Gibsons Chiropractic Blog

The Concept of Health

Dr. Stacey — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:08:23 +0000

Letting the Dark Leak In

By Bobby Braile DC

We all understand that if you are sitting in a dark room, and someone opens the door to the next room where the light is on, that the light will fill your dark room. However, if you are sitting in a well-lit room, and someone opens the door to a room that is dark, the darkness does not rush in and fill your room.

The same analogy can be made with your health. Being healthy is like being well lighted. Your nervous system being a-kin to electricity, and you body parts like light bulbs. If your electricity flows cleanly to the light bulbs, you are well-lit; or healthy.

It therefore, stands to reason that when you are not as healthy as you could be, you are essentially not as well-lit. People often speak of health problems as something they have “gotten” or “caught”. The terms, “I got the flu” or “I caught a cold”, are common expressions used by many to express their lack of health. But are these terms accurate in describing health – NO!

When you are not healthy, you did not gain something, you lost something, your health. Even when someone suffers from a terrible disease, they did not gain that disease, they lost the ability to fight off that disease. Essentially if you are healthy, and someone opens the door next to you to a dark, (unhealthy) room, the darkness (sickness) does not flood in and takeover your well-lit (healthy) body.

In fact the only way for your to go from your well-lit healthy body to a dark, unhealthy one, is for the lights to be turned down first, then the room becomes dark.

In chiropractic we understand this basic concept of health and sickness. We realize that a lack of health is not the introduction of darkness, but rather the decrease in the light. We understand that the nerve system is like the wiring that brings the electricity to the lights inside your body, and that any interference to this flow of energy to the lights within your body, lead to darkness and less health.

The purpose of chiropractic care is the removal of interference to the nerve systems, called “subluxation”. By correcting subluxations, the energy flow from your brain to your body can flow at it’s maximum, resulting in a “well-lit”, healthy body. The more light, the more health.

When it comes to your health darkness can present in many forms and with many names. But if we realize the simple elegant truth that turning on the light will eliminate the darkness, we begin to understand the wonder of our own creation, and of the health we were meant to enjoy.

To Your Health Newsletter 05-10-2012

Dr. Stacey — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:34:30 +0000

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Talking Natural Health With Dr. Weil

Dr. Andrew Weil’s name is synonymous with integrative medicine; he is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and was named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2005. Recently, Dr. Weil took time to answer a few questions about topics central to chiropractic care, including the innate power of healing and dealing with modern life using a drug-free approach. Here’s some of what he had to say:

“At the root of good healthcare is an acceptance of each person’s responsibility for her or his own health. Identify and work with a good primary care physician with whom you can engage in a healing partnership and get credible assistance with developing a personalized healthy diet and lifestyle program to prevent illness and optimize health. Then maintain that program as best you can for the rest of your life.”

“Practitioners of conventional medicine are perhaps even more fed up than patients with the drug-only approach to preventing and treating illness. Most doctors today are hungry to learn more about the mind-body continuum and how they can better help patients access their innate healing capacity. I define integrative medicine as healing oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind and spirit), including all aspects of diet and lifestyle.”

“Mind and body are inseparable. Most experts now believe that longstanding emotional disturbances can elicit inflammatory changes in the physical body, and chronic inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses, especially those related to aging.”

Dr. Weil is among a growing number of health care practitioners, including doctors of chiropractic, advocating a holistic approach to patient care that moves beyond the medication-only conventional medical model and recognizes the power of the human body in health and healing. Talk to your chiropractor about the power of the human body and how they – and you – can optimize its potential.

After a Fall, Get Back Up

It’s safe to assume that each of us will experience some type of fall in our lifetime. Every fall impacts body function, movement, mechanics, and efficiency. Even a minimal fall transfers energy from the ground through the body potentially causing severe injury. Here’s how to recover using chiropractic care.

Steps to Better Health

Remember the last time you had to do something complicated, like assemble a piece of furniture with limited directions? That’s what it’s like for many people who want to be healthy, but have to navigate all of the information out there. Here’s the simple way to do it.

Move to Live Longer

If you are like most people, you spend most of the day either sitting at an office desk, sitting in traffic or watching television on the couch for hours at a time. Has it ever crossed your mind that these sedentary activities might not be good for your overall health? You’re right.

Make Fiber a Friend, Not a Foe

Even though most of us know that fiber should be an important part of our daily diet, why is it that so many of us don’t get enough of it? The overall health benefits far surpass the trickiness of it being incorporated into our diet, don’t they? The answer to that question should be a resounding yes, and here’s why.

3 Ways to Prevent Arthritis Naturally

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting a staggering 50 million adults and 300,000 children, and the numbers are expected to continue rising. What can you do to reduce your risk of developing arthritis? Here are three simple lifestyle tactics you can incorporate into your daily routine today:

To Your Health Newsletter 03-28-2012

Dr. Stacey — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:04:52 +0000

Unhealthy Spine, Unhealthy You: What Your Spine Says About Your Health

You may have heard the saying, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” There is another saying in the world of chiropractic: “Your spine is the window to your health.” How can the condition of your spine divulge so much information about overall health? Your spine is the central support column of your body and its primary role is to protect your spinal cord. Becoming familiar with simple spinal anatomy, structure and function will help empower you to take control of your health.

What are some of the compensations your body develops, and what can they tell you about spinal health? Here are a few to watch out for:

Rounded Shoulders: This is a very common postural distortion resulting from more sedentary lifestyles. Common effects are headaches, shoulder, pain and neck pain.

Uneven shoulders: One shoulder higher than the other is indicative of a muscular imbalance or spinal curvature. This asymmetry is a common precursor for shoulder injuries, headaches, neck pain, elbow injuries and even carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling in the hands).

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): DDD is term used to describe degeneration and excessive wear on the soft-tissue disc structures between the spinal bones. It may come with age or from biomechanical asymmetries in movement causing excessive wear from overuse.

Herniated disc: A herniated disc is an abnormal bulge or breaking open of a protective spinal disc or cushioning between spinal bones. Disc diagnosis is conformed via a special imaging study called an MRI (\Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which observes soft- and hard-tissue structures.

If you experience spinal pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, muscles spasms or swelling near your spine or arms and legs, consult with your chiropractor. And remember, these are just some of the many ways the spine can influence the rest of the body. Talk to your chiropractor to learn more about what your spine says about your health.

Moving Beyond Medication for ADHD

Did you know that ADHD can affect adults, not just children? That ADHD sufferers often have as many, if not more positive attributes, including creativity, passion and intuition? And that your doctor of chiropractic can play a significant role in treating ADHD patients?

It’s Important to Exercise Your Brain

Just like any other muscle, the brain can get in shape, be strengthened and developed with use – exercise. Studies suggest that exercising the brain may not only stave off brain degeneration, but in many cases also reverse memory loss and improve mental agility.

Five Ways to Get Moving While You’re at Work

You’re imprisoned at your desk job from 9 to 5, stuck to your chair and glued to your screen. How can add movement to your motionless day? Try these four easy exercise strategies to break up your mundane routine and fulfill your daily activity requirements.

Know Your Fundamental Nutrition

Which nutritional supplements should you be taking on a daily basis? With the constant stream of media and research reports out there, you may be confused on the best course of action. Let’s clear up the confusion today.

Take Care of Your Vision

As we age, our eyes need more rest, oxygenation, hydration and nutrients for healthy functioning. Other factors play a key role in optimal eye function as well; want to know what they are?

To Your Health Newletter 03-13-2012

Dr. Stacey — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:47:37 +0000

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Talking Chiropractic on “Dr. Phil”

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, a doctor of chiropractic and the president of Parker University in Dallas, and Dr. Patrick DeFazio, a Los Angeles doctor of chiropractic, appear on the “Dr. Phil” show on March 14, marking chiropractic’s first appearance on the popular daytime talk show, which is broadcast on 220 television stations across the U.S. and in more than 40 countries worldwide.

The segment begins with Dr. Phil introducing Dr. Mancini as his chiropractor for 14 years and author of the book The Power of Self-Healing: Unlock Your Natural Healing Potential in 21 Days! This set the stage for Dr. Mancini to talk about his book and the concepts of chiropractic. He stated that “the only way to truly fulfill your life potential is to fulfill your health potential.” Dr. Mancini added that the difference between chiropractic and what he called the “sick care system” in the U.S. is that “we see patients as [people, not just diseases].”

Dr. Phil told the audience, “I got chiropractic treatment from you [Dr. Mancini] 2 or 3 times a week.” He went on to introduce his current personal chiropractor, Dr. DeFazio, who was given an opportunity to talk more about chiropractic and how it can, among other benefits, help relieve stresses on the body.

After the show, a number of people working on the set asked about how to find a local chiropractor or remarked how much they had learned about the value of chiropractic. This was in addition to the many members of the audience who talked about chiropractic and asked Dr. Mancini to autograph their copy of his book.

Maximize Your Energy: When and How to Eat

We all want to have more energy – but where do we start? A key step involves learning how and when to eat. If your goal is to feel naturally energized during every waking minute of each day, you can do so by following your circadian rhythms closely. Here’s how.

Dodge Diabetes Now

Everyone wants to avoid diabetes, but for those with a strong family history of the disease, it’s even more important to do whatever you can to reduce your risk. Fortunately, in many cases diabetes can be avoided – or at least managed – with simple lifestyle modifications. Here are a few to consider.

Outside-the-Box Ways to Get Kids Moving

Sometimes it seems as if slowing children down is parents’ biggest challenge, but these days, keeping kids active is actually a growing concern. What can you to promote regular physical activity? Try these five outside-of-the-box ways to get your kids moving.

Exposing the Dangers of
Hip-Replacement Surgery

According to a recent investigative article in the British Medical Journal, metal-on-metal hip replacement devices may do more – much more – harm than good.

Get Some Sun (But Not Too Much)

While skin cancer and premature aging of the skin is an issue with persistent sunlight exposure, the bright side of sun exposure is that it brightens our mood and allows us to be outdoors more for exercise.

To Your Health Newsletter 02-29-2012

Dr. Stacey — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:22:33 +0000

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Stress and Back Pain: The Link

Stress is a part of life, and unfortunately, so is back pain. Ironically, stress is a leading cause of episodic back pain. Stress increases tension in the body 24/7. It is like flipping the light switch on for self- protection, muscle tension and tightness.

So what are some simple and effective tips you can start doing today to help alleviate stress? Here are a few suggestions for reducing the physical, mental and environmental stress in your life.

Nutrition: Eat healthy and eat often to control blood sugar levels. When you wait long periods between meals, you have a spike of a hormone known as insulin. This hormone controls how fast sugar enters your bloodstream after eating. Big surges in insulin occur when you wait too long between meals which may increase stress on your body chemistry.

Mental: Take some “me” time every morning before you start the day. Use this time to reflect on yesterday and plan out today’s events. With the craziness of non-stop information overload in today’s society it’s more important than ever to take quiet moments.

Physical: Learning how to breathe with your diaphragm takes some practice, but in time it will become second nature. Practice breathing through your diaphragm on a daily basis for 3-5minutes.

Simple changes in your life to help reduce stress can have a profound impact on your back and your overall health. Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about the link between stress and health, and what you can do to reduce your daily stress.

Don’t Sit Too Long or Things Could Go Wrong

A pulmonary embolism is nothing to scoff at – it’s a blockage of one or more arteries in your lungs, often caused by blood clots that travel from another part of your body to the lungs, and it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. How do you reduce your risk of suffering a pulmonary embolism? According to a recent study in the British Medical Journal, it starts with something simple: don’t sit for too long.

Interval Training Is
Good for Your Heart

Intervals, or repeated, short bursts of strenuous activity interspersed with rest periods, can strengthen your heart and improve your overall health. Common intervals include one minute of exercise that hits about 90 percent of a person’s maximum heart rate, followed by a one-minute recovery, repeated multiple times during a workout. Read what research says about the benefits of interval training.

Cooking Oils: Better Choices for the Family

With childhood obesity and cholesterol levels on the dramatic rise in the U.S., making decisions on how to pursue healthier lifestyle choices should include the oils you and your family use in your daily lives for cooking and food preparation. So when the opportunity arises, make a healthy lifestyle move by incorporating these healthy cooking oils into your diet.

Beat Those Allergies

With the seasons constantly changing, many people are forced to confront an unfortunate inconvenience that can wreak havoc on their daily schedules – allergies, which are exaggerated immune responses to various substances. Are you prepared to avoid them?

Tai Chi Beneficial for Parkinson’s

For thousands of years, tai chi has been practiced all over the world for its health benefits, including improving strength and flexibility through slow, graceful movements. Now, it is known to help those living with Parkinson’s improve their mental and physical health.

To Your Health Newsletter 02-16-2012

Dr. Stacey — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:02:37 +0000

February 14, 2012 – Volume 6, Issue 4

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Chiropractic and Sports:
A Winning Combination

Have you ever had a sports injury that limited you from playing your favorite sport? If so, you aren’t alone. Whether you are a weekend sports enthusiast or a competitive athlete, getting back to playing again is the most important thing. Fortunately, chiropractic care can play a big role in helping you recover – and prevent future injuries.

Getting your injury assessed and treated appropriately will not only get you back on your feet faster, but also screen out any bad habits that can lead to further injury. Here are some of the most common sports injuries, along with tips of what you can do to get better with the help of your chiropractor.

Injury: Hamstring Strain or Low back strain -Hamstring pulls and strains are most commonly due to lack of flexibility and adequate warm up before beginning your sport. Apart from treating the area of injury, your chiropractor will examine you to see if there are any muscular imbalances. Treatment: Follow RICE: (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) principle if injury happened within last 48 hours.Chiropractic adjustments and electrotherapy work to address joint tightness and range of motion.

Injury: Tennis Elbow -The pain on the outside of the elbow is known as lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. This area has one of the least amounts of blood supply to the body. That’s why it may take longer to heal. It’s important to get back into activity slowly. Treatment: Ultrasound or laser to help with tissue healing, and spinal manipulation around the elbow joint to increase joint motion.Your chiropractor can help maximize athletic performance, reduce injury risk and treat any injury you may suffer. Talk to them today for more information.

The Facts About Fevers

In most cases, a fever will not cause harm to a child over the age of 3 months. The best response is to let it run its course; most fevers resolve in 24-72 hours. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend fever-reducing drugs. Learn more facts about fevers.

Massage the Pain Away

With more and more massage therapists working in chiropractic offices, your massage experiences may no longer be limited to indulgent trips to a day spa. That’s good news, because research continues to suggest it’s a great way to help deal with back pain.

5 Ways to Build Muscle

With all the talk these days about losing weight and burning fat, it’s easy to overlook the importance of building muscle. Whether you’re looking to maximize your metabolism or just look better in front of the mirror, here are five ways to build muscle the right way.

Berry Good For You

In addition to being tasty treats, berries are also good for you. They offer a range of health benefits, from reducing high blood pressure to providing essential daily nutrients. Learn more about why berries are berry good for you.

Give Your Child a Safety Boost

A recent online survey suggests too many parents aren’t following booster-seat safety guidelines in their own vehicle, and even when they do, they don’t always enforce them when their child’s in someone else’s car.

Heart Healthy Quiz: How Much Do You Know?

Dr. Stacey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:28:58 +0000

Source: www.chirodirectory.com

Quiz

1. Which of the following foods is not specifically linked to a reduced risk of heart disease?

a. Garlic b. Oats c. Corn d. Grape juice e. Nuts

2. The fiber in which of the following foods will lead to a reduction of blood cholesterol?

a. Whole-grain bread b. Brown rice c. Bran cereal d. Carrots e. Oats

3. What percentage of total deaths in the United States is linked to heart disease?

a. 20% b. 30% c. 40% d. 50% e. 60%

4. Which of the following conditions is not linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that vastly increases the risk for development of heart disease?

a. Kidney disease b. Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol c. High total cholesterol d. Insulin resistance e. Abdominal obesity

5. How many calories are contained in each gram of fat?

a. 2 calories b. 3 calories c. 6 calories d. 9 calories e. 12 calories

6. Which of the following oils is high in saturated fat?

a. Canola oil b. Palm oil c. Safflower oil d. Corn oil e. Soybean oil

7. How much soy should you eat each day to lower cholesterol levels?

a. 5 grams (g) b. 10 g c. 15 g d. 20 g e. 25 g

8. If you are trying to reduce your sodium intake, it is recommended that one serving of any food should not contain more than ________ milligrams (mg) of sodium?

a. 100 mg b. 200 mg c. 300 mg d. 400 mg e. 500 mg

9. Potassium is shown to reduce blood pressure in humans. Which of the following foods is not high in potassium?

a. Green, seedless grapes b. Oranges and orange juice c. Potatoes d. Tomatoes e. Bananas

10. Which of the following is a lean cut of beef?

a. 80%/20% ground beef b. T-bone steak c. Sirloin d. Brisket e. Chuck blade roast

Answers

1. c. Corn Garlic, oats, grape juice, and nuts all are proven to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. A high intake of fruits and vegetables is proven to lead to better heart health, but no specific citation mentioning the benefits of corn exists.

2. e. Oats Whole-grain bread, brown rice, bran cereal, and carrots all contain insoluble fiber. Oats contain soluble fiber, which binds with bile and prevents the absorption of cholesterol. However, both soluble and insoluble fibers are good for you, and you should try to eat as much fiber as possible.

3. c. 40% According to the National Center for Health Statistics and the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 40.1% of all deaths.

4. a. Kidney disease Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if any of the following three conditions are present: Waist circumference ?40? in males or ?35? in females Triglycerides ?150, HDL cholesterol ?40 mg/deciliter (dL) in men or ?50 mg/dL in females, blood pressure ?130/?85 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) Fasting glucose ?110 mg/dL

5. d. 9 calories Each gram of fat contains 9 calories. For comparison, each gram of carbohydrate or protein contains 4 calories.

6. b. Palm oil Canola, safflower, corn, and soybean oils are all unsaturated oils. Other unsaturated oils are olive oil, cottonseed oil, wheat-germ oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil.

7. e. 25 g The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a health claim for soy foods?consuming 25 g/day, when combined with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. d. 400 mg People trying to reduce their sodium intake should read food labels carefully and choose foods that contain less than 400 mg of sodium/serving.

9. a. Green, seedless grapes All of the other food choices are good sources of potassium.

10. c. Sirloin All of the other choices are high in fat and cholesterol, and people who are at high risk for developing heart disease or who already are diagnosed with heart disease should avoid eating these cuts of beef.

To Your Health Newsletter 01-19-2012

Dr. Stacey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:18:53 +0000

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Chiropractic Better Than Medication for Relieving Neck Pain A study published in the Jan. 3, 2012 issue of the research journal Annals of Internal Medicine suggests chiropractic spinal manipulation is more effective than over-the-counter and prescription medication for relieving acute neck pain.Spinal manipulative therapy was more effective than medication in both the short and long term.

The study involved 272 adults ages 18-65 with neck pain of two to 12 weeks’ duration. Spinal manipulation was provided courtesy of a doctor of chiropractic.Instead of chiropractic care, some patients in the study group received medication as monitored by a licensed medical physician. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (aspirin), or both served as the first line of pharmacological therapy. With patients who did not respond to or could not tolerate these drugs, narcotic medications and muscle relaxants were prescribed.

“Participants who received medication seemed to fare worse, with a consistently higher use of pain medications for neck pain throughout the trial’s observational period,” said the study authors. In other words, chiropractic was a much better choice than medication for neck pain.

Interestingly enough, a third group of patients who received home exercise advice instead of chiropractic care or medication also fared better than the medication group during the study period. That means two forms of conservative, drug-free care – both of which are commonly provided by doctors of chiropractic – were more effective than over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs.

The moral of the story? The next time you or someone you know is suffering from neck pain, don’t turn to the medicine cabinet or a medical doctor; turn to your doctor of chiropractic.

Take Care of Your Feet

More than any other part of the body, the feet are overlooked on a regular basis. That’s a shame because the feet are the foundation of the body. If your feet aren’t functioning properly, the rest of your body will eventually be affected.

The Power of Sleep

An increasing number of children and adolescents are suffering from sleep deprivation. They’re also gaining weight. Are the two events related? A recent study suggests so. Here’s what you need to know to help your children stay healthy.

Dine Out, Lose Weight?

How do people who want to maintain a fit lifestyle make sure they don’t blow their goals out the window at their favorite eatery? Find out how to eat your favorite meals away from home without sacrificing your waistline.

The Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol has been touted as the wonder supplement for reducing the development of chronic diseases. What is it and how much should you take? Here’s the answer to both questions.

Meditation for Brain Power

Does mindful meditation change the way your brain operates? Recent studies show it does. Learn how you can benefit from daily mindful meditation and maximize your health and wellness.

To Your Health Newsletter 01-05-2011

Dr. Stacey — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:08:04 +0000

[Source www.toyourhealth.com]

On-the-Job Chiropractic

Regardless of your occupation, the physical demands of your job – whether you’re sitting at a desk all day, lifting heavy objects or running from location to location – can take a serious toll on your body.

That’s where chiropractic care can help. In this interview with Timothy Wegscheid, DC, find out why he became a chiropractor and how he provides chiropractic care and ergonomic assessments to employees at a unique place of business: the Minnesota Zoo.

Describe how you became interested in providing chiropractic care at the workplace.

After I graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1996, my father telephoned my office for an appointment, as he had strained his lower spine. He had been a lifetime employee at 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing), and I remembered visits to 3M’s headquarters a couple of times as a kid. I was amazed at how large their headquarters were. They had everything there: a medical facility, a pharmacy and even a place to get your shoes shined and your hair cut. So, in reply to my dad’s request, I responded with, “Why don’t you see your chiropractor at work?” He responded, “What chiropractor?” This led me to ask the most basic of questions: “Why don’t you have a chiropractor on-site?”

I understand you are currently involved with an exciting project with the Minnesota Zoo. How did this opportunity arise?

The Minnesota Zoo is owned by the State of Minnesota. It opened in 1978 and is located in my home town of Apple Valley. The zoo has around 170 full-time employees year-round. Toward the end of my occupational health diplomate program, I asked the head of safety and security for the zoo, if he would be open to having me provide on-site chiropractic care for the zoo’s employees. He immediately understood the potential benefits of doing so, and with his assistance, we were able to implement an on-site chiropractic program.

Describe the major occupational health services you are providing at the zoo.

The zoo’s employees are divided into two groups: the physical labor portion (zookeepers, grounds crew, maintenance, etc.) and the more sedentary portion (administrative, guest services, etc.). As it turns out, an approximately equal distribution of workers has chosen to see me. The zoo supplied me with an exam / treatment room, in which I provide chiropractic care, acupuncture and rehab for any neuromusculoskeletal symptoms the workers experience.

So, does your chiropractor provide chiropractic care and ergonomic assessments at your place of business? If not, you may want to pass this article on to your employer and suggest they contact your chiropractor. It’s a win-win-win situation for employers, employees and your DC.

Stress Busters to Improve Your Health

Living in a world full of daily stressors, how can we take back control our own physiology? The
key is to intentionally implement relaxation into your day and to use factors in your life that you can control to help you combat the negative effects of long-term stress. Here are some useful tips.

Preventing Neck Pain

When it comes to neck pain, the priority is not only relief, but also solutions – ways to make sure you do not have to endure the pain ever again. This is where prevention comes in. Learn what might be causing your neck pain and what you can do to alleviate it.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Danger Ahead

In the Sept. 27, 2011 posting of
the Biomedical Central Journal: Family Practice, R.J. Adams and colleagues commented on concerns raised by the common prescribing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, particularly with respect to their important and sometimes fatal side effects.

Revving Up Your Metabolism

How can we best keep our metabolism revved up this winter season to win the battle of the bulge? Here’s what you need to know.

Diversifying Your Workout

Club swinging is believed to have originated in India
by soldiers as a method of improving strength, agility, balance and physical ability.

To Your Health Newsletter 12-22-2011

Dr. Stacey — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:57:00 +0000

Stand Up Straight!

Postural issues are a big contributor to many different aches and pains and injuries to our bodies. Injuries related to poor posture tend to be overuse injuries, which build up over a period of time. Muscle imbalances and joint dysfunctions associated with poor posture can create areas of too much motion in certain spinal segments causing instability. These areas may then wear out prematurely, while other areas may have too little motion in the spine causing range of motion/mobility dysfunctions; anytime you have a right side – left side imbalance, it is called an asymmetry. If you have an asymmetry in your muscles, you are more susceptible to injury.

Some simple ways to begin to improve your posture include becoming aware of the things that you are doing, even the things that you don’t even know you are doing that are contributing (harming) to your posture. Think of staying in a “tall spine” posture while sitting, standing, during exercise and also taking frequent breaks from sitting and use the Brugger’s postural relief position as one of your style of breaks.

There are also some simple exercises you can do to help you get started on improving your overall posture. Here are a few:

Engage in daily use of the foam rollto provide self-myofascial release and self massage. Spend 3-5 minutes rolling out the thoracic spine and shoulders.
Perform Chair Decompression: Sit in an upright chair with your arms behind you, slightly bent, hands on the seat of the back of the chair. Push downward, straightening the arms and leaving the buttocks in the chair, unloading the trunk and spine. Keep the arms externally rotated; this moves the upper body into something similar to Brugger’s.
Perform Brugger’s relief position: Sit at the edge of a chair; Put your knees apart (wide) and your feet under the knees: Arch your back; Rotate your arms outward so your palms face forward; Separate your fingers and point your thumb backward; Tuck in your chin; Hold this position while taking a deep breath in though your abdomen. Hold the position for 5 seconds, release for 3 seconds, Repeat 3-5 times.
Perform Cobra: Laying face down on the floor-in prone position, have arms beside your hips. Activate the core by drawing in your navel towards spine and squeezing the glutes. With your core and glutes activated, lift the chest off the floor, lift arms up and back towards the hips rotating thumbs towards the ceiling. Note: hold for 2-3 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

For more useful tips, talk to your chiropractor about other ways you can improve your posture and avoid injuries.

Concussions: The Basics

Concussions are getting much-needed attention in the press, especially given the short- and long-term cognitive loss, early-onset dementia, physical disability and even death resulting from traumatic brain injury. Read about the facts of this type of injury from the experts.

Working To The Extreme

When sludging through the daily grind at work, keep in mind that in the long-term the number of hours you spend on the job could impact your health, especially your heart. Read what recent research has to say about the impact that long hours of work has on one of your most vital organs.

Coffee for Good Health?

Every day millions of people drink coffee for an energy jolt that will help them get through the day. Coffee has become one of the most popular beverages of choice, but can it be good for your health? Read what recent research has to say about drinking a cup of joe a day and your health.

Fructose: Is it Safe?

Everyone knows that fructose is the sugar found in fruit. If it’s found in fruit it must be safe, right? Wrong. Let’s take a look at the impact of fructose on your body when consumed in large quantities.

Keep Your Bones Strong

As women age, a common problem they face is thinning of the bones – also called osteoporosis. Learn how to prevent fracture risk and bone loss through diet and supplements.

Source: www.toyourhealth.com