June 2004 [Volume 3, Issue 6]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Warning: Antidepressants Can Be Harmful to Children
• Have You Had Your Yoga Today?
• This Month's Massage Q & A

In today's competitive world, children and adolescents are under enormous pressure to make the grade, make the team, and just plain make it happen. Such pressure can manifest itself in depression, which is often treated with antidepressants; however, a new study shows that antidepressant use by children could have adverse side-effects, including suicidal tendencies.

Researchers reviewed several published trials of newer antidepressants and their affects on children. A study of paroxetine revealed that 11.8 percent of children in the drug group experienced a serious adverse event and seven were admitted to a hospital during treatment. In a trial of sertraline, more than three times as many children in the drug group withdrew because of adverse effects compared to the placebo group. And a study of fluoxetine showed that depression scores of children in the placebo group improved by at least 70 percent compared to the drug group.

Additionally, other studies have shown that children or teenagers taking antidepressants are more likely to become suicidal, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to request the manufacturers of 10 popular antidepressants to issue warnings about possible suicide, and worsening depression, anxiety, and panic attacks in adults and children.

If you suspect your child suffers from depression, make sure you thoroughly research all available treatment options with your doctor, including more holistic approaches such as massage therapy, meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy - all of which have shown to reduce depression. To learn more about the benefits of massage, visit www.massagetoday.com.

Source: Devitt, Michael. "Antidepressants and children: a dangerous combination." Dynamic Chiropractic. June 3,2004. www.chiroweb.com/archives/22/12/05.html.

Hatha. Bikram. Iyengar. Ananda. No matter your level of fitness, age or experience, there is a practice of yoga for everyone. And as the yoga craze continues to sweep the country, adaptations of the age-old practice, including power, disco, toddler and prenatal yoga, continue to emerge.

A study titled "Yoga in America" released by the Yoga Journal last summer shows that 15 million Americans practice yoga, an increase of almost 30 percent from 2002. So, what is it about the ancient practice that has evolved into a way of life? According to John Abbott, president and CEO of Yoga Journal, in these uncertain times, "...people turn to yoga to help them cope with a changing world."

The benefits of yoga are numerous and can help relieve everything from allergies and asthma, to stress and anxiety. And for maximum health benefits, combine regular massage treatments with a consistent yoga practice.

Visit www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt for more information about the benefits of massage therapy.

Source: Press release. "Yoga Journal releases first comprehensive study of the yoga market." June 16, 2003. Yoga Journal. www.yogajournal.com.

Question: Is it alright to have a massage if you have diabetes?

Answer: Yes, you can. I have treated several diabetic patients in my practice of 10 years.

Question: I suffer from episodic cluster headaches -- a more severe cousin of the migraine. I've been seeing a neurologist for about 10 years, and have taken different medications to prevent and/or stop them. I worry about the side-effects and try to avoid medications whenever possible, which can be difficult. I've been curious about alternative treatments. Would massage be helpful and if so, what kind?

Answer: I would definitely try alternative treatments for your condition. Because most people with your condition are sensitive, I suggest you begin with a therapist that practices a gentle technique, such as CranioSacral Therapy, as well as specializes in treating headaches. To find a skilled CranioSacral Therapist, visit www.upledger.com.

Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. The forum is located online at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.

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