Welcome to Dr. Armand Rossi`s newsletter:

Kid`s Unlimited

April 26, 2006

Kid`s Unlimited is a monthly newsletter of various articles, funnies, tidbits and opinions relating to our children and chiropractic. My opinions will always be in red and italicized. Please feel free to share the appropriate articles with patients, friends and other chiropractors. I never buy any lists or put names on my email list unless the names were given to me directly. If you wish to be removed from the list, just type the word "remove" in the subject line and reply back to me.

Together we will make a difference.

Yours in Chiropractic,

Armand M. Rossi

Below are pictures of Dr. Rossi and his grandbabies, Bailey and Avery

^{If I don`t get a chance to say it later --- Happy Mother`s Day!! This is a special day for some very special people. I know what it feels like to be a father and grandfather, but there is something extremely wonderful about being a mother. Someone who carries life within her. Someone who nourishes the babies physically, emotionally and spiritually. They do deserve a day to be honored.
God Bless the mothers of the world. Back in 1957, my mother stood her ground to protect me and my sister. When it was extremely unpopular, back in the days of the polio scare, my mother refused to have us vaccinated. She felt that it was dangerous and she would not compromise. The school nurse came to our house and blasted her for being a "terrible" mother and that she did not deserve to have children.
I remember watching my mother cry. Then I remember her getting very angry.
I have stayed that course. My children have not been vaccinated and neither have my grandchildren. Our health and well-being are a testament to my mother`s fortitude and strength. I`m sure that she is watching down over us and smiling. God Bless Her.
We have some great articles and humor to share with you this month. I would like to thank Keith Wassung, chiropractic advocate, for writing and contributing to our newsletter.
I also have the honor of being chosen to a panel of doctors speaking on Maternal and Childhood Issues for the United Nations Association. The symposium is going to be at Nova Southeastern University on May 6th from 10:00am to Noon. I will be the first chiropractor presenting to this organization. If anyone locally is interested in attending, please email me at: drrossi@rossichiropractic.com and I`ll get you more information.
I have also started a "Guidance" program for D.C.`s. It is different from coaching. If you would like more information about this, email me at the above address.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
Dr. Armand Rossi, Chiropractor
______________________________________________________________________________________
Children and Headaches
A Research Review                                                     by Keith W. Wassung
When you think about someone having a headache, you probably think of an adult. However, an increasing number of children experience chronic headaches.
^{The National Headache Foundation estimates 60 percent of all children suffer from occasional headaches.1}
^{The majority of school-age children get headaches, and many have headaches on a recurrent basis. Even before entering school, roughly one-third of children experience a headache at some point. Children miss more than one million days of school each year because of headaches.2 Recurrent pediatric headache is a common disorder that may affect half of the population.}
^{Headaches Hurt Children in Many Ways}
^{Children with frequent headaches may suffer more in some respects than children with more physically devastating conditions like cancer and arthritis, according to a new study. Researchers found headaches can affect children`s emotional development and school performance more than some other serious health problems. The study, published in the July issue of Pediatrics, suggests that headaches have a significant impact on children`s overall quality of life. The fact that the impact of these headaches is at least equal to that of childhood illnesses often considered more severe and debilitating suggests that physicians should place more emphasis on their recognition, diagnosis and effective treatment." The negative impact of migraine on the children`s quality of life was similar to the effects associated with cancer and arthritis. The children with headaches were adversely affected in all areas of functioning, including school performance, emotional development, and physical health. In particular, children with migraines reported a higher level of impairment in school and emotional functioning than children with other chronic diseases. 3}
^{The incidence in migraine headaches in children tripled from 1974-1992 and more than half of the people who suffer migraine as adults had their first migraine experience during adolescence.}
^{"A history of migraine may set children up for a lifetime of underachievement,"4}
^{Richard Lipton, MD. (Headache, 1996)}
^{CHILDHOOD HEADACHES & FUTURE HEALTH PROBLEMS}
^{A study published in the British Medical Journal showed that children who experience frequent headaches are more likely to develop health problems in adulthood, including psychiatric disorders. The findings follow a survey of a random study group over 40 years and could have implications for the health of today`s children and their future wellbeing. The research team found that children with frequent headaches were more likely to experience psychosocial problems and to grow up with an excess of both headache and other physical and psychiatric symptoms. These findings confirm that children with headaches do not simply "grow out" of their physical complaint, but may instead "grow into" others, say the authors. 5}
^{TYPES OF HEADACHES}
^{The brain itself is insensitive to pain. Headache pain occurs in the following locations:
· The tissues covering the brain.
· The attaching structures at the base of the brain.
· Muscles and blood vessels around the scalp, face, and neck.}
^{Although the International Headache Society lists 129 different types of headaches, the general categories are tension, cluster and migraine with associate pain being described as sharp, stabbing, dull, throbbing and vice-like. Migraine with or without aura is the most common form of acute-recurrent headache in children.}
^{Different types of physical, chemical and emotional stress— including fatigue, worry, noise, fluorescent lights, travel, improper sleep, smoke and food additives such as MSG and nitrates, often trigger headaches.}
^{Although these things may trigger a headache, the actual cause of the headache is often a series of traumatic or repetitive micro-traumatic events—including motor vehicle accidents, contact sports, postural habits, whiplash and occupational tasks. Headaches and other symptoms may take weeks, months and even years to show up following these events.}
^{“The negative impact of chronic headaches on quality of life, families, and productivity can be significant and is generally underrated by the medical profession.” 6}
^{University of Maryland Medical Center
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT}
^{Headaches have commonly been treated with medications such as aspirin or Tylenol. Americans consume 80 billion aspirin tablets each year. Aspirin, which is the active ingredient in more than 50 over the counter medications, may temporarily relieve the discomfort of the headache, but it does little to correct the cause of the problem. Moreover, its use has been associated with bleeding ulcers, Reyes syndrome and kidney disorders. Taking painkillers on a regular basis can make subsequent headaches even worse, causing a condition known as “rebound headache” or “medical overuse headache”.}
^{“Chronic use of aspirin actually promotes chronic tension headaches.” 7}
^{Lee Kudrow, MD
California Center for Headaches}
^{“Though Medical Overuse Headache (MOH) is common in children, adolescents, and adults, it is under-recognized and under-diagnosed. It is the most common cause of daily or near-daily chronic headaches. It is also the most common cause of chronic daily headaches in adult patients presenting to headache specialty clinics in the United States. Failure to address MOH in children could lead to dependence on narcotics or other addictive drugs in adulthood, as patients with MOH may develop tolerance to over-the-counter analgesics.” 8}
^{NEUROLOGY CLINIC JOURNAL
LEADING CAUSE OF HEADACHES}
^{Although headaches are not caused by just one specific source, a large amount of research clearly demonstrates that the majority of headaches are caused by problems in the cervical (neck) region of the spine.}
^{The vertebra of the cervical spine can become misaligned because of excessive or repetitive stress. These misalignments, also known as “vertebral subluxations” irritate the nerves in the neck and cause excessive muscle tension, all of which can contribute to a wide variety of headaches.}
^{“Over 70% of all headaches arise from problems with the cervical spine and its related structures” 9
Canadian Family Physician}
^{“Headaches are frequently caused by compression of cervical nerve roots and prolonged tension of the neck muscles” 10}
^{Basic Neurology}
^{“Anatomical, physiological, and clinical evidence exists which indicate that disorders in the structure of the cervical spine are a frequent cause of headaches” 11}
^{Modern Manual Therapy of the Vertebral Column}
^{“Headaches are more frequently caused by spinal stress than any other condition” 12}
^{Journal of Occupational Trauma
CHILDHOOD SPINAL PROBLEMS
The birth process, even under normal conditions, is frequently the first cause of spinal stress. As the head of the child appears, the physician grabs the baby’s head and twists it around in a figure-eight motion, lifting it up to receive the lower shoulder and then down to receive the upper shoulder. This creates significant stress on the spine of the newborn}
^{Dr. Godfrey Gutmann, a German physician, conducted a study of over 1,000 newborns shortly after birth. He discovered that over 80% of the infants had suffered trauma to their cervical spine, which resulted in vertebral subluxations. 13
“Brachial plexus injuries follow stretching caused by shoulder dystocia, breech extraction, or hyper abduction of the neck in cephalic presentations. Injuries can be due to simple stretching or avulsion of the roots with associated cervical cord injury. Associated traumatic injuries, such as subluxations of the cervical spine may occur.” 14
The Merck Manual,}
^{"Spinal cord and brainstem injuries occur often during the process of birth, but frequently escape diagnosis. In infants who survive there may be lasting neurological defects reflecting the primary injury.” 15}
^{Abraham Towbin, M.D.}
^{THE GROWTH YEARS}
^{Birth is just the beginning of growth for children.
Babies are constantly moving, falling down and bumping into things as they explore their new world. The typical child will fall an average of twenty-five times each day while learning to walk.}
^{Children fall while learning to walk, fall at the playground and off bicycles, bump their heads, and get into numerous injuries in sports. These early subluxations build up in the body over their lifetime.}
^{FORWARD HEAD POSTURE}
^{Ideally, the head should sit directly on the neck and shoulders, like a golf ball sitting on a tee. As the head protrudes forward, an increased load is placed on the muscles of the neck and upper back. In fact, for every inch that the head projects forward, the weight experienced by the muscles of the neck doubles.}
^{This “forward head posture” can be caused by heavy book bags, repetitive tasks and excessive time spent in front of video screens. Studies show that children spend more time sitting in front of electronic screens than any other activity besides sleeping. The average time spent with various media (televisions, computers, and video games) is nearly four and one half-hours per day among two to 17 year olds. 16
HEADACHES & CHIROPRACTIC}
^{An increasing number of headache victims are turning to Chiropractic for help. This only makes sense as the Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in the structure of the spine and its protective relationship to the nervous system.}
^{Chiropractors detect and correct spinal misalignments by physically adjusting the spine to restore its proper structural position. This removes the spinal stress and allows the nervous system to function correctly. The effectiveness of Chiropractic in resolving headaches has been well documented in research and case studies all over the world.}
^{“Cervical spine manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache.” 17}
^{Duke Evidence Report}
^{Five children presented with varying types of headaches to a family-based chiropractic practice. In each case, spinal subluxations were present. Following reduction of those subluxations through chiropractic adjustment, the child`s chief complaint remised. Adjunctive therapy (education of diet, posture and exercise) was not given until the headaches remised. Thus, it was felt that the headache reduction might have been due to the restoration of nervous system function through the chiropractic adjustment. 18}
^{“Every newborn should receive a neck and spine examination and a Chiropractic adjustment if necessary. Is that idea too difficult to accept?” 19}
^{Lendon Smith, MD   Pediatrician & health author}
^{Headaches are among the most common of health problems. The public increasingly seeks out Chiropractic and other non-medical practitioners. Twenty-seven percent of Americans who visit health care providers outside of the medical field do so for headache relief, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. 20}
^{Spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches. Four weeks after cessation of treatment the patients who received spinal manipulative therapy experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in all major outcomes in contrast to the patients that received amitriptyline therapy, who reverted to baseline values.” 21}
^{The following table lists just a few of the studies that have been conducted that demonstrate the effectiveness of spinal adjustments on headache conditions.}
^{Clinical Studies of Spinal Adjustments on Headaches
Author & Date                       # Subjects                                             Results
Vernon, 1983                               33                                        85-90% successful
Jirout, 1983                                200                                         80% successful
Droz, Crot, 1985                        332                                          80% successful
Turk, 1984                                 100                                           75% successful
Wight, 1978                                 87                                           75% successfulJournal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics 22}
^{“Subluxation alone is a rational reason for Chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth.” 23}^{Dr. Lee Hadley, Syracuse Memorial Hospital
REFERENCES}
^{1.   National Headache Foundation, www.headaches.org
2.   Rothner AD. Headaches in children: a review.
      Headache, 1978; 18:169-174.
3.   Powers, S. Patton, S, Hommel, K. "Quality of Life in
      Childhood Migraines: Clinical Impact and Comparison
      to Other Chronic Illnesses." PEDIATRICS, Vol 112 #1
      July 2003 p. 1-5
4.   Lipton, R. 1996, Headache
5.   Fearon P, Hotopf M. Relation between   headaches in
      childhood and physical   and psychiatric symptoms in
      adulthood: national birth cohort study   British Medical
     Journal 2001 (May 12);   322 (7295):   1145
6.   Simon H, MD, “How serious are tension type
      headaches.” Medical Press, University of Maryland
      Medical Center, 2002
7.   Kudrow, L. MD, California Headache Clinic,
8.   Mathew NT: Transformed migraine, analgesic rebound,
       and other chronic daily headaches. Neurology Clinic
      Journal, 1997: 15(1) 167
9.    Boake, H. Cervical Headache, Canadian Family
       Physician 1972 p. 75-78
10. Gilroy, J. MD Basic Neurology, P. 92
11. Jull, G Modern Manual Therapy of the Vertebral
        Column, p. 322
12. Matthews, S. Journal of Occupational Trauma, 1993
13. Gutmann, G. Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome in
        babies and infants. Manuelle Medizin, 25:5-10, 1987
14.   Beers, M, The Merck Manual, Disturbances in
        Newborns and Infants, 18th edition,
15.   Towbin, A. MD Latent spinal cord and brain stem
        injury in newborns and infants. Develop, Med., Child
        Neurology 1969, II, 54-78
16.   Ackman, D. The Amazing Efficiency Of America`s
        Youth. Forbes, 3-10-2005
17.   McCrory DC, et al. "Evidence Report: Behavioral and
        Physical Treatments for Tension-type and
        Cervicogenic Headache” Duke University Evidence-
        Based Practice Center, Durham, NC 2001
18.   Anderson-Peacock, E. Chiropractic care of children
        with headaches: five case reports. Journal of Clinical
        Chiropractic Pediatrics, Vol 1, No. 1 1996
19.   Smith, L. MD, The Facts, 1999
20.   Eisenberg, D. Unconventional Medicine in the United
        States” New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
        (328) 4 246-252
21.   Boline PD, Kasaak K, Bronfort G, Nelson C,
        Spinal manipulation vs. Amitriptyline for the
        treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a
        randomized clinical trial, JMPT, 1995; 18: 148-154.
22.   Journal of Manipulative Therapeutics, Vol. 12 #6
        Dec. 1989 p.457
23.   Hadley, L “Anatomical & Roentgenographic
        studies of the spine”, Thomas, 1981}^{How Iowa Got the Mumps}
_________________________________________________________________________
ADHD treatment is getting a workout
Doctors turn to exercise, other drug alternatives
[FINAL Edition]
USA TODAY - McLean, Va.
Author: Liz Szabo
Date: Mar 27, 2006
Start Page: D.6
Section: LIFE
Document Types: Feature
Text Word Count: 854
Abstract (Document Summary)
Doctors haven`t done many definitive studies about exercise and ADHD, says David Goodman, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. But Goodman says it makes sense that working out would help people cope with the condition. Studies show that exercise increases levels of two key brain chemicals -- dopamine and norepinephrine -- that help people focus.
If kids could exercise strenuously three to five times a day, they might not need medications at all, says John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Ratey is so intrigued by the question that he`s writing a book about how exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD or at least help patients cope.
Team sports might help children with ADHD in several ways, says James Perrin, a professor of pediatrics at Boston`s MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Children with the condition benefit from following a regular schedule. Coaches who lead kids through structured exercises also might help build concentration and organizational skills.
___________________________________________________________________________
^{Mumps in Iowa}
^{By CHRISTINE GORMAN}
^{Posted Monday, Apr. 10, 2006}
^{The largest outbreak of mumps to hit the U.S. in nearly 20 years has epidemiologists scratching their heads. After all, the illness, with its characteristic inflamed salivary glands and swollen throat, is relatively rare in North America, thanks to the widespread availability of a childhood vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (the so-called MMR shot).}
Nobody was too alarmed in December when the first few cases were reported to Iowa`s health officials; the state has been averaging about five cases of mumps a year, so the numbers weren`t out of line. By last week, however, the total of known and suspected cases had jumped to 365, and the disease seemed to be spreading to nearby states. Illinois and Kansas have reported spikes in mumps infections. And although the outbreak appears to have started in college-age adults, the latest information shows that mumps is now striking people ages 2 to 80.
What`s really puzzling about the Iowa outbreak is that most of the victims seem to have been fully vaccinated. Among those whose medical history has been confirmed, two-thirds got both of the required doses of MMR.
So what gives? There are several possibilities. Doctors know that about 5% of the people who get vaccinated against mumps don`t get protected because their immune system, for some reason, doesn`t respond. Or perhaps their protection has weakened over the years, or maybe the vaccine is not as effective as it should have been. To sort all that out, investigators from Iowa and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are studying residents who became ill as well as those who were exposed to the virus but didn`t get sick.
Another possibility the investigators are sure to explore is whether there is any link between the Iowa outbreak and an ongoing epidemic of mumps that sickened at least 43,322 people in England and Wales last year. (The British outbreak, in turn, may be tied to a 1994 campaign to vaccinate older children that focused on measles and rubella but was unable, for complicated reasons, to include a mumps shot.) The viruses responsible for the British and American outbreaks have similar genetic makeup, but further testing will be required to determine whether they are related.
Fortunately, mumps doesn`t usually cause problems beyond swelling and misery that last about five days. [THEN WHY VACCINATE IF THE SYMPTOMS OF MUMPS ARE SHORT LIVED AND NOT LIFE THREATENING… FOLLOW THE MONEY.] Even so, doctors watch for signs of meningitis or, in young men, a testicular inflammation that could theoretically lead to infertility.
College students may be at particular risk because they live in such close quarters and are more likely to exchange saliva. Nancy Anderson, director of the Longbrake Student Wellness Center at the College of Wooster in Ohio, advises students to wash their hands regularly and avoid going out if they get sick. Wooster also requires incoming students to have received both doses of MMR vaccine.
But as the Iowa outbreak reminds us, the mumps vaccine is not 100% effective. That`s why you have to stay alert in an outbreak, even if you`ve been inoculated.
With reporting by Jumana Farouky/ London
From the Apr. 17, 2006 issue of TIME magazine
Drug firms `hype up diseases to boost sales`

By RICHARD SHEARS, Daily Mail
Drug companies are inventing diseases to sell more of their products, it has been claimed. Scientists have accused major pharmaceutical firms of "medicalising" problems like high cholesterol or the symptoms of the menopause in a bid to increase profits.
Experts from around the world will meet in Australia today to discuss what they have labelled "disease-mongering".
The group, which includes experts from Britain, will gather in Newcastle, New South Wales, where researchers have been examining the issue. David Henry and Ray Moynihan, of Newcastle University, claim the industry is exaggerating conditions and turning them into something more serious.
Female sexual dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and "restless legs" syndrome have all been promoted by the pharmaceutical industry in the hope of selling more drugs, they say.
High cholesterol and osteoporosis-are being described as diseases in their own right, the researchers claim, turning healthy people into patients. In turn, this wastes precious resources and can cause medically-induced harm.
Drugs prescribed for `shyness`
Even shyness is routinely presented as a "social anxiety disorder" resulting in the person being prescribed anti-depressants.
In the case of male sexual disfunction, the researchers say, Viagra is promoted as not only a genuine treatment for erectile dysfunction but also a lifestyle improver. The two men make their claims in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal.
They accuse drug companies of funding disease-awareness campaigns through the media that are more about selling drugs than helping or educating the public.
"Like the marketing strategies that drive it, disease-mongering poses a global challenge to those interested in public health, demanding in turn a global response," they say.
Mr Moynihan and Mr Henry say that, in their view, disease mongering is the selling of sickness that widens the boundaries of illness and grows markets for those who sell and deliver treatments.
"It is exemplified most explicitly by many pharmaceutical industryfunded disease-awareness campaigns, more often designed to sell drugs than to illuminate or to inform or educate about the prevention of illness or the maintenance of health," they add. Conference organisers say they will try to draw a line between "market-driven exercises and legitimate disease-awareness programmes". `Miracle solutions`
Drugs companies hit back last night. GlaxoSmithKline said: "We pride ourselves in providing miracle solutions to the health care needs of people every day.
"We utterly refute any suggestion that we would in any way hype or overplay the very real needs of patients that are treated all over the world.
"One of the exciting things about medical science is that we are finding new solutions to ailments or problems people have, and this is something good we can offer." Pfizer, which makes Viagra, said: "We would refute accusations that the pharmaceutical industry is medicalising society. Treatments that can make serious and potentially life-threatening conditions better should surely be welcomed.
"Pfizer would only promote prescription medicines to health care professionals, and only in line with what licensing bodies have outlined, for them to use their clinical judgment."

Chiropractors in the U.S. Are Mobilizing to Oppose S. 1955
^{Legislation is moving through the US Senate, S 1955, which would extend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act`s (ERISA) preemption to cover the small group insurance market now regulated at the state level. This legislation would have the effect of eliminating the protections now available to chiropractors and chiropractic patients provided by state-enacted insurance equality laws.}
^{Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health Education and Labor (HELP) Committee, Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), is promoting S.1955, which is intended to assist small businesses and other organization secure more affordable group health insurance for their employees. WCA fully supports this intention but we are painfully aware that this legislation would, in fact, have the reverse effect by limiting competition, consumer choice and locking far too many plans into the very narrow, massively high-cost medical model that is presently nearly bankrupting business now.}
^{As a practical matter, this legislation would render useless state-enacted protections that include patient access to alternative providers such as doctors of chiropractic, any-willing provider, and insurance equality laws intended to protect health care providers and consumers.   If enacted into law, S.1955 would preempt all state directed benefits legislation, not just those that are specific to the chiropractic profession. As well, this legislation would allow for highly discriminatory premiums schedules, based on age, sex and previous health conditions for which basic consumer protections are now provided by many states. To lose these protections would be a dangerous step backwards for all Americans.}
^{We are asking all of YOU to immediately contact your United States Senators and ask them to oppose the immediate passage of S. 1955 and call for further development and critical analysis so that this legislation will not destroy the rights of our patients, and not place so many millions of Americans at a greater disadvantage in the health insurance market.}
^{Because of the slow nature of the US mail, WCA is asking you to fax or e-mail your US Senators. You can find your Senators` contact information by going to the link below, using the FIND YOUR SENATORS function at the top right of the screen, entering your state and copying the contact information that is shown:}
http://www.senate.gov/
"This is an urgent priority and one that demands action on the part of every doctor of chiropractic in the nation," said WCA President, Terry A Rondberg, DC. Chiropractic fought very hard for several decades to win the basic patient protections embodied in state insurance equality laws, and this would be a huge error and would damage the healthcare rights of all Americans."
Please feel free to call Mr. Jim Albertine WCA lobbyist in Washington DC at (202) 659-2979 ext.2 if you need assistance or have any questions. Act now, because time is of the essence!
PERSONALIZE FOR EACH OF YOUR TWO US SENATORS
Dear Senator___________:
I am writing as a constituent and also on behalf of the membership of the World Chiropractic Alliance and the millions of citizens of all ages for whom our members care for, to ask for your immediate help on a urgent matter of equality and sound public health policy now before the U.S. States Senate.
Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health Education and Labor (HELP) Committee, Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), is promoting legislation, S. 1955, which is intended to assist small businesses and other organizations secure more affordable group health insurance for their employees. WCA fully supports this intention but we are painfully aware that this legislation would, in fact, have the reverse effect by limiting competition, consumer choice and locking far too many plans into very narrow, very expensive medical model that is currently crippling many businesses.
While well meaning, this legislation would extend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act`s (ERISA) preemption to cover the small group insurance market now regulated by the states. This legislation would destroy the current state protections which include patient access to alternative providers like doctor`s of chiropractic.
If S. 1955 were enacted into law as it is currently written it would preempt all the state directed protections including those that are specific to the chiropractic profession. This legislation would allow for discriminatory premium schedules based on sex, age, previous conditions which are currently protected by legislation in most states. Losing these hard won state protecdtions would be a tragedy for all Americans.
I am asking you to oppose the passage of S. 1955 as it is currently written and ask you to please call for futher development and analysis so this legislation can fulfill it`s purpose and not cause a disadvantage to so many millions of American health care consumers.
I am available to discuss this issue with you or other members of your staff anytime, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your consideration in this urgent matter. I look forward to further communication with you.
Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION GOES HERE]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
^{Vaccination Is No Help Against Childhood Otitis Media}
^{By David Douglas}
^{NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Mar 28 - A combination of pneumococcal conjugate
and polysaccharide vaccination does not help reduce the recurrence of otitis
media with effusion (OME), Dutch researchers report in the March issue of
Pediatrics.}
^{The condition, lead investigator Dr. Niels van Heerbeek told Reuters Health,
"is very frequent during childhood and the costs of subsequent medical and
surgical... treatments are huge."}
^{Because Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common bacterial
pathogens involved, Dr. van Heerbeek of Radboud University Medical Center
Nijmegan, and colleagues sought to find out whether combined pneumococcal
conjugate and polysaccharide vaccination might be helpful.}
^{The investigators randomized 161 children with persistent bilateral OME who
were being treated with tympanostomy tubes to receive or not receive a
conjugate vaccine before tube insertion and a polysaccharide vaccine some 3
months later.}
^{There was a significant increase in antibody titers in vaccine recipients.
However, as Dr. van Heerbeek pointed out "combined pneumococcal vaccination
did not protect children prone to OME against recurrences."}
^{"Therefore," he concluded, "pneumococcal vaccines are not indicated in the
management of children suffering from recurrent OME. A causative treatment
for recurrent OME is therefore still desired."}^{Pediatrics 2006;117:603-608}
_____________________________________________________________________________________
^{THANKS MOM,}
^{1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you`re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."}
^{2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."}
^{3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL..
"If you don`t straighten up, I`m going to knock you into the middle of next week!"}
^{4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that`s why."}
^{5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you`re not going to the store with me."}
^{6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you`re in an accident."}
^{7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I`ll give you something to cry about."}
^{8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."}
^{9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
" Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"}
^{10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You`ll sit there until all that spinach is gone."}
^{11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."}
^{12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I`ve told you a million times. Don`t exaggerate!"}
^{13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."}
^{14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"}
^{15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don`t have wonderful parents like you do."}
^{16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."}
^{17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"}
^{18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don`t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."}
^{19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don`t you think I know when you are cold?"}
^{20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don`t come running to me."}
^{21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don`t eat your vegetables, you`ll never grow up."}
^{22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You`re just like your father."}
^{23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"}
^{24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you`ll understand."}
^{25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you`ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you".}
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Making Pancakes.
Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.
He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.
He didn`t know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn`t know how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically, he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.
And just then he saw Dad standing at the door Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon`s eyes. All he`d wanted to do was something good, but he`d made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.
Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!
That`s how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can`t stand our job, or our health goes sour.
Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can`t think of anything else to do. That`s when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.
But just because we might mess up, we can`t stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we`ll get it right, and then they`ll be glad we tried...
25 SIGNS YOU HAVE GROWN UP
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can`t smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel..
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You`re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won`t turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don`t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments goup.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald`s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit"
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can`t drink the way I used to" replaces "I`m never going to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh sh.. what the hell happened?"

A Japanese company and an American company decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race. On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.

Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.
So American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.

They advised that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

To prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team`s management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the "Rowing Team Quality First Program", with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles. Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year`s racing team was outsourced to India.
From the valley of the absurd:
Chiropractor Claims to Travel Through Time
Ohio investigates provider who offers to reach into past to heal patients
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A chiropractor who claims he can treat anyone by reaching back in time to when an injury occurred has attracted the attention of state regulators.
The Ohio State Chiropractic Board, in a notice of hearing, has accused James Burda of Athens of being "unable to practice chiropractic according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care due to mental illness, specifically, Delusional Disorder, Grandiose Type."
Burda denied that he is mentally ill. He said he possesses a skill he discovered by accident while driving six years ago.
"My foot hurt and, knowing anatomy, I went ahead and I told it to realign and my pain went away," Burda said Thursday.
Burda calls his treatment "Bahlaqeem."
"It is a made-up word and, to my knowledge, has no known meaning except for this intended purpose. It does, however, have a soothing vibrational influence and contains the very special number of nine letters," Burda`s Web site says.
The board alleges in three counts against Burda that the treatment is unacceptable and constitutes "willful and gross malpractice." Burda has until May 1 to request a hearing. The board can levy penalties ranging from a reprimand to revoking his license to practice, said Kelly Caudill, the board`s executive director.
Caudill said she could not discuss the board`s allegations while the investigation continues and could not comment on whether any of Burda`s patients had complained. She said the board began the investigation when it learned of Burda`s Web site. Burda said he likely will seek a hearing.
Burda said he charges nothing for his first "visit," usually by phone or Internet, and subsequent treatments are $60.
"All treatments are satisfaction-guaranteed. Treatment is always done before payment is made," Burda said, adding that one patient "just wasn`t satisfied, and I tore up her check.
The Web site describes the treatment as "a long-distance healing service (not a product) to help increase the quality of your life that can be performed in the privacy of your home or other personal space. There is no need to come to my office."
The treatment is not telepathic because the patient does not have to believe in what he`s doing, Burda said. He has treated hundreds of patients and reports nine out of 10 patients are satisfied, he said.
While he knows of no other people who have his particular skill, he said lawmakers and regulators should allow alternative forms of treatment for the patients who seek them.
"People who are in need cannot go to these people because they are not allowed to practice. This is terrible," Burda said.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press
A Dog`s Purpose - from a 4 year old

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog`s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn`t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for th! e four-year-old S hane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker`s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker`s transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker`s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I`d never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-o ld continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don`t have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
It is not our abilities that show who we really are, it is our choices.
The Sandpiper
by Robert Peterson
She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
"Hello," she said.
I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I`m building," she said.

"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.

"Oh, I don`t know, I just like the feel of sand."

That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.

A sandpiper glided by.
"That`s a joy," the child said.

"It`s a what?"

"It`s a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."

The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.

"What`s your name?" She wouldn`t give up.

"Robert," I answered. "I`m Robert Peterson."

"Mine`s Wendy... I`m six."

"Hi, Wendy."

She giggled. "You`re funny," she said.

In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me.

"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We`ll have another happy day."

The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat.

The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.

"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.

"I don`t know. You say."

"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.

The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don`t know what that is."

"Then let`s just walk."

Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.
"Where do you live?" I asked.

"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.

Strange, I thought, in winter.

"Where do you go to school?"

"I don`t go to school. Mommy says we`re on vacation."

She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.
Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.

"Look, if you don`t mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I`d rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.

"Why?" she asked.

I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?

"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."

"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"

"Did it hurt?" she inquired.

"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.

"When she died?"

"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding,wrapped up in myself. I strode off.

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn`t there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door

"Hello," I said, "I`m Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was."

"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I`m afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies."

"Not at all -- she`s a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.

"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn`t tell you."

Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.

"She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn`t say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?"

I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed:

A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy`s mother in my arms. "I`m so sorry, I`m so sorry, I`m so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words-- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love.

A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.
NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other.
The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.

Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important
or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.

This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses.

I wish for you, a sandpiper.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The first grade school teacher had twenty-five students in her class and she presented each child in her class the first half of a well known proverb and asked them to come up with the remaindr of the proverb.
It`s hard to believe these were actually done by first graders.
Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in minde that these are first graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic.
1. Don`t change horses...........until they stop running.
2. Strike while the.........................bug is close.
3. It`s always darkest before.......Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of.............termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but.................how?
6. Don`t bite the hand that..................looks dirty.
7. No news is.................................impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a.............................Mr.
9. You can`t teach an old dog new...................math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you`ll.......stink in the morning.
11. Love all, trust...................................me.
12. The pen is mightier than the....................pigs.
13. An idle mind is................the best way to relax.
14. Where there`s smoke there`s................pollution.
______________________________________________________________________________________
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FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer. No longer needed - got married last month. Wife knows everything.}

Here are a list of my upcoming talks and seminars. Please note that these may change.

May 6, 2006 Nova Southeastern Univ. Davie. Fl. United Nations Association

June 10 - 11, 2006 San Juan, Puerto Rico.............ICPA Chiropractic Care for the Family

This newsletter does not replace pure, principled chiropractic care!!