Pages

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Cryptococcus infections in cats


Cryptococcus organisms
Cryptococcosis is a deep mycotic infection found worldwide and is the most common systemic mycosis of cats. The nasal cavity is suspected as the initial site of cryptococcal infection in cats. Other sites of involvement in cats include the skin, lymph nodes, central nervous system, eyes, and lungs. This study is a retrospective case series comparing clinical features of cryptococcosis among cats and dogs in California. Sixty-two cats had a confirmed diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the study. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis can be made through the cytological examination of smears or histologic evaluation of tissue samples. Latex agglutination assays of serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid have been used with increasing frequency to diagnose cryptococcosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen test results were positive in 51 of 52 cats. Cryptococcus gattii, primarily molecular type VGIII, was the species most commonly detected in cats. The greater number of cats had nasal or upper respiratory signs and cutaneous masses. [VT]


More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+


Cryptococcus organisms
Cryptococcosis is a deep mycotic infection found worldwide and is the most common systemic mycosis of cats. The nasal cavity is suspected as the initial site of cryptococcal infection in cats. Other sites of involvement in cats include the skin, lymph nodes, central nervous system, eyes, and lungs. This study is a retrospective case series comparing clinical features of cryptococcosis among cats and dogs in California. Sixty-two cats had a confirmed diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the study. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis can be made through the cytological examination of smears or histologic evaluation of tissue samples. Latex agglutination assays of serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid have been used with increasing frequency to diagnose cryptococcosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen test results were positive in 51 of 52 cats. Cryptococcus gattii, primarily molecular type VGIII, was the species most commonly detected in cats. The greater number of cats had nasal or upper respiratory signs and cutaneous masses. [VT]


More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

Read More


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

How Your Mind Can Reprogram Your Genes


How much control do we really have over our own lives? And is there anything we can change to do a better job at managing our lives? These questions have puzzled mankind since the beginning of time. And now, the emerging science of epigenetics is offering some answers that put true control within your reach—by simply changing your beliefs.

“Contrary to what many people are being led to believe, a lot of emphasis placed on genes determining human behavior is nothing but theory and doctrine,” says Konstantin Eriksen, guest writer for Wake Up World, an online news medium that offers alternative voices to mass media.

“We are free to make decisions that impact our lives and those of others. … Our beliefs can change our biology. We have the power to heal ourselves, increase our feelings of self-worth and improve our emotional state.”


Sources:


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

How much control do we really have over our own lives? And is there anything we can change to do a better job at managing our lives? These questions have puzzled mankind since the beginning of time. And now, the emerging science of epigenetics is offering some answers that put true control within your reach—by simply changing your beliefs.

“Contrary to what many people are being led to believe, a lot of emphasis placed on genes determining human behavior is nothing but theory and doctrine,” says Konstantin Eriksen, guest writer for Wake Up World, an online news medium that offers alternative voices to mass media.

“We are free to make decisions that impact our lives and those of others. … Our beliefs can change our biology. We have the power to heal ourselves, increase our feelings of self-worth and improve our emotional state.”


Sources:


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.
Read More


Monday, March 26, 2012

America is catching on - Soda sales drop dramatically as healthier choices continue to grow


(NaturalNews) Better late than never, but more Americans finally seem to be getting the message they've been consuming far too much soda and as such, sales of pop have been falling.

In reality, soda sales have been falling for about seven years, but they really dropped off in 2011 as consumers made other choices about what sort of refreshments to put in their bodies.

The beverage market actually grew last year by about 0.9 percent, but according to sales data, consumers chose more coffee and teas, sports and energy drinks and bottled water over soda and fruit juices.

Beverage Marketing, a research, consulting and financial-services firm that tracks the beverage industry, said 2011 was the second year of growth for the beverage industry after two consecutive declines in 2008 and 2009.



Costs are up, sure, but choices are healthier

One of the reasons why sales were down, according to Beverage Digest, an industry newsletter, is cost: Prices for carbonated soft drinks climbed about 3 percent last year, making them harder to afford. Drink makers passed on higher prices for the cost of sweeteners, such as corn syrup and other raw materials, to consumers.

According to an analysis of sales data by Beverage Digest, all three big soda-makers -- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Dr. Pepper Snapple -- showed slower sales of popular brands like Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi-Cola, and Mountain Dew.

Coke and Pepsi market shares shrank while Dr. Pepper's share was mostly flat. And though sales of some soda brands rose, sales of Dasani -- a bottled water sold by Coca-Cola -- was the fastest-growing beverage brand, rising 11 percent, according to Beverage Digest. It was followed by Arizona iced tea (9.3 percent) and Pepsi's Gatorade (8 percent).

Carbonated drinks, by comparison, grew about 3 percent a year through the 1990s, but sales have been declining steadily since 2005, as more health-conscious consumers increasingly turn to better choices of drink.

Sales of Gatorade, meanwhile, are ballooning as well, topping the one billon-gallon mark last year for the first time. In fact, Beverage Marketing says Gatorade, coupled with G2 and other brand variations, is the fifth-largest beverage trademark.

Niche drinks and water sales increasing

According to Beverage Marketing, other niche drinks are making headway.

"As the proliferation of 'beverages with benefits' continues with the introduction of a variety of drinks marketed as delivering specific functional results," Beverage Marketing has begun to focus "on a niche within a niche: relaxation beverages," says the summary of a new report by the analytical firm, which calls such beverages an "emerging sub-segment of the wellness and functional beverage marketplace."

But clearly growth in sales of bottled water continues unabated, according to industry figures. In 2008 and 2009, the poor economy led to a decline in sales but they rebounded again in 2010, as growth really accelerated last year. Bottled water sales volume was up 4.1 percent in 2011, faster than the 3.5 percent growth in 2010.

"The strong showing by high-end and functional products shows that consumers -- at least the more affluent ones -- are not concerned exclusively with economic consideration when making their beverage selections," Michael C. Bellas, chairman and CEO of Beverage Marketing, said.

The ill-health effects of drinking sugar-laden soda are well-known. Soda consumption is a major cause of obesity, which can lead to a range of health problems including heart disease, stroke and, of course, diabetes.

In fact, recent research has found that just drinking one soda per day increases heart risk in men, even if it is not contributing to overall weight gain.

"Continually subjecting our bodies to high amounts of glucose, to high blood sugar levels that trigger large secretions of insulin results in stresses that in the long run show up as high risk of heart disease and diabetes," the study's co-author, Dr. Walter Willett, told CBS News.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/46796332

http://www.beveragemarketing.com/

http://www.beveragemarketing.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/035262_soda_heart_attacks_men.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035359_soda_sales_plummet.html#ixzz1qEdfsdQv


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

(NaturalNews) Better late than never, but more Americans finally seem to be getting the message they've been consuming far too much soda and as such, sales of pop have been falling.

In reality, soda sales have been falling for about seven years, but they really dropped off in 2011 as consumers made other choices about what sort of refreshments to put in their bodies.

The beverage market actually grew last year by about 0.9 percent, but according to sales data, consumers chose more coffee and teas, sports and energy drinks and bottled water over soda and fruit juices.

Beverage Marketing, a research, consulting and financial-services firm that tracks the beverage industry, said 2011 was the second year of growth for the beverage industry after two consecutive declines in 2008 and 2009.



Costs are up, sure, but choices are healthier

One of the reasons why sales were down, according to Beverage Digest, an industry newsletter, is cost: Prices for carbonated soft drinks climbed about 3 percent last year, making them harder to afford. Drink makers passed on higher prices for the cost of sweeteners, such as corn syrup and other raw materials, to consumers.

According to an analysis of sales data by Beverage Digest, all three big soda-makers -- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Dr. Pepper Snapple -- showed slower sales of popular brands like Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi-Cola, and Mountain Dew.

Coke and Pepsi market shares shrank while Dr. Pepper's share was mostly flat. And though sales of some soda brands rose, sales of Dasani -- a bottled water sold by Coca-Cola -- was the fastest-growing beverage brand, rising 11 percent, according to Beverage Digest. It was followed by Arizona iced tea (9.3 percent) and Pepsi's Gatorade (8 percent).

Carbonated drinks, by comparison, grew about 3 percent a year through the 1990s, but sales have been declining steadily since 2005, as more health-conscious consumers increasingly turn to better choices of drink.

Sales of Gatorade, meanwhile, are ballooning as well, topping the one billon-gallon mark last year for the first time. In fact, Beverage Marketing says Gatorade, coupled with G2 and other brand variations, is the fifth-largest beverage trademark.

Niche drinks and water sales increasing

According to Beverage Marketing, other niche drinks are making headway.

"As the proliferation of 'beverages with benefits' continues with the introduction of a variety of drinks marketed as delivering specific functional results," Beverage Marketing has begun to focus "on a niche within a niche: relaxation beverages," says the summary of a new report by the analytical firm, which calls such beverages an "emerging sub-segment of the wellness and functional beverage marketplace."

But clearly growth in sales of bottled water continues unabated, according to industry figures. In 2008 and 2009, the poor economy led to a decline in sales but they rebounded again in 2010, as growth really accelerated last year. Bottled water sales volume was up 4.1 percent in 2011, faster than the 3.5 percent growth in 2010.

"The strong showing by high-end and functional products shows that consumers -- at least the more affluent ones -- are not concerned exclusively with economic consideration when making their beverage selections," Michael C. Bellas, chairman and CEO of Beverage Marketing, said.

The ill-health effects of drinking sugar-laden soda are well-known. Soda consumption is a major cause of obesity, which can lead to a range of health problems including heart disease, stroke and, of course, diabetes.

In fact, recent research has found that just drinking one soda per day increases heart risk in men, even if it is not contributing to overall weight gain.

"Continually subjecting our bodies to high amounts of glucose, to high blood sugar levels that trigger large secretions of insulin results in stresses that in the long run show up as high risk of heart disease and diabetes," the study's co-author, Dr. Walter Willett, told CBS News.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/46796332

http://www.beveragemarketing.com/

http://www.beveragemarketing.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/035262_soda_heart_attacks_men.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035359_soda_sales_plummet.html#ixzz1qEdfsdQv


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.
Read More


New tools for investigating feline diseases

Final report, Winn grant W11-041
DNA Array Analyses for Cat Diseases
Investigator: Leslie Lyons, University of California, Davis

Analysis of the cat genome can lead to identification of genetic predispositions or mutations linked with certain feline diseases. To this end, these researchers have assisted in the preparation of DNA microarrays and test sampling using these arrays for genetic links to disease. These arrays can assess the entire genome of the cat within one project’s time frame, which is known as a genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this situation, the cats used for a GWAS can be from a population, not direct relatives. This is a large step forward in the field of cat genomics.

1336317_32853456 Each of eight projects in this laboratory assisted by this grant has led to the identification of candidate genes and one causative mutation has already been identified. Because of the support of the Winn Feline Foundation, this technology is now being used to examine potential genetic links to diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis, hypokalemia in Burmese cats, and myopathy in Sphynx cats. One manuscript on hypokalemia in Burmese cats is currently in preparation and eight additional publications are likely to follow.

The availability of DNA microarrays was assisted by the work of the Cat Health Network, a coalition of groups (Winn Feline Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Foundation) committed to improving feline health and welfare. The Cat Health Network announced the funding of several feline genomic research projects in September 2011. [MK]

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
Final report, Winn grant W11-041
DNA Array Analyses for Cat Diseases
Investigator: Leslie Lyons, University of California, Davis

Analysis of the cat genome can lead to identification of genetic predispositions or mutations linked with certain feline diseases. To this end, these researchers have assisted in the preparation of DNA microarrays and test sampling using these arrays for genetic links to disease. These arrays can assess the entire genome of the cat within one project’s time frame, which is known as a genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this situation, the cats used for a GWAS can be from a population, not direct relatives. This is a large step forward in the field of cat genomics.

1336317_32853456 Each of eight projects in this laboratory assisted by this grant has led to the identification of candidate genes and one causative mutation has already been identified. Because of the support of the Winn Feline Foundation, this technology is now being used to examine potential genetic links to diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis, hypokalemia in Burmese cats, and myopathy in Sphynx cats. One manuscript on hypokalemia in Burmese cats is currently in preparation and eight additional publications are likely to follow.

The availability of DNA microarrays was assisted by the work of the Cat Health Network, a coalition of groups (Winn Feline Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Foundation) committed to improving feline health and welfare. The Cat Health Network announced the funding of several feline genomic research projects in September 2011. [MK]

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
Read More


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Living with the Emotional Side of Scoliosis


Dr. Cantor is a clinical psychologist and has been on staff in the Department of Medical Social Work and Psychology at Primary Children's Medical Center for 21 years. She specializes in working with children with chronic medical problems. She has also worked with the Rehabilitation Service for 9 years and with the Spina Bifida Clinic for 21 years.

What concerns do most teenage girls have when a physical deformity like scoliosis is first diagnosed? How about their parents?

Dr. Cantor: Both parents and teenagers will have concerns related to the type of treatment that will be necessary and the prospect of progressive disability. The need to make decisions about treatment will be stressful, and the possibility of major surgery generally raises a high level of anticipatory anxiety. Teenagers may be particularly concerned about the effects of scoliosis on physical appearance and the effects on their attractiveness to the opposite sex. Teenagers confronted with the prospect of wearing a brace will worry about the possibility of restrictions on activities, social stigma and discomfort.

How do most girls make themselves feel comfortable in participating in an activity (PE, swimming, prom) that makes their deformity obvious?

Dr. Cantor: Developing a positive self-image is the key to being comfortable in a variety of life situations. In a society obsessed with beauty where we are constantly bombarded with images of the "ideal," people who deviate significantly from that "ideal" are confronted with even greater challenges in developing a positive self-image. The process in developing a positive self-image is not really different, however, for those with an obvious physical condition that affects appearance or function than it is for the rest of the human race. Everyone struggles at some level with his or her self-image. Fashion models who supposedly personify society's ideal of beauty often question their physical attractiveness. If secure regarding their appearance, they probably feel insecure about other aspects of themselves such as their intellectual abilities. Beauty truly is not simply skin-deep. It is not easy for any of us to develop a positive self-image, but this is the key to coping with many of the challenges confronting us in life, including living with scoliosis.
Taking the initiative to educate peers about scoliosis will help make others more comfortable and accepting of the teenager with scoliosis. There will always be some peers who are rejecting and make rude comments despite being educated about scoliosis. Remember that the ones who tease others the most are the ones who are most insecure themselves. Having a strategy for dealing with comments or looks from others will be helpful. Ignoring is always one option, but these situations may be ideal opportunities for educating others. Responding with unexpected comments to teasing is another option, e.g., complimenting the person, making a joke, agreeing with the person.

What advice do you have for someone who is resistant to the idea of wearing a brace to school? What are some possible strategies for improving compliance with brace wear?

Dr. Cantor: Teenagers, like adults, may sometimes have trouble appreciating the long-term implications of choices they make about their health care. Offering external incentives to them for initially trying the brace may be a helpful strategy. If the brace does not have to be worn full time, setting up schedules for wearing the brace at times that are least disruptive to their lives will also improve compliance. Helping them learn to deal with the social stigma of wearing a brace will go a long way towards increasing compliance. Some teenagers prefer to wear their clothes over a brace and choose clothes that make the brace less obvious.

How can parents help their teenager cope with a physical deformity?

Dr. Cantor: As with any problem their child might face, parents can first help by listening. Listening means trying to truly understand how your child feels before attempting to solve the problem or to give advice. Don't tell your child how he or she should feel. How you would feel is not necessarily how your child feels. Accept your teenager's feelings and communicate that you understand.

Nancy L. Cantor, Ph.D.

Primary Children's Medical Center
100 N. Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Dr. Cantor is a clinical psychologist and has been on staff in the Department of Medical Social Work and Psychology at Primary Children's Medical Center for 21 years. She specializes in working with children with chronic medical problems. She has also worked with the Rehabilitation Service for 9 years and with the Spina Bifida Clinic for 21 years.

What concerns do most teenage girls have when a physical deformity like scoliosis is first diagnosed? How about their parents?

Dr. Cantor: Both parents and teenagers will have concerns related to the type of treatment that will be necessary and the prospect of progressive disability. The need to make decisions about treatment will be stressful, and the possibility of major surgery generally raises a high level of anticipatory anxiety. Teenagers may be particularly concerned about the effects of scoliosis on physical appearance and the effects on their attractiveness to the opposite sex. Teenagers confronted with the prospect of wearing a brace will worry about the possibility of restrictions on activities, social stigma and discomfort.

How do most girls make themselves feel comfortable in participating in an activity (PE, swimming, prom) that makes their deformity obvious?

Dr. Cantor: Developing a positive self-image is the key to being comfortable in a variety of life situations. In a society obsessed with beauty where we are constantly bombarded with images of the "ideal," people who deviate significantly from that "ideal" are confronted with even greater challenges in developing a positive self-image. The process in developing a positive self-image is not really different, however, for those with an obvious physical condition that affects appearance or function than it is for the rest of the human race. Everyone struggles at some level with his or her self-image. Fashion models who supposedly personify society's ideal of beauty often question their physical attractiveness. If secure regarding their appearance, they probably feel insecure about other aspects of themselves such as their intellectual abilities. Beauty truly is not simply skin-deep. It is not easy for any of us to develop a positive self-image, but this is the key to coping with many of the challenges confronting us in life, including living with scoliosis.
Taking the initiative to educate peers about scoliosis will help make others more comfortable and accepting of the teenager with scoliosis. There will always be some peers who are rejecting and make rude comments despite being educated about scoliosis. Remember that the ones who tease others the most are the ones who are most insecure themselves. Having a strategy for dealing with comments or looks from others will be helpful. Ignoring is always one option, but these situations may be ideal opportunities for educating others. Responding with unexpected comments to teasing is another option, e.g., complimenting the person, making a joke, agreeing with the person.

What advice do you have for someone who is resistant to the idea of wearing a brace to school? What are some possible strategies for improving compliance with brace wear?

Dr. Cantor: Teenagers, like adults, may sometimes have trouble appreciating the long-term implications of choices they make about their health care. Offering external incentives to them for initially trying the brace may be a helpful strategy. If the brace does not have to be worn full time, setting up schedules for wearing the brace at times that are least disruptive to their lives will also improve compliance. Helping them learn to deal with the social stigma of wearing a brace will go a long way towards increasing compliance. Some teenagers prefer to wear their clothes over a brace and choose clothes that make the brace less obvious.

How can parents help their teenager cope with a physical deformity?

Dr. Cantor: As with any problem their child might face, parents can first help by listening. Listening means trying to truly understand how your child feels before attempting to solve the problem or to give advice. Don't tell your child how he or she should feel. How you would feel is not necessarily how your child feels. Accept your teenager's feelings and communicate that you understand.

Nancy L. Cantor, Ph.D.

Primary Children's Medical Center
100 N. Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113


About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.
Read More


Pulmonary function in children with idiopathic scoliosis


Abstract (provisional)

Idiopathic scoliosis, a common disorder of lateral displacement and rotation of vertebral bodies during periods of rapid somatic growth, has many effects on respiratory function. Scoliosis results in a restrictive lung disease with a multifactorial decrease in lung volumes, displaces the intrathoracic organs, impedes on the movement of ribs and affects the mechanics of the respiratory muscles. Scoliosis decreases the chest wall as well as the lung compliance and results in increased work of breathing at rest, during exercise and sleep. Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure may develop in severe disease. In this review the epidemiological and anatomical aspects of idiopathic scoliosis are noted, the pathophysiology and effects of idiopathic scoliosis on respiratory function are described, the pulmonary function testing including lung volumes, respiratory flow rates and airway resistance, chest wall movements, regional ventilation and perfusion, blood gases, response to exercise and sleep studies are presented. Preoperative pulmonary function testing required, as well as the effects of various surgical approaches on respiratory function are also discussed.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.



About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.

Abstract (provisional)

Idiopathic scoliosis, a common disorder of lateral displacement and rotation of vertebral bodies during periods of rapid somatic growth, has many effects on respiratory function. Scoliosis results in a restrictive lung disease with a multifactorial decrease in lung volumes, displaces the intrathoracic organs, impedes on the movement of ribs and affects the mechanics of the respiratory muscles. Scoliosis decreases the chest wall as well as the lung compliance and results in increased work of breathing at rest, during exercise and sleep. Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure may develop in severe disease. In this review the epidemiological and anatomical aspects of idiopathic scoliosis are noted, the pathophysiology and effects of idiopathic scoliosis on respiratory function are described, the pulmonary function testing including lung volumes, respiratory flow rates and airway resistance, chest wall movements, regional ventilation and perfusion, blood gases, response to exercise and sleep studies are presented. Preoperative pulmonary function testing required, as well as the effects of various surgical approaches on respiratory function are also discussed.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.



About Dr Kevin Lau

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack. Dr Kevin Lau is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition. He is a member of International Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), the leading international society on conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: http://www.hiyh.info.
Read More