UPFRONT | News Nova Scotia to develop dementia strategy GERIATRIC Study sparks call for drug-free approach to pregnancy care Responding to a recent study published in the Jour-nal of American Medical As-sociation (JAMA) Pediatrics on acetaminophen use dur-ing pregnancy, the Founda-tion for Chiropractic Pro-gress (F4CP) is advocating for a low-risk, drug-free al-ternative, such as chiroprac-tic care, for pain relief – par-ticularly among pregnant women. The JAMA study found that the use of acetami-nophen for pain relief during pregnancy may be associ-ated with a higher risk of hyper kinetic disorders (HKDs) and ADHD-like behaviors in children. The F4CP says offering pregnant women a low-risk and drug-free alternative, such as chi-ropractic care, can relieve pain and improve the health of expectant mothers and their developing babies. “Because risks associated with medications are magni-fied during pregnancy, ex-perts are advising expectant mother s to look for non-pharmacological ways to deal with pain,” said Dr. Gerard Clum, spokesperson for F4CP, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care. “Doctors of chiropractic receive a minimum of seven years of education to clini-cally evaluate patients and provide gentle, hands-on manual and instrument care, as well as nutrition, ergonomics and exercise advice – all fundamental contributors to a healthy pregnancy and lifestyle.” According to the JAMA report, children whose mothers used acetami-nophen were: • 13 per cent more likely to show ADHD-like behaviors • 37 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with HKD • 29 per cent more likely to be prescribed ADHD medications In a subsequent article in USA Today , experts also ad-vised against substituting the use of acetaminophen with ibuprofen and other non-ste-roidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they may disrupt fetal develop-ment and cause further problems. “Added stress to the body, weight gain and postural changes often cause relent-less discomfort for expectant mothers,” said Clum. “Con-servative options, such as chiropractic, can improve structural balance and help with conditions such as headaches, neck and back pain – and all too common during pregnancy.” The F4CP urges health-care providers and patients to consider drug-free treat-ment approaches. “As evidence continues to expose the dangers con-nected to the use of aceta-minophen and other NSAIDs, especially during pregnancy, it becomes evi-dent that pharmaceuticals should not be a primary option,” said Clum. “Natu-ral approaches – such as chiropractic care – should be the first choice for achieving better health throughout all stages of life, including pregnancy.” HEALTH The Nova Scotia government has appointed a 17-member com-mittee to develop the province’s first strategy to improve treat-ment and care for people with dementia. Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine said the members include someone living with de-mentia, a family caregiver and health-care professionals. The committee is led by Lloyd Brown, head of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, and Ruby Knowles, executive director of continuing care a t the Department of Health. The government announced plans for the strategy in January, saying it should be ready by next spring. The goals of the strategy are to improve access to services, provide support for caregivers and ensure people with demen-tia can remain independent for as long as possible. The government said Nova Scotia has the oldest population per capita in the country with 17 per cent of its citizens 65 or older. -The Canadian Press 12 Canadian Chiropractor June 2014 www.canadianchiropractor.ca
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