Health

Sagging Pants of Today Could Hurry Hip Replacements of Tomorrow

Published

10 years ago

January 20, 2015

Michael Gerdine, DC of West End Chiropractic, recently moved into his Central West End location next to his detail shop at Boyle and Laclede in St. Louis. (Courtesy of St. Louis American)

by Sandra Jordan
Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American

Some of the same activities and behaviors that can cause disease can cause health problems in your bones, joints and your neuromuscular system.

“For every one pound of weight that you gain, you put three pounds of pressure on your knees; so the opposite of that is, for every pound that you lose, you take three pounds of pressure off your knees.”

Spine expert Chiropractor Michael Gerdine of West End Chiropractic said when it comes to wellness, the approach should be proactive rather than reactive.

“There are many stresses in life that contribute to illness, whether it be stresses from work, family, job, poor diets, lack of exercise, not getting enough rest” Gerdine said. “All of those things lead to problems with the nervous system, due to what we call in chiropractic care ‘subluxations.’”

Subluxations occur when the body’s infrastructure gets out of alignment.

“Its bones out of place irritating the nerves,” Gerdine said. “Subluxations are caused by – I call them the three T’s: Trauma – which could be an accident, sports injury, repetitive motion on the job, weekend warrior stuff; Thoughts –

Which would be stress-related; and Toxins – bad food, poor diet; medications can be toxic to the human body; bad air, recreational drugs, cigarette smoke, all of those things are toxic.”

The Missouri Chiropractors Association describes subluxations as a response to stress, causing the muscles to spasm, spinal bones to lock up and choking or chaffing nerves. Nerve impulses communicate messages to the brain and throughout the body through your spine. If there’s a hitch somewhere in the nervous system, it will manifest as some type of health problem.

“Most of us have subluxations and don’t even know we have them,” Gerdine said.

He said that occasional “crook in the neck” or stiff back when you wake up in the morning – subluxations.

“It could be because you slept wrong or it could be because you hold the telephone at work with your shoulder cocked up on the phone … and one of the contributing factors to subluxations, a big one – is posture,” he said. “Most human beings have bad posture and people who are sedentary have even worse posture.”

Think of this balancing act; poorly postured humans with bowling balls sitting on top of the smallest area of the spinal column.

“Most people don’t realize that our heads weigh about the same as a bowling ball – between 10 and 15 pounds,” Gerdine explained. “The cervical spine – the neck, those are the smallest bones in the vertebral column and now you have this head that is leaning forward and that’s putting a lot of pressure on those bones and it can cause problems over time.”

Gerdine said the boom in tech gadgetry that has people looking down at their cellphones, tablets and other personal devices will wind up being a major pain in the neck.

“You can rest assured that there is going to be an epidemic of neck problems with headaches, tension in the shoulders, pain between the should blades, pain radiating into the arms,” Gerdine said, “and a lot of it is going to be due to this repetitive motion that we have developed to exist in the world today.”

Although not so high tech, a low-hanging fashion statement of the millennials, hip-hoppers and the “OGs” who try to dress like them may come back to bite when where the sun didn’t use to shine.

“These young men who are walking around with their pants sagging – you can rest assured there’s going to be an epidemic of hip replacements because the way they have to alter their gait and swing those legs to keep those pants up – they are wearing the hip joints out,” Gerdine said.

Sagging pants get blamed for a number of health issues, from urological and sexual dysfunction to severe posture and bone growth deformities.

Gerdine said seeing a chiropractor is the conservative approach to wellness.

“We are going to look at the bony structures, the musculoskeletal system to try to prevent people from going to surgery and using all the different drugs with the major side effects they may have,” Gerdine said. “We are interested in people doing functional health. My goal is to get people doing the things they are supposed to do, that they want to do, the right way.”

The American Chiropractic Association says chiropractic services are included in most health insurance plans and is also available to active-duty members of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and is available to veterans at 36 major veterans medical facilities.

For more information about the work of chiropractors, visit http://www.missourichiropractors.org.

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Activism

NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention Highlights Black Voter Engagement, and More

A Friday panel featuring NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell and Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, examined Project 2025, an initiative perceived as a potential threat to civil rights, healthcare access, and environmental protection. This session emphasized Project 2025’s projected impact on Black communities, noting that policies within the initiative could diminish gains in civil and environmental rights over decades. Russell and Wilson highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring and community mobilization to address these challenges.

Published

1 day ago

November 4, 2024

Oakland Post

NAACP State Conference President Rick Callender (right) engages in a discussion on voter engagement and community advocacy with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson during the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Los Angeles. Photo by Rich Woods.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention concluded on Sunday, Oct 27, following four days of discussions and workshops at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Bringing together civil rights leaders, policymakers, and advocates from California and Hawaii, the convention operated under the theme “All In.” The participants discussed critical issues impacting Black communities, including criminal justice reform, health equity, economic empowerment, education, environmental justice, and voting rights.

On Saturday, the President’s Fireside Chat brought together NAACP President Derrick Johnson and CA/HI State Conference President Rick Callender, who discussed the urgency of voter engagement and community advocacy.

Guest speakers included Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), who spoke at the Women in NAACP (WIN) Labor Luncheon about the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond delivered remarks at the Leadership Dinner on education equity, focusing on policies to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.

Honors were given to longtime social justice advocate and former Assemblymember Mike Davis for his work in community activism. At the same time, actor and activist Danny Glover and the Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown received the 2024 Legacy Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing their lifelong commitments to advancing civil rights.

The convention also offered practical workshops, including “What’s On Your Ballot?,” where coalition leaders provided analyses of California propositions, explaining their potential impacts on community rights and resources. The Voter Turnout Workshop provided background and encouraged participants to promote voter turnout through community-centered outreach strategies.

Sunday’s events closed with a Prayer and Memorial Breakfast honoring the contributions of past and current civil rights leaders.

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Activism

Atty Gen Bonta: U.S. Law Mandating Emergency Care to All Patients Faces Threats

The attorney general highlighted that EMTALA is vital for ensuring that no individual is turned away from emergency services based on financial status or insurance coverage. Bonta stated that the law has been a cornerstone of emergency healthcare for decades, providing peace of mind to millions of Americans who might otherwise hesitate to seek urgent medical attention due to cost concerns.

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the critical need to protect the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), mandating that hospitals provide emergency care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

In a recent statement, Bonta highlighted the potential threats to this essential legislation amid ongoing discussions about healthcare accessibility in the U.S.

“EMTALA ensures that no one is denied access to emergency medical care, including abortion care, and this federal law is more imperative than ever following the overturn of Roe v. Wade,” said Bonta.

This decision to support the federal government’s case comes at a time when many healthcare providers are facing pressure from rising costs and legislative changes that could undermine existing protections. Bonta called on lawmakers to reinforce EMTALA’s provisions and to combat any efforts aimed at weakening the act, asserting that equitable access to emergency care is a fundamental right.

He urged state and federal governments to ensure that all Americans, particularly marginalized communities, have the necessary access to emergency services without fear of financial repercussions. The brief indicates the coalition’s commitment to healthcare equity, emphasizing that maintaining strong protections under EMTALA is crucial for safeguarding public health.

As discussions around healthcare policy continue, Bonta remains steadfast in promoting initiatives that protect emergency care access, asserting that everyone deserves timely and appropriate medical treatment in emergencies. His efforts align with ongoing legal and advocacy battles to preserve the rights established by EMTALA in the face of evolving healthcare challenges.

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Alameda County

Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Published

7 days ago

October 29, 2024

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The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.