Is Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) the most common skin cancer?

July 25, 2010

Yes. It is responsible for 90% of the skin cancer in the united states. Good news: They don’t normally spread to other parts of the body. Bad news: it can damage the tissue around the cancer.

Reasons for developing BCC:

People with fair skin, sun exposure, age. Most of the time the cancer occurs in the area exposed to the sun but in rare cases (20%), they can happen in areas we wouldn’t think (chest, back, scalp). However, the majority BCC occurs on the face.

  • Sun Exposure: According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main reason most individuals get skin cancer. Obviously, the more you are in the sun, the increase of skin cancer rises. Tanning booths also increase the chance of BCC.

    Note* Some individuals believe that if you have small doses of sun each day without sunblock it can decrease the chance of cancer if your body begins to slowly tolerate the UV. This reasoning comes from the notion that people do not sun tan during most of the year, then spend hours at a time tanning. The skin needs to build up a “tolerance” to UV rays but if done slowly it will not produce a cancer cell.

  • Age: Your risk increases after the age of 50. Protection from the sun should be practiced from childhood to adulthood.
  • If receiving radiation for cancer, you may also be at risk.

What does a BCC look like?

There are tons of pictures online so you may want to check them out. It usually begins small with a dome shape bump. Blood vessels can be seen. It appears to be shiny or “pearly”, but at times it may look dark. Sometimes it may seem like a mole so it may be necessary to get a biopsy to determine if it is BCC. The texture of such a spot is often shiny and translucent, sometimes referred to as “pearly.”

They grow at a slow pace (months or years).

Treatment:

Good News: There is a very high success rate (90% or more). Removal of the carcinoma is necessary and in most cases there is very little scarring.

Tips on how to decrease your risk:

  • limiting sun exposure and tanning beds
  • avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (noon)
  • Hat protection
  • Waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with UVA protection and SPF 30 or higher
  • Visiting a dermatologist if you have a skin discoloration that changes shape or color

With the hot weather approaching, be careful and take care of yourself. Drink lots of water too!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How much water do I drink?

July 13, 2010

I am often asked how much water is enough? Well, that depends on each individual and what their lifestyle is. If you are an athlete, then more water is needed to re-hydrate yourself. If you do not work out, then the amount is lower.

Did you know that water accounts for over 60% of your body weight? Every organ and system in our body relies on water to survive. Lack of water leads to dehydration which can give you headaches and less energy.

Every person loses water when we breathe, perspire, urinate or defecate. We should replenish water frequently so our body can function and move properly.

So, how much water do we need? Most medical journals say 8-9 cups of water per day. This is a very vague rule and does not work for everyone. Lets review some other ideas for water consumption.

  1. Replenish: an average person normally urinates 6.3 cups a day. We also lose about 4 cups per day while breathing, sweating and defecation. Food accounts for about 20% of liquid per day so if you drink a little more than 8 cups a day along with a healthy diet, you can replenish any fluids lost.
  2. The 8×8 Rule: drink 8 ounces of water per day.
  3. Check your urine color: It should be clear or slightly yellow. If it is dark yellow, then this means you need to consume more water.

What factors lead to drinking more water per day?

  • If you exercise add 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water per day. You will notice that you body will crave the additional water anyway after a workout. If you are a marathon runner or exercise excessively, it is recommended to add salt to the water because of the salt lost with sweat.Weather: Hot or humid weather can promote sweat and lose valuable fluid. Heat provided in the winter will dry out the skin and high altitudes (higher than 8,200 feet) can trigger rapid breathing and increased urination. More water should be added to you diet.
  • If you are sick with the flu or have intestinal issues you may vomit, have diarrhea which will rapidly deplete water in the body. You may want to add electrolytes to the water to make sure you have energy after being sick.
  • Breast feeding and Pregnancy: It is recommended to drink about 13 cups of water if you are breast feeding. Babies take a lot of fluid out of your system. If you are pregnant, it is recommended to drink 10 glasses of water per day.

Drink water…it is great for your body and mind!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Tips for preventing bicycling injuries

July 10, 2010

Sometimes people who come into my office complaining of neck, low back, knee pain or hand/foot numbness don’t take notice that their posture at work, home or school may be having negative effects on their nerves. Often times they are oblivious to the fact that the sport they do to stay in shape may have bad effects too.

Neck, low back, knee or hand/foot pain during or after biking may mean you don’t have proper bike ergonomics. Buying the right bike for you is imperative. Here are some tips to avoid injuries and keep riding.

The proper saddle:

Your seat should be at a level that supports the full weight of your body while allowing you to re-adjust your position. If the front of your seat is tilted up, you will slide backward and it will be hard to reach the peddles and force you to push your back forward adding stress to the low back. If the seat is tilted downward, you slide forward putting more pressure on your arms, wrists, hands and knees.

To make sure your seat is the right height. Wear the appropriate biking shoes and put your heels on the pedals. Start to pedal backwards and make sure your knees fully extend without reaching. If you notice that you have to move your hips from side to side to pedal, then your seat is too high. Now when it is time to start pedaling forward you will notice that the balls of your feet are over the pedal and a slight bend in the knees occur with each push.

Proper handlebar height:

Miscalculation of handle bar height can lead to neck, shoulder back, hand/wrist pain.
Proper ergonomics of the handlebars will allow you to bend your elbows while using all of the positions of the handlebars and gears.

Knee pain occurs when the seat is too high or low or tilted improperly. Also, the improper bike shoe position can cause knee problems: Here are some cause and effects of improper seat or pedal ergonomics.

  1. Seat too high will result in pain in the back of the knee or hip pain.
  2. A low seat or forward seat will cause pain in the front of the knee.
  3. Improper foot position will cause pain on the outside of your knee.

Differences in leg length may lead to twisting on the bike, stretching of one leg which pulls on the hips. Shoe orthotics and hip adjustments to keep the hips even can alleviate this problem.

Neck Pain:

Neck pain happens commonly with cycling. Usually this is a problem of having the handlebars too low or having a bike that is too long for the cyclist. Not stretching the hamstrings or muscles in the front of the thigh can cause neck problems because it will force the spine to arch which will force your head to extend backward while riding.

Foot numbness or pain:

Wearing the proper shoe is necessary with someone who bikes regularly. Bike shoes are made to evenly distribute the pressure on each pedal. Also, if you are riding in a gear that is too high for you, it will put more pressure on the feet causing a disruption of the nerves and tissues of the feet.

Hand Pain or Numbness:

Wear padded gloves while riding to provide a cushion and not push on the median nerve. Allow the shock of the ground to be put on the elbows which can bounce and absorb the pressure from the bumps during the ride.

Remember to always stretch and relax before and after riding. This will prevent tightness and reduce the chance of pulling a muscle.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

25 Tips To Avoid Insomnia

June 27, 2010

If you have problems sleeping, try some of these methods!

1. Listen to relaxing music. White noise and nature sounds can be quite relaxing and serve as meditation before going to sleep.

2. Avoid snacks right before bed especially grains and sugars. Raises in blood sugar can inhibit your sleep. Then when your sugar level drops, it may wake you up and give you difficulty in falling back asleep.

3. Try to sleep in complete darkness if possible. Light can disrupt your pineal gland which produces melatonin and seratonin.

4. If you wake up at night to go to the bathroom, make sure there is as little light as possible. It will keep melatonin levels at the right levels and get you back to sleep. Wearing eye covers helps too!

5. If possible, take the television out of the bedroom and if you do have television, refrain from watching it an hour before bed. Television stimulates the brain and it will take longer to fall asleep.

6. Since the feet have less circulation than the rest of the body, wear socks to bed. Studies have shown that if your feet are cold, it disturbs your sleep.

7. Read a relaxing book before bed. No thrillers or high drama novels.

8. Alarm clocks should be somewhat soothing but still wake you up. Having a loud sound wake you up is stressful to your body. There are alarms that mimick the sunset and the light increases gradually waking you up smoothly. If that is not your style, then how about a CD or radio station that plays classical music, jazz or blues. These tend to be soothing yet stimulating enough to wake you up.

9. Writing your ideas down on paper to get them out of your system. Writing down your thoughts allows you to relax and get back to sleep.

10. Get to bed as early as possible. Did you knoe that our systems, particularly the adrenals, recharge and recover during the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m? The gallbladder dumps toxins during this time as well.

11. Check the EMFs (electro-magnetic fields) in your room. High levels caused by radios, cell phones and electronics can interupt the pineal gland which has a direct effect on melatonin and seratonin. There are gauss meters that check the levels. Keep unnecessary electronics off or out of the bedroom if possible.

12. Don’t have your heat on above 70 degrees. If you are too hot, it will wake you up and be difficult to fall asleep.

13. Eating a high protein treat before a few hours before bed raises melatonin and serotonin levels.

14. Try to keep prescription medication at low levels. Many drugs have insomnia as a side effect.

15. Avoid caffeine.

16. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol prevents deep stages of sleep so it may cause you to wake up easily.

17. Stay fit. Being overweight increases your chances for sleep apnea.

18. Avoid foods that may cause you to become congested or cause gas.

19. Avoid drinking beverages within 2 hours of bedtime. Drinking fluids right before bed will cause you to get up and go to the bathroom and disrupt your sleep. Also make sure to go to the bathroom right before bed. This decreases your chances of waking up in the middle of the night.

20. Take a hot bath or sit in a sauna before going to bed.

21. Keep the alarm clock away from your view. If it is pointing toward you and you are a light sleeper, you will look at it and disrupt your sleep.

22. If you are menopausal or perimenopausal, hormonal changes may cause problems. You may need to consult a nutritionalist to help you eat foods to regulate your hormones or seek out a endocrinologist who specializes in women’s health.

23. Stay consistent with your bedtime. It keeps your body in a rhythm and it becomes routine and easy.

24. Exercising for 30 minutes regularly. However, don’t exercise too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Studies show exercising in the morning is the best if you are a morning person.

25. If you have tried all of these tips but still have problems, you may want to get your adrenals checked by your medical doctor. Adrenal stress causes insomnia.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

4 Great Ice Cream Tips

June 24, 2010

Warm weather is here and that means ICE CREAM!  I love ice cream just as much as everyone else so I wanted to give a few tips to watch calories if you want to indulge:

Tip 1:
Pick frozen yogurt instead of ice cream!  You still get the ice cream taste but with less calories.

Tip 2:
Avoid additional toppings. These add calories to your ice treat.  If you have to have a topping, pick sprinkles instead of peanut butter cups, cookies, brownies.

Tip 3:
Order fruit options like sorbet or sherbert.  These still have a high calorie content but lower fat.

Tip 4:
Order a cup of ice cream over a cone.  The cone is added calories and every calorie counts!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

What is the 80/20 rule?

June 14, 2010

The 80/20 Rule is pretty simple:

Eat healthy foods 80% of the week, and eat unhealthy foods for the last 20%.  Most people in the United States do the opposite.  20% unhealthy and 80% healthy.  This is why obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancers have increased.

A healthy diet should contain the following:

  1. Sufficient amounts of proteins (meat, fish, and eggs)
  2. Carbohydrates (bread, starch, pasta, rice)
  3. Fruits and Vegetables (these contain great vitamins and produce fiber
  4. Fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)

Drinking a lot of water is key too!  It keeps you full and our body consists mostly of water so if we lose water we need to add it back into our system.  There are plenty of diets out there that are good for you.  If you like fast food, there is the “dash diet”.  There are also plenty of guides for diabetes, high blood pressure and Gastrointestinal issues.

Good luck and happy eating!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Is there such a thing as “simple surgery”?

June 12, 2010

In my experience, I have had several people come into my practice with physiological problems who want a quick fix.  Instead of performing the work and research necessary to naturally help the problem, they opt to have a “simple surgery”.

How can surgery be simple is my question?  Though surgery at times is necessary, it is not always the right answer.

According to Wikipedia,  surgery involves “cutting of a patient’s tissues or closure of a previously sustained wound. Other procedures that do not necessarily fall under this rubric, such as angioplasty or endoscopy, may be considered surgery if they involve “common” surgical procedure or settings, such as use of a sterile environment, anesthesia, antiseptic conditions, typical surgical instruments, and suturing or stapling. All forms of surgery are considered invasive procedures; so-called “noninvasive surgery” usually refers to an excision that does not penetrate the structure being excised (e.g. laser ablation of the cornea) or to a radiosurgical procedure (e.g. irradiation of a tumor)”.

There can be irreversible damage caused by opening someone up and moving tissues around.  Surgery changes the structure sometimes for the better but in a high percentage of the time it does more damage and leaves scar tissue which may actually make the situation worse.  With that said, doesn’t it make sense to exhaust all other options before going under the knife or laser?  Unless it is an emergency,  there are so many options out there.  Don’t settle for a quick fix.

If you fall into the high percentage of patients that have failed surgeries,  you not only still have the problem but have an additional problem to boot!  In many cases, pharmaceuticals are added which then stresses your organs and have side effects.  Lets just say that one of the side effects is headaches.  Now you are taking one drug for the initial problem and another for the headaches.  The headache mediation may have a different side effect which you may need another prescription for.   See where this is going?

A great example of unnecessary surgeries is in the case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Symptoms can occur because of muscles pressing on the nerve along the arm, neck problems or bones shifting along the arm and hand.  Surgeons normally cut the Transverse Carpal Ligament at the wrist to “free up” the median nerve.  A large percentage of patients have the nerve blocked in the forearm or under the bicep.  Now the surgery has been performed on the wrist but that is not where the problem is occurring.   The patient still has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and has a wrist that doesn’t work properly because the ligament is cut in half.  I see a few patients with this problem and address the muscles and bones down the arm and hand and the symptoms go away.  No cutting, no drugs, just proper body function.

Like I stated above, there are times when surgery is needed, but make sure that you have tried other forms of alternative medicine to see if the problem can be solved naturally.  You may be surprised at the results!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

6 tips for managing Ankylosing Spondylitis

April 24, 2010

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (“AS”) is also known as Mari Struempell disease or Bechterew’s disease.  This is an inflammatory arthritis that results in fusion of the spine, pelvis and sacral joints.  It can affect other joints in the body as well.  Spondylitis is defined as inflammation of the joints of the body.   When AS forms on bones, it begins to grow more bone and eventually fuse the joints together causing pain, stiffness and decreased movement in the body.

Symptoms:

Joint pain in the low back is the most common symptom but may be ignored and called “growing pains” because signs and symptoms can occur at 15 years of age or younger.  Other symptoms are

1. Stiffness especially in the morning in the Sacroiliac joint and spine,
2. Aches in low back which interrupt sleep
3. Pain that goes down the legs and groin area
4. Pain in the morning, after waking up
5. Aches in buttock, neck, shoulders, hips and upper back
6. Weight loss and fatigue
7. Eye inflammation, heart, lung, nervous system, bowel dysfunction
8. An increase of the curve of the thoracic spine may occur.

What can be done to decrease the symptoms of AS?

A. Flexibility exercises to keep the muscles and tissues moving as much as possible.
B. Keep weight within normal limits to keep the strain off of the joints of the body
C. Avoid quick movements which may inflame the body
D. When pain and stiffness occur, use heat.
E. Swimming, yoga and pilates is the best exercise for AS
F. Omega 3 rich diet.

What can your doctor do to help with this problem?

1. X-rays can show fusion of the joints to confirm the diagnosis of AS
2. Assist with an exercise program to keep mobility and correct posture
3. Massage and muscle therapy included in the treatment plan to increase flexibility

Keeping proper movement and flexibility in your body can drastically decrease the affects of AS.  Chiropractic care that incorporates soft tissue work can keep you healthy and functioning at the highest level possible.

This was presented by Dr. Amie Gregory, D.C. of Precise Moves Chiropractic in San Carlos, CA

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Bicycle Safety Tips & Workshops

April 23, 2010

Summer is almost here, which means it is time to check your breaks, inflate your tires and lubricate your chain. You’ll be pulling out your bicycle helmet too, I’m sure, but what else can you do to keep yourself safe as the you ride this summer.

Well, here’s where you can find out!

Free Bicycle Safety Workshops at four Peninsula library branches and one community center. If you register before the workshop, you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card from a local bike shop.

  • East Palo Alto Library:
    Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Belmont Library:
    Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Colma Community Center:
    Wednesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 985-5690, or email brian.dossy@colma.ca.gov
  • Brisbane Library:
    Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Millbrae Library:
    Wednesday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org

The 90-minute workshop will include information on current traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers, Bike to Work Day 2010, bicycle maintenance, maps and safety booklets.  Visit
“Safe Bicycling in San Mateo County” for a practical guide in biking to work, or combining public transit and biking to work.
For more information, email: gina@commute.org

In the meantime, here are some great bicycle safety times.

1. Get a rear light. If you’re riding at night, use a flashing red rear light. Bike shops have red rear blink lights for less than $15. If you already have one, make sure the batteries are working!

2. Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle. High quality reflective gear that you can get at any bike shop  makes youmore visible, even in the day time. When you hear a car/truck approaching, straighten up to make your reflective gear more noticeable.

3. Choose wide streets. Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide enough that it can fit both a car and your bike side by side. That way a car may speed past you and avoid hitting you, even if they didn’t see you!

4. Choose slow streets. The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you.

5. Use back streets on weekends. Because some people still drink and drive, it’s safer to ride along neighborhood streets..

6. Get a mirror. Get a mirror and use it. If it looks like a car doesn’t see you, hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk. Mirrors cost $5-15.

7. Don’t hug the curb. Allow space between yourself and the curb so you have someplace to go to avoid getting hit. This also enables turning across or from your lane to better see you.

By admin | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Reasons for “Turf Toe”

April 21, 2010

What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is pain occurring at the base of the big toe.  Most commonly it happens where your big toe bends when you are walking or running.  Turf Toe happens after a after constant slamming of your toe down when running, jumping or walking.  This can be a repetitive injury that can keep re-occuring throughout life if a person does not learn how to prevent it.  This injury is frequently seen with athletes who play football, rugby, soccer, wrestling or any sport that promotes “pushing off” quickly with resistance.

Keeping the foot healthy and moving properly with the use of stiff sole Orthotics when necessary can prevent the symptom of Turf Toe.   It is common to have bracing during athletic performances to prevent excessive hyperextension of the toe.  This is fine but what about when we are not working out?

Chiropractic adjustments along with proper Orthotics can prevent Turf Toe.  Jamming your foot into the ground constantly will jam up the foot joints making it impossible for your foot to function the way it is supposed to.  We will Make sure that all 26 bones in the foot are moving properly.  This will make sure that there is not any added pressure to the big toe and prevent chronic flare ups from occurring.

If you have this problem, please call our office today for a consultation!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , | Comments (0)