticle/?objectID=170

 

Family Life:

Taking a Road Trip with Your Baby
By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Gentle Baby Care

To Grandmother’s house we go! And you’ll be in the car for five whole hours- ? how can you make the trip enjoyable with a baby along?

Learn about it
There’s no question: Marathon car trips with a baby on board take a good amount of planning and organization. But it can be done ? and yes, it can even be fun!...

This article is an excerpt from Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2003) Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution has written a new book. Organized alphabetically to give you the answer you need within seconds, Gentle Baby Care delivers fast help for the many questions you'll have during your baby's first year.

 

Letter from the Editor:

There is a saying in chiropractic: “Chiropractic Today, for a Better World Tomorrow.” When we personally improve our own lives with chiropractic care, there is a huge ripple effect on the lives of our family, our community and then, yes, our world. We cannot separate the physical benefits we experience under regular chiropractic care from our improved emotional, mental and social changes. Once we experience healing changes on these levels, the transformation reaches far beyond our own personal selves.

When we talk about the chiropractic family wellness lifestyle, we are talking about a philosophical approach guiding the choices we make in our lives. The essence of the chiropractic philosophy is acknowledging that the human body is a self healing organism with the wisdom to know what is best at any given time. The science of chiropractic recognizes that the nerve system controls all body functions and by reducing nerve system stress, we allow this intelligent directive to achieve its goal of health and well-being. Understanding this philosophy and science offers us the confidence and assurance to accept and expect wellness.

The chiropractic family wellness lifestyle is therefore optimizing our body’s ability to adapt and function at it best and making those choices that support our body’s natural, inherent ability to be well. The options are numerous including the foods we eat, the exercise we engage in, the rest and relaxation we afford ourselves, along with many other choices that affect our health. Included in these options is our choice for regular chiropractic care for our whole families with the purpose of enhancing all systems and functions of our bodies. For each of us, these choices vary according to our individual needs and perspectives.

As we examine our choices in life that affect us, it is necessary for us to choose from a place of trust and confidence in the body’s wisdom to be well. There are no rules, no rights and wrongs, no judgments - just a perspective of trust to be applied to each situation we and our families experience every day. It is our hope that Pathways offers you additional choices and opportunities so together we can contribute to global wellness.

- Jeanne Ohm, DC

 

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