Archive for the ‘chiropractic’ Category
Spring Is In The Air!
Aah, Springtime! The fragrance of daffodils, lilacs, and hyacinth fills the air. However, for some people it's "Achoo!" Springtime because, unfortunately, along with the lovely fragrance of spring blooms comes pollen and other materials that ride on the sweet air currents as well! Seasonal allergies can make your everyday life miserable. Rather than relaxation, a walk in the park can produce itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, or even a skin rash.
Fortunately, if you're one of those people whose immune system virtually "freaks out" when spring is in the air, chiropractic treatment may help to relieve your allergy symptoms. How?
Well, even though chiropractic care doesn't actually treat allergies, per se, chiropractic manipulation affects the entire nervous system, including the autoimmune system, which is the source of your allergic responses. When the detritus of spring floats your way, your autoimmune system, whose task it is to help you to adapt and respond appropriately to your environment, becomes overactive. Since chiropractic adjustments can lessen or even completely eliminate disturbances in the nervous system and bring back balance and harmony to the whole body, along with a variety of healthy corrections, chiropractic adjustments provide homeostasis to the autoimmune system as well. A healthy immune system responds appropriately to so-called allergens in the environment, including pollen.
So, if you want to get back into harmony with birds and the bees and the flowers and trees, give your chiropractor a call. Springtime should be nothing to sneeze at!
Drugs…Just in Case?
Chiropractic Masters Blog Talk Radio
A Lot More Than You May Think Depends On Your Health
ENJOY A MORE SATISFYING SEX LIFE! Okay, now that I’ve gotten your attention, let’s talk about your health. As a chiropractor I advise my patients everyday about the need to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially as they age. An individual’s “invincible” 20s give way to a few health challenges in their 30s, and then almost exponentially an unhealthy lifestyle starts showing up frequently in the organ and musculoskeletal systems of the body. But, even given an armful of reasons to get and stay healthy, a lot of people still continue along the slippery slope of bad health choices. So, here’s a reason that will, no doubt, be put on the top of the heap, for getting and staying healthy: A new study making “breaking news” today shows that people who are in good health are nearly twice as likely to be interested in sex in middle and older age and also more likely to report having a busy and satisfying sex life.
Sexual activity has long been associated with health benefits and longevity, but these reseachers say that this is the first study to look at how general health affects the quality of sex as people age and to calculate what they call a person’s “sexually-active life expectancy.”
The researchers gathered information from more than 6,000 men and women in midlife and later life. The researchers estimated that at age 55, the average sexually active life expectancy is 15 years for men and 10.6 years for women. But, here’s the kicker. Researcher Stacy Tessler Lindau, an associate professor at the University of Chicago wrote in the journal BMJ, “Although the period is longer for men, they lose more years of sexually-active life as a result of poor health than women.”
The study found both men and women in very good health were 1.5 to 1.8 times more likely to report an interest in sex than those in poorer health. And, among those who were sexually active, good health was not only associated with more frequent sex (once or more weekly) in men, but with a good-quality sex life in men and women.
So, if you haven’t been interested in developing a healthy lifestyle, but you’re still interested in a healthy sex life, you may want to reevaluate your current diet, increase the amount of exercise you get on a regular basis, learn to deal effectively with your life stresses, and start drinking plenty of water every day. Because now you have one more good reason to get healthy and stay that way.
When It Comes to Reducing Arthritis Pain, There Are Natural Alternatives That Can Help
As a chiropractor, I know from experience that chiropractic treatment can help to reduce the pain experienced by many arthritis sufferers. Getting the musculoskeletal system in good alignment and helping to increase mobility in arthritic joints can do wonders to decrease an arthritis sufferer’s current pain and also to help to slow the degenerative changes that may add to future arthritic problems. In addition to chiropractic treatment, there are other alternative, drug free approaches that can help to reduce inflammation, neutralize free radicals, and sustain bone mass. Below is an article I just read on Current Arthritis News and Research that I found extremely useful. I think that you will too. Read on…
Many arthritis sufferers have tried unusual and rather nasty ‘cures’ for their disease like enduring bee-stings or covering themselves in cow-manure. The benefits must have been rather less spectacular than the cures or else everyone else would have done the same.
One arthritis cure suggests that half a glass of raw potato juice followed by chewing two or three juniper berries will do the trick! While this may be so, many doctors and scientists researching arthritis have studied the benefits of taking nutritional substances like vitamins. In fact, studies have shown that people with arthritis are mostly deficient in the B group of vitamins, though whether this is due to the disease or to the fact that taking aspirin depletes the body’s stores of this vitamin is not clear.
Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.
Osteoarthritis can cause thinning of the bones, and so can prednisone, often given to treat it. It makes sense then to increase the amount of Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are bone-builders. As far back as 1974, British scientists found that lack of vitamin D contributed to bone fractures in the elderly with arthritis. Lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet both contributed to the lack. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 400 IU or 600 IU if for those over the age of 60. A daily dose of 1200 IU is the limit as this vitamin is toxic if too much is taken.
Vitamin E is also an antioxidant; working in a similar way to vitamin C. Studies in Germany have proven that it can help to reduce pain. Good sources of this vitamin can be found in wheat germ, sunflower seed, corn oil, legumes and whole grains.
While some people swear by the arthritis cure that their copper bracelet brought, there is no scientific link to copper as being an aid to arthritis. In fact the opposite is true. Those with RA often have higher levels of copper in their blood. Too much copper can make you sick.
Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.
Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.
Even We “Non-Olympians” Can Push the Boundaries of Our Human Potential
As a chiropractor I am always interested in new ways to get my patients to move their bodies more. When we’re run, dance, play a sport, and exercise in our life, we will stay active for many years than those who choose to be sedentary observers. As they say, “Life is not a spectator sport.” So, it would seem that if anyone could inspire physical action and mental focus, it is an Olympic athlete. I just read some excellent tips provided on the Medical News Today website that I think you will find interesting as well, “Six Things We Can Learn From Olympians.” You can learn about those six things on the link provided, but here’s a “teaser” that, hopefully, will get you interested enough to make the “click.” It’s well worth the read.
Olympic athletes inspire us with their fierce discipline and natural talent as they smash records, going higher, further and faster. Their can-do spirit encourages us all to take on new challenges. Whether your goal is to complete your first marathon, improve your golf game or compete in a triathlon competition, there are lessons to be learned from the best of the best. “The Olympics symbolize the chance for all of us to push the boundaries of human potential,” said Chris Sebelski, assistant professor of physical therapy at Saint Louis University. “As I tell my students, if you want to compete at a high level, mimic the strategies of those at the top.” Read on…"Wellness" Is a Deep Subject
I just read an excellent article that I want to pass along to you:
A life of wellness… or not?
By Gilles Lamarche, DC
The term wellness has been utilized within the chiropractic profession for decades.
Now, when you look around, you will notice it being utilized in so many other industries, as well.
What is the definition of wellness? You hear it in the news, you read it on billboards, you see it on commercial signs, people talk about it in social settings and at work, but interestingly enough, there is no universally accepted definition.
You would think that the definition would certainly relate to health. The definition of health as described by The World Health Organization (WHO) is as follows:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”1 This definition has not been amended since 1948.
If this is the case, then why are we such a sick society? Why have most healthcare practitioners not embraced the definition and what can you as a chiropractor do to help humanity discover improved health and well-being?
The goal is to get you to embrace this concept and serve your patients so they will get the “big idea.”
The WHO definition embraces total health, which can also be referred to as wellness — which in most circles is a tough word to define.
Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University gives this definition: “Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality-of-life and a sense of well-being.”
This is not much different than the definition written by WHO 60 years ago. Even though the words may be different, the concept is not. Wellness is an ongoing and active process of becoming aware and making consistent wise choices toward a more successful and fulfilling life.
If you break that down it means:
• Process shows that improvement is possible;.
• Awareness means we are seeking information on how to improve;
• Choice refers to having options, and our capacity to select options in our best interest; and
• Success is determined by each person. In the context of health, most would consider success to be related to the capacity of living a fulfilled life based on each individual’s expectations — living a life filled with joy, vitality, energy, and an overall sense of accomplishment.
The most commonly described subdimensions of wellness include: physical, mental, spiritual, social, occupational, financial, emotional, and family well-being.
Physical, mental, and spiritual well-being relate directly to the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic. Since subluxations can be caused by physical, chemical, or emotional stresses, it makes sense to communicate a clear and consistent message relating to the appropriateness and effectiveness of chiropractic care in order to improve the health of the nation.(Read more at: chiroeco.com)
No Evidence that Chiropractic Causes Stroke According to Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation
Amidst a great deal of emotion and rhetoric coming out of Connecticut this week regarding the stroke issue The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation has just released a very clear position statement on the issue of chiropractic and strokes. Atlanta, GA, January 07, 2010 –(PR.com)– According to the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation there is no human experimental evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations are causally related to strokes. “While plaintiff’s attorneys and expert witness make claims and statements contending that such a causative link exists, the fact remains that these are based largely on anecdotes, case reports, and case controlled studies and cannot be used to prove causation” stated Foundation President Christopher Kent DC, JD a chiropractic researcher and attorney. According to researchers and the scientific method itself there are all sorts of biases and distortions that effect conclusions drawn from such studies and other criteria must be used to determine whether such a link exists. “What this boils down to is a simple lack of understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology” stated Foundation Vice President Matthew McCoy DC, MPH, a chiropractic researcher and public health expert. “Words like ‘association’ and ‘causation’ and ‘risk’ have very specific meanings when it comes to their use in epidemiology and it’s clear that laypersons involved in this debate are using these terms inappropriately.” While the experience of a stroke can be devastating and no one would suggest ignoring the concerns of those who have suffered one, the reality is that when it comes to the contention that chiropractic causes strokes – the evidence just isn’t there. And while the strokes these people have experienced are indeed real, McCoy suggests there are often other issues involved and offered an example. “Millions of people visit a dentist every year and a certain number of those same people get into car accidents on their way home. If we were to run the stats on it we might find that there is a statistical association between visiting a dentist and getting into a car accident on the way home. But no one would even consider suggesting that the dentists are causing the car accidents.” Self described chiropractic stroke victims say there is a risk and that people should be advised about it prior to undergoing chiropractic care. The majority of chiropractors would agree that patients should be informed of the risks, benefits and alternatives of any health care intervention, but according to Dr. Kent “Such informed consent must be based on appropriate information and since there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic adjustments or neck manipulations actually cause strokes, it is inappropriate to require a doctor to suggest that such a risk exists.” Dr. McCoy added another often overlooked issue “Chiropractors utilize a number of techniques to address joint dysfunction and vertebral subluxation and in fact there are over 300 named chiropractic techniques and many do not employ the type of manipulation that has been alleged to be a factor in vertebrobasilar accidents. This adds to the inappropriate nature of such a disclosure.” In the end, chiropractic has an impressive safety record compared to traditional medical care with estimates are that anywhere from 100,000 (Institute of medicine) to 750,000 (Null et al) people die every year from medical care. In comparison, other than some minor soreness following chiropractic treatment, research has shown chiropractic to be very safe
Selling Food to Kids
() Have you watched Saturday morning cartoons with your kids recently? Do you notice how many advertisements are directed towards children? A July 2008 report by the Federal Trade Commission stated that the food industry spent over $1.6 billion dollars on marketing to kids. According to Marion Nestle, author of Food Politics, this number is probably underestimated. Last week the Federal Trade Commission held a public forum on marketing to children. The Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Foods Marketed to Children, brings together the FTC, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, the Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Drug Administration. It has has been charged with developing recommended nutritional standards for consumers under the age of 17 by July, 2010. While this may sound like a step in right direction, according to Nestle, these standards are voluntary, and it’s quite unlikely the industry will do what it promises.
Years of the industry’s “self-regulation” has not worked. We have seen an increase in childhood obesity and the rates of diabetes among young people are rising as well. The food industry can use front of package marketing suggesting that foods are a great source of fiber, calcium, folic acid, vitamins and minerals, etc. without mandatory regulation. As long as cartoon characters and prizes are included in the marketing of foods kids will continue to ask parents for them.
What do you think about the governments attempts to regulate the food industry?
For more information visit Marion Nestle’s website about Food Politics.
How to Avoid Winter Snow-Shoveling Injuries
If you live where it snows or if you’re planning to following the “chill” until you find a snowy scene for the holidays, here’s a little advice from the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
Every winter, millions of Americans grab their shovels and start digging their way out of the snow and into pain. Shoveling snow improperly can lead to potential spasms, strains, and aches. When shoveling snow, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress suggests the following tips to maintain overall health:
- Always stretch and warm-up before shoveling
- Wear extra layers to maintain muscle warmth and flexibility
- Avoid sudden twisting and turning motions
- Limit the amount of weight lifted per load
- Bend your knees, not your back
– Take frequent breaks to avoid body fatigue
If you happen to experience discomfort or pain as a result of shoveling snow, please contact your local chiropractor.
To find out more information please visit the Foundation at www.yes2chiropractic.org or call 866-901-3427