by Jeffrey Sklar, D.C.
The importance of chiropractic in its application to the family as a whole is paramount this day and age. With so much focus on antibiotics, drug resistant strains of bacteria, and H1N1, we are being driven to find new ways to treat our loved ones in a noninvasive, non-toxic approach. Additionally, with so many types of over the counter and prescription drugs for symptom relief from sneezing to joint pain, it should not be forgotten that the human body and condition has survived throughout time (prior to the advent of pharmaceutical companies and mass advertising).
Thomas Edison is quoted as saying "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of human frame, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
From the time of birth, a body begins to experience many types of trauma some greater than others. Different degrees of wear and tear are a natural part of the process. Many chiropractors like to reduce this wear and tear with chiropractic adjustments soon after a child is born. The reasoning is that infants get their necks twisted or subluxated coming out of the birth canal and then continue to experience trauma over the next few weeks as they adjust to their new world. Life is very different outside the womb with inoculations and other challenges the body must face in the first few weeks of life and into a vast world of physical and emotional stresses.
Chiropractors believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself as long as the central nervous system in unimpeded. Spinal subluxations or spinal misalignments can cause this encroachment in the nervous system, thus leaving a person susceptible to a simple muscular skeletal injury to something more systemic like asthma. Chiropractors frequently find that their younger patients that get regular care experience relief from chronic ear infections, colic and reflux. Additionally, they find that older patients that treat with chiropractic suffer from fewer colds, sinus and headache problems, digestion troubles, and muscular and skeletal concerns. Finally, a seemingly added benefit that many patients report is an overall sense of increased vigor, vitalty and feeling of wellness. Chiropractic is not something to be overlooked as possibility to treat the "human frame". More importantly, it is an approach to healthcare that should be looked into to optimize the health of the entire family. Remember, it is easier to stay well then to get better.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wanted: An End to Back Pain
4 Ways to Prevent an All-Too-Common Condition
By Kevin Wong, DC
www.toyourhealth.com
When was the last time you or someone you know suffered an episode of back pain? Chances are it wasn't that long ago. It might have forced you to miss work, take painkillers, anti-inflammatories or other medication, or just deal with the pain longer than you wanted to. Wouldn't it be wonderful to do some simple things to try and prevent back pain from happening in the first place? Here are a few easy ones to get you started.
In the new millennium, the health care pendulum has swung from treating symptoms toward prevention. It is a way of thinking that is analogous to going to the dentist for your six-month check-up or taking your car in for regularly scheduled maintenance - you avoid problems before they start, rather than waiting for something to happen and then "dealing with it." By that time, your car may be in the junk yard and you may be relegated to long-term medication or even surgery.
Back pain is the perfect example of a symptom too many people treat instead of preventing, and the consequences are staggering. It is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old. Approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least one whole day in the past three months and 7.6 percent reported at least one episode of severe acute low back pain within a one-year period. Low back pain is also very costly: Approximately 5 percent of people with back pain disability account for 75 percent of the costs associated with low back pain. Americans spend at least $50 billion per year on back pain - and that's just what gets reported.
With all that said, how are you going to prevent back pain? Here are four things you can start doing today to reduce your risk of suffering back pain and its costly (physically, emotionally and financially) consequences Read More
1. Get Adjusted by Your Chiropractor
Your muscles, bones and ligaments are stressed continuously by normal daily activities: driving, sitting at the computer, lifting your kids, doing exercise and countless other things. These little stresses add up over time and misalign the joints of your spine, arms and legs. The misalignments can then lead to muscle tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and pain. Although chiropractors commonly see patients who are in pain, getting spinal tune-ups when you are feeling "fine" will keep you feeling fine. Adjustments will put the bones and joints into healthier positions, which will also help muscle tone.
Generally, if you get adjusted while you're in pain, it will take longer to heal, whereas if you get regular or maintenance adjustments, you can avoid terrible episodes of pain before they even start. That's because keeping the spinal and extremity joints in good alignment will help your nervous system and immune systems function at their best. Even when you think you are feeling good, chiropractors can make sure you stay that way.
2. Practice Proper Ergonomics
Think safety: When you make your everyday activities safe to perform, it will help reduce the undue stress on your body.
This includes having your computer work stations at home and at your office set up properly for your body. Generally speaking, the keyboard height should be the same height as when your arms are comfortably at your side with the elbows bent. The mouse should also be close to your dominant wrist while your arms are at your sides.
Avoid poor posture: Whenever you sit, it is safest to sit on a full-back chair with plenty of support. Crossing the ankles is fine, but do not cross your legs. This puts tremendous pressure on the lower back, contributing to back pain. Also, if you are experiencing low back pain, it's a good idea not to sit on the couch or sofa, since they are typically too soft and unsupportive for the low back.
Lift properly: When lifting items, use the legs and the trunk of the body rather than the arms. Always bring objects closer to your abdomen or chest, as that is the center of gravity and support for most people. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.
Sleep well: The most supportive position for the body during sleep is on your back with a pillow under your knees. The next best position is on your side with a pillow between your knees and your head on a pillow that is thick enough to span the distance of your neck to the shoulders. A neck pillow that is too thin will kink the neck and could lead to neck and upper back pain down the road.
3. Exercise Regularly
We all know how important it is to participate in some type of regular exercise. Some of you already do that. Whether it be walking, playing sports or going to the gym, make sure you set up a program that keeps you consistent. Exercise helps the human body in so many ways, but one of the most important aspects involves stretching and strengthening of your back muscles. Often these muscles are referred to as core muscles of the body because they are located very close to the spine.
The core muscles help move and protect your spine when it is stressed or strained. By keeping them flexible and toned, you prevent pain and injuries from happening. When you are developing an exercise plan, talk to your doctor for ideas on what areas of the body you should specifically focus on to get maximum results, both in terms of overall fitness and protecting the back from injury.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Stress. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which can lead to back pain (it also can lead to heart problems, chemical imbalances, an inability to sleep and a host of other bad things).
It's always hard to maintain balance in your life between work, family and play, but it goes a long way toward helping your emotional stress.
Reducing stress can be as simple as scheduling some quiet time to be alone, doing yoga or meditation, taking a bath or just sitting and doing breathing exercises. Whatever activity you find relaxing or energizing, take time to do it. Down time allows you to unplug from the world and get grounded. It also allows your body to reset itself so you can deal with the next crisis or problem that's sure to arise.
Poor nutrition. Watching what you eat is another important factor to consider, because excess weight literally "weighs you down," which can contribute to back pain. Quite simply, losing excess weight in a healthy manner will take pressure off your lower back and reduce stress on the vertebrae.
It is truly amazing that our society is now making an active transition from listening to symptoms or pain to preventative health care. Now is the time for you to be able to take a more active role in deciding how your future health will play out. Armed with the tips discussed above, you can make changes now that will help your back and your overall well-being for years to come. The power of health is in your hands.
________________________________________
The Back Pain Epidemic
Back pain has become an epidemic in our modern society - up to 85 percent of all people will experience back pain at some time in their life, and it is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United States. According to the statistics, if you're in a room with three other people, one of you has suffered low back pain for an entire day or more in the previous three months and only one of you (if they're lucky) will avoid suffering back pain at some point in their lifetime.
By Kevin Wong, DC
www.toyourhealth.com
When was the last time you or someone you know suffered an episode of back pain? Chances are it wasn't that long ago. It might have forced you to miss work, take painkillers, anti-inflammatories or other medication, or just deal with the pain longer than you wanted to. Wouldn't it be wonderful to do some simple things to try and prevent back pain from happening in the first place? Here are a few easy ones to get you started.
In the new millennium, the health care pendulum has swung from treating symptoms toward prevention. It is a way of thinking that is analogous to going to the dentist for your six-month check-up or taking your car in for regularly scheduled maintenance - you avoid problems before they start, rather than waiting for something to happen and then "dealing with it." By that time, your car may be in the junk yard and you may be relegated to long-term medication or even surgery.
Back pain is the perfect example of a symptom too many people treat instead of preventing, and the consequences are staggering. It is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old. Approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least one whole day in the past three months and 7.6 percent reported at least one episode of severe acute low back pain within a one-year period. Low back pain is also very costly: Approximately 5 percent of people with back pain disability account for 75 percent of the costs associated with low back pain. Americans spend at least $50 billion per year on back pain - and that's just what gets reported.
With all that said, how are you going to prevent back pain? Here are four things you can start doing today to reduce your risk of suffering back pain and its costly (physically, emotionally and financially) consequences Read More
1. Get Adjusted by Your Chiropractor
Your muscles, bones and ligaments are stressed continuously by normal daily activities: driving, sitting at the computer, lifting your kids, doing exercise and countless other things. These little stresses add up over time and misalign the joints of your spine, arms and legs. The misalignments can then lead to muscle tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and pain. Although chiropractors commonly see patients who are in pain, getting spinal tune-ups when you are feeling "fine" will keep you feeling fine. Adjustments will put the bones and joints into healthier positions, which will also help muscle tone.
Generally, if you get adjusted while you're in pain, it will take longer to heal, whereas if you get regular or maintenance adjustments, you can avoid terrible episodes of pain before they even start. That's because keeping the spinal and extremity joints in good alignment will help your nervous system and immune systems function at their best. Even when you think you are feeling good, chiropractors can make sure you stay that way.
2. Practice Proper Ergonomics
Think safety: When you make your everyday activities safe to perform, it will help reduce the undue stress on your body.
This includes having your computer work stations at home and at your office set up properly for your body. Generally speaking, the keyboard height should be the same height as when your arms are comfortably at your side with the elbows bent. The mouse should also be close to your dominant wrist while your arms are at your sides.
Avoid poor posture: Whenever you sit, it is safest to sit on a full-back chair with plenty of support. Crossing the ankles is fine, but do not cross your legs. This puts tremendous pressure on the lower back, contributing to back pain. Also, if you are experiencing low back pain, it's a good idea not to sit on the couch or sofa, since they are typically too soft and unsupportive for the low back.
Lift properly: When lifting items, use the legs and the trunk of the body rather than the arms. Always bring objects closer to your abdomen or chest, as that is the center of gravity and support for most people. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.
Sleep well: The most supportive position for the body during sleep is on your back with a pillow under your knees. The next best position is on your side with a pillow between your knees and your head on a pillow that is thick enough to span the distance of your neck to the shoulders. A neck pillow that is too thin will kink the neck and could lead to neck and upper back pain down the road.
3. Exercise Regularly
We all know how important it is to participate in some type of regular exercise. Some of you already do that. Whether it be walking, playing sports or going to the gym, make sure you set up a program that keeps you consistent. Exercise helps the human body in so many ways, but one of the most important aspects involves stretching and strengthening of your back muscles. Often these muscles are referred to as core muscles of the body because they are located very close to the spine.
The core muscles help move and protect your spine when it is stressed or strained. By keeping them flexible and toned, you prevent pain and injuries from happening. When you are developing an exercise plan, talk to your doctor for ideas on what areas of the body you should specifically focus on to get maximum results, both in terms of overall fitness and protecting the back from injury.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Stress. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which can lead to back pain (it also can lead to heart problems, chemical imbalances, an inability to sleep and a host of other bad things).
It's always hard to maintain balance in your life between work, family and play, but it goes a long way toward helping your emotional stress.
Reducing stress can be as simple as scheduling some quiet time to be alone, doing yoga or meditation, taking a bath or just sitting and doing breathing exercises. Whatever activity you find relaxing or energizing, take time to do it. Down time allows you to unplug from the world and get grounded. It also allows your body to reset itself so you can deal with the next crisis or problem that's sure to arise.
Poor nutrition. Watching what you eat is another important factor to consider, because excess weight literally "weighs you down," which can contribute to back pain. Quite simply, losing excess weight in a healthy manner will take pressure off your lower back and reduce stress on the vertebrae.
It is truly amazing that our society is now making an active transition from listening to symptoms or pain to preventative health care. Now is the time for you to be able to take a more active role in deciding how your future health will play out. Armed with the tips discussed above, you can make changes now that will help your back and your overall well-being for years to come. The power of health is in your hands.
________________________________________
The Back Pain Epidemic
Back pain has become an epidemic in our modern society - up to 85 percent of all people will experience back pain at some time in their life, and it is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United States. According to the statistics, if you're in a room with three other people, one of you has suffered low back pain for an entire day or more in the previous three months and only one of you (if they're lucky) will avoid suffering back pain at some point in their lifetime.
Healthy Eating on the Go
Strategies for ensuring balanced nutrition in a fast-food, processed world.
By Sara Tiner
www.toyourhealth.com
We all know eating right can help us stay healthy and live longer. But it's been a busy day. You're beat. How can you get a healthy dinner on the table fast? You could hit the drive-thru and pick up food for the whole family, or stop by the grocery store for a frozen pizza or a prepackaged dinner. Sure, these might be the fastest options, but are they the healthiest? It may depend on what you choose and how often you choose it. Believe it or not, you can eat a balanced, healthy diet even when you're on the go - if you're willing to make your health a priority.
Unhealthy Choices
We all know unhealthy food generally contains a lot of added fat, sodium (salt), sugar, or chemicals. It's also tasty, cheap, and easy to get. In fact it's everywhere: at eye level in the supermarket, right around the corner, and even delivered piping hot to your door. The processed food industry knows we're busy and need convenient food options, and that these foods can be great in a pinch. Unfortunately, as we get busier, these products show up more frequently in our diet. Because processed food often contains a lot of unhealthy ingredients, we can end up eating in an unhealthy way.
One example of this is fast food. These restaurants specialize in inexpensive food that can be pretty unhealthy if we eat it too often. For example, a standard McDonald's Big Mac value meal (burger, fries, and a soft drink) is a whopping 1,130 calories, all for under $5. With a diet soda, the total dips a bit, but only to 920 calories. Either way, in one meal, we're eating about half our recommended daily calorie intake.
Additionally, serving size has increased dramatically over the years. Today's average cheeseburger is roughly 230 calories larger than a cheeseburger made 20 years ago. Because we're also more sedentary than our predecessors, these added calories are a big factor in our growing waistlines.
Fast food isn't the only culprit, though. Processed food manufacturers have muddied the waters by making health claims for a single item in their product, such as saying it contains all the calcium or fiber you'll need for the day. However, a product with one enhanced nutrient is often not as healthy as less processed, more balanced alternatives. In fact, the benefit we get from eating these types of processed foods (with that single beneficial ingredient) may be diluted by all the other ingredients that aren't healthy.
Making Health a Priority
Making healthy food choices is a compromise between our busy lifestyles and our health. We can do it if we make small but meaningful changes in the foods we select. These targeted changes can improve our overall nutrition without a huge cost in time or money.
Truly healthy options do exist, and some of them are convenient, but we may need to develop a new set of taste buds (or retrain the old ones) in order to enjoy them.
Take white bread for example. It starts off as whole grains but has many of its original (healthy) parts removed to make it white and soft. Then the bread is chemically enriched with just a few vitamins and minerals. Confusing, right? Why not skip the rigmarole and choose whole-wheat bread? It will feed your body with whole nutrition, which is just what your body needs. Other whole foods, like peaches or nuts, will be better fuel for your body than a processed snack.
What Can You Do?
• Check your supermarket for a salad bar. If you're running in for a frozen pizza, you can put together a salad so you don't fill up on pizza. If the salad bar is too expensive, a cheaper option may be to grab a bag of prewashed spinach for a simple salad.
• If you love ice cream, think of picking up frozen yogurt or sorbet instead. The latter choices generally have less calories and fat, and some may have less sugar, too.
Healthy Substitutions: Eat This, Not That
• At the drive-thru, stay away from value meals. You can save a lot of calories and improve your health by replacing a high-fat, high-sodium food like French fries with the carrot sticks you have with you, or another side, like apple slices. Also, think about choosing water instead of a soda. It will save you calories and it might save you money.
At home, eating healthy is easier if unhealthy foods aren't available. So instead of chips, think about adding a dash of sea salt to your cucumbers. It's a great way to soothe a salty/crunchy craving instead of breaking out the chips. If you're craving something sweet, try munching on some berries instead of a cookie.
Planning Ahead
Everyone has a day or week that suddenly fills up, but we often know when we'll be particularly busy at least a little bit beforehand. Plan ahead for when you know making a time-intensive meal won't be an option. You could make an extra batch soup or chili and freeze it. If you have a block of time, think about preparing fruits or vegetables and storing them in handy containers. Then when you're rushing to prepare a snack or dinner, the hard part will already be done. Also consider investing in a rice cooker, a vegetable steamer or a slow cooker. These kitchen tools can take over while you're busy doing something else.
Another way to fill the nutritional gaps in your daily diet is to take supplements. Whole-food multivitamins or nutrient replacements, like fish oil or calcium, can help you reach your health goals.
Some supplements are specifically designed for adults, children, men or women. Different people need different types of support, so check with your health care professional to see what will work best for you and your family.
Finally, one very important change you can make is to pack your child's lunch. Teaching healthy eating patterns sets children on a lifetime path of nutritional health. Prepared food producers know this; it's why they often target young children - to get them hooked for a lifetime. Also, while school lunch programs are incredibly important in meeting the needs of many children, they may not offer good meal choices. Making your child's lunch (and your own, while you're at it) does require more time and planning, but as it becomes a habit the benefit will outweigh your time spent. Aim for a balanced lunch of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein. Your child may not go for all those options at first, but every little bit helps, and you'll be planting seeds for their future good health.
Every Little Bit Helps
Eating healthy is not always easy. Healthy options can be hard to find, hard to finance and hard to introduce into your family's diet. Trying to make healthy changes can seem overwhelming. The key point to remember is that every little bit helps. If you can't eliminate convenience food, make healthier choices in where and what type of food you eat (for example, baked vs. fried). Making gradual changes will give you time to develop new tastes and help you better understand what choices work best for your family. When you invest time now, you'll soon start to notice huge rewards.
________________________________________
Shopping Solutions
At the supermarket, remember to:
• Stop by the salad bar to throw together a quick salad.
• Buy some pre-cut fruit or vegetables for lunch and snack time.
• Pick up frozen fruit to have on hand for cereal or smoothies.
• Skip the chips and buy a variety of nuts to crunch on.
• Put the ice cream back and choose frozen yogurt, sorbet, or a fruit smoothie as a treat.
• Avoid trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils (found in things like restaurant foods, snack foods, vegetableshortening, and most crackers).
• Avoid high-fructose corn syrup (found in some sodas, juice drinks, condiments, and many other processed foods).
By Sara Tiner
www.toyourhealth.com
We all know eating right can help us stay healthy and live longer. But it's been a busy day. You're beat. How can you get a healthy dinner on the table fast? You could hit the drive-thru and pick up food for the whole family, or stop by the grocery store for a frozen pizza or a prepackaged dinner. Sure, these might be the fastest options, but are they the healthiest? It may depend on what you choose and how often you choose it. Believe it or not, you can eat a balanced, healthy diet even when you're on the go - if you're willing to make your health a priority.
Unhealthy Choices
We all know unhealthy food generally contains a lot of added fat, sodium (salt), sugar, or chemicals. It's also tasty, cheap, and easy to get. In fact it's everywhere: at eye level in the supermarket, right around the corner, and even delivered piping hot to your door. The processed food industry knows we're busy and need convenient food options, and that these foods can be great in a pinch. Unfortunately, as we get busier, these products show up more frequently in our diet. Because processed food often contains a lot of unhealthy ingredients, we can end up eating in an unhealthy way.
One example of this is fast food. These restaurants specialize in inexpensive food that can be pretty unhealthy if we eat it too often. For example, a standard McDonald's Big Mac value meal (burger, fries, and a soft drink) is a whopping 1,130 calories, all for under $5. With a diet soda, the total dips a bit, but only to 920 calories. Either way, in one meal, we're eating about half our recommended daily calorie intake.
Additionally, serving size has increased dramatically over the years. Today's average cheeseburger is roughly 230 calories larger than a cheeseburger made 20 years ago. Because we're also more sedentary than our predecessors, these added calories are a big factor in our growing waistlines.
Fast food isn't the only culprit, though. Processed food manufacturers have muddied the waters by making health claims for a single item in their product, such as saying it contains all the calcium or fiber you'll need for the day. However, a product with one enhanced nutrient is often not as healthy as less processed, more balanced alternatives. In fact, the benefit we get from eating these types of processed foods (with that single beneficial ingredient) may be diluted by all the other ingredients that aren't healthy.
Making Health a Priority
Making healthy food choices is a compromise between our busy lifestyles and our health. We can do it if we make small but meaningful changes in the foods we select. These targeted changes can improve our overall nutrition without a huge cost in time or money.
Truly healthy options do exist, and some of them are convenient, but we may need to develop a new set of taste buds (or retrain the old ones) in order to enjoy them.
Take white bread for example. It starts off as whole grains but has many of its original (healthy) parts removed to make it white and soft. Then the bread is chemically enriched with just a few vitamins and minerals. Confusing, right? Why not skip the rigmarole and choose whole-wheat bread? It will feed your body with whole nutrition, which is just what your body needs. Other whole foods, like peaches or nuts, will be better fuel for your body than a processed snack.
What Can You Do?
• Check your supermarket for a salad bar. If you're running in for a frozen pizza, you can put together a salad so you don't fill up on pizza. If the salad bar is too expensive, a cheaper option may be to grab a bag of prewashed spinach for a simple salad.
• If you love ice cream, think of picking up frozen yogurt or sorbet instead. The latter choices generally have less calories and fat, and some may have less sugar, too.
Healthy Substitutions: Eat This, Not That
• At the drive-thru, stay away from value meals. You can save a lot of calories and improve your health by replacing a high-fat, high-sodium food like French fries with the carrot sticks you have with you, or another side, like apple slices. Also, think about choosing water instead of a soda. It will save you calories and it might save you money.
At home, eating healthy is easier if unhealthy foods aren't available. So instead of chips, think about adding a dash of sea salt to your cucumbers. It's a great way to soothe a salty/crunchy craving instead of breaking out the chips. If you're craving something sweet, try munching on some berries instead of a cookie.
Planning Ahead
Everyone has a day or week that suddenly fills up, but we often know when we'll be particularly busy at least a little bit beforehand. Plan ahead for when you know making a time-intensive meal won't be an option. You could make an extra batch soup or chili and freeze it. If you have a block of time, think about preparing fruits or vegetables and storing them in handy containers. Then when you're rushing to prepare a snack or dinner, the hard part will already be done. Also consider investing in a rice cooker, a vegetable steamer or a slow cooker. These kitchen tools can take over while you're busy doing something else.
Another way to fill the nutritional gaps in your daily diet is to take supplements. Whole-food multivitamins or nutrient replacements, like fish oil or calcium, can help you reach your health goals.
Some supplements are specifically designed for adults, children, men or women. Different people need different types of support, so check with your health care professional to see what will work best for you and your family.
Finally, one very important change you can make is to pack your child's lunch. Teaching healthy eating patterns sets children on a lifetime path of nutritional health. Prepared food producers know this; it's why they often target young children - to get them hooked for a lifetime. Also, while school lunch programs are incredibly important in meeting the needs of many children, they may not offer good meal choices. Making your child's lunch (and your own, while you're at it) does require more time and planning, but as it becomes a habit the benefit will outweigh your time spent. Aim for a balanced lunch of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein. Your child may not go for all those options at first, but every little bit helps, and you'll be planting seeds for their future good health.
Every Little Bit Helps
Eating healthy is not always easy. Healthy options can be hard to find, hard to finance and hard to introduce into your family's diet. Trying to make healthy changes can seem overwhelming. The key point to remember is that every little bit helps. If you can't eliminate convenience food, make healthier choices in where and what type of food you eat (for example, baked vs. fried). Making gradual changes will give you time to develop new tastes and help you better understand what choices work best for your family. When you invest time now, you'll soon start to notice huge rewards.
________________________________________
Shopping Solutions
At the supermarket, remember to:
• Stop by the salad bar to throw together a quick salad.
• Buy some pre-cut fruit or vegetables for lunch and snack time.
• Pick up frozen fruit to have on hand for cereal or smoothies.
• Skip the chips and buy a variety of nuts to crunch on.
• Put the ice cream back and choose frozen yogurt, sorbet, or a fruit smoothie as a treat.
• Avoid trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils (found in things like restaurant foods, snack foods, vegetableshortening, and most crackers).
• Avoid high-fructose corn syrup (found in some sodas, juice drinks, condiments, and many other processed foods).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Medicus Diagnostic Testing
At Triune, getting positive results from treatment is of utmost importance to us. An accurate and timely diagnosis is integral to getting you back on track to good health. The fact is, certain important information can be gathered from specialized testing that is not available through physical examination alone. This is why we offer various types of diagnostic testing at our clinic.
We see a variety of cases in our office. Obviously we treat a lot of low back pain, neck pain, herniated discs and pinched nerve patients. We also see a lot of patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, arm, leg or wrist pain, numbness and migraine headaches. Diagnostic testing helps us distinguish whether or not your pinched nerves are becoming damaged. It also helps us tell whether your leg pain is coming from a pinched nerve or a blocked artery in the leg.
Vascular Testing
Arteries and veins in the legs, arms, and neck can be tested using non-invasive (no needles) and ultrasound imaging technology to measure blood flow and blood pressure. No dyes or x-rays are necessary for this painless testing. Vascular testing helps to accurately document the presence, location and severity of disease within the vascular system. Abnormal blood flow is a significant threat to many individuals and this type of testing is a useful tool in diagnosis.
Numbness, resting pain, pain in your limbs, swelling in your limbs or coldness in your arms, legs, hands or feet may indicate a reason to have vascular ultrasound testing performed. You may also need it if you have a history of smoking or heart disease in your family. You should get vascular testing every few years to make sure your blood vessels aren’t clogging.
Studies using vascular testing can help to prevent serious problems like stroke and heart problems through early detection. These specialized studies use computer analysis monitoring blood pressure in various locations, while using ultrasonic technology to gauge blood flow. Simply sit back and relax; the tests are completely painless, although you may feel some pressure while you are being monitored.
Neurological Testing
Neurological testing is an important procedure of diagnosing disorders and health in the nerves, muscles, spinal cord and the brain. Neurological testing measures the speed and intensity of the electrical signals that travel along the nerve pathways; and can detect abnormalities that can be the signal of serious problems.
We offer non-invasive (needle-less) testing for your comfort and convenience. A tiny electrical pulse stimulates the nerve by surface electrodes. Specialized computer monitoring analyzes the data received and records measurements for later interpretation by our neurologist. The test feels like a slight tingling sensation for a small duration of time. The technologists are highly trained to minimize any type of discomfort.
This type of testing is used on patients who have back or neck pain, radiating pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness or tingling. We also offer similar testing on the auditory and visual pathways in the brain for patients who suffer with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, migraines or hearing loss. This will give us an idea of what is going on intracranially.
After these types of tests, you can immediately go back to your normal activities (unless you are told otherwise by Dr Sklar). There are no side effects to any of these specific tests. We generally get the results back within 3 to 4 business days and we will explain them to you in depth and plan out a course of treatment. Our office will check your insurance plan to make sure that you have coverage for the testing.
If you have any of these symptoms: low back pain, neck pain, resting pain, dizziness, memory loss, leg cramps, hearing loss or any of the symptoms/conditions, pain that radiates into your arms or legs, numbness, weakness, tingling, headaches, please notify Dr Sklar immediately so that he can order the appropriate medically necessary diagnostics.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Medical diagnostic ultrasound has been in existence for well over 40 years. B-mode (brightness mode) has been developed for a two-dimensional representation differentiating soft tissue inflammation. All aspects of soft tissue injury, both in and surrounding the spine have been definitely examined with ultrasound and diagnosed with a high degree of specificity.
An ultrasound exam is a diagnostic test which uses high frequency sound waves to image the body. Ultrasound is used to image and evaluate soft tissue structures and major blood vessels. It can help Dr Sklar document soft tissue injures and identify signs of inflammation in facets, nerve roots, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The general principle of ultrasonography real-time imaging relies on the interaction of propagate sound waves with tissue interfaces in the body. When the directed pulse of sound waves encounters an interface between tissues of different acoustic impedance, reflection or refraction occurs: the sound waves reflected back to the transducer as recorded are then converted to images.
If you wish to discuss vascular testing, neurological testing, or ultrasound with Dr Sklar please call our office to set up a complementary examination or discuss the possibility of testing at your next chiropractic visit
We see a variety of cases in our office. Obviously we treat a lot of low back pain, neck pain, herniated discs and pinched nerve patients. We also see a lot of patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, arm, leg or wrist pain, numbness and migraine headaches. Diagnostic testing helps us distinguish whether or not your pinched nerves are becoming damaged. It also helps us tell whether your leg pain is coming from a pinched nerve or a blocked artery in the leg.
Vascular Testing
Arteries and veins in the legs, arms, and neck can be tested using non-invasive (no needles) and ultrasound imaging technology to measure blood flow and blood pressure. No dyes or x-rays are necessary for this painless testing. Vascular testing helps to accurately document the presence, location and severity of disease within the vascular system. Abnormal blood flow is a significant threat to many individuals and this type of testing is a useful tool in diagnosis.
Numbness, resting pain, pain in your limbs, swelling in your limbs or coldness in your arms, legs, hands or feet may indicate a reason to have vascular ultrasound testing performed. You may also need it if you have a history of smoking or heart disease in your family. You should get vascular testing every few years to make sure your blood vessels aren’t clogging.
Studies using vascular testing can help to prevent serious problems like stroke and heart problems through early detection. These specialized studies use computer analysis monitoring blood pressure in various locations, while using ultrasonic technology to gauge blood flow. Simply sit back and relax; the tests are completely painless, although you may feel some pressure while you are being monitored.
Neurological Testing
Neurological testing is an important procedure of diagnosing disorders and health in the nerves, muscles, spinal cord and the brain. Neurological testing measures the speed and intensity of the electrical signals that travel along the nerve pathways; and can detect abnormalities that can be the signal of serious problems.
We offer non-invasive (needle-less) testing for your comfort and convenience. A tiny electrical pulse stimulates the nerve by surface electrodes. Specialized computer monitoring analyzes the data received and records measurements for later interpretation by our neurologist. The test feels like a slight tingling sensation for a small duration of time. The technologists are highly trained to minimize any type of discomfort.
This type of testing is used on patients who have back or neck pain, radiating pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness or tingling. We also offer similar testing on the auditory and visual pathways in the brain for patients who suffer with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, migraines or hearing loss. This will give us an idea of what is going on intracranially.
After these types of tests, you can immediately go back to your normal activities (unless you are told otherwise by Dr Sklar). There are no side effects to any of these specific tests. We generally get the results back within 3 to 4 business days and we will explain them to you in depth and plan out a course of treatment. Our office will check your insurance plan to make sure that you have coverage for the testing.
If you have any of these symptoms: low back pain, neck pain, resting pain, dizziness, memory loss, leg cramps, hearing loss or any of the symptoms/conditions, pain that radiates into your arms or legs, numbness, weakness, tingling, headaches, please notify Dr Sklar immediately so that he can order the appropriate medically necessary diagnostics.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Medical diagnostic ultrasound has been in existence for well over 40 years. B-mode (brightness mode) has been developed for a two-dimensional representation differentiating soft tissue inflammation. All aspects of soft tissue injury, both in and surrounding the spine have been definitely examined with ultrasound and diagnosed with a high degree of specificity.
An ultrasound exam is a diagnostic test which uses high frequency sound waves to image the body. Ultrasound is used to image and evaluate soft tissue structures and major blood vessels. It can help Dr Sklar document soft tissue injures and identify signs of inflammation in facets, nerve roots, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The general principle of ultrasonography real-time imaging relies on the interaction of propagate sound waves with tissue interfaces in the body. When the directed pulse of sound waves encounters an interface between tissues of different acoustic impedance, reflection or refraction occurs: the sound waves reflected back to the transducer as recorded are then converted to images.
If you wish to discuss vascular testing, neurological testing, or ultrasound with Dr Sklar please call our office to set up a complementary examination or discuss the possibility of testing at your next chiropractic visit
Friday, June 19, 2009
HOW WE MAKE CHANGES
by Cheryl Berkowitz, CHHC
We are creatures of habit. And though some of us embrace change, many of us tend to do things the way we’ve been doing them habitually for a long time. But every so often there comes a time when you know you have to do something differently, and you find you are ready (or at least resigned), willing and able. You may even be a little excited. You can envision your life with the change you want to make enacted. You are moving towards change with a healthy degree of surrender and the inklings of resolve.
But let’s be real. Making changes in our behavior usually doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one small step at a time. In fact, for most of us, change happens in stages and there are usually bumps in the road.
Since I work with people who frequently need to make changes for health reasons or because of food cravings and low energy, let’s explore the example of a woman needing to reduce or eliminate refined white sugar from her diet.
Initially, this woman may not realize, nor does she care, that she needs to eliminate sugar to stop her cravings for sugar, to regain her energy and stop being tossed about by her mood swings. Even if family members or friends make comments or suggestions, she may not be ready to take them in and has plenty of excuses to continue to ignore her problem.
Next, she may recognize that, indeed, she does have a problem with sugar and is considering possible ways of dealing with it. This stage may go on for some time - a month, six months, a year or years. But she is actively thinking about the change and internally preparing to deal with it. In this process, she may be thinking about the obstacles in her way to initiate the change. She determines this is not going to be easy! She’s not ready yet!
Eventually, she makes the decision to stop eating sugar. This is big. How will she do it? Who will she engage to help her? She reads about it on the Internet, talks to people, makes a list of the sugar in her diet. She thinks about how to substitute for it. She tries going one day without eating any sugar. Wow, that was hard! But she also feels encouraged and resolute. She makes an appointment with a nutrition counselor for guidance and support.
The day before her appointment, she eats a whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia in anticipation of deprivation. The next day she meets with the counselor who helps her understand the ways she can substitute healthier sources of sweets so she won’t experience deprivation during this transition, and other ways to balance her diet to reduce her cravings. They create a plan of action. They take into consideration the emotional components of her attachment to sweets and incorporate that awareness into her plan. Over the months, this support is invaluable.
She may fall off the wagon occasionally, unable to resist at a work event, or de-stressing at home with some cookies. She notices that if she eats sugar for a few days in a row, she feels tired, foggy, her energy is lower and thoughts and feelings are moodier. So, having gotten used to feeling really good most of the time, her resolve to stay sugar-free becomes more organic now, more grounded in her body and less in a thought process or a struggle with her habit. Now, it takes less and less effort and for the most part, she sticks to her program and gets off of sugar. Wahoo! Her energy and moods continue to improve steadily. She’s also learned some amazing things about herself in the process!
So where are you in your process of making changes? A lot of compassionate self-acceptance is very helpful in moving you towards and through the changes you may need to make for better health and well-being. Getting the right support is also key. And as sure as I’m sitting here writing this, you can do it!
We are creatures of habit. And though some of us embrace change, many of us tend to do things the way we’ve been doing them habitually for a long time. But every so often there comes a time when you know you have to do something differently, and you find you are ready (or at least resigned), willing and able. You may even be a little excited. You can envision your life with the change you want to make enacted. You are moving towards change with a healthy degree of surrender and the inklings of resolve.
But let’s be real. Making changes in our behavior usually doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one small step at a time. In fact, for most of us, change happens in stages and there are usually bumps in the road.
Since I work with people who frequently need to make changes for health reasons or because of food cravings and low energy, let’s explore the example of a woman needing to reduce or eliminate refined white sugar from her diet.
Initially, this woman may not realize, nor does she care, that she needs to eliminate sugar to stop her cravings for sugar, to regain her energy and stop being tossed about by her mood swings. Even if family members or friends make comments or suggestions, she may not be ready to take them in and has plenty of excuses to continue to ignore her problem.
Next, she may recognize that, indeed, she does have a problem with sugar and is considering possible ways of dealing with it. This stage may go on for some time - a month, six months, a year or years. But she is actively thinking about the change and internally preparing to deal with it. In this process, she may be thinking about the obstacles in her way to initiate the change. She determines this is not going to be easy! She’s not ready yet!
Eventually, she makes the decision to stop eating sugar. This is big. How will she do it? Who will she engage to help her? She reads about it on the Internet, talks to people, makes a list of the sugar in her diet. She thinks about how to substitute for it. She tries going one day without eating any sugar. Wow, that was hard! But she also feels encouraged and resolute. She makes an appointment with a nutrition counselor for guidance and support.
The day before her appointment, she eats a whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia in anticipation of deprivation. The next day she meets with the counselor who helps her understand the ways she can substitute healthier sources of sweets so she won’t experience deprivation during this transition, and other ways to balance her diet to reduce her cravings. They create a plan of action. They take into consideration the emotional components of her attachment to sweets and incorporate that awareness into her plan. Over the months, this support is invaluable.
She may fall off the wagon occasionally, unable to resist at a work event, or de-stressing at home with some cookies. She notices that if she eats sugar for a few days in a row, she feels tired, foggy, her energy is lower and thoughts and feelings are moodier. So, having gotten used to feeling really good most of the time, her resolve to stay sugar-free becomes more organic now, more grounded in her body and less in a thought process or a struggle with her habit. Now, it takes less and less effort and for the most part, she sticks to her program and gets off of sugar. Wahoo! Her energy and moods continue to improve steadily. She’s also learned some amazing things about herself in the process!
So where are you in your process of making changes? A lot of compassionate self-acceptance is very helpful in moving you towards and through the changes you may need to make for better health and well-being. Getting the right support is also key. And as sure as I’m sitting here writing this, you can do it!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Energetic Medicine
Energetic medicine is a broad term for a variety of approaches that seek to improve health through means that enhance the energetic state of others. Born out of the awareness that the study of quantum physics has given us about the reality of energy as a force in the universe, energetic (or vibrational) medicine attempts to influence the fields of energy that have been determined to exist and measured around and through our bodies.
Some of the approaches in this area include:
* Aromatherapy
* Charismatic Healing
* Crystal and Mineral Therapies
* Hands-on healing
* Healing Touch
* Intercessory Prayer
* Light Therapy
* Music and Sound Therapies
* Reiki Therapy
Aspects of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) and other Asian healing arts that are based on energetic medicine concepts (including the existence of qi), have not been proven by mechanistic Western scientific approaches. Energetic Medicine is also thought to play a role in Homeopathy.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise, health or nutritionally based program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise and /or nutritional prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with exercises, nutritional or dietary changes in your daily regimen stop and consult your healthcare provider.
source:http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/liveNaturally/emed.html
Some of the approaches in this area include:
* Aromatherapy
* Charismatic Healing
* Crystal and Mineral Therapies
* Hands-on healing
* Healing Touch
* Intercessory Prayer
* Light Therapy
* Music and Sound Therapies
* Reiki Therapy
Aspects of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) and other Asian healing arts that are based on energetic medicine concepts (including the existence of qi), have not been proven by mechanistic Western scientific approaches. Energetic Medicine is also thought to play a role in Homeopathy.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise, health or nutritionally based program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise and /or nutritional prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with exercises, nutritional or dietary changes in your daily regimen stop and consult your healthcare provider.
source:http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/liveNaturally/emed.html
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Choose the Right Hiking Socks
When you are hiking, wearing the right kind of socks is just as important as wearing good-fitting shoes or boots.
Select socks made of a synthetic fiber such as polyester or acrylic, or a blend of wool and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers will wick the moisture away from your feet and help keep your feet dry to avoid getting blisters. Silk also wicks moisture, but it is more durable as a blend with another fiber. Wool is breathable and durable and provides insulation even when wet. Merino wool now provides all the benefits of regular wool but is not itchy.
Avoid wearing cotton socks hiking, especially for longer hikes. Cotton retains moisture that can lead to blisters and fungal infections. Also, cotton is not a good insulator.
Select a sock that fits snug, but not tight. For hiking on more demanding trails or in cold weather, select a sock with more weight.
Some hikers prefer to wear a thin, synthetic liner sock under a heavier sock. Liners wick the moisture from your skin and keep your feet dry. The heavier sock provides cushioning and warmth.
For longer hikes, take along an extra pair or even two of socks to change into when your socks get too wet.
Another tip to help keep your feet comfortable when hiking—use regular cooking cornstarch as a foot powder.
Source: Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute, July 2005.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise, health or nutritionally based program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise and /or nutritional prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with exercises, nutritional or dietary changes in your daily regimen stop and consult your healthcare provider.
Select socks made of a synthetic fiber such as polyester or acrylic, or a blend of wool and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers will wick the moisture away from your feet and help keep your feet dry to avoid getting blisters. Silk also wicks moisture, but it is more durable as a blend with another fiber. Wool is breathable and durable and provides insulation even when wet. Merino wool now provides all the benefits of regular wool but is not itchy.
Avoid wearing cotton socks hiking, especially for longer hikes. Cotton retains moisture that can lead to blisters and fungal infections. Also, cotton is not a good insulator.
Select a sock that fits snug, but not tight. For hiking on more demanding trails or in cold weather, select a sock with more weight.
Some hikers prefer to wear a thin, synthetic liner sock under a heavier sock. Liners wick the moisture from your skin and keep your feet dry. The heavier sock provides cushioning and warmth.
For longer hikes, take along an extra pair or even two of socks to change into when your socks get too wet.
Another tip to help keep your feet comfortable when hiking—use regular cooking cornstarch as a foot powder.
Source: Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute, July 2005.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise, health or nutritionally based program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise and /or nutritional prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with exercises, nutritional or dietary changes in your daily regimen stop and consult your healthcare provider.
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