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V )
M
a r t in
2012
L u t h e r K in g J r .
January II. 2012
special ed ition
Estimated 200 Million Use Illegal Drugs
dependence while also bringing spe­
cific threats of catching HIV and
hepatitis by sharing needles.
All three types of drugs seem to
be associated with higher rates of
mental disorders, road accidents and
violence, although inform ation
about this is often sketchy.
The estimate is based on data
from the UN Office on Drugs and
Crime, from national surveys and
peer-reviewed studies into the im­
pact of drug use.
Ecstasy, LSD, non-medical use
of prescription drugs and anabolic
steroids were not included in the
estimate.
About 200 million people around
the world use illicit drugs, accord­
ing to a study published on Friday
in The Lancet.
Cannabis users comprised be­
tween 125 and 203 million; users of
opioids ( heroin and morphine), am­
phetamines or cocaine totaled 15 to
39 million; and those who injected
drugs numbered between 11 and 21
million.
Drug use is more prevalent in rich
economies, in drug-producing re­
gions of poor countries, and is often
a major health burden, the paper
adds.
The report said cannabis use is
associated with dependence and
mental disorders, including psycho­
ses, but does not seem to substan­
tially increase mortality. Illicit opioid
use was listed as a major cause of
mortality from fatal overdose and
A man smokes a j'o/nf. About
200 million people around the
world use illicit drugs, accord­
ing to a study published on
Friday in The Lancet.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
For Your Health
Dr. Billy R. Flowers (above center) and his skilled staff are ready to help those in need.
___________ THE______________
SPINACOLUMN
An ongoing series of questions and answers about Americas natural healing profession.
Part 18. Chiropractic And Prevention:
Life doesn’t have to be a series o f emergencies anymore
: It seems that I am always not work properly either. People ter. And you’d be amazed at the
sick. I do what my doctor who have regular Chiropractic energy you have with preventive
checkups report that they get fewer Chiropractic checkups. If y o u ’d
says but if anything my colds and
flu attacks are getting worse. What colds and influenza. They keep the like to trade in your colds for a
stress off their nervous systems. bounce in your step, call us for
do you think?
A : Constant colds and influ- Keeping irritation off the nervous an appointm ent today. It could
i 1 enza indicate that the immune system also helps you avoid morn­ be the healthiest call you have
system (and the body in general) ing backache and head-aches and ever made. Isn’t time you stepped
is highly stressed. Did you know allows you to cope with stress bet­ up to C hiropractic?
that recently leading scientists
have discovered that the entire
immune system is an out-growth
2124N.EHancockStreet, Portland Oregon97212
of the nervous system? If you
nervous system is stressed and
Phone: (3 0 3 ) 2 8 7 *3 3 0 4
irritated, the immune system can-
Q
Flowers' Chiropractic Office
For some women, the thought of
labor and delivery causes a lot of
anxiety. However, preparing men­
tally and physically early in preg­
nancy can help you have a smoother
delivery.
Many women choose a child­
birth partner. This person can be a
spouse, partner, friend, or relative
who can provide support through
your pregnancy, labor, and deliv­
ery.
He or she can accompany you to
prenatal visits and childbirth classes.
You can practice breathing or relax­
ation exercises together, and on
delivery day, your partner can coach
you through contractions and help
carry out what you’ve learned in
your classes.
Some women also choose to have
a doula, or professional labor assis­
tant. Doulas support both women
and their childbirth partners and
can take some of the pressure off
during a long labor.
Childbirth education classes help
prepare women for what to expect in
labor and delivery. The techniques
taught in popular classes, such as
Lamaze, Bradley, and Read, can vary,
but the idea is the same— that fear
and tension make pain worse. They
aim to relieve pain through educa­
tion, emotional support, relaxation
techniques, and touch. Your doctor
can give you information on the
different types of classes available.
During childbirth classes, you
will learn about a number of differ­
ent ways to approach labor and
delivery. Topics that may be ad­
by D r . J ames
N. M artin J r .
dressed include having a natural
childbirth vs. using pain relief medi­
cation during labor, episiotomy,
breastfeeding after delivery, and
who will be in the delivery room.
If you choose to work with a
midwife, the American Congress of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
recommends using a certified nurse-
midwifeorcertifiedmidwife. Unlike
lay midwives, they are accredited,
have passed a national certification
exam, and are trained professionals.
They work with qualified doctors to
care for women and their babies
through early pregnancy, labor,
delivery, and the weeks after birth.
Women must also consider where
they will deliver. It is important to be
in a setting where trained emergency
medical staff are available in case
any c o m p lic a tio n s a rise th at
threaten the life or health of the
mother or baby. Therefore, it’s rec­
ommended that all births take place
in a hospital setting or a birthing
center within a hospital complex.
Discussing these details before­
hand can ease confusion at the time
of your delivery. Y ou can make a list
of options that appeal to you and
share them with your doctor for
review. He or she can let you know
if your preferences conflict with
hospital policy.
Dr. James N. Martin Jr. is presi­
dent o f the American Congress o f
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.