The above headline comes from the online June 10, and print June 18, 2007 issues of the US News and World Report. The article by Adam Voiland points out that the removal of trans fats from our food source may be a good thing, but we need to be aware of what may be taking it’s place. The issue, according to the article is that in certain cases trans fats are being replaced by saturated fats thus negating any health benefits.

Trans fats are found primarily in foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, whose texture and longer shelf-life make them attractive to food processors. However experts now agree that trans fats are linked to increases in the risk of heart disease and possibly the risk of sudden cardiac death and diabetes. Even the Pan American Health Organization, a regional arm of the United Nations World Health Organization, has called for the elimination of industrial trans fats from food supplies throughout the Americas in order to prevent heart attacks.

Dr. Robert Eckel, immediate past president of the American Heart Association, states, “People know trans fats are not good for them. But they do not understand that replacing them with saturated fat is not a good option.”

The list of companies giving up trans fats is impressive and includes, McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Starbucks, Ruby Tuesday, and Frito-Lay among others. In some cases replacement fats such as canola and sunflower oils are being used. However, the article points out that many manufacturers are trying to maintain flavor by using less healthy oils such as palm oil, palm kernel oil or butter. As the article describes it, these unhealthy choices increase the intake of saturated fats well beyond the recommended amount safe for daily consumption.
The author of the article notes that many types of food and baked goods are trying to reduce trans-fats while keeping saturated fats to a minimum. In some cases, such as baked goods this is not quite as simple without a sacrifice in the flavor and texture of some common foods. Some experiments using fully hydrogenated oils (as opposed to partially hydrogenating oil previously used) have shown not to produce trans fats but may instead increase stearic acid which is a saturated fat.

Article Courtesy of chiropracticresearch.org

The above headline comes from a March 15, 2007 PRNewswire and USNewswire release. The original release from the American Chiropractic Association expresses safety concerns both for the children who use them and others who must dodge children skating in crowded shopping centers and parks.

These sneakers, commonly known as Heelys® are very popular but have been banned in many public places such as stores and malls.

Dr. Steven Conway a Doctor of Chiropractic in Athens, Wisconsin commented in the release, “Parents should be concerned about Heelys® and other wheeled sneakers because of the potential for head, wrist, elbow and ankle injuries due to falls, as well as the possibility of injuries due to altered gait patterns.” He continued to explain, “When wearing the shoes on a surface that isn’t skatable, children must walk on their toes. This altered gait forces their posture into unnatural positions, and if worn regularly for walking, this could potentially cause strain on growing bodies, especially in the foot, ankle and lower back.”

The release also noted that when children are skating with these shoes they place all their weight on their heels which could potentially create another set of issues.
In the article the American Chiropractic Association offered some safety tips when wearing Heelys® and other brands of wheeled shoes. These recommendations include:

• Always wear the proper safety equipment including helmets, wrist guards and protective pads.
• Use the shoes for recreation only — not for regular wear — and always remove the wheels when walking in the sneakers.
• Do not allow children to wear the shoes in crowded malls, near busy streets or other areas where collisions with other pedestrians — or worse yet, automobiles – could occur. Urge children to be aware of their surroundings and mindful of fellow pedestrians.
• Remind children to be aware of how their bodies feel. Pain is the first sign of a problem.

Article Courtesy of chiropracticresearch.org