If you're one of the few that reads my blog, I respectively ask that you not support National Health Care. Don't support your legislator or senator if they support national health care.
National health care is a sweet way to say socialized medicine. It will kill free enterprise in the health arena. It will cause waiting lists and long wait times at doctors offices. For those of you that live in Atlanta and have had to go to Grady can testify to the waiting lines. Sometimes patients wait 8, 10 or even 12 hour to be seen. Many times not getting what you needed or deserved. Probably leaving feeling that the service and care was sub-par. This is what we will have if socialized medicine is passed. There will be fewer doctors because fees will be controlled and doctors will not make as much money. Your care will be controlled and monitored by a bureaucrat. The house version of national health care actually added 53!!!! layers of bureaucracy to control health care. Why would a doctor go to school for twelve years to make the same money of someone that has little or no college. There will be fewer doctors and more people going to doctors because it's "free". This means longer wait times. The quality of care goes down. This is dangerous to all of us.
The price tag has been set at over one TRILLION dollars. To give you perspective, the drug addition to medicare was supposed to be around 300 million dollars, it went to 900 million dollars. Whatever they say it will cost will be tripled in the least. We can't afford it!! It AIN'T FREE!!! It costs all of us as tax payers. I heard just yesterday that the amount of money added to the debt of our country by Mr. Obama in just this first year is double what Mr. Bush put on us in his eight years. This means $40,000 of debt for every man, women, child and baby in our country. We can't afford it!!! I heard Mr. Obama say just today that we needed to stop the government spending, yet he continues to push for this national health care.
If they are really interested in helping the uninsured, let those people be part of the medicare program at graduated premiums. Don't blow up the building because there is a leak in the roof. I'm passionate about this but have very little I can personally do about it but plead with you not to support this type of legislation.
Go to HermanCain.com or WSBradio.com and go to the Herman Cain site and read more about this. National Health Care is not good for America.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
STESS: You got it, I got it, We ALL got it!
Yes we all have stress in one form or another. We have physical stress from our jobs, exercise, the chair we sit in or the bed we lay in. We have mental stress from our jobs, family, health and other relationships. Our body reacts to these stresses in many ways. Stress affects our heart rate and blood pressure as well as lowers our resistance to disease and infection. In chronic situations stress can create anxiety, hopelessness, and may lead to depression. Psychological distress can even cause pain, especially in the low back and across the tops of the shoulders.
Here is a list of things that can cause stress: death of a close friend or family member or even a family pet, special events such as weddings, moving to a new home or place, divorce or family issues, births, birthdays, illness, children, ill parents, financial problems, bills, exams in school, medical exams, traffic, deadlines at work, too much smoking or drinking of alcohol or too little sleep and a poor diet.
Here is a list of things to do to relieve stress: Be a positive thinker-look forward to a good outcome, confront the situation with a positive outlook and don't ignore or avoid issues. Avoid negative emotions such as anger, hostility, jealousy, and aggression. Enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and the sun and fresh air. Scents such as orange and lavender that you can get in oils, candles and plants can be helpful. Drinking teas can help reduce inflammation as well as be a stress reliever. Have a strong support system through your positive relationships especially after illnesses and the death of someone close. Listen to soft relaxing music. Exercise- just walking a mile a day can relieve stress and at the same time help your overall health. Some form of medication may be needed, use medication safely and with the direction of your physician. Counselling may be needed at times. LAUGH--a lot! Laughing helps to relieve anxiety and prevents depression. Laughing can help build your immune system, enhance mood, lower blood pressure, it also helps put others at ease around you and improves relationships.
And as always get regular chiropractic adjustments.
Mention to me that you read this article and I will put your name in a hat for a chance to win a 25$ gift certificate to a nice restaurant.(offer good until Nov. 30, 2009)
Here is a list of things that can cause stress: death of a close friend or family member or even a family pet, special events such as weddings, moving to a new home or place, divorce or family issues, births, birthdays, illness, children, ill parents, financial problems, bills, exams in school, medical exams, traffic, deadlines at work, too much smoking or drinking of alcohol or too little sleep and a poor diet.
Here is a list of things to do to relieve stress: Be a positive thinker-look forward to a good outcome, confront the situation with a positive outlook and don't ignore or avoid issues. Avoid negative emotions such as anger, hostility, jealousy, and aggression. Enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and the sun and fresh air. Scents such as orange and lavender that you can get in oils, candles and plants can be helpful. Drinking teas can help reduce inflammation as well as be a stress reliever. Have a strong support system through your positive relationships especially after illnesses and the death of someone close. Listen to soft relaxing music. Exercise- just walking a mile a day can relieve stress and at the same time help your overall health. Some form of medication may be needed, use medication safely and with the direction of your physician. Counselling may be needed at times. LAUGH--a lot! Laughing helps to relieve anxiety and prevents depression. Laughing can help build your immune system, enhance mood, lower blood pressure, it also helps put others at ease around you and improves relationships.
And as always get regular chiropractic adjustments.
Mention to me that you read this article and I will put your name in a hat for a chance to win a 25$ gift certificate to a nice restaurant.(offer good until Nov. 30, 2009)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Four Most Common Running Injuries
I'm not a runner and don't see many foot injuries caused by running. By no means am I even close to an expert of this subject. The following information is taken directly from our Topic of the Week flier by Brican. I feel it is important enough to post this for the runners that may read my blog.
1) Plantar Fascitis: A repetitive strain of the plantar fascia that leads to painful inflammation of the tissue located at the bottom of your feet. The pain is typically worse in the morning and then tends to ease as the day goes by.
Causes: Running puts an increased mechanical load on the arch of the foot. If your arch is not properly positioned, or your muscles leading to the foot are too tight, you may be adding abnormal stress.
What to do: Besides ice therapy and adjusting your running routine, treatment may include myofacial stripping techniques applied to the bottom of the feet. If our evaluation identifies over-pronation(fallen arches) as the problem, we may suggest custom orthotics to reduce the mechanical stress. Stretching your calf muscles regularly may help prevent this problem from recurring.
2) Shin Splints: (I have had these before! NO FUN!!) A pain or tenderness along the front of the shin where your tibialis muscles attach to your lower leg. The pain is usually sharp when you are running and often feels achy while at rest.
Causes: Tendons of the tibialis muscles wrap around the arch of the foot, helping to support it. When the arches experience loads, these tendon are placed under strain. When this happens, your muscles pull away from their attachments to the shin bone. Improper shoes, running on hard surfaces and over-pronation of the feet may aggravate this condition.
What to do: Avoid running on concrete surfaces. Have us (the chiropractor) check the mobility and alignment of the bones of your feet and ankles. If over-pronation is detected, you may need custom orthotics. Once your pain is reduced, regular stretching of the muscles in your lower legs can help stop further problems.
3) Runner's Knee: Or CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA, is pain felt under the kneecap, accompanied by a grinding or popping noise when bending the knee. You may also notice swelling and redness.
Causes: Improper positioning of the patella over the knee joint. This triggers the kneecap to excessively rub against the surface of your leg bones, leading to repetitive wear and tear of the cartilage and recurring inflammation. Improper knee alignment is commonly caused by instability of the foot or the pelvis. Tightness or imbalance in the quadriceps muscles may also cause symptoms.
What to do: Stop running and get chiropractic advice. Have us check the alignment of your feet and pelvis. Misalignment in the feet may require custom orthotics and pelvic imbalance may be helped with chiropractic adjustments. When the pain subsides, you may try strengthening the VMO-vastus medialis obliques muscle, one of the quadriceps muscles of your thigh, to prevent this problem from returning.
4) Iliotibial Band Syndrome: This is tenderness and inflammation at the outside of the knee where the iliotibial band crosses the knee joint. The pain usually starts while running and can intensify while your run progresses. Walking on hilly surfaces or using stairs can make the symptoms worse.
Causes: Anything that creates tightness in your IT band. The result is likely friction, pain and inflammation. Fallen arches are often responsible. This condition causes the lower leg to rotate inward upon a heel strike. This pre-stretches tissue and makes it vulnerable to excessive strain. Pelvic imbalances or restrictions may also contribute to this syndrome.
What to do: Avoid running on hills. Have us check your feet and pelvis for imbalances. Although extremely painful, massaging the outside part of the leg may also help reduce the tightness and soreness in the long term. Once the pain is manageable, stretching the tensor facia lata muscle, located in the thigh, as well as the gluteal muscles may help halt the return of this syndrome.
Alignment to the pelvis, low back and feet is is a major key to avoiding these injuries. Regular chiropractic adjustments are great in general but very important before stating a running program. Correcting a problem early may prevent a a more painful situation later.
Chiropractic could be your answer to many structural, mechanical spine and joint problems. As always, all I ask is give me a chance.
1) Plantar Fascitis: A repetitive strain of the plantar fascia that leads to painful inflammation of the tissue located at the bottom of your feet. The pain is typically worse in the morning and then tends to ease as the day goes by.
Causes: Running puts an increased mechanical load on the arch of the foot. If your arch is not properly positioned, or your muscles leading to the foot are too tight, you may be adding abnormal stress.
What to do: Besides ice therapy and adjusting your running routine, treatment may include myofacial stripping techniques applied to the bottom of the feet. If our evaluation identifies over-pronation(fallen arches) as the problem, we may suggest custom orthotics to reduce the mechanical stress. Stretching your calf muscles regularly may help prevent this problem from recurring.
2) Shin Splints: (I have had these before! NO FUN!!) A pain or tenderness along the front of the shin where your tibialis muscles attach to your lower leg. The pain is usually sharp when you are running and often feels achy while at rest.
Causes: Tendons of the tibialis muscles wrap around the arch of the foot, helping to support it. When the arches experience loads, these tendon are placed under strain. When this happens, your muscles pull away from their attachments to the shin bone. Improper shoes, running on hard surfaces and over-pronation of the feet may aggravate this condition.
What to do: Avoid running on concrete surfaces. Have us (the chiropractor) check the mobility and alignment of the bones of your feet and ankles. If over-pronation is detected, you may need custom orthotics. Once your pain is reduced, regular stretching of the muscles in your lower legs can help stop further problems.
3) Runner's Knee: Or CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA, is pain felt under the kneecap, accompanied by a grinding or popping noise when bending the knee. You may also notice swelling and redness.
Causes: Improper positioning of the patella over the knee joint. This triggers the kneecap to excessively rub against the surface of your leg bones, leading to repetitive wear and tear of the cartilage and recurring inflammation. Improper knee alignment is commonly caused by instability of the foot or the pelvis. Tightness or imbalance in the quadriceps muscles may also cause symptoms.
What to do: Stop running and get chiropractic advice. Have us check the alignment of your feet and pelvis. Misalignment in the feet may require custom orthotics and pelvic imbalance may be helped with chiropractic adjustments. When the pain subsides, you may try strengthening the VMO-vastus medialis obliques muscle, one of the quadriceps muscles of your thigh, to prevent this problem from returning.
4) Iliotibial Band Syndrome: This is tenderness and inflammation at the outside of the knee where the iliotibial band crosses the knee joint. The pain usually starts while running and can intensify while your run progresses. Walking on hilly surfaces or using stairs can make the symptoms worse.
Causes: Anything that creates tightness in your IT band. The result is likely friction, pain and inflammation. Fallen arches are often responsible. This condition causes the lower leg to rotate inward upon a heel strike. This pre-stretches tissue and makes it vulnerable to excessive strain. Pelvic imbalances or restrictions may also contribute to this syndrome.
What to do: Avoid running on hills. Have us check your feet and pelvis for imbalances. Although extremely painful, massaging the outside part of the leg may also help reduce the tightness and soreness in the long term. Once the pain is manageable, stretching the tensor facia lata muscle, located in the thigh, as well as the gluteal muscles may help halt the return of this syndrome.
Alignment to the pelvis, low back and feet is is a major key to avoiding these injuries. Regular chiropractic adjustments are great in general but very important before stating a running program. Correcting a problem early may prevent a a more painful situation later.
Chiropractic could be your answer to many structural, mechanical spine and joint problems. As always, all I ask is give me a chance.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
WATER---It's very Important to your Health.
Let's talk water again. Water is a key component to several body systems. BRAIN: 85% water, BLOOD: 83% water, MUSCLES: 75% water, BONES: 35% water. So don't you think you ought to drink plenty of water. You can see by these numbers how your health would be severely affected without proper hydration. Daytime fatigue and your metabolism are commonly affected by even mild dehydration. Hey, and don't think you need water only when your thirsty. This mindset is far from the truth. As a matter of fact it is dangerous to feel this way. 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated.
Your digestive system needs water. Saliva is nearly 100% water. Water helps to break down food and vitamins and makes it easier to be absorbed by the body. Water helps oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other cellular messengers to circulate through out the bloodstream. Water is also a great conductor for electrical transmission. Of course the brain and nervous system function like an electrical system. Water is a main component in the functioning of the bowels, kidneys and the lymph system. Each of these work like the garbage/waste system of the body. Water helps to keep the toxicity level down to a minimum. Joints need a fluid type movement. The synovial fluid within the joints is made up primarily of water. Without the fluid the joints would become stiff and therefore would increase in pain. This would also make the joints more susceptible to injury and degeneration. A half gallon of water per day could ease back and joint pain. This will seem strange, but if you retain fluid in your ankles and feet you still need to increase your water intake. The electrolyte balance of the body will recognize the increase fluid you are taking in and will attempt to eliminate it and at the same time will pull the extra fluid from the tissues.
Here are some tips on drinking water and getting enough positive fluid into your body. 1)Start your day with one or two glasses of water. 2)Carry a quart bottle{preferably a stainless steel container} with you. Drink this quart during the morning, finishing it up at lunch. Fill it up and start over for the afternoon completing this one for dinner. You can accomplish this by just drinking swallows at a time. This will get your 1/2 gallon in for the day plus some. 3)Of course drink more water with exercise and on hot days. 4)Avoid drinks with high sugar content. 5)Tea, coffee and alcohol contain diuretics causing you to lose more water than you can absorb from consuming these, although they are primarily water. Keep these to a minimum.
Remember, regular chiropractic treatments keeps your nervous system working at it's optimum therefore helping you make the best use of your water, vitamin and food intake.
Your digestive system needs water. Saliva is nearly 100% water. Water helps to break down food and vitamins and makes it easier to be absorbed by the body. Water helps oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other cellular messengers to circulate through out the bloodstream. Water is also a great conductor for electrical transmission. Of course the brain and nervous system function like an electrical system. Water is a main component in the functioning of the bowels, kidneys and the lymph system. Each of these work like the garbage/waste system of the body. Water helps to keep the toxicity level down to a minimum. Joints need a fluid type movement. The synovial fluid within the joints is made up primarily of water. Without the fluid the joints would become stiff and therefore would increase in pain. This would also make the joints more susceptible to injury and degeneration. A half gallon of water per day could ease back and joint pain. This will seem strange, but if you retain fluid in your ankles and feet you still need to increase your water intake. The electrolyte balance of the body will recognize the increase fluid you are taking in and will attempt to eliminate it and at the same time will pull the extra fluid from the tissues.
Here are some tips on drinking water and getting enough positive fluid into your body. 1)Start your day with one or two glasses of water. 2)Carry a quart bottle{preferably a stainless steel container} with you. Drink this quart during the morning, finishing it up at lunch. Fill it up and start over for the afternoon completing this one for dinner. You can accomplish this by just drinking swallows at a time. This will get your 1/2 gallon in for the day plus some. 3)Of course drink more water with exercise and on hot days. 4)Avoid drinks with high sugar content. 5)Tea, coffee and alcohol contain diuretics causing you to lose more water than you can absorb from consuming these, although they are primarily water. Keep these to a minimum.
Remember, regular chiropractic treatments keeps your nervous system working at it's optimum therefore helping you make the best use of your water, vitamin and food intake.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Digital X-Ray
Man, am I lazy or what? It's been another month since I posted last.
Well, at Sparlin Health Care we have great news!! We have just installed a Digital--state of the art-X-Ray machine. To some of you this may not seem like a big deal but for us it is huge. This type of x-ray machine is normally only seen in hospitals or large clinics. We are one of a VERY few chiropractic offices in the country that has this technology. This means the quality of the x-ray evaluation goes way up. Easier to take, easier to read and easier to show patients where their problems are. Less retakes, less radiation and less time for the patient. We had a training session today and the excitement level of all of our eight doctors and PA-C is extremely high because of this new capability.
X-Ray is a great diagnostic tool. Most people don't know this but chiropractic and x-ray were discovered the same year--1895. Chiropractors were the first doctors to use this tool for diagnostic purposes. Seeing the technology get into the computer age is wonderful. We'll be able to send the studies to other doctors as necessary either by burning a CD for the patient or by e-mail.
So far we don't see any reason to raise fees either. Our overall cost will be a wash compared to the old machine.
Digital X-Ray technology is very similar to digital music in that it takes the "picture" and digitizes it through computers and then stores it in the memory for use during the patient report of findings. These are stored indefinitely, unlike plane film x-ray where you have to have large storage bins and keep them for 10 years. They begin to fade and discolor as years go by making them difficult to read after that.
Hey, we're happy with this and I hope you'll come by and see us and take advantage of this new service and technology as the need arises.
Remember, we take care of all type of ailments and injuries. Now we can do it even better.
Well, at Sparlin Health Care we have great news!! We have just installed a Digital--state of the art-X-Ray machine. To some of you this may not seem like a big deal but for us it is huge. This type of x-ray machine is normally only seen in hospitals or large clinics. We are one of a VERY few chiropractic offices in the country that has this technology. This means the quality of the x-ray evaluation goes way up. Easier to take, easier to read and easier to show patients where their problems are. Less retakes, less radiation and less time for the patient. We had a training session today and the excitement level of all of our eight doctors and PA-C is extremely high because of this new capability.
X-Ray is a great diagnostic tool. Most people don't know this but chiropractic and x-ray were discovered the same year--1895. Chiropractors were the first doctors to use this tool for diagnostic purposes. Seeing the technology get into the computer age is wonderful. We'll be able to send the studies to other doctors as necessary either by burning a CD for the patient or by e-mail.
So far we don't see any reason to raise fees either. Our overall cost will be a wash compared to the old machine.
Digital X-Ray technology is very similar to digital music in that it takes the "picture" and digitizes it through computers and then stores it in the memory for use during the patient report of findings. These are stored indefinitely, unlike plane film x-ray where you have to have large storage bins and keep them for 10 years. They begin to fade and discolor as years go by making them difficult to read after that.
Hey, we're happy with this and I hope you'll come by and see us and take advantage of this new service and technology as the need arises.
Remember, we take care of all type of ailments and injuries. Now we can do it even better.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
30 YEARS and Counting
I haven't posted in several weeks. Procrastination is a fault of mine. But I'll tell what's not a fault and that's my choice of wife. 30 years ago today my wife, Loretta, and I got married in Stone Mountain, GA. about two miles from where my parents lived. A small service but a lot of great friends and relatives were present. We had a very modest honeymoon at one of my best friends parents lake house at Lake Hartwell. We actually spent one day at Six Flags. I was still in Chiropractic school at the time. We had a teeny apartment in Smyrna, noisy but it worked. We had the typical "getting used to living with someone" struggles but she worked hard at getting our life together on the right road. I made my profession of faith in Jesus Christ during those early months and I believe that is where our stability has come from. We do have great role models too. Loretta's folks were married for over 50 years before her father's death, her sister and brother have been married nearly 40 years each, my parents were married over 40 years before my mom's death and dad has been married another 16 years to my step mom. My sister has been married nearly 36 years and my brother for 29 years. I pray for the same longevity for my Kids. It's not always peaches and cream but there are more times than not that I still see Loretta as that same sweet, fun, funny, gooooood looking girl I met in college in 1976.
Our first daughter was born on our first year anniversary so today is her 29Th birthday. I also opened my first chiropractic practice on July 7, 1980. Needless to say I was not there that first day. Every 15 months or there about for the next 3 years we had our next 2 children. 3 kids in less than 4 years. That got us growing up quick. As of now, I would not have wanted it any other way. They are 3 wonderful daughters that we love very much and we are very proud of all of them. I'm mostly touched by their closeness and love for each other. A prayer answered.
We all love to sit around and tell the same stories over and over again and laugh again and again. We had fun and I feel we did a good job bringing these girls up. There are a lot of memories in thirty years, some wonderful, some not so wonderful. But they are our memories that I will cherish to the day it's time to go home to be with my Lord. Thank you to all of you that have been a part of our lives for the last 30 years. Please---be a part of the next 30 to 50 years.
Our first daughter was born on our first year anniversary so today is her 29Th birthday. I also opened my first chiropractic practice on July 7, 1980. Needless to say I was not there that first day. Every 15 months or there about for the next 3 years we had our next 2 children. 3 kids in less than 4 years. That got us growing up quick. As of now, I would not have wanted it any other way. They are 3 wonderful daughters that we love very much and we are very proud of all of them. I'm mostly touched by their closeness and love for each other. A prayer answered.
We all love to sit around and tell the same stories over and over again and laugh again and again. We had fun and I feel we did a good job bringing these girls up. There are a lot of memories in thirty years, some wonderful, some not so wonderful. But they are our memories that I will cherish to the day it's time to go home to be with my Lord. Thank you to all of you that have been a part of our lives for the last 30 years. Please---be a part of the next 30 to 50 years.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
WHIPLASH!!!!! Is it real?
There you are, minding your own business, sitting at the traffic light or bogged down in expressway traffic. Then BAM!!! Someone hits you from the rear. In a split second your entire body is slammed forward with the exception of your head. Your head snaps backwards then violently forward again. This quick, snapping motion of the head causes tearing of the muscles and ligaments around the joints of the cervical spine(the neck bones). Picture a paper cut, you can barely see it but it hurts like the devil. This is what's happening in the soft tissue(muscles and ligaments)of the neck, only it's dozens of these little tears. The tissue begins to swell. Muscles spasm as a protection. Joints of the spine are twisted out of their normal alignment. Nerves are getting "pinched" by the spasm, swelling and misalignment. All of this is going to cause pain. Arm pain, upper back pain, headaches. Of course, the first thing you want to do is treat your pain. You want a muscle relaxer, a pain killer and an anti-inflammatory. Yes, this will give you some relief but will not correct the problem. Examination and x-rays by your chiropractor can determine to what extent your injuries are. Spinal adjustments and physiotherapy as well as specialized exercises and home care instructions can help you return to normal function. Whiplash can be caused by other activities such as karate, gymnastics, football, boxing and water skiing.
There are several factors that can affect your recovery. Age, sex, your overall general physical condition, the acuteness and length of time of the symptoms. Older patients may require more extensive treatment. Flexibility and the strength of the muscles and ligaments is less as we get older. The muscles and ligaments are not as healthy and pliable in our later years. Women have smaller neck muscles and bones making them more susceptible to injury. Arthritic changes, disc degeneration and previous injuries can also be factors in your recovery. Smokers and those that don't exercise don't heal as easy or as well. Not using the head restraint on your car seat properly can be a reason to start this whole problem at the time of impact. Chiropractic has been shown as one the BEST ways to treat neck injuries and whiplash. Research in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine found that 74% of the people in the study with whiplash showed improvement with chiropractic care. The researchers also found that other forms of treatment were disappointing.
Remember, all that I ask is a chance.
There are several factors that can affect your recovery. Age, sex, your overall general physical condition, the acuteness and length of time of the symptoms. Older patients may require more extensive treatment. Flexibility and the strength of the muscles and ligaments is less as we get older. The muscles and ligaments are not as healthy and pliable in our later years. Women have smaller neck muscles and bones making them more susceptible to injury. Arthritic changes, disc degeneration and previous injuries can also be factors in your recovery. Smokers and those that don't exercise don't heal as easy or as well. Not using the head restraint on your car seat properly can be a reason to start this whole problem at the time of impact. Chiropractic has been shown as one the BEST ways to treat neck injuries and whiplash. Research in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine found that 74% of the people in the study with whiplash showed improvement with chiropractic care. The researchers also found that other forms of treatment were disappointing.
Remember, all that I ask is a chance.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
JUST PROUD!!!!
This post is not about health. Well, maybe my mental health. This blog is to say how proud I am of my family. My wife has been appointed to be the principal of McKendree Elementary School in Lawrenceville, Ga. This has been a long time goal of hers and I'm very proud of her. She has worked hard to put herself in a position to have this opportunity. I know she will do a fantastic job. She is just a day away of doing the defense of her dissertation for her PhD. Again another long road. Again I'm very proud of her dedication and the hard work to accomplish such a great feat.
My youngest daughter is just a couple of months away from getting her Masters in education. She's a great special education teacher in Dacula. She is very good at it, too. Again---Proud! My middle daughter graduated last Friday from the Fire Academy in Dacula. Now,she is not only a certified EMT/Paramedic,but,she is a certified Firefighter. As a matter of fact, she is fighting her first fire today. Seeing all she had to study, learn and do during the 4 months of this program, I'm amazed and, yes, you know------PROUD!! My oldest daughter is being a great mom. She is pregnant with her second child----a boy this time. I truly enjoy watching her be the wonderful mom that she is. And of course---I'm very proud of her.
I'm proud of myself too!! In July, my wife and I celebrate our 30th year of marriage. In July, I celebrate 29 years of practicing chiropractic. My pride comes from the numbers of people that have put their confidence in me to help them with conservative, natural chiropractic treatment. I pray that I will have many more years and many more people to treat. Thank you to all of you that have been part of this nearly 30 year run. And please know, this is a positive pride and not a negative pride. Thank you Lord for all you do for me and mine.
My youngest daughter is just a couple of months away from getting her Masters in education. She's a great special education teacher in Dacula. She is very good at it, too. Again---Proud! My middle daughter graduated last Friday from the Fire Academy in Dacula. Now,she is not only a certified EMT/Paramedic,but,she is a certified Firefighter. As a matter of fact, she is fighting her first fire today. Seeing all she had to study, learn and do during the 4 months of this program, I'm amazed and, yes, you know------PROUD!! My oldest daughter is being a great mom. She is pregnant with her second child----a boy this time. I truly enjoy watching her be the wonderful mom that she is. And of course---I'm very proud of her.
I'm proud of myself too!! In July, my wife and I celebrate our 30th year of marriage. In July, I celebrate 29 years of practicing chiropractic. My pride comes from the numbers of people that have put their confidence in me to help them with conservative, natural chiropractic treatment. I pray that I will have many more years and many more people to treat. Thank you to all of you that have been part of this nearly 30 year run. And please know, this is a positive pride and not a negative pride. Thank you Lord for all you do for me and mine.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
SLEEP!!! How much??
How much sleep do we really need? 5 hours? 8 hours? MORE?? It's interesting but in reality we really don't need a lot of sleep/rest PHYSICALLY. We do need sleep/rest MENTALLY. There was a study done years ago. They would put a person in an apartment type room. There would be no way to know the time of day. The person was instructed to sleep when he was sleepy, eat when she was hungry and otherwise go about in the normal routine of a work day. After 30 days the person would fall into a routine of sleeping at a certain time. This time was not dictated be the 11:00 News or an 8:00 to 5:00 job. It was found that the person may sleep best between 4:00 am and 11:00 am and be more productive during specific times. This would be great information to have if all of us could do the test and schedule our days around the new found information. We would sleep better in probably shorter hours and would be more productive in our waking hours.
There was another study done several years ago concerning sleep and function. They used college students. The test required that the person stay awake for 72 hours. At the beginning of the test the individual had to take physical agility and strength tests as well as mental, thinking, cognitive tests. Re-tests were performed every few hours. After 24 hours the physical capabilities had not diminished much at all but the mental process had slowed. By the end of the 72 hours it was shown that the physical capabilities were very close to the original. The mental and cognitive tests were near zero. As the person would try to do the written tests he would just fall asleep and not even complete one question of 10. So, we really don't the sleep physically as much as we need it mentally. Our brains need the sleep/rest. I can't tell you if you need 8 or 9 hours or if you can get by with only 4 to 6 hours. What I can say is get what you NEED and don't be lazy. "Awake sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephes. 5 Get the sleep you need but know that if you sleep 8 hours per day you will be sleeping 1/3 of your life away. Be active and productive during your waking hours and have fun doing it.
5/25 is Memorial Day. Take time to thank a service man/woman for serving our country and let some one's family know how much you appreciate them if they have lost a loved one fighting for our country and dying for our freedom. God Bless you all. Sleep well.
There was another study done several years ago concerning sleep and function. They used college students. The test required that the person stay awake for 72 hours. At the beginning of the test the individual had to take physical agility and strength tests as well as mental, thinking, cognitive tests. Re-tests were performed every few hours. After 24 hours the physical capabilities had not diminished much at all but the mental process had slowed. By the end of the 72 hours it was shown that the physical capabilities were very close to the original. The mental and cognitive tests were near zero. As the person would try to do the written tests he would just fall asleep and not even complete one question of 10. So, we really don't the sleep physically as much as we need it mentally. Our brains need the sleep/rest. I can't tell you if you need 8 or 9 hours or if you can get by with only 4 to 6 hours. What I can say is get what you NEED and don't be lazy. "Awake sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephes. 5 Get the sleep you need but know that if you sleep 8 hours per day you will be sleeping 1/3 of your life away. Be active and productive during your waking hours and have fun doing it.
5/25 is Memorial Day. Take time to thank a service man/woman for serving our country and let some one's family know how much you appreciate them if they have lost a loved one fighting for our country and dying for our freedom. God Bless you all. Sleep well.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
SCIATICA!!! OUCH!!!
Sciatica is a fancy term for leg pain. It is a pain radiating down the back of the leg, calf and sometimes foot. It is commonly caused by a "pinched nerve" from a "slipped disc". Interestingly enough, discs don't "slip" and nerves don't really get "pinched". What does happen is nerves can have pressure or irritation put on them by a protruding disc or a bulging disc. Muscles can spasm or become lax and put pressure on the nerve to cause pain. The pain is actually being caused inflammation of the nerve. Picture taking a piece of sandpaper and rubbing it on your skin for only 5 minutes. That portion of your skin would be raw and irritated for days and be very painful. That is basically what is happening to the nerve, only sometimes the irritation is 24/7. You may not be able to find a comfortable way to sit, lie down or even stand. As a matter of fact, lying down puts about 25 pounds of pressure on the disc, standing about 90 pounds of pressure and 150 pounds of pressure with sitting. This pressure causes more swelling of the disc, therefore more pressure or irritation to the nerve, in turn more swelling of the nerve and more PAIN. So what causes the disc to "slip"? Discs can be injured by lifting, a twisting fall or any type of injury that can tear the ligament fibers of the disc. There is a "jelly ball" inside the disc that can shift into the region of the tear. This is where the protrusion or bulge will be. By itself this can be very painful. This pain can be varied. It can be spread out or very localized. It can be dull or sharp or just achy. Standard medical treatment is normally an anti-inflammatory. Sometimes a muscle relaxer and a pain killer will accompany these. The pills can give temporary relief. On some occasions the damage to the disc is so great surgical intervention may be necessary. Before any treatment is given there should be a thorough neurological and orthopedic exam. X-Rays should be taken and possibly a CT scan or MRI should be done. Sometimes even blood test need to done. These exams can rule out if there are other reasons to have the same leg pain. Other potential problems involving leg pain could be constipation, diabetes, tumors, prostate problems, active trigger points from spasm and structural misalignment of the lumbar vertebra or pelvic joints. Of course the misalignment of the vertebra or pelvis is the concern of chiropractors. Vertebral misalignment and disc problems are a specialty of chiropractic. Treatment, rehab and the healing process can be slow. The patients help in the process is appreciated. Ice therapy, nutritional supplements and rest help. "Doc it hurts when I lift my arm this way"............."THEN DON'T LIFT IT THAT WAY" says the doctor. That sounds funny but it's the truth. Don't do things that hurt or aggravate the condition. Chiropractors aren't the only one that can help sciatica but we're one of the best at it and our method is conservative. Call us first with any back or leg pain. If what we have to offer is not what you need, we'll make the proper referral.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
BACK PAIN and Smoking!!!???
STOP SMOKING!!!!!!!!PERIOD!!!!!
Not just because it's going to kill you but you'll go through tremendous pain getting there. It basically says on the side of a cigarette package that you'll get cancer and die. But, did you know that there is a connection to smoking and back pain? Nicotine and carbon monoxide, just two chemicals of around 4000 found in tobacco smoke, constrict arteries and interfere with blood supply to organs and joints. Of course, blood carries the nutrients and oxygen needed to keep these body parts healthy. A study of 1300 physicians at Johns Hopkins University found that those that were smokers and had high cholesterol were more likely to suffer with low back and neck degeneration. This is a painful deterioration of the spine. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up on the artery walls. Smoking is a major component to this condition. This build up in the abdominal arteries causes a decrease in blood supply to low back discs. The discs will become brittle and painful.
Smokers have a tendency to cough a lot. Coughing increases the stress on the discs and will increase pain. Sneezing and hard coughing have been known to rupture discs.
Smokers normally aren't very active in exercise. This will cause muscular weakness. If a person has a problem that is actually being treated, not exercising will prolong the condition and make it more difficult to recover.
The above information is from citruspie.com. Paul Elms of Ezine Articles shares 10 ways to stop smoking.
1) Get support-Give up at the same time time as a friend or a family member and you will be able to give each other mutual support and encouragement. If you don't know anybody close that is a smoker, you could join an online forum where there are other smokers trying to give up.
2) Take up a new hobby-finding something new to do will help occupy your mind and take your thoughts off cigarettes. Maybe you've wanted to learn an instrument, or speak a foreign language. Now could be a good time to start. You'll be able to afford it with all the money you'll be saving from not buying cigarettes.
3) Try hypnotherapy-many people have found this to be a great help to them. You could see a therapist or purchase a CD.
4) Talk to your medical physician about the possibility of using bupropion(Zyban). This is a prescription medication that works by decreasing your desire to smoke. There can be side effects including nausea and dizziness.
5) Treat yourself-Add up the money you will save by not smoking and then treat yourself. You could have a pampering session at a health spa, take a weekend break to an exotic location or indulge a favorite hobby.
6) Try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)-If you want to double your chances of quitting compared to going "cold turkey", then you should take a look at NRT. It is available in patches, gum, tablets and nasal spray and can overcome the physical cravings for nicotine. Aim to cut down the use of NRT after 3 months with a view to completely stopping after about 6 months.
7) Write a list of all the reasons you want to give and the benefits you'll get. Pin it to a wall or somewhere you'll see it frequently so that you are constantly reminded of it.
8) Try acupuncture-This traditional Chinese medicine involve putting special needles into the skin. Although the medical evidence to support its use is limited, many smokers have reported that they have been helped by it.
9) Stop habitual smoking-do you have a habit of smoking at certain times of the day or while doing certain things? Break your routine so that you are less likely to feel the urge to smoke.
10) Don't give up giving up-many people don't succeed in finally quitting until the third or fourth try. In the end it is worth it.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HEALTH
Not just because it's going to kill you but you'll go through tremendous pain getting there. It basically says on the side of a cigarette package that you'll get cancer and die. But, did you know that there is a connection to smoking and back pain? Nicotine and carbon monoxide, just two chemicals of around 4000 found in tobacco smoke, constrict arteries and interfere with blood supply to organs and joints. Of course, blood carries the nutrients and oxygen needed to keep these body parts healthy. A study of 1300 physicians at Johns Hopkins University found that those that were smokers and had high cholesterol were more likely to suffer with low back and neck degeneration. This is a painful deterioration of the spine. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up on the artery walls. Smoking is a major component to this condition. This build up in the abdominal arteries causes a decrease in blood supply to low back discs. The discs will become brittle and painful.
Smokers have a tendency to cough a lot. Coughing increases the stress on the discs and will increase pain. Sneezing and hard coughing have been known to rupture discs.
Smokers normally aren't very active in exercise. This will cause muscular weakness. If a person has a problem that is actually being treated, not exercising will prolong the condition and make it more difficult to recover.
The above information is from citruspie.com. Paul Elms of Ezine Articles shares 10 ways to stop smoking.
1) Get support-Give up at the same time time as a friend or a family member and you will be able to give each other mutual support and encouragement. If you don't know anybody close that is a smoker, you could join an online forum where there are other smokers trying to give up.
2) Take up a new hobby-finding something new to do will help occupy your mind and take your thoughts off cigarettes. Maybe you've wanted to learn an instrument, or speak a foreign language. Now could be a good time to start. You'll be able to afford it with all the money you'll be saving from not buying cigarettes.
3) Try hypnotherapy-many people have found this to be a great help to them. You could see a therapist or purchase a CD.
4) Talk to your medical physician about the possibility of using bupropion(Zyban). This is a prescription medication that works by decreasing your desire to smoke. There can be side effects including nausea and dizziness.
5) Treat yourself-Add up the money you will save by not smoking and then treat yourself. You could have a pampering session at a health spa, take a weekend break to an exotic location or indulge a favorite hobby.
6) Try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)-If you want to double your chances of quitting compared to going "cold turkey", then you should take a look at NRT. It is available in patches, gum, tablets and nasal spray and can overcome the physical cravings for nicotine. Aim to cut down the use of NRT after 3 months with a view to completely stopping after about 6 months.
7) Write a list of all the reasons you want to give and the benefits you'll get. Pin it to a wall or somewhere you'll see it frequently so that you are constantly reminded of it.
8) Try acupuncture-This traditional Chinese medicine involve putting special needles into the skin. Although the medical evidence to support its use is limited, many smokers have reported that they have been helped by it.
9) Stop habitual smoking-do you have a habit of smoking at certain times of the day or while doing certain things? Break your routine so that you are less likely to feel the urge to smoke.
10) Don't give up giving up-many people don't succeed in finally quitting until the third or fourth try. In the end it is worth it.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HEALTH
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Health Aging
Here are some tips for healthy aging according to Angela Kargus in the ACANews. She states there are 4.2 million US residents over the age of 85, 40,000 the age of 100. By 2050 it's expected we will have 1 million Americans celebrate their 100Th birthday. Good genes? Better lifestyle choices? A decrease in chronic illnesses? What's the secret? Here's some tips:
Have a Positive attitude: A positive attitude improves immune function. It can help you live a longer healthier quality of life. Hanging with other like minded people helps in this endeavor.
Challenge Your Mind: More educated? Live longer! That's what the research shows. Travel, volunteer, take classes in music or writing or photography. Have a hobby. Challenge yourself with word or math games. Interact with positive conversation. Read and read some more.
Limit Stress and Stay Connected: Laugh, A LOT!!! Exercise, meditate, and read or listen to positive motivational material. Stay hooked up with family and friends. Be in social groups for interaction. Make sure you follow up with medical care as necessary as this may keep the stress down when you are told "all is well". Stay away from alcohol and mood altering drugs(unless prescribed by your physician).
Exercise: Make it fun and do it with a friend or a group. Dance (like nobody is watching), swim, walk, garden, cut grass, or anything that's safe and fun. Try to do at least 30 minutes per day 3-4 days per week. Use a personal trainer if available and can afford it. Do strength and aerobic as well as balancing type exercises.
Make Healthy Diet Choices: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, white meats, fish and eggs. Processed foods and refined foods usually contain more calories and fewer nutrients.
Choose Quality Health Care: Have a great chiropractor. One that will help with advice with all the above. Remember chiropractic care focuses on wellness and prevention with an emphasis on the nervous and musculoskelatal systems. Have access to a good,trustworthy health care provider medical and chiropractic. Be active in all the decisions that have to be made. Be prepared for emergencies and life threatening conditions. Help your different doctors work together for your best interest. YOU take responsibility for YOUR health.
Have a Positive attitude: A positive attitude improves immune function. It can help you live a longer healthier quality of life. Hanging with other like minded people helps in this endeavor.
Challenge Your Mind: More educated? Live longer! That's what the research shows. Travel, volunteer, take classes in music or writing or photography. Have a hobby. Challenge yourself with word or math games. Interact with positive conversation. Read and read some more.
Limit Stress and Stay Connected: Laugh, A LOT!!! Exercise, meditate, and read or listen to positive motivational material. Stay hooked up with family and friends. Be in social groups for interaction. Make sure you follow up with medical care as necessary as this may keep the stress down when you are told "all is well". Stay away from alcohol and mood altering drugs(unless prescribed by your physician).
Exercise: Make it fun and do it with a friend or a group. Dance (like nobody is watching), swim, walk, garden, cut grass, or anything that's safe and fun. Try to do at least 30 minutes per day 3-4 days per week. Use a personal trainer if available and can afford it. Do strength and aerobic as well as balancing type exercises.
Make Healthy Diet Choices: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, white meats, fish and eggs. Processed foods and refined foods usually contain more calories and fewer nutrients.
Choose Quality Health Care: Have a great chiropractor. One that will help with advice with all the above. Remember chiropractic care focuses on wellness and prevention with an emphasis on the nervous and musculoskelatal systems. Have access to a good,trustworthy health care provider medical and chiropractic. Be active in all the decisions that have to be made. Be prepared for emergencies and life threatening conditions. Help your different doctors work together for your best interest. YOU take responsibility for YOUR health.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
PLEASE Say NO to National Health Care
I missed posting last week, sorry to those of you that actually read this. This subject may not seem like a "health information" related subject but it is. I strongly oppose national or "socialized" medical care. I beg each of you to contact your senator and congressman and do the same. I have several personal reasons and will share some published information to help back up my beliefs. As Herman Cain(former US Senate candidate from Georgia and a radio talk show host in Atlanta in the evenings)says, "don't blow up the building to fix the leak in the roof". Yes, we have some problems in health care in America especially when it comes to the cost in the care itself but also to the cost of health insurance. My first and biggest fear to national health care is that more people will be going to the doctor for minor conditions because it's "free" and that there will be fewer doctors because of the controlled fees the doctor or hospital can receive. A medical physician goes to school for 12 plus years and will spend well over $100,000 to get his education and will only be able to make an upper middle income salary. He/she could go to school for several fewer years and spend much less money to get the education and make just as much money in another career. This translates in more crowded offices and a lesser quality health care. Longer hours for the fewer doctors means the possibility of more medical mistakes. If you read my last blog, you know this translates into potentially more deaths. Ironically, I feel that national health care could possibly benefit chiropractors. Our offices may fill up more and the general chiropractor may actually make more money. Natural and preventative health care will get a lot of play in the reform negotiations. Good for us, but bad for the average citizen/tax payer. And yes that is where one of the big rubs is. Whatever you here as to the cost in tax revenue to pay for national health care go ahead and double or triple it. Just look at what Medicare and social security have done. More recently, look at what just adding the prescription benefit has done. The original figures were 6 to 12 billion dollars, the number now is over 100 billion dollars. Needless to say, we can't afford this kind of money. Mr. Obama's current deficit is already in the trillions. Again we can't afford for the government to take over health care too. As a matter of fact the government already pays nearly 50% of America's health care right now when you take into account Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. Studies show that Medicare officials waste 1/3 of of the money the program spends now.
OK, so here is an opinion of someone else besides mine. This information is from a book review by Doug Bandow. The book, 'The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care: A Citizen's Guide' by Sally C. Pipes. He states right off the bat: do not believe that this is about "reform", this is about a "takeover" of the medical system by the government. Ms. Pipes states that there are tens of thousands of people every year that come to America for our health care because their nationalized system can't provide what they need. Myth #1 is that the government administration would be more efficient than private insurance. Doubt it!! Look at Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and government hospitals like Atlanta's own Grady Hospital. Myth #2 is that Americans spend too much on health care. Or is it that Americans spend too much on cigarettes, alcohol, fast foods, drugs and do very little exercise? Maybe if we didn't spend so much money on things we know for sure causes health problems there would be enough money to pay for decent health insurance. In general most Americans can afford their health care they just choose to use the money somewhere else. Myth #3, 46 million people lack health care. Not necessarily so. Lack of health insurance does not mean lack of health care. Nearly 20 million people choose not to purchase health insurance for one reason or another. The number of hardship cases is closer to 8 million dollars. Again a more manageable number so let's don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Myth #4 is that high drug prices drive health care expenditures. "In reality, prescription drugs reduce medical expenses". Medicine can often be a viable substitute for hospitalization and/or surgery. And as a chiropractor, we can offer many less expensive ways to treat people naturally and potentially save the patient from drugs and surgery. Myth #5 is that importing drugs would reduce medical costs. Ms. Pipes notes "they're referring to a very narrow category-brand name drugs that have been approved and price controlled by foreign governments." Even with the best case scenario this is not going to save much money. Remember that one of the largest lobbyist in the country is the drug companies.
Myth #6 is that forcing people to purchase health insurance is the answer. Some states have tried this and apparently it has not worked. According to Ms. Pipes, she urges the promoters to at least be honest when looking at the "sacrifices required: Higher taxes, forced premium payments, one size fits all policies, long waiting lists, rationed care, and limited access to cutting edge medicine." as Mr. Bandow says this is an answer that most Americans do not want. Myth #7 is one I do and don't agree with. Trying to regulate ones personal behavior to reduce medical expenses saves money. This is definitely an individuals responsibility. For example I should not have to pay more taxes or a higher premium on my insurance because someone else decides to live a reckless unhealthy life. Eating properly, exercising,and not smoking or drinking can insure you a better chance to stay healthy and out of the doctors office. My opinion is, how about give the person that stays a certain weight, doesn't drink or smoke and exercises regularly a tax incentive to offset a part of health insurance premium. It would be up to the insurance company to monitor this. Myth #8 is that we need new government initiatives to cover the poor. Medicaid is already in place and is not doing a very good job at as it is. Low reimbursement rate for physicians discourages doctors from participating in the program. In Georgia, Medicaid does not pay chiropractors at all. People at Grady Hospital will wait sometimes 6 to 8 hours just to be seen and according to some of my patients get inferior treatment and lack of concern from the doctor. Myth #9 is that information technology can dramatically reduce health care expenses. There are 12 different federal agencies trying to over see health care technology producing tons of red tape and being typical bureaucracies that actually cost more and bog the system down even more. Myth #10 is that foreign government-run systems are better than the American system. Ms. Pipes states, "a nationalized system delivers a waiting list rather than treatment, outcomes are not better overseas, care is rationed and access to advance procedures and pharmaceuticals is limited, people suffer and die from bureaucratic and budgetary imperatives."
I also agree with Ms. Pipes that although these are myths people generally believe there is a need for some reform. Let's have less government control. Let's figure out ways to allow the free market to achieve quality health care. Change the tax code to a consumption tax such as the FAIR TAX, this will put more money in the peoples pocket. Allow doctors a tax break to take care of indigent patients. Have a back up plan for those that lose health insurance with the loss of a job. Let those that can't afford private health insurance have the option of buying into a system that is already in place such as Medicare. This can be done on a limited time basis. A radical thought is to do away with health insurance for general health care and simple office visits. Have insurance for catastrophic purposes only. I believe we would see the cost of health care go down over night.No one has all the answers but more government intrusion is not the answer. We don't need to be socialists to fix this problem.
OK, so here is an opinion of someone else besides mine. This information is from a book review by Doug Bandow. The book, 'The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care: A Citizen's Guide' by Sally C. Pipes. He states right off the bat: do not believe that this is about "reform", this is about a "takeover" of the medical system by the government. Ms. Pipes states that there are tens of thousands of people every year that come to America for our health care because their nationalized system can't provide what they need. Myth #1 is that the government administration would be more efficient than private insurance. Doubt it!! Look at Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and government hospitals like Atlanta's own Grady Hospital. Myth #2 is that Americans spend too much on health care. Or is it that Americans spend too much on cigarettes, alcohol, fast foods, drugs and do very little exercise? Maybe if we didn't spend so much money on things we know for sure causes health problems there would be enough money to pay for decent health insurance. In general most Americans can afford their health care they just choose to use the money somewhere else. Myth #3, 46 million people lack health care. Not necessarily so. Lack of health insurance does not mean lack of health care. Nearly 20 million people choose not to purchase health insurance for one reason or another. The number of hardship cases is closer to 8 million dollars. Again a more manageable number so let's don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Myth #4 is that high drug prices drive health care expenditures. "In reality, prescription drugs reduce medical expenses". Medicine can often be a viable substitute for hospitalization and/or surgery. And as a chiropractor, we can offer many less expensive ways to treat people naturally and potentially save the patient from drugs and surgery. Myth #5 is that importing drugs would reduce medical costs. Ms. Pipes notes "they're referring to a very narrow category-brand name drugs that have been approved and price controlled by foreign governments." Even with the best case scenario this is not going to save much money. Remember that one of the largest lobbyist in the country is the drug companies.
Myth #6 is that forcing people to purchase health insurance is the answer. Some states have tried this and apparently it has not worked. According to Ms. Pipes, she urges the promoters to at least be honest when looking at the "sacrifices required: Higher taxes, forced premium payments, one size fits all policies, long waiting lists, rationed care, and limited access to cutting edge medicine." as Mr. Bandow says this is an answer that most Americans do not want. Myth #7 is one I do and don't agree with. Trying to regulate ones personal behavior to reduce medical expenses saves money. This is definitely an individuals responsibility. For example I should not have to pay more taxes or a higher premium on my insurance because someone else decides to live a reckless unhealthy life. Eating properly, exercising,and not smoking or drinking can insure you a better chance to stay healthy and out of the doctors office. My opinion is, how about give the person that stays a certain weight, doesn't drink or smoke and exercises regularly a tax incentive to offset a part of health insurance premium. It would be up to the insurance company to monitor this. Myth #8 is that we need new government initiatives to cover the poor. Medicaid is already in place and is not doing a very good job at as it is. Low reimbursement rate for physicians discourages doctors from participating in the program. In Georgia, Medicaid does not pay chiropractors at all. People at Grady Hospital will wait sometimes 6 to 8 hours just to be seen and according to some of my patients get inferior treatment and lack of concern from the doctor. Myth #9 is that information technology can dramatically reduce health care expenses. There are 12 different federal agencies trying to over see health care technology producing tons of red tape and being typical bureaucracies that actually cost more and bog the system down even more. Myth #10 is that foreign government-run systems are better than the American system. Ms. Pipes states, "a nationalized system delivers a waiting list rather than treatment, outcomes are not better overseas, care is rationed and access to advance procedures and pharmaceuticals is limited, people suffer and die from bureaucratic and budgetary imperatives."
I also agree with Ms. Pipes that although these are myths people generally believe there is a need for some reform. Let's have less government control. Let's figure out ways to allow the free market to achieve quality health care. Change the tax code to a consumption tax such as the FAIR TAX, this will put more money in the peoples pocket. Allow doctors a tax break to take care of indigent patients. Have a back up plan for those that lose health insurance with the loss of a job. Let those that can't afford private health insurance have the option of buying into a system that is already in place such as Medicare. This can be done on a limited time basis. A radical thought is to do away with health insurance for general health care and simple office visits. Have insurance for catastrophic purposes only. I believe we would see the cost of health care go down over night.No one has all the answers but more government intrusion is not the answer. We don't need to be socialists to fix this problem.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Chiropractic IS Safe!!
OK, I'm ticked off. Normally I try to bring something that you can use to help make you more healthy, especially naturally and with chiropractic care. But ,I got my fill of negative chiropractic propaganda on a TV show this week. I'll unload more on that later.
This information is from the Journal of the American Medical Association, an article entitled Biogenic Medicine by Dr. Barbara Starfield talks about deaths from iatrogenic causes. Iatrogenic is defined as "induced in a patient by a physician's activity, manner or therapy (especially a complication of treatment).
Deaths per year:
12,000 due to unnecessary surgery,
7,000 due to medical errors in hospitals,
20,000 due to other errors in hospitals,
80,000 due to infections in hospitals,
106,000 due to non error negative effects of drugs.
In a study dating from 1934 through 1999 there were ONLY 19 ( that's nineteen!!) TOTAL deaths due to chiropractic treatment. So, nearly 225,000 deaths every year due to some form of medical care as opposed 19 deaths in a 65 years period of time.
Why is it important to tell you this? One reason is to help you understand that chiropractic is safe. Another reason is to let you make your own decision as to who you want to believe.
TV shows have a tremendous impact on what people think and believe. Many years ago there was a TV show called LA Law. A very popular show about the glamorous side of being a lawyer. The year before it premiered the University of Georgia law school did not have enough applications to fill the 250 seats available for that years class. The year after the law shows first season the the UGA law school had 3000 applications for the 250 seats. TV has an impact. This past week there was a show on called "Bones". This is a forensic show solving murders. This particular episode had the murderer being a chiropractor. The murder weapon was an activator instrument. Just in the way the actors played out the plot was enough to scare an unsuspecting person to have concern of going to a chiropractor. I could picture a new patient in my office freaking out when I brought the activator instument to adjust them. Another show called "Two and A Half Men" has one of its main characters as being a chiropractor. Sadly he's a doofus. On one show his brother in the show uses his chiropractic office as a brothel stating that's all his chiropractic office is is a massage parlor. On ER a few years ago a statement was made by a doctor concerning a diagnosis made by a chiropractor of this particular patient. The patient had stated the chiropractor told her she had a scoliosis, the ER doctor sarcastically said "they tell everybody that". All of these disparaging comments and depictions of chiropractic is the tip of an iceberg. These show have to be sanctioned by someone with plenty of money. There are 700,000 md's in the US and only 60,000 chiropractors. 7 of the top 10 lobbyists in the US are medically oriented. They got money. These shows aren't slapping on chiropractic just for drama or laughs. This is all part of the old AMA guideline to "contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession". In other word they're doing it on purpose. Bill Cosby did have a great scene on his show one time when he, his wife and two friends were talking about going to the chiropractor. It was all positive. I have always felt that if a TV show such as a soap opera or a sitcom (like Bill Cosby) had a major character be a chiropractor, be the nice guy, family guy, the community leader, the great father and husband, we would see chiropractic offices fill up just like the UGA law school did. We don't need the ignorance of these writers and producers making chiropractic look bad for no good reason. Let the American Chiropractic Association or a chiropractor in practice have a say so of what is portrayed as chiropractic in thes shows. BE fair. Be honest. Hey!! I'm available.
This information is from the Journal of the American Medical Association, an article entitled Biogenic Medicine by Dr. Barbara Starfield talks about deaths from iatrogenic causes. Iatrogenic is defined as "induced in a patient by a physician's activity, manner or therapy (especially a complication of treatment).
Deaths per year:
12,000 due to unnecessary surgery,
7,000 due to medical errors in hospitals,
20,000 due to other errors in hospitals,
80,000 due to infections in hospitals,
106,000 due to non error negative effects of drugs.
In a study dating from 1934 through 1999 there were ONLY 19 ( that's nineteen!!) TOTAL deaths due to chiropractic treatment. So, nearly 225,000 deaths every year due to some form of medical care as opposed 19 deaths in a 65 years period of time.
Why is it important to tell you this? One reason is to help you understand that chiropractic is safe. Another reason is to let you make your own decision as to who you want to believe.
TV shows have a tremendous impact on what people think and believe. Many years ago there was a TV show called LA Law. A very popular show about the glamorous side of being a lawyer. The year before it premiered the University of Georgia law school did not have enough applications to fill the 250 seats available for that years class. The year after the law shows first season the the UGA law school had 3000 applications for the 250 seats. TV has an impact. This past week there was a show on called "Bones". This is a forensic show solving murders. This particular episode had the murderer being a chiropractor. The murder weapon was an activator instrument. Just in the way the actors played out the plot was enough to scare an unsuspecting person to have concern of going to a chiropractor. I could picture a new patient in my office freaking out when I brought the activator instument to adjust them. Another show called "Two and A Half Men" has one of its main characters as being a chiropractor. Sadly he's a doofus. On one show his brother in the show uses his chiropractic office as a brothel stating that's all his chiropractic office is is a massage parlor. On ER a few years ago a statement was made by a doctor concerning a diagnosis made by a chiropractor of this particular patient. The patient had stated the chiropractor told her she had a scoliosis, the ER doctor sarcastically said "they tell everybody that". All of these disparaging comments and depictions of chiropractic is the tip of an iceberg. These show have to be sanctioned by someone with plenty of money. There are 700,000 md's in the US and only 60,000 chiropractors. 7 of the top 10 lobbyists in the US are medically oriented. They got money. These shows aren't slapping on chiropractic just for drama or laughs. This is all part of the old AMA guideline to "contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession". In other word they're doing it on purpose. Bill Cosby did have a great scene on his show one time when he, his wife and two friends were talking about going to the chiropractor. It was all positive. I have always felt that if a TV show such as a soap opera or a sitcom (like Bill Cosby) had a major character be a chiropractor, be the nice guy, family guy, the community leader, the great father and husband, we would see chiropractic offices fill up just like the UGA law school did. We don't need the ignorance of these writers and producers making chiropractic look bad for no good reason. Let the American Chiropractic Association or a chiropractor in practice have a say so of what is portrayed as chiropractic in thes shows. BE fair. Be honest. Hey!! I'm available.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
50 Million North Americans Affected
This little known syndrome affects nearly 50 million folks in North America. It's called metabolic syndrome. Having it increases your chances of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. It is not a disease itself but can trigger these other diseases. Some common traits include excess abdominal fat(40 inches-men and 35 inches for women), high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and elevated blood sugar. Those folks with African, Pacific Island, Hispanic, South Asian, or Aboriginal decent have a greater risk of developing this syndrome. Although this is true other factors play a bigger role. Not enough exercise, large and unhealthy food portions all play a role. Another kick in the fanny is stress. Hey, which one of us does not have stress on our jobs, our families and our finances? As a matter of fact research has shown that those with chronic stress are twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
Remember that metabolism is responsible for processing the nutrients we consume by breaking them down into proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Then the body uses these for normal bodily functions, repair and energy. Hormones and other health conditions affect metabolism. Insulin is the key tie in. Insulin assists the body in regulating the glucose(sugar) in the blood that is created when we eat foods that have sugar or starch. If you have insulin resistance your blood sugar spikes leading to possibly developing diabetes and a host of other ailments like heart problem and stokes.
You already know the fix but will you do what is needed.
1) Exercise two and a half hours per week. A 30 minute walk a day would be great.
2) Consume a low calorie and low fat diet.
3) Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
4) Eat foods high in magnesium such as halibut, almonds and spinach. Mineral supplements with magnesium is also good.
5) Try to do things that lower your stress level such as exercise, teas and take regular time off to rejuvenate. Keep family and friends close. Use a counselor if needed.
As always keep up with regular chiropractic care!!
Remember that metabolism is responsible for processing the nutrients we consume by breaking them down into proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Then the body uses these for normal bodily functions, repair and energy. Hormones and other health conditions affect metabolism. Insulin is the key tie in. Insulin assists the body in regulating the glucose(sugar) in the blood that is created when we eat foods that have sugar or starch. If you have insulin resistance your blood sugar spikes leading to possibly developing diabetes and a host of other ailments like heart problem and stokes.
You already know the fix but will you do what is needed.
1) Exercise two and a half hours per week. A 30 minute walk a day would be great.
2) Consume a low calorie and low fat diet.
3) Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
4) Eat foods high in magnesium such as halibut, almonds and spinach. Mineral supplements with magnesium is also good.
5) Try to do things that lower your stress level such as exercise, teas and take regular time off to rejuvenate. Keep family and friends close. Use a counselor if needed.
As always keep up with regular chiropractic care!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
AM I JUST TIRED?
Not sleeping well? Feel tired all the time? Do your joints hurt even though you're not injured, not ill or haven't really exercised? You may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It's believed that over 1 million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue. So, what is it? Dictionary.com defines a syndrome as "a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, psychological disorder, or other abnormal condition." Our office's Topic of the Week by Brican quotes a study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry finding 5 categories of symptoms. Here they are: 1. At least six months of unexplained fatigue, 2. trouble concentrating and thinking straight, 3. joint pain with or without redness and swelling, 4. sleeping problems, 6. disturbed mood. CFS can mimic other common health problems such as thyroid conditions, cancer, viral infection, anemia and depression. What this is really saying is to check with your physician and have what ever tests that are needed done.
The CDC states there is no single factor to explain how someone develops CFS. Here are some likely possibilities: a) infections, b) immune dysfunction, c) physical response to emotional stress, d) an autonomic nervous system disorder called NMH or neurally mediated hypotension, e) allergies and nutritional food sensitivities.
How can chiropractic help? Well, there is no cure. But, chiropractic adjustments can help increase immune system function, can increase energy by reducing the stress on joints and the advice of the chiropractor can help you with your nutritional goals. As always, chiropractic treatment helps to reduce spasm, swelling, increase joint motion and reduce nerve pressure. Always try chiropractic; if you haven't tried chiropractic you haven't "tried everything".
The CDC states there is no single factor to explain how someone develops CFS. Here are some likely possibilities: a) infections, b) immune dysfunction, c) physical response to emotional stress, d) an autonomic nervous system disorder called NMH or neurally mediated hypotension, e) allergies and nutritional food sensitivities.
How can chiropractic help? Well, there is no cure. But, chiropractic adjustments can help increase immune system function, can increase energy by reducing the stress on joints and the advice of the chiropractor can help you with your nutritional goals. As always, chiropractic treatment helps to reduce spasm, swelling, increase joint motion and reduce nerve pressure. Always try chiropractic; if you haven't tried chiropractic you haven't "tried everything".
Sunday, March 1, 2009
AUTO ACCIDENTS AND BAD WEATHER
This weekend in Atlanta, GA has been one of the nastiest in awhile. It started raining on Friday, it rained nearly all day Saturday and today it has snowed most of the afternoon. It's supposed to go into the 20's tonight. The roads will probably be treacherous in the morning. Slick wet roads and driving don't mix very well. There will be hundreds of accidents this weekend. Many people will have both minor and very serious injuries. Chiropractors can't help fractured bones or severe lacerations but we are the best at soft tissue injuries.
It does not matter the direction of the collision. A rear end, side impact, front impact or even a rollover collision can create enough impact through the vehicle that anyone in the vehicle can receive soft tissue damage. When muscles and ligaments get stretched farther than their normal ability small fibers are torn. Picture a paper cut, you can't even see but it hurts like the devil. There is swelling due to the injury and bleeding into the tissue. This is what's happening to the fibers of the muscles and ligaments. The muscles around the injured area will go into spasm to protect themselves. This is called splinting or guarding, the body is doing this on purpose. When the spine is involved, the joints of the spine can go out of alignment and pinch nerves. These pinched nerves can cause radiating pain into the head, upper back, mid back and extremities. The misaligned vertebra will become restricted in their movement and affect the overall range of motion of the spine. All of these cause pain---pinched nerves, swelling, spasm, and restricted joint motion. Simple huh? "Take a muscle relaxer, an anti-inflammatory and a pain killer. That'll fix it, right?" Wrong!!!
Medication may be necessary to get you through the tough times but CANNOT correct the problem. Chiropractic may be the answer. A thorough spinal, orthopedic and neurological examination along with the necessary x-ray can determine if their is a mechanical or structural problem that was created by the accident. Through a series of treatments these injuries can be stabilized and rehabilitated, hopefully back to "pre-injury state". Treatment includes spinal adjustments, ice and moist heat, electrical muscle stimulation, inter segmental traction as well as rest and exercise.
Spinal adjustments help correct the spinal misalignment's. Ice helps to reduce the swelling. Heat soothes the muscles and helps to promote the healing process. Electrical muscle stimulation reduces muscle spasm, pain and swelling. Inter segmental traction helps to increase mobility and promote the healing process. Through my nearly 30 years of practice I have found that 85 to 90% of all the people I accept for treatment get better. That means 10 to 15% don't see the response that I or them would have liked to have seen. I refer these people for further medical evaluation as necessary.
I can't help everybody. Chiropractic gets better results with these type injuries than any other type of care. I don't want people to get injured but if they do I want them to give me a chance. CHIROPRACTIC WORKS!!
It does not matter the direction of the collision. A rear end, side impact, front impact or even a rollover collision can create enough impact through the vehicle that anyone in the vehicle can receive soft tissue damage. When muscles and ligaments get stretched farther than their normal ability small fibers are torn. Picture a paper cut, you can't even see but it hurts like the devil. There is swelling due to the injury and bleeding into the tissue. This is what's happening to the fibers of the muscles and ligaments. The muscles around the injured area will go into spasm to protect themselves. This is called splinting or guarding, the body is doing this on purpose. When the spine is involved, the joints of the spine can go out of alignment and pinch nerves. These pinched nerves can cause radiating pain into the head, upper back, mid back and extremities. The misaligned vertebra will become restricted in their movement and affect the overall range of motion of the spine. All of these cause pain---pinched nerves, swelling, spasm, and restricted joint motion. Simple huh? "Take a muscle relaxer, an anti-inflammatory and a pain killer. That'll fix it, right?" Wrong!!!
Medication may be necessary to get you through the tough times but CANNOT correct the problem. Chiropractic may be the answer. A thorough spinal, orthopedic and neurological examination along with the necessary x-ray can determine if their is a mechanical or structural problem that was created by the accident. Through a series of treatments these injuries can be stabilized and rehabilitated, hopefully back to "pre-injury state". Treatment includes spinal adjustments, ice and moist heat, electrical muscle stimulation, inter segmental traction as well as rest and exercise.
Spinal adjustments help correct the spinal misalignment's. Ice helps to reduce the swelling. Heat soothes the muscles and helps to promote the healing process. Electrical muscle stimulation reduces muscle spasm, pain and swelling. Inter segmental traction helps to increase mobility and promote the healing process. Through my nearly 30 years of practice I have found that 85 to 90% of all the people I accept for treatment get better. That means 10 to 15% don't see the response that I or them would have liked to have seen. I refer these people for further medical evaluation as necessary.
I can't help everybody. Chiropractic gets better results with these type injuries than any other type of care. I don't want people to get injured but if they do I want them to give me a chance. CHIROPRACTIC WORKS!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Chiropractic can improve your life!
Optimal Health University, a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing, had a recent health care topic of the week outlining the Top Ten Ways Chiropractic Can Improve Your Life. This week's blog is an abridged version of that article.
#10: Chiropractic Alleviates Pain. Chiropractic adjustments get to the root cause of your pain not just cover up symptoms. Muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medication and pain killers do what they are designed to do. When there is a mechanical dysfunction in the spine swelling, spasm and joint restriction occur. All of these cause pain. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments the chiropractor corrects the vertebral subluxation. This in itself can alleviate pain.
#9: Chiropractic Prevents Other Conditions. As you may remember from a previous blog vertebral subluxations can effect nerve function therefore body function. The brain and nervous system control and coordinate all functions and systems of the body. Nerve pressure caused by misaligned vertebra effect this nerve function. Conditions and disorders such as PMS, high blood pressure, impotence, and ear infections (as well as many other conditions) have been known to respond to Chiropractic care.
#8: Chiropractic Boosts Productivity. Athletes like Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong rely on chiropractic care to reach optimal performance capacity. Spinal adjustments help maintain the best possible joint motion and function, this in turn helps to keep swelling down and maintain normal muscle tone. All of this helps keep the mobility needed to perform the action of sports and work. Sitting, standing, lifting and twisting all day need normal motion and muscle tone. Chiropractic treatment does this.
#7: Chiropractic May Make You Smarter. Two different research studies, one involving 500 people and another involving 30 people mapped brain activity and reaction time before and after cervical spine adjustments. Researchers found that "cervical manipulation activates specific neurological pathways" in the brain, potentially stimulating cognitive function as well as improved response selection.
#6: Chiropractic Boosts Immunity. Two different small studies were done and researchers found that regular chiropractic treatment may boost the body's immune response. A powerful immune system is a key component of chiropractic's all-natural preventative strategy.
#5: Chiropractic Reduces Stress. Increased mobility, decreased swelling, decreased spasm and increased muscle tone are all effects of spinal adjustments. This allows you to be free of the physical restriction to regular exercise. Exercise is a key component to busting stress and preventing stress related anxiety and depression.
#4: Chiropractic Increases Physical Activity. A feeling of comfort, rest and ease of mobility all give you confidence and motivation to exercise regularly. The more you exercise, the more you want to exercise. When you don't hurt you are more likely to do the things you like to do.
#3: Chiropractic Allows Patients To Avoid Unnecessary Medication. Chiropractic adjustments along with proper rest, a good diet with proper nutrition and supplements when necessary, exercise and a good positive mental attitude give you the best formula for being able to function your life without the need for drugs. Drugs may cause as many side affects and symptoms just like the ones that you are trying to get rid of.
#2: Chiropractic Improves Sleep Quality. This particular aspect of improved quality of life using chiropractic care needs only one statement from me. In my 30 years of practice the most common statement I here from patients after their first adjustment is not "I feel better" but "I haven't slept this good in years". I really don't care what researchers have to say about this. I do care what my patients say though. Chiropractic helps you rest better for all the same reasons you feel better. Reduced spasm, swelling, pain and increased motion all help you relax and rest better.
#1: Chiropractic Creates Wellness. A sense of well-being, confidence in the response to treatment and the encouragement to do all the right things to be healthy and stay healthy catapults you to optimal health, increased longevity and a heightened quality of life.
Chiropractic can improve your life. Regular chiropractic treatment is an investment in your health not an expense. For the cost of a CT scan or an MRI you can get many treatments. Try conservative care first. Why use a shot gun when a BB gun may get the job done.
IF YOU ARE A PATIENT OF MINE READING THIS ARTICLE, MENTION THIS TO ME AT YOUR NEXT VISIT AND YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE MY TREAT FOR THAT VISIT. THIS IS AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF MARCH.
#10: Chiropractic Alleviates Pain. Chiropractic adjustments get to the root cause of your pain not just cover up symptoms. Muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medication and pain killers do what they are designed to do. When there is a mechanical dysfunction in the spine swelling, spasm and joint restriction occur. All of these cause pain. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments the chiropractor corrects the vertebral subluxation. This in itself can alleviate pain.
#9: Chiropractic Prevents Other Conditions. As you may remember from a previous blog vertebral subluxations can effect nerve function therefore body function. The brain and nervous system control and coordinate all functions and systems of the body. Nerve pressure caused by misaligned vertebra effect this nerve function. Conditions and disorders such as PMS, high blood pressure, impotence, and ear infections (as well as many other conditions) have been known to respond to Chiropractic care.
#8: Chiropractic Boosts Productivity. Athletes like Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong rely on chiropractic care to reach optimal performance capacity. Spinal adjustments help maintain the best possible joint motion and function, this in turn helps to keep swelling down and maintain normal muscle tone. All of this helps keep the mobility needed to perform the action of sports and work. Sitting, standing, lifting and twisting all day need normal motion and muscle tone. Chiropractic treatment does this.
#7: Chiropractic May Make You Smarter. Two different research studies, one involving 500 people and another involving 30 people mapped brain activity and reaction time before and after cervical spine adjustments. Researchers found that "cervical manipulation activates specific neurological pathways" in the brain, potentially stimulating cognitive function as well as improved response selection.
#6: Chiropractic Boosts Immunity. Two different small studies were done and researchers found that regular chiropractic treatment may boost the body's immune response. A powerful immune system is a key component of chiropractic's all-natural preventative strategy.
#5: Chiropractic Reduces Stress. Increased mobility, decreased swelling, decreased spasm and increased muscle tone are all effects of spinal adjustments. This allows you to be free of the physical restriction to regular exercise. Exercise is a key component to busting stress and preventing stress related anxiety and depression.
#4: Chiropractic Increases Physical Activity. A feeling of comfort, rest and ease of mobility all give you confidence and motivation to exercise regularly. The more you exercise, the more you want to exercise. When you don't hurt you are more likely to do the things you like to do.
#3: Chiropractic Allows Patients To Avoid Unnecessary Medication. Chiropractic adjustments along with proper rest, a good diet with proper nutrition and supplements when necessary, exercise and a good positive mental attitude give you the best formula for being able to function your life without the need for drugs. Drugs may cause as many side affects and symptoms just like the ones that you are trying to get rid of.
#2: Chiropractic Improves Sleep Quality. This particular aspect of improved quality of life using chiropractic care needs only one statement from me. In my 30 years of practice the most common statement I here from patients after their first adjustment is not "I feel better" but "I haven't slept this good in years". I really don't care what researchers have to say about this. I do care what my patients say though. Chiropractic helps you rest better for all the same reasons you feel better. Reduced spasm, swelling, pain and increased motion all help you relax and rest better.
#1: Chiropractic Creates Wellness. A sense of well-being, confidence in the response to treatment and the encouragement to do all the right things to be healthy and stay healthy catapults you to optimal health, increased longevity and a heightened quality of life.
Chiropractic can improve your life. Regular chiropractic treatment is an investment in your health not an expense. For the cost of a CT scan or an MRI you can get many treatments. Try conservative care first. Why use a shot gun when a BB gun may get the job done.
IF YOU ARE A PATIENT OF MINE READING THIS ARTICLE, MENTION THIS TO ME AT YOUR NEXT VISIT AND YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE MY TREAT FOR THAT VISIT. THIS IS AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF MARCH.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A HEALTHY HEART
It's Valentine's Day weekend so I felt this would be a great time to do a write-up on heart health. You can go to www.medicinenet.com to learn much more than I'm putting here.
A healthy heart requires you to participate. Of course there are a lot of "stay away froms". Fast foods, excessive alcohol, high fat foods, junk foods, excessive caffeine; just to name a few.
1) FOODS for a healthy heart:
Salmon, flax seed, oatmeal, black or kidney beans, almonds, red wine, tuna, tofu, brown rice, soy milk, blueberries, carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, red bell peppers, asparagus, oranges, tomatoes, acorn squash, cantaloupe, papaya, dark chocolate, and tea.
2) VITAMINS and SUPPLEMENTS for a healthy heart:
Vitamin E, vitamin C, the B complex (it's OK to take individual B vitamins but best to take the complex and add the needed extra B to that), Calcium and vitamin D, Magnesium, Selenium(added to the trace minerals supplement), CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids.
3) EXERCISES for a healthy heart:
Stretching: a)this will help prepare your muscles for the more strenuous exercises and will help lessen injury. b) this will increase your range of motion and flexibility.
Cardiovascular/aerobic: this form of exercise will help strengthen your heart and lungs and improve the body's use of oxygen, over time this will decrease the heart rate and blood pressure as well as improving the breathing.
Examples of aerobic exercises: walking, jogging, bicycling(stationary or outdoor bikes), skiing, skating(ice or roller), rowing, low impact aerobics, water aerobics. Gradually work up to 20-30 minutes per day 3 to 4 days per week. Follow a set routine with your exercises, use a trainer if necessary. a) warm up with your stretching exercises first. b) do your choice of exercise-this will burn calories and help you gain the aerobic benefit. watch your heart rate--don't over do it.
c) cool down with stretching exercises; don't just sit or lie down, stretch or walk around for another 5 minutes.
Go to www.medicinenet.com for more info and as always don't begin an exercise program, start a diet or add supplements without talking with your physician first.
A healthy heart requires you to participate. Of course there are a lot of "stay away froms". Fast foods, excessive alcohol, high fat foods, junk foods, excessive caffeine; just to name a few.
1) FOODS for a healthy heart:
Salmon, flax seed, oatmeal, black or kidney beans, almonds, red wine, tuna, tofu, brown rice, soy milk, blueberries, carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, red bell peppers, asparagus, oranges, tomatoes, acorn squash, cantaloupe, papaya, dark chocolate, and tea.
2) VITAMINS and SUPPLEMENTS for a healthy heart:
Vitamin E, vitamin C, the B complex (it's OK to take individual B vitamins but best to take the complex and add the needed extra B to that), Calcium and vitamin D, Magnesium, Selenium(added to the trace minerals supplement), CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids.
3) EXERCISES for a healthy heart:
Stretching: a)this will help prepare your muscles for the more strenuous exercises and will help lessen injury. b) this will increase your range of motion and flexibility.
Cardiovascular/aerobic: this form of exercise will help strengthen your heart and lungs and improve the body's use of oxygen, over time this will decrease the heart rate and blood pressure as well as improving the breathing.
Examples of aerobic exercises: walking, jogging, bicycling(stationary or outdoor bikes), skiing, skating(ice or roller), rowing, low impact aerobics, water aerobics. Gradually work up to 20-30 minutes per day 3 to 4 days per week. Follow a set routine with your exercises, use a trainer if necessary. a) warm up with your stretching exercises first. b) do your choice of exercise-this will burn calories and help you gain the aerobic benefit. watch your heart rate--don't over do it.
c) cool down with stretching exercises; don't just sit or lie down, stretch or walk around for another 5 minutes.
Go to www.medicinenet.com for more info and as always don't begin an exercise program, start a diet or add supplements without talking with your physician first.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What IS Chirpractic? Part II
This is the second part of "what is chiropractic?". I always tell my patients in our health orientation class "if you don't here anything else I say the rest of the class, pay close attention to this, THIS IS CHIROPRACTIC.
5. The Nervous System: The very first part of our bodies that form when we are inside our mom's womb is the brain and the spinal cord. The purpose of the brain and nervous system is to control and coordinate all the functions of the body. From the formation of the brain and spinal cord every other body part will form. EVERY part of our body is controlled by the brain and the nervous system. Nothing in our body can function without the direct or indirect control of the nervous system. They proved this with the guillotine. The brain sends messages to the body part to tell it what to do and the brain can receive messages from the different body parts. This message can be disrupted by what is referred to as a vertebral subluxation. This subluxation of any one of the vertebra of the spine can effect the nerve flow to a body part. Just the pressure of a leaf or a child's balloon put on the nerve root (that's the part of the nerve that comes off of the spinal cord between the spinal vertebra)can stop the flow of the nerve transmission to a body part by 60%. This means something in the body is only getting 40% nerve supply. There can be a 5% or a15% shut down. It doesn't really matter. Understand that it is the misalignment that is the concern at this point. This "pinched nerve" is caused by the closing off of the foremen(the hole created where the two spinal vertebra come together). The narrowing of the foremen is caused by soft tissue swelling, muscle spasm, and/or misalignment of the two vertebra. Of course, this can cause radiating pain also. You would feel this leg pain, arm pain, headaches, etc.. This misalignment can be caused by trauma such as falls, auto accidents, lifting improperly, sitting or lying down awkwardly,sports injuries, or even childhood mishaps like wrestling with your brother or sister. You have probably heard of someone that is a paraplegic or quadriplegic. If this person fractured the vertebra due to some injury there would be enough pressure on the spinal cord to basically shut down nearly all function from that level on down. Misalignment of the vertebra and the subsequent nerve pressure is similar to this but on a smaller scale. As a body part weakens through the next weeks, months, or years it is more susceptible to outside pathogens like viral or bacterial infection. If this nerve supply decrease is affecting the natural immune system of the body then your resistance is weakened. I had a man come to me with serious low back problems and relate to me that he was also impotent. After several treatments not only did he see great improvement in his low back condition but he also was no longer impotent. His wife came in to hug me! Another young women that came to me for a back problem related to me that she was told, per her medical doctor, that she would be unable to have children. After a period of time with treatment of her back problem she actually was able to get pregnant. It didn't really sound too good when she said "she went to her Chiropractor and got pregnant" though. Both of these are true stories. This is not hocus pocus. Simply, as the misalignment of the spine were corrected and stabilized the nerve pressure was reduced and this allowed the body part to function normally. Not every one responds to Chiropractic care. Of course there are many other reasons that a person could have either one of these conditions. It's just that until they went to a Chiropractor they had not "tried everything". 85% to 90% of all the patients that use Chiropractic care see results. If a patient comes to us that we know needs medical care we make the appropriate referral. All we ask is that you "give us a chance".
5. The Nervous System: The very first part of our bodies that form when we are inside our mom's womb is the brain and the spinal cord. The purpose of the brain and nervous system is to control and coordinate all the functions of the body. From the formation of the brain and spinal cord every other body part will form. EVERY part of our body is controlled by the brain and the nervous system. Nothing in our body can function without the direct or indirect control of the nervous system. They proved this with the guillotine. The brain sends messages to the body part to tell it what to do and the brain can receive messages from the different body parts. This message can be disrupted by what is referred to as a vertebral subluxation. This subluxation of any one of the vertebra of the spine can effect the nerve flow to a body part. Just the pressure of a leaf or a child's balloon put on the nerve root (that's the part of the nerve that comes off of the spinal cord between the spinal vertebra)can stop the flow of the nerve transmission to a body part by 60%. This means something in the body is only getting 40% nerve supply. There can be a 5% or a15% shut down. It doesn't really matter. Understand that it is the misalignment that is the concern at this point. This "pinched nerve" is caused by the closing off of the foremen(the hole created where the two spinal vertebra come together). The narrowing of the foremen is caused by soft tissue swelling, muscle spasm, and/or misalignment of the two vertebra. Of course, this can cause radiating pain also. You would feel this leg pain, arm pain, headaches, etc.. This misalignment can be caused by trauma such as falls, auto accidents, lifting improperly, sitting or lying down awkwardly,sports injuries, or even childhood mishaps like wrestling with your brother or sister. You have probably heard of someone that is a paraplegic or quadriplegic. If this person fractured the vertebra due to some injury there would be enough pressure on the spinal cord to basically shut down nearly all function from that level on down. Misalignment of the vertebra and the subsequent nerve pressure is similar to this but on a smaller scale. As a body part weakens through the next weeks, months, or years it is more susceptible to outside pathogens like viral or bacterial infection. If this nerve supply decrease is affecting the natural immune system of the body then your resistance is weakened. I had a man come to me with serious low back problems and relate to me that he was also impotent. After several treatments not only did he see great improvement in his low back condition but he also was no longer impotent. His wife came in to hug me! Another young women that came to me for a back problem related to me that she was told, per her medical doctor, that she would be unable to have children. After a period of time with treatment of her back problem she actually was able to get pregnant. It didn't really sound too good when she said "she went to her Chiropractor and got pregnant" though. Both of these are true stories. This is not hocus pocus. Simply, as the misalignment of the spine were corrected and stabilized the nerve pressure was reduced and this allowed the body part to function normally. Not every one responds to Chiropractic care. Of course there are many other reasons that a person could have either one of these conditions. It's just that until they went to a Chiropractor they had not "tried everything". 85% to 90% of all the patients that use Chiropractic care see results. If a patient comes to us that we know needs medical care we make the appropriate referral. All we ask is that you "give us a chance".
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What IS Chiropractic? Part I
Opinions abound. These are mine. There are many aspects of our life that effect our overall health. Most of them are totally up to you to control.
1. Exercise: You have got to do something over and above your normal daily routine. Walk a mile a day. Do 25 push-ups and 25 sit-ups a day. Or, for you heavy duty people go to the gym and work out with weights or do an aerobic class or a spin class (stationary bicycle aerobics). Most recently my wife has begun Wii Fit--amazing the work out she gets right in front of the TV. Basically, do 20 minutes worth of something every day or 1-2 hours 3 days a week.
2. Eat right: Last weeks blog on diet has some good ideas and the first blog on water is a good guide too. The big key is to work at it every day, don't get frustrated, keep working at it consistently. You know what's right; just do it. Keep fast food to a minimum and keep your portions reasonable and stay away of the in between stuff(junk).
3. Rest: Most people can do very well on 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night(sadly this means we are sleeping 1/3 of our life). Some people can go all day on 4 to 5 hours per night(I wish I could). The big key is to rest well. You need a good firm mattress, in my opinion. I have found this to be true for the greatest majority of my patients. Try not to sleep on your stomach, if you sleep on your back use a support under your neck like a rolled up towel(there are special pillows for this also). Doing this helps to keep the natural forward curve in the neck. Also, put a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side put the extra pillow between your knees and situate your pillow to keep your head in the center of your shoulders. Take mini rest breaks during the day. Stop two to four times per day for five minute breaks. Sit back relaxed, close your eyes and take deep breaths until you almost feel dozy. You'll be amazed at how much this will make you feel rested after a long day at work.
4. Positive Mental Attitude: To me,the second most important aspect of over all good health is a positive mental attitude. If you look at the glass half empty instead of half full you'll never be totally healthy. You can't stay angry or stay wound up all the time and stay healthy. From a practical stand point if you have 7 headaches a week and after 4 weeks of Chiropractic treatment you are now only having 2 headaches a week, did we make progress? Sure, but if your mindset is "I'm still having headaches" you're the type that will always have something. Find the good; "I'm resting better", "I have more energy", "I get up and down easier", anything that gives you confidence that you are doing the right thing and you are in the right place. You will continue to see good results and hopefully resolve the problem completely. Just keep it up.
Next week I'll talk about #5- The most important of all. If you have never been to Chiropractor, this will help give you answers to what separates us from traditional medicine. I have had patients come in for neck or back problems and after a series of treatments tell that her menstrual cramps haven't been as bad or his sinus problem improved. I'll discuss the connection.
1. Exercise: You have got to do something over and above your normal daily routine. Walk a mile a day. Do 25 push-ups and 25 sit-ups a day. Or, for you heavy duty people go to the gym and work out with weights or do an aerobic class or a spin class (stationary bicycle aerobics). Most recently my wife has begun Wii Fit--amazing the work out she gets right in front of the TV. Basically, do 20 minutes worth of something every day or 1-2 hours 3 days a week.
2. Eat right: Last weeks blog on diet has some good ideas and the first blog on water is a good guide too. The big key is to work at it every day, don't get frustrated, keep working at it consistently. You know what's right; just do it. Keep fast food to a minimum and keep your portions reasonable and stay away of the in between stuff(junk).
3. Rest: Most people can do very well on 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night(sadly this means we are sleeping 1/3 of our life). Some people can go all day on 4 to 5 hours per night(I wish I could). The big key is to rest well. You need a good firm mattress, in my opinion. I have found this to be true for the greatest majority of my patients. Try not to sleep on your stomach, if you sleep on your back use a support under your neck like a rolled up towel(there are special pillows for this also). Doing this helps to keep the natural forward curve in the neck. Also, put a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side put the extra pillow between your knees and situate your pillow to keep your head in the center of your shoulders. Take mini rest breaks during the day. Stop two to four times per day for five minute breaks. Sit back relaxed, close your eyes and take deep breaths until you almost feel dozy. You'll be amazed at how much this will make you feel rested after a long day at work.
4. Positive Mental Attitude: To me,the second most important aspect of over all good health is a positive mental attitude. If you look at the glass half empty instead of half full you'll never be totally healthy. You can't stay angry or stay wound up all the time and stay healthy. From a practical stand point if you have 7 headaches a week and after 4 weeks of Chiropractic treatment you are now only having 2 headaches a week, did we make progress? Sure, but if your mindset is "I'm still having headaches" you're the type that will always have something. Find the good; "I'm resting better", "I have more energy", "I get up and down easier", anything that gives you confidence that you are doing the right thing and you are in the right place. You will continue to see good results and hopefully resolve the problem completely. Just keep it up.
Next week I'll talk about #5- The most important of all. If you have never been to Chiropractor, this will help give you answers to what separates us from traditional medicine. I have had patients come in for neck or back problems and after a series of treatments tell that her menstrual cramps haven't been as bad or his sinus problem improved. I'll discuss the connection.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
LET'S MAKE DIETING A LITTLE "EASIER"
Most of the information I will share today is from To Your Health. Here are some tips for quick (semi) healthy meals "on the go". 1. Choosing grilled over fried means getting less oil-less fat-less calories. 2. Go with the salad with low fat dressing on the side. 3. No extras--mayonnaise, dressings, croutons, cheese, bacon. 4. Share--go ahead and have the fries and the rings, just share; don't eat the entire box by yourself. 5. No bun on the burger or just eat 1/2 of the bun. 6. "Kid size" it instead of super-sizing it. You'll get enough, honest. 7. If you have to have a dessert choose a fruit salad or yogurt or low-fat ice cream. These choices will be a lot better than cookies, pies, cake, turnovers or a milkshake.
In reality, don't do fast food at all if at all possible. Be smart and be reasonable. Watch your portions. I tell my patients who want to or are trying to diet and really don't know where to start to watch their portions. If you must eat meat, limit it to 2 to 3 meals per week. Stick with fish, chicken and turkey. Try to stay away from pork all together, there is a chemical in pork that reduces the natural anti-inflammatory process of the body. If you have any type of arthritis, eating pork or red meat tends to make it worse and cause flare-ups. Stay away from "whites"; white sugar, white salt, and white flower. Don't add these to your foods. Stay with whole wheat for your bread choices. When you dip your foods to the plate, don't put any larger size than the palm of your hand. This is for the vegetables as well as the meat. Eat more vegetables than meat. Stay away from the soft drinks. NO in between meal snacking. A 1/4 cup of nuts per day will actually have enough "good" fat in them to make your bowel movements easier. On days that you screw up don't throw in the towel, just recommit and start over. Stick with it. You shouldn't lose more than 3 to 5 pounds per week. ONE POUND of fat is 3300 calories. You have to lower you calorie intake as well as increase you calorie burn off. Do some form of exercise that's over and above your daily routine. (As always- DO NOT start a diet or an exercise program without talking to your physician first.)
Good Luck!!
In reality, don't do fast food at all if at all possible. Be smart and be reasonable. Watch your portions. I tell my patients who want to or are trying to diet and really don't know where to start to watch their portions. If you must eat meat, limit it to 2 to 3 meals per week. Stick with fish, chicken and turkey. Try to stay away from pork all together, there is a chemical in pork that reduces the natural anti-inflammatory process of the body. If you have any type of arthritis, eating pork or red meat tends to make it worse and cause flare-ups. Stay away from "whites"; white sugar, white salt, and white flower. Don't add these to your foods. Stay with whole wheat for your bread choices. When you dip your foods to the plate, don't put any larger size than the palm of your hand. This is for the vegetables as well as the meat. Eat more vegetables than meat. Stay away from the soft drinks. NO in between meal snacking. A 1/4 cup of nuts per day will actually have enough "good" fat in them to make your bowel movements easier. On days that you screw up don't throw in the towel, just recommit and start over. Stick with it. You shouldn't lose more than 3 to 5 pounds per week. ONE POUND of fat is 3300 calories. You have to lower you calorie intake as well as increase you calorie burn off. Do some form of exercise that's over and above your daily routine. (As always- DO NOT start a diet or an exercise program without talking to your physician first.)
Good Luck!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ergonomic Principles
This week's information is from the ACAnews magazine article authored by Nataliya Schetchikova.
I am a computer semi-illiterate. But as you can see by me doing this blog I'm trying to get into the 21st century. As a matter of fact I just got my first PDA to be able to do text messaging , get on the Internet, etc. It's neat. I'm learning. Apparently, the use of PDA's, Wii machines and play station controls can create problems. This review is to help save you from problems.
Preventing the overuse of gadgets and games as mentioned above is a two-fold, issue according to Jean Schiller, a certified professional ergonomist with more than 15 years experience. On the one hand , designers must create devices that are comfortable and easy to use. Yet consumers need to understand how the body works and use common sense.
Here are four principles of ergonomics to help you make healthy choices.
1. Comfort and Posture
Modify the environment to ensure you're comfortable and maintain a relaxed posture.
When using PDAs
I am a computer semi-illiterate. But as you can see by me doing this blog I'm trying to get into the 21st century. As a matter of fact I just got my first PDA to be able to do text messaging , get on the Internet, etc. It's neat. I'm learning. Apparently, the use of PDA's, Wii machines and play station controls can create problems. This review is to help save you from problems.
Preventing the overuse of gadgets and games as mentioned above is a two-fold, issue according to Jean Schiller, a certified professional ergonomist with more than 15 years experience. On the one hand , designers must create devices that are comfortable and easy to use. Yet consumers need to understand how the body works and use common sense.
Here are four principles of ergonomics to help you make healthy choices.
1. Comfort and Posture
Modify the environment to ensure you're comfortable and maintain a relaxed posture.
When using PDAs
- Keep your wrists as straight as possible; avoid bending them up and down and to the sides.
- Minimize neck bending and twisting.
- Try to rest your arms when possible or let them fall relaxed the sides of your body.
- Use a chair that provides lower-back support and natural body posture.
When playing a game:
- When using a traditional classic controller, rest your arms on a pillow, if possible.
- Make sure there's room around your legs when you're playing the games.
- Position the gaming TV in front of you-not on the side-and put it at eye level so you aren't looking up at it all the time. Move the TV , monitor or yourself up or stand or use a higher chair.
2. Force
Schiller explains, "Hold the device gently, with relaxed hands. A PDA or a game controller does not require a lot a activation force--only a light touch." Also be aware of hazards in your environment. "If you rest your arms on a sharp edge, the edge is creating a force back to you, potentially cutting of circulation".
3. Length and Frequency of Use
Take breaks and change tasks to relax the whole body or certain muscles. "After using a PDA for a time, put it down and so some filling or talk on the phone--give the muscles a break. Also, consider occasionally using your finger instead of your thumbs to operate you PDA".
4. Overall Health
With many factor influencing musculoskelatal disorders, overall fitness and flexibility are important. "Eat a balanced diet, build up flexibility, do strength exercises and learn to manage your stress. Don't wait for pain to go to the doctor; any tingling, numbness, burning, or aching are warning signs you should not ignore--that's the stage when you can catch the issue and change your behavior. Pain requires a lot more work to get back to being healthy--or the issue may become chronic, as with carpal tunnel or tendinitis," says Schiller.
Of course talk to your Chiropractor for advice. Keep up with regular check ups in general for back, neck or headache pain.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
SODA-BAD-----WATER-GOOD
Ten reasons to stay away from Sodas and Energy Drinks: 1) The average soda has no nutritional value-only sugar, carbonated water, caramel color, natural flavors, caffeine, phosphoric acid and high fructose corn syrup. 2) Harvard researchers say the risk of childhood obesity increases 1.6 times with each additional daily serving of soda consumed. 3) Soda adds more sugar to a typical 2-year old's diet than cookies, candies and ice cream combined. 4) Several studies indicate that the sugar and acids in soda may cause tooth decay. 5) Some household cleaning web sites claim soda can be used as a toilet cleaner, a rust remover and a grease remover. ( I have personally used soda to clean battery cables on my car) 6) Another Harvard study of teenage athletes identified a strong association between soda consumption and bone fractures in 14-year old girls. 7) An average can of soda has 35-38mg of caffeine and as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar. 8)Most energy drinks contain about 80mg of caffeine, along with other legal stimulants like guarana and ginseng. 9) Certain energy drinks contain huge blasts of caffeine(up to 280mg)-almost triple the caffeine in a cup of coffee. 10) Energy drinks can boost heart rate and blood pressure, increase anxiety, dehydrate the body and cause insomnia. So drink more water!! You should be drinking at least 1/2 gallon of water per day. I tell my patients to start drinking a quart in the morning and try to finish it by or during lunch, start on the second quart in the afternoon and try to finish it by or during supper. It's OK to drink more!! Yes, you'll have to go to the bathroom more but this will help flush some of the toxins out of your body. Good luck in your quest to add this avenue to make you more healthy.
This information is from a waiting room patient magazine called To Your Health.
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