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Gibsons Chiropractic Blog

January 21, 2011

To-Your-Health-Newsletter-01-20-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Musculoskeletal Injuries in Kids

Children’s musculoskeletal systems are different from adults. To understand pediatric injuries that involve the musculoskeletal system, it’s important to be aware of the differences between children and adults in this regard. The main difference is that children’s bones are growing; adults’ bones have stopped growing. This bone growth happens in two ways – by growing lengthwise and widthwise. The bone grows lengthwise in an area at the ends of the bones called the epiphyseal plate or growth plate, in the region known as the metaphysis. The widthwise growth occurs on the surface of the bone.

Growing bone has inherent areas of weakness due to the growth process. In fact, children’s tendons and ligaments are relatively stronger than the growth plate; therefore, with severe trauma the growth plate will give way before the ligament. On the other hand, children’s bones and muscles are more elastic and heal faster compared to adults.

Due to the differences in growing bone, the patterns of injuries are different from mature bone. There are two main types of bone injuries: one is an acute injury in which violent forces are applied at one time; the second is from chronic, recurring stresses applied to the bone over a prolonged period of time. Growth plate injuries can cause cessation (stoppage) of growth of the bone, resulting in limb-length discrepancy, angular deformity or altered joint mechanics; possibly causing permanent disabilities. The chronic recurring stresses are often termed overuse syndromes, but also include stress fractures, which can lead to changes that affect the joints, causing early arthritic changes. Stress fractures, if not managed correctly, can result in complete fracture.

Adolescents who are in the peak period of linear growth – often termed a growth spurt – are most vulnerable because of imbalances in strength and flexibility and changes in the biomechanical properties of bone. Sports involving contact and jumping have the greatest injury risk. Most chiropractors who treat pediatric patients are aware of these injuries and the potential causes related to the growing musculoskeletal system. They have been uniquely trained to understand the musculoskeletal system, making them excellent resources for the management of sports-injuries.

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Why You Need Enzymes

You’re undoubtedly aware of the role a balanced diet can play in healthy aging and disease prevention, but do you know there is a non-nutritive element that can also exert a profound positive influence on your health? Proper function of the human body is dependent on the continuous activity of thousands of different enzymes. These essential biological molecules are the catalysts in all of the body’s biochemical reactions.

Here are three important health benefits attributable to enzymes. Talk to your doctor for more information about enzymes and their value in maintaining health and wellness.

1. Digestion: Digestive enzymes, which are secreted in saliva and pancreatic juices, are responsible for the breakdown of food. This process helps facilitate proper nutrient absorption. In patients with pancreatic insufficiency or with food allergies, supplementation with a mild digestive enzyme blend can enhance nutrient uptake as well as gastrointestinal comfort. In addition, anyone who consumes a diet high in processed foods may benefit from enzyme supplementation.
 
2. Inflammation: Another known benefit of enzyme supplementation is the treatment of inflammatory and immune mediated conditions. Proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, and papain, have the ability to neutralize inflammatory chemicals to aid in the healing of damaged tissues. It is believed that proteolytic enzymes have the ability to promote healing by decreasing capillary permeability, improving circulation, and dissolving fibrin clot deposits. Enzymes have also been shown to have positive effects on natural killer cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the overall immune response and body’s defense against infection.
 
3. Cancer: The use of enzymes in cancer therapy was first proposed by the embryologist Dr. John Beard in the early 1900s. In his research, The Enzyme Therapy of Cancer, published in 1911, Dr. Beard discussed his theory on injection of pancreatic proteolytic enzymes as a form of cancer therapy. Cancer cells, as well as nearly all pathogens, are often protected by a thick, protein-based, fibrin coating. Proteolytic enzymes have the ability to assist in the breakdown of this fibrin coating, allowing the body’s immune functions to take action against proliferating cancer cells. Although the original research was conducted almost a century ago, proteolytic enzymes are being used as a new and innovative way to combat cancer.

One of the simplest ways to enhance your enzyme levels is to increase your intake of raw foods. Uncooked, unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables contain natural enzymes that support digestion and overall enzymatic activity. However, since many Americans consume inadequate amounts of these foods, supplementation may be necessary to ensure enzyme activity is supported. Increasing your intake of enzymes can help support every mode of cellular activity as well as improve overall body communication.

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Antibiotics and Childhood IBD

Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections. That means if your medical doctor ever prescribes an antibiotic to fight your child’s cold, flu, cough (in most cases) sore throat (unless strep) and even bronchitis – all of which are caused by viruses – the antibiotic won’t do any good and will be exposing your child to an unnecessary drug with potential side effects.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that doctors do prescribe antibiotics for viral infections, and that sometimes, it’s to appease the parent, who doesn’t want to hear that their child’s malaise will improve on its own in a few days or so.

Between unnecessary prescribing for viral infections and appropriate prescribing for bacterial infections, children can end up taking several courses of antibiotics in their early years. That can be a problem for several reasons, not the least of which is that, as a recent study suggests, they can end up with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) later in life.

While researchers did not find a clear cause-and-effect relationship between antibiotic use in year one and IBD in childhood, they did notice that children diagnosed with the condition were more likely to have taken antibiotics (one or more courses) in their first year compared to children without IBD.

Your doctor can tell you more about IBD and the dangers of antibiotic use in infancy, childhood or any age.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

Filed under: Babies,children,Colds/Flu,Digestion,Growth,Immune System,Inflammation,Nutrition,Prescription Drugs,Sports,Supplements — Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

January 5, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 01-04-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Year-Round Skin Protection

Moderate Sun Exposure: There is evidence that painful sunburns are clearly unhealthy; in fact, painful sunburns are associated with all forms of skin cancer. However, sun exposure that doesn’t cause painful burns is associated with reduced expression of most cancers, including melanoma. Regarding the skin, it seems that sun-derived vitamin D protects the skin against the photo-oxidizing effects caused by the sun. In other words, moderate sun exposure is good for our skin and does not appear to cause skin cancer. North Americans have been scared out of the sun and are urged to venture out only if we are slathered in sunscreen, both of which are known to promote vitamin D deficiency.

Diet: Research continues to support the view that a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet is preventive against chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A commonly appreciated anti-inflammatory diet is the traditional Mediterranean diet rich in fish, vegetables and fruit. But what does this have to do with skin health? When it comes to skin, we have been somewhat conditioned to believe that the skin is nourished from the outside by creams and lotions. Rarely is nutrition for skin health a consideration, despite multiple papers published on this topic.

In short, the anti-inflammatory diet that is recommended for primary and secondary prevention of diabetes and heart disease is also known to reduce the expression of skin cancer. Compared with the United States, Australia and New Zealand, Mediterranean countries with high levels of sunlight exposure, including Greece, Spain and Italy, have a substantially lower incidence of skin cancer. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory nature of the Mediterranean diet. It turns out that consumption of large amounts of vegetables and fruit and reduced consumption of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, which is characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, is associated with reductions in the negative effects of sun damage, including oxidative, mutagenic, immunosuppressive, and inflammatory responses.

A Rationale Plan for Skin Health: It is extremely important to avoid excessive exposure that leads to sunburns, particularly when we are young. Otherwise, we should take a graded approach to sun exposure based on our skin pigmentation. For especially fair-skinned people, this may mean only 10 minutes a day without sunscreen. Because it is not normal for humans to spend multiple hours at the beach lying in the sun, after brief sun exposure, the use of sunscreen is required and a beach umbrella is recommended.

While diet may not typically be considered to influence skin health, the evidence suggests the exact opposite. In addition to healthy sun exposure, we must eat a skin-protecting anti-inflammatory diet. For the average person, this means the avoidance of sugar, flour and refined oils, and substantially increased consumption of vegetables and fruit, which provide vital antioxidants and phytonutrients.

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Exercise Tips for the New Year

A new year means another 365 days to stick to the most common resolution out there: resolving to exercise. What will make this year different from years past when optimism turned to despair after a few months of hard work? Here are a few exercise tips to help you stay on track in 2011 and build a leaner, meaner you:

1. Have a Plan. Consistent exercise requires focus, and focus requires a plan. Outline your workouts by day, week and month so when you hit the gym, you know just what to do.
 
2. Don’t Overdo It. In the real world, you’re not competing on “The Biggest Loser.” Work out for five hours a day and you’ll end up burned out, injured or both. Try 45 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
 
3. Fight Temptation. We’re talking about the inevitable temptation to skip a workout. When you’re having a “bad day,” stay strong and get to the gym. Skip out and you’ll regret it; make it happen and you’ll feel great afterward.
 
4. Schedule Breaks. Many people are afraid to stop working out once they start, but you need time to refresh yourself and allow your body to do the same. Schedule a consistent break (3-4 days or an entire week) every few months and then start right up again.
 
5. Recruit Support. When it comes to exercise, some people can fly solo, and that’s great; but for others, they need a friend or spouse to help keep them on track. If you can’t do it alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
 
6. Less Is More. Unless your goal is to look like a body-builder, you can put the heavy weights down. Body-weight, resistance bands and balls, and other basic equipment can get the job done just fine.

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Start Your Day Right

“Start off the day with a balanced breakfast” is a popular phrase in health circles, yet it’s also one of the least likely to be taken to heart. Why do so many skip breakfast when the health consequences are so profound? It goes far beyond reduced mental alertness and lack of energy, according to a recent study.

In the study, children ages 9-15 reported whether they usually ate breakfast before school; skipping the meal was defined as not eating between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Years later, when study participants were 26-36 years of age, the researchers asked the same question to discern whether breakfast skipping had continued until adulthood. Skipping breakfast in childhood and adulthood increased the likelihood of having larger waist circumference, higher fasting insulin, and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol in adulthood compared to consistent breakfast eaters.

The moral to this story: You’re never too busy for breakfast! Even if you have to “eat on the run,” find a minute or two to toast a whole-wheat bagel or blend fresh berries with nonfat yogurt and protein powder. If that’s too time-consuming, do a little legwork the night before so your whole-grain cereal and milk are ready to take to work. Your body will thank you for it. Talk to your doctor for more information.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

Filed under: Exercise,Fitness,Immune System,Inflammation,Nutrition,Recipes — Tags: , , , , , , ,

December 8, 2010

To Your Health Newsletter 12-07-2010

By Dr. Stacey

Cold and Flu Defense

If you’re looking to gear up for the cold and flu season without subjecting yourself or your family to the potential dangers of the flu vaccine, take heart: There are natural ways to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Here are a few to discuss with your doctor.

Vitamin C: A study of 715 people showed that flu symptoms were decreased by 85 percent when people took 6 grams of vitamin C as a one-time loading dose, then continuing with 1 gram three times a day, compared with people taking only the 3 grams daily. The message here is to take a lot of vitamin C the first day you feel symptoms or the first day people around you are getting sick, and then take 3 grams daily after that. Keep in mind that vitamin C can loosen stools, so be careful if you are predisposed to this.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has exploded in research and popularity the past few years. Most of us are familiar with its bone-building properties, however new research suggests it improves the immune system as well. Have your doctor test your vitamin D levels before supplementing. Research suggests 2,000 IU daily is safe for most adults and children. Higher doses are safe and effective, but must be monitored by your doctor.

Elderberry: Elderberry (Sambucus) was researched in a group of 60 people and found to alleviate symptoms four days earlier compared with controls. Elderberry helps boosts the immune system and is great-tasting for kids. Start taking as soon as symptoms manifest.

Gingseng: Panax quinquefolium (ginseng) was studied in a large group of 323 patients as a preventive natural medicine. The group that took panax experienced 30 percent less colds compared with the placebo group (people who didn’t take ginseng), and average number of sick days were 11 compared with 16 in the non-treatment group.

Oscillococcinum: Last, but not least, the well-known oscillococcinum is a homeopathic flu treatment that is created new every year. Tough to pronounce, but effective; a Cochrane review of all oscillococcinum studies showed that it reduces the length of illness compared with placebo.

Talk to your doctor for more information about these and other natural ways to boost your immune system and ward off colds and the flu.

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Healthy Holidays

Five pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds or even more: How much weight do you gain in an average holiday season? This year, buck the trend with some simple planning. Take these suggestions to heart and enjoy the holiday season the healthy way.

1. Family Fitness: What better way to counterbalance the extra calories you’re sure to consume this holiday season than with some calorie-burning, cardio-benefiting exercise that involves the entire family? Reminiscing with relatives is great, but why not bond with them and stay in shape at the same time with a game of touch football, a snowball fight or even a long walk around the neighborhood?
2. Portion Control: We’re not saying you can’t sample the vast array of cakes, pies and other holiday treats heaped on the table; we’re just saying don’t overdo it. Portion control is important all year, but it’s vital when faced with a daunting supply of high-carb and even higher-sugar foods. So indulge a little and feel good that you’ve indulged; but don’t overeat and end up spending the holidays immobile.
3. Holiday Helper: Whether you’re at home or away for the holidays, taking an active role in holiday preparation can be better than a trip to the gym; getting the house in order, preparing the food and cleaning up (hopefully with some help) afterward will burn plenty of calories. And remember, you can prepare your own entree or side dish and ensure you have at least one healthy item to eat.
4. Safety in Numbers: Keep in mind that when faced with the holiday season, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s splitting up the holiday shopping with your spouse, recruiting a few family members to help cook a (semi) healthy holiday meal, or making a pact with your best friend to stick with your exercise program during the hustle and bustle, do it together and you’ll be more likely to get it done.

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Reduce Your Stress Burden

Pay attention when people talk about sudden onset of bizarre and unusual ailments. When you hear people say things like, “I did not eat anything different yesterday and today my guts are going crazy” or “This is the type of situation I can usually handle, but for some reason I am not processing it well this time,” your ears should perk up. 

The answer can be found in a little word with big implications: stress. Our bodies endure stress, which can be simply defined as anything that causes a reaction. There are three main areas in which we experience stress: physical, emotional and chemical. Stress involving any of these areas can affect us profoundly. Here are some of the common signs of stress, along with ways to reduce your stress burden. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Stress Signals

Unusual fatigue: Stress weighs on you physically, emotionally and mentally. It wears you down and drains you. Can’t get out of bed in the morning? Stress may be what’s keeping you there.
Sleeplessness: You may feel like sleeping for a day or two, but stress tends to keep you up at night, pondering how to pay that bill, meet that work deadline or heal that broken friendship.
Impulsivity: If you find your eating habits changing suddenly, you may be turning to comfort foods to deal with stress. The same is true with impulse buying, particularly when it involves items you don’t really need.
Anger/impatience: Stress can make you short-tempered and easily roused to anger, even if your demeanor is normally calm, quiet and reserved.
Lack of concentration/forgetfulness: Stress usually occupies our mental time, so much so that we can have trouble remembering things or make more mistakes. Never forget your keys in the morning? When you’re stressed, you just might.
Physical ailments: Back pain, neck pain and pain in general that doesn’t have a clear cause (e.g., an injury) is often related to stress. The same is true for colds and flu; stress can lower your immune system, increasing your risk of developing illness.

Ways to Reduce Stress

Work it off: No, we don’t mean spending another five hours a day at the very location that may be a major source of stress; we do mean finding the time to exercise. Whether it’s an a quick trip to the gym, a peaceful run or a brisk walk with family or friends, exercise puts the focus somewhere else for a while. Biochemically, exercise has a big anti-stress benefit: It helps reduces levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) and increases your “feel-good” hormones, endorphins.
Get away from it: This can be challenging, especially if your stress has reached near-obsession levels, but doing what you can to distract yourself can go a long way toward reducing stress. Schedule a vacation, visit old friends, take a long walk; whatever it takes to remove yourself from your stress environment.
Smile about it: It’s much harder for stress to exist in a fun, laughter-filled environment, so put yourself in a position to smile when you’re under stress. Watch your favorite sit-com, get tickets to a comedy show, organize a fun night out with the family or friends. After all, laughter truly is the best natural medicine.
Talk about it: When you’re stressed, your mind can be a continual stream of negative, overwhelming, stressed-out thoughts. Don’t keep it all to yourself; talk to your significant other, closest friend or even a trusted co-worker about what’s bothering you. Sometimes the best way to reduce your stress is to vent about it and get a neutral perspective, rather than staying in a bottled-up, stressed-out state.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

Filed under: Colds/Flu,Exercise,Fitness,Holidays,Immune System,Stress,Weight Loss — Tags: , , , , ,

October 15, 2010

Probiotics May Help Ward Off Common Cold

By Dr. Stacey

The common cold is a viral infection primarily caused by rhinoviruses.  Previous studies have shown that probiotics, alone or in combination with prebiotics, have reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. Swedish researchers enrolled 272 men and women in a 12-week long study, during which subjects were supplemented daily with supplemented either with 109 cfu (colony forming units) of probiotics or placebo.  The team found that the probiotics reduced the incidence of one or more episodes of the common cold. Among those who received the probiotics, both the total symptom score and number of symptom days among were markedly reduced. The researchers conclude that:  “Intake of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei reduces the risk of acquiring common cold infections.”

Anna Berggren, Irini Lazou Ahren, Niklas Larsson, Gunilla Onning.  “Randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled study using new probiotic lactobacilli for strengthening the body immune defence against viral infections.” European J Nutrition, 27 August 2010.

[Source: http://www.worldhealth.net/news/probiotics-may-help-ward-common-cold/]

Filed under: Colds/Flu,Immune System,Nutrition — Tags: , , ,

September 29, 2010

To Your Health Newsletter 09-28-2010

By Dr. Stacey

Fill Up Your Energy Tank

Are there days when your “gas tank” is so low that you’re sleepy by lunchtime and craving a power nap by mid-afternoon? Ever wonder what’s making you so tired all the time? Most of the time, fatigue can be traced to one or more of your daily habits or routines. More than likely, you already know what’s causing your fatigue; you’re just not doing enough about it. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most powerful changes you can make today to fight fatigue.

Find a Rest Stop: Try going to bed a little sooner than usual. Start slowly at first; if you usually don’t crash until 11:00 at night, don’t shift to a 9:00 bedtime starting tonight or you may end up wide awake at 4:00 tomorrow morning. Also avoid drinking caffeine late at night, since it is a stimulant and will prevent restful sleep. And avoid carbohydrates a few hours before bedtime, to prevent spikes in your insulin and cortisol levels. Finally, develop a relaxing routine that prepares you to fall asleep – and stay asleep.

Rev Your Engine: Exercise is a fantastic way to combat fatigue and increase energy while becoming healthy. They key is to not exercise so much that you end up sending your body into a state of overtraining and more fatigue. More is not better with exercise; better is better. It is recommended that you exercise 20-45 minutes three to four days per week. You must allow sufficient time for your body to recover from intensive workouts, so adequate rest is crucial if you want to achieve optimal results

Fuel Up: Eating frequently helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes during the day. If you wait too long between feedings, your insulin levels spike, causing your body to go on a hormonal roller-coaster ride. You will feel surges of energy followed by sudden crashes with tiredness, fatigue and lethargy.

You also may want to review a few smaller lifestyle issues to see if they are contributing to your fatigue. For example, if you are taking medications, fatigue could be a side effect. If so, ask your doctor if there is an alternative medication (or better yet, a nutritional supplement, herb or even a lifestyle modification) that would be just as helpful. For example, many people take diabetes medication, but diet and exercise are powerful ways to keep diabetes under control – in most cases without requiring medication.

Also consider the amount of time you are taking for yourself each day. Do you have any “me” time at all? A life of serving and worrying about others without caring for your own needs is extremely draining. Constant stress can also wear you down. This is a common problem for anyone who feels overwhelmed caring for their family, work, friends, and handling all their other responsibilities.

Life today can feel overwhelming, so much so that you may see no end in sight. However, by implementing some simple techniques, you can gain control over your body and mind, and ultimately your fatigue. Talk to your doctor for more information.

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Flu Prevention: Think Vitamin D

Every year the medical profession and government authorities encourage citizens in many developed countries to get immunized against the current form of influenza virus. This year is no different, particularly with the “dreaded” swine flu still on everyone’s minds. While the decision to get vaccinated is an individual one with both pros and cons, consider that a natural approach, namely supplementation with specific nutrients such as vitamin D, can boost immune function and may play an important role in the prevention of respiratory tract infections.

In recent years, studies have shown that vitamin D is an important modulator of immune function. Some authorities suggest it has the potential to reduce the risk of life-threatening influenzas based on the initial observation that influenza normally strikes in countries during the colder (winter) months, when vitamin D production in the skin declines. This happens because the most generally available source of vitamin D is sunlight. Reduction in skin production of vitamin D due to reduced or no exposure to daily sunlight is accompanied by a decline in blood levels of vitamin D.

Some vitamin D experts suggest adults should supplement with 2,000 IU vitamin D per day (especially during the winter) as a means to maintain more optimal vitamin D status in general, strengthen immune function and help reduce the risk of influenza and its invasion into the lung cavity.

Anyone who’s suffered through the flu knows that it’s not only potentially dangerous; it can be downright miserable. Ask your doctor to assess your current vitamin D status and discuss the value of vitamin D supplementation, particularly during the flu season. Whatever your strategy, it won’t eliminate your risk altogether, but why not do everything you can do naturally to protect yourself and your loved ones?

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Sit Less, Live Longer

You may find the following information so profound that you feel inclined to sit down for a minute, but that’s actually the opposite of what you should do. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests people who spend more time sitting (specifically, more than six hours a day) during leisure time have an increased risk of premature death compared to those who sit for three hours or less, and the results are independent of exercise

When you sit for prolonged periods of time, usually with little or no movement, it negatively affects circulation, metabolism, resting blood pressure and cholesterol, among other things. And more time sitting, especially in front of the TV, computer, etc., often contributes to excessive snacking -all too often the unhealthy variety – which can lead to obesity and weight-related disorders such as diabetes.

“Sit less, move more” is a great message to store in your memory bank and recall on a daily basis. Anytime you start to feel stuck to your chair, peel yourself away and add a little motion (and a few years) to your life. Talk to your doctor about the health dangers associated with prolonged sitting (especially its impact on the spine and posture) and how you can sit less and live longer.

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[Source: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/home.php]

Filed under: Colds/Flu,Energy,Exercise,Fatigue,Immune System,Light Therapy,Nutrition,Posture,Sleep,Spine,Stress — Tags: , , , , , , ,

September 22, 2010

The Best Defense

By Dr. Stacey

 The Best Defense:  How the Chiropractic Lifestyle Helps You Stop Worrying and Start Living!

By Kevin Donka, D.C.

 “Wow! That’s a nice big water bottle to carry around with you,” I said to Ann as she walked into my office to get checked. “I’m really glad to see you with it!” “Yes, I but I have to go get a new one now because I just found out this is one’s made out of the wrong kind of plastic,” she answered. “I just read an article about how the chemicals from this one can leak into the water if it gets heated up too much.”

It can be a very scary world if we focus on everything that we have heard can hurt us in some way. I had some friends in Chiropractic College who actually wore gas masks (like in the army) into the anatomy lab each day because they were afraid of getting cancer from the formaldehyde. Others aren’t that paranoid, but they still worry significantly about the air they breathe each day.

What about water? Bottled water has become a multi-billion dollar industry, and the highest selling brand isn’t much different than what you get out of your tap. Here are a few other things you have been told not to eat, drink or come into contact with in the past few years as well – hot dogs, bacon, eggs, reduced-calorie foods, no-calorie foods, foods with NutraSweet, Sucralose, Saccharin, sorbitol, xylitol, sugar, Nitrates, nitrites, dyes, perfumes, high-fat, low-fat, no-fat, germs, antibiotic soaps, Purell, most shampoos and soaps, phosphates, disposable baby diapers, white bread, white flour, caffeine, and on and on and on!

Now of course, avoiding things that you know are not good for you is a no-brainer – that’s not what I’m talking about here. What I AM saying is this. FOR EVERY ONE PERSON WHO HAS GOTTEN CANCER FROM EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE THINGS, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS HAVEN’T! Why is that? Why do you think that some people can ingest highly toxic chemicals – many on a very regular basis – and not get cancer from them?

The answer is simple really. IT HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH THE CHEMICALS! It is a person’s resistance to a thing, or more accurately, his or her LACK of resistance to something, that determines whether or not it will affect him or her in a negative way!

You have been given a body that is an absolute miracle! It has the ability to handle nearly everything you can think of or throw at it! And, you can spend all of your time, money and energy worrying about what to avoid (which in itself causes a biochemistry in your body that lowers your resistance), or you can do everything possible to keep your natural resistance high! This means keeping a deliberate and positive focus and living a lifestyle that avoids obvious poisons and supplies you with everything you need to be healthy.

Some of the things you can do on your own are to actively create peace and laughter, breathe deeply, get plenty of clean water and sunshine, eat foods that are more alive than dead, get a balance of movement and rest (including sleep) and exercise every day. Another crucial strategy is to see your chiropractor regularly. He or she will make sure your spine is aligned and functioning properly, so that the neurological CONNECTIONS between your brain and body are kept clear and your Intelligent and organizing Life Energy can keep you functioning at the highest levels!

So it’s up to you! You can either worry about what might happen, or you can choose what will happen. The Innate Intelligence that runs, coordinates, adapts, heals and grows your body knows what to do. Just remember what my high school coach always told me, “The best defense is a good offense!”

[Source: Dr. Kevin Donka's free weekly ChiroThots Articles]

Filed under: Chemicals,Exercise,Fitness,Immune System,Nervous System,Stress — Tags: , , , , , , ,

June 12, 2010

Controlling Stress is Essential for Health

By Dr. Stacey

Stress has been linked to the leading causes of death in North America - heart disease and cancer. It is the cause of many other ailments all too common in our society such as inflammation, obesity, depression, anxiety, fatigue and lowered immune function. (See The Top 5 Things You Can Do to Be the Healthiest You’ve Ever Been – Part 1 for more information on the connection between stress and inflammation). This can result in poor relationships at home and at work, a lowered state of health, a shortened life span, and a poor quality of life. The key is to learn to identify and control sources of stress in your life. Easier said than done, right? The following exercise was developed by psychologists Lyle H. Miller and Alma Dell Smith at Boston University Medical Center and is meant to help you along this path.

Score each item from 1 (almost always) to 5 (never) according to how much of the time each statement applies to you:

  1. I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day.
  2. I get seven to eight hours sleep at least four nights a week.
  3. I give and receive affection regularly.
  4. I have at least one relative within 80 km. on whom I can rely.
  5. I exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice a week.
  6. I smoke less than half a pack of cigarettes a day.
  7. I take fewer than five alcoholic drinks per week.
  8. I am the appropriate weight for my height.
  9. I have an income adequate to meet basic expenses.
  10. I get strength from my religious beliefs.
  11. I have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters.
  12. I have a network of friends and acquaintances.
  13. I regularly attend club or social activities.
  14. I am in good health (including eyesight, hearing, teeth).
  15. I am able to speak openly about my feelings when I am angry or worried.
  16. I have regular conversations with the people I live with about domestic problems, including chores, money and daily living issues.
  17. I do something for fun at least once a week.
  18. I am able to organize my time effectively.
  19. I drink fewer than three cups of coffee (tea, soda/pop) a day.
  20. I take quiet time for myself during the day.

Total:   To find your score, add up the figures and subtract 20. Any number over 30 indicates a vulnerability to stress. You are seriously vulnerable if your score is between 50 and 75, and extremely vulnerable if it is over 75.  Regular chiropractic adjustments help to naturally reduce stress on the nerve system and enable the body to return to a normal, healthy state. The healthiest people on the planet choose chiropractic! Talk to Dr. Stacey about strategies to decrease stress and maximize your life and see the attached article below.

DID YOU KNOW THAT 60-90% OF ALL DOCTOR VISITS ARE FOR STRESS-RELATED ILLNESSES?

Stress is costly in terms of your health, relationships and performance. When you are affected by too much stress your body wears down and you get sick. Highly disorganized people seem to be more susceptible to sickness as they are always under extreme pressure, running from one disaster to another.

What many people fail to realize is they constantly repeat the same mistakes by not addressing the fundamental issues that are the cause of their problems and guess what this is? Their own personal disorganization!

Here is what you can do to dramatically decrease the stress in your business and your life:

GET ORGANIZED

Learn how to manage yourself and your time. This includes how to plan and prioritize. You can do it yourself (good luck, because if you knew what to do, then why aren’t you doing it?) or you can accelerate your results by getting coached attending seminars or reading or listening to material to learn how to improve your effectiveness.

EXERCISE REGULARLY, EXERCISE DAILY

Try swimming, running or walking.  Your body needs regular activity. “Use it or lose it”.

EAT HEALTHY

Feed yourself healthy food and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and you will triple your output.

LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Become more discerning about what activities you are prepared to do or participate in. If you are already overloaded, let people know.

DELEGATE OR OUTSOURCE

Do what you do best and get rid of the rest. This applies to work and home.

AVOID PROCRASTINATION

Stop worrying about what may or may not happen if you make a decision, just take action.

THE FINAL WORD

I bet you probably knew all this, didn’t you? Well my questions is, if you’re continually running from one crisis to another, disgruntled with the results you’re getting in your life then what actions are you going to take to rectify your situation?

Are you like the old man and his dog? There was an old man sitting on his porch in his rocking chair. Next to him was his dog. A stranger walks past and says “Why is your dog whining and howling?” The old man says “he’s sitting on a nail”. The stranger replies “then why doesn’t he get off it?”

The old man responds “He isn’t in enough pain yet”

Don’t wait until this is you!

Filed under: Exercise,Immune System,Stress — Tags: , , , , ,

April 21, 2010

How to Stay Healthy During Cold/Flu Season

By Dr. Stacey

Seven Simple Steps to Vibrant Health:

  1. Get enough rest. If your body is overly fatigued, it is harder to fight off infections such as the flu (or any other bacteria or virus for that matter). Your body does most of its healing while you sleep.
  2. Good nutrition is vital. Avoid sugar and caffeine (they weaken you immune system); eat whole, preferably organic foods. Enjoy fresh, raw garlic regularly – garlic is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Lab tests have found garlic to be more effective than antibiotics against certain types of bacteria.
  3. Exercise! Regular moderate exercise helps to boost immune system function (as well as the cardiovascular benefits and muscle conditioning).
  4. Stay hydrated. Pure, clean water is necessary for every bodily function. When you are dehydrated, your body functions less efficiently and that can cause fatigue, dry skin, headaches, stomachaches and constipation. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, it is already too late – you are dehydrated!
  5. Use good hygiene. Washing your hands regularly decreases your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or to others. Antibacterial soaps should be avoided as they produce drug resistant “superbugs.” Sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands as viruses cannot survive long outside of the body and you reduce the potential for spread.
  6. Decrease stress. Adopt a more positive attitude. Optimists have healthier immune systems, suffer from fewer infections and are not as adversely by stressful life events.
  7.  Get adjusted! Keep your body subluxation free so your nervous system stays healthy. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease by directing your immune system and strives to get us well again when we do get ill. Remember, the immune system, like every other system in the body, is controlled by the nervous system. It’s about living your life to its fullest potential!

Thank you for your commitment to health. We are here to help with that commitment and are dedicated to the expression of your highest health potential. This information is posted to help you maximize that health potential. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for sharing this with others; we appreciate your help in making this world a healthier place!

Filed under: Adjustments,Exercise,Health,Immune System,Nervous System,Nutrition,Sleep,Stress,Subluxation,Wellness — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,