Oct. 06 - 1 in 100 Babies may be Injured During C-Sections
A new study in Obstetrics and Gynecology reviewed data from 37,000 births and showed a 1% risk of injury after a C-section delivery. This risk was highest for babies born after an attempted vaginal birth using forceps or vacuum. The risk was lowest for those with an elective scheduled C-section. Half the injuries were skin wounds (from the incision through the uterus), followed by severe head bruising, fractured collar bone, and rarely skull fracture (none of these injuries have any lasting effects). The least common, but most worrisome with long-lasting implications, were damage to facial nerves or the nerves controlling the arm.

Dr. Sears Comments: All of these injuries can also occur with a vaginal delivery. The main point of this study was to dispel a common myth that such injuries were almost unheard of during C-sections. Now we know these injuries are something to consider when deciding on a C-section. Click here to check out The Pregnancy Book and The Birth Book to help prepare you for the safe birth of your choice.

Oct. 06 - CDC Survey Finds 20% of U.S. Adults have Arthritis
In a survey of 30,000 U.S. adults, 20% reported having been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, including rheumatoid, fibromyalgia, gout, and lupus. It was also found to be more common in overweight people. 8% reported some sort of limitation in movement because of arthritis.

Dr. Sears Comments: This is a very sad reflection on our nation's health. Decades of the Standard American Diet (SAD) is really taking its toll on our well-being. I know when I grow up (I'm still a young 37!) I plan to be arthritis-free! How? By limiting animal fats (high-fat meats) and junk foods, and by eating enough raw fruits and veggies, taking fish oil capsules, and regular daily exercise. Click here to read more about how good nutrition can benefit your long-term health.

Oct. 06 - Soda Linked to Osteoporosis and Hip Fractures
A new study of 2500 women and men showed that women who drank cola everyday had a lower bone mineral density (BMD) in their hip bones. This puts these women at risk of hip fractures as they get older. Occasional cola use did not show this risk, and cola use in men did not lower BMD. Cola contains phosphoric acid, which drains calcium out of the bones.

Dr. Sears Comments: I gave up soda 2 years ago to see if I could actually do it, and I'm still going strong. But I can't seem to get my wonderfully beautiful wife to kick the habit. I certainly don't want her to go through hip replacement surgery in 15 years like the rest of the soda-drinking women are, so maybe this study will peak her interest. But seriously, think twice about ordering that soda next time you are at a restaurant or picking up fast food. And say no to those 24-packs on sale at the store. Think water, water, water! We like to teasingly call soda, "Diabetes in a Bottle" I guess we'll have to change that to "Hip Fractures in a Bottle" or maybe "Wheelchair in a Bottle." Am I being too harsh?

Dr. Bob – Oct. 06