Wednesday June 18, 2008 | WELLNESS NEWS
· Whoa Baby! The Health Risks of C-sections That Moms Need to Know About with Dr. Malina Chin, LAc, Ac, OTR/L
· Tip of the Week: Healthy Summer Skin Tips with Dr. Monica Talebnia, D.C.
Whoa Baby! The Health Risks of C-sections That Moms Need to Know About with Dr. Malina Chin, LAc, Ac, OTR/L
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 1 in 3 babies are born by cesarean section (c-section). What most don’t know is the biggest risk following the surgery is the development of adhesions related to the c-section scar. When a laboring mom has a c-section, there is usually already a flood of hormones. Chicagohealers.com Practitioner Dr. Malina Chin, LAc, Ac, OTR/L, explains that heightened emotions, possible adrenal, cortisol and other bio-chemical mixes present at the time of surgery contribute to scar formation. A c-section cuts across the connective tissues of the skin, protective layers of the abdominal muscles, past the lining of the omentum and the muscular body of the uterus to reveal the newborn. Each layer of organ and connective tissue must heal separately if they are to migrate back to their original positions.
“If the scar doesn’t heal properly, the adhesions can cause further complications that are not recognized as a single cause,” Dr. Chin Says. “What happens over time is even more alarming than the short-term scar.”
The adhesions respond to increased tension as the adhered uterus attempts to slide back behind the bladder. At times, the layers of the abdomen are pulled with it, folding into a visibly puckered shelf. The connective tissues will continue to pull and tighten and over time, the Myofascial train is affected. A Myofascial train is a group of connective tissues that translate pressures in sequence to protect the body much like the arches transfer load to the pillars. Pressure or stress can travel along these lines to protect the body from a strain that is concentrated in one area. This process also transfers the stress and creates referred pain distal to the site of injury. The body naturally tries to encapsulate an area of injury with a membrane, increase fat layers, and lay down tougher fibers. The resulting adhesion limits the tissue’s ability to move lymph, exchange cellular metabolism, and bio-chemical regulations. Fibroids, cysts and tumors may be the result of the connective tissue’s protective response.
Dr. Chin provides the following signs of systemic problems to watch for with c-section scars:
· Poor posture
· Spinal, neck or back pain
· Sleep apnea related to increased angle of the throat
· Poor digestion due to decreased motility of the intestines
· Hormone imbalance because the thyroid, pituitary, ovaries and adrenals become less effective due to poor tissue movements
· Coughing or any exertion causing leakage of urine.
· Changes with the menstrual cycle
· Alternating constipation and diarrhea
· Nerve pinching and numbness
If any or all of these symptoms follow a c-section, it is important to contact a doctor in order to receive appropriate treatment.
ChicagoHealers.com Wednesday Experts
Dr. Malina Chin: Oriental Medicine
Dr. Monica Talebnia, D.C.: Chiropractic and Energy Healing
Tip of the Week: Healthy Summer Skin Tips with Dr. Monica Talebnia, D.C.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recently reported that about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation from the sun.
With summer here and many days in the hot sun ahead, ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Monica Talebnia, D.C., says it is important to incorporate skin health remedies (especially during the summer months) to avoid premature aging and other skin problems.
“Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,” says Dr. Talebnia. “This is why maintaining healthy skin is always on my mind.”
Dr. Talebnia provides the following tips healthy summer skin care:
· Opt for Olive Oil – A main ingredient in most beauty products, olive oil is a great natural moisturizer. It helps skin regulate its’ own natural moisturizing system.
· Watermelon Frenzy – 1-2 pieces of this delicious summer favorite has been known to cool and bring balance to the body and facial skin.
· Keep Hydrating– Limit the amount of alcohol and coffee intake and make sure to consume 10-12 glasses of water each day to keep hydrated.
· Sun-Block it – Make sure to apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF for every two hours in the sun. Dr. Talebnia’s recommendation is Aveda sun block.
· Acupuncture – Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is among the most healthy ways to help re-hydrate the skin as well as stop skin blemishes from appearing.
About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com
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