Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

IN THE NEWS: Hormonal Contraceptive Use Can Be a Major Downer Hormonal contraception was introduced way back in 1960 with the release of the combined oral contraceptive pill (containing two hormones: estrogen and progestin). Now, more than 50 years later, an estimated 20 percent of women use some form of hormonal contraception worldwide, and in the U.S., that figure is significantly higher: more than 60 percent. Depression is also prevalent in women, who are more than twice as likely to experience symptoms than men. And that leads us to the troubling association between the two (contraceptive use and depression), as supported by recent research. Women who use hormonal contraception are a whopping 40 percent more likely to experience symptoms of depression after only six months of use, according to the latest research published in the American Medical Association's peer-reviewed journal JAMA Psychiatry. The study tracked 1 million-plus women ages 15-34 for more than a decade. The risk increase was even more pronounced when evaluating specific contraception use: Progestin-only pills more than doubled the risk, while levonorgestrel IUD use tripled the risk. Risk also increased for users of hormone-based transdermal patches and vaginal rings. While the researchers are quick to note that their findings don't necessarily mean hormonal contraceptive use causes depression, the moral to this story is clear: All women should have an informed discussion with their health care provider regarding the relative risks and benefits of any type of contraception before initiating use.

WELLNESS: Should you take antidepressants? Use of antidepressants is at an all-time high – since 2008, the year of the financial crash, prescriptions have risen by 8.5 per cent per year. Yet the drugs remain hugely controversial. In a recent study, Danish researchers reported that they cause suicidal feelings when given inappropriately to healthy people going through everyday problems. Antidepressants are a relatively recent discovery. Each new “generation” of antidepressants since has targeted neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, ever more precisely. But despite this, many question the wisdom of offering antidepressants so liberally. Do antidepressants work? They almost always alleviate symptoms of major depression, and when targeted carefully they can help with insomnia, OCD and some forms of chronic pain. However, there’s less evidence that antidepressants are the best treatment for generalized anxiety or mild depression. Finally, is it best to mask symptoms using these drugs, or would it be better to address the root causes of the problem? It can be absolutely necessary to alleviate symptoms in the short term, particularly when there’s a suicide risk. However, the use of antidepressants alone rarely protects against relapse. A short of course of drugs, accompanied by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as soon as the individual feels a bit better, is the most effective treatment package for lasting benefits. NOTE: Multiple studies have shown that safe natural approaches are just as effective if not more so with mild to moderate depression. As the article indicated if a person is having suicidal thoughts then pharmaceutical approach, for a short period of time, could be indicated. Unfortunately drugs do not solve the problem with neurotransmitters they just artificially keep the levels are elevated. Natural approaches help the body produce more neurotransmitters and is more of a correction as opposed to symptom relief. But as the article indicated counseling could help one reach the root cause of some depressions. It’s true some depressions are strictly due to chemical imbalances but probably most are related to life issues that have not been resolved and possibly the person isn’t even aware the root cause of the depression. Skilled talk therapist can help a person better understand the underlying issues.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: HEADACHES be they the blinding headaches of a migraine to the annoying tension headaches studies have shown chiropractic is the best treatment on the planet. Headaches come from multiple sources i.e. subluxations, kidneys, hormones, muscle tension or toxicity. Chiropractic can gently release the tension on the nervous system responsible for most types of headaches. Diet can help balance chemistry like hormones or blood sugar that can trigger some types of headaches as well as lifestyle changes i.e. reducing junk food, drinking more water and detoxification can eliminate the triggers for headaches. Chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last is the motto of better health.

FUNNY BONES:  Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.@@ Everything is funny, as long as it's happening to somebody else. 

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