Dr. J's Health Tip

Healthier Children

2012-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Health Tip of the Week: The spine is one of the most neglected aspects of a child's health care. As it should be, careful attention is paid to pediatric well visits, eye, hearing and dental exams. The child's spine is often relegated to scoliosis screenings at the school nurse's office. Scoliosis screenings at the child's school provide a very important service, helping to detect many early spinal curvature problems. But scoliosis screenings do nothing to detect and correct vertebral subluxations. As adults, we tend to take the spine for granted. We think of the back and neck as a glob of muscles that can cause us periodic aches and pains. What we tend to forget is that the spine is the life-line of the body. All of our school children are taught at an early age that the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves) controls and co-ordinates every function in the body. When I say every function, I mean every function. Lungs breathing, heart beating, digestion, circulation, muscular performance, hormone production, cell creation and immune system function, to name just a few of the many thousands of bodily functions controlled by the nervous system. Even as you sit at your desk reading this Health Tip, your eyes are blinking, nails and hair are growing and lungs are breathing. All these functions are controlled by your nerves. Think of your spine and brain as a computer-controlled communication center. The brain, as the computer, communicates with the systems of the body, sending messages as nerve impulses through the spinal cord and spinal nerves. When the intended organ or system receives the message, it sends a reply message back to the brain through the nerves and spinal cord. This exchange of operating information is called a feedback loop. The brain-to-body and body-to-brain messaging through the spine is is how the body works. For the body to be 100% healthy, this communication network must function at 100%. If there is any less than 100% nerve impulse flow, the body loses a degree of function. A loss in function equates to a loss in health. If the nervous system is not working properly, body chemistry can be thrown out of synch, not only affecting many important chemical equations in the body but also affecting how the immune system works. As we all know, a strong, vibrant, healthy immune system means less colds and illnesses from viruses. As far as the boney spine is concerned, there is a direct relationship to nerve flow and spinal bone alignment. In between each vertebra are little openings from where the spinal nerve reaches out. If the vertebra (bone) is not in its proper position (a vertebral subluxation), the nerve is irritated and the flow of the nerve impulses are impeded. The decline in "messaging" through the spine that results from the subluxation directly affects the function of the nervous system. If the nervous system is not functioning properly, the body cannot perform as it is meant to, and health is lost. Subluxations are caused by muscular stress to the spine. Has your child ever fallen down? Played a sport? Bumped their head or had an accident? The major concern with subluxations is that symptoms do not usually develop until the subluxated vertebra has been present for quite awhile. (Think adults with back problems!) Chiropractors can detect and correct subluxations as soon as they occur, which can prevent a symptom or unhealthy condition from developing. A chiropractic examination should be a regular part of your child's healthcare program. Chiropractors have many non-invasive ways to check for subluxated vertebra. Motion palpation reveals fixated spinal joints. Surface Electromyography testing finds asymmetrical muscle patterns along the spine that can suggest abnormal spinal alignment. And lastly, spinal thermography can reveal irritated nerve impulses by detecting temperature differentials along the surface of the skin. Chiropractic exams for children are extremely important. They are safe for children and will help your child's body to be as healthy as it can be.

Thought for the Week: Health is a condition of wholeness in which all of the body's parts are functioning at 100%. ~ Webster's Dictionary

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: NFL Chiropractors, Dr. Michael Miller of the New England Patriots and Dr. Robert DeStefano of the New York Giants, explain that chiropractic is fundamental to the consequences of jarring impacts; they enhance body mechanics and joint motion while improving structural balance vital to preventing and addressing many common injuries. “Most of our players will get adjusted prior to games to adequately prepare their bodies for battle. Several times during the playoffs, incidents occurred that required chiropractic care and, subsequent to sideline treatment, players were able to return to action the following play. We expect to have the same efficiency going into and during the Super Bowl.”

Your Gut may Fight Depression

2012-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

A very important topic in health care is intestinal flora. Flora is a nice, easy sounding word for bacteria. You are probably wondering why a nice and easy word like flora is being used to describe bacteria. In this case, the reason is because the bacteria in question is friendly. Intestinal flora is the helpful bacteria that is found in your gut. Unlike bacteria that can lead to disease, intestinal flora is a probiotic that exists in a symbiotic relationship with our body. Symbiosis is when two living organisms, in this case intestinal bacteria and the human body, live together to benefit each other. The bacteria feeds and multiplies in our digestive system (which is good for them) and provides the human body with needed health benefits (which is good for us). Intestinal flora have been popularized in the media through the marketing of products called probiotics. Probiotics are foods that contain living bacteria that support digestive health. Foods that include yogurt, kefir, miso and sauerkraut. Probiotics help to maintain and promote the intricate balance between good and bad bacteria in the stomach and intestines. A healthy amount of intestinal flora contribute to the body's optimal state of health by enhancing immune system function, preventing a build-up of "bad" bacteria, producing certain vitamins and hormones for the body and defending against some diseases. Recent, cutting edge research on intestinal flora is finding that gut bacteria can have an affect on the central nervous system and may even help to dictate your mood and mental health! Science has found that your gut lining is literally your second brain. The gut lining is made up of the same tissue as your brain tissue and has been found to contain more serotonin ( a neuro transmitter associated with mood control) than the brain itself. The latest research found that probiotics have a direct effect on brain chemistry. The probiotic lactobacillus (found in yogurt) was found to reduce anxiety and depression related behavior due to the bacteria's high content of a neuro transmitter called GABA. GABA is one of the main neuro transmitters found in the brain. This is very exciting because this research may lead to ways of treating depression by supporting and building upon the friendly bacteria that exists in our intestinal flora. In the long run, this could mean certain psychological drugs might not be needed. In the meantime, think of adding daily yogurt to your diet or taking probiotic supplements. They may make you a happier person!!

Thought for the Week: Health and cheerfulness naturally beget each other. ~Joseph Addison

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: The world is indoctrinated in medicine. People are conceived and born in a medicine cabinet. They grow up in a drugstore. They have been brain-washed, hypnotized, mesmerized and drugged to believe that their health / life force comes from the outside-in. ~ BJ Palmer, DC Developer of Chiropractic, quote taken from The Chiropractic Story by Marcus Bach 1949. Can you imagine if Dr. Palmer was around today, to watch the television drug commercials? Can you imagine what he would say?

Diet Soda and Stroke

2011-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

New research recently presented at the International Stroke Conference in California has linked diet soda to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Astoundingly, researchers found that people who drink diet soda on a daily basis were 48% more likely to have a stroke or to develop heart disease than people who did not drink any diet soda at all. Oddly enough, the researchers could not figure out exactly why this happens. Some of the scientists theorize that the high sodium in diet soda was the connecting factor; others suggest that people who drink diet soda tend to be overweight, less active and smoke or drink alcohol. While the sodium level in diet soda is certainly a factor (too much sodium in the diet has been proven to cause strokes), diet soda deserves a much more thorough examination of its ingredients and their affects on health. For instance, the main ingredient in diet soda, the ingredient that gives soda its diet properties and zero calories, is man-made artificial sweetener. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame (Nutra Sweet), Sucrolose and Splenda, are excitotoxins. Excitotoxins are chemicals that react with specialized receptors in the brain in a way that leads to the degeneration of certain types of brain cells. Scientists are finding that excitotoxins play a critical role in the development of neurological disorders, such as migraine headaches, seizures, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. Interestingly enough, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders lists stroke as one of its primary neurological disorders. Hmmm. Diet soda increases the risk of stroke. Artificial sweeteners are excitotoxins that may lead to neurological disorders, such as stroke. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners. Eureka!! I think I just found another likely link to stroke and diet soda! That wasn't too hard. The bottom line is that when man-made chemically enhanced ingredients are placed in our food supply (soft drinks and processed foods); the eventual result is ill health. To be healthy, one has to eat naturally. The occasional junky, processed food in our diet is probably not too big a deal, but when the diet is made up of a majority of man-made, engineered or processed and altered foods, you can bet your bottom dollar that trouble is on the way.

Thought for the Week: Food is an important part of a balanced diet. ~Fran Lebowitz

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: The nervous system and the immune system are directly connected and work together to develop maximum responses for the body to adapt and heal correctly. Neural malfunction (that occurs) due to spinal misalignment produces stress on the body and causes abnormal changes, which leads to a poor coordinated immune system response. Chiropractic spinal adjustments have been demonstrated to heighten the coordinated responses of the nervous and immune systems. In 2005, in a landmark study, it was established that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes that affect oxidative stress and DNA repair. These findings provided a scientific explanation for the positive influence on the immune system and the health benefits in patients who receive chiropractic care.

- All Voices.net

Flu Shot Dangers

2010-10-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

Warning. If the flu shot is something that you strongly believe in, this week's Health Tip may stir some inner thought. Recently, on the Fox News based Lou Rockwell television show, infectious disease expert, Dr. Kent Holtorf, was interviewed about his views on the swine flu vaccine. Dr. Holtorf offered several important reasons NOT to get the swine flu shot. According to Dr. Holtorf, the swine flu is simply another flu and is not unusually severe. The people who have the most trouble with the swine flu are persons whose immune systems are compromised with neurological conditions or bronchial conditions, such as asthma. Additives to the vaccine that are supposed to trigger an antibody response may actually trigger an auto-immune response. These flu shot additives include mercury, aluminum and squalene. Mercury has been found to be more toxic to the brain than lead. Dr. Holtorf also states that this is the first year that mock flu vaccines were used to gain FDA approval, and that the swine flu vaccines that were used to acquire FDA approval will not be the same vaccines that will be given to the general population. Dr. Holtorf also added that 'over vaccinations' are a big problem in the United States, with children being given over 29 different inoculations prior to the age of two. Meanwhile, he states that veterinarians have backed away from repeated vaccinations of dogs because of side-effects (though we continue the practice with our children). In addition, according to the information given on the Lou Rockwell show, this is the first time that both seasonal and pandemic vaccines will be given at the same time, so that the general population will receive two flu inoculations. Two vaccines are now being given because a single shot has failed to produce enough antibodies to deter the flu virus, which would seem to show that all other prior flu shots have been generally useless. As far as I am concerned, the most important information I learned from the interview is that our health officials and the media have done nothing to show us how to boost our own immune systems. Rather, they have focused only on pharmaceuticals, such as the flu shot and Tamiflu. According to Dr. Holtorf, there is strong evidence that vitamin C and vitamin D activate the immune system, and that the trace mineral, selenium, can prevent the worst form of the flu. And, as always, it is wise to make an informed decision about any and all vaccinations, drugs and/or medications that have been made available for you to take.

Thought for the Week: "Emergency Health Powers have been enacted and the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) has been implemented to shield drug companies from any responsibility if things go wrong. And if the vaccine (swine) is really nothing new, and it really has been tested as much as it needs to be, then why was the PREP Act implemented by the Health and Human Services Secretary?" - Taken from the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, 10/15/09

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "The body's ability to function properly is based on the integrity of the nervous system. Chiropractic care can maintain a spinal column relatively free of nerve interference and thus enhance the body's innate ability to restore and maintain health." - Fred Barge, DC, PhC

Corn, The Vegetable World's Rodney Dangerfield

2010-03-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Corn, also known as maize, is a cereal grain that is a food staple in many areas of the world. Grown and harvested from stalks, corn is eaten by the whole kernel as a vegetable, or it is dried and turned into corn meal. Corn meal is used like flour and is the main ingredient in many foods. The oil from corn (corn contains a small amount of vegetable fat) is used for cooking. The sugars from corn are turned into syrup and used as sweeteners. Unfortunately, corn syrup is chemically processed into high fructose corn syrup, which has negative health consequences, including those associated with weight gain, obesity and diabetes. Interestingly enough, corn is a principle ingredient in bourbon whiskey, as well as an adjunct in some beers. In the United States and Canada, corn is widely grown to feed livestock. It is also used in pet food and fish bait. Lately, corn has taken on a larger role as an alternative source for energy called biofuel. While the benefits of corn based biofuel are debatable, corn biofuel, also called ethanol, does reduce pollutants in the air and helps lower fuel costs. As a healthy food source, corn certainly has its benefits. Corn is high in fiber. One cup of corn adds over 18% of the body's daily recommended fiber. Corn is high in B vitamins and has a decent amount of vitamin C. Corn is a good energy source. It is starchy and sweet, which makes it high in carbohydrates that fuel the body for its daily activities. Corn contains beta-cryptoxanthin (say that three times fast!), a phytonutrient that may help to lower lung cancer risk. Corn is an icon of North American, South American and Mexican culture, used in so many ways, representing history, tradition and celebration. Corn is a vital food source world wide and should be a regular part of a health conscious diet. Did I mention popcorn?

Thought for the Week: "In the age of acorns, before the times of Ceres, a single corn kernel had been of more value to mankind than all the diamonds of the mines of India." ~Henry Brooke

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractic's health benefits are so much greater than the relief of back or neck pain. Chiropractic is whole-body health care with the vision to see the body as much more than the sum of its parts. The science of chiropractic emphasizes the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, and how that relationship affects function and health. The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, stressing the patient's overall well-being. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity. Chiropractic focuses on maintaining optimal health naturally so that the body is better able to resist disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease." --- Quad Cities News, Channel 8, Davenport, Iowa

Sea Salt

2010-01-07T04:53:00.000-08:00

Sea salt is obtained from the evaporation of seawater. Due to mineral content, sea salt has a slightly different taste than table salt, and is primarily used in cooking and cosmetics. Table salt, also known as sodium chloride, is mined rock salt. The main difference between sea salt and table salt is the mineral content. Sea salt contains the essential minerals, magnesium, sulfate, calcium and potassium. Table salt is refined, which means it has been stripped of its nutritional value. Interestingly enough, once table salt has been refined, iodine is added to the finished product. Iodine is an essential mineral that is absent in salt and is an important part of healthy thyroid function. The other main difference between sea salt and table salt is that many "gourmet" chefs and ordinary people feel that sea salt adds a much better taste to their food preparations. In general, salt has been vilified as a contributor to heart disease, but in reality, salt is vitally important for health. Salt is an electrolyte, a mineral that helps muscles to contract and also helps to balance sugar levels in the body. Salt clears mucous from the lungs. In addition, salt contributes to the absorption of food during the digestive process. Salt is an important part of the nervous system, as it helps with nerve cell communication and removes acidity from brain cells. Salt is even effective at stabilizing an irregular heart beat. As mentioned previously, a high salt intake has been linked to heart disease, as high salt intake can raise blood pressure levels. Recent research states that it may not actually be the salt itself that contributes to heart disease, but the many foods that the salt is added to. For instance, most junk foods contain salt, but junk food also contains trans-fats and other chemicals that have been shown to cause heart disease. Also, junk food adds a large amount of calories to the diet, contributing to obesity, which is a major factor in heart disease. If high blood pressure is a concern, switch to sea salt, as it has been reported that sea salt is 60% lower in sodium than table salt.

Thought for the Week: "The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea." ~Isak Dinesen

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: A study was conducted late last year by doctors at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom, to determine if chiropractic care had any benefit for colicky infants. By the 7th day of the short-term trial study, crying was significantly reduced, about 2 hours per day. By the 14th day of the trial, the reduction in crying was even more pronounced. Four weeks after the completion of the study, colic symptoms disappeared in 82% of the infants undergoing the chiropractic care.

Let me know your thoughts on this subject. Please share your comment below!

Concussions

2009-12-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

One of the most common, yet least talked about bodily injuries, is the brain concussion. Inside the skull, sits the brain. The area between the brain and the skull is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The cerebrospinal fluid protects the brain from light trauma, acting as a cushion between the soft brain and the hard skull. When the head is struck by force, the brain moves within the skull. The harder the force, the greater the movement and the less the CSF can absorb or cushion the brain from the solid skull. There are two types of forces that can cause concussions. The first is impact force, when the head itself is exposed to blunt trauma. The second type of force is impulsive force. In this type of force, the head is not exposed to blunt trauma, but the head and neck are forcibly thrown forward and backward, as in a whiplash type accident. In both types of trauma, the brain is first affected by changes in intracranial pressure, blood flow, decreased oxygen and brain cell death. The most common symptoms associated with concussion are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, tinnitus and balance disorders. In conjunction with these symptoms, MRI and, or CT scans are usually performed to check for potential brain lesions. In accidents and in today's society, physical activities (sports, recreation), head trauma is a fairly common occurrence. It is vitally important to monitor all head injuries with care and due diligence. Most concussion injuries heal with proper rest and conservative management, but it must be noted that, depending on the type of trauma and how it affects the individual's brain, more serious complications, including death could result. In addition, When any athlete suffers a concussion, the athlete must be medically cleared before participating in sporting activities. Another bump on the head, before complete concussion recovery, could be catastrophic to the individual.

Thought for the Week: "What about football? Is it a sport or a concussion?" ~Jim Murray, Los Angeles Times

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: The average weight of the human head is between 9 and 12 pounds. This copious amount of weight is supported by seven little, moveable bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Any force, what-so-ever to the head, has a negative impact on the cervical spine. When the head is impacted by force, the neck muscles immediately and severely contract to protect the spine from severe injury. This sudden muscle contraction causes the spinal bones to misalign and change the shape of the spinal curvature. One of the most important things a person can do after suffering a head trauma (in addition to medical evaluation) and whiplash type injury is to see a chiropractor for evaluation of subluxation and spinal nerve stress.

2009-11-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common diagnosis among school children. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that statistics claim to affect 8-10% of the school age population. Children with ADHD have a difficult time focusing on specific activities, paying attention to details, and tend to act without thinking. As the name suggests, there is also an issue with hyperactivity. The child tends to be "all over the place" and cannot sit still for any length of time. ADHD tends to affect boys more than girls. The diagnosis of ADHD is not a simple act. There is no medical test and it requires a complete evaluation by medical doctors, psychologists and counselors. At this time, the exact cause of ADHD is not known, but continuing research has linked ADHD symptoms to various biological causes. Deficiency of essential omega 3 fatty acids has been shown to affect brain function. Omega 3 fats are essential in brain and nerve development. When children's diets have been supplemented with these fats (fish oil, flax oil), research studies have shown marked improvements in behavior. In some instances, ADHD type symptoms have been related to cranial subluxations. The bones of the head are joined together by sutures. These "joints" are moveable and if they become fixated or stuck due to head trauma, the result has a negative effect on the cerebrospinal system. Correction of the cranial fixations via cranial / sacral therapy or cranial adjusting has been shown to help children with ADHD and other various learning disorders. It is also well known that certain food additives like artificial colors, dyes, artificial sweeteners and sugar may affect behavior. Eliminating these additives should be the first step in a successful ADHD care plan. A team approach, involving a pediatric chiropractor, nutritionist, behavior counselor and holistic minded pediatrician, may be the best approach to eliminating ADHD from a child's life.

Thought for the Week: "Parents and professionals faced with the challenging task of treating ADD and ADHD in children commonly face an unfortunate situation, in which behavior problems at home and/or school have placed yet another pressure to opt for medication as the primary treatment. There is little doubt that the majority of these 'medicated' children will have benefits in their attention span, behavior, and other components of their disorder. And yet, the benefits of medication come with built-in risks from misdiagnosis, side effects, abuse, and unforeseen long-term complications." -------- John M. Dye, N.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: A recent case study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, found a marked improvement in the symptoms of 3 1/2 year old boy presenting with ADHD, a history of birth trauma and ear infections using chiropractic care to correct spinal nerve stress. After one month of care, parents and teachers reported a decrease in hyperactivity, and in increase in attention. ---------- "Chiropractic Management of a Child with ADHD and Vertebral Subluxations, Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, Pamela Stone-McCoy, BS, DC, FICIPA, Lisa Przybysz, BS, DC

Just Say No to Artificial Sweeteners

2009-10-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

Artificial sweeteners are one of the most commonly used ingredients in food today. Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners are also one of the biggest offenders to our body's overall health. Developed as a marketing ploy and designed to appeal to the calorie conscious consumer, artificial sweeteners were fast tracked for public consumption with little to no long term testing on their affect on health. In past columns, we have discussed the dangerous side effects of the use of aspartame (brand name, Nutrasweet). In this column, I would like to shed some light on a newer product that was designed to appeal to consumers who would like a more "natural" artificial sweetener. Splenda, also known as sucrolose, is being marketed as an artificial sweetener "made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar." In reality, Splenda is an artificial sweetener derived from chlorinated sugar. It was released to the public with only two human research trials, the longest of which was conducted for only four days. In a recent study reported on in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Splenda reduced the amount of good bacteria in the intestines by 50%, increased intestinal ph levels and contributed to overall weight gain. One of the more shocking revelations was that Splenda affected glycoprotein levels in the body which could cause certain medications to be blocked by the digestive system so that they are not absorbed by the body. According to James Turner, Director of Citizens for Health, a consumer education group, the most common consumer complaints concerning Splenda are: gastrointestinal problems, migraines, seizures, dizziness, blurred vision, allergic reactions, blood sugar increases and weight gain. In conclusion, this research report is one of many that validates avoiding the use of artificial sweeteners. If you want to feel good and be healthy, just say no to the sweet stuff. For more information, visit the website, www.truthaboutsplenda.com.

Thought for the Week: "Sugar is a type of bodily fuel, yes, but your body runs about as well on it as a car would." ~V.L. Allineare

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "While other (healthcare) professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to "suit" the environment." ------ BJ Palmer, D.C.

Arthritis

2009-09-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is typically associated with aging, but it can also develop due to joint trauma and repetitive motion to the joints over a period of time. Repetitive motion can be from activities such as sports or work related activities. Two examples would be throwing a baseball for 2 decades or using a hammer to bang nails for 20 years. Osteoarthritis results from the deterioration of the cartridge over the joints. As the bones start to rub together, pain and swelling occurs. As time goes on, the bones begin to misshapen, which can lead to bone spurs. This developement causes more pain and discomfort. Then pain increases due to cartilage breaking off in the joint. Sadly, Osteoarthritis, also know as Degenerative Joint Disease, is also part of the normal aging process. As we get older, joints start to wear down. The main problem with bone and joint degeneration is related to acceleration. The more friction on the joint, the more accelerated the degeneration. As far as osteoarthritis in the spine goes, spinal bones that are out of alignment cause excessive friction on the spinal joint, accelerating the degenerative process. This acceleration is why in some cases a 35 year-old may have the spinal deterioration of a 60 year-old. A traumatic accident that injures the neck or the back when someone is in their 20's will cause spinal misalignments, which then lead to friction on the spinal bones that, over time, will show up as arthritis. Smokers have an increased risk of arthritis due to toxins from the nicotine building up in the body, increasing inflammation. To keep the joint surfaces healthy, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been shown to provide nutrition for healthy joint surfaces. Omega 3 fats, as found in fish oils, provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints, easing discomfort. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) has been shown to be just as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, but without the obvious health risk to the stomach, kidneys and liver. Resistance exercise strengthens bone density and helps keep motion in the joints, which also helps to counter the negative effects of osteoporosis.

Thought for the Week: "Give what you have to someone, it may be better than you dare to think." ----Longfellow

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Chiropractic spinal adjustments, performed on a regular basis, reduce friction on the spinal joint. The adjustment puts motion into the spinal joint reducing joint friction. Spinal vertebral alignment correction should take place after any and all accidents that involve the neck and back. By correcting the alignment today, a reduction in degenerative changes from the accident will be the result. Preventative spinal adjustments maintain the health of the spinal joints, helping to ensure a healthy spine well into old age.

What's up Doc?

2009-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Comparing carrots to other vegetables is the same as comparing Superman to an ordinary person. Carrots are the superpowered heroes of the vegetable world. Full of many vitamins and minerals, carrots should be an essential part of the health conscious diet. Carrots are loaded with carotene. Carotene is the chemical compound responsible for giving carrots their orange color. In the human body, when carrots are digested, the carotene is converted to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an important nutrient in bone growth, reproduction and immune system function. Vitamin A also plays an essential role in healthy vision, hence, the old saying that carrots are good for your eyes. Carrots are also excellent sources of Vitamin B and C. Carrots contain a form of calcium, called calcium pectate, that can help to lower cholesterol levels. Most of the carrot's nutritional value lies near the surface, so skinning a carrot takes away vital nutrients. A good scrubbing is all that is needed, which is one reason why baby carrots aren't as nutritious as full-grown carrots. Baby carrots are skinned and tumbled, plus they haven't reached the maturity of a full-grown carrot. The immature carrots lack the full amount of vitamins and nutritional content of full-grown carrots. Interestingly enough, due to the "tough" nature of the carrot (outer fibrous layer), the human body has a difficult time absorbing 100% of the carrot's nutrients during the digestive process. Cooking breaks down the carrots outer fibrous layer and allows the nutrients to get out to the body. Therefore, carrots are one of the only vegetables that is more nutritious cooked than when eaten raw. One exception to that rule is juicing raw carrots; the juicing breaks down the tough fiber wall of the carrot. As long as we are spouting odd carrot facts, research has found that when a raw carrot is cut with a knife or blades, the carrot increases its anti-oxidant value, making it even more nutritious than when bitten into with teeth. The sharp metal blade causes a stress reaction in the carrot, creating an increase in the carrot's phytonutrients. This reaction is a carrot genetic response to stress that actually creates healthier carrots. Scientists are researching ways to apply this knowledge to other vegetables, maximizing their nutrient value.

Thought for the Week: "Large, naked raw carrots are acceptable as food only to those who lie in hutches eagerly awaiting Easter."

~Fran Lebowitz

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Why is chiropractic like a three legged stool? The profession of chiropractic would be the seat, and each leg represents a different aspect of what we do. The first leg represents the philosophy of chiropractic. Our philosophy is one in which we believe that the body is perfectly capable of maintaining itself if the neural pathways between the brain and the body are open. The second leg represents the science of chiropractic. Most people don't realize that chiropractors, go through just as much classroom schooling as medical doctors. There is incredible research being done everyday to improve not only the quality of care, but advance its efficacy. The third and final leg of the stool is the art of chiropractic. This can mean several different things. There are many different techniques that can be applied to helping patients feel better...... The doctors actual skill is his or her art. I prefer to think of it as the latter." ----- Adam Rathton, Pennsylvania Health Examiner

Cardiac Risk Profile

2009-08-29T04:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can assess how healthy your heart is, as well as your risk for a heart attack? The type of assessment that profiles the heart is called a Cardiac Risk Profile. A simple score sheet is used to evaluate the risk of suffering a heart related incident in the next ten years of an individual's life. The profile includes a questionnaire that takes into account controllable risk factors, such as diet, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and smoking. The profile also factors in uncontrollable risk factors, such as gender, age and genetics. The profile compiles the information given and determines a cardiac risk factor score. The lower the score, the lower your risk for heart disease. On the surface, the Cardiac Risk Profile sounds like a simple way to determine heart disease risk but, as with many other health conditions, there are other factors that may increase your risk of heart disease. For instance, extra abdominal fat increases the risk of heart disease, as does diabetes. Diabetes increases heart attack risk because of high blood sugar levels. The extra glucose in the blood causes blood vessels to thicken and lose their elasticity. One of the biggest contributors to heart disease is lack of exercise. Exercise on a regular basis will lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increase circulation, reverse hardening of the arteries, decrease inflammation and contribute to weight loss (which also helps to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics). Research has confirmed that a little exercise (one hour a week) can decrease the risk of heart disease. As always, it is important to make sure you are healthy enough to start an exercise program. The Cardiac Risk Profile is a good way to start.

Thought for the Week: "When your heart speaks, take good notes." ~Judith Campbell

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Often when a new patient comes into a chiropractor's office and sees an infant or young child, the initial comment is: "I didn't know you treated children." Upon closer analysis, however, we realize that the spine is subject to stress and strain from the very moment of birth. Childbirth itself is probably the first shock to the spine and nervous system that the infant receives. The chiropractic profession places considerable emphasis on structural balance and has attributed considerable importance to the potential problems which can result from seemingly harmless childhood incidents. Think how many times your child has fallen. The profession has maintained that these childhood accidents can be the beginnings of early spinal degeneration. Chiropractors are trained to use gentle techniques and can use light force instrument adjusting." ------ The Enterprise Bulletin, Canada

Your Metabolism Questions Answered

2009-08-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in the human body that is needed to maintain life. Our bodies acquire the energy we need from food through metabolism. Chemical reactions convert the food to energy, which is used for every function (even thinking!) in the body. Metabolism is vital for all life. If there is no metabolism, a living thing can not live. For explanation purposes, metabolism is broken down into three easily discussed areas. First, we have anabolism. Anabolism creates the energy required for growth. Food products are digested so that the body can create cells, maintain tissue and store energy for future needs. Second, catabolism is the process that uses energy to break down tissue. In this process, cells breakdown to release energy for the body. This energy is used for movement (muscle contraction) and creating body heat to maintain our internal temperature. Lastly, we have basal metabolism. Basal metabolism is the amount of energy expended when the body is at rest. This is important for quite a few reasons, but the one that is the most relevant is weight loss. If you think of energy as calories (calories are the amount of energy the body gets from food), the higher the basal metabolic rate, the more calories the body burns at rest. The more efficient the body is at utilizing or burning calories, the more the body loses weight. Individual basal metabolic rate can easily be raised to make the body more effective at burning calories and losing weight. The most productive way of raising the basal metabolism is through exercise. Naturally, exercise burns calories at the time the exercise is being performed. Research has also shown that 2-3 hours after an exercise session, the body continues to burn calories at a higher rate due to increased metabolic activity. More importantly, muscle tissue requires energy (calories) to exist. The more tone your muscles become, the more calories your body burns at rest. Ultimately, with time and effort, your body can be a calorie burning, weight loss machine, just lying on the couch!

Thought for the Week: "Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."

~Edward Stanley

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "....a vertebral subluxation can negatively affect general health by altering the neurological communication between the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Although individuals may not always be symptomatic, chiropractors believe that the presence of vertebral subluxation is in itself justification for correction via spinal adjustment.

------- Wikipedia.org, The Vertebral Subluxation

Flax Seeds for Better Health!

2009-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Health Tip of the Week: The Flax plant, found in the Dakotas and state of Minnesota, is an annual plant that grows about a foot-and-a-half tall, with pale blue flowers and a small round fruit that has many "apple" like seeds. The flax is primarily used for its fibers and its seeds. The seeds of the flax plant are high in fiber, protein and the essential omega-three fatty acids. Flax seeds are often pressed into oil, called flax seed oil, but also commonly known as Linseed oil. Flax seeds also contain high levels of lignans. Lignans act as anti-oxidants and have been shown to help the body combat heart disease, as well as different kinds of breast and prostate cancer. Flax seed oil, like its counter part, fish oil, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. The oil of flax seeds, taken on a regular basis, may help to ease joint pain. Flax seed oil consumption has also been shown to lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure and reduce cancer risks. A last fact that is not widely known is that flax seed oil is wonderful for the skin, and has been beneficial for people suffering from dryness, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Liquid flax seed oil is easily found in commercial shopping areas. One teaspoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight is the suggested daily dosage. The flax seed, itself, has a nutty taste and can be sprinkled on salads, yogurts, cereals and soups. Even ice cream!

Thought for the Week: "Wherever flaxseeds becomea regular food item among the people, there will be better health." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractic is a profession with a limited scope of practice that has broad body implications. Holding forth the concept that only the body heals, chiropractors can accept any case as long as they have a vertebral subluxation. For as long as a subluxation can be reduced, improving the nervous systems communication, the body itself may augment its own innate forces to heal."
--------- Fred Barge, D.C.

Food Poisoning

2009-07-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

This weeks Health Tip will start with a question and end with an answer. If a person develops nausea, abdominal cramping, diarhea, vomiting and chills due to eating tainted food, should you call that person sick or should you call that person healthy? Salmonella is one of many bacteria that, when present in food, can cause food poisoning. The Center of Disease Control reports that there are an estimated 1.4 million reported cases of salmonella based food poisoning each year in the United States. The salmonella bacteria, when taken in the human body, causes the lining of the stomach and the intestines to swell. Resulting symptoms include nausea, fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches. Salmonella infection rarely causes death, though the CDC states that there are an estimated 1000 deaths per year due to salmonella poisoning. Statistically a low number, these deaths primarily occur in the very young, elderly, or people who are compromised with disease or with weakened immune systems. One of the main complications of salmonella poisoning that leads to death is dehydration due to the excessive vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The body becomes rapidly depleted of fluids, which puts an enormous strain on the heart. When food poisoning is evident, it is extremely important to remain hydrated by taking in fluids on a regular basis. If fluids can not be kept down, intra-venous (IV) fluid intake is the next step. To avoid salmonella poisoning, cook all animal products thoroughly, as salmonella can live in raw meat, poultry and eggs. Heat kills the salmonella bacteria. Also, clean all cooking preparation surfaces and utensils thoroughly (hands too), as the bacteria is easily passed from meat to surfaces. To answer the question at the top of the paragraph, a person who is vomiting with chills, fever and diarrhea due to eating tainted, poisoned food, is actually healthy, not sick. A healthy body responds to food bacteria by trying to rid the body of the bacteria in anyway possible. Unfortunately, as this cleansing process is happening, knowing you are healthy is the last thing on your mind.

Thought for the Week: "The patient must be guided toward discovering the healing powers that lie within him. Faith in pills and external treatments can be replaced with faith in oneself." --- Dennis Jaffe. Ph.D

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Health is a condition in which all body functions are carried on normally, meeting all body demands for adaptation to the environment." --------- Galen Price, D.C.

Probiotics

2009-07-14T12:26:00.001-07:00

Health Tip of the Week: The human digestive system contains approximately 500 different types of bacteria living inside its different organs. Some of the bacteria is good and some of it is bad. In order to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system, the good and bad bacteria must be kept in proper balance. The "bad" bacteria comes from, and more importantly thrives on poor nutrition (junk food), antibiotic therapy and stress. This type of bacteria weakens the digestive system allowing toxins to build up, which then threatens the immune system. The "good" bacteria gobbles up the toxins and waste products in the digestive system allowing the immune system to function properly, which in turn contributes to good health. When the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the digestive system is out of synch, many kinds of illnesses can occur. One of the most important keys to health is maintaining, or even building a better ratio of "good" bacteria vs "bad" bacteria. Probiotic therapy is the addition of "good" bacteria into the body through diet or supplementation. The most common forms of "good" bacteria are acidolphilus, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Probiotics are found in yogurt, sauerkraut, some cottage cheeses and various manufactured probiotic supplements. For optimal health in children and adults, probiotics should be consumed on a daily basis. Recently, a study in Finland found the severity and durations of respiratory infections dramatically decreased in children that supplemented their diet with probiotics all winter long. In addition, conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, stomach ulcers and chronic yeast infections have all been shown to improve from probiotic consumption.

Thought for the Week: "When diet is wrong medicine is of no use. When diet is correct medicine is of no need." ~Ayurvedic Proverb

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: One of the greatest wide receivers in National Football League history is now telling how he managed to withstand all those truly "vicious" hits he took. "Chiropractic care was key to keeping me in the game," says Jerry Rice, who helped the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowl Championships between 1985 and 2000. Rice first became a believer in chiropractic care right before the 49ers were to play the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. A couple of key players were injured, and he credits a chiropractor for turning things around. "Ever since then, I've had the benefit of chiropractic care," says Rice, a 13-time Pro Bowl football player, with 38 career records, who retired from the NFL. -------- North American Press Syndicate, NY, New York

Physician, Heal Thy Self

2009-04-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

Health Tip of the Week: I recently read an article in the New York Times titled, "The Six Habits of Highly Respectful Physicians." The article basically talks about how medical schools are missing the boat when it comes to teaching doctors a simple virtue, good manners. It was reported, that as would-be doctors went through medical school, they became more and more arrogant, developing a bit of an ego problem. It is suggested that it would behoove the doctors to learn manners and be respectful of their patients. I also feel this goes for the doctors support staff. How many doctors really know what goes on in their front reception area? I hear countless stories of rude receptionists, billing departments and appointment takers. The Golden Rule doesn't exclude doctors and their office staff. Do onto others as you would have done onto you. Having been in private practice for 20 years, I would like to think that I am polite, caring and pleasant with my patients. The credo that keeps me this way (other than it comes natural, with my sparkling personality) is that I firmly believe that I am an employee of my patients. Yes, I have to make the health care decisions that are best for them, but the bottom line is that I work for my patients. If I want to keep my job, I have to be respectful and courteous. The same goes for my office staff. The office staff is a reflection of the doctors office. (Elysa actually outshines me in this area). My health tip for you this week is this, if your doctors are grouches, let them know. If they don't care about changing, fire them. If their staff are mean and rude, let the doctors know this too. I have a hunch, they don't have a clue, or why would those mean staff still be working there.

Thought for the Week: "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use." ~Emily Post

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Disease is not killing our population, lifestyle choices are. Spending money to treat disease will never get rid of disease. Spending money to prevent disease is what it will take to eradicate disease. Teaching healthy lifestyle choices, from proper nutrition, exercise, stress management to preventative wellness chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and medical visits is the only sound way to build health and prevent disease in today's society.

The Flu, Part 2

2008-11-06T08:32:00.001-08:00

Last week we talked about the main cause of catching the flu. An immune system that is not working to the best of it's ability can almost guarantee an illness from germs and viruses. The main idea in preventing the flu is to build and improve immune system function. The following compilation lists practices that strengthen the immune system. First, make sure that you get enough sleep. The immune system repairs itself, regenerates and functions better when one has enough sleep. 8 hrs or more is best. Stress levels have a negative impact on immune system health, the more stressed you are the more worn out you are. Chronic stress is one of the biggest causes of illness in mankind. Manage stress with meditation, deep breathing and exercise. Speaking of exercise, exercise causes chemical reactions in the body that strengthen the immune system. Typically, people who exercise regularly get sick less often and recover faster. Avoid sugar. Sugar weakens the immune system. A high in sugar snack or drink can actually lower immune system function immediately. Drink plenty of water. Water hydrates all of the cells in the body, keeping them healthy. 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day. Eat right. Poor nutrition is the main contributor of low immune levels. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Limit or eliminate fried foods, trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup. Eat a diet high in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates. The immune system is controlled by the nervous system. When the nervous system is free of interference, the body is much healthier. Monthly chiropractic spinal adjustments improves nerve flow from the spinal joints and helps the body to work better. Lastly, wash your hands often. I know we said that germs by themselves do not cause the flu, but if your immune system is below par, washing hands often is a good form of protection.

Thought for the Week: "My illness is due to my doctor's insistence that I drink milk, a whitish fluid they force down helpless babies."

---- W. C. Fields US actor (1880 - 1946)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Dear Friends, I am glad to have this opportunity to again share my thoughts on the role doctors
of chiropractic play in the American health care system. As I have said before, doctors of chiropractic play an important role in our health care system, and my commitment to you and your patients remains strong. As I have said, I believe steps should be taken to acknowledge the important care provided by doctors of chiropractic. We need to knock down unreasonable barriers of access and discriminatory insurance coverage so Americans in need of quality chiropractic care can access it without difficulty." -------- President Elect, Barack OBama

The Flu, Part 1

2008-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Since November is National Flu Awareness month, let's take a look at what causes the flu. Naturally, the gut reaction is to answer germs, bacteria and viruses spread from one person to another. While the germs do contain flu viruses, this is not necessarily the cause of the flu in each individual. Germs in and by themselves do not actually cause illness. For example, why is it that on any given day a person can be surrounded by sick people with all of the coughing, sneezing, runny noses and vomiting and not get sick. Not even a sniffle. And then on another particular day, a person can sneeze a city block away from you and then you get the worst illness you ever had. It's not the germ, it's your immune system. Millions of germs and viruses exist in our world, surrounding our bodies on a daily basis, yet we do not always get sick. How well your immune system is functioning determines how your body adapts to a given germ or virus. If your immune system is at the top of it's game, your body's ability to fight germs, viruses and bacteria is much more effective then if it is not. An immune system compromised by stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a dysfunctional nervous system will be much more susceptible to a flu virus. Next week we look at how each of these health factors effects immune system competence.

Thought for the Week: "Refuse to be ill. Never tell people you are ill; never own it to yourself. Illness is one of those things which a man should resist on principle." ---- Edward Bulwer-Lytton , English dramatist, novelist, & politician (1803 - 1873)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Dr. Todd Clayton, Vice President of the New Brunswick Chiropractic Association also believes that whole body health has many benefits when it comes to surviving the winter. "Chiropractic care optimizes the function of the neuromusculoskeletal system, thereby enhancing the body's potential for overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Chiropractors also regularly answer questions and make suggestions regarding nutrition, exercise, and numerous other aspects concerning their patients' health and well-being," Todd says. ---- New Brunswick Times and Transcript

The Flu Shot

2008-11-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

This may be the most important health tip I have ever written, at the very least it will be the most controversial. It is currently the time of year when the Pharmaceutical Industry is pushing the flu shot vaccine. Before you make your decision to get jabbed, as they say in the United Kingdom, here are some new interesting facts concerning the shot and the flu itself. As always, make any decision based on the facts of the matter. Weigh the pros and cons and then make the best decision for yourself. The flu shot contains mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde as additives. There is some evidence to link the aluminum in the vaccine to Alzheimer's disease. The mercury, whether right or wrong, (the debate still rages on) has been implicated in autism. Adverse reactions to the flu shot that have been reported include joint inflammation, arthritis and allergic reactions. Whether you feel the additives are not an issue or are of big concern, the actual effectiveness of the flu vaccine has also been brought into question. A Group Health Study found that the flu shot does not actually protect the elderly against the flu and definitely does not protect them from pneumonia which is a complication of the flu. Vaccine coverage in the elderly has increased from 15% in 1980 to 65% now and yet there has been no decrease in the amount of deaths from the flu or pneumonia in that time period. As far as children are concerned, the October issue of Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine states that vaccinating young children against the flu has had no impact on the amount of flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits. They also concluded that vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting. In addition, a systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo. Since November is National Flu Awareness Month, the next few Health Tips will revolve around flu prevention and care.

Sources: LewRockwell.com October 3, 2008 EMS Responder September 9, 2008 WebMD October 6, 2008 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine October 2008; 162(10):943-51

Thought for the Week: "Sickness is the vengeance of nature for the violation of her laws." ~Charles Simmons

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Another common question is, if we have no pain, how can we know it's time to see a chiropractor? Says Dr. Gentempo: "In today's fast-paced environment it is normal that people have physical, chemical and emotional stresses beyond the individual's ability to remove or even adapt to. As a result, spinal misalignments and nerve disturbance are extremely common. There is abundance medical and scientific evidence that even a small amount of nerve disturbance or pressure can cause altered nerve function. Thus, I can't overemphasis the importance of regular trips to the chiropractor, even before symptoms appear, to check for spinal subluxations. This is preventive, so that an individual may optimize their potential for good health and at the same time prevent future health challenges before they become severe." -------- Dr. Patrick Gentempo, wiretap from the Prudent Press Agency

Take a Look in the Mirror

2008-06-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Mirror check. The mirror is a valuable tool. For one, it allows me to see how I magically appear to get better looking every day. But, more importantly it has a metaphorical significance. The expression, "take a look in the mirror" is used for one to delve deeper into themselves, to better understand their personality, pros and cons. Today's mirror check is about health, or should I say lack of health. Many people have chronic illnesses and health conditions that hamper their quality of life and the quality of their family's lives. People go to the doctor time and time again expecting miracles from their healer. When the miracles do not happen, health care becomes a merry-go-round of doctor visits, prescription drugs, therapy and spinal adjustments. Mirror Check. Why doesn't health improve? Nature intends the body to be self-healing. All bodies can heal, if they are taken care of. Mirror Check. Unhealthy bad habits prevent the body from healing the way nature intended it to. Do you smoke, drink and eat horrible food? How is your water intake? Are you sleeping enough? Getting enough exercise? Are you over weight? Are you obese? Stressed out? Your body can not heal, your quality of life will not improve unless these areas are paid attention too. One could visit their MD a million times and if unhealthy bad habits are prevalent, you will not get the health results you desire. One could have a hundred spinal adjustments and said spinal corrections will still not hold, if these bad habits are present. That being said, it is mirror check time. Look in the mirror, evaluate your current health and make a change.

Thought for the Week:

The best six doctors anywhere, And no one can deny it, Are sunshine, water, rest, and air, Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend, If only you are willing, Your mind they'll ease, Your will they'll mend, And charge you not a shilling.
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Chiropractic is based on the premise that a vertebral subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction can interfere with the nervous system and result in many different conditions of diminished health. Today, this natural form of care examines the relationship between structure and function and its impact on neurological mechanisms in both health and disease.------- Wikipedia, The Free Enclyopedia.

Cholesterol

2008-05-04T04:16:00.001-07:00

High Cholesterol is a major factor in heart disease and stroke. People who are diagnosed with high cholesterol are typically prescribed medications called Statins. Statin cholesterol-lowering drugs have been shown to cause nerve damage and to greatly impair memory. One reason that statin drugs have these various serious side effects is that they work by inhibiting a vital enzyme that manufactures cholesterol in your liver. This same enzyme also manufactures coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is present in almost every cell in the body and is responsible for energy. CoQ10's highest concentration is found in the heart and the liver and is extremely important for the function of these organs. It has recently been reported that the most effective treatment for high cholesterol is diet and exercise. A diet high in soluble fiber (Oats, barley, rice, peas and beans) have a very beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Research has also shown that by supplementing the diet with artichoke leaf extract , cholesterol levels may be lowered by 18%. The reason being is that artichoke leafs contain a substance called cynarin which seems to increase bile production and effect the speed of bile flow, important processes in the cholesterol scheme. Naturally, CoQ10 supplements have also been effective. As always, every cholesterol lowering trick in the book works best with regular exercise and a overall healthy diet.

Thought for the Week: Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "To understand chiropractic, one must understand and respect the absolute control of the nervous system in all things human. Every dimension of a person’s health well-being, mental/emotional state and bodily performance is under the guidance of their neurology. In fact, every aspect of human nature must be measured in terms of the integrity of the nervous system."

--- David Fletcher, DC

Knock, Knock. Who's There? Arthur. Arthur who? Arthritis!

2008-02-09T04:10:00.000-08:00

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is typically associated with aging, but it can also develop due to joint trauma and repetitive motion to the joints over a period of time. Repetitive motion can be from activities such as sports or work related activities. Two examples would be throwing a baseball for 20 years or using a hammer to bang nails for 20 years. Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartridge over the joints deteriorating. As the bones start to rub together this causes pain and swelling. As time goes on, the bones begin to misshapen, which can lead to bone spurs. This causes more pain and discomfort. Further pain increases due to cartilage breaking off in the joint. Sadly, Osteoarthritis, also know as Degenerative Joint Disease is also part of the normal aging process. As we get older, joints start to wear down. The main problem with bone and joint degeneration is related to acceleration. The more friction on the joint, the more accelerated the degeneration. As far as osteoarthritis in the spine goes, spinal bones that are out of alignment cause excessive friction on the spinal joint, accelerating the degenerative process. This is why in some cases a 35 year old may have the spinal deterioration of a 60 year old. A traumatic accident that injures the neck or the back when someone is in their 20's will cause spinal misalignments which then leads to friction on the spinal bones that over time will show up as arthritis. To keep the joint surfaces healthy, Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements have been shown to provide the nutrition for healthy joint surfaces. Omega 3 fats, as found in fish oils provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints, easing discomfort. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) has been shown to be just as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, but without the obvious health risk to the stomach, kidneys and liver. Resistance exercise strengthens bone density and helps keep motion in the joints. Smokers have an increased risk of arthritis due to toxins from the nicotine building up in the body, increasing inflammation.

Thought for the Week: "Give what you have to someone, it may be better than you dare to think." ----Longfellow

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Chiropractic spinal adjustments, performed on a regular basis, reduce friction on the spinal joint. The adjustment puts motion into the spinal joint reducing joint friction. Spinal vertebral alignment correction should take place after any and all accidents that involve the neck and back. By correcting the alignment today, a reduction in degenerative changes from the accident will be the result. Preventative spinal adjustments maintain the health of the spinal joints helping to ensure a healthy spine well into old age.

Cancer Prevention

2007-11-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

The health scourge of past and future generations has always been cancer. The source of many debates on whether or not there is or ever will be a definite cure, it goes without saying that it would be best to avoid cancer outright. Cancer treatments, have advanced with time and have saved many lives, but none-the-less, cancer treatment is rough and harsh on the body. To kill cancer, in many instances, the breakdown of the body goes hand and hand with the treatment. If a person has a choice as to having cancer or avoiding cancer, avoidance trumps the disease every time. That being said, The American Institute for Cancer Research has released a 517-page report detailing the medical view of what your main risk factors for developing cancer, and what you can do to reduce your risk. The most interesting finding in the report is that being overweight increases your risk of developing many different types of cancer. Excess bodyweight has been touted as the number one cause of ill health in the United States. Excess body weight leads to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Now it is a major cause of cancer. (Spoiler Alert: The health care crisis in our country isn't about the lack of insurance coverage, lack of medical funding or the cost of prescription drugs, it is truly about being over weight!) The report also made a list of recommendations on how to avoid cancer. Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight. Be physically active as part of everyday life. Limit consumption of "energy-dense foods," foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar. Avoid sugary drinks. Eat mostly foods of plant origin, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Limit intake of red meat and avoid ALL processed meat. Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day for women, two per day for men. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy grains or legumes. Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone, without dietary supplement. As you can see, the list of recommendations makes sense. It may take a big effort to accomplish sticking to the list, but it is worth it. Just ask someone who has gone through chemotherapy.

Thought for the Week: " To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life."-----Robert Louis Stevenson

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Warning, Deep Thought Attack: Life is a trinity, consisting of Intelligence, Force and Matter. The body's innate intelligence is always 100%. Force is what links the innate intelligence to matter (the physical body). The chiropractic definition of life is the expression of intelligence through matter. Practically speaking, life is the expression of nerve flow through the body, communicating the body's intelligence to its cells, tissues, organs and systems.

The B Vitamins

2007-10-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

The B vitamins are an important category of vitamins that contribute to the health and function of the nerves and brain function. B vitamins maintain healthy skin, hair and eyes as well as participate in regulation of the liver, intestines and muscle tissue. The B vitamins have also been shown to have an impact on relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. An interesting fact about the B vitamins is that a shortage of these vitamins can result in fatigue. The reason being is that B vitamins act as co-enzymes. This means that when they are used with other enzymes, chemical reactions occur that produce energy. B vitamins are water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are eliminated via the urinary system (Thus the green pee, when taking vitamin supplements). Water soluble vitamins like the B variety need to be consumed daily (preferably by food, secondarily by capsule) to replenish levels. To ensure you are getting enough B-vitamins, in addition to eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and grains, take a Vitamin B complex capsule daily. Additional B complex capsules can be taken depending on your stress and activity levels.

Thought for the Week: "Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better." ----- Ed Howe

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Q: Do you have any recommendations for people who just want to stay healthy and fit?

A: The four most important things are diet, including supplementation, rest, exercise training with good people and chiropractic care to maintain the body. " ----------- Pat Miletich, Five Time World Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Champion

Honey, I Love You

2007-10-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

Honey is the by product of bee poop. Not really, but now that I have your attention, bees manufacture honey by mixing the nectar from flowers with bee enzymes (which I guess you could consider bee poop!). Honey is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. 35% of honey is protein and half of all the amino acids are contained in honey. High in carbohydrates due to the concentrated sugars, honey is also full of the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, D and E. Honey is a great energy boost. The B vitamins and the sugar content make a quick pick-me-up. Medicinally, honey has been used to heal wounds. Recent research has found honey to be extremely effective in healing hard to heal wounds such as the kind that occur in people with poor circulation like diabetics and burn patients. The best kind of honey to purchase is organic, unfiltered, unprocessed, raw honey. Raw honey looks nothing like regular store bought honey, which makes me question the nutritional and healing capabilities of "normal" jarred honey. One thing to remember is never give honey to an infant 1 year and under. Honey can contain a bacteria that can cause botulism. This only occurs in infants and does not present a risk for adults or bigger kids.

Thought for the Week: Over 25,000 prescription drugs exist on the market today. 200,000 over-the-counter medications are available. The average American family has 29 drugs in their home. Just say no.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractic care allows proper nerve flow to all of the systems of the human body. Thus, chiropractic's main selling point is its ability to influence function and performance. A body that functions better and performs better is a healthier body." ------ William Rudnick, J.D.

Healthy Skin

2007-10-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

The skin, our outer covering, the facade that keeps our insides from falling out is an often neglected part of health care. While most people are concerned about wrinkles, not many take the proper steps to ensure healthy, wrinkle free skin. The secret to healthy, attractive skin is a balance between skin oil and skin moisture according to Dr. James Balch, M.D. The oil in the skin comes from the sweat glands, while the moisture comes from the water present inside the skin cells. This is a key point to remember. Water in the skin cells is what keeps the skin healthy and youthful looking. The oil and the moisture must work together. The oil acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from escaping. Since skin is predominately made up of water, it makes perfect since that to have healthy youthful skin, water must be imbibed on a regular and consistent basis. Dr. Balch recommends 2 quarts of quality water daily. Research has also found that consuming foods high in sulfur will help keep the skin healthy and smooth. Sulfur containing foods are garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus. One other important thing to do is find skin lotions that have humectants. Humectants are substances that attract water to the skin to seal in moisture. Typical humectants are Vitamin E, panthenol and glycerine.

Thought for the Week: "The nervous system plays an important role in both the control and the activity of the immune response. The sheer power of the brain to affect the body as a whole and the general state of health is amazing." ---- Human Anatomy and Physiology, pg 719

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " The Subluxation (misaligned spinal bone placing pressure on the spinal nerve) alone is a rational reason for chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth."

------ Dr. Lee Hadley, Syracuse Memorial Hospital

A Healthy Environment

2007-10-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

Health is not just about the foods that we eat. It is also about the environment we live in. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we walk on. Once the mind expands its health consciousness, thoughts turn to healthy practices that not only affect the individual, but the entire community. Household cleaning ingredients are products that typically contain chemicals that are bad for the body and the environment. Detergents, disinfectants and cleaning sprays contain bleaches, ammonia, chlorine and other chemicals that when inhaled or rubbed on the skin, damage the eyes, respiratory airways and the nervous system. In addition, these chemicals also pollute the environment. Cleaning products washing down the drain contaminate over two thirds of US Streams. Indoor air can be polluted up to five times more than outdoor air due to the use of these cleaning products. According to Annie Bond, author of the book, Better Basics for Home, It is easy to clean your home without harming your body using six non-toxic ingredients. Baking Soda is a great deodorizer and gentle scrub. Distilled White Vinegar is the perfect all-round cleaner. Great for glass, it also breaks up mold, scum and grease. Plant oils like lavender and tea tree are anti-fungal and disinfectants. Lemon is a deodorizer, grease cutter and stain remover. Olive oil is terrific as a wood polish. And lastly, plant based soaps such as olive, coconut and palm are gentle and are not derived from animal fat.

Thought for the Week: "The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everyone else up."-------Mark Twain

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Within each of us is a spark. Callit a divine spark if you will, but it is there and can light the way to health. There are no incurable diseases, just incurable people."----- Bernie Siegal, MD

"Healing can be hampered and weakened, function can be altered, the immune system responses rendered inadequate by misaligned, subulxated vertebra." ------- Fred Barge, DC

Papaya

2007-10-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

Papaya is one of the top five fruits in the world for health. Papaya is joined by fellow fruits, guava, watermelon, kiwi and grapefruit as the healthiest fruits to eat. The main reasons ripe papayas are so healthy, according to nutrition writer Jane Black, is the amount of vitamin C. Papaya contains enough vitamin C to meet the RDA for three days! There is also a substantial amount of Beta-carotene and vitamin E. C, E and Beta-carotene are powerful anti-oxidants that fight cell damage in the body. Intake of these super three have been linked to a decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age related ailments. Papaya is best known for its digestive properties. Unripe green papayas contain high levels of papian. Papian is a digestive enzyme that mimics the action of the natural gastric digestive juices of the stomach. Papian aids in the digestion of food. The papian also can be used as an itch remedy for mosquito bites. Rub a papaya over the bug bite and the papian will breakdown the insect bite protiens, nullifying the itch. It doesn't work if you have an insect venom allergy and should not be tried according to Whole Living Body & Soul magazine. Papaya can be used in yogurt smoothies and taste great in a stir fry. Papaya Enzymes can be purchased in the health food store and are a great digestive aid when taken after a meal.

Thought for the Week: "You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do."-------- Jerry Garcia of the "Grateful Dead"

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Symptoms are natures warning signal, our burglar alarm so to speak. They are there to tell us that something is wrong in the body, but with todays penchant for a pain free existence the use of pain killing drugs is in vogue. This quest for for pain relief has led to a masking of symptoms that leads to a further advancement of malfunction and pathology in the body." ---- Fred Barge,DC

Macular Degeneration

2007-10-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

The retina is the part of the eye that receives images from the environment around us. The images are then sent to the optic nerve and processed in the brain. (FYI, the brain then reacts to the information by sending said information down the spinal cord and out to the spinal nerves, to be used by the body in any capacity that is needed.) (Just thought I'd tie a little chiropractic in there). But, I digress. The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina. The macula is like the fine tune knob on a radio. It filters the image for us, making it more detailed. Deterioration of the macula is called macular degeneration and leads to central blindness, or the blindness of the visual field directly in front of you. Peripheral vision remains intact. Dry degeneration of the macula is a gradual breakdown of eye receptors. Wet degeneration is caused by leaking blood vessels in the eyes. There is no definite cause for macular degeneration, but it tends to occur in people over 70 years of age. For healthy eyes, or any other tissues in the body for that matter, it is important to consume foods high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants fight cell and tissue damage caused by a build-up of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage organs, tissues and cells in the body. They come from pollutants, toxins and radiation. The build-up of free radicals in the eye may be a cause of macular degeneration according to the National Eye Institute. To combat these free radicals it is important to consume foods high in vitamin C, E, beta carotene and zinc. Diets made up around foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, watermelon, tomatoes, cherries, bell peppers, citrus fruit, avocados, nuts and seeds, olives, broccoli, lentils, peas, and wheat germ will ensure that your body is full of anti-oxidants to help battle the free radicals that may cause macular degeneration.

Thought for the Week and Chiropractic Thought for the Week:

"Most of you have had occasion to get a cut bad enough to go to the Emergency Room to get stitches, right?" Hands go up. "Remember what happened. They look at the cut, and wash it out. Then, they stitch it up, and put a sterile bandage on it. You then get a shot of tetanus toxoid in one arm, and a shot of penicillin in the other arm.

"You come back in ten days to get the stitches out. They take the bandage off. Lo, and behold! It’s healed! Another medical miracle!

"Try this experiment. Go home and take a steak out of the fridge. (In California, you may advise vegetarians to borrow a steak from a neighbor.) Take a sharp kitchen knife and make a cut in that steak. Take the cut steak over to the sink, and wash the cut out. Take some needle and thread, and sew up the cut. Put a sterile bandage on the cut. Give the steak a shot of tetanus toxoid and a shot of penicillin. What do you have... in ten days?"

Most will answer "A rotten steak." Ask if the cut in the steak has healed. After they answer "No, of course not," ask "What is the difference between you and the steak?" "Well, uh, uh, the steak is dead." You say "Of course, the difference is life. What this whole thing, Health, and Chiropractic, is all about, is how much life you express!" ------------ Don Harte, D.C.

The Miracles of Aloe

2007-10-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

What looks like an upside down octopus, but grows on the land and is a native plant from Northern Africa? I'll give you another hint. This plant has fleshy, thick leaves (more like arms) and if you break it open, a colorless, odorless, yet miraculous gel oozes out. If you guessed the Aloe Vera plant you are 100% correct. The Aloe vera plant has been used for centuries as a food additive and medicinal aid due to the highly nutritious gel, which has been shown to have healing benefits in many different health disorders. The gel contains a substance called mucopolysaccharides, which is a very long word that is attributed to the healing benefits of the Aloe plant. Aloe Vera's most commonly known use is as a skin healer. Aloe has dramatic effects on burns, cuts, insect bites, poison ivy, eczema and sun burned skin. What most people do not know is Aloe is extremely effective at helping the body to heal digestive problems. 100% pure Aloe gel/ juice has been used in the treatment of stomach ulcers, stomach disorders, digestive problems, colitis and constipation. Aloe is also very good at cleansing the colon. Aloe is easy to grow and the plant does well in the home. Just cut open the bottom of the leaves and squeeze the gel out. For Aloe juice, most health food stores sell it in 1/2 gallon and 1gallon bottles. According to the tribes in North West Africa, Aloe increases energy and endurance. Personally, I drink Aloe Juice a couple of times per week and always have a tube of 100% pure Aloe gel in the family first aid kit.

Thought for the Week: " Our preset medical model only minimally acknowledges the innate healing power of the human body. There is a need to reassess the concepts of health and illness in order that we, as physicians, may limit the use of drugs, radiation and surgery."------ Dr. Paul Brenner, M.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " I believe chiropractic to be the most scientific method of removing the real casue of dis-ease, thereby allowing nature to resume normal action, which effects the recovery of the patient from bodily ailments." -- Dr. A. Lyle, M.D.

Artificial Sweetners.....Bad

2007-10-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

The topic of artificial sweeteners is one that I have written about time and time again. This topic deserves frequent visits for two reasons. One, people do not get that they can be dangerous. They either choose not to believe it, or they don't understand the science behind the danger. Two, people do not realize what an artificial sweetener is and how many different foods they are in.

Here is the latest news flash. A long term study performed in Italy by the Italian Cancer Institute and recently published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives, June,13 2007, found that Aspartame increased the risk of Lymphomas, leukemias and breast cancer. Aspartame is the artificial sweetener marketed as Nutrasweet and Equal. The Italian study focused on feeding rats 20 mg of aspartame per pound of bodyweight and found that cancer risks were found in both male and female rats, but higher in female rats. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, based on these research results, suggests that people, especially children, should not consume any products that contain aspartame. The conclusion from the study is that life long exposure to aspartame increases the risk of cancer. According to the ACA News Journal, 70% of aspartame sales are from soft drinks. Aspartame is also found in sugar-free foods like candies, chewing gum, Light sugared foods, yogurts, and hundreds of other food products including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Please note, while the focus of this weeks health tip is the negative effects of aspartame, In my and many others opinions, all artificial sweeteners should be avoided as many studies show that they are also not without risk. Other artificial sweeteners are marketed as Splenda, Sucrolose and Acesulfame.

Thought for the Week: "Sweet are the uses of adversity." ---- William Shakespeare

" Now you are lookin at a man

That's gettin kinda mad;

I've had lots of luck, but it's all been bad.

No matter how I struggle and strive

I'll never get out of this world alive." -------- Hank Williams

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Health is a condition in which all body functions are carried on normally, meeting all body demands for adaptation to the environment. Nerve impulse supply is vital to all body function. Therefore, the degree of health enjoyed by each person is dependent upon the normal transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and all parts of the body." ------ Galen Price, D.C. Ph.C.

Chiropractic care removes nerve impulse interference and improves nerve impulse supply to the body for greater health.-----Dr. J.

Avoiding Junk is Easy!

2007-10-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

I am often told that living a healthy, nutritious life, the kind that prevents disease, while building health is extremely difficult in today's society. I disagree and also agree at the same time. Eating healthy and nutritiously is relatively easy, but today's society makes it difficult by mass marketing and advertising "simpler", "easy to make", "non-nutritious", "chemical laden", processed foods. It is easy to grab pre-made food. It is easy to throw something in a microwave oven and eat it in 10 minutes. It is easy to stop at a fast food restaurant. It is easy not to read labels and to not really know what you are eating. The bottom line is, if you want easy, you will pay the price. The lack of nutrition will decrease immune system function and eventually you will get sick or have a disease process start in your body. The build-up in the body of chemicals and preservatives from processed food, overtime, can lead to cancer, auto-immune diseases and may even effect the body's genetic structure which can then be passed on to future off-spring. That being said, it is easy to eat nutritiously. It's all about changing food choices. No time, need to grab a quick bite? Skip the Mickey Dees and try a Wawa. Grab some fruit, a yogurt or a salad. You can even have them make you a healthier sandwich. Possibly, the worst offenders for poor nutrition are the snack foods and the sweets. Not only do the snack foods contain chemicals, artificial colors and preservatives, they are also empty calories contributing to weight gain (which, by itself, leads to many diseases). Instead, eat fruit. Keep cut raw vegetables in the fridge. If you still need a "junky" snack fix, buy it at the healthfood store or in the health aisle of the supermarket. For every junky snack, there is the same type of snack made without chemicals and preservatives and loaded with organic, healthy ingredients available at the health food store. Even tastes better. Read your labels. When you see a bunch of words that are not familiar, the odds are you have a food full of chemicals. Real food, the kind not processed by man, the kind that keeps you healthy, the kind that keeps your brain working and gives you energy to live, does not contain man-made chemicals.

Thought for the Week: "Every time you are exposed to a loud noise, your auditory nerves are damaged; a lifetime of noises can add up to permanent hearing loss." ---- James Balch, M.D, Mark Stengler, M.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Each patient carries his own doctor inside him. They come to us not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the doctor who resides within each patient a chance to work." ----- Dr. Albert Schweitzer

"Chiropractic care does not treat disease nor does it put chemicals into the body, what chiropractic does do is allow the inner healer inside the body to work the way nature intended it, free of nerve interference." ---- Dr. J.Z

Tomatoes for Health

2007-08-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

I was recently surfing the web for tidbits of information that I could include in my weekly health tip when I came across a great article on tomatoes at www.pagewise.com. Tomatoes were not even eaten in the US until the early 1800s, when an eccentric New Jersey gentleman Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson brought them back from a trip overseas. It seems Gibbon was a bit of a showman, he announced an amazing display of courage would take place on September 26, 1820. He shocked his hometown of Salem by consuming and entire basket of tomatoes in front of a crowd of spectators, expecting him to keel over any second. Obviously, he didn’t and since then tomatoes have been a staple of the American diet and with good reason. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C and provide 40% of the RDA. The most important part of the tomato is the lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that gives the tomato its red color. Lycopene may be as much as twice as powerful as the anti-oxidant Beta-Carotene. Research studies have shown consuming tomatoes to be helpful in the fight against prostate, stomach, endometrial and lung cancer. Lycopene has also been linked to increased activity levels in senior citizens. The brighter the red in the tomato the higher the lycopene. In an unusual turn about as far with cooking vegetables goes, eating most vegetables raw is the way to go, but cooking tomatoes releases even more lycopene. Olive oil with tomatoes increases the lycopene absorption in the body. While nothing beats a fresh, ripe tomato, studies also show that canned and jarred tomato and tomato sauce pack the same nutritional benefit. Personally, a large thick slice of a Jersey Beefsteak tomato with a little cracked black pepper, sea salt and a dripping of olive oil in between two slices of toast, spread with a smattering of mayo is a little bit of heaven on earth. You have to love the Jersey Tomato Sandwich.

Thought for the Week: "External, material objects are never the cause of disease, merely agents waiting to cause specific symptoms in susceptible hosts." ------- Andrew Weil, M.D. (What did he say? He said, things like germs do not cause disease, people with weak immune systems allow germs to overtake their body, and then they become sick.----Dr. J)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "A spinal adjustment from your chiropractor may not make your symptoms go away, but it is not meant to. A spinal adjustment opens up the life channels of your body (nerve flow) and improves your overall health and it does that every time in every body." ----- Reggie Gold, D.C.

Diabetes

2007-08-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

According to legend, in the very old, old days, testing for diabetes involved dipping one's finger in the patient's urine. If it tasted sweet, a diagnosis of diabetes was more than likely made. Thank God for technology. Diabetes is a serious health problem that involves elevated blood sugar levels. Glucose (sugar) is extremely important for our bodies to function. Glucose in the blood, supplies our body's cells with energy so that our bodies can function and be alive. Every food that we eat, once digested breaksdown into glucose or blood sugar. This primarily includes carbohydrates, but it also includes fats and proteins, though at a much lower level. Once the food is broken down into glucose, it then flows through our body in the form of blood sugar. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to damage to brain tissue and damage to many other organ systems in the body including the cardiovascular system (Heart, Veins and Arteries), kidney problems, vision trouble and damage to the nervous system. There are two types of Diabetes. Both have to do with a problem involving insulin. Insulin is an important hormone ( Ok, what hormone isn't important?) that lowers the level of sugar in the blood, preventing the sugar from getting to higher dangerous levels. When food is broken down in the body an organ called the pancreas manufactures and secretes insulin to normalize and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is due to the pancreas malfunctioning. When sugar is in the blood stream, the pancreas does not manufacture insulin. The blood sugar levels than shoot through the roof, damaging health. Type 1 diabetics have to take man-made insulin through injection to lower their blood sugar levels to normal levels. The trick in this equation is to not let the blood sugar sink to low. Too much insulin for the amouint of food taken in will result in lack of sugar in the brain tissue, which causes a Type 1 diabetic to become confused, sweat and pass out. If sugar is not given to the diabetic at this point, their brain can shut down and go into a diabetic coma, which then could become deadly. Type 1 Diabetes is reliant on strict management of food intake to insulin injection ratios. Type 2 diabetics have a problem with insulin resistance. The Type 2 diabetic's pancreas functions normally, it's just that the insulin cannot make its way effectively into the body's cells. Depending on the amount of insulin that makes its way to the body's cells, the higher the blood sugar level. Type 2 diabetes is brought on by obesity (insulin cannot get through the fat tissue), lack of exercise and poor nutritional habits. Type 2 diabetes is controlled by losing weight and proper management of diet with a sound exercise program. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, thirst, excessive appetite and blurry vision. Type 2 diabetic symptoms may be more subtle as well. That is why if you are overweight, blood sugar testing should be done on a preventative basis.

Thought for the Week: "If at first you don't succeed, you are running about average." ------- M. H. Alderson

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "We don't treat disease, we adjust subluxations in the spine to release nerve interference from the brain to the tissue cells. Then life within does the healing." ------------ Jim Sigafoose, D.C.

The Exercise Ball

2007-08-11T03:40:00.000-07:00

Usually playing with a big ball is an activity one would participate with children, probably on the beach or in a park. But not this ball. The new wave in fitness training is the overly large exercise ball. Exercise researchers have decided that the most important area of the body to focus on for overall health and fitness is something called the "Core." The core of the body is the middle of the body, consisting of the abdomen, lowerback, and hips. Performing specific exercises on the ball develops these core muscles. For instance, the exercise ball comes with a routine that will specifically train the ab muscles, the lowerback muscles and the hips. These exercises target those areas. The true value of the exercise ball is that by training other bodyparts on the ball, you indirectly train the core as well. By doing arm curls for the biceps, or dumbell presses for the chest and shoulder presses for the shoulders, the act of sitting or lying on the ball while doing these exercises invoves all of the core muscles. The ball requires balance to sit or lie on while exercising. For the body to balance, the core muscles are used to keep you on the ball. So, while training the chest or arms, the core muscles are also being trained. It is an overall bodyworkout.

As far as rehabilitation or physical therapy goes, the exercise ball may be the saving grace for many a back, hip or leg injury. For instance, just lying on the ball, belly down, has a traction effect on the lower spine that decompresses the lumbar sacral joints. This is very helpful in cases of herniated and bulging discs of the lowerback. The beauty of the exercise ball is for around $25.00, you can have a very valuable exercise tool or rehab equipment in your own home.

Thought for the Week: " I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can........I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could."

----------Watty Piper, The Little Engine That Could

(Yes, I just read this book to my daughter last night!)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: I'll use the word If, even though there is no if in this situation, it is more like a DOES situation. IF chiropractic care removes nerve interference and has been researched to improve many indicators of immune system function and IF chiropractic care performed on a regular basis allows the body to be healthier, IF chiropractic improves the function and performance of the entire human body by allowing the brain to better communicate with it's body parts, why isn't the entire population of the world under regular care? The answer, the medical profession, the health insurance industry, the governments of nations have not taken the time to fully learn about and understand the proven benefits of chiropractic care, for if they had, there would be no healthcare crisis, as less money would be spent on disease as more people would be healthier. Therefore it is up to the individual chiropractor to teach his practice about health and then it is also up to the chiropractor's practice members to share with their family and friends, that true health comes from within, not from a pill. And what better way to build health from within then chiropractic care for everyone.

Kiss any Frogs Lately?

2007-08-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

Kiss any frogs lately? Warts are a bumpy mass of overgrown skin that usually show up on the fingers and feet. Warts are caused by viruses and are easily spread from one bodypart to another and even one person to another. A lot of talk lately has centered around the term HPV and the vaccine that was developed to prevent HPV. Did you know HPV, Human Papilloma Virus is the name of the virus for warts. HPV is warts. HPV is numbered to designate the type of wart. For instance, HPV 2 and HPV 4 are the common wart. Other warts with HPV designation are Plantar Warts, Plane Warts and Venereal Warts. Most warts will die off on their own overtime, but if not, treatment can be as simple as putting an acid type compound on the wart and disolving it. Or freeze therapy. The wart is frozen and scraped off. Plantar warts are more difficult because they are deeper. These usually require surgery. Venereal Warts need the care of a medical doctor. My research did not find any info on whether or not kissing a frog would result in warts. I would suggest a virus free frog.

Thought for the Week: " I hold that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing." -----Thomas Jefferson

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " Chiropractic cures nothing. What chiropractic does, is provide the best opportunity for the body to heal, to function better day-to-day, to prevent bad things from happening, and to maximize the expression of your potential." -----Don Harte, DC

Video of the Week: You want a great laugh at the expense of our drug taking society, type in this URL address on your computer:

http://www.cafeoflifepikespeak.com/Videos/Licensed%20To%20Pill.swf

The Moody Blues

2007-07-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

Bad Mood? Good Mood? No Mood? What is a mood and where does it come from? Mood is defined as a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion. Moods are how we express happiness, sadness, anger, loneliness and depression. Moods are caused by changes in brain chemistry. The main brain chemicals that effect mood are neurotransmitters called dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. If these chemicals are out of balance our mood changes without rhyme or reason. Poor eating habits have a direct effect on mood. This is because the three mood related brain neurotransmitters are dependent on nutritional needs for their proper chemical make-up. For instance, proper protein, fat and carbohydrate intake directly influences the production and more importantly the balance of mood altering / enhancing neurotransmitters. Vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains are the type of carbohydrate that we should eat to regulate our blood sugar levels. In addition to aiding neurotransmitter production, these carbs help with blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels drop, a person's mood can drop as well. On the other hand, protein moderates mood changes due to the stabilizing effect it has on blood sugar and also because all the neurotransmitters are made up of the building blocks of protein called amino acids. Eat lean meat, eggs, turkey, chicken, dairy, nuts and beans for your wholesome protein choices. Essential fatty acids are extremely important for mood. Research has shown that Omega 3 fats, due to their ability to make neurotransmitters work more efficiently, regulate mood and prevent depression. Add the following fats to your diet if you can: Fish oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil and olive oil.

Thought for the Week: "Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better." -------- Ed Howe

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: The brain sends mental impulses through the spinal cord and then out through the spinal nerves to the rest of the body. This is how the body works and how the body stays healthy. If there is an interference in the mental impulse or nerve flow from the spinal cord and or spinal nerve, the body cannot function properly or be healthy. Chiropractors remove that interference. allowing the body to function properly.

Headaches Got You Down

2007-07-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

I recently came across some research studies concerning headaches. At one time or another, every person on the planet will have some form of a headache. If 80% of the population has had back pain at one point in there lives, it is safe to say 100% of the population has had a headache. The two most common types of headaches are Migraines and Tension headaches. Tension headaches are simple to describe. These are the headaches that come from tension to the muscles of the shoulders and neck. Muscles contract, pull on the cervical vertebra, disrupt nerve flow and impede circulation to the head. This causes headaches. Eliminate the tension and the headache will go away. Most people who suffer from regular tension headaches have a chronic tension headache problem. The solution to correcting the tension requires a little more effort on the sufferers part. Chiropractic, stress management, acupuncture and massage are helpful in correcting this problem. Migraine headaches are the more severe headache and can put sufferers out of action for days. One of the more common triggers of migraine headaches is the consumption of foods containing phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is contained in MSG, artificial sweeteners and nitrates. Monosodium Glutamate is a big offender. MSG is such a big trigger of headaches that food companies sometimes will not list it as an ingredient. The following food additives contain MSG: Calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast and hydrolyzed protein. Recent nutrition research may help migraine sufferers. 400mg of riboflavin for 3 months reduced headache attacks by by 67%. Vitamin B2 cut the number of headache days by 50% and in a double blind study, 600mg of magnesium reduced attack frequency by 41%.

Thought for the Week: "Why search the world over for an exterminator or an antidote for a disease? Why not look for the cause of the ailments in the person affected and then correct it?" ------------- BJ Palmer, D.C.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Misaligned, subluxated vertebra occur from stress or tension on the muscles. It only makes sense then, that Tension Headaches can be corrected with chiropractic care. Spinal adjustments relax muscle tension by balancing the muscles in the neck and shoulders. The correction of the subluxation also eliminates nerve disruption and improves circulation, thus correcting cervical tension headaches. Migraine sufferers often find relief when cervical subluxations are corrected.

Food as Fuel

2007-06-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for children. The word breakfast comes from the saying "To Break Fast." Eight to ten hours of sleep during the night was considered a fast from food. The first meal following a night's sleep was breaking the fast. The morning meal supplies the food fuel for energy that lasts the entire day. The morning assimilation of important nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins and fats is what fires up our brain cells and allows us to better focus. Breakfast should be the largest meal of the day, full of healthy carbohydrates like whole grain cereals or oats, fruit for a quick pick-me up and a yogurt or egg for protein.

Lunch is the meal that gets us through the afternoon. Lunch is the middle meal and should not be as large as breakfast. Lunch should be a medium carbohydrate meal with an emphasis on protein. Whole grain bread with natural peanut butter and jelly, a glass of milk and a piece of fruit would be an ideal example for the perfect lunch. If peanut butter is a problem, turkey breast and a slice of cheese is just as good.

Dinner should be the smallest meal of the day and the meal lowest in carbohydrates. A healthy salad with grilled chicken breast and a side of broccoli would illustrate the components of a healthy dinner. This meal plan, the descending order of meal sizes is designed for a reason. As the day goes on, a person's energy and or caloric requirements change. For instance, carbohydrates like bread, pasta and potatoes are used for energy. Once eaten, they are broken down slowly and then their calories are used for fuel. This is great for the morning when our body needs energy for the day ahead, but this is not good for evening. In the evening, we are usually sedentary and do not burn much energy or calories. By the time the food is digested and it's calories are ready to be used for fuel, we are in for bed. The excess calories are then stored as fat. In general, think of breakfast as the carbohydrate, energy meal. Think of lunch as the smaller, pick-me-back-up meal, and dinner as the smallest, "We don't need the energy meal."

Thought for the Week: "Whence comes greatness? The potential is in you. It lies dormant, inactive, like a smouldering volcano choking back it's pent-up fires, ready to burst forth as soon as a natural opening is made possible." -----BJ Palmer, D.C. 1949

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "I see people going to the chiropractor to get well and leaving their kids home to get sick."

----Reggie Gold, D.C. 1986

The Fine Art of Label Reading

2007-06-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

In regards to proper nutrition, the easiest way to modify poor eating habits into healthy ones is practicing the art of label reading. Labels are the most important part of eating right. The little box of words placed on all of our processed food products is akin to reading a detective novel. Little clues and hints are available to help you make the correct food choices. The key to success, as in all mundane tasks, is to make a habit out of reading labels. Once you start reading labels and label reading becomes routine, you will always check your food's ingredients. It actually becomes enjoyable, finding out what foods are good, which ones are bad, and how often a food company is trying to pull a fast one on you. Here are five key areas you should pay attention too. 1. Serving Size. A lot of food companies try to trick you on this one. For instance, many refreshing soft drinks and even juice drinks will list the calories. Most people think the calories are for the entire bottle. Wrong. There are usually two servings in that "little" bottle and now you have twice the calories. 2. Trans Fats. The label sometimes will have a Trans Fat category. It usually only has this category if the product doesn't have any Trans Fats. The food company is bragging their zero trans fat percentage. If there is no Trans Fat category, we typically have a problem and now have to use are detective skills. Go to the ingredient section and look for the word HYDROGENATED. If you see the word hydrogenated, with an oil following it, bingo, we have Trans Fats. Trans Fats cause heart disease and strokes. Stay away from those foods. 3. Sugar. If it is above 5-8 grams per serving, the food is too sweet and contains to much added sugar. Another clue, is too look for the order in which sugar is listed on the ingredients. If it is to close to the beginning of the list, you just won bingo again. Food ingredients are listed in order of their weight in the product. Sugar at the top of the list means the product is mostly sugar. 4. Corn Syrup. Possibly the worst hidden sweetener ever concocted in a laboratory. Much sweeter than sugar, studies have shown that any form of High Fructose Corn Syrup increases your appetite and makes you eat more!! A major contributor to childhood obesity. 5. Artificial Sweeteners. There is mounting evidence that artificial sweeteners are dangerous neurotoxins. If you choose to avoid artificial sweeteners, watch for the words Aspartame, Acesulfame, Splenda, Sucrulose, and Nutrasweet.

Thought for the Week: "Life only demands from you the strength that you possess. Only one feat is possible------not to have run away.
---------Dag Hammarskjold

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Regular chiropractic examinations determine the existence of vertebral subluxations. Subluxations, resulting from "minor" traumatic episodes can lead to nerve interference that later in life displays itself in pain syndromes and organic malfunctions we call disease. A spine chiropractically maintained in youth is the best assurance to a healthy life that you can give a child."
---------Fred Barge, D.C., Ph.C

Grilled Vegetables

2007-06-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Summer time means outdoor grilling. One of my favorite food groups to cook on the grill is vegetables. Outdoor grilling adds a certain taste to the vegetables and allows them to stay crispy, keeping all the nutrients in the vegetable where they belong. Two of the vegetables I like to grill are asparagus and eggplant. Asparagus is a great vegetable on the grill. Brushed with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, seasoned with garlic powder and lemon pepper, asparagus is a tasty treat. Asparagus's main claim to fame is that it removes excess ammonia from the body. Too much ammonia leads to fatigue and problems with the reproductive organs. People often comment that when they consume a lot of asparagus, their urine gives off a strong smell. That smell is the excess ammonia. Asparagus is high in vitamin c, carotene and selenium, all powerful antioxidants, which are helpful in repairing damaged cells in the body. Asparagus is also high in folic acid, a vitamin that prevents birth defects in pregnant women. Grilling eggplant is just as helpful to the body's health and taste buds. Eggplant can be cut into little chunks or sliced into thick wedges. Brushing olive oil and fresh garlic onto an eggplant and flipping often is my preferred method of grilling this vegetable. Eggplant's biggest health benefit is that it inhibits the production of cancer causing nitrosamines and has nutrients contained in it that fights the production of tumors. Eggplant is high in minerals like calcium , iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Eggplant also contains copious amounts of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are tiny particles of nutritious vitamins that play an important part in many functions of the body. A side note on both of these vegetables is that they may aggravate arthritis. Eggplant is a nightshade vegetable. Nightshades tend to aggravate arthritis in people who have severe cases. Asparagus can aggravate gout. .

Thought for the Week: "When the body sends us a message in the form of pain, we must not simply anesthetize our senses to it, but make sense out of it!" ------ Fred Barge, D.C.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: In 1970, Reggie Gold, Chiropractor, educator and philosopher said that "In order to heal, the body needs no help, just no interference." This statement holds true. Since the nervous system controls the function of every organ and system in the body, If there is interference or disruption of spinal nerve flow, the body cannot function at 100% of it's capability. If the body is not functioning at it's highest level, it cannot heal as natured intended it to.

Chemical Stress

2007-06-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

Of all the possible contributing factors for disease, the most secretive would have to be chemical stress or environmental toxins. The word secretive is used, because each and everyday our bodies are exposed to toxic substances that slowly chip away at our health. Yet, we are hardly aware that the process is happening. These toxins are so damaging, that over time they may even be changing our genetic structure, which means we pass the damage down to future generations. Toxic chemicals slowly build up in the body, mutating cells. The mutation of cells leads to diseases like cancer, tumors and cysts, as well as contributing to auto-immune disease, such as diabetes, asthma and allergies. Chemical stress is linked to muscular reactions, resulting in contractions, spasms and even fibromyalgia.

Now that I have your attention with the fire and brimstone message of danger, what can be done to avoid toxic health destruction? Paying attention to what you are eating, drinking, breathing and rubbing on your body is a start. Avoid foods that are covered in pesticides. Choose organic food whenever possible. When not available, make sure the fruits and vegetables you purchase are scrubbed clean. Limit consumption of PCB and mercury containing fish, like tuna. Try instead to get your healthy Omega 3 fats from a liquid fish oil that has been tested for contaminants. Limit or avoid foods that have chemicals and preservatives in them. The processing of food is one of the biggest health risks that we face daily. Try switching your chemically enhanced deodorants, toothpastes and skin lotions to all natural ones. When you rub these products on your skin, the toxins are absorbed into the blood stream. Do not use insect spray or cream that contains DEET. DEET is a known toxic chemical. Why do you think the bugs won't go near it? Artificial sweeteners are neuro-toxins that can lead to neuroglogical damage. If you need a sweetener, try real organic sugar and or organic honey. Last but certainly not least, avoid all drugs whenever it is possible. Drugs are the epitome of chemical stress (since they themselves are chemicals). Avoid over-the-counter medications, such as pain killers, as these drugs contain chemicals that damage the stomach, liver and kidneys.

Thought for the Week: "To live, not only must we breath and drink pure air and water with nutritious food, we must stay in contact with the outer world using our eight senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling, plus common and horse. The 8th sense is instinct or nature. Inside the body is an instinctual, magnificint, innate intelligence that regulates and runs the body in every wonderous way."

-------BJ Palmer, DC 1949 (paraphrased)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Misaligned, subluxated vertebra in the short term can cause aches and pains. In the long term, degenerative damage to the bone and nerve disruption leading to bodily malfunctions is apparent. Subluxations are caused by three types of stress to the muscles of the spine, 1. Physical 2. Emotional and 3. Chemical. Chemical toxins can cause muscular contractions that will subluxate spinal bones leading to ill health.

Autism and Mercury Poisoning

2007-06-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

Medical News Today reported on a study whereas the implications of the results are so profound, I am almost tempted to type this week's Health Tip in bold print. By using a highly accurate, inexpensive Urine test, researchers have found that autistic children were clinically found to be mercury poisoned. This study, conducted in 2006, used French and American children. Mercury levels were taken from two groups, children with autism and children without. Normal siblings of children with autism were also tested. The children with autism were found to have toxic mercury blood levels high enough to have been clinically poisoned from mercury. The more severe the autism, the higher the levels of mercury. The children without autism, including siblings, did not demonstrate any levels of mercury poisoning. The urine test, Urine Porphyrin Profile Analysis (UPPA) is being used to test for mercury in populations of autistic children, identify children and adults who were mercury poisoned and measure the removal of mercury in poisoned individuals via chelation therapy. According to the article, researchers on autism were divided into two camps. One group felt autism was a genetic abnormality the other group felt that autism developed do to ingredients in vaccines and other medicines. A recent paper based on the Autism Genome Project 2007, found that there was no statistically significant linkage to autism and genetics. On the other hand, Mercury toxicity from vaccines and other medicines containing thimerisol, clearly shows a clinical link to autism. Thimerisol, up until recently was a main ingredient in vaccines and is currently used in the Flu shot, which is still being recommended to pregnant mothers, babies and small children. The Center for Disease Control estimates that the autism rate in New Jersey is 1 for every 94 children. Any parent who wants to have his or her child tested for mercury poisoning can do so at any Labcorp with a prescription for UPPA CLIA Certified Test # 120980. Chelation Therapy is a process using intravenous minerals that gradually remove mercury from the body. Chelation Therapy is performed in Medical Doctors office's that specialize in said treatment.

Thought for the Week: "He who stops being better, stops being good." --- Oliver Cromwell

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "In chiropractic, the doctor /client relationship is different than the doctor/patient relationship. Patients have a short term outlook (get me out of pain), patients look at chiropractic as something that happens to them and they see health as a destination. Chiropractic clients enjoy a long term perspective, they are in-touch with their bodies and want to opitimize their health. Clients see health as a process, not a destination. The client realtionship is more of a partnership approach to health with open lines of communication. Are you a client or a patient?" ------- Bill Esteb, Health Care Author

More Sugar...Less Health

2007-06-03T03:51:00.001-07:00

Recently the New York Times reported that food companies have doubled the amount of sugar they add to many of their products. Soups, cereals, and other foods have been heavily sweetened to attract more customers. Breakfast cereals have seen some of the biggest increases, but even whole grain bread now routinely contains almost a teaspoon of sugar in every three slices. In 1978, Kellogg's Special K contained about 10 grams of sugar for every 100 grams of cereal, but that amount has now increased to 17 grams, very close to the sugar level of vanilla ice cream. Over the same period, the sugar per 100 grams in tomato soup has increased from less than 3 grams to more than 6 grams. Processed foods contain some of the highest sugar content, often with levels close to or higher than 20 grams of sugar per 100 grams of food. Sugar consumption has been implicated in rising levels of tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. On the other side of the sugar coin, people have been led to believe that if they want to eliminate sugar, they can use an artificial sweetner. Sadly, we are not told that artificial sweetners can be dangerous to our health. Many studies show that artificial sweetners like Nutrasweet, Sucrolose and splenda are neuro-toxins that disrupt brain function and overuse can lead to conditions that mimic many other diseases, even Multiple Sclerosis. My advice is this; Avoid all artificial sweetners. The true toxic effects won't be known for years and there is no way to know the damage to your health or that of future generations of you. Secondly, sugar is okay. In moderation. Sugar in its natural form, organic and unrefined (which you can get at the health food store), has vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories, 16 calories per teaspoon. The trick in life is avoiding added sugar in processed foods. As mentioned above, some foods may add 4-5 teaspoons per serving size and you won't even realize it. The way around this is to read labels. Always purchase the foods with the lowest amount of sugar listed in the nutrition labels. If sugar or Corn syrup is the second or third ingrediant in a product, the odds are that the food has too much sugar and should be avoided.

Thought for the Week: "Lord, deliver me from the man who never makes a mistake, and also from the man who makes the same mistake twice." ------- Dr. William Mayo

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " We chiropractors work with the subtle substance of the soul. We release the prisoned impulse, the tiny rivulet of force that emanates from the mind and flows over the nerves to the cells and stirs them into life. We deal with the magic power that transforms common food into living, loving, thinking clay; that robes the earth with beauty and scents the flowers with the glory of the air."

------- BJ Palmer, DC, excerpt from his poem, "The Truth"

The Truth About HPV Vaccine

2007-05-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that has been getting a large amount of attention recently due to a pharmacuetical company developing a vaccine designed to prevent the disease. The vaccine is intended for young girls. The state of Texas signed a Governor's bill into law mandating that all young school girls were to be given the vaccine. An inordinate amount of propaganda has surrounded the HPV vaccine. The drug company's main promotional effort is based on their claim that the HPV vaccine will prevent cervical cancer. After doing some research (unbiased research, as there will be no monetary profit from the effort), here are the facts concerning HPV. HPV infection is naturally cleared by more than 90% of sexually active women and men but, rarely, HPV infection can become chronic. High risk factors for HPV are smoking, having herpes, HIV or Chlamydia, long term use of birth control pills and multiple births. Women who have chronic HPV and do not get pre-canerous cervical lesions identified and treated (via regular Pap test screening), can get cervical cancer and die. After pap test screening became routine in the 1950's, cervical cancer cases dropped 74%. Less than one percent of all diagnosed cancer cases and cancer deaths in the United States every year involve cervical cancer. Merck's Gardasil vaccine was studied for several years in less than 1200 girls under age 16 and a few hundred girls age 11 or younger. Gardasil vaccine only contains 2 of the 15 HPV types associated with cervical cancer and it is unknown if it will prevent cervical cancer in the long term. Reported Gardasil reactions include sudden collapse, seizures, facial paralysis, arthritis and Guillain Barre Syndrome. It is unknown if Gardasil will casue infertility, cancer or damage genes. There is also no pre-licensure data proving it is safe to give Gardasil with most of the other vaccines given to children. This information was found at the National Vaccine Information Center in Virginia. It is very important, when making health care decisions for your children, all of the facts are at your disposal. If the only information presented to you is sensationalized "news" reports put out by the industry manufacturing the drug, it is impossible to make an educated health care decision.

Thought for the Week: "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is condemnation without investigation." ------ Spencer

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Disease is a term used in medicine for sickness, it is an entity that one can have and is worthy of a name, hence the term diagnosis. In chiropractic, the term dis-ease is used and means lack of ease in the body. Dis-ease is indicative of the body being minus something that should be restored, in order to make it normal. The body lacks ease which must be brought up to 100% or restored. The aim of chiropractic is not the treatment of disease, but the restoration of ease." ---- R.W Stephenson, D.C.

Exercise for Health and Life

2007-05-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Regular exercise is vital to building a healthy body and maintaining a youthful quality of life. Exercise, ranked just below proper nutrition as one of the most important things you can do to be healthy, has many aspects that can appeal to all ages. No doubt that exercising daily contributes to a "pleasing" physical appearance, but more importantly, exercise improves cardiovascular and respiratory health. Getting the heart to pump more, increases circulation, strengthens heart muscle tissue and lowers blood pressure. Exercise not only combats high cholesterol levels, but also reverses the damaging effects of stress. Resistance exercise (exercise done with weights, rubber tubes, or water) prevents bone loss. Exercise will naturally increase metabolism even hours after the exercise has been completed. Exercise will lower blood sugar levels, fight against depression and improve immune system function. As you can see, there are not many aspects of a healthy life that exercise does not benefit. Recent research in the study of aging and longevity suggests that regular exercise is the "Fountain of Youth" and will ensure a higher quality of life for our senior years. Arthritis pain is even better managed with regular exercise. What constitutes healthy exercise? It doesn't take much. Studies have shown that a person who walks 30 minutes a day, 3 x per week (In addition to their normal day) is usually 50% healthier than the person who does not walk. Walking is great exercise and anyone can do it. Resistance training also needs to be incorporated into a regular exercise program. If you can't get to the gym and don't have exercise equipment at home, you can work your muscles with soup cans and or empty milk jugs filled with sand or water. Everyone who wants to live healthier and longer, needs to exercise. It doesn't matter whether you walk, run, jog, swim, dance, bike, weightlift or play a sport, you need to just do something. Exercise will keep you alive.

Thought for the Week: "You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough." ----- Joe E. Lewis

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Remember that chiropractic always works. When it does not seem to, examine the application, but do not question the principle." ----- Clarence Gonstead, D.C.

The principle is that the body is a self-healing organism, it is regulated and controlled by the nervous system. Subluxated vertebra cause nerve disruptions, muscular imbalance and muscular stress as well as degenerative processes on the bone itself. Correct the subluxated vertebra, remove the nerve disruption and the body is able to heal and function at a healthier level.

Cholesterol and You

2007-05-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol is a very important substance in the body manufactured by the liver. The cholesterol in the blood is called serum cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed for the nervous system to function properly. It is also used in the process of creating reproductive hormones. Cholesterol attaches itself to protein molecules and travels through the bloodstream to all of the body parts that require it. Cholesterol in the food we eat is called dietary cholesterol. If too much dietary cholesterol is eaten, the serum cholesterol levels in the bloodstream will increase. This is where we get into trouble. When there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, some of the cholesterol can not hitch a ride on the protein molecules and are left stationary in the arteries. When the cholesterol becomes stuck in one place, it forms plaques, which blocks blood flow. This is not a good predicament to be in, over time the plaque will continue to build up on the wall of the arteries, which then leads to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a blockage of blood flow to vital organs such as the heart. This causes heart disease and heart attacks. Reducing cholesterol is a mighty task and requires the elimination of all the "fun" foods. No more fast foods, fried, greasy foods, junk foods like candy, chips and soft drinks. Foods that have been scientifically researched to lower cholesterol levels in the blood include: Apples, banannas, barley, carrots, fish, garlic, citrus fruit, lentils, oats, nuts, olive oil, fish oil, and whole grains.

Thought for the Week: "Healing comes from the inside, not the outside. It is simply the body's natural attempt to restore balance when balance is lost. You are born with the power to heal because healing is an innate capacity of every person, as it is of every animal and plant."

--------Andrew Weil, M.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractors do not treat, cure, heal or diagnose disease. As a science it is unlike any other system. Chiropractors will enquire for the location of symptoms in order to determine the area of impinged nerves producing the undesirable effects. They adjust to relieve the confined nerves. In the near future, chiropractic will be as much valued for its preventative qualities as it now is for adjusting and relieving ailments." -------D.D. Palmer, D.C. early 1900's.

Osteoporosis

2007-04-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Osteoporosis or bone loss is not just a condition of aging. While aging normally causes a loss of bone density (osteopenia), bone loss is also directly related to other factors. Poor nutrition is the biggest contributor to a loss of bone density. A very sad fact is that poor nutrition habits of a child or teenager is what leads to accelerated bone loss as an aging adult. The main offenders are overconsumption of soda pop, caffeine, salt and alcohol. Excessive and regular use of these popular "junk" foods leads to bone tissue wearing down. Recently, researchers have found that there is a connection between the immune system and the loss of bone density. When the immune system is worn down and is not working properly, it can lead to the over production of immune system cells called cytokines which start an inflammatory process that breaks down bone tissue. Living a wellness orientated lifestyle can prevent this immune dysfunction from occurring. Another main cause of bone loss is hormonal imbalance. Women who have had their ovaries removed suffer a drop in hormone levels which leads to bone loss. The nervous system is responsible for controlling the hormonal body chemistry as well as immune system function. A properly functioning nervous system also regulates bone production in the body. In addition to a healthy diet, one of the best things a person can do to prevent bone loss and even increase bone density is resistance exercise. Weight training exercises increase bone density.

Thought for the Week: "When men differ...both sides should equally have the advantage of being heard in public...for when truth and error have fair play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter." --------- Benjamin Franklin

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractors are not medical doctors. The chiropractic science is not medicine. A chiropractor repairs by adjusting, fixing, replacing; He does not use any medical remedies. Chiropractic is nontherapeutical, non-medical. Chiropractic does not treat symptoms, but improves the function of structure and thus the body." ------- Paraphrased, D.D Palmer 1910

Allergies...Nature's Self Defense

2007-04-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Allergic reactions are the body's response to normally non toxic material. They recognize the offending culprit, which could be food, grass, mold or animal dander, as a threat. No one is really sure why some people react adversely to normal substances. In some instances, the allergy may be genetic, or it can be a weakness in the individual's immune system. In either case, the body's response is to attack the threat. It does this by releasing histamines, which can cause respiratory problems, mucous production, headaches, sinus trouble, runny eyes and or skin rashes. These reactions, while annoying, are the body's way of ridding itself of the toxin or what we call an allergen. It is the normal healthy response of the body to a perceived health threat. Another main cause of allergies is an over production of mucous. Mucous, a thick, gooey substance, traps and holds allergens in the body causing the body to have a continual allergy attack. The most effective way to combat allergies are to toughen up the immune system and to eliminate as much mucous as possible in the body. Foods that cause or contribute to mucous, should be eliminated. Foods like dairy, eggs, fried and processed food and chocolate. Build up the immune system with adequate rest, plenty of exercise, proper nutrition and a properly functioning nervous system. Also, you may want to look into a HEPA air filter for the house to help trap airborne allergens.

Thought for the Week: "The harmony of natural law reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection." ---- Albert Einstein

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Universal Intelligence is in all matter and continually gives to it all it's properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence. The expression of intelligence through matter is the chiropractic meaning of life." --- BJ Palmer, D.C.

Deep Thoughts for the week. Einstein and Palmer (Palmer first , early 1900's), state that there is a superior intelligence in nature that is responsible for life and living. Palmer goes on to say that the expression of this intelligence is the chiropractic meaning of life. The meaning, is that in the body, intelligence expresses itself through matter, i.e. the brain's impulses through the spinal cord and nerves is life and the expression of health. ---- Dr. J.Z.

Wine or Peanuts. That is the Question.

2007-04-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the French Paradox? The French population typically smokes tobacco, eats foods high in saturated fats (think heavy cream sauces) and amazingly, as a whole, have a lower risk of heart disease. The suggested reason for the paradox is a moderate consumption of red wine. Scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute have been researching the main compound in red grapes that is responsible for these health benefits. This substance is called Resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to speed up the body's metabolism, helping to burn calories. It has also been shown to help muscles work more effectively and because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help lower cardiovascular disease. Another major benefit is that Resveratrol inhibits enzyme activity that could help prevent cancer. Strangely enough, what is not common knowledge in these "Wine Helping Health" studies, is that peanuts are a higher source of Resveratol than red wine and red grapes. Also, Grape Leaves are a higher source of Resveratrol than the grape itself. Even better, once the Resveratrol is extracted from the grape leaves, 95% of the weed is left over and can then be converted to ethanol which is used as an alternative fuel source.

Thought For the Week: " It is to the inside of the person that we must look for the cause of disease. Outside substances and regimes may be supportive to faulty inside function, but they will never solve the problem. We cannot treat disease from the outside in, we must care for the body from the inside out. A person is not sick because they have pneumonia, they have pneumonia because they are sick."

----Fred Barge, DC

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: " If Chiropractic is nothing more than another treatment for symptoms and disease, then it is exactly the same as medicine. The good news is that Chiropractic is not a treatment for symptomatic conditions or diseases. Chiropractic care improves the function of the nervous system, which improves performance in the body, building health from the inside out, completely seperate and distinct from medicine.

Dark Choclate: Tastes Good, Is Good

2007-04-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a very exciting week for health, here is the latest news that has come across my desk. Cocoa, as in dark chocolate, was found by the American Academy of Cardiology to increase arterial blood flow. Cocoa, high in flavinoids was shown to improve blood flow, which might be helpful in fighting off arteriosclerosis. The study participants were given plain dark chocolate, dark chocolate flavored with sugar and a placebo. The groups given the chocolate showed the improvement with the sugarless cocoa showing more improvement than the chocolate with sugar. Here is a new twist on the benefits of Fish Oil. Not only is it a life saving supplement for the heart and arteries, we also know it is good for the joints, improving brain function and fighting disease with it's anti-inflammatory effect on tissues and cells, but now it has been found to increase bone density. This finding could revolutionize how we prevent osteoporosis. Lastly, a note on the environment. Plastic bags, the kind given to us in the grocery store, are a huge environmental hazard. One million plastic bags produced, generates 13 million pounds of Carbon Dioxide. It takes 11 barrels of oil to make 1 ton of plastic bags and 950 tons of plastic bags are in our landfills with only one percent ever being recycled. San Francisco is currently considering a measure that would ban the use of plastic bags in stores. When given the choice at the market, ask for brown paper bags. If the paperbags have plastic over them as a double bag, don't take them. And as always, recycle your brown paper bags. They are picked up with the newspapers and other recycled house wares.

Thought for the Week: "Virtually all conventional physicians are unaware, as I was when I was in the system, that they have been seriously brainwashed by the multinational drug corporations. Drugs are virtually never the long-term answer to any medical problem. They can provide short-term relief when addressing the underlying cause of the problem. Once you understand that you can teach your patients this, they can use you appropriately as a health coach to guide them in their process of taking control of their own health." ----- Dr. Joe Mercola, DO Mercola Wellness Center, Chicago, Ill.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The real, primary cause of disease is tension. The cause of tension is pressure on the nervous system. The cause of pressure on the nervous system in 95% of diseased conditions is misaligned vertebra." ---- D.D. Palmer, D.C.

Nightshade Vegetables

2007-04-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

There is a classification of vegetables called Night Shade Vegetables. These vegetables are labeled NightShade because they supposedly grow at night. The most popular nightshade vegetables that are edible include: tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers ( green, red, chili, paprika). The Nightshade vegetables contain a substance called glycoalkaloids. There is no doubt that nightshade vegetables are very good for you and contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. The down side to nightshade vegetables is the glycoalkaloids. Glycoalkaloids can be toxic and also disrupt important calcium metabolism in the body. This disruption can increase arthritis and joint pain. If you are sensitive to nightshade vegetables (and the only way to know if you are, is to eliminate them from your diet) you can actually cure arthritis pain by avoiding eating all of the nightshade vegetables. A tough job to do, but if you are in chronic pain, it may be worth a try.

Thought For The Week: " Health is a condition of wholeness in which all of the body's parts and systems are functioning at 100% of their capability. Health is mental, spiritual and physical well-being, not merely the absence of symptoms."

----Combined Webster's Dictionary and World Health Organization definition of health.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "The purpose of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) is to control and co-ordinate the function of all of the body's parts and systems. If the nervous system is not flowing properly the body cannot fulfill the above definition of health and will not be healthy." ------ Dr. J

Acid Reflux and Good Ol' Vinegar

2007-03-27T02:40:00.000-07:00

Acid Reflux Disease, commonly called heartburn is a digestive disorder that usually occurs in some people due to overeating the "wrong" types of food or drink. The digestive acids travel back up the esophagus (throat) causing a distasteful burning sensation in the chest, throat and mouth. Most people think that Acid Reflux is caused because of too much acid production in the stomach. On the contrary, progressive health care professionals have learned that the problem may actually be coming from too little acid in the digestive system. Why would we have an acid shortage in the body? Naturally, the body knows how much acid to produce and in the correct amounts, it seems too much processed "boxed" food in our diets throws off the balance. Live, naturally foods as we were intended to eat maintains a proper acid balance. Live foods like fruits and vegetables. To help correct an acid "shortage" in the body pump up your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. In the mean time, to help restore acid to the body, recent research has shown the benefits of taking pure, organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar with each meal. One tablespoon before each meal will help balance the acidity in the body and may even eliminate the acid reflux. If a tablespoon of vinegar is too strong to swallow, mix it in one 4 oz glass of water which should make it easier to swallow. The digestive enzyme Betaine Hydrochloric Acid taken with each meal, also helps balance acid production. Taking the vinegar and betaine for four to six months should bring the digestive acid levels into the proper balance reducing or eliminating heartburn. It should be noted that over-the-counter and prescription acid reflux drugs, reduces the acid in the stomach, which temporarily gives symptom relief, but in the long term is throwing the important acid balance of the stomach out of kilter, and could be contributing to the problem.

Thought for the Week: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." ------ George Bernard Shaw

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: The spinal column can be described as part of an assembly line. It's first function on the line is to support the body. Secondly, the spine protects the spinal cord and nerve fibers from harm and injury. The third and most important part of the assembly line is when the nerves divide off the spine and pass outward from the spinal bones sending all of the vital nerve impulse energy from the brain to the rest of the body. Without the proper flow of this nerve energy, the body could not function and could even cease to live.

The Sacred Cow

2007-03-20T04:22:00.001-07:00

There are certain topics that bring out very strong emotional reactions when brought up for debate. These topics are usually called Sacred Cows because the majority of the population believes very strongly in them. This week we will attempt to bust apart two scared cows. The first topic is fluoridated water. Fluoride, long thought to protect our teeth, is added to our water supply. Over the years, there has been great debate as to the helpfulness versus the harm of this chemical. Recently, the American Dental Association has issued a statement saying that fluoride levels in water could be dangerous to infants and the ADA has advised not to use common tap water in formulas, foods or for drinking by infants. Fluoride has a negative effect on the thyroid gland as well as being harmful to diabetics and kidney patients. The next sacred cow is the infamous flu shot. The Institute of Medicine has said that flu shots contain mercury and should not be given to sensitive populations. I do not know what the term "sensitive population" means, but the majority of flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury an amount considered unsafe for anyone under 550 pounds of body weight. The scary thing is that the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta Ga. is still advising pregnant women, infants and children to receive the vaccine. The sad fact is that the representative for the CDC, who said that the flu shot is safe, is also a consultant for Merck and Glaxo/Smith/Kline, drug companies that continue to use mercury in their vaccines. This was reported on in Medical News Today , 2/24/2007.

Thought for the Week: "A bit of wisdom, is a joy forever." ---- Will Durant

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Drugs don't have side effects. It's that the effects of drugs are unpredictable." --Reggie Gold, D.C.

Most people think that a drug is designed to go right to the body part that needs it. We forget that drugs are absorbed through the lining of the stomach before entering our blood stream. The drugs are then processed through the liver and filtered through the kidneys. This is why the regular use of drugs, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, lead to stomach, liver and kidney disease. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 1000 pain relievers in the course of your life time will triple the risk of kidney and liver disease.-----Dr. J.Z.

Healthy Environment

2007-03-11T04:40:00.000-07:00

Green. It's the new buzz word. When the word green is used today, more than likely we are talking about environmentally friendly actions. For instance, recycling. The reasons for the recycling of cans, glass, and plastic are obvious. Saving precious landfill space and converting waste into reusable products are just two important reasons. What is less known are some of the reasons and rationale for recycling paper products. In addition to saving trees, recycling paper conserves water, reduces landfill and saves energy, The purchase of recycled paper products seriously helps our environment and is an action that is easily accomplished by everyone. Some common easy to purchase recycled paper products are paper towels, napkins and toilet tissue. Did you know if every household in America replaced just one 4-pack of bathroom tissue with 100% recycled ones we would save 1,450,000 trees, 3.7 million cubic feet of landfill space, 523 million gallons of water and avoid 89,000 lbs of pollution. Recycled paper products are easy to purchase. My household has recently converted to recycled paper towels, napkins and bathroom tissue. It is a little more expensive, but well worth the cost. You can purchase these products at better markets and healthfood stores. Locally, Organically Yours in Brigantine and Bonterra Market in Northfield carries a whole line of recycled paper products.

Thought for the Week: "The immune system is controlled by the brain, either indirectly through hormones in the bloodstream, or directly through the nerves and neurochemicals." ------- Bernie Siegle, M.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Look to the Nervous System for the Key to Maximum Health." --- Claudius Galen

"The nervous system controls the function of every system in the body, including the immune system. To be as healthy as possible, make sure the nervous system is working properly. Chiropractic care improves and maintains nerve function thus improving and maintaining health."

---Dr. J.

Olive Oil for Stomach Helth

2007-03-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

If you suffer from gastritis attacks or peptic ulcers, recent research has come out with some exciting news. There is an evil bacteria that can exist in the stomach lining. This bacteria is know as H. Pylori. H. Pylori build-up leads to stomach ulcers and gastritis attacks. Laboratory studies have shown that Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has antibacterial components that attacked eight different strains of H. Pylori. Olive oil's chemical make-up was strong enough to survive the acidic environment of the stomach. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the healthiest oils that we consume. It is extremely high in Omega 9 fatty acids. All other cooking (vegetable) oils are high in Omega 6 fatty acids, which when consumed in excess have a negative effect on health. Most store bought boxed and canned foods are made with Omega 6 vegetable oils. One last note, while Extra Virgin Olive Oil is extremely healthy, it is not a cooking oil. At high temperatures the oil denatures and is not good for you any longer. Use Olive oil as an added ingredient. Pour it over salad or onto your food once it has been cooked.

Thought for the Week: "Genius is not a secret of a few. It is buried in us all." ---- BJ Palmer, D.C.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "If you place a rubberband snugly around your finger, when would be the intelligent time to take it off? Waiting for gangrene or blood poisoning to occur would be foolish. If you have vertebra out of alignment in the spine, pinching a nerve, when would be the intelligent time to take the pressure off? Waiting for pain, or your body to become sick would be foolish. Chiropractic's greatest virtue is preventative." ------ Reggie Gold, D.C

Did You Know? In the early 1900's, developer of Chiropractic, Dr. BJ Palmer owned and operated the 1st and only radio station west of the Missisippi River. His radio station broadcast to four states. It was called WOC, Wonders of Chiropractic. His DJ, was Ronald Reagan.

Sugar Woes

2007-02-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Americans, on average consume about 150 pounds of sugar each year. This amounts close to 600 calories a day or almost 3 pounds of body weight per week. Excess sugar consumption supresses the immune system, upsets the body's mineral balance, causes hyperactivity, anxiety, heart disease, depression and weight gain. Because of the negative effect on the hormonal system in the body, the American Dietetic and Diabetic Associations agree that sugar consumption is the third leading cause of degenerative diseases, including diabetes, in America. As little as two teaspoons of sugar changes the blood chemistry in the body, so that the body is completely out of balance. Many people have reported to me that when they drastically cut back or eliminate sugar from their diet, weight loss was very easy to obtain. Also, energy levels and a higher sense of well being returned to their lives. Sugar is added to many foods and has many different names. Corn sweetener, dextrose, fructose, glucose, High Fructose Corn Syrup, sorbitol and sucrose are names you should be aware of and on the lookout for when reading the ingredient list on groceries.

Thought for the Week: "In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope." ---- D. Carl Simonton, MD

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: You can drive your car with the emergency brake on and you may not even notice, but take the brake off and the car will imediately appear to have more "energy." The same is with subluxated, misaligned vertebra. Man, woman and child can walk around with spinal subluxations and not even notice, but once the spine is adjusted and the subluxations are corrected, the body works better and can be healthier.

Vitamin C....Superhero!

2007-02-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Vitamin C is the wonder vitamin. The healing and healthful properties of vitamin C are so powerful, C could be considered the Superhero of vitamins. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and helps to repair damaged cells and tissues. Vitamin C plays an important role in immune system function, bone development, protein & hormone synthesis and wound healing. Vitamin C's most important role is as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Vitamin C helps to kill off dangerous bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C's role in fighting off a cold or the flu is well documented. Studies have also shown that Vitamin C has anti-cancer properties and mega doses of C have shrunk tumors and killed cancer cells. Vitamin C is found naturally in citrus fruits, but is also present in tomatoes, green peppers, asparagus, green leafy vegetables, melons and strawberries. Daily intake of vitamin C for an adult would be 500-1000mg. When a viral infection or cold is present it is important to take vitamin C in multiple doses throughout the day. Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it does not stay in the body for long, so it needs to be replaced when fighting off an illness. 2000-3000mg every 4 hours is not an uncommon dosage for an adult fighting off an illness. Vitamin C is not harmful, when too much is consumed, diarrhea occurs, which then tells you to cut back on the dosage.

Thought for the Week: "The really good physician prevents disease, he cannot cure anything." ------J.H. Tilden, MD

Chiropractic Though for the Week: "Chiropractic's main virtue is that it's care is preventative in nature. Regular spinal adjustments boost immune system function, fostering health. Spinal adjustments also slow the degenerative process (arthritis) and balance and strengthen muscular stability. The "adjustment" helps to prevent dis-ease." ----------Dr. J.Z.

Cell Phone Dangers

2007-02-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

A recent study published in the United Kingdom found that in people who have used cellular phones for 10 years or or longer they were 40% more likely to develop brain tumors called gliomas. This study was performed on 4800 people, which is a large number as far as medical studies go. The tumor was more likely to develop on the side of the brain in which the phone was held next to. The cause of the brain tumor is the electromagnetic field radiating from the cell phone and or remote phone device clipped onto the ear. After reviewing this information, one fact became blatantly obvious to me, more and more parents are buying cell phones for their children. A child given a cell phone at 12 yrs old will be using the phone for over 20 years by the time they reach 35 yrs old. At this time, the only responsible recommendation to be made is that all cell phones should be used on speaker phone or with a head set attached and the phone kept at a reasonable distance from the brain. It should also be noted that some electromagnetic energy can travel up the head set cord. This radiation can be blocked by purchasing a special inexpensive ferrite bead that fits on the headset cord. Google Cell Phone Ferrite Bead.

Thought for the Week: " I may not be the lion, but it was left to me to be the lion's roar." ---- Winston Churchill

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "The reason for seeing a chiropractor for wellness care is so that you won't be less than you should be. The most damaging lie is that freedom of symptoms means health." -----Reggie Gold DC.

Living to 100

2007-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Do you want to live to 100 years old? You won't be to happy about what it takes to get there. A recent showing of the television science show Nova presented facts on how to live to 100 years old. The most important health tip that they could give was calorie restriction. Researchers found that by cutting the food intake of any living organism 30-40%, you could extend it's life by up to 60%. Researchers have found the key to long life is lowered insulin levels. Insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar, is secreted into the bloodstream when carbohydrates ( sugars) are present. Eating foods or a diet based on the glycemic index helps keep insulin levels at a lower and steady level. The glycemic index is a rating of how foods effect blood sugar levels. Usually, the sweeter or starchier the food, the more insulin is needed to lower the blood sugar level. Foods like brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples and other forms of whole grains and low carbohydrate food causes glucose to be secreted into the blood slowly, thus needing less insulin to do the job of lowering blood sugar. Foods like sugar, white pastas, white rice and white potatoes break down into glucose more quickly and require a quicker insulin response. So it seems to live longer, one must carefully control how sugar and insulin react in the body. On a side note, eating a low glycemic index diet is actually very good for you and the easiest, long term way to lose weight and not be hungry. Google glycemic index for more info.

Thought for the Week: "The best immune system is in the body, not in the pharmacy."------Clarence Gonstead, D.C.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: " A chiropractic adjustment always brings about positive changes. The mistake comes when we pretend to know what those changes will be."------Reggie Gold, D.C.

Asthma

2007-01-21T04:41:00.000-08:00

Asthma is health condition that disrupts lung function and makes it extremely difficult to breath. Asthma cases in the United States have increased by 1/3 over the last ten years with the majority of cases being children. Possible causes of this lung weakness include allergies, environmental pollution, diet, stress and childhood vacinations. The most common symptoms in asthma are difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, coughing, loss of sleep, mucus flow, wheezing and increased heart rate.. Attacks are usually brought on by allergies, cold air, pollutants and heavy exercise. The biggest help for an asthmatic is to make dietary changes. Eat plenty of dark leafy green vegetables and deep yellow / orange vegetables. The brighter the colors the higher the anti-oxidant value. Fish eaten more than once a week seems to help prevent asthma attacks. That is why fish oil supplementation is very important. An 8oz glass of water every three hours cleanses the respiratory system and is also particularly good after an attack as the water breaks up the mucus. It is important not to eat dairy products, foods with artificial colors, dyes and preservatives like MSG. These food additives encourage asthma attacks. It is also important not to eat frozen or very cold foods. The cold causes muscles in the airways to tighten up. Supplement the diet with fish or flaxseed oil (anti-inflammatory propeties), magnesium (relaxes bronchial tubes, helps lung function) and vitamin C (lessons spasms and fights allergies). Chiropractic treatment will loosen back muscles and will help relax bronchial muscles as well as improve nerve flow to the lungs. Cranio-sacral work helps in children. Acupuncture, massage and osteopathy have also been shown to be helpful. Deep breathing exercises should be performed daily. High EnergyParticulate Air (HEPA) Filters should be placed in the home to filter out allergens in the air.

Thought for the Week: "There are no incurable diseases, only incurable people."-------Bernie Siegel, M.D.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "The brain and the spinal cord do not run the body. A corpse has a brain and a spinal cord. It is the living nerve impulse, the life force if you will, that makes the difference between the living and the deceased." ---Reggie Gold, D.C.

Chiropractic, for your Health!

2007-01-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic is defined as a philosophy of things natural; a system of adjusting the segments of the spinal column in order to relieve pressure upon the nerves, so that the nerve impulses may flow freely from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain communicates and controls the systems, organs, glands, tissues and cells of the body by transmitting messages through the spinal cord and spinal nerves to the body parts. If there is interference in the brain's messages, the body does not function at 100% of it's potential. Depending how much pressure is on the nerves, the body will function even less and then can become sick or diseased. Chiropractic is not a treatment for sickness or disease, but it is a systematic way of removing nerve pressure from the spine and restoring function to nerve impinged body parts. A nervous system free of interference allows the body to work better and to be healthier. Preventative chiropractic care performed on a regular basis helps every system in the body work the way nature intended it too. This includes the immune system, which is why most chiropractic patients, in general, are healthier and less sick than their non-chiropractic counterparts.

Thought for the Week: "It is a misnomer to call medicine the healing art. The healing art is the secret wisdom of the body. Medicine can do no more than facilitate it."---------Andrew Weil, M.D.

Probiotics

2007-01-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

Probiotics is the term used for the healthy bacteria (like acidophilus) that naturally inhabit parts of the body. Probiotics are friendly bacteria and very important for our complete health. Bacteria, like acidophilus, are found in the mouth, digestive tract, throat, lungs, urinary tract and vagina. Probiotics act like natures antibiotic and destroy harmful bacteria in the body. They also break down the undigested fiber in the digestive tract preventing a build up of sugars and yeasts which lead to ill health. Probiotics should be taken everyday to support a healthy immune system. Probiotic bacteria is also of benefit to people suffering from yeast infections, digestive problems, allergies, respiratory problems and cancer. Probiotic bacteria is most commonly found in yogurt, but is easily supplemented in the diet through capsules, liquid or powdered supplements. It is extremely important to take probiotics when on antibiotic therapy, as antibiotics destroy all of the friendly bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract which then can make you sicker. Recent research has found that a build-up of the wrong bacteria in the stomach contributes to being overweight. Supplementing probiotics has helped with weight loss.

Thought for the Week: "It is unfortunate that so few appreciate from what small causes diseases come."-----Charles Mayo, M.D. (Mayo Clinic)

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "A spine chiropractically maintained in youth is the best assurance to a healthy life that you can give a child."

-------Fred Barge, D.C.

Vitamin D

2006-12-31T05:08:00.000-08:00

The Vitamin known as D, may be the most important vitamin known to mankind. Unique in that it is the only vitamin that is manufactured right in our own body, recent research has shown that Vitamin D strengthens bones, enhances immune system function, slows down cancer cell production, acts as a natural pain killer and can help to prevent Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis. Vitamin D has even been shown to fight depression. The Los Angeles Times reported that Vitamin D deficiency is an "Unrecognized Epidemic." Researchers are recommending that the daily intake for vitamin D should be around 1000 IU. The best source of natural Vitamin D is sunlight . 15 minutes of sun exposure can generate as much as 10,000 IU of vitamin D. That is one of the reasons why people are much healthier and happier in the spring and summer time. Healthy and controlled sun exposure is very good for you. In the winter time, it is extremely important to switch from regular fish oil supplementation to Cod Liver oil. Cod Liver Oil is high in natural Vitamin D and replaces what we are missing from not being out in the sunshine.

Thought for the Week: " If at first you don't succeed, you are running about average." ----- M.H. Alderson

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Chiropractic care works and it works in every person, every time. Like dropping a coin in the ocean, the change may not always be noticeable." "The coin displaced the volume of the ocean, even though you did not see the change in ocean level. The spinal adjustment improved function in the body even though you may not "feel" the change in bodily function."

Night Cramps

2006-12-31T05:07:00.000-08:00

Night cramps are the horrible tightening of muscles that occur when sleeping. The muscle slowly tightens so much that a sharp, stabbing pain will wake you from a sound sleep just as if someone blew a horn next to your head. The pain can be extremely intense. Night cramps commonly occur in the lower legs (calf), feet, toes and thighs. The cramping muscle is actually contracting, so the only way to relieve the pain is to do the opposite motion of the contraction, which is to stretch. The calf cramps with the foot pointing away from the body. To relieve the cramp, pull the foot and toes toward the body. Night cramps are usually a result of mineral deficiencies. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are the usual culprits. A lack of vitamin B also adds to the problem. Eat leafy green vegetables, yogurt, bananas, apples, broccoli and nuts to fill the void. Supplementation with minerals and B vitamins will also help. In addition, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with a little lemon juice and honey will do the trick.

Thought for the Week: The Three Basic Principles of Success: Strive to Know More. Work Hard. Be Absolutely Honest.

---Fred Barge, DC

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: The Spinal Cord is the main conduit from the brain to the nerves. The spinal nerves branch out between the spinal bones and connect to all parts of the body. The working action of all the cells, tissues and organs in the body is dependent on the nerve impulses that arrive from the spinal cord. Nerve impulse interference (subluxation) will cause decreased function to the body and decreased health.

Fish, Fruits and Veggies Against Stroke

2006-12-17T05:33:00.000-08:00

The word Stroke when used in conjunction with health is a scary one. A stroke is the debilitating after effect of cardio-vascular disease. A stroke is caused when the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off. Brain tissue immediately dies and can never come back. Oxygen is cut off due to a blockage in the blood flow to the brain. Most of these blockages are caused by fat deposits in the artery walls. Blood clots can also cause an arterial blockage and chronic high blood pressure can damage artery walls, leading to a rupture. Strokes are a leading cause of death in the United States. The defence against having a stroke, as with all disease, is a good offence. A diet high in fresh fruit, whole grains, fish, beans and nuts reduces the chance of forming blood clots. Essential fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplements are anti-inflammatory in nature and act as blood thinners, which helps to improve circulation. A large study found that people who ate fish twice per week, were at a signifcant less risk of having a stroke. It was also found that by eating fruit and vegetables daily, stroke risk could be lowered by at least 6%.

Thought for the Week: (On ignoring symptoms) "Would you put a sponge under a dripping faucet, so you couldn't hear it drip?" Would you take a marker and color over the bright red engine light on your car?"

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: The purpose of the spinal adjustment is not to depress symptoms. The purpose is to remove interference or pressure from the nerve, restoring normal nerve supply. Then nature with her exact knowledge, decreases or increases activities in the various organs and body parts as she finds necessary. ---- Carl Cleveland, D.C. President of Cleveland College of Chiropractic

Celery & You Perfect Together

2006-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Celery is one of the most disrespected of vegetables. Not much taste, it burns more calories chewing it than are contained in a mouthful and it's long stringy fibers can get caught in the teeth. The good news is that eating celery is well worth the effort. Celery may protect against stomach cancer, it has been shown to help lower blood pressure and it aids in digestion. Celery is also a natural diuretic and can help with weight loss. Celery is good for detoxifying the body and can even help clear up skin problems. All you have to do is eat it every day. Believe it or not, celery can also stimulate sex drive. Celery is made up of many important vitamins and phyto-nutrients. It is also extremely high in fiber. Celery will last up to two weeks in the crisper of your fridge. Put it in your salads, eat it raw by the stalk, cook with it in stir frys and soups. Serve it raw with peanut butter or cream cheese on for the kids.

Thought for the Week: "A new philosophy, a way of life, is not given for nothing. It has to be paid dearly for and only acquired with much patience and great effort." ----Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " Parents become concerned when a child has a fever, we must recognize that this usually indicates nothing more than nature fighting a disease. When fevers become very, very high, or a child has a history of convulsions, treatment of a fever becomes more urgent. In most children, however, the treatment of a fever is more to lower the concern of the parents than to do any good for the child." --Dr. G. Timothy Johnson, MD, Chicago Tribune Health Columnist.

Fever is the body's way of fighting an infection. If nature is not allowed to take its course, ie low grade fevers being treated by over-the-counter-meds, the infection stays with the body much longer and the child continues to be sick. Chiropractic spinal adjustments help to improve immune function and also normalize body chemistry. This helps the body to naturally fight off the infection. A spinal adjsutment may even help the fever become a degree or two warmer to fight off the infection. ----------- Dr. J.

Garlic & Onions

2006-12-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

Bad breath may be a costly side effect, but halotosis aside, garlic and onions are one potent health producing food. The Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that found consuming garlic and onions provided protection from esophageal, colon, breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Garlic and onions have also been shown to help ward off hypertension and osteoporosis. The sad news is that most of all the health benefits occur from eating raw onions and raw garlic. The kind that sticks with your breath for days on end. The active, health producing ingredient in garlic, actually starts to vanish within 1 hour of being cut into. Cooking the garlic kills the ingredient in no time.

Thought for the Week: " I taught myself discipline. How to be totally in control of my body. I could apply that discipline to everyday life. I used it in acting, in going to school. Whenever I didn't want to study I would just think back and remember what it took to be Mr. Universe--the sacrifice, the hard work---and I would plunge myself into studying." -------------Arnold Schwarzenegger

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The object of all health education is to change the conduct of individual men, women and children by teaching them to care for their bodies well." ----- Charles Mayo, MD

Sugar Bad

2006-12-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

75 years ago, a German Scientist / Doctor won the noble prize for discovering sugar feeds and encourages cancer growth. On November 8th, 2006, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published an eight year, 80,000 person study of dietary habits and pancreatic cancer. The study found that those who added sugar to their food or drink (5xper day) and or drank soft drinks (2xper day) had a 70-90% greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is the most deadly form of cancer. Once diagnosed, a patient typically has 3 or so months to live, maybe less. The pancreas is the organ in the body that is used to secrete insulin to lower blood sugar levels. The link to pancreatic cancer is the increased levels of insulin to lower the blood sugar. Two other risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer are being overweight and inactive. The number one source of calories in the United States is High Fructose Corn Syrup. Corn Syrup causes a huge increase in pancreatic activity due to the high amount of insulin needed to lower the sugar level in the blood. It is extremely important to avoid sugar consumption, drinking soft drinks and any food that contains Corn Syrup.

Thought for the Week: "Duty cannot exist without faith."-------Benjamin Disraeli

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: Chiropractic care relates to every level of human performance because every level of human performance is controlled by body chemistry. The chemicals that control the body are produced by organs and glands. Organs and glands are controlled by the nervous system. Subluxated vertebra cause nerve disruption and irritations, causing the organs and glands not to function properly. When the organs do not function properly, body chemistry is thrown into a chemical imbalance decreasing human performance. Chiropractic care corrects subluxated vertebra, removing nerve disruptions, improving organ function and restoring chemical balance in the body, thus improving human performance in every man, women and child. Really.

Healthy Food Prep

2006-12-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

An important part of ensuring a happy, healthy holiday is food preperation. Many raw animal foods contain contaminants that are easily spread from one food source to the next. The following tips from the USDA will help to prevent food poisoning and keep your family and guests healthy.
Clean - Wash hands, surfaces and utensils often to avoid spreading bacteria when preparing food. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
Separate - Use different cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and veggies. When you prepare The Holiday dinner, keep the raw meat fish and poultry away from vegetables and side dishes that won't be cooked.
Cook - You can't tell it's done by how it looks! Use a food thermometer. Every part of the holiday turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Chill - Keep the fridge at 40°F degrees or below to keep bacteria from growing. Pumpkin pie should always be refrigerated and leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours.

Thought for the Week: "In the whole domain of healing, the sick habit is the most difficult disease to cure."-----J.H. Tilden, MD

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Spinal Subluxations are capable of provoking multiple, adverse functional changes, not only in their immediate vicinity, but, by way of nervous influences, in remote tissues and organs of the body."-----C.W. Weiant, Medicine and Chiropractic 1958

The Virtues of HDL's

2006-11-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

Medicine spends a lot of time and effort discussing bad cholesterol and the need to lower LDL (low density lipo-proteins) levels. While high levels of LDL's are not good for your health, high levels of HDL's (high density lipo-proteins) are good for your health. HDL's take away the excess fat in the blood. This prevents the fat from clogging the arteries and building up on the walls of blood vessels. In addition to trying to lower LDL's, one should be trying to raise HDL's. Healthy fats found in olive oil, fish oil, nuts, fruits and vegetables raise HDL levels. Exercise, performed on a regular basis, provides a temporary boost to HDL levels. The temporary boost is why exercise needs to be done on a regular basis, thus sustaining higher levels. Also, cardio-vascular, aerobic exercise has been shown to boost HDL's 20 %, plus, burn an extra 800 calories per week. (Walking 3 miles a day, 3 x per week burns 900 calories!) Avoiding trans-fats (hydrogenated oils) not only lowers the bad cholesterol, but also prevents HDL levels form being lowered.

Thought for the Week: "The maintenance of health should take precedence over the treatment of disease." ----Robert Aldrich, MD

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Life heals. If you cut a piece of steak, put iodine and a bandage on it and give it a shot of penicillin, it still will not heal. Therefore those things have nothing to do with the healing of the body. A living body heals itself, a steak does not."----Reggie Gold, D.C.

Dr. J: The point is that there is an intelligence in the living body that is responsible for "life", "function" and "health." This intelligence has to communicate through the body for the body to respond to its direction. The "life" communication flows from the brain, down the spinal cord, out the nerves to the rest of the body. Life flows from above, down and inside out. Not from the outside in.

Dangerous Corn Syrup

2006-11-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

High Fructose Corn Syrup is the sweetner of choice in processed foods. Corn Syrup has replaced sucrose as a food sweetner for two reasons: Corn is much cheaper and it is also twice as sweet as table sugar. Here is the downfall. High Fructose Corn Syrup is not metabolized the same as other sugars. Sugars are usually digested and converted to glucose which the body uses as energy. Corn Syrup bipasses this digestive process and is removed by the liver. Since the liver removes the fructose, the pancreas does not get to do its job of releasing insulin the way it does with other sugars. With little or no insulin secreted, the fructose corn syrup converts to fat more than any other sugar. Corn syrup also does not cause a release of the hormone, Leptin. Leptin is the hormone that helps regulate the appetite. The Leptin helps to signal the body when it is full. When consuming foods with high amounts or any corn syrup, you don't tend to feel as full and eat more. This coupled with the fact that the fructose is converted directly to fat is contributing to obesity and disease, world wide. Fructose corn syrup also raises triglyceride levels and has no enzymes, vitamins or minerals. It is much better for your health to use real sugar as opposed to corn syrup, especially, the healthy form of sugar which is unrefined white or brown sugar or unrefined cane juice.

Thought for the Week: "Each person's reality is different, it is the product of what you have experienced or been exposed to."
--Gerald Clum,DC

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The beauty of chiropractic is the fact that it works with natural means. It puts nothing new into the body, nor does it take away any natural gland or organ. Chiropractic simply releases life forces within the body, sets free rivulets of energy over nerves, and lets nature do her work in a normal manner."---BJ Palmer, DC

You Eat, Therefore You Think

2006-10-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

We know the old saying you are what you eat. In context, the food we take into our body determines the physical health of our body. But did you know that the food we take into our body also determines our emotions and moods? Emotional and mood activity are the direct result of biochemical processes that occur in the brain. Emotional brain activity is directly related to nutrients that are used for proper brain function. Man-made, chemically filled, processed food dismantles nutrients needed for the brain to properly do its job. That is why the consumption of junk food, artificially colored and preservative filled food can send an adult into a mood swing and cause a child to not be able to focus properly. The safest thing to do for the health of your body and your brain is to avoid processed food and fill your diet with natural, organic and fresh foods. As the almost 100 year old Jack Lalane says, " If man makes it, don't eat it."

Thought for the Week: "People are not resistant to new ideas as long as the new ideas fit into their old way of thinking." -- Reggie Gold, D.C.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "A couple of termites don't do much damage, but over the years they multiple and destroy the house. Subluxations are like termites, the time to correct them is as soon as they occur." -----Reggie Gold, DC

Chiropractic care corrects subluxations.

Ear Infections

2006-10-29T03:16:00.000-08:00

Recent medical studies have proven what old time pediatricians and chiropractors have said for years, antibiotics are not an effective treatment for most childhood ear infections. While antibiotics are effective at killing properly diagnosed bacteria, they are not effective at correcting the cause of an ear infection. The reason being, is that most childhood ear infections are viral, not bacterial in nature. Anitbiotics do not work on viruses. The other reason antibiotics do not work at correcting the cause of ear infections is that a lot of ear infections are due to some sort of food allergy, such as dairy intolerence. Also, research has shown that fluid builds up in the ear, turning into an infection, when the eustachian tubes cannot drain properly. The cause? Tight neck muscles due to misaligned vertebra which can be caused by childbirth, playtime, sports or accidents. This is the main reason why chiropractic care is an effective procedure. If your child has an ear infection, the new medical reccomendations are to let nature take its course. 3-5 days and the ear should clear up on its own. If your child has reoccuring ear infections, a food alllergy or misaligned vertebra may be the culprit.

Thought for the Week: "If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole darn thing was started by a mouse."
-----Walt Disney

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: Everyone who sees a chiropractor, does it for one of three reasons. 1. To have their symptoms treated and / or diseases cured. 2. To have symptoms or diseases prevented. 3. To allow their bodies to work at maximum function, efficiency and health.

Which reason do you choose?

Popeye Was Correct

2006-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

In light of all the bad news about spinach, here is the good news. Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables ever grown. It has the ability to protect against cancer, it is a very potent anti-oxidant, it is great for healthy nerves. Spinach is high in calcium and magnesium. The folic acid in spinach can help to prevent birth defects. Other important factors are spinach's high fiber content, vitamin C, Iron, K, B and amino acids. No wonder Popeye did so well with eating spinach. It is always best to buy loose spinach, so that you can inspect the leaves. The leaves should be a dark green color and have a rubbery texture. Fresh, New Jersey grown spinach is said to be safe from the e-coli strain effecting California spinach. Spinach makes a great vegetable to be grown in your own garden or even in a flower box inside your house.

Thought of the Week: "If I could live my life over again, I would devote it to proving that germs seek diseased tissue, rather than being the cause of diseased tissue; e.g. Mosquitoes seek stagnant water, but do not cause the pool of water to become stagnant."----Rudolf Virchow

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Symptoms can serve as a message that something needs to be changed in one's life. If we only treat the illness, it can linger or recur until the message is heeded."----Dennis Jaffe, Ph.D

Chiropractic care does not treat symptoms, chiropractic addresses the cause of symptoms.

Omega 6 Fats

2006-09-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Omega 6 fats are found mostly in cereal, whole grain breads, most vegetable oils, eggs, poultry and baked goods. On the surface, the list of food sources high in Omega 6 fats does not sound like it is bad for you. The problem is, that we, as a nation consume too much Omega 6 fats as compared to Omega 3 fats. The balance ratio between the two fats is extremely important for good health. When Omega 6 fats are the primary fat, the body produces inflammation. Inflammation in the body is the root of many diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and arthritis. Western diets typically have an Omega 6 to Omega 3 ration of over 10-1. The ideal ratio should be 4-1. Omega 3 fats have been shown to produce chemicals in the body that actually fight inflammation and disease. Omega 3 fats are the fats found in fish oil, flax seeds and walnuts. A recent article in Science Daily reported that a diet rich in Omega 3 fats worked better for preventing death then placing heart attack defibrillators in homes. Omega 3 fats had 8 times the impact of distributing defibrillators and was cost effective, as it would cost $5.8 million a year to distribute fish oil to 100,000 people compared to $201 million for defibrillators. It most be noted that fish oil is not a replacement for a defibrillator during an actual heart attack, but a prevention to having heart attacks.

Thought for the Week: "Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly." ----- Albert Einstein,

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: The Nervous system controls the function of every thing in the body. To be healthy, everything in the body must function properly. Chiropractic care improves the function of the nervous system, thus fostering health in the body.

Lose Weight or Die!!!!!

2006-09-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

The New England Journal of Medicine published a Study on 8/24/06 concerning the relationship of disease, death and being overweight. The results were not shocking. What was shocking was what was considered overweight. If a person is 30lbs overweight, they are not just over weight they are considered obese. According to the height and weight chart of the Dietary Guidelines Committe of 1995, a healthy weight for a 6 foot tall male is 150-180lbs and a 5'4" female should weigh between 115lbs.-125lbs. These ranges also depend on bone structure, the larger bone structure would weigh near the top end of the range. The scary statistics are as follows. The National Cancer institute found that those who were somewhat overweight at age 50 had a 20-40% chance of early death, while those in the obese category had a 100-200% higher risk of death. 527,000 people, over a ten year period were examined for this study. Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and gout. On the bright side, a weight loss of of only 10 percent gets the health ball rolling and statistically starts to decrease the risk for disease.

Thought for the Week: "The greatest thing any living soul can do is to see something clearly and tell it plainly." ------Someone Once Said.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "There is one cause of disease----The body's inability to comprehend itself or its environment. There is only one cure for disease------The body's ability to heal itself. There is only one thing a Doctor can do for a patient--------Remove an obstruction from healing, thus facilitating it."-----Fred Barge, DC

Chiropractic removes nerve interference(obstruction), improving function and health!

Healthy Mind, Health Body

2006-09-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

The power of the mind cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that people who are positive and optimistic tend to be healthier and when sick, recover faster. New evidence shows a much greater link to the mind-body connection. Recent research in healthcare has been centered on the placebo. The placebo is a sugar pill used as a control in drug trials and medical research. To test the results of a product, a patient is given the real drug and a different patient is given a placebo, but is told it is the real drug. The researchers can see how the drug works compared to a person who isn't taking it. The problem is that in all studies, a percentage of the control or placebo group shows the same improvements as the person taking the drug. Now, Pet scanners and MRI's of the brain show that the fake treatment leads to changes in brain chemistry. This research shows that our thoughts may actually interact with the brain in a positive way, according to the researchers at U of P. This research may lead to ways to teach people how to utilize the healing powers of the brain.

Thought for the Week: "The determining causes of disease are trauma, poisons and auto-suggestion."----DD Palmer, DC The year 1910.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "If I were asked to briefly define the Chiropractic Philosophy, I should say Chiropractic Philosophy is the Philosophy of Cause." -------Joy Loban, PH.C.

Chiropractic care is not a treatment for symptoms, but a correction of the cause.

ADHD

2006-09-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

The school year is upon us and many parents have children that have been diagnosed ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Recent research, previously mentioned, cited studies proving that Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation (fish oil) was more effective than the narcotic drug, Ritalin. In addition, many cases of ADHD are related to food allergies. The most common culprits were sugar, preservatives and artificial food coloring and flavoring. Most parents have found that when these food addititives were removed the child's behavior and learning ability improved. Neurologically, children with disruption in nerve flow (spinal nerve stress) may show a decrease in function throughout the body which may impair learning and effect behavior.

Thought for the Week: "Someone must teach new things, someone must take the abuse, someone must be ostracized, someone must be called a quack. Then out of it all comes a new truth to become part of us. Thus we receive new facts to make up our proud possession of knowledge." ------Fred Hart, Founder, National Health Federation

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to "suit" the environment.

Chiropractic care improves bodily function, enhances performance and improves quality of life!

Organic Food

2006-09-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

Organic food is hard to find and is more expensive than "regular" food. So why purchase organic food? One main reason, drugs. Pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones are deadly ingredients found in the most common of foods. For example, in 1994, the FDA found high pesticide residues in some of the more popular breakfast cereals. Strawberries are considered the single most pesticide laden product in the USA. Pesticides were found in more than half of the baby foods tested. 5% of the peach crop is considered contaminated with excessive pesticides. Most dairy farms inject their cows with bovine growth hormone to boost milk production. Bananas are produced with the pesticide benomyl which is linked to birth defects. To make matters worse, pesticides that are banned for use in the United States are still being sold for use in other countries. Imported grapes and melons have shown high levels of pesticides that are banned in the USA. Another reason to eat organic is that the organic vegetables and fruits have been shown to have a higher nutrient value than inorganic.

Thought for the Week: "Every time people chose organic food they are choosing the kind of world that they want to live in by voting with their fork." ----------Marion Nestle, Center for Science in the Public Interest

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The beauty of chiropractic is the fact that it works with natural means. It puts nothing new into the body, nor does it take away any gland or organ. Chiropractic simply releases life forces within the body, setting free the energy through the nerves, letting nature do its work." -----BJ Palmer, DC

Is Golf Healthy?

2006-08-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

Are Golfers healthy? In the old days, golf was a very good form of exercise. The average golfer walked the entire 18 hole course which is very good exercise. Today, due to time constraints on the course, golfers are forced to use an electric cart. Interestingly enough, Golfers Digest published a survey, where they found that two-thirds of golfers were overweight. In addition, it was found that three out of ten golfers were not able to finish a round of golf due to pain, injury or illness. Nineteen percent never exercise in the gym, more than half are on a prescription drug and seventy-five percent drink alcoholic beverages. That being said, Golf does have its healthy benefits. Participating in an outdoor sport, away from the hassles of work and other stresses, produces a "mental calm." Unless, you get aggravated by your score, which might than cause a heart attack! As famous golf philosopher, Ty Webb once said, "Be the Ball Danny, Be the Ball."

Thought for the Week: "It is better to light one candle, than it is to curse the darkness."------BJ Palmer, DC A quote from his discussion concerning the education of people on chiropractic care. It is better if one person gets the idea as oppossed to complaining that none understand.

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: "Chiropractic as a natural, alternative to dangerous drugs and surgery, has the opportunity to move to the forefront as tomorrows premier health care provider." ----Sid E. Williams, DC

Tomatoe, Toomato

2006-08-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Which vegetable is one of the most consumed vegetables in the United States? Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a phytochemical called lycopene. Lycopene has properties that are extremely anti-cancer. Tomatoes have also been shown to help protect against skin damage from the sun. They also help digestion and are very high in many vitamins and minerals including C, K, E and B. Tomatoes should not be kept refridgerated. The lower temperature keeps them from ripening. If you want to ripen tomatoes, place them in a brown paper bag with a banana. The banana gives off a gas that speeds up the ripening process. Once a tomatoe ripens it can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Tomatoes offer tremendous health benefits whether consumed as a sauce, juice or whole. New Jersey Tomato sandwiches on toast with salt and pepper and a dash of mayonaise prove that God loves us.

Thought for the Week: "Health does not come in a bottle. Health comes from the inside out, not the outside in." ----T. Rondberg, DC (referring to drugs and medications)

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Every Man, Women and Child, regardless of what disease he or she has or doesn't have, needs a good nerve supply, without it you haven't a hope in the world of staying healthy." ------Reggie Gold, DC.

Chiropractic care removes nerve interference!

Co-enyzme Q10

2006-07-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the antioxidant Coenyzme Q10? If you haven't, you need to learn about. Coenyzme Q10 has been heralded as one of the most powerful antioxidants and important nutrients regarding overall health. Q10 evidence suggests that Q10 slows down the aging process, stimulates and maintains the immune system, increases circulation, slows the spread of cancer and can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Q10 is sold as a vitamin capsule, but as with all important nutrients, it is much better to derive the benefit from whole foods. Q10 is found in spinach, peanuts, avocados, seafood (salmon,mackeral, sardines), beef and organ meat such as liver and kidneys.

Thought for the Week: "He who stops being better, stops being good." -----Oliver Cromwell

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "90% of Chiropractic Patients felt their care was effective, 80% were satisfied with the care they received and 75% felt most of their expectations were met." Gallup Poll, 1991

Chiropractic Works! Those who don't try, don't know what they are missing!

High Fructose Corn Syrup, Watch Out!

2006-07-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

High Fructose Corn Syrup is a common ingredient in many manufactured foods. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)has been linked to obesity. When ingested, completely unlike regular sugar, HFCS converts to triglycerides and adipose tissue within 60 minutes. The average American eats about 68 lbs of High Fructose Corn Syrup per year. The use of HFCS has increased dramatically since 1980. As usage of HFCS has increased, statistically, cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypoglycemia and diabetes have followed the exact same actuarial curve. The bottom line is that High Fructose Corn Syrup is not metabolised the same way that sugar is. HFCS is a man-made, manufactured product that is contributing to and or causing a serious health care problem in America. It is difficult to find products that do not contain HFCS, but it can be done. Health food stores and Whole Foods Markets sell food products free of this ingredient. Also, if you are a careful label reader, with a little effort, the mainstream markets even have foods with out HFCS. For example, jarred tomato sauce. I spent twenty minutes reading the label on every brand in the market. Only one brand that I could find did not have HFCS as an ingredient....Ragu Light. Manga!

Thought for the Week: "It is important for most patients to know that their doctors themselves take the advice they give. We must live the sermon not just deliver it." ------Bernie S. Siegal, M.D.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "In the future, chiropractic will be valued for its preventative qualities as much as for relieving and adjusting the cause of ailments." ------ BJ Palmer, DC Regular chiropractic adjustments enhance your quality of life!

Fish Oil v.s. ADHD....Fish Oil Wins!

2006-07-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Fish Oil has been shown to treat ADHD better than the prescription drug Ritalin. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a commonly diagnosed "condition" among todays children. Most children are prescribed a drug, Ritalin that is in the same classification as cocaine and has been shown to carry serious side effects like heart attacks, stroke, sudden death, insomnia and changes in personality. A recent study found that after seven months of fish oil use, all of the children in the study were not as restless and showed improvements at school. Concentration improved by one third. Improvements were noted in as little as 15 weeks. The children that were given the placebo (fake fish oil) in the study, when switched to real fish oil, also showed the same improvements. The essential fatty omega 3 acid found in fish oil has been shown to improve brain function, which explains why usage helps with ADHD. Fish Oil is just as good for adults as it may help to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Thought for the Week: "When the body sends us a message in the form of pain, we must not simply anesthetize our senses to it, but make sense out of it!" -------Fred Barge, D.C.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The immune system, as all other systems, is controlled by the nervous system. Nerve interference along the spine plays a true role in the health of a normal functioning immune system." ------Fred Barge, D.C.
Regular Chiropractic care fosters health!!

The Stinking Rose

2006-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Stinking Rose. Not a pretty name. This perennial plant is one of the most popular and beneficial natural remedies ever consumed. What is the Stinking Rose? Garlic. Named the Stinking Rose in the early 1500's, garlic is related to onions, chives, shallots and leeks. It is in the Lily family. Researchers have confirmed that garlic is most beneficial in three areas: Garlic is anti-bacterial and helps to treat infection. Garlic is good for the heart and circulation. Garlic helps to fight and remove toxins in the body. In addition to these three areas, garlic has been shown to enhance immune function, protect the liver, fight allergies, kill fungus and lower cholesterol and fatty acid triglycerides. To recieve all of these benefits, the garlic must be fresh, one hour after crushing garlic the healthful ingredients start to break down. Over cooking even robs garlic of its helpful properties. One to two fresh cloves a day is recommended. Alternatively, aged garlic extract, which is odorless and tasteless (available in healthfood stores), has been shown to be just as helpful as fresh garlic.

Thought for the Week: " Disease is the warning, and therefore the friend---not the enemy of mankind."
---George Weger, MD

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Medicine: The study of disease and what causes a man to die. Chiropractic: The study of health and what causes a man to live." ---Clarence Gonstead, DC Chiropractic care corrects structure, which improves nerve flow and in turn enhances function, performance and health!

Cauliflower is Cruciferous

2006-07-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

Cruciferous vegetables are the most powerful vegetables known for providing protection against deadly diseases. What exactly is a cruciferous vegetable? Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that have flowers in the shape of a cross, the latin word crux. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens horseradish, caulifower, turnips and watercress are all cruciferous vegetables. The risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke have been shown to be reduced with the consumption of these healthy vegetables. Experts recommend that three one cup servings of any of these vegetables should be consumed on a daily basis, steamed or eaten raw.

Thought for the Week: "The simple truth, is happy people generally don't get sick. One's attitude toward oneself is the single most important factor in healing or staying well." Bernie Siegal, MD

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "In the future, chiropractic will be valued for its preventative qualities as much as for relieving and adjusting the cause of ailments." --BJ Palmer, DC. Chiropractic care maintains a healthy nervous system, balances musculature and improves spinal bone health!

Put Sprouts On It

2006-07-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

Sprouts are seeds that germinated. These edible seeds have been part of the dietary menu for over 5000 years. For all of you pirate fans out there, Captain Cook, I've heard, never lost a shipmate to scurvy due to his crew having a daily serving of malt made from sprouted beans. It sounds to me like Captain Cook was making the first and possible only Bean Sprout Beer! Sprouts is one of the most nutritious foods ever discovered. Sprouts, ounce for ounce, contain more vitamin C than oranges. Alfalfa sprouts are the most popular sprout. The word Alfalfa is derived from Arabic and is translated as "Father of all Foods." Alfalfa sprouts have been used to treat diabetes, arthritis, ulcers and high cholesterol. Alfalfa sprouts are high in protein and have too many vitamins and minerals to list. Add sprouts to stir frys, but more importantly enjoy them raw. Put them on top of your salads or stuff a pita sandwich with them.

Thought For the Week: "It is a misnomer to call medicine the healing art. The healing art is the secret wisdom of the body. Medicine can do no more than facilitate it." ---- Andrew Weil, MD.

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame and in the cause and prevention of disease." -----Thomas Edison

The future is now and the future is Chiropractic! Maintain your health and quality of life with regular chiropractic care.

Drugged up Meat

2006-07-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of the backyard barbecue, This weeks tip will be about meat. Cows and chickens are fed grains that contain hormones and antibiotics. These chemicals are absorbed into the animals system and stored in the fat and muscle tissue. We, in turn, eat the animal and these harmful chemicals are passed onto us. Over time, the hormones are causing damage to our bodies, but more importantly the chemicals are causing changes to our genetic structure and affecting the health of our children. Hormones given to animals, including dairy, are causing young children to start puberty at much earlier ages. The antibiotics given to animals can cause the germs and bacteria in our body to become antibiotic resistant. The alternative? Other than becoming a vegetarian, eat free range, organic chicken, beef, turkey, pork and dairy. You'd be surprised at how much better the meat tastes without all of those nasty chemicals. Most mainstream, popular markets now carry a line of organic meats.

Thought for the Day:

" The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life; the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician." -------William Mayo, MD

"Medicine, the only profession that labors incessantly to destroy the reason for its own existence."-----James Boyce

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: The brain sends messages to the cells in the body through nerves. These message can run into interference, mostly along the spine. Chiropractic care corrects nerve interference, improving the body's ability to be healthy. Chiropractic is a natural system of health care.

Basil: Not Just For Spaghetti Anymore

2006-06-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

A mainstay in almost all New Jersey vegetable gardens is the herb Basil. Basil has a sweet and pungent taste to its leaves. The plant itself is related to the mint variety. Basil is great for digestive problems and is a great treatment for intestinal parasites. Basil has been shown to benefit the immune system and also acts as a disinfectent. Recent research shows that Basil may have an effect on fighting lung cancer. Basil is high in vitamin A, C, B1, B3, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Basil goes great in a tomatoor cucumber salad and is a mainstay in most Italian dishes. One warning though, too much (large quantities) of basil may cause palpitations or rapid hearbeat.

Thought for the Week: "God and the wisdom of the body constitute ninety percent of the hope of patients to recover.--The body simply has a superwisdom which is biased in favor of life rather than death.---These are the powers on which all of us depend on life.
------------Dr. Richard C. Cabot, Harvard University

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "The body was not created and then left masterless. The designer stayed on the job as Innate Intelligence, expressing itself through spinal nerve flow, controlling every function of life, expressing, creating, exploring and directing every experience so that your home is truly the world and your world is your home." Chiropractic care improves life.

Mushrooms....Not Just For Toads

2006-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Mushrooms are not just for Frogs to sit on. One of the more nutritious vegetables, mushrooms are high in protein, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C, selenium and Iron. Mushrooms are very low in calorie, making them an ideal diet food. They have about 20 calories per serving with almost no fat. The strangest fact is that mushrooms need to be cooked for the nutrition to be released. The exterior cell wall of the mushroom is undigestible fiber, heat breaks down the cell wall, letting the nutrition seep out. Mushrooms have also shown benefit to the immune system. Big mushrooms like Shitake, Maitake and Reishi have been shown to help in the production of white blood cells by improving bone marrow function. Mushrooms are great added to soups and stir frys. Add them to scrambled eggs, cook them in your rice, and put them on top of your pizza.

Thought for the Week: "To ward off disease or recover health, men as a rule find it easier to depend on healers than attempt the more difficult task of living wisely." -------Rene Dubos

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: " I surf better than I have in a long time. With the chiropractic adjustments, I was noticeably more flexible and had an incredible burst of energy."----------Ritchie Rudolph, Professional Surfer. Chiropractic care improves athletic performance in all sports!

Aspartame Poisoning?

2006-05-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most widely used artificial sweetners is aspartame. Aspartame is also known by the names Equal and Nutrasweet. By looking at the ingredients of what makes up aspartame, there doesn't appear to be any cause for alarm. Aspartame is made from different amino acids. With the addition of Methanol. The problem is the methanol. Methanol is wood alcohol and is known to be poisonous. When Methanol is exposed to heat, it breaksdown into formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Use of aspartame has been linked in individuals to headaches, dizziness, muscle spasms, seizures, nausea and cramping. Persons who suffer from respiratory problems may also have difficulties with aspartame.

Thought for the Week: "The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up."-----Mark Twain

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: " now know that chiropractic care is not just for back pain, but it is for total health care. If more people would come to realize this, I feel we would have a much healthier, drug-free and pain-free world."
---Kendra -Taylorsville, NC

Waxy Fruits

2006-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Most fruits and vegetables are treated with a layer of wax. The wax's purpose is to make the fruit appear more appetizing and also act as a preservative for shipping long distances. It is very important to realize that two types of waxes are used. One type of wax is for fruits and vegetables with edible skins. The other wax is for fruits and vegetables with unedible skins. The FDA says that the edible fruit wax is "generally recognized as safe." ( I wonder what generally means?) While the other wax does not meet the same standard and may contain carcinogenic chemicals. The main fact about fruit and vegetable wax, is the wax traps pesticides on the skin of the fruit. Fruits and vegetables need to be thoroughly washed with soapy water at temperatures high enough to melt the wax. It is much easier to purchase organic, unwaxed fruit.

Thought for the Week: "According to the World Health Organization, 88% of all people had at least one health problem with a prescription drug."

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: According to a study at the Psychoeducational & Guidance Services of College Station, Texas, chiropractic care was deemed 20-40% more effective than medication concerning the treatment of children diagnosed with hyperactivity.

Grape Juice Is Just As Good As Wine

2006-05-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Do you want the healthy benefits of red wine, but none of the delirious effects? Try Red Grape Juice. Fresh, unsweetened, organic grape juice is a terrific health tonic. The potassium in red grape juice is great for blood pressure levels. Red grape juice contains phytochemicals that help fight viruses and is also antibacterial in nature. Recent medical school research has even shown that grape juice has anti-clotting effects stronger than aspirin, not to mention much safer. This anti-clotting effect is helpful to the heart and arteries. I don't think anyone has ever died from drinking grape juice, which definitely cannot be said of aspirin. One last benefit is that the juice from unsweetened grapes has even been shown to statistically lower the risk of tooth decay.

Thought for the Week: "Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must first be overcome."- Samuel Johnson

Chiropractic Tip of the Week: "Motion placed on the spinal joints by the chiropracic adjustment, reduces friction on the spinal bones reducing the effects of wear and tear, slowing down normal degeneration associated with aging. Regular (1-2 x per month) wellness adjustments help to keep the spinal bones and you healthy."

Toxicity...The Cause of Disease

2006-05-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Chemical stress is one of the leading causes of disease in the industrial world. Chemicals that make there way into our body from the environment, drugs, food, tobacco and excessive alcohol are absorbed into our bloodstream and fat cells where they stay to damage our health, leading to diseases such as cancer. These toxins are also the primary cause of liver damage. The sad truth, is that other than environmental toxins, we as people are directly responsible for what we put into our bodies. Therefore, we are directly responsible for our health. It is vitally important to read labels on foods, avoiding foods high in preservatives and artificial ingredients. Over-the-counter drugs need to be eliminated from daily use. Smoking and or other tobacco use is a no-brainer. Smoking by itself is responsible for more death than any other single chemical ever ingested. To help rid your body of chemical toxins, think about periodic fasting. When the liver, kidneys and bloodstream are cleaned up, the body is better able to rid itself of toxins.

Thought for the Week: "We never know how far-reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow." BJ Palmer, D.C.

Strong Bones

2006-05-01T03:46:00.000-07:00

Strong bones are associated with calcium, but calcium is not the only ingredient required for healthy bone density. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in bones. 700-800 units of vitamin D daily has been shown to cut the risk of hip fractures in women by 26%. Besides supplements, our body gets most of its vitamin D from the sun. High amounts of animal fats can weaken bones and a Penn State study proved that bones were less dense in people who had a diet high in meats and dairy. Fruits, like bananas and cantaloupe, contain potassium. Potassium helps to keep more calcium in the body, strengthening bones. Vitamin B12 has also been shown to maintain bone density levels. Two very important tips: A diet high in salt is bad for the bones and reduces bone density. Drinking cola and other soft drinks has also been linked to loss of bone density.

Thought for the Week: "If you rush to take a new drug, do so with the full knowledge that you are being a guinea pig. The longer a drug is on the market, the more will be known about the side effects." ----Robert Mendelsohn, M.D.

Bananas...Not Just For Monkeys

2006-04-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

I have written many times on how bananas are the wonder food. High in B vitamins, Iron, potassium, iron and fiber, bananas are the perfect energy source with a balanced amount of all three natural sugars. Bananas are also a medicinal food, used as a natural adjunct in the treatment of many diseases. Bananas have been very useful in treating stomach disorders such as ulcers. Bananas neutralize stomach acid and coat the stomach lining. They also act as an antacid, soothing heartburn. The New England Medical Journal says that eating bananas on a regular basis can cut the risk of stroke by 40%. Concerning a simple, common malady, rub the inside of a banana skin on a mosquito bite. The banana reduces swelling and irritation.

Thought for the Week: "To take in a new idea, you must destroy the old, let go of old opinions, to observe and conceive new thoughts. To learn is but to change your opinion."---BJ Palmer, DC

For those of you who are still stuck in the "Chiropractic is only good for back and neck pain model": Here is a great analogy.

Statement: "Chiropractors can not help the body with disease or organ function."

Reply:----- I understand why you might think that, I hope this example might help you to fully understand the effect of the spinal adjustment on function and health. I will use the heart as an example, but you can substitute any other organ or system in the body.

"There is a nerve from the brain to the heart, which tells the heart what to do. If you take a knife and cut that nerve what happens?" "Well, you die." "OK. If, instead of cutting that nerve, you twist it and squish it, would your heart be healthy or sick?" "It would get sick." "If there was a way to take that squished nerve, and un-squish it, would the heart stay sick, or would it get well?" "Would your internal organs function better with a bad nerve supply, or a good one?" Chiropractors are doctors of the nervous system, improving nerve flow, function, performance and health.

Skin Care, Smelly Armpits

2006-04-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Our skin is mostly thought of in ways of vanity. Do I have pimples or wrinkles? I need a tan. Stuff like that. The skin is actually the largest organ in our body and forms the integumentary system. The skin is directly controlled by the nervous system. How so? The skin doesn't really do anything? The skin actually is very important. Other than being our outer covering, the skin is an important part of our immune system, acting as our first barrier against germs and bacteria. The skin is responsible for cooling the body (perspiration) and the skin protects us from harm and injury (when we touch something hot, our skin's millions of sensory nerves let us know quickly). The fact about the skin that is mostly overlooked, is that the skin is permeable. That means, whatever is rubbed onto the skin gets directly absorbed into our blood stream and then throughout the rest of the body. Most people do not think twice about skin care products and the many man made chemicals and preservatives contained in them. For instance, one of the most sensitive parts of our skin is the underarm. Underarm deodorent is absorbed directly through the underarm pores and contains many harmful chemicals. One of the most common chemicals is aluminum which is directly linked to Alzheimer's disease. The safest thing to use as a deodorant is all natural, organic deodorents found in the health food store. No harmful chemicals to worry about being aborbed into the skin. I use the Jason product line and nobody has complained about any foul smells leaking from my body. At least to my face anyway.

Thought for the Week: "Facts do not cease to be because they are ignored."--------Aldous Huxley

Rice is Nice

2006-04-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Rice is a grain high in fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and the B vitamins. Rice is an energy boosting complex carbohydrate and low in fat. Rice is great for the digestion and has even been shown to help rid the body of diarrhea. There are many kinds of rice. The biggest difference is between brown rice and white rice. Brown rice is the more nutritious rice and has all of the fiber. White rice is the most popular, but has had all its natural nutritious value removed during the milling process. Some of the vitamins (this time, man-made) are added back during enrichment. But not the fiber. White rice is also higher in calories. A rice based diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. Organic rice milk is a great tasting substitute for people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies.

Thought for the Week: "Intelligence is present everywhere in our bodies...our own inner intelligence is far superior to any we can try to substitute from the outside."
-------Deepak Chopra,MD