Duncan Chiropractic Group

"Text Neck" What Is It And How To Avoid It

2011-12-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

The older you get, the more you realize there are pros and cons to everything. Even all the amazing new technology we have these days is no exception. For example, there is a new condition called "text neck" and it is said to be on the rise due to the amount of time people spend hunched over their cell phones, tablets and computer screens.
Experts say cases of this repetitive strain injury are on the rise as smart phones and tablet computers (such as the iPad) become increasingly popular.In severe cases, the muscles can eventually adapt to fit the flexed position, making it painful to straighten the neck out properly.This can be serious because long-term effects of such postural changes are believed to cause neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain and even arthritis, later in life.
"Imagine sitting on your ankle sideways for 10 minutes. It would feel stiff and sore when you returned it to its natural position. That is exactly what people are doing with their necks. If people continue to put their necks in these positions, the body will gradually adapt to the stresses,"
added one Chiropractor who sees text neck patients regularly. One of the best ways to avoid "text neck" is to simply move. Don't stay in any one position too long.Tuck your chin and bend your neck to the back and to the front, then side-to-side and circles, as long as this does not cause any pain.
And don't forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We're here to help and don't enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

Tip of the Month

2011-12-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

Do You Suffer With Migraines?
What Research Says About Chiropractic
Versus Popular Drug Treatments...

Although most headaches are not life threatening, they can negatively affect your quality of life. In severe cases, a headache is debilitating. Headaches have a wide range of causes, including infection, hangovers from alcohol consumption, fasting, and even serious conditions, such as brain tumors and strokes.

The most common headaches include tension and migraine, which are associated with nervous system disorders. More than 90% of the U.S. population will experience some type of headache. 28 million Americans, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men, experience migraine headaches. In a migraine headache, the artery on the outside of the skull under the skin of the temple (temporal artery) enlarges. As this process occurs, nerves that surround the artery stretch and release chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. The larger the artery gets, the greater the pain.

Most people know Chiropractic care can be beneficial for tension/cervicogenic headaches. But, can Chiropractic care help migraines too? Here's what research dating all the way back to 1998 says... The study, published in the Journal Of Manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics, compared amitriptyline (a medication), spinal manipulation, and the combination of both therapies. There was a 4 week baseline period, followed by 8 weeks of treatment and then 4 weeks of follow-up on a total of 218 patients diagnosed with migraine headaches.

RESULTS: "Clinically important improvement was observed in both primary and secondary outcomes in all three study groups over time. The reduction in headache index scores during treatment compared with baseline was 49% for amitriptyline, 40% for spinal manipulation, and 41% for the combined group. During the post-treatment follow-up period, the reduction from baseline was 24% for amitriptyline, 42% for spinal manipulation, and 25% for the combined group."

CONCLUSION: "There was no advantage to combining amitriptyline and spinal manipulation for the treatment of migraine headaches. Spinal manipulation seemed to be as effective as a well-established and efficacious treatment (amitriptyline). And on the basis of a benign side effects profile, it should be considered a treatment option for patients with frequent migraine headaches."

Did You Know?

2011-12-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

Citrus fruits contain a vast array of phytonutrients that are just now being respected for their extraordinary health value. Fruits and vegetables have been renowned for years for providing essential nutrients like Vitamin C. There is a group of bioactive flavonoids that enhance the effects of Vitamin C and provide a powerful defense against oxidative stress. Bioactive flavonoids, Vitamin P, are found in living fruits and vegetables. The various bioflavonoids found in citrus include hesperidin, quercetin, diosmin, naringin and rutin, among others. These phytonutrients are vital for the proper absorption of Vitamin C. Many Vitamin C supplements consist of synthetically derived ascorbic acid. This is virtually ineffective. Without the natural citrus bioflavonoids, ascorbic acid is easily oxidized. This is why whole food nutrition is so much better than synthetically derived supplements.

Studies show citrus bioflavonoids effect capillary permeability and blood flow due to the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of these phytonutrients. This is especially important for oxygenating tissues and maintaining normal blood pressure. They reduce swelling, venous backup, and edema... and also improve respiration in the lungs.

The best sources of citrus bioflavonoids are lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines. They are in their most potent form when they are picked off the tree in their full ripeness. The longer they are off of the tree, the more nutrient value they lose. Once peeled, citrus fruit begin to oxidize and within days can lose a significant portion of their anti-oxidant value.

Enhance Your Citrus BioFlavonoid Consumption: Do not throw away squeezed lemon... eat the pulp and membrane first. If the peel is organic, you can shred it into a lemon zest and apply it to meat, salads, etc. Avoid orange & grapefruit juices, due to the high sugar and instead eat the whole fruit which contains fibers and significantly more bioflavonoids.

Health Update: Neck Pain

2011-12-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Neck and Headache Connection

When we hear the term headache, we don't usually think about the neck. Rather, we focus on the head, more specifically, "...what part of the head hurts?" But, upon careful questioning of patients, we usually find some connection or correlation between neck pain and headaches.
The key to this connection can be found in looking at the anatomy of the neck. There are 7 vertebrae that make up the cervical spine and 8 sets of nerves that exit this part of the spine and innervate various parts of the head, neck, shoulders and arms, all the way to the fingers. Think of the nerves as electric wires that stretch between a switch and a light bulb. When you flip on the switch, the light illuminates. Each nerve, as it exits the spine, is like a switch and the target it travels to represents the light bulb. So, if one were to stimulate each of the nerves as they exit the spine, we could "map" exactly where each nerve travels (of course, this has been done). When we look specifically at the upper 3 sets of nerves that exit the spine (C1, C2, and C3), we see that as soon as they exit the spine, they immediately travel upwards into the head (the scalp). Like any nerve, if enough pressure is applied to the nerve, some alteration in nerve function occurs and usually a sensory change is noted (numbness, tingling, pain, burning, etc.). If the pressure continues, these symptoms can last for a long time. These types of headaches are often called "cervicogenic headaches" (literally meaning headaches that are caused by the neck). These can be caused by the nerves getting pinched by tight muscles through which they travel as they make their way to the scalp.

Another connection between the neck and headaches includes the relationship between 2 of the 12 cranial nerves and the first three nerves in the neck described above. These types of headaches usually only affect one half of the head - the left or right side. One of the cranial nerves is called the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Because the trigeminal nerve innervates parts of the face and head, pain can also involve the face. Another cranial nerve (spinal accessory, cranial nerve IX) can also interact with the upper 3 cervical nerve roots, resulting in cervicogenic headaches. People with cervicogenic headaches will often present with an altered neck posture, restricted neck movement, and pain when pressure is applied to the base of the skull or to the upper vertebrae. Other than a possible numbness, there are no clinical tests that we can run to "show" this condition, though some patients may report scalp numbness or, it may be found during examination.

Though medication, injections, and even surgical options exist, manipulation applied to the small joints of the neck, especially in the upper part where C1-3 exit, works really well so why not try that first as it's the least invasive and, VERY EFFECTIVE! In some cases, a combination of approaches may be needed but many times, chiropractic treatment is all the patient needs for a successful outcome.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Health Update: Fibromyalgia

2011-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia: What Water Exercises Can I Do?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition associated with tight, sore muscles with generalized, whole body pain, which can dramatically affect a person's lifestyle. However, there are ways to fight back! Last month, we discussed the benefits of water exercises and this month, we're going to illustrate some specific exercises that can be performed in water. Remember to start slow and gradually introduce more exercises (as well as repetitions and the length of exercise time) AFTER you have proven to yourself that the previous exercises are well tolerated. MOST IMPORTANT, have fun with these, and modify them as needed to make them "yours."

Diving Forward
Prep: Arms straight, stretched out from sides, palms forward.
Action: Push hands together, then outward.

Diving Downward
Prep: Arms straight, stretched out from sides, palms down.
Action: Swing hands down and inward across front, then outward; repeat down and inward behind back, then outward.

Squats
Prep: Legs straight.
Action: Bend at knees to lower body down, then up.

High Kick
Prep: Legs straight, pointing forward
Action: Swing one leg forward to backward; repeat with other leg.

Backward Kick
Prep: Legs straight, hold onto support.
Action: Ben one knee to raise foot backward, then down; repeat with other knee.

Deep-water Walking
Prep: Start in a dog-paddling position
Action: Climbing motions with both arms and legs.

Horizontal Walking
Prep: Legs straight, floating face down holding stairs.
Action: Bend one knee forward and back, then other knee.

Of course, there are many other maneuvers that can be done in water. Simply walking in water at various depths works well. Another good/easy exercise is taking empty 1 gallon milk jugs with the caps on and squat down in the shallow end of a pool so only your neck is exposed and move your arms underwater back and forth in different directions, at different speeds, gradually increasing the speed of the movement.
If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

Health Update: Low Back Pain

2011-11-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Low Back Pain: Spondylolisthesis

Low back pain can arise from many conditions, one of which is a mouthful: spondylolisthesis. The term was coined in 1854 from the Greek words, "spondylo" for vertebrae and "olisthesis" for slip. These "slips" most commonly occur in the low back, 90% at L5 and 9% at L4. According to www.spinehealth.com and others, the most common type of spondylolisthesis is called "isthmic spondylolisthesis," which is a condition that includes a defect in the back part of the vertebra in an area called the pars interarticularis, which is the part of the vertebra that connects the front half (vertebral body) to the back half (the posterior arch). This can occur on one, or both sides, with or without a slip or shift forwards, which is then called spondylolysis. In "isthmic spondylolisthesis," the incidence rate is about 5-7% of the general population favoring men over women 3:1. Debate continues as to whether this occurs as a result genetic predisposition verses environmental or acquired at some point early in life as noted by the increased incidence in populations such as Eskimos (30-50%), where they traditionally carry their young in papooses, vertically loading their lower spine at a very young age. However, isthmic spondylolisthesis can occur at anytime in life if a significant backward bending force occurs resulting in a fracture but reportedly, occurs most frequently between ages 6 and 16 years old.
Often, traumatic isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs during the adolescent years and in fact, is the most common cause of low back pain at this stage of life. Sports most commonly resulting in spondylolisthesis include gymnastics, football (lineman), weightlifting (from squats or dead lifts) and diving (from over arching the back). Excessive backward bending is the force that overloads the back of the vertebra resulting in the fracture sometimes referred to as a stress fracture, which is a fracture that occurs as a result of repetitive overloading over time, usually weeks to months.
If the spondylolisthesis lesions do not heal either by cartilage or by bone replacement, the front half of the vertebra can slip or slide forwards and become unstable. Fortunately, most of these heal and become stable and don't progress. The diagnosis is a simple x-ray, but to determine the degree of stability, "stress x-rays" or x-rays taken at endpoints of bending over and backwards are needed. Sometimes, a bone scan is needed to determine if it's a new injury verses an old isthmic spondylolisthesis.
Another very common type is called degenerative spondylolisthesis and occurs in 30% of Caucasian and 60% of African-American woman (3:1 women to men). This usually occurs at L4 and is more prevalent in aging females. It is sometimes referred to as "pseudospondylolisthesis" as it does not include defects in the posterior arch but rather, results from a degeneration of the disk and facet joints. As the disk space narrows, the vertebra slides forwards. The problem here is that the spinal canal, where the spinal cord travels, gets crimped or distorted by the forward sliding vertebra and causes compression of the spinal nerve root(s), resulting pain and/or numbness in one or both legs. The good news about spondylolisthesis is that non-surgical approaches, like spinal manipulation in particular, work well and chiropractic is a logical treatment approach!
We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

How Stress Is Ruining Your Life!

2011-11-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Did you know there are relaxation techniques that can do wonders to relieve your stress? With times being so tough, who doesn't need a good way to calm down and feel better?
A lot of people just ignore stress. But, stress is much bigger problem than most people think -- it's actually a killer.

Why Is Stress Such A Killer?

Stress changes body chemistry and these changes, over time, can lead to all kinds of chronic (and deadly) diseases.

Stress weakens your body's natural immune system and makes you susceptible to the common cold, the flu and many other germs.

According to Care2..."In the US, stress-related problems cost the economy up to $300 billion dollars per year, with $7,500 dollars per person lost per year to stress, whether through absenteeism or decreased productivity. According to the American Psychological Association and The American Institute of Stress, over 19 million Americans are affected by stress; 77 percent suffer from physical symptoms, and 73 percent from emotional and psychological symptoms. And by one account... it is on the rise."

Obviously, stress is not something that should just be "shrugged off."

Tip of the Month

2011-11-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Meditation For Pain Relief

Not too long ago, meditation was WAY out of the mainstream. But, things have changed. For example, according to the Times Of India, in April, 2011, a study by the researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center indicated that a person can attain at least 40 percent decrease in pain intensity and 57 percent in pain unpleasantness merely by practicing [meditation] techniques regularly. This reduction in pain was actually found to be better than morphine and other pain-relieving drugs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased brain wave activity (responsible for pain reduction) in study participants after meditation. Scientists could see WHAT was happening - but they did not understand HOW, until now...According to recent research published at the Brain Research Bulletin, investigators from Harvard, MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a possible answer. They suggested the explanation probably lies in alpha wave manipulation in the brain. Researchers said, by practicing the techniques of mindfulness meditation for a period of eight-weeks or above, you can control the activity of these brain waves. Looking into meditation may not only be a possible way to relieve pain, it can also relieve stress. And, relieving stress can, in turn, relieve pain. It's amazing how everything works hand-in-hand.

Did You Know?

2011-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

The type of light bulbs we use and where our lights are positioned can have a profound effect on our sleep. Our bodies are highly sensitive to the lighting around us. In nature, lighting changes with the days, the seasons and the moon cycles. For humans in the past, these cycles signified what times were best for hunting, fishing, planting and harvesting, and of course, for waking and sleeping. These days, electronic lighting allows us to accomplish more than ever before at any time we like. With electronics like televisions, computers and smart phones, we have more we can do in our spare time than ever before. But, these also keep us awake.

It's no coincidence that chronic sleep deprivation and sleeping disorders are also more common than ever. These sleep problems impact our quality of life in a big way. When we don't get enough sleep, our mental function, our moods, our productivity and our long-term health greatly suffer. Fortunately, we can help get our sleep back on track by applying a few key lighting tips that make a big difference:

Low lights after sunset. This is crucial to help your body recover a natural circadian rhythm. After the sun goes down, avoid the use of overhead lights and instead use lamps at table height. This simulates the firelight our ancestors would have been exposed to after dark, whereas overhead lights simulate sunlight and prevent your body from realizing it's time to rest.
Use low-watt bulbs. No need for bright, 100-watt bulbs in the evenings. For the last one to two hours before bed, use bulbs with a lower light output.
No blue before bed. Blue lighting simulates daylight. In the evenings, use bulbs that give off more yellow light. Lamp shades in gold or red tones can help simulate natural evening light and help you get to sleep.
Cut back on electronics before bed. Research shows that using electronics like televisions, computers or cell phones before bed contributes to sleep problems. Limit their use in the hour or two before bedtime. (If you need to use the computer at night, there is free software you can download to help your computer's light simulate the natural light cycles of your region.)
Block window light. Street lamps or flood lights can shine through windows and are sometimes as bright as daylight! Get some curtains that block out light if you have trouble with light shining through your windows at night.
Bright lights in the morning. Did you know the light you see in the morning can affect your sleep at night? Expose yourself to the bright morning light as soon as you wake up if possible. If you can't get outdoors, try a sun lamp for 15 to 30 minutes in the morning. Many report that sun lamps are very effective for restoring natural sleep cycles.

Health Update: Carpal Tunnel

2011-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - What Can You Do For It?

Carpal tunnel syndrome or, CTS, is a common condition that drives many patients to chiropractic clinics asking, "...what can chiropractic do for CTS?"

As an overview, the following is a list of what you might expect when you visit a Doctor of Chiropractic for a condition like CTS:

A thorough history is VITALLY important as your doctor can ask about job related stressors, hobby related causes (such as carpentry or playing musical instruments), telephone work, or factory work - especially if it's fast and repetitive. Your doctor will also need to learn about your "co-morbidities" or, other conditions that can directly or indirectly cause CTS such as diabetes, thyroid disease, certain types of arthritis, certain medication side effects, and others.
A Physical Exam to determine the area(s) of nerve compression degree of severity. This may include ordering special tests such as EMG/NCV, if necessary.
Treatment can include manipulation, soft tissue release, PT modalities (eg., electric stim., ultrasound).
Home Therapies are the main topic for this Health Update. What can YOU do for CTS?

Here are some of the things that you, the CTS sufferer can self-manage:

A Carpal tunnel splint is primarily worn at night, keeping your wrist in a neutral or straight position. This position places the least amount of stretch on the nerves and muscle tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
Exercises (Dose: 5-10 second holds, 5-10 repetitions, multiple times / day) such as: A. The "Bear claw" (keep the big knuckles of the hand straight but bend the 2 smaller joints of the fingers and thumb and alternate with opening wide the hand) B. Tight Fist / open hand (fully open - spread and extend the fingers and then make a fist, with the hand). C. The upside down palm on wall wrist and forearm stretch (stand facing a wall; with the elbow straight, place the palm of your hand on the wall, fingers pointing down towards the floor. Try to bend the wrist to 90 degrees keeping the palm flat on the wall. Feel the stretch in the forearm - hold for 5-10 seconds. Reach across with the other hand and gently pull back on the thumb for an added stretch! D. Wrist range of motion (dorsiflexion/palmar flexion) - Place forearm on a table with wrist off the edge, palm down. Bend hand downward as far as possible, then upward. Repeat 5 or 10 times. E. Wrist range of motion (pronation/supination) - Place forearm and whole hand on table-- elbow bent 90°, palm flat on tabletop. Rotate the wrist and forearm so the back of hand is now flat on tabletop. Repeat 5 or 10 times. F. Neck Stretch. Sit or stand with head facing forward. Side bend as far to the right as possible (approximate the right ear to right shoulder) and hold for 5 seconds. Reach over with the right hand to the left side of the head and gently pull further to the right to increase the stretch. Reverse instructions for the other side. Repeat 3 to 5 times. Consider other neck exercises if needed. G. Shoulder shrug and rotation. Stand with arms at the sides. Shrug the shoulders up toward the ears, then squeeze the shoulder blades back, then downwards and then roll them forward. Do the whole rotation slowly and reverse the direction. Repeat 3 to 5 times. If you cannot comfortably do the whole rotation, just shrug the shoulders up and down. H. Pectoral stretch. Stand in a doorway (or a corner of a room). Rest your forearms, including your elbows, on the doorframe, keeping your shoulders at a 90-degree angle. Lean forward until a stretch is felt in the chest muscles. Do not arch your back. Hold 20 seconds; repeat 5 times.
Job modifications are also VERY important but unfortunately, a topic for another time! In short, rotate job tasks (if possible), take mini-breaks, and use tools with handles that fit easily into the hands. Have a job station analysis completed if the above are not enough.

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

Health Update: Low Back Pain

2011-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Low Back Pain: Where Is My Pain Coming From?

Low back pain can emanate from many anatomical locations (as well as a combination of locations), which always makes it interesting when a patient asks, "...doc, where in my back is my pain coming from?" In context of an office visit, we take an accurate history and perform our physical exam to try to reproduce symptoms to give us clues as to what tissue(s) may be the primary pain generators. In spite of our strong intent to be accurate, did you know, regardless of the doctor type, there is only about a 45% accuracy rate when making a low back pain diagnosis? This is partially because there are many tissues that can be damaged or injured that are innervated by the same nerve fibers and hence, clinically they look very similar to each other. In order to improve this rather sad statistic, in 1995 the Quebec Task Force published research reporting that accuracy could be improved to over 90% if we utilize a classification approach where low back conditions are divided into 1 of 3 broad categories:

Red flags - These include dangerous conditions such as cancer, infection, fracture, cauda equina syndrome (which is a severe neurological condition where bowel and bladder function is impaired). These conditions generally require emergency care due to the life threatening and/or surgical potential.
Mechanical back pain - These diagnoses include facet syndromes, ligament and joint capsule sprains, muscle strains, degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis), and spondylolisthesis.
Nerve Root compression - These conditions include pinching of the nerve roots, most frequently from herniated disks. This category can include spinal stenosis (SS) or, combinations of both, but if severe enough where the spinal cord is compromised (more commonly in the neck), SS might then be placed in the 1st of the 3 categories described above.

The most common category is mechanical back pain of which "facet syndrome" is the most common condition. This is the classic patient who over did it ("The Weekend Warrior") and can hardly get out of bed the next day. These conditions can include tearing or stretching of the capsule surrounding the facet joint due to performing too many bending, lifting, or twisting related activities. The back pain is usually localized to the area of injury but can radiate down into the buttocks or back of the thigh and can be mild to very severe.

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Tip of the Month

2011-10-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

By the time you read this, if you have children, they are already back in school. If they are, then you know what it's like to try to pack a healthy and safe lunch every day. Not too long ago officials from the Oklahoma State Department of Health offered some great tips to help parents out:

Keep everything clean when packing the lunch. Use hot, soapy water to clean hands, clean preparation surfaces, and clean utensils. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Wash insulated lunch bags with warm soapy water after each use.

Use an insulated lunch box to help keep foods cold. Insulated, soft-sided lunch totes are best for keeping perishable foods chilled. You can also use a thermos to keep milk or juice cold until lunchtime. Perishable foods should not be out of refrigeration for more than two hours.

Use freezer gel packs that are widely available in stores. If you cannot get freezer gel packs, freeze a juice box or plastic water bottle overnight and put that into the lunch box next to the sandwich.

Keep your lunch in the coolest place possible! If there is a refrigerator at school, put your lunch in there. If not, keep it out of the sun and away from the heat.

Pack shelf-stable foods, especially if you have a brown paper bag lunch. These food items include fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers, peanut butter sandwiches, canned meats, shelf-stable cheeses, packaged pudding, and canned fruits and juices.

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Blot dry with a paper towel before packing them in your child's lunch.

Use a thermos to keep soup, chili and stew hot. Use an insulated bottle stored in an insulated lunch box. Fill the bottle with boiling water, let stand for a few minutes, empty, and then put in the piping hot food. Keep the insulated bottle closed until lunch to keep the food hot.

Make sure kids wash their hands before eating lunch. Encourage at least 20 seconds - about the time it takes to sing two choruses of the "Happy Birthday" song - of hand washing in warm soapy water.

Discard perishable leftovers after lunch. Discard all used food packaging since bacteria can grow on plastic bags, aluminum foil, and paper. If you're packing your child's lunch with reusable bags, be sure to wash them daily with soap and hot water.

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal

and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Nuts and seeds just might boost your brainpower and balance your moods. Everything from the most common nuts -- such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds -- to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up that "brain fog" and enable you to think clearer and be happier than you ever imagined.

Walnuts are "brain food." Walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system. A healthy nervous system means both clearer and happier thinking. Under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may actually lead to depression. The same walnuts that you can find in the baking aisle of just about any grocery store may also boost your mood.

Walnuts aren't the only nut with mood-boosting omega-3s, either. Flax seeds are an excellent source for omega-3s, making them a viable source for those who don't like to eat fish, the most common source of omega-3s.

Cashews are high in magnesium, which can "open up" the blood vessels in your body, including those in your brain. When more oxygen-rich blood nourishes your brain, like any organ, it operates better. By providing your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do wonders for your mental and neurological health. Additionally, almonds are high in riboflavin, which may boost your memory. Peanuts and pecans provide another important nutrient for optimal brain function, choline. Choline aids in both memory and brain development. Seeds and nuts are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain.

Survey Says Chiropractic Outperforms Other Back Pain Treatments - Even Medication

2011-10-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

SURVEY SAYS!!!! If you have back pain... you are probably old enough to remember Richard Dawson first yelling that phrase on the popular 70s and 80s game show, The Family Feud. If not - it doesn't matter - you just learned something interesting about American pop culture and game show history.

So, What Does The Survey Really Say?

According to an August 9, 2011 article on chiroeco.com, "In a new survey, chiropractic outperformed all other back pain treatments including prescription and over-the-counter medications, deep-tissue massage, yoga, and Pilates. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), this news reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain.

The survey, released by a leading consumer product rating and survey publisher in late July, found that 65 percent of those surveyed using chiropractic care for back pain said it helped a lot. Only 53 percent of respondents using prescription medications found them as helpful.

"Additionally, about half of those surveyed who are using deep-tissue massage, yoga or Pilates said those treatments helped a lot and only 28 percent of respondents using over-the-counter medications reported that they helped a lot.

"Current evidence-based guidelines support the use of conservative care such as chiropractic for conditions such as chronic lower back pain."

One serious eye-opener was that only 28% of respondents said over-the-counter medications helped a lot.

It has been known for quite some time that common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID) have serious side effects. One of these side effects is that an estimated 16,500 people die every year.

Natural, conservative options like Chiropractic, deep tissue massage, yoga, and Pilates are most likely better and safer choices when it comes to relieving back pain.

What About Neck Pain And Headaches?

Neck pain is very common and it can make your life miserable. If you suffer from headaches... there is a very good chance you suffer from a common type of headache called "cervicogenic headache." This type of headache is caused by a problem in your neck.

One way to tell you might suffer from cervicogenic headaches is to identify if any neck motions cause the headaches or increase their severity.

Also, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Does your head tilt to one side? Is your head posture bad? In other words, does your head stick out in front of you instead of sitting back over your torso? You'll probably need a trained eye (like your Chiropractor's) to see that one.

Did Dr. Oz Really Say This Tiny Tibetan Fruit Is The "New Miracle Berry?"

2011-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

DON'T BE FOOLED! Separate fact from miracle
claim fiction and discover why one fitness author says
Dr. Oz and Oprah have sued over 50 companies...

        Miracle this! Amazing that! How many times have you heard about a "magical" plant that will instantly melt 50 pounds off your waistline - or cure you from any disease known to humankind?

        There is always "proof" that this magical plant works because some culture or tribe or group of people living in some far off mystical land has been using it for centuries and they are all skinny, healthy and live to be 165 years old!

        If this stuff is so good, why hasn't everyone already heard about it? Because... it's been hidden in that far off, mystical land!

        Ah... the magic of advertising. You have to love how the magical cures are never found in someone's backyard in Ohio. It's always halfway across the world, usually in a rainforest.

        Well, now there is a tiny Tibetan fruit that is claimed to help people lose weight without any other kind of diet of exercise.

        The fruit is the sea buckthorn berry and advertisers are going crazy because it was mentioned on the Dr. Oz show.

        Here's what einnews.com had to say about the issue, "Sea buckthorn oil is a helpful antioxidant, but fitness author Rusty Moore warns us to be skeptical of some of the claims websites are making. Buzz was generated online after Dr Oz featured this 'super food' on his TV show. Dr Oz claims that sea buckthorn oil is a healthy supplement that aids in digestion and has antioxidant properties similar to Vitamin C.

        "Online marketers have been using the endorsement of Dr. Oz to distribute sea buckthorn oil. In the past 3 years, Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey have sued over 50 companies who were using their endorsement without permission. Unfortunately, several companies were making exaggerated weight loss claims when it came to supplements Dr. Oz simply mentioned on his program."

        The same thing happened several years ago when Dr. Oz mentioned the Acai Berry was a good antioxidant and a useful supplement.

        That mention was taken by advertisers and used as a personal endorsement for all kinds of wild claims.

        What's the bottom line with all this?

        Obviously, some foods are better than others. Some are more nutrient dense with building blocks your body can use, while others are not. You want to eat as many positive nutrient dense foods as possible. Obviously, comparing Sea Buckthorn to a Chicken Nugget - the Sea Buckthorn is a relative miracle food. But, so is an apple given the same comparison.

        The reality check is this: You must eat good food, exercise and reduce stress CONSISTENTLY TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN REAL HEALTH.

        This includes losing weight and keeping it off. There are right ways to do things that work better than others, but there are no shortcuts.There is no magical plant from a mythical far away land that will turn you into Superman or Superwoman.

        Both Acai and Sea Buckthorn are most likely good for you and can help your body get the nutrients it needs to function properly, but don't expect a miracle. Miracles happen from doing the right thing long enough.

Tip of the Month

2011-08-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

It's extremely painful. We're not talking about a root canal gone bad. Not even close. It's another visit to the gas pump... When it costs over $60 to fill up a Honda Accord - you know things are bad. The price of gasoline is draining bank accounts and many experts say there is no relief in sight. Some say the answer is to get a new, fuel efficient car. That sounds all fine and dandy, but you have to do a little math to see if it works. For example, one of the new high mileage economy cars will cost you $20,000 - $25,000. How long is it going to take you to make your money back with your Miles Per Gallon (MPG) savings? Probably years.

So, here are some money saving tips from Popular Mechanics: (1) Coast to a stop - Popular mechanics tested and found the less you use your brakes, the better your fuel economy. They said anticipating a red light and coasting vs. hitting the accelerator and then using your brakes at the last second made a huge difference. (2) Do not accelerate too slowly! This goes against what most of us believe. Cars get poor gas mileage in low gears and tests showed taking 15 seconds to get to 50 mph got better gas MPG than taking 30 seconds to reach the same speed. (3) Use your air conditioning!!! Another urban myth gets destroyed. When you drive on the highway, roll up your windows and use the AC. The wind resistance caused by the open windows causes MPG to decrease and the faster you go, the worse it gets.

There are 3 more tips waiting for you at: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/6-driving-tactics-to-save-gas-this-summer.html?page=all

What To Do If Your Cell Phone Gets Wet...

Do not turn it on. Pull out the battery and SIM card. If you dropped it in salt water, rinse it in fresh water. Dry your phone using compressed air - the kind used to clean computer keyboards. Cover your phone with uncooked rice for at least 24 hours (this draws out the moisture). Turn your phone back on. You might want to say a little prayer first :)

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal
and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-08-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

        One of the pitfalls of pursuing a healthy diet is that we can eat well and easily miss an important nutrient. In the world of healthy eating, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies is Vitamin B-12, a crucial nutrient for nerve health and the construction of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is especially common among vegetarians and vegans, but it's also common in meat eaters, too. Why? Because Vitamin B-12 can only be absorbed in the small intestine, and due to common intestinal ailments, even many meat eaters who consume high levels of B-12 are unable to absorb it in their gut.

        This leads to a series of "mystery" health symptoms that actually have a simple common cause: Vitamin B-12 deficiency!

        Here are some of the most common symptoms of deficiency: *Chest pain or shortness of breath * Fatigue or unexplained weakness * Dizziness, trouble with balance, and fainting * Confusion, memory loss or dementia * Coldness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet * Slow reflexes or diminished nervous system function * Pale skin or yellowing of the skin * Sore mouth and tongue.

        The proper form of Vitamin B-12 to supplement your diet is methylcobalamin. This is a form that exists in nature, and it is pre-methylated, meaning it's ready for your biochemistry to put to immediate use.

Popular Obesity Surgery Worse Than They Thought

2011-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Study believed to be the first to track long-term effects
of laparoscopic gastric band surgery finds problems.

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height, and provides a reasonable indicator of body "fatness" and weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.

Thirty-three states had prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; nine of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%."

Obviously, obesity is a big problem, but what if a...

Treatment Is Worse Than
The "Disease"?

This may be the case, according to a study on the long term effects of laparoscopic gastric band surgery.

Researchers of the study, published in the Archives of Surgery, said, "The bands eroded in almost one in three patients. Sixty percent had undergone additional surgery, including 17 percent who went on to have gastric bypass."

A related article in The New York Times added: The results "are worse than we expected," said Dr. Jacques Himpens of the European School of Laparoscopic Surgery and St. Pierre University Hospital in Brussels, lead author of the new study. Dr. Himpens advised those considering gastric band surgery not to "nourish exaggerated expectations," adding that "anyone who has had the procedure should see a care provider on a regular basis and be vigilant about signs of infection or band erosion."

A Better Solution?

Once again, research has shown there are almost always unwanted side effects to every drug or surgery.

So, the question becomes - is the potential benefit worth that negative side effect?

But, an even smarter question is - is there an all-natural alternative that does not come with the same inherent risks of drugs and surgery?

In this case, the answer for many people is... YES!

For many people, obesity and weight problems can be accomplished by PERMANENT lifestyle changes.

In other words, finding what foods work for your body chemistry, eating those foods... and... exercising correctly... FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

This may seem like a daunting task, but the alternative is chilling. As research shows, quick fixes tend to lead to more problems.

Nothing in life worth having comes without a price. To achieve real health, the price is putting in the effort to eat right, exercise, reduce stress and keep your muscles working properly.

Tip of the Month

2011-06-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

What's Better For Pain, Morphine or Medication?
And Why It's So Important For You To Know The Answer.

Mind over matter. Some believe in it. Some don't. Is it really possible for you to control the inner workings of your body through thought? Well, now there is a growing body of scientific research helping to answer this question. For example, a recent study in the Journal of Neuroscience pitted morphine against medication to see which one is better for pain relief.

The Results Were Shocking.

In the study, 15 volunteers were taught the focused attention meditation technique. This technique teaches students to let go of distracting thoughts by focusing on their breathing. In this case, the volunteers attended four 20-minute classes. Then, the volunteers were subjected to pain (a patch heated to 120 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes and 55 seconds. This "pain" was administered before and after meditation, and the volunteers recorded their level of discomfort. After the training sessions, the volunteers reported a 40% reduction in pain intensity and a 57% drop in pain unpleasantness. According to the researchers, Morphine typically reduces pain ratings by 25%. MRI scans also showed changes in brain activity before and after meditation in the areas that control pain. Here's a somewhat complex quote from the researchers, "Together, these data indicate that medication engages multiple brain mechanisms that alter the construction of the subjectively available pain experience from afferent information." In other words...

Medication Seemed To Actually Affect The Brain In
A Way That Could Reduce A Person's Sensitivity To Pain!

Even though this is very impressive, this study has a small number of volunteers, only 15, so no definitive conclusion can be drawn. But, there is mounting evidence that what you believe can control the inner workings of your body. For example, in last month's issue of this newsletter, research was presented that showed anti-depressant medication was not much better than placebos. In fact, placebos were shown to improve symptoms 82 percent as much as the real pill. According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International: "However, if experts and antidepressant manufacturers are aware of this, the general public certainly isn't... Millions of people every year feel better, simply because they believe they'll feel better." It is no longer a question "if" your thoughts change your body chemistry... but to what extent... and... what is the best way to maximize it? The implications of this are far reaching for both health and for living the successful, happy and fulfilled life you've always wanted. It seems self-help pioneers who said things like, "thought become things" and "we become our dominant thoughts" were WAY ahead of their time.

Clearly, we must be very careful what thoughts we allow to take root in our subconscious mind. This starts with what we read, watch on television, hear on the radio, and the people who surround us. All these years, we were afraid of the germs carried by someone but maybe the words you hear from that mouth are worse than the germs it coughs up.

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal

and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-06-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Plants have been used for centuries as medicines - now genetically modified plants can produce plastic. Biotechnologists managed this by inserting 4 genes from plastic-producing bacteria into varieties of oilseed rape and cress. Conventional plastics are made from oil and do not degrade easily, but the plant plastic is biodegradable. However, it is expensive, costing five times more than pertoleum-derived plastic.

By the way, the word plastic comes from the Greek plastikos, meaning"to form" or "to shape".

Money doesn't grow ontrees but one day, perhaps credit cards will!

About the genetic engineering... Actually, man has been "genetically modifying" everything from food to dogs for many centuries, but in the past his only tool has been selective breeding. There are a variety of ways scientists can now modify plants and animals with genetic engineering techniques.

In the meantime, take good care of your real plants. Clean them often, speak to them, and play them some nice music- there is a lot of research showing melodic or classical stimulates plants to grow healthier.

Did You Know?

2011-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Tea is a great food for health!

Tea, without sugar or honey, only has two calories per cup.

Steeping tea for three to five minutes produces the most antioxidants.

Milk in your tea doesn't reduce the tea's health benefits.

The maximum amount of antioxidants contained in tea comes from brewing loose leaves or from tea bags. (Tea in powders or bottles has little or no helpful antioxidants!)

Tea in products applied to the skin has little or no health enhancing properties.

Teas, especially white and green teas, can help with the following: Stimulate mental clarity, reduce the risk of certain cancers, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, help prevent viral infections, help prevent bad breath, and help prevent tooth decay.

Also, because the water used in tea is boiled, this makes tea safer to drink than tap water.

Tip of the Month

2011-04-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dietary Changes May Help ADHD.

Also: Consumption Of This Is Linked To Depression.

You are what you eat. This is not just a catchy saying - it is the absolute truth. Yet, most people ignore this "truth" and suffer from preventable diseases, aches and pains. Most seem to think it is easier to eat junk and take a pill later. There is always a miracle medicine to save you, isn't there? The truth of the matter is...

No, There Isn't.

It is abundantly clear and becoming clearer each and every day that taking medication is no substitute for eating right, exercising and practicing proper maintenance care. Clearly, having your teeth pulled and replacing them with dental implants is no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth and going to the dentist for routine check-ups. Eating fat, sugar and processed foods for 40 years and then thinking a drug or surgery is going to save you is even more foolish. Here is some research on what you and your children eat that you find very interesting.

Study #1: What You Eat and ADHD

A recent study found putting children with ADHA on a restrictive diet to eliminate possible, unknown food allergies decreased hyperactivity for 64 percent of kids. In the study, 41 kids completed the elimination diet and 32 saw decreased symptoms. Here's a really important part: When certain foods thought to be "triggers" for each child were reintroduced, most of the children relapsed. The elimination diet, which lasted 5 weeks, consisted predominantly of rice, white meat and some vegetables. Among 50 kids given a "control" diet that was just a standard, healthy diet for children, significant changes were not noted. Due to the results, lead author of the study and a psychiatrist at the Nijmegan Medical Centre, Jan Buitelaar, recommended the elimination diet become part of the standard of care for children with ADHD.

Here's An Important Note About This Study

Many doctors frown upon the elimination diet, not because of its results, but because it is "difficult". Because it is perceived to be hard and many won't do it, it is tossed aside for an easier approach. Of course, it is "easier" to take medications, but is the easiest approach usually the best?

Study #2: Eating This Increases Depression Risk

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola's health blog, "Consumption of trans fats can increase your risk of depression, according to new research. However, healthier fats may actually reduce your risk." Participants in the study with the highest level of trans fat consumption had up to a 48% increase in the risk of depression.

Study #3: Report Says Energy Drinks Unhealthy

According to a new report published in the Journal of Pediatrics, popular energy drinks may be harmful to children's health. These risks are amplified if the child has diabetes, ADHD or a heart condition. The report also stated that 30-50% of children consume these drinks and they do not substantially increase performance of energy levels. Sales of products such as Red Bull, Full Throttle, Monster Energy and Rockstar are expected to reach about $9 billion in the U.S. this year, with children and young adults under 25 providing most of the revenue. Because these drinks are considered supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA.

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal and maintain the health you deserve.

How 55-80 Year Olds Increased The Size Of Their Brains!

2011-04-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Scientific Study Shows How You Can Stay Mentally Sharp As You Age

How would you like to have a bigger, more powerful brain?

Sadly, the hippocampus, a part of the brain key to memory and sepcial navigation, is known to shrink as we age.

This shrinkage starts in late adulthood and is responsible for memory loss and impairment.

Now, There is New Hope

According to the Los Angeles Times, a new study published by the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed, "a program of aerobic exercise, over the course of a year, can increase the size of the hippocampus... in adults ages 55-80."

In the study, 120 people from ages 55-80 who did not exercise previously were split into 2 groups; 60 were put into an aerobic exercise program that consisted of walking around a track . days a week for 40 minutes per session; and the other 60 did a program consisting of stretching and weights.

Results: According to the Los Angeles Times article, "The group doing aerobic exercise had increases in hippocampus volume: up 2.12% in the left hippocampus, and 1.97% in the right hippocampus. The stretching group, on the other hand, had decreased hippocampus volume: down 1.40% on the left and 1.43% on the right."

What's important to note is the article said it is never too late to start and it suggested that some very simple exercise programs may be a cost-effective way to treat a widespread health problem, without the side effects of medication.

Scientists Warn: Television Watching and Computer Game Playing "Damages The Heart"

2011-03-21T09:10:00.001-07:00

Research Reveals: How Many Hours It Takes

To DOUBLE Your Risk Of Major Cardiac Problems...

No Matter How Much Exercise You Do!!!

Are you sitting down? If you aren't, please find a seat because when you read this, you might get a little weak in the knees.

Here is why...

According to The Telegraph, a new study published int he Journal of the American College of Cardiology found, "The risk of heart disease and premature death from any cause doubled for those spending more than four hours a day glued to a screen, it was claimed. Metabolic factors and inflammation may be partly to blame, the report said.

Research revealed those who devote more than four hours watching television, surfing the web, or playing computer games are more than twice as likely to have major cardiac problems."

Here's The Really Shocking Part

The study found there was a 48% increased risk of all-cause mortality and an approximate 125% increase in the risk of cardiovascular events in those spending more than four hours in front of a screen.

"The risks were irrespective of factors

such as smoking, hypertension, BMI,

social class, and even exercise."

In other words, from the results of this study, the negative effect of watching television and being on a computer may not be lessened by exercise.

Like most health issues, more research is always needed for definitive answers... but limiting television and computer time may not only make you more productive... it might save your life.

Tip of the Month

2011-03-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Danger Lurking In Your iPad?

Plus: The Secrets of 100 People Who Never Get Sick.

Here's a very interesting story reported by CNN. A man named J.D. Moyer from Oakland, California had a problem sleeping. So, he decided to do a little experiment. As soon as the sun set, he turned off all the lights in his house. This included every single source of light including laptop computers and the inside of his refrigerator. J.D. did this for an entire month and the results were remarkable. After just 30 days, JD, who used to struggle to fall asleep at midnight was conking out easily at 9pm (and waking up the next day well-rested and refreshed).

According to the CNN article, he felt so well-rested during the test, he said that friends remarked on his unexpected morning perkiness. "A number of times I had the experience of just feeling kind of unreasonably happy for no reason. And it was the sleep... Sure, you can get by with six or seven hours, but sleeping eight or nine hours -it's a different state of mind."

J.D. Is Not The First To Discover This.

There are a growing number of experts who believe artificial lights are fooling the brain to think it's daytime. In other words, using electronic gadgets like a laptop computer or iPad late at night may be directly contributing to not sleeping well and even insomnia. According to Phyliss Zee, a Neuroscience Professor at Northwestern University and Director of the school's Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology. "Potentially, yes, if you're using [the iPad or a laptop] close to bedtime... that light can be sufficiently stimulating to the brain to make it more awake and delay your ability to sleep. " It should be noted that laptops and iPads shine light in the eye from a close distance and can have a greater effect than a television that is across the room.

So What's The Simple Solution To Sleeping Better?

"I wish people would just take a boring book -- an old-fashioned book -- and [read] by lamp. Make sure that it's not too bright -- just so you can read," said Alon Avidan, Associate Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at UCLA. "And if they do that, I think they'll feel a lot better and they'll be able to relax." Now it's time for...

The Secrets Of 100 People Who Never Get Sick.

Have you ever known someone who never seems to get sick? When everyone else is miserable with the flu or a cold, he or she always seems to escape without as much as a sniffle! Well, have you ever WHY they never get sick? There must be a reason. Sure, it's easy to just chalk it up to great genes. But as we know, genes are only part of the human puzzle. Now, there may be an answer.

Here is why: Gene Stone is a very interesting man who set out to find the answer by interviewing 100 people who never get sick and his results may shock you. What he found was more philosophical than scientific. You see, the most important factor to people not getting sick was their positive mental attitude and, whatever they believed, they did it every day. In other words, what they did was not as important as their belief and consistency doing it. According to Gene, "People believe in health as a daily habit. I think that's a large part of why they stay healthy."

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal

and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-03-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

A few little tidbits...

1. If you are right-handed, you will tend to chew your food on the right side of your mouth. If you are left-handed, you will chew your food on the left side of your mouth.
2. If you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water, because when a human body is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off.
3. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
4. Your tongue is germ free only if it is pink. If it is white, there is a thin film of bacteria on it.
5. The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45 percent when a person looks at something pleasing.
6. The average person who stops smoking requires one hour less sleep at night.
7. Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.
8. The roar we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in our ear.
9. Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart.
10. When you blush, the lining of your stomach also turns red.
11. The attachment of the human skin to muscles is what causes dimples.
12. The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea of the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.

Researchers Attempt to "Crack the Headache Code"

2011-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

New Study Reveals: Cause Of This Type Of
Headache May Have Been Found -
Is There An Easy Solution?

Whether it was said directly to you - or you heard it in a joke... we've all heard: "Not now... I have a headache."

Sadly, headaches are common for many people. Not only can they make your life miserable, but they negatively affect your family and your friends who care about you. That's why this new information is so important...

New Research Reveals
Cause Of Certain Headaches

A new study published in the November-December 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) shows "a relationship between cervical movement impairment and the presence and severity of CGH."

"CGH" is cervicogenic headache... which is a headache caused by your neck.

This is important because the study evaluated 92 subjects by putting them through a simple neck motion test.

They found that range of motion (how much your neck moves) was significantly reduced in the presence of a headache.

Basically, they found that subjects with headaches originating from the neck also had decreased motion in the neck. And, the more the neck motion was decreased - the worse the headache.

Why Is This
Important To You?

It's important to you, because if you suffer with headaches, there may be a simple solution.

Chiropractic care addresses the motion of your spine. Chiropractors are experts at assessing the range of motion of your neck, and if there is a problem, treatments are specifically designed to attempt to normalize that range of motion. In other words, if you have a cervicogenic headache that is caused by dysfunction and decreased range of motion in your neck, Chiropractic care may be able to help you.

How Do You Know If
You Have A Cervicogenic Headache?

The best way to know is to go to a Chiropractor and have a cervicogenic headache evaluation. Chiropractors are trained to diagnosis different types of headaches and give you the best advice for your type of headache.

A classic symptom of cervicogenic headache is pain that originates at the base of your head in the back and travels up your head possibly to the front and even to the eyes. This same type of pain may also start at the base of your neck and/or upper shoulders and travel into the head. But, headache diagnosis can be sneaky and some causes are very serious. That's why they should be evaluated by a trained healthcare provider.

Now for something completely different - but equally important...

Have Scientists Finally Found
The Fountain Of Youth?

Maybe they have. As it turns out, the fountain of youth is not some mystical place in the forest, it's located inside you. Here's what this is all about: According to Science Daily, December 2, 2010, "Prof. Dafna Benayahu and her team at Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine say their findings explain for the first time why older people who have exercised throughout their lives age more gracefully. They have discovered how endurance exercise increases the number of muscle stem cells and enhances their ability to rejuvenate old muscles."

Normally, as we age, we experience a decline in muscle mass and function. This research found that exercise INCREASED the number of muscle stem cells.

According to the Science Daily article, "The researchers believe that a decline in the number of these cells and their functionality may prevent proper maintenance of muscle mass and its ability to repair itself, leading to muscle deterioration." The researchers of this study now dream of the day when they can develop a drug that will "increase muscle mass and ameliorate the negative effects of aging."

But, maybe the answer is not always in a new drug? Maybe the answer should be simple like the information revealed in that study. And that information is...

EXERCISE!!!

Why take decades of research and unknown amounts of money in an attempt to develop a drug that may not work or have side effects when you can simply exercise? Yes, it would be nice to sit on the couch and eat ice cream and take this wonder drug these researchers are imagining for "someday." But, the reality is you can activate the fountain of youth that is found inside you TODAY if you are willing to put in a little effort. As always - the choice is yours!

Important Information
Every Parent Should Know

The amount of daily exercise that separates fit kids from unfit kids is small - but the impact on their lives may be enormous. Here's why: A December 7, 2010 article in the USA Today said,"Normal-weight children get 16 more minutes of physical activity a day than their obese peers, a new study shows. And overall, girls do 20 minutes less physical activity a day than boys."

Considering a third of American children are overweight or obese, which can lead to all kinds of serious health problems, this is a very big issue.

According to the study, published in the December issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine:

Normal-weight children, ages 6 to 17, are moderately to vigorously active for 59 minutes a day, compared with 43 minutes for obese children in this age range.

Overall, boys ages 6 to 17 are active an average of about 64 minutes a day, compared with 44 minutes for girls in this same age range.

Girls need to get more exercise to establish an active lifestyle, which will help with weight control and reduce their risk of diseases (like cancer) as adults, according to the study's lead author, Britni Belcher..

And don't forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We're here to help and don't enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

Tip of the Month

2011-02-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

Is Watching TV Is Bad For Babies' Brains?

Have you ever used television as a babysitter? Sure, you wouldn't leave your kids in front of the TV and go out for a night on the town. But, the TV is often used to occupy the young ones while you answer the phone, make dinner or just take a little break.

Well, new research suggests the TV may be a very poor parenting helper. Here is why: According to U.S. News & World Report, December 7, 2010, "Babies who watch TV are more likely to have delayed cognitive development and language at 14 months, especially if they're watching programs intended for adults and older children. Babies who watched 60 minutes of TV daily had developmental scores one-third lower at 14 months than babies who weren't watching that much TV. Though their developmental scores were still in the normal range, the discrepancy may be due to the fact that when kids and parents are watching TV, they're missing out on talking, playing, and interactions that are essential to learning and development."

These results appeared in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. The U.S. News & World Report also said that researchers did not find any positives or negatives to watching educational TV shows designed for young children like Sesame Street. But researchers did note that the parents of children watching TV most likely spend less time reading to and teaching their children.

And here's something important: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies under age 2 watch no TV at all.

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal
and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-02-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

Water does not calm the tongue after eating hot spicy food because the spices in most of the hot foods we eat are oily, and, like your elementary school science teacher taught you, oil and water don't mix. In this case, the water just rolls over the oily spices. What can you do to calm your aching tongue? Eat bread. The bread will absorb the oily spices. A second solution is to drink milk. Milk contains a substance called "casein" which will bind to the spices and carry them away.

Tip of the Month

2011-01-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Professor Loses 25 Pounds In 10 Weeks On "Twinkie Diet"...

Find out how someone can eat a Twinkie every 3 hours instead of meals,

and lose a ton of weight

If you think you have to stop eating junk food to lose a ton of weight - this is going to shock you. Here is why: According to a November 8, 2010 CNN article, Mark Haub, a Professor of Human Nutrition at Kansas State University, lost 27 pounds in 10 weeks on his "Twinkie Diet."

What's the "Twinkie Diet?"

For 10 weeks, Mark ate a Twinkie every 3 hours instead of meals. Yes, you read that right. According to the article, "To add variety to his steady stream of Hostess and Little Debbie snacks, Haub munched on Doritos chips, sugary cereals and Oreos, too." As it turns out, the good Professor was doing his own little experiment. His theory is that when it comes to weight loss, caloric intake is what's most important, not the quality of food. So, Haub consumed fewer calories than he burned. He limited himself to less than 1,800 calories a day. A man of his size usually burns 2,700 calories per day.

Results?

His body mass index went from 28.8, considered overweight, to 24.9, which is normal. His weight went from 201 to 174 pounds. But wait... Just because he lost weight doesn't necessarily mean he's healthier, right? According to the article, Haub's 'bad' cholesterol, or LDL, dropped 20 percent and his 'good' cholesterol, or HDL, increased by 20 percent. He reduced the level of triglycerides, which are a form of fat, by 39 percent. "That's where the head scratching comes," Haub said. "What does that mean? Does that mean I'm healthier? Or does it mean how we define health from a biology standpoint, that we're missing something?"

Great Point, Professor Haub...

So let's repeat it: "Or does it mean how we define health from a biology standpoint, that we're missing something?" Clearly, how most people define health has made and kept them sick for a long, long time. For example, most people think that if you do not have physical symptoms, then you are not sick. If your back does not hurt, there is nothing wrong with it. If you don't have a fever, aches and pains and don't FEEL sick, you are not sick. Well, here's a question for you: What's the first symptom of heart disease? That's right, a heart attack. But clearly, that heart attack was building for many years... even decades.

What's the point?

The point is: There is a monstrous gap in between what many people, doctors and scientists consider "healthy" and what, in reality, actually IS healthy. Clearly, not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. In other words, REAL health is something science simply does not yet have the ability to measure. Just because it cannot be measured with the tools science presently has, does not mean it does not exist. That's why, at some point, everyone has to make a decision about what's best for them with the use of current scientific research and a little common sense.

Ask yourself - is a Twinkie every 3 hours healthy, even if you lose weight?

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal

and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2011-01-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

How times have changed!

100 years ago...

- There were less than 20,000 motorcars in the whole world, a lot of them being electric cars.
- The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph (16km/h).
- The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world at 1,063 ft (324 meters).
- Most women washed their hair only once a month using egg yolks for shampoo.
- Eggs cost about 10 cents per dozen.
- Pneumonia and influenza were the leading causes of death.
- In 1910, the population of the United States was 92 million and the world population was 1.7 billion people.

Today...

- There are more cars manufactured than there is demand for them.
- There are about 1 billion cars and light trucks on the road, half of them in the United States.
- The roads are so congested in most cities, the average speed is just over 10 mph.
- The tallest building is the Burj Khalifa (formerly Burj Dubai) at 2,640 ft (800 meters).
- Women wash their hair on average once a week - using any of thousands of products.
- On average, eggs cost $2 per dozen.
- And, the leading causes of death are heart attacks, cancers, strokes, and motor accidents.
- Today, the population of the United States numbers 300 million and almost 7 billion roam the earth.

New Study: Texting And Social Networking Linked to Health Risks?

2011-01-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

Modern technology can be wonderful. It has never been easier to stay in touch and communicate with friends and family. With texting and social networking, anyone can communicate messages, pictures, internet links and videos within seconds.

But Is There A Down Side To All This Texting And

Social Networking?

The article defines "hyper texting" as sending more than 120 texts per school day, and "hyper networking" as spending more than 3 hours per school day on social networking sites (like Facebook).

According to the article, the study found nearly 20% of Midwestern teens surveyed were "hyper texters."

"hyper texter" teens are:

- 2 times more likely to have tried alcohol.

- Nearly 3.5 times more likely to have had sex.

- 40 percent more likely to have tried cigarettes.

- 41 percent more likely to have used illicit drugs.

- 43 percent more likely to be binge drinkers.

- 55 percent more likely to have been in a physical fight.

- 90 percent more likely to report four or more sexual partners.

The article also stated 11.5% Midwestern teens are "hyper networkers." They are:

- 60 percent more likely to report four or more sexual partners.

- 62 percent more likely to have tried cigarettes.

- 69 percent more likely to be binge drinkers.

- 69 percent more likely to have had sex.

- 79 percent more likely to have tried alcohol.

- 84 percent more likely to have used illicit drugs.

- 94 percent more likely to have been in a physical fight.

Here's an important note from the author of the study: "We are not saying texting causes these behaviors... We can recognize that these kinds of connections... may be facilitating or enabling these kinds of behaviors, but we certainly can't think of (the online connections) as causing them."

So, if your teenager is a hyper texter or hyper networker, taking away their phone or internet access may not reduce their risks in the above categories but they are an indicator that you should pay more attention to your child's activities.

Tip Of The Month

2010-12-27T05:54:00.000-08:00

Tips To Make Things Last Longer And Save Your Hard-Earned Money...

Times are tough. The economy is bad. Use these simple tips to make what you have last longer, save money, and make your life easier and more secure...

Very few people have money to burn these days. Most are just trying to make ends meet. Too many are really struggling to keep their home and feed their family. What many people don't understand is just how large of an impact a handful of small changes can make. For example, according to http://www.simplyinsulate.com/, "If your home is as little as 5 to 10 years old, you likely have one of the 46 million under-insulated homes in the U.S., according to the Harvard University School of Public Health. Adding more insulation is easy. Plus, insulation is one of the lowest cost options for improving the energy efficiency of your home. It pays off fast and keeps paying off with better comfort and energy savings for as long as you own your home."

Free Guide To Save You Money

If you go to http://www.simplyinsulate.com/, you can download a guide from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help you make your home energy efficient and save money for years and years. The site even has an "energy savings calculator" you can use to find out an estimate of how much you will save by making your home energy efficient. Decreasing both heat and air conditioning bills can really add up.

How Your Car Can Save You Money

Another great way to save money is to keep your car in tip top shape. This will not only seriously decrease your odds of a very expensive breakdown in the middle of nowhere... it will save you money for gas, tires, repair bills and your car will last much longer. Keeping your tires properly inflated is extremely important. Underinflated tires cause you to burn more gas and wear out much faster - not to mention safety issues. Rotating tires every 5,000-8,000 miles can dramatically expand the life of your tires.

Tires And Pressure?

Also, having the right size tires for you car will actually save you money. Smaller tires may be cheaper today, but they will wear much faster and have to be replaced. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment and check the pressure at least once a week. Tire pressure gauges are only a few bucks and can be purchased in many stores or gas stations. And make sure you get the oil changed every 3,000 miles and have a mechanic you trust keep you up-to-date on all other scheduled maintenance. Changing the oil routinely is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running properly for years and years. Keeping up with regular maintenance is always cheaper in the long run than "driving until something breaks." Ironically, the same is true about your body and health. :-) As a general rule - spend a little to maintain now as opposed to a lot later.

Remember, we're always here to help your body heal and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2010-12-27T05:53:00.000-08:00

Shoppers who do not regularly wash their reusable grocery bags may be placing themselves and their families at heightened risk of food borne illness.

It is estimated there are about 76,000,000 cases of food borne illness in the United States every year. Most of these illnesses originate in the home from improper cooking or handling of foods. Reusable bags, if not properly washed between uses, create the potential for cross-contamination of foods.

Only 3 percent of shoppers wash their reusable grocery bags out regularly. Most shoppers don't use separate bags for meat and produce, and some shoppers even use their bags for toting objects other than food. Contamination potential exists when raw meat products and foods traditionally eaten uncooked (fruits and vegetables) are carried in the same bags, either together or between uses. This risk can be increased by the growth of bacteria in the bags.

Washing the bags by machine or hand reduces bacterial presence to nearly zero.

The Lazy Person's Way to Weight Loss...

2010-12-27T05:34:00.000-08:00

Study Says: SLEEP MORE To Drop Pounds!

Are you lazy? Come on - it's just the two of us. You can admit it and it will be our little secret!

Well, even if you aren't "lazy," I'm sure you look for the quickest and easiest way to get things done.

For example, if you had these two weight loss programs - that work equally as well - which one would you pick...

1. You have to wake up at 5:00 a.m. every day and run 5 miles, then you eat almost nothing for breakfast, then almost nothing for lunch, then you workout like a dog for 2 hours after work, and eat a teeny tiny dinner. Then, you go to bed and do it all over again tomorrow. And you do this every day. Or...

2. You take a pill, sleep late... and wake up skinny.

Obviously, you'd probably choose #2. Any sane person would - as long as the "pill" was safe.

Anyways, you get the point.

Well, there is no "pill" that works like that. But, a study has just been published that claims sleeping is a very important part of weight loss.

In fact, research from the University of Chicago showed dieters who slept for 8.5 hours lost 55 percent more body fat than dieters who slept only 5.5 hours.

The authors of the study stated, "Lack of sufficient sleep may compromise the efficacy of typical dietary interventions for weight loss and related metabolic risk reduction."

Researchers think sleep may affect levels of a hormone called ghrelin. Increased levels of this hormone have been shown to increase appetite and increase fat retention. The subjects in this study who slept less claimed to be hungrier than those who slept more. According to the study's authors: "Together, these results suggest that the loss of sleep at times of limited food intake amplifies the pattern of ghrelin-associated changes in human hunger, glucose, fat utilization, and energy metabolism." It should be noted the sample size in this study was small and further research on this subject is needed to make definitive conclusions. While we are on the weight loss topic, here's another study you might find interesting...

Diet & Exercise?

USA Today reports two-thirds of people in the United States are overweight. "Overweight" is defined as being 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. This means 66% of Americans, because of their weight, are at higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and even some types of cancer. That's why it is so important to lose weight if you are overweight. New research published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared exercise combined with diet versus diet only.

Here's what researchers found... At six months, people in the diet-and-exercise group lost an average of 24 pounds and had better reduction in belly fat and liver fat than those in the delayed-exercise group, who lost an average of 18 pounds. After a year, people in the diet-and-exercise group lost 27 pounds compared to 22 pounds in the delayed-exercise group. "This shows that a traditional diet-and-exercise program can work for people who are very obese," says lead author, Bret Goodpaster, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Most participants in the study lost between 30-40 pounds... but a handful lost nearly 100.

Recently, a study published in the September 2008 Journal of Obesity raised a few eyebrows. The study contrasted diet versus exercise for weight loss and concluded that, even though exercise may be good for strengthening bones and muscles, improved mental health and mood, lowering blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer... it may not be the best thing for weight loss. According to one of the study's authors: "We would love to say that physical activity has a positive effect on weight control, but that does not appear to be the case." This obviously contradicts the previous study mentioned in this newsletter, at least on the surface. This is one of the problems with studies - they are often conflicting, which is why common sense must enter into your decision-making process.

Researchers in the last study mentioned the reason exercise may not have been effective in weight less is because an increase in exercise may cause people to eat more. This clearly does not mean exercise is not effective - it means people were unable to control what they ate. Just because some people use a little exercise as an excuse to eat whatever they want does not mean exercise is not effective.

"All Natural" Foods That Are Far From All Natural

We all want to eat as healthy as possible, but with time constraints and money issues, eating right can be very difficult. Now there is one more hurdle you must watch out for...

And that hurdle is: Food companies making blatantly false claims about their products. For example, Ben & Jerry's seems to be a great company. They contribute greatly to many causes such as family farmers, climate change, etc. - all great stuff. But, their claim that their ice cream is made from "all natural" ingredients is false.

According to food.change.org; "The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently asked Ben & Jerry's to remove the 'all natural' stamp from its ice cream containers, claiming that ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, alkalized cocoa, and hydrogenated oil are far from natural. These ingredients are, in fact, quite heavily processed." Ben & Jerry's heeded CSPI's demands and agreed to remove the "all natural" label from its ice cream containers.

Ben & Jerry's may be the one taking heat from CSPI, but the ice cream maker is hardly alone in its misuse of the "all natural" label. Other ice-cream makers like Edy's/Dreyer's, Breyer's, Friendly's, Turkey Hill, and more do the same exact thing. This problem is not isolated to just ice cream. The real problem is that while the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the "all natural" claim, they have no real definition of what an "all natural" food item is.

Ben & Jerry's voluntarily removed the "all natural" label from its products. Others have not.

Do You Or Your Kids Eat McDonalds?

This is a shock - but not surprising. Manhattan artist, Sally Davies, photographed a McDonald's Happy Meal every day for 6 months. The results? The Happy Meal did not appear to age. There was no mold or evidence of decay. In fact, the pictures at 6 months show it to look as fresh as the day it was bought.

Here's something even more shocking: Wellness educator and nutrition consultant, Karen Hanrahan, has kept a McDonald's hamburger since 1996 to illustrate its nonexistent ability to decay. Aside from drying out a bit and having "the oddest smell," it apparently hasn't changed much in the past 12 years.

Something to think about before stopping at the drive-thru...

And don't forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We're here to help and don't enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

Tip Of The Month

2010-11-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

Shocking And Surprising Things Chefs Don't Want You To Know - What order makes them mad and what THEY never order when they go out to eat.Roaches? Recycled Bread? And What Happens To Your Food When You Send It Back!!!

Have you seen the movie, "Waiting..."? If not, it's about shenanigans that go on at a restaurant by the waiters, managers and cooks. It's a comedy and not "real." But, it shows a lot of things people are afraid actually happens behind the scenes when they go out to eat.

For example, one customer sends his steak back because it is not cooked to his liking. So what does the cook do? He freaks out. Throws the steak on the floor... says, "oooops"... picks it up and puts it back on the grill. The movie shows a lot worse than that!

Well, does any of this stuff really occur? And besides that - what are some of the things chefs probably don't want you to know? Food Network Magazine surveyed thousands of Chefs (anonymously) across the country - and here's what they found...

Chefs Are Picky Eaters But Hate Picky Eaters!

Yes... this may be a little contradictory. But come on - you probably don't like some of the things you do either! According to the survey, 60% of chefs said requests for substitutes were annoying. One of the biggest annoyances was when customers "pretend" to be allergic to something. Hmmmm... one has to wonder how they knew they were "pretending?"

Chefs Have Expensive Taste And Avoid Pasta And Chicken

The restaurant chefs listed the most as "best in the country" was The French Laundry in California's Napa Valley. Dinner there is $240 per person, before wine. They avoid chicken and pasta because they are often the most over-priced items on the menu. Ironically, they like fast food... Wendy's topping the list.

What About Roaches?

Are you sitting down? You are... good. 75% said they have seen roaches in the kitchen! Also, on a scale of 1-10, 85% of chefs rate their kitchen as an 8 or above for being clean.

Do Chefs Spit In Your Food If You Send It Back?

Only 13% said they saw chefs do bad things to people's food. The worst was, "Someone once ran a steak through a dishwasher after the diner sent it back twice. Ironically, the customer was happy with it then." Three of the chefs said they re-used uneaten bread after it was taken back from the tables.

Chefs also work hard!

They average between 60-80 hours a week and work holidays. Their average pay is $75,000 a year. And there's more... like menu specials are often experimental dishes, fresh fish deliveries do NOT come on Sundays, and the appropriate tip for your meal is 20%. The complete article can be found by googling "25 Things Chefs Never Tell You Food Network Magazine".

Remember, we're always here, using Chiropractic and Massage to help your body heal and maintain the health you deserve.

Did You Know?

2010-11-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Plants have been used for centuries as medicines.

Now, genetically modified plants can produce plastic, skin tissue agents and human blood proteins. Biotechnologists have created genetically modified (GM) plants that can grow plastic. They managed this by inserting 4 genes from plastic-producing bacteria into varieties of oilseed rape (Eurasian plant) and cress. Conventional plastics are made from oil and do not degrade easily, but the plant plastic is biodegradable. But it is expensive, costing five times more than petroleum-derived plastic.

Actually, mankind has been "genetically modifying" everything from food to dogs for many centuries, but in the past, the only tool has been selective breeding. There are a variety of ways that scientists now modify plants and animals with genetic engineering techniques.

In the meantime, before you grow your own plastic plants, take good care of your real plants. Clean them often, speak to them, and play them some nice music - there is a lot of research that shows playing melodic or classical music to plants makes them grow healthier.

Shocker: Heavy Drinkers Outlive Non-Drinkers?

2010-11-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

Discover what a new paper in the Journal Alcoholism found that might make you fall off the wagon!

Is it possible? Can it be true? There is no way... right?

As revealed in a new paper in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, people who do NOT drink alcohol do NOT live as long as people who do.

According to an article in Time Magazine, "Research suggests that -- for reasons that aren't entirely clear -- abstaining from alcohol does tend to increase one's risk of dying, even when you exclude former problem drinkers. The most shocking part? Abstainers' mortality rates are higher than those of heavy drinkers.

"Moderate drinking, which is defined as one to three drinks per day, is associated with the lowest mortality rates in alcohol studies."

WOW! According to this paper, people who do not drink at all die sooner than heavy drinkers... not people who have a drink or two a night - but... HEAVY DRINKERS!

According to the article, a moderate drinker, defined as 1-3 drinks per day, had the lowest mortality rate.

Even though researchers do not know the real answer, there are plenty of theories as to why these findings exist.

One is that moderate alcohol consumption (especially red wine) can improve circulation, cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Stress reduction may be the most important item on the list. Here is why...

There is a vast amount of research linking stress to poor health, possible disease and shortened lifespan.

In fact, a press release from September 3, 2010 states researchers had finally found direct evidence linking stress to heart attacks.

It's All About HAIR

According to the press release, "Researchers at The University of Western Ontario have provided the first direct evidence using a biological marker, to show chronic stress plays an important role in heart attacks. Stressors such as job and marital and financial problems have been linked to the increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease including heart attack."

This study, published in the journal Stress, said researchers developed a method to measure cortisol levels in hair. This is important because cortisol levels are an indicator of stress levels and now the cortisol/stress level can be measured for several months leading up to the heart attack.

Until now, cortisol levels were only measured in saliva, urine and serum. Because of this, stress levels were only seen at the time of the measurement - not leading up to the event. Doctors and researchers have suspected for a long time that stress was bad for you but it has been hard to measure and "prove." Now, it looks like we can all say with relative accuracy... that...

STRESS KILLS!

This might shed new light on the alcohol research above. Maybe it's not alcohol as a chemical compound that is beneficial to your longevity... Maybe the key is alcohol's role in stress reduction.

Who knows? Right now, no one knows for sure, but we do know that correlation is not causation. In other words, just because drinkers live longer does not mean "alcohol is good for you." For example, if the reason drinkers live longer is actually due to a reduction in stress... then it may be possible to get the same results without alcohol consumption. Maybe learning to control stress through meditation and other ways will be found to be just as effective. The mind-body connection is what's really important. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and science has now linked it to your stress levels, which basically links it to the way you think.

The way you handle situations in life every single day is actually a matter of not just happiness... but of...

Life and Death

So here's a little advice: Learn about stress and stress management ASAP. Most likely it will not only lead to a happier life... but a longer one.

Tip of the Month

2010-10-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

The "Technical" solution to kids getting a good night's sleep

Everyone wants the best for their children. And that's exactly why you will find this information so important...

So let's jump right in with the "technical" solution to kids getting a good night's sleep. Studies have recently shown kids are using forms of technology - such as cell phones, gaming systems and computers - late into the night. This not only keeps them up late, it can excite the brain so even when they try to sleep, it can be difficult. One of the worst things you can do right before bedtime is to surf the internet or play a video game. Your brain gets all "charged up" and it takes some time for it to relax so you can sleep soundly.

"Any factor that deteriorates the quality or quantity of sleep will lead to difficulty with school performance and behavior problems," said William Kohler, MD, Medical Director at Florida Sleep Institute. "When children stay up late at night texting in bed or playing computer games, they are increasing their risk for neuro cognitive problems."

According to an article published August 11, 2010 in Science Daily, "having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive developmental outcomes in four-year olds. In this 8,000-person sample, language, reading and math scores were higher in children whose parents reported enforcing regular bedtimes."

It is important to keep the same bedtime and wake time seven days a week. Staying up late and sleeping in on weekends can make it difficult to re-adapt during the week. Constantly shifting sleep patterns is not a good idea. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine is important; doing the same thing every night like changing clothes, washing up and brushing teeth will signal the brain that it's time for sleep. Exercise, caffeine, and sugary foods should be avoided. The room for sleeping should be quiet, dark and kept cool... below 75 degrees. Technology should not be used for at least an hour before bedtime. According to the Science Daily article, "Insufficient sleep and poor sleep habits have been linked to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, moodiness or irritability, reduced memory functioning, and delayed reaction time."

Did You Know?

2010-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Human body is comprised of various body organs, cells and tissues which are functioning in a synchronized and cooperative manner. Each organ has its own very specialized function.

Following are the significant facts about the different organs and their functioning:

The purpose of eyebrows is to keep sweat from running into the eyes

Hair is the second fastest growing tissue on the body. Bone marrow is the first.

Hair is made out of the same substance as fingernails

Around 20% of the oxygen you breathe goes to your brain

You cannot properly tickle yourself as your brain knows that you are touching yourself and will not react in the same way as if something foreign were touching you

An adult human body requires around 90 pounds of oxygen per day

The heart produces enough pressure that it can squirt blood at a distance of over 35 feet

The human heart beats an average of 35,000,000 times per year - thus, the average human heart beats around 100,000 times per day

The volume of tears on the surface of our eyes is 7 micro liters (seven one thousands of a milliliter) when resting

Most common solid tissue to be transplanted in the world is the cornea.

A World Without Wrinkles or Skin Cancer?

2010-10-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

...Have Scientists Finally Discovered How To Reverse Damaging Effects Of The Sun?

Have you ever gotten a sunburn? If you have, you are not alone. Most people, at one time or another, have played in the sun a little too long and turned a sweet shade of pink or even red. Until recently, the long-term damage done by sunburn was not fully known. Nowadays, most people now know the effects of a sunburn come out years later in the form of premature aging- like leathery skin, wrinkles and "sun spots." Even worse, overzealous sunbathing can cause skin cancer. But, what if there was a way to completely erase all the damage done to your skin by the sun? What if you could wipe out wrinkles, sun spots, rough skin and even skin cancer... and do it in a fraction of the time it takes you to blink an eye?

Wouldn't That Be Amazing And One Of The Best Scientific Discoveries Ever?

Well, scientists haven't quite discovered the ultimate cure for skin related aging and cancer yet... but with this incredible discovery, it looks like they are very close... Here's the discovery: Researchers have long known humans lack an enzyme that most other animals and plants have that reverses damage done by the sun.

Now, for the first time, researchers have actually seen how this enzyme works... on the atomic level... to repair sun damage. According to an article published in physorg.com, "The discovery holds promise for future sunburn remedies and skin cancer prevention. In the early online edition of the journal Nature, Ohio State University physicist and chemist, Dongping Zhong, and his colleagues describe how they were able to observe the enzyme called photolyase inject a single electron and proton into an injured strand of DNA. The two subatomic particles healed the damage in a few billionths of a second."

According to the article, Ultraviolet (UV) light damages cells by causing bonds in the DNA to form in the wrong places. Photolyase seems to break up the "wrong" bonds and "reset" them so atoms in the DNA can move back to their original positions.

Photolyase is present in all plants and most animals... even insects and bacteria. Only mammals are missing this enzyme. According to the article, "Now that researchers know the mechanism by which photolyase works, they might use that information to design drugs or lotions that heal sun damage, Zhong said. Normal sunscreen lotions convert UV light to heat or reflect it away from our skin. A sunscreen containing photolyase could potentially heal some of the damage from UV rays that get through." But until modern science actually comes up with the solution - the best thing to do is not get a sunburn.

Health Update: Carpal Tunnel

2010-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

So what IS CTS? According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (National Institutes of Health), CTS occurs as a result of the median nerve, which is located in the middle of the forearm and hand on the palm side, getting pinched or squeezed at the wrist. This results in numbness, or tingling and later, weakness in the part of the hand that is innervated by the median nerve (palm and index, 3rd and half of the 4th fingers). The reason this occurs so frequently is primarily due to the way the wrist is designed. There are 8 little wrist bones that make up the "tunnel."

There are 9 tendons that travel through the tunnel and the median nerve sits on top of the 9 tendons, just under the "roof" of the tunnel (a ligament). When the hands and fingers have to move rapidly such as when typing, playing piano, working on a fast paced, repetitive motion job (eg., packing cookies, meat packaging, etc.), the tendons rub together and create friction. As a result, the tendons swell and the median nerve gets squeezed or pinched between the swollen tendons and the roof (ligament). This process results in the symptoms: numbness, tingling, burning, itching, "half-asleep," driving numbness, difficulty picking up things with the finger tips, buttoning a shirt, grip/pinch weakness (opening a jar weakness), difficulty in differentiating between hot and cold, and sleep interruptions from the numb/tingling sensations. If not properly treated, the muscles at the base of the thumb can shrink ("atrophy").

Chiropractors are appropriately trained to diagnose and treat CTS - most importantly, WITHOUT SURGERY! The following represents a logical, effective chiropractic treatment approach for CTS: 1) Joint manipulation: this includes the hand, wrist, forearm, and in some cases, the elbow, shoulder, and neck; 2) Muscle release techniques: this may include deep tissue active release technique, spray and stretch, mobilization, contract/relax techniques, and teaching you how to perform some of these on your own; 3) Exercises: wall/wrist stretches, isometric and isotonic resistance; 4) Cock-up wrist splint use, especially at night; 5) Ergonomic modifications (workstation issues); 6) Physical therapy modalities such as low level laser therapy.

We realize that you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

Health Update: Low Back Pain

2010-10-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Running and Low Back Pain

Have you ever noticed every time you go running, you have lower back pain either during or after the run? If so, I'm sure you're wondering if you should quit running, find an alternative sport, or simply stop all activity and adopt a sedentary lifestyle. If you love the benefits of running and want to continue, is there anything you can do to make running tolerable? First, NEVER stop doing activity and adopt a sedentary lifestyle - it will start a slow decline with an unhappy ending! So let's see if we can make running work for you!

STRETCH: In general, stretching helps "warm up" your muscles and joints and can prevent the low back from hurting during or after your run. In past newsletters, we've reviewed simple stretches that can be done from a sitting position (when you're in a hurry), as well as others.

Yoga based exercises are also excellent!

FOOT STRIKE: The "proper" gait or, method your feet hit the ground is very important! To avoid low back injuries (not to mention foot, ankle, knee or hip injuries), run SMOOTHLY so the heel strike is gliding/glancing vs. a hard vertical load. The foot then "ROLLS" from heel to toe, first on the outside of the foot and then shifts to the inside during which time the arch flattens out, getting ready to "spring" you forward. The heel then lifts up and you push off the ball of the foot and big toe.

RUNNING POSTURE: Lean forwards when you run - DON'T run vertically like a Po-Go stick! By doing this, your momentum will be to move forwards - NOT downwards into the pavement (like a "jack hammer")!

CORE STRENGTHENING: By keeping your "core" (midsection) strong, your back is more supported and less likely to become injured. Core exercises include pelvic tilts, the "dead-bug", bridges, prone swimmers, lunges, squats, sit-ups, arch-ups, side bridges, 4-point kneeling/opposite arm/leg, and many others. These can be done on the floor and/or with a gym ball. Balance exercises are also very important!

RELAX: Have you ever noticed when some people run, they just look "tight" and uncomfortable.

RELAX - don't shrug your shoulders up to your ears; let your arms hang down bent at your sides; don't clench your teeth or make a fist - RELAX!!!

PADDED INSOLES: There are many brands of padded insoles - try some and see how they work for you.

RUNNING SHOES: The key here is TRY THEM ON and walk around inside the store. There are a lot of good supportive shoes so just find a brand that works for you!

FLAT FEET: This is common and NOT a reason to stop running. Ask us about foot orthotics and the function and importance of the arches.
We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Fibromyalgia: Exercise Recommendations

2010-09-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Health Update: Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that affects the muscles of the body in a generalized way, producing pain that is usually located in many areas. This widespread pain can impact many aspects of one's life and disrupt jobs, hobbies, and relationships.

Last month, we discussed dietary strategies that can be employed to minimize the inflammatory process in the body.

This month, we will continue the concept, "...what else can I do to help myself?" When you adopt the dietary recommendations described last month with the exercise recommendations that will be presented here, this combination will have a dramatic effect on minimizing the activity disabling qualities of fibromyalgia.

Let's break exercise down into three categories: strengthening, stretching, and aerobics. It is recommended you choose exercises from each category that are most appealing to you so you can develop a "regular habit" with these approaches. Recognize that as long as you're breathing, you will need to exercise. It's not like, "...once I get into shape, I can stop and enjoy my healthy condition that I've worked hard to achieve." Hence, make exercise automatic - something that you "look forward" to doing (not dreading). Presented here are three categories of exercises - choose several from each category and mix them up - and do it EVERY DAY!!! * Bruegger's Stretch: Sit up VERY straight, extend the arms back (straight elbows) spread fingers, tuck chin, breath full/slowly and repeat 3 times.

Note, we can help teach these to you if you're not sure how to do these!

We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in your treatment planning and realize you have a choice of providers. If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

What Isn't Carpel Tunnel Syndrome?

2010-09-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

That's a strange question....well, maybe not as crazy as it sounds! Knowing what isn't carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, may help you avoid an unnecessary surgery for a condition that looks very similar to CTS. Because CTS is such a common problem, it's not uncommon for other conditions to be mistakenly called "CTS." Because of that, subsequent surgical treatment will fail.

So, what are similar conditions you should know about? You'll be surprised at the possibilities: Pronator tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, De Quervain's Disease, fracture/trauma, degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), ganglion cysts, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), serum lupus erythymatosus (SLE), scleroderma, syringomyelia, multiple sclerosis, pregnancy, obesity, hypothyroid, gout, diabetes mellitus, Paget's Disease, acromegaly, mucopolysaccharidoses, eosinophilic fasciitis, hyperlipidemia...

Obviously, you get the picture. There are MANY conditions that can either contribute and/or "cause" CTS. So, let's discuss how we can determine what the condition is that may be causing CTS. CTS is "likely" if none of the above causes or contributes to these symptoms of CTS:

1. Numbness/tingling in the distribution of the median nerve in the hand only (not forearm) affecting the 2nd and 3rd (sometimes part of the 4th) fingers.

2. The need to shake and "flick" your fingers repeatedly during certain activities such as writing, sleeping, typing, driving, reading/holding a book / newspaper.

3. Waking up at night due to numbness.

4. Difficulty buttoning a shirt, picking up fine things, unscrewing a jar, riding a bike and more.

It may be necessary and appropriate to have some blood tests performed to help "rule out" (that means, "...get rid of..") some of the above long list of conditions. Some of these blood tests include (but are not limited to): a sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RA), ANA antibody test (for SLE), uric acid (for gout), glucose (for diabetes mellitus), thyroid profile (for hypothyroid), lipid profile and even a Lyme's disease test to rule out the possibilities of that! If any of these blood test return "positive," get those conditions treated FIRST before consenting to CTS surgery so you can avoid having a poor / unsatisfying result.

Remember, you can always have surgery later, but you can't "undo" the surgery after the fact (if it doesn't help).

Therefore, why not consider a non-surgical treatment FIRST and if that fails, AND, blood tests prove none of the above conditions are present, THEN you can feel more comfortable that no underlying condition is present that is causing or adding to CTS. Some of the common non-surgical treatments you can expect from our chiropractic approach for CTS include: wrist manipulation / mobilization, active release technique (ART) applied to the flexor forearm muscles, night wrist splint use, low level laser therapy, activity modifications, ergonomic or work station modifications. Once you're sure no other underlying metabolic cause or contributor is present, call us and we will help you with our non-surgical, no negative side-effect treatment approach!

We realize you have a choice in who you are considering for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

Tip Of The Month

2010-09-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Do You Know The Two Times You Should Not Eat Sugar?
Plus: Study shows Tylenol PM® and other common medications cause brain problems...

Do you know the two times you should not eat sugar? If you do not, eating sugar at these two times of the day can strain your system and wreak havoc on your strength, fitness and health. In just a moment, you will discover these two very important times.

But first, here's some important news about... Common Over The Counter Medications And Brain Damage...

According to a July 13, 2010 issue of Neurology, drugs called anticholinergics block acetylcholine, a nervous system neurotransmitter, and are widely-used medical therapies. They are sold over the counter under various brand names such as Benadryl®, Dramamine®, Excedrin PM®, Nytol®, Sominex®, Tylenol PM®, and Unisom®. Other anticholinergic drugs, such as Paxil®, Detrol®, Demerol® and Elavil® are available only by prescription.

Older adults most commonly use drugs with anticholinergic effects as sleep aids and to relieve bladder leakage problems. Researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine conducted a 6 year study with 1,652 African-Americans over the age of 70 with normal cognitive function.

Results: "We found that taking one anticholinergic significantly increased an individual's risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and taking two of these drugs doubled this risk. This is very significant in a population, African-Americans, already known to be at high risk for developing cognitive impairment," said Noll Campbell, PharmD, first author of the study.

Dr. Campbell is a Clinical Pharmacist with Wishard Health Services. "Simply put, we have confirmed that anticholinergics, something as seemingly benign as a medication for inability to get a good night's sleep or for motion sickness, can cause or worsen cognitive impairment, specifically long-term mild cognitive impairment which involves gradual memory loss. As a geriatrician I tell my Wishard Healthy Aging Brain Center patients not to take these drugs and I encourage all older adults to talk with their physicians about each and every one of the medications they take," said Malaz Boustani, M.D., IU School of Medicine Associate Professor of Medicine, Regenstrief Institute Investigator and IU Center for Aging Research Center Scientist.

Did You Know?

2010-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among infants and most pediatricians remain unaware of the problem. Only 5 to 13 percent of breast-fed infants receive at least 400 IU of Vitamin D per day, the amount currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Human breast milk is actually relatively low in Vitamin D, probably because during our evolutionary history most babies got plenty of exposure to sunlight. An infant would need to drink 32 ounces of fortified formula per day to get 400 IU of Vitamin D, an amount that is probably unrealistic for young children.

The body produces Vitamin D when exposed to UV-B radiation from sunlight. The nutrient is essential for the development and maintenance of bones and the immune system, and deficiency can increase the risk of soft or brittle bones, infection, cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.

It is recommended that infants get no direct sunlight at all for the first six months of life, and that they wear protective clothing and sunscreen beyond that age. This effectively rules out the healthiest, most reliable source of this essential nutrient. Making matters worse, only 1 to 13 percent of children under the age of one take a Vitamin D supplement.

Do You Know These Facts About Drinking Coffee?

2010-09-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Do you want to walk up to someone you've never met and tell them something about themselves and be right more than 50% of the time?

If you do, all you have to do is tell them they drank coffee today.

More than half of Americans drink coffee every single day.

In fact, according to CBS news, "After oil, coffee is the second most valuable commodity in the world. More than 50 percent of Americans drink coffee every day -- 3 to 4 cups each, more than 330 million cups a day and counting." Many people use coffee as a crutch to wake up every day. I'm sure you've heard someone say, "I'm worthless until I have my first cup."

It's also common to see people drink coffee before they work out. If you've spent any time in gym, you've probably seen people actually drinking coffee during their workout!
But is all this coffee drinking good?

The answer is yes... and no...

A recent U.S. News and World Report article claims caffeine could be an asset to your workout. The article states, "Yes, a caffeine kick could be a valuable addition to your pre-exercise routine, delaying muscle fatigue and keeping you focused and energetic."

Then it goes on to warn, "You don't want to overdo it, though. Sleep problems, headaches, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or maybe even a heart attack can result." WOW! We're not sure the benefits outweigh the risks.

Bottom line: Caffeine is a drug and ALL drugs have side effects. Most people make the mistake and believe if something is "natural," then it is safe (or at least safer than a drug). Snake venom is natural. So is Mercury. Some of the most toxic substances known to man are natural.

So, the big question for you is: do you really think it is a good idea to use a stimulant every single day of your life? It is entirely up to you.

Simple "On-The-Go" Low Back Exercise

2010-09-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Health Update: Low Back Pain

"Doc, I try to do my exercises but I have to hit the ground running in the morning....to get the kids ready for the school bus....I have morning meetings....I'm not a morning person....I'm pulled in 100 directions during the day....I forget about them until I'm in bed....I exercise on my job and that's enough...."

I'm sure we've all rationalized our inability to keep up with exercises, especially after our episode of low back pain (LBP) subsides. In fact, only about 4% of LBP patients continue doing their exercises after their pain subsides. That means 96% of us with chronic, recurring low back pain DO NOT exercise even though we know we should. We feel bad, even guilty for not exercising. So, what can we do to "trick" ourselves into being more compliant with our low back exercises?

First, let's accept the fact that most of us cannot consistently "fit in" exercise into our busy schedules. With that said, the TIMING of when to do the exercise may be more important than even doing them at the same time every day. In other words, do a few exercises when you need them the most. For example, if you're working at a computer for more than 1 hour, and you start to feel back pain from the prolonged sitting - especially if your work station set up is less than ideal - do one or two sitting exercises right at your work station, BEFORE your back pain gets any worse. If you wait too long, the exercises may not be of much benefit. Setting a timer next to your screen that beeps every hour is a good reminder to do one or two simple exercises and only takes a minute or two. Many inexpensive digital watches can be set to beep on the hour/every hour or, you can set a "timer" to beep after 60 minutes as a "gentle" reminder. Some cell phones also have a timer feature. Here are three sit down low back exercise options (try them all and decide which one(s) feel most productive/helpful):

"Crossed Knee Stretch": Cross your legs; pull the crossed knee towards your opposite shoulder (feel the pull in your buttocks); arch your low back and at the same time, twist or rotate to the side of the crossed knee. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat up to 3 times. Repeat this on the opposite side.

"Sit Twists": Reach across with your right hand and grasp your left leg at mid-thigh. Twist/rotate your back to the left and pull with your arm. Hold 5-10 seconds / repeat 3 times. Repeat this on the opposite side.

"Sit Floor Touches": Bend over as if to touch the floor or tie a shoe. Hold 5-10 seconds. If you do the math, it would take a minute for #1 and #2, 30 seconds for #3 (total 2.5 min.). If that's too long, hold for 5 seconds. If that's too long, do 1 rep, not 3. You get the idea.....MAKE IT WORK! Modify the dose to fit your schedule or ability to stretch. If you do this AT THE TIME you start to feel tight or sore, you can PREVENT a LBP episode!

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Tip of the Month

2010-08-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

World's Oldest Person Alive At 130?

Do you take good enough care of your body for it to last that long?
"If I knew I was going to live this long, I would've taken better care of myself."
Those words by Eubie Blake couldn't possibly have any more meaning than they do for Antisa Khvichava. Authorities from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia claim this remote villager recently turned 130, making her the oldest person on earth. She retired from picking tea and corn in 1965, when she was 85. She said she has always been healthy and worked her whole life.
It is difficult to verify her age due to wars and the collapse of the Russian empire, but she has two soviet-era documents that attest to her age. For all accounts, her mind is as sharp as ever, but her body has all but quit on her. Her fingers are so deformed she can no longer knit, and she struggles to walk. But, she refuses any help to get around when she has to.
While her mind-set and determination are admirable - but also realize how important it is to take care of the one body you are given. You never know how long you will need it. One has to wonder if she ate low-carbs or low-fat? :-)

Did You Know?

2010-08-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

A human can live without food for almost a month but survive no longer than a week without water. The UN estimates a person needs a minimum of 50 liters of water a day for drinking, washing, cooking and sanitation. However, over a billion people do not have access to this minimum amount.

According to UNESCO, the world's population is appropriating 54% of all the accessible freshwater contained in rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. If per capita consumption of water resources continues to rise at its current rate, humankind could be using over 90% of all available freshwater within 25 years, leaving just 10% for all other living beings.

Freshwater lakes and swamps account for a mere 0.29% of the earth's freshwater. 20% of all surface freshwater is in one lake, Lake Baikal in Asia. Another 20% is stored in the Great Lakes. Rivers hold only about 0.006% of total freshwater reserves.

Mankind uses only a drop in the bucket of the total available water supply.

So where is all the water?

Antarctica is thought to hold about 75% of the world's fresh water (and 90% of the world's ice). In fact, almost 10 percent of the world's land mass is currently covered with glaciers, mostly in Antarctica and Greenland. But it will take more than a Zippo lighter to melt it for daily use.

For the United States, one crucial source is the huge underground reservoir which stretches from Texas to South Dakota, the 800-mile Ogallala aquifer. It provides an estimated third of all US irrigation water. In fact, 95% of the United States' fresh water is underground.

In Libya, the Great Man Made River Project, as it's called, is pumping some 6 million cubic meters of water a day from aquifers in the desert, providing irrigation for 150,000 hectares of land. Many countries have turned to aquifers to quench peoples' thirst.

Aquifers form over thousands of years, but many had been cut off from their original natural sources and are being steadily depleted. In some areas, like Mexico City, aquifer levels dropped by 3 - 5 feet a year, essentially sinking whole areas.

New Research: Cutting Carbs Better Than Low-Fat?

2010-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Eating fat is bad. No... wait... it's carbohydrates that are evil. One expert says one thing and then, another Doctor says something else. Back and forth... back and forth. Maybe that new infomercial selling the latest miracle weight loss product is the way to go? Who knows? In the meantime, you're confused and not losing any weight. Well, get ready for some possible answers... and a few more questions...

First, The Results Of A New Study

The June 19th, 2010 edition of The Endocrine Society reports, "[According to a new study ,] Obese women with insulin resistance lose more weight after three months on a lower-carbohydrate diet than on a traditional low-fat diet with the same number of calories..." The study's lead author, Raymond Plodkowski, MD, Chief of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno wrote, "The typical diet that physicians recommend for weight loss is a low-fat diet... However, as this study shows, not all people have the same response to diets." According to the researchers, for this group of women, the lower carbohydrate diet is more effective, at least in the short term. The study lasted 12 weeks and was funded by Jenny Craig. It found the insulin resistant women on the lowest-carb diet lost 3.4 pounds more than those on the low-fat diet. Total calories for all groups were the same. The low-fat diet included 60% of its calories from carbs, 20% from fat, and 20% from protein. The low-carb diet included 45% of its calories from carbs, 35% from primary unsaturated fats, and 20% from protein. Both diets included a minimum of 2 fruits and 3 vegetable servings a day. The use of prepared meals made the structured diets easier and more palatable for the dieter. "These data have potential widespread applications for clinicians when counseling people with insulin resistance to help improve weight loss as part of a calorie-restricted diet," Plodkowski said. "They should at least initially lower their carbohydrate intake."

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Since the women in the above-mentioned study were all insulin resistant - you might be wondering, "what is insulin resistance?" Insulin resistance is a condition where the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas to break down glucose in the blood so it can be used for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar and is the body's #1 source of energy. After your digestive system breaks food down into glucose, glucose is then transported to different parts of your body via the bloodstream. Glucose in the blood stream is called "blood glucose" or "blood sugar." After you eat, blood glucose levels rise and your pancreas secretes insulin to allow cells to absorb and use the glucose. When people are insulin resistant, they do not respond properly to insulin. In other words, even though the pancreas secretes insulin, it is not effective in getting the glucose from the blood into the cells. More insulin is needed so the pancreas works harder and secretes more. Eventually, the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand and glucose builds up in the blood. This is the beginning of diabetes. It is common for diabetics to have high levels of both glucose and insulin circulating in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance not only sets the stage for developing Type 2 Diabetes, it increases the odds of the number one killer in America: heart disease. According to the American Diabetes Association: "People with diabetes have a higher-than-average risk of having a heart attack or stroke. These strike people with diabetes more than twice as often as people without diabetes."

What Causes Insulin Resistance?

Very good question. There seem to be several contributing factors. The first factor may be genetic. Some scientists think specific genes make certain people more susceptible to insulin resistance. But, genes aren't everything. Weight and lack of physical activity also seem to play a major role. Then, there are the types of food you eat... The more junk sugars (ice cream, candy bars, etc.) you eat, the more your little pancreas has to work to keep up with all the sugar that has been dumped into the bloodstream. Just like everything else, there is only so much work your pancreas can do. If the pace is too high for too long, it will basically burn out and quit. It is important to stop this process before it gets too far. Exercise, weight loss and proper diet can reverse many cases of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, "The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and other large studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can often prevent or delay diabetes if they lose a modest amount of weight by cutting fat and calorie intake and increasing physical activity; for example, walking 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Losing just 5 to 7 percent of body weight prevents or delays diabetes by nearly 60 percent. In the DPP, people aged 60 or older who made lifestyle changes lowered their chances of developing diabetes by 70 percent." With all of this information, the most important message to take away is this: Lifestyle has a major impact on your health. Different people react to different foods and diets in different ways, and it is important to pay attention to what you eat and figure out what is best for you. But no matter what, regular exercise and staying away from junk food loaded with bad fats and sugar is a very good idea. Research may not have all the answers yet, but to our knowledge, there is no study that says sitting on the couch stuffing your face with candy bars and ice cream is good for your health.

Tip of the Month

2010-07-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Why Children Act Up! And What You Might To Do About It...

Raising children is one of the most challenging things you can ever do. Sometimes, they are your little angels and other times, your little devils.

The most difficult thing may be identifying what causes each behavior. It would make things a lot easier around your house if you knew exactly what to do to raise the perfect child, wouldn't it?

Well, while there is no "perfect formula," there are known (and common) reasons why some children misbehave. Just knowing and understanding these reasons can go a long way to creating a well-balanced child... and giving you some sanity!

The first and possibly biggest reason children misbehave is simply because they are trying to figure out the whole new and enormous world around them. The way they do this is to TEST BOUNDARIES. As they develop, they will test or push whatever boundaries and limitations their parents have established. Unfortunately, many times, limitations and boundaries are weak - if existent at all.

Boundaries must be strong and enforced CONSISTANTLY. A lack of consistency leads to a confused (and difficult) child. Since consistency is probably the most important factor, any difference between boundaries you set and your children have at school can cause a problem. Without consistency, children do not feel safe and comfortable. The world around them becomes a very strange and uninviting place. The end result is a greater level of testing of boundaries and increased stress.

This can also occur with separated or divorced parents. Oftentimes a "good cop - bad cop" dynamic takes place. One parent tries to set and enforce the rules, while the other is the "fun" parent who gives the child anything they want in an attempt to win them over. The child usually favors this parent in the short term, but ends up with behavior problems. The best thing to do is talk to your children's teachers and find out what is going on. The same holds true with separated parents. Although easier said than done, children must be put first.

Also, make sure your expectations are within your child's developmental stage. In other words, do not expect a 2 year old to have the attention span of a 5 or 6 year old. Make sure your children understand what is expected of them.

Children are much more likely to act up when they are hungry, tired or bored... so, make sure you have a daily routine that meets all these needs. It is much easier to stay ahead of these basic needs than try to play catch-up once it is too late.

One of the most important things to remember is that children mimic the behavior of their parents. "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't cut the mustard. If you don't want your kids to yell or swear but you and your spouse yell and swear at each other frequently, then you are in for a long, hard parenting road.

Did You Know?

2010-07-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

When most people think of burns, fire and heat usually come to mind. While it is true that heat is the leading cause of tissue damage known as a "burn", a burn can also be caused by radiation (like a sun burn), friction, electricity, and chemicals.
Most burns, other than the most severe, can be safely and effectively treated with natural home remedies.

Burns are characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage. First-degree burns cause redness and swelling in the epidermis (the outermost layers of skin). Second-degree burns also involve redness and swelling, as well as blistering and the damage may extend beneath the epidermis to the deeper layers of skin (the dermis). Third-degree burns destroy the entire depth of skin and usually result in scarring. The damage may extend to underlying fat, muscle, or bone.

The wonderful Aloe Vera plant is a top choice for healing and soothing burns. Since the active ingredient (acemannen) breaks down quickly, fresh inner leaf fillets are much preferred. Fresh Aloe Vera quickly soothes painful burns and often heals even serious burns with little or no scarring.

Lavender essential oil is a very effective antiseptic that also reduces pain and promotes rapid healing. In addition, lavender reduces scarring. When lavender oil is applied to a burn very quickly, the burn may heal with no scarring at all. For larger burns, pour lavender oil onto gauze or a cloth and apply the gauze to the burn every few hours.

A wonderful and widely available household first aid item for healing and soothing burns is diluted vinegar. Cover the burn area with a cloth soaked in diluted vinegar and refresh the vinegar compress as often as needed, especially if the pain returns.

Another good household item is honey, especially raw honey. Honey has wonderful antiseptic and healing properties. Researchers in India found burns dressed with honey healed faster and with less pain and scarring.

Another age old remedy is potato peels. Potato peels provide moisture and they also have anti-bacterial properties. Doctors have found potato peel bandages work better for minor burns than conventional dressings.

Vitamins A, C, and E aid in the healing process for burns and other wounds.

Zinc can help with healthier skin after the burn, as well as a quicker recovery time. Severe burns often heal with little or no scarring. Note: In the case of any very severe burn, seek professional medical care immediately.

Sunscreen May Cause Cancer?

2010-07-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Most people don't know this, but the sun has three types of "rays," not just two.

The first is UVC. This ray usually does not reach our planet's surface and this is good because it is believed only brief exposure to UVC rays is fatal.

Next, are UVB rays. These have long been considered the "tanning rays." They are strongest during the summer months when the Earth's orbit is closest to the Sun. UVB rays are what produce a "sun tan."

For many years, sunblocks and sunscreens only attempted to block UVB because science was unaware of the effects of UVA rays (the third type of sun ray) on the body.

UVA was believed to be the safe ray in the 1980s, which spawned the growth and popularity of the artificial sun bed industry - some dermatologists even backed this artificial tanning! But, science now believes UVA rays actually do more damage than UVB rays! UVA rays are not dependant on how far the Earth is from the Sun - so the effects are the same all year round.

What's more, UVA penetrates light clothing and car windshields... even many hats. Over-exposure to the sun has been linked to premature aging and even deadly skin cancer...
Which Brings Us To The Second "Truth"

Limit exposure to the harmful rays of the sun by using high SPF sunscreens and sunblocks. For years, the sunblock industry has been booming with the promise their products protect you from the sun's aging and cancerous rays.

But, research now says these "truths" are not so "true."

For example, there is no consensus whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer. According to the Environmental Working Groups' (ewg.org) finding, "The Food and Drug Administration's 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer."(FDA 2007).

The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees. IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes "sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun"(IARC 2001a). Even worse, there is evidence emerging that sunscreen may actually INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER!

Researches speculate the cause(s) may be lack of UVA protection by most sunscreen for over 30 years, improper usage, staying in the sun longer with sunscreens and some of the ingredients. One big problem is the SPF (sun protection factor) myth.

In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens over 50 SPF. The FDA stated that anything over 50 SPF was "inherently misleading." Even an SPF of 50 can be misleading because of the way most people use sunscreen. In the real world, tests show people apply only one-half to one-fifth of the amount used when testing the sunscreen. A person using one-fourth the amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 only actually gets an SPF of 2.3. The same person using a sunscreen with SPF 100 ends up with only SPF 3.2. (The math is exponential, that's why there are such drastic reductions in SPF.)

Then, there are the potential problems with the ingredients found in sunscreens. For example, oxybenzone, a common ingredient, is a known hormone disruptor. Retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A also commonly used in sunscreens) may increase the risk of skin cancer.

According to Environmental Working Groups, "The publicly available data from FDA's new study suggest that when used in sun-exposed skin care products, retinyl palmitate and related chemicals may increase skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk instead of protecting the skin."Also, according to Environmental Working Groups, 41% of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate.

All of this may be surprising but what's even more shocking is that the FDA first issued draft sunscreen regulations in 1978 and last updated the draft in 2007. The regulations are still not final, despite multiple announcements of impending completion. Until the agency formally issues its rules, companies are not required to verify their sunscreens work, including testing for SPF levels, checking waterproof claims or providing UVA protection. Nearly one in eight sunscreens do not block UVA rays. Many carry the seal of "The Skin Cancer Foundation." According to the Environmental Working Groups, "The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) lends its logo to hundreds of sun protection products. SCF approval is easy, just document that your product has an SPF of at least 15 and provide results of basic tests (for SPF, skin reactions and water and sweat resistance, if such claims are made). SCF also requires that companies pay a $10,000 donation to join the Foundation's 'Corporate Council' in order to have their products approved."

Confused? If you are, then you are not alone. Here's something that will make the most of the confusion disappear... Since sunscreens are probably not as safe as once thought, the best thing to do is stay out of the sun during its peak hours (10:00am - 2:00pm) and whenever possible, wear protective clothing instead of chemicals. Don't forget, some sun is absolutely necessary for Vitamin D production and proper health. The amount of sun you should get depends on your skin type but you should NEVER burn.

Tip Of The Month

2010-06-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Why Human Nature Is KILLING You!
Lose Fat, Get In Shape, And Become Healthier...
The Real Way!

Do me a favor. Just for a moment - forget EVERYTHING you know (or think you know) about weight loss, getting in shape and living a healthy life. If you do, there is a very good chance you will get results you never dreamt possible.

Let's see if we can do that for you... Shall we? First, we have to talk a little about...HUMAN NATURE. Why? Human nature is one of the biggest forces behind why we do what we do. Human nature silently influences (and even controls) most of our actions... whether we know it or not. And, if we don't know about it, we tend to make very bad and unrealistic choices.

For example, what if you had two offers. One for $1 million dollars, but you had to work hard for the next 5 years to get it. The second offer is also for $1 million dollars, but without doing anything whatsoever to earn it. No work... Just Cash The Check!

Which one would you choose?

If you are like most people... you'd take the no-work deal. Sure, a cool million over 5 years is darn good, $200,000 a year. But... sitting on the beach, sipping a tasty beverage with that same cash is much better! That, my friends, is human nature. It is not right, wrong or indifferent - it just is - we follow, what seems to be, the path of least resistance.

Now let's take weight loss and staying in shape. You have three choices:(1) Purchase a diet pill... take it... and wake up thin. No exercising or eating right. (2) Purchase a "secret" exercise program or piece of exercise equipment, put in a few minutes a day for a very short period of time and look like a swimsuit model. Big results for very minimal effort. (3) Follow a strict diet, which includes not eating many of the foods and treats you love, exercise vigorously several times a week, see results slowly over time - and do this for the rest of your life.

Which One Are You Going To Choose? Odds are it's either #1 or #2 because millions and millions make that choice every year. The population keeps getting more and more overweight and it's all because HUMAN NATURE leans on you to make the easy choice or what SEEMS to be the easy choice at the time. We all know, in the end, it is much more difficult to take the easy way out than to do it correctly from the beginning. If you are not in the shape you would like to be or as healthy as you could be - deep down inside you know this to be true.

And let's be honest: we all know #3 (or a version of it, depending on your goals, age etc.) is the REAL way to get in shape, lose weight and stay healthy. Come on! Fight it! Fight that human nature telling you to tell me to shove it! Telling you there is an easier way! Telling you that you can swallow the next wonder fat burner discovered in some remote part of the rain forest... eat a half gallon of Hagen Daz... and wake up thin!

Instead, make the commitment to do it right. Do it the REAL WAY... Talk to your Chiropractic Physician and he or she will help you create a road map to the success you are looking for. They can help you lay everything out, so you do the right things at the right times to maximize your efforts. And yes, it does take effort. Consistent effort. And it all starts with the decision you make... right now.

So what's it gonna be: 1, 2 or 3?

Did You Know ?

2010-06-16T03:58:00.000-07:00

Physical Activity Prevents Heart Disease... There's no doubt about it!

Physical in-activity is a cause of premature coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease refers to blockages (plaques) in the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle.

Your heart beats 100,000 times a day, every day, year after year - what an amazing organ! It must have a reliable blood supply. In fact, 12% of all deaths in the U.S. are attributable to lack of regular physical activity, including at least a doubling of the risk for heart attacks or sudden cardiac death.

How does exercise contribute to improved heart health? Exercise improves the lipid profile: reduces trigylcerides and raises HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"); prevents and treats type 2 diabetes; reduces the systemic inflammation that plays a role in development of atherosclerosis; lowers blood pressure; and helps with weight control.