Dr. Anthony Rosner, director of research for the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER), has authored a paper on the possible relationship between elevated homocysteine levels and increased risk of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD).
Homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, is a necessary component in the creation of protein in the body. Blood levels of homocysteine can be regulated by appropriate intake of B vitamins (particularly B6 and B12) and folate; however, previously published research suggests that high homocysteine levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in blood vessels, increasing the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
In examining the available research, Dr. Rosner noted that elevated levels of homocysteine may disrupt the structures of collagen and elastin, thereby weakening the integrity of arterial walls. According to the FCER, this information is important to chiropractors for two reasons: It offers insight into the potential cause(s) of stroke following cervical manipulation, and it suggests that measuring a patient's homocysteine levels before performing a cervical manipulation may reliably identify whether the patient is at increased risk of stroke.
Dr. Rosner's paper on homocysteine and CAD was published in the February 2004 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
Florida DC Named to Athletic Training Board Dr. Michael W. Mathesie, a 1988 graduate of Life University, has been appointed to serve on the Florida Board of Athletic Trainers by Gov. Jeb Bush. Dr. Mathesie's term began in February and runs through October 2006.
Dr. Mathesie has practiced in Coral Springs, Fla. for 15 years, and holds board certificates from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians and the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board. He has also served as an examiner for the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine since 1995. In 2000, Dr. Mathesie was named "Sports Chiropractor of the Year" by the Florida Chiropractic Association.
DC Columnist Promotes Chiropractic in Johns Hopkins Newsletter Publishing objective, reliable information on chiropractic is one of the best ways to expand the profession and inform the public of the benefits of chiropractic care. J. Michael Menke, DC, an instructor at the National University of Health Sciences and author of the "Integrative Chiropractic" column in Dynamic Chiropractic, is well-aware of the value of dispensing such information.
"By some estimates, at least half of medical professionals are interested in learning more about chiropractic," Dr. Menke said. "They seek not only reliable research information, but the art of clinical experience in order to provide evidence-informed solutions to many of today's health care problems."
Last year, Dr. Menke and the chiropractic profession were featured in consecutive issues of The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine Select, a newsletter that summarizes the latest research and clinical information on "unconventional" medicines that could be used in integrative health care settings, and its companion compact disc presentation, the Integrative Medicine Audio Consult. Both issues presented chiropractic as the keynote subject and covered topics such as chiropractic history, techniques, research, clinical application of chiropractic care, and the potential of chiropractic in helping some of the problems seen in primary and specialty medical care. The CD included an interview with Dr. Menke; continuing medical education credit was offered for medical doctors who read the articles.
According to Dr. Menke, who also serves on the faculty of the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine, the presentation was written because chiropractors are considered the most popular type of unconventional practitioner, and because much of the information on chiropractic appears to be written by people unfamiliar with the profession.
"MDs do not know what chiropractors do, and do not realize the profession's usefulness in the integrated health care setting," Dr. Menke observed. "Chiropractic's reach can go beyond musculoskeletal conditions to being an ally in promoting and recovering health in many other ways, as well."
Nutrition, Chiropractic and Kids The Golden Youth Awards has bestowed its 2004 Humanitarian Award to Kim Gebrosky, a Newport Beach, Calif. doctor of chiropractic, for the creation of a video game that teaches children the importance of nutrition.
In the game, "Nutrition and Kids Adventures," players are taken through a series of vegetable gardens, pyramids of food, doctor's offices and other locations, helping them learn what foods are good to eat. The game has received wide support from charitable organizations, sports groups and wellness centers, and was featured in the February 2004 issue of Science Weekly as an instructional aid for teachers.
"We are so thankful for all of the support we have received around the country for our cause, but consider the Golden Youth Award as one of our highest honors," commented Dr. Gebrosky.
Based on the game's success, Dr. Gebrosky recently created an organization, the Nutrition and Kids Chiropractic Association (NAKCA), aimed at educating both children and adults about the impact proper nutrition and a healthy diet can have on health and well-being. More information on NAKCA and "Nutrition and Kids Adventures" can be found at www.nutritionandkids.com.
First Annual Blackshaw Scholarship Winner Announced After a rigorous evaluation process, Cameron Borody, DC, has been selected as the winner of the first annual Dr. Lance Blackshaw Postdoctoral Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship will be used to support Dr. Borody's quest for a Masters in Health Sciences (Health Promotion) at the University of Toronto.
The Blackshaw Postdoctoral Scholarship is funded by Ed-Invest, which also developed the student loan program for the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. Named in honor of Lance Blackshaw, the executive vice president and provost of New York Chiropractic College, the scholarship is intended to support individuals who wish to obtain postdoctoral education and/or training to further their professional development in chiropractic.
Dr. Borody is currently a clinical education instructor at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). He has also served as an instructor and facilitator in chiropractic skills, introductory diagnosis and orthopedics, differential diagnosis, and clinical practice at the college. He graduated from CMCC in 2001 and completed the school's sports science residency program in 2003.
