Kusnierz vs. Economical Mutual Insurance Company - Appeal

Legal Decision

Kusnierz v. The Economical Mutual Insurance - Appeal  23 Dec 2011

BENEFITS OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

          By Dr. Michael Caterer, B. Kin, DC      

One of the most popular minerals in the news today is calcium, needed for strong bones and teeth. We are told to take increased amounts in our diet as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis and eliminate muscle cramping during menstruation or from over-exercising. Yet, calcium alone is often not enough given the importance of another mineral, magnesium, crucial in the absorption of calcium.  Without magnesium, calcium may be not fully utilized, and under absorption problems may occur leading to arthritis, osteoporosis, menstrual cramps, and some premenstrual symptoms.

Perhaps the single most significant reason calcium malabsorption is so common today is due to a discrepancy between what we eat and how we digest  and absorb the  nutrients  in our food.  When  we   look back at our ancestors diets, our ancestors ate foods high in magnesium and low in calcium.   Because calcium supplies were scarce and the need for this vital mineral was great, it was effectively stored by the body. Magnesium, on the other hand, was abundant and readily available, in the form of nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables, and did not need to be stored internally.

Our bodies still retain calcium and not magnesium although we tend to eat much more dairy than our ancestors. In addition, our sugar and alcohol consumption is higher than theirs, and both sugar and alcohol increase magnesium excretion through the urine. Our grains, originally high in magnesium, have been refined, which means that the nutrient is lost in the refining process. The quality of our soil has deteriorated as well, due to the use of fertilizers that contain large amounts of potassium a magnesium antagonist. This results in foods lower in magnesium than ever before.

The current RDA for calcium is 1000 mg. The RDA for magnesium is 300 mg. Clients are generally recommended to take up to 1000 mg of calcium and 400-500 mg of magnesium twice a day for leg cramps. It may take up to 12 weeks to get optimum results. If you have problems with kidney stones, consult with your doctor before taking any calcium supplements.

The best form of calcium is calcium citrate- it is much better absorbed than other forms of calcium. The best form of magnesium is magnesium aspartate; magnesium malate or citrate are also good choices. Calcium and magnesium supplements should be taken between meals for best absorption. Taking 250-500 mg of vitamin C along with the minerals will increase absorption as well.  

Include lots of foods that are high in calcium and magnesium in your diet. Calcium rich foods include kelp, dairy products, leafy green vegetables and nuts and seeds. Magnesium rich foods include kelp, wheat germ, nuts, molasses and tofu.

Be sure to avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, and excess protein, sugar and sodium, as these all increase calcium excretion from the body. Medications like aluminum containing antacids and diuretics can also deplete calcium and magnesium in the body.

Dr. Michael Caterer, DC is an evaluator at IME Plus Evaluations Ltd. He  is a licensed chiropractor certified with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, associate member  of the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators and certified by the American Board of Forensic Professionals in Impairment and Disability Rating. In addition, he is a certified FCE and In-Home evaluator.  Dr. Caterer is currently completing the residency program in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

 


  

WP Magazine October 2011 Article

Vocational Evaluations:  A Current Perspective A Comprehensive Approach

One of the most difficult and personally devastating consequences of any accident and subsequent impairment is one's inability to function within their pre-accident occupation or line of work; and there are inherent challenges that accompany displacement and prospective reintegration in the workforce.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

IME Plus GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

IME Plus and our employees believe that supporting the communities in which we live, work and serve is an integral part of who we are.  This commitment is demonstrated with the support of several charitable organizations that we are passionate about.

As part of this commitment, IME Plus  participated in the Trillium Health Centre Foundation’s 2^nd Annual Ride of Hearts on September 10, 2011. We were very pleased and proud to contribute to this incredible cause!

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

By Dr. John R. Pikula,                                   

BSc, DC, DACBR,

FCCR(C), MSc, FCCS(C),

DACBN, FACO, FCCO(C)

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them – these are obtained through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least twice a week. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.  Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function.  Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.  Clinical evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but omega-3 fatty acids may also be used for:  high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, some skin disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, macular degeneration, menstrual pain, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer.  Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken in the form of fish oil capsules. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, fish and krill oils should be kept refrigerated. Be sure to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should  be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.  If you are currently being treated with any of the  Following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplement, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), without first talking to your health care provider: 

• Blood-thinning medications
• Diabetes medications: These drugs include:  Glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL), Glyburide (Micronase or Diabeta), Metformin (Glucophage), Insulin

Beneficial interactions have been reported with the following medications:

• Cyclosporine
• Etretinate and topical steroids
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Dr. John R. Pikula is a chiropractic evaluator for IME Plus Evaluations Ltd.  He is a licensed chiropractor  and  a Fellow of the Chiropractic College of Radiologists, Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sciences, Fellow of the Chiropractic College of Orthopedists, and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists.  He holds specialty certifications in the disciplines of Radiology, Clinical Sciences, Nutrition, and Orthopedics. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and is on the editorial board of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.  He is also an executive board member for the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators and for the Chiropractic College of Orthopedists. 

WP Magazine November 2010 Article

Analysis and Optimal Management for Low Back Pain and Spinal Instability

"Low back pain remains one of the most common disorders for which patients seek health care from family physicians or other primary health care providers.  In fact, current literature cites that 60-80% of individuals in the general population will experience at least one episode of low back pain in their lifetime; 40% of those will have a recurrence within six months, and 50% will have a recurrence within three years."  Click Here to Read the Article

Kusnierz v The Economical Mutual Insurance Co.

Legal Decision

Kusnierz v The Economical Mutual Insurance Co. - Oct 19, 2010