12 Days of Wellness- Day 12

12 Days of Wellness- Day 11

12 Days of Wellness- Day 10

12 Days of Wellness- Day 9

12 Days of Wellness- Day 8

12 Days of Wellness- Day 7

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12 Days of Wellness- Day 3

12 Days of Wellness- Day 2

12 Days of Wellness- Day 1

“12 Days of Health and Wellness”

Holidays Bring Stress, Pains to Many; Performance Chiropractic offers American Chiropractic Association’s “12 Days of Health and Wellness” for a Healthy, Happy Season

The upcoming holiday season is full of reasons for good cheer, but the added demands of the season can also stress the capacities of our bodies.

Research shows that stress and unhealthy behaviors contribute to some of our country’s biggest health problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. This stress can also build up inside the body and manifest as back pain, neck pain or headaches...making matters even worse.

Doctors of chiropractic are experts in spinal adjustment and other manual therapies that can relieve the aches and pains caused by holiday stress. They also provide nutrition counseling, exercise recommendations, ergonomic tips and other advice to promote good health year-round.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), in an effort to promote health and wellness this holiday season, offers “12 Days of Health and Wellness,” a campaign designed to give consumers tips on ways to manage the holidays more healthfully. Each day focuses on a different topic such as choosing nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and stretching after tree-trimming or gift wrapping to help ease back pain.

“The holidays are synonymous with frenzied activities, parties, shopping and stress, so it is imperative that people take steps to address these issues in healthier ways,” said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. “It’s the perfect time to use ACA’s tips to take control of your health and to discover chiropractic’s natural approach to wellness. A doctor of chiropractic can customize a wellness program that’s right for you.”

Drugs cause death- Grapefruit does not

While it may seem obvious, the provocative titles that are commonplace in mainstream media deserve attention. One recent headline caught my attention HERE, "Grapefruit juice's deadly side effects." Well, of course that is NOT true. It isn't even close to being true. There is likely no documented case in history where grapefruit juice is listed as the cause of death following someone's untimely passing.

What does cause death?

Drugs. Drugs cause death. Negative side effects from properly prescribed drugs are the listed cause of death for hundreds of thousands of people each year. That means drug side effects from properly prescribed drugs alone, are a top 5 cause of death! Not including abuse or misuse, but side effects from properly prescribed medication. For some reason the recent review published in Canadian Medical Association Journal brings to light a drug-interaction with deadly consequences from something seeming innocuous- grapefruit juice.

How does this happen?

Well, in case you have gotten this far and did not read the article from Yahoo Health, the study author states that most of the necessary information that would prevent these interactions is listed in the packet insert that comes with the drug, but most patients and doctors don't read it! Why would someone just pop pills like they are candy and then suggest grapefruit juice is a problem when people die unexpectedly? We are a culture created by advanced marketing and advertising to believe drugs are health providing miracle workers- they are not.

What you need to know

Drugs with the potential to interact with grapefruit include the following:

• statins (Zocor, Lipitor)
• calcium channel blockers (Procardia, Nimotop, Sular)

And certain medications for the following conditions:

• anxiety (BuSpar)
• heart arrhythmias (Cordarone)
• depression (Zoloft)
• seizures (Tegretol, Carbatrol)
• malaria (quinine)
• insomnia (Halcion).

Now what?

If you take prescription or other drugs, go find the package insert and READ IT! If you are given a prescription from your medical doctor, ask him/her to go over the package insert with you and answer your questions. If he/she does so, then you have a good doctor. If not, find a new doctor- your life may depend on it! Drugs can be life-saving, but they must be treated with respect- for the positive effects, but especially for possible negative effects. Don't let common headlines create a complacent attitude in you or your family about drugs. Take them seriously and READ THE PACKAGE INSERT!

What The Lisfranc Is Going On In The NFL?

You may not spend your Sundays (or Mondays or even Thursdays) watching NFL games, but with the growing popularity of things like Fantasy Football and sports betting it is likely you have heard about players in the NFL and their injuries. Or maybe you have focused more attention to football due to the increased attention being paid to concussions. Either way, we all know injuries happen in football. But if you have been paying attention you have probably been hearing a term recently that makes little sense: Lisfranc (Lizz-Frank). Just in case you haven't heard:

• Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars
• Cedric Benson - Green Bay Packers
• Santonio Holmes - New York Jets
• Darren McFadden - Oakland Raiders (2011)
• Ryan Kalil - Carolina Panthers
• Matt Schaub - Houston Texans (2011)
• Dwight Freeney - Indianapolis Colts (2007)

Lisfranc?

The lisfranc injury describes an injury process of the foot that is named for Dr. Lisfranc. Dr. Lisfranc is credited with first describing the anatomy of the foot as he treated soldiers in Napolean's army. Yes, that Napolean. And by "treated" I mean amputated... ouch! See, Dr. Lisfranc learned a lot about the anatomy of the foot as he amputated the frost-bitten feet of Napolean's soldiers after they marched to disaster in Russian winter. But now-a-days we aren't amputating the feet of NFL players, so what does a lisfranc injury actually mean.
A lisfranc injury describes the region being injured; in this case, the midfoot (think arch). Specifically, the bones that provide the structure for the arch. Under extreme conditions, such as high forces of impact experienced in the NFL, the bones of the arch can become sprained and, in some cases, fractured. There is swelling. It is painful. And, more importantly, treating the injury is not well understood.

Misalignment? What Would YOU Do?

The great news (and mostly overlooked) is there is something that can be done to help- Chiropractic Adjustment. Now, there are cases when the injury is a fracture and therefore, an adjustment is not indicated. But, when there is simply a sprain (don't take it lightly, a sprain can be SEVERE) to the area- a misalignment, then re-aligning the bones to restore normal joint integrity should ALWAYS be the first step. Then the more commonly adopted techniques for joint injuries should begin (Protect. Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation.Soft-tissue Treatment.).

Knowing Is Half The Battle

It is unlikely you will personally suffer a lisfranc injury as severe as your favorite fantasy football running back, but foot injuries are common and can be improved with chiropractic care. If you didn't know that before, well, now you know- chiropractic care is WAY more than just "back pain." If nothing else, next time you are talking about football you'll impress your friends with your new profound knowledge; or you will simply be able to explain what a lisfranc injury is- "Um, I think he hurt his foot." Yes. Yes he did. "He should see his chiropractor." Yes. Yes he should!

Learn from the past don't simply forget- Lance Armstrong

In case you have been living under a rock or are simply numb to the constant noise from media, American cyclist Lance Armstrong cheated by using banned performance enhancing substances during his career and has recently been stripped of his titles, shunned by his corporate sponsors and forced to step down from the high profile position he has held with his cancer foundation, Livestrong.

Be Careful About Forgetting

Part of the statement released by cycling's international governing body, UCI, (it covers the basics by condemning Armstrong and his actions) moves beyond discrediting his career by suggesting he should be forgotten. Given the recent fall from grace, I wonder if Armstrong has learned anything? I wonder if he feels regret? I wonder if he regrets being part of the most sophisticated cheating scandal in modern sports- a scheme that was known within his own sport and largely ignored by the governing bodies. I wonder if he would like to forget his cycling career. Even if he wants to and others want the rest of us to, my suggestion is quite the opposite: don't EVER forget!

Remember Your Failures... and LEARN

Just as we should not forget about Lance Armstrong as a cyclist, we should not be so quick to forget our own failings when it comes to health. We all struggle with living a healthy lifestyle. It is easier to make poor choices and spend time doing other things than putting in the time and energy it takes to consistently eat right, exercise, and take care of our own overall health.

Some people have more success with living a healthy lifestyle than others, but there is always time to begin your own journey in the right direction.

Pick ONE Thing

What is ONE thing you can do NOW to help you live healthier? If you can find that one thing and stick to it for 3 weeks (that's right, just 21 days) you can create a new habit. And not just any habit, but a good habit! Sure, you may have tried diets before or joined the gym January 1st 3 of the last 5 years and are still trying to lose the same 10 pounds, but don't let those failures discourage you- learn from those bad experiences as you create better experiences. Get started today. And don't be ashamed, because as bad as think those failings might be, I'm sure it's not as bad as being publicly humiliated and ostracized like Lance Armstrong.

Side Effects- Death! Tragedy of Recent Meningitis Outbreak

Low Back Pain- It's a pain in the backside!

As chiropractors we treat people suffering from low back pain everyday. According to most accepted statistics, 80% of the US will suffer from low back pain. Unfortunately, we are not always able to help people fully recover from their low back pain, but what is great is that most of the time we can and even if we don't the negative side effects associated with chiropractic care are often mild and rare.

The Scary Reality

Unfortunately, not everyone visits a chiropractor before or after they have low back pain. Too often people find limited medical treatment that includes muscle relaxants and pain relieving medication. The negative side effects associated with this approach have lead to a federal task force to overcome the abuse of prescription pain-relievers and the most recent news- Back pain treatments causing lethal meningitis. The recent outbreak of meningitis, which is reportedly responsible for 5 deaths already and has hundreds of others at risk, is linked to fungus-tainted injections given to people seeking treatment for back pain. (The AP story is HERE)

Death- ALWAYS a side-effect

This recent example is why medication will always have the side effect of death- it is a REAL risk. Medications are man-made and can become contaminated. Medications will also ALWAYS have negative side effects. Don't become complacent with the risk associated with things that have become "common" in our society. Common does not equate to a reduced risk. There is ALWAYS risk. It is sad that so many families have been affected by this recent medication side effect. Hopefully public health officials can help those whom are sick and prevent others from suffering the same tragic outcomes.

Does your doctor think you're worth it?

Headlines!

I read the following headline this morning as I skimmed some general resources I use to keep up-to-date on what people might be talking about today- "Vitamin D supplements no help for colds, flu"

Being interested in current best evidence when it concerns health, I read the media release to help me decide if I should read the actual study (I probably should- and will do so later, but this post has nothing to do with the study results). 

What The "Expert" Said

The jury is still out on vitamin D and just what it is best used for in supplemental form and for what groups of people- it is known that vitamin D is AWESOME and if you have a deficiency health problems can arise, but how far reaching its awesomeness is has not been well established. Like a lot of research with the potential of having a great impact, there was an editorial published in the same journal issue. The author of the editorial was also quoted in the media article, which is what I would like to discuss. This is what he had to say, 

"Colds are inevitable. We all get them, and they make us all miserable, and I don't think we're going to come up with a way around that. Besides eating a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, and exercising, and generally living a healthy life, it's unlikely that we're going to find one single pill or cure that's going to prevent them or lessen their severity."

The Best Medicine

After reading the "expert" statement I immediately felt sorry for his patients. His quote gives me the impression that his view is one of acceptance. He simply accepts that colds happen and when a patient visits his office they will be told that this just happens and there is NOTHING that can be done. Nothing... EXCEPT eat a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, and exercising, and generally living a healthy life. I wonder if he ever tells his patients that they have a choice. They can be healthier and PREVENT (which really means lower the risk) many illnesses and negative health conditions. Why? Why would he not recommend something that will CERTAINLY help!?! There are many possible reasons to pile on the growing pile of speculation, but I have heard doctors suggest before that patients don't follow through with lifestyle changes. So, rather than give you a chance to prove him wrong- he assumes you will prove him right and therefore doesn't even waste his time trying to REALLY help.

Attitude

Next time you visit your doctor, ask how diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices might help your condition. Don't let your doctor give up on you. And, if you find that your doctor has given up on you, then maybe it's time to give up on him and find another doctor! There are no magic pills, which is why if you seek health and real prevention find a doctor willing to help you get there.

Don't let your doctor treat you like this

Pay Now or Pay (MORE) Later

Death & Taxes... and other certainties

We all know that life brings with it some undeniable certainties. Death and taxes come to mind from the old adage, but other certainties exist too- they just aren't as certain. Yesterday I was reminded of one such certainty- by a patient that obviously understood (their) personal mistake and how (they) weren't going to let a loved one make the same mistake.

Problem Solving

The certainty, in general terms, is that if a problem exists it is generally less "expensive" to solve it sooner rather than later. The expense can be real in terms of dollars and cents or it can be indirect in terms of time and/or effort and frustrations. Point being, the best time to solve a problem is the moment you realize there is one.

Patient Experiences

As a chiropractor, my message is one of prevention; optimize your health to best reduce your risk for injury or illness. We see the examples daily of people whom have let their personal health slip to the bottom of the priority list. Then, they find us after reaching the tipping point where injury or illness prevents them from doing their job, enjoying time with their kids/friends/family, or they lose their independence entirely. Under such circumstances it takes more time and energy from the patient and the chiropractor to get the patient back to health. One such patient wasn't about to let the same thing happen the their significant other- which is one of the BEST parts of what we do; seeing someone understand and apply the principles of health.

Certainties- Principles of Health

Simply stated, it is MUCH easier to maintain health than to restore it once it is lost. Maintaining health takes less time, less energy, less money, less frustration, which means if we wait too long it will almost ALWAYS cost more- more time, more energy, more money and more frustration- to restore health. So, just like your car needs preventive maintenance- you need it too! 

It's the LAW!

Weber-Fechner... It's the LAW!

If I told you that this post was going to discuss the Weber-Fechner law and how it applies to your health, I'm guessing most of you would look at me sideways and some might even ask, "what the weber-fechner are you talking about" which is understandable. In fact, while the concept is familiar to most of us, the law itself was foreign to me too, until I read a recent post by Seth Godin. In case you didn't care enough to check out the link above (it's the purple Weber-Fechner law text) I'll briefly explain.

Gravity- The law you've probably heard of

Can You Feel the Change

The law speaks to our ability to perceive change in physical stimulus based on an initial stimulus. Specifically, more change is needed as the initial stimulus increases (Maybe just check out what Seth had to say about it...).

The Myth of the Frog in Hot Water

Change Your Health- And Notice It!

One difficult part of healthy lifestyle changes is that over the course of time, changes become difficult to notice. When an exercise program is new, it's oftentimes MUCH easier to notice changes- soreness, strength, endurance- you name it, you can DEFINITELY tell things are changing. But what about later on... what about that dreaded PLATEAU! The term speaks to a state of NO CHANGE. Think about it though- are things really NOT changing. Or, is it that we simply aren't perceiving the change?  We aren't able to tell that our cells are using oxygen more efficiently, balancing blood sugars and insulin response better, and better self-regulating the immune response to foreign molecules and aberrant cell processes. (Side Note- the human body is AWESOME!)

Change isn't always this obvious

The Good AND The Bad

The flip side of the perceived change coin is that we oftentimes lose sight of the changes happening to us that are BAD too. A simple understanding of the perception centers in the brain responsible for signalling fullness after a meal quickly explains how easily it is to "suddenly" weigh 10 lbs. more when you're busy paying attention to other things. So what's the answer?
FOCUS on the Right Changes
If you constantly use the wrong tools or look at the wrong measurements you won't SEE and FEEL the changes. If you're a chiropractic patient, hopefully you know that PAIN is NOT your problem and you should NOT use it's presence or absence to measure your health. If you aren't a chiropractic patient or didn't know that FACT already, now you know. Pay attention to things like FUNCTION. More importantly, measure your function- actually, have someone else MEASURE your function and then work to improve it.

What if You Don't? 

The simple truth is that if we cease to measure how well we function and work to improve that function we will surely LOSE function without noticing. How many changes are happening right now with your health that you aren't perceiving? How many are good? How many are bad? What are you planning to do to change your health?  If you don't feel sick and have no pain, but end up with that extra 10 lbs. or suffer a sudden devastating back injury- or worse (heart attack is often the first symptom of heart disease)- you might be surprised, but you shouldn't be- it's Weber-Fechner and it's the LAW!

Choose the right tool for the job

We spent $2 Billion on what!?!

Sugary drinks for Food-Assistance Program

Sugary drinks are under heavy scrutiny these days. If you weren't aware already, it is thought that sugary drinks are significant contributors to our ongoing obesity epidemic- rightfully so. Sugary drinks include soda pop and fruit juices (most of which have more sugar than pop). Just this month, in fact, New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, successfully instituted a ban on the sale of large sodas in restaurants, food carts, and movie theaters- the New York City Board of Health upheld the ban last week. The NYC ban prohibits the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than 16oz. Feel free to read more about the ban and its implications HERE.

More about that $2 Billion

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)- formerly known as Food-Stamps- pays AT LEAST $2 Billion for sugary drinks (soda pop, fruit juices, sports drinks). If that shocks you or causes you to turn and bang your head against the nearest wall, you're not alone. Lead researchers agree- stating that, while programs like SNAP are absolutely crucial, paying for products "at the core of public health concerns about obesity and chronic illnesses is misaligned with the goal of helping economically vulnerable families live active, healthy lives." DUH!

AT LEAST $2 Billion? Yes, you read that right

The study was conducted by analyzing data from a regional supermarket chain and cross-referencing that information with purchasing profiles of SNAP participants. A regional supermarket- that means that the estimated $2 Billion does not include Wal-Mart! That means this profile could be an underestimate, an overestimate, or it could be spot-on. Ask yourself- "are sugary drinks purchased at Wal-Mart using food-assistance?" ...AT LEAST $2 Billion!

Interested in Learning More?

If you're interested in more, much of the above information can be found in a news release from Yale University that can be found online. The study can be found in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and the CDC can be an additional resource if you're interested in reading more about sugary drinks.

Oh, Yeah!

I nearly forgot. How about recommending something useful? Well, if you're interested in becoming healthier yourself, try drinking water. Being dehydrated prevents your body from functioning optimally- oftentimes causing you to overeat! So give water a try and if you can't stand drinking water, try flavoring it with fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice- all of which are available to SNAP participants too!

Happy Birthday to You- CHIROPRACTIC!

...♪How old are you?♪
117 Years and Counting!

In case you did not know, there is still time to celebrate. Tuesday, September 18, 2012 marks the 117th year since the first chiropractic adjustment was provided by D.D. Palmer to Harvey Lillard in Davenport, Iowa.

The First Adjustment

The reported events surrounding the first adjustment are often called into question, but since there are no eye-witness accounts to refute the story, let's not let other possible facts get in the way of a GREAT story! The first chiropractic adjustment was performed by DD Palmer on custodian Harvey Lillard, whom was deaf. In an encounter typical of most in any chiropractic office today, Lillard described how he had become deaf since injuring his middle back- Palmer then examined the area and found what he later described as a palpable lesion. Palmer then provided the first adjustment, realigning the palpable lesion and Lillard reported having his hearing restored almost immediately- stating he could hear the wagons in the street. 

D.D. Palmer

Harvey Lillard

Since then...

The history of chiropractic as a profession provides some interesting story-lines. Many interesting characters, other entertaining events of struggle and triumph, and yet a few unsettling truths. Through it all, the chiropractic profession today is likely as happy and as healthy as it has ever been. Thousands of chiropractors help millions of people from all walks of life in locations across the globe. 

Celebrate!

So, if you typically do something special for yourself on your own birthday, feel free to do something special on Chiropractic's special day- she is 117 years old- and that is definitely something to celebrate!

Movie Time!

Forget the lights... We don't need a camera... This is about ACTION!

Whether you know it or not, health is the most important part of life. Just ask someone who isn't healthy what they would give if they could become healthy. Well, when it comes to health our country has not so quietly become a disgrace. We are inactive. We have poor dietary habits. We are obese. We manage stress poorly. We have diseased hearts. We have cancer.
But we PAY more to be healthy than any other country in the world!
So far this plot is looking like a tragedy.

Somethings DO Change

Interestingly though, some of the negative trends we have seen in the last decade are slowing. Maybe we are actually starting to be more active. Maybe we are starting to eat healthier. Maybe we aren't quite as over-fat as we thought. We probably still need to work on stress-management, which might explain why we are still not quite over the hump when it comes to impacting heart disease and cancer, but maybe we'll get there too.

Somethings NEVER Change

Somehow we are still paying exorbitant costs for our current health-care. Doctors continue to treat patients in a model of sick-care that isn't getting anyone healthier. This is where the story turns... for the better.

Maybe...

If you aren't aware, there are 2 documentaries COMING SOON to theaters near you! And these documentaries shine a light on our current system and, more importantly, offer SOLUTIONS for HEALTH! What a great story this could turn out to be... Maybe.

Watch. Support. Share. Change!

Now that you are fully interested in the documentaries, here are their trailers for your viewing pleasure. Watch them. Support them. Share them. And MAYBE we can all be part of changing the health of our families... and the future of health in our country! Maybe.

ESCAPE FIRE: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare

Doctored

Chester the Cheetah- Fights What?

Yeah, Right!

Do you have a filter? You know, that filter you put information through to see if it stands up to certain expectations- such as common sense. Is an action reasonable, or is an outcome what would be expected by a reasonable person. Many learn from Sesame Street as children to create a filter- which of these things is not like the other; what just doesn't belong?

Answer

Chester the Cheetah handing out tasty bags of highly processed, highly delicious, and highly UN-nutritious snacks at a Heart-Walk held in Dallas by The American Heart Association. It is obvious that as a sponsor, Frito Lay's bought their right to parade Chester out there with the walkers to "push" product, but I have one question: Where is the line? When do we draw the line that delineates acceptable from unacceptable? When is something so inconsistent with our overall message that we must say NO! It undermines the good of each individual participating in the walk- their struggle if they're a survivor, their sacrifice if they're a supporter. I've said enough, but you can see for yourself HERE.

That Reminds Me...

The greatest example of Corporate America being out-of-place I have personally witnessed was the time I visited The Ohio State University for some GREAT continuing education. It was the first time I have ever been to Columbus and it was a great experience seeing the sights on-campus (The 'Shoe is AMAZING). My course was held near the Wexner Medical Center, which houses the Ross Heart Hospital and is apparently a great place to have cardiovascular surgery- if you ever need such a thing. And just in case you don't need it yet, they are doing what they can to make sure you do need heart surgery later. "Located on the ground floor between Doan Hall and James Cancer Hospital," is WENDY'S!  It was part laughable and part tragic. I guess it is a form of job security... if you're prone to that type of humor. Seriously, their website tag line states- One of the Nation's Top Hospitals. 

What's Our Message

Whether you are appalled by these examples, find them hilarious but accept them as commonplace, or both- it really is time to start drawing a line when it comes to health. Support individuals and organizations with a message that passes through your filter. It is time we ask groups like the American Heart Association to look in the mirror- they have a little cheetos cheese on their face!