Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher
It was one of those special times in the relationship between me and my teenage son. Joshua was not out with friends, not on the phone, not on the internet and was genuinely mentally available. It was 4:00 a.m. (maybe that had something to do with it) and we were having a peaceful conversation. He was listening. And for the first time in a month, I didn't feel I was competing for his attention.
During these special moments we usually talk about the more important things: God, life, relationships and his future. The conversation turned to health, and I shared the latest research on the potential of antibiotics to cause childhood asthma (please see "Antibiotics = Childhood Asthma?" in the August 9, 1999 issue).
"Is that why I had asthma as a kid?" he asked.
I nearly fell off the couch, not because of the question, but because this is a period of time that we talk very little about. Yes, he had been given antibiotics as a child, but not by me. One of the greater points of contention between me and my ex-wife was her belief in drugs and surgery. I believed in chiropractic and wellness. We didn't usually agree on a course of care for the kids.
Back then, about 15 years ago, I had little proof to back up my apprehension about antibiotics. The only studies on the subject had to do with antibiotic resistance. A study like this most recent one would probably have won the argument.
Recollecting all this was not a happy feeling for me. The only good news is that David, my son that my wife gave birth to seven months ago, will receive care based upon the shared wellness philosophy of both his parents. Knowing that felt better.
Concerned parents everywhere are making health care decisions for their children that will have lifelong effects. They are using what information they have to guide them toward the best choices.
How many children will be given antibiotics today? How many of those will show signs of asthma (or other unknown related health problems) in the next year? What will the cost be to their lives when they turn 40, 50, 70?
We have to get the word out. You may have noticed that you didn't hear anything about this study in any of the popular media. Not a huge surprise.
But information like this takes on a life of its own. All we have to do is get it started. No parent wants to place their children at risk of developing an asthmatic condition. That is why we have negotiated with the publishers of the study to purchase copies for you and your patients. And while your patients may not read all of it (although it's quite easy reading), you can highlight the important parts on the front page in the abstract:
"After controlling for potential confounders, antibiotic use was significantly associated with a history of asthma..."
"Conclusion: Antibiotic use in infancy may be associated with an increased risk of developing asthma."
This is offered to you for $7, shipping and handling included (to cover our costs).* Additional copies are just $3 (all of the usual credit cards are accepted).
To order a copy, please call the Chiropractic Order Desk: 1-800-359-2289
or fax:
1-714-536-1482
or write:
No More Waiting
P. O. Box 6100
Huntington Beach, CA 92615
Please make all checks payable to the "Chiropractic Order Desk."
It may be years before studies prove that chiropractic is an effective form of care for asthma. But you can reduce the number of cases of asthma right now, just by sharing this information with your patients.
* Orders outside the U.S. and Canada please add $2.
