General Health
Fascinating bone facts.
20 February 2009The adult human body has 206 bones in all, a baby has 300, as you age the bones fuse together to combine and become the 206 we need in adulthood. Kids Health: where you and your child can get a good look at the whole skeletal system.
The funny bone really isn’t funny! We call it that because if you accidentally bump this area known as your ulnar nerve, a shock wave feeling travels across your epicondyle which is a rounded, bony projection on the side of the bone in the top of your arm which we know better as the humerus bone. Hence the title “funny” bone.
During birth, it can be quite common for an infant to break their clavicle bone as they travel through the birth canal. There is no need to panic though as the high rate of bone growth in babies fixes the break within days of birth.
Our first vertebra is called an Atlas after the mythological Greek God who was forced to hold the world on his shoulders; the round globe was likened to a person’s head and so named.
The spinal column consists of 5 regions:
- Cervical vertebrae – The neck area.
- Thoracic vertebrae – The upper chest and rib cage.
- Lumbar vertebrae – Lower back.
- Sacrum – Basically our rounded rump part.
- Coccyx – What we fondly refer to as the “tail” bone.
As the vertebrae travel down the spine they become progressively larger and sturdier to bear the weight of the body.
Did you know that babies are born without kneecaps? The kneecap bones develop between the age of 2 and 6 years old. The Patella or kneecap can be prone to injury such as runner’s knee, housemaid’s knee, or dislocation.
The femur (the long bone in your thigh) joins the tibia (lower leg) and between them they support the weight of our bodies. The fibula, located next to the tibia is much thinner than the tibia but is just as important to hold us up.
From Infancy through puberty, new bone formation exceeds bone breakdown. During adulthood the daily formation of new bone equals the daily rate of bone breakdown. In old age, the problem becomes one of bone breakdown exceeding bone formation; hence the bones become fragile and prone to fracture. At all stages of life, formation of new bone is dependent on having enough calcium and phosphorus in the diet. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of leafy green veggies and lots of fruit, and most important keep exercising to ward off that brittle and fracture prone stage of life.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan with your bone and joint health questions.
303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Blood Pressure.
31 January 2009Do you wonder why your doctor takes your blood pressure everytime you go to an appointment? Do you know what your optimum number for blood pressure should be, or even why there always two numbers each time it’s taken? Are both numbers of equal importance?
High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure.
Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action. But what is blood pressure?: Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and constitutes one of the principal vital signs. The pressure of the circulating blood decreases as blood moves through arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins; the term blood pressure generally refers to arterial pressure, i.e., the pressure in the larger arteries, the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart.
For each heartbeat, blood pressure varies between systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure is peak pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the beginning of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are contracting. Diastolic pressure is minimum pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the end of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are filled with blood. An example of normal measured values for a resting, healthy adult human is 115 mmHg systolic and 75 mmHg diastolic (written as 115/75 mmHg, and spoken (in US) as “one fifteen over seventy-five”). Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures.
Hypotension (low blood pressure):systolic <90 or diastolic <60
Normal: systolic 90-119 and diastolic 60-79
Prehypertension (pre-high blood pressure): systolic 120-139 or diastolic 80-89
High blood pressure can cause congestive heart failure (CHF), kidney failure, blurred or loss of vision, hardening of the arteries, and in the case of very high pressure it can cause a break in a weakened blood vessel, which then bleeds in the brain. This can cause a stroke. If a blood clot blocks one of the narrowed arteries, it can also cause a stroke.
Prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The best prevention is to strive to maintain a healthy weight; stay physically active and follow an exercise plan, even if it is just a 30 minute walk each day; follow a healthy eating plan, and ensure that plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; reject pre-pakaged products as they are often high in sodium and focus on choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium; and, if you drink alcoholic beverages, enjoy only in moderation. Despite everything you may have heard about red wine and its health benefits, in one study red wine drinkers had a 2.5 increase in their systolic blood pressure. If you are already borderline and at risk of prehypertension this small jump can increase your risk of the negative effects of HBP.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Black Strap Molasses (unsulphered) may cure what ails you.
13 December 2008Black strap molasses
WH Foods has this to say about black strap molasses, “Blackstrap molasses is just one type of molasses, the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is therefore the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized.
Blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is actually good for you. Unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates, or artificial sweeteners like saccharine or aspartame, which not only provide no useful nutrients but have been shown to cause health problems in sensitive individuals, blackstrap molasses is a healthful sweetener that contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote your health.”
I have been taking bsm (black strap molasses) now for a little over a month. Every morning I mix one tablespoon with hot water and drink it like tea. Personally I enjoy the slightly sweet licorice taste, although from what I have read I may be in the minority. I stumbled on a website over a month ago that was touting the amazing health benefits of unsulphered black strap molasses. It will supposedly reverse gray hair, help to relieve pain from arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, and neck aches, it will also relieve headaches and a variety of other aches. In addition, it is rumoured to cure acne, make your hair thicker and your nails grow faster and stronger, it will even (allegedly) help you sleep. For those forced to take a daily iron tablet there is good news, black strap is also said to cure both low iron and constipation. For women it has been reported to shorten menses and make it less painful and far more tolerable. Sounds worth trying doesn’t it?
I just happened to have a bottle of unsulphered organic molasses in my cupboard and decided to give it a try. I did not really have anything specific I wanted to ‘cure’ but started to drink the liquid once daily. After about 4 weeks I am happy to report that I really am sleeping better, or at least I am waking much more rested which I attribute to better sleep. My skin is soft and actually looks better than it has in years. I sadly have not noticed my gray hairs going away yet, however, this apparently can take up to 6 months to be noticeable so I am going to hold out hope for this one. I now have my husband also drinking this daily, in the hope it would combat his general tiredness but really, like me, he doesn’t really have one particular issue to work on. However, after just a couple of weeks, he really feels like he has more energy, which has been great and quite timely as we have just completed some heavy duty home renovations.
Why does this supplement do so many great things? The specification for bsm is as follows:
Blackstrap molasses
2.00 tsp
13.67 grams
32.12 calories
Nutrient Amount DV
(%) Nutrient
Density World’s Healthiest Foods Rating
manganese 0.36 mg 18.0 10.1 excellent
copper 0.28 mg 14.0 7.8 excellent
iron 2.39 mg 13.3 7.4 very good
calcium 117.53 mg 11.8 6.6 very good
potassium 340.57 mg 9.7 5.5 very good
magnesium 29.38 mg 7.3 4.1 very good
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.10 mg 5.0 2.8 good
selenium 2.43 mcg 3.5 1.9 good
After looking at the breakdown one can surmise that the copper content may be the reason gray hair becomes reversed and the B6 could explain why one would feel less tired and more energetic while drinking bsm.
Earth Clinic has some great black strap molasses information and recipes. Earth Clinic also provides a comprehensive list of ailments helped by taking this molasses as a daily therapy. If you have tried everything to cure what ails you or you have difficulty taking a multi-vitamin every day try drizzling your morning oatmeal with bsm, or like me, drink it with hot water like a tea.
Make and adjustment: Stay healthy ~ be happy.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic Evergreen CO 303.674.1500
Toxic toys off the wish list.
10 December 2008Question: What is the health risk for children from lead exposure?
Answer: The most significant risk has to do with developmental delays and the impact of lead on brain development, which occurs with very low levels of exposure.
Lead is also hazardous to adult brains. In fact, there is a lot of research here at Hopkins that’s beginning to show that low levels of lead affect adult brains as well as those of children. Johns Hopkins
To ensure you are not giving your child, or even your partner and friends, a high dose of lead with their presents this year, select your holiday gifts with care. Unfortunately lead is invisible, it has no smell or taste, if your child’s toy is painted with lead paint the only way to know is through laboratory testing. Thankfully there are many companies that now market wooden and cotton based products for children. Many of these products are specifically aimed at smaller children as they will probably be mouthing and eating their toys far more than an older child.
The Playstore has some great options for toxic free toys, including the world renowned and much coveted Melissa and Doug products. These products do tend to retail a little higher than a plastic toy but the peace of mind you get from knowing your child isn’t being subjected to toxins every time they play with their toys, can be invaluable. However, it is also good to know, you can also buy Melissa and Doug products in discount retail stores from time to time.
The CDC issues this warning regarding toys with lead contamination. “Children may be exposed to lead—a well known health hazard. Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported into the U.S. or antique toys and collectibles passed down through generations put children at risk for such exposure. To reduce these risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead.
Lead may be used in two aspects of toy manufacturing.
Paint: Lead may be found in the paint on toys. It was banned in house paint, on products marketed to children, and in dishes or cookware in the United States in 1978; however, it is still widely used in other countries and therefore can still be found on imported toys. It may also be found on older toys made in the United States before the ban.
Plastic: The use of lead in plastics has not been banned. It softens the plastic and makes it more flexible so that it can go back to its original shape. It may also be used in plastic toys to stabilize molecules from heat. When the plastic is exposed to substances such as sunlight, air, and detergents the chemical bond between the lead and plastics breaks down and forms a dust.”
For older children you can still purchase safe products, think stainless steel water bottles, the Sigg line has some very trendy and cool looking designs for their bottles, what a great addition to their lunch pack or just hanging out. Or how about some cool organic hair products, John Masters organics bourbon vanilla and tangerine hair texturizer might make a great gift for an older teen.
Need more ideas? Nubius Organics have some great green or organic gift ideas for everyone, from pre-schoolers to adults, on your holiday list.
Give the gift of health! Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan
Fontana Chiropractic Evergreen 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Terminally Tired.
29 November 2008Terminally tired.
Turkey is on our brains and bellies right now, as we wave bye-bye to the Thanksgiving holiday and get ready to welcome the Christmas holidays, turkey is the main protein for many from Nov 27th to Jan 1st. It is said that tryptophan, an amino acid naturally found in turkey, causes us to feel sleepier and more tired than we usually would. Apparently it’s actually not the case, according to How Stuff Works “nutritionists and other experts say that the tryptophan in turkey probably won’t trigger the body to produce more seroton¬in because tryptophan works best on an empty stomach. The tryptophan in a Thanksgiving turkey has to vie with all the other amino acids that the body is trying to use. So only part of the tryptophan makes it to the brain to help produce serotonin.” that’s fine, I am still going to blame the tryptophan, but what of the ther 11 months of the year? My brain fogs and general forgetfulness seem to be a daily battle. After one more afternoon of slugging my way past 4 pm, I decided to do a little research on ways to beat those afternoon, morning, and early evening blues without just losing the turkey.
Always first and foremost on every list is water, always water, water, water. Drink, drink, drink. It is like a broken record, 8 ounces of water at least 8 times a day. “If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, don’t reach for your usual double espresso. Instead try drinking two glasses of water. The caffeine in coffee and soda may temporarily make you feel more alert, but in the long run will make you even more tired by dehydrating your muscles and constricting your blood vessels.” Brainz.
Puzzles: Who knew, spending an afternoon with Soduku doesn’t just make everyone around you think you are smart; in the long run it actually may make you so! Or at least stave off the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Brainz: “Studies with dementia patients have shown that playing word games and puzzles can increase and even restore mental cognitive abilities. The crossword, a pub quiz, or Soduku: all these fun activities can keep your grey matter in the pink. And the best part is that you don’t actually need to know anything. This is one instance where winning doesn’t matter, because your brain responds to the attempt to solve the problem, not the knowledge stored in your head. Probably the best brain games are those with strategic goals like Chess, Risk, and Stratego, as the objectives are in a constant flux, and require more activity from the brain.”
Exercise: Always on the list with water. Send oxygen to your brain, exercise your heart muscles, expand your lungs, and your body responds with renewed energy. Aim for 30 minutes a day, even if you are just taking a walk with the dog.
What are you taking? Check those medicines your doctor prescribed for you. Some medications, particularly anti-depressants or anti-anxiety pills, are known to cause tiredness and fogginess as a side-effect of their use. However, it could be the way the medicine affects just you not the general population, or it could be an interaction with something you are already taking. Check the report your pharmacist gives you, or get online to the manufacturers website. If you noticed the symptoms after you started a new medication or even added a medication this may be your problem.
Eat right, that means healthy, fresh fruit, veggies, protein. Your brain consumes about 20 percent of the body’s energy, and you get energy from food. If you put the wrong fuel in your body, your body’s not going to work properly. In general, try avoiding sugar and sugar-containing products, particularly those high-fructose corn syrup sodas and sweets, but also white bread, pasta, and white rice, which are the most common culprits related to brain fog. These over processed, pre-packaged foods are metabolized very quickly which will cause a spike in our blood sugar, but then it will drop rapidly, this cycle naturally makes you tired which has a side-effect we think of as brain fog. It can also lead to additional health complications such as diabetes and obesity.
Try peppermint. Keep peppermints in your pocket or on your desk. Many of us know that peppermint is good for a stomach upset and can even freshen the breath (thank you Altoids) — for a little while, anyway. Now scientists in the U.S. are claiming that it also increases alertness by as much as one-third. More, it reduces tiredness by 15%, they say. Peppermint is obviously an herb you should have on your shelf, not to mention a box of mint teabags.
Fish oil: These fatty acids keep the dopamine levels in the brain high, increase neuronal growth in the frontal cortex of the brain, and increase cerebral circulation. Which is a complicated way of saying that fatty acids make your brain work at top efficiency, kinda like a tune-up. But before you stockpile your pantry with tuna, remember that eating large amounts of fish can put you at risk to toxins and mercury poisoning. So it’s better to get EPA and DHA from alternative sources and supplements. Brainz
Sleep: You have to sleep to function, the less sleep the more irritable, and tired, you feel. You are likely to be moody and experience gross impairment of brain function which will include reduced reasoning and lack of judgment. Children who do not sleep often have behavioral problems and developmental delays. Adults should aim for 8 hours of sleep every night, children need between 8 and 12 hours depending on their age.
Make an adjustment: Stay Alert ~ Stay healthy ~ Be Happy.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Fontana Family Chiropractic, Evergreen, Colorado.
Holiday giving can be good for your health!
14 November 2008So Christmas is almost upon us, the holidays are about to go full force beginning with the cooking of the Thanksgiving turkey. Stores are loaded up with decorations and the holiday sales have begun. But what are you thinking about this year? Is this the year that you choose to join the masses of people who volunteer or maybe you long to make a difference year round? Many people join the volunteer forces at or around the holidays, it seems the differences between people and their community becomes more prolific and harder to ignore at this time of the year. After all, no one likes to think of people spending time alone or a child not receiving a gift on the holidays. According to reports, charitable giving could also be good for our health. Buffalo EDU cites a Canadian study that reported 85% of Ontario volunteers rated their health as good compared to 79% of non-volunteers. Only 2% reported ‘poor’ health, over the one-third of non-volunteers who reported the same health status. They go on to mention other studies where people have reported greater self-esteem, personal empowerment and improved health when volunteering. Also, consider this report from the Corporation for National and Community Service “Washington, D.C. – Volunteers help themselves to better health while helping others, according to a study released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service that reviews a compelling collection of recent scientific research.”
But what to do? There are many, many options for families and individuals to get out there and make a difference and enjoy becoming involved with your community.
Evergreen Colorado: The organization, Friendship Bridge :”When the founders of Friendship Bridge, Connie and Ted Ning, visited Vietnam in 1988, they were appalled to find the health care system bravely struggling with ancient equipment, little or no medicines, and an overwhelming number of people suffering from highly preventable diseases. Ted had developed an affinity for this struggling population during his tour as an army battalion surgeon in 1970, and he urged Connie to join him on a fact-finding trip to assess the needs of women and children. Women painfully dying of cancer without relief, or enduring high-risk childbirth without the benefit of techniques we take for granted in the US, aroused such compassion that they immediately set out to alleviate the suffering. … Friendship Bridge began its grassroots medical relief project in 1989. The effort grew, and in the spring of 1990 Friendship Bridge sent the largest single shipment of medical relief to Vietnam from the United States since 1975. With a tiny budget and using only volunteers, this tireless, innovative group managed to send several more shipments, totaling over 140 tons. Since 1990 numerous health care professionals have participated in teaching projects in Vietnam. In the early 1990s, many Vietnamese health care professionals visited the US through Friendship Bridge and in partnership with other organizations. … with over 5,000 loans successfully in place in Vietnam, a new loan project was begun in Guatemala. This program continues to grow with over 15,000 loan participants and 9,000 educational scholarship recipients. Friendship Bridge has always listened and tried to respond to the needs of those it serves. … Friendship Bridge has consistently elicited the needs of others and responded with compassion and programs that work.”
This organization takes donations and can direct you to purchase items to directly help the communities listed on their website.
Instead of buying multiple gifts for friends and families who neither want nor need what you are giving, maybe a donation to Friendship bridge in their names might be a compassionate gift that makes everyone feel good.
World Vision: “World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. [World Vision] serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.”
You have an option to make either a single donation or opt to sponsor a child living in poverty in a country of your choice for as little as $30 per month. Again this is another donation/gift that can be given on behalf of others. Who needs another tie or pair of socks when they can be the benefactor of school supplies for a year, or the provider of mosquito nets for ten kids, all for about the same amount of money?
Shoebox Ministries are a great organization and something all the family can get involved with: “Every year thousands of children are displaced from their homes by natural disasters, acts of war or poverty. Many of these children are separated from their families out of economic necessity or have become orphans. The season of Christmas can be especially difficult for children who cannot afford to purchase their own clothes or hygiene items, let alone a toy or two.
To address this worldwide need, several Christian organizations have developed special programs called shoebox ministries. Every year, thousands of volunteers agree to purchase clothing, hygiene items and small toys for these needy children. All of these gifts are packaged into shoeboxes, along with some money to defray the cost of shipping. Trained missionaries in foreign countries receive these shoeboxes and distribute them to the children during special Christianity-based services. …Some churches have already established local shoebox programs, but if you’re starting from scratch you’ll need some professional guidance and start-up materials. One of the most recognized shoebox ministries is sponsored by Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse organization. To start your own shoebox ministry, visit their website at Samaritans Purse and look for the Operation Christmas Child links. … In order to ensure delivery of the shoeboxes by Christmas, local participants are encouraged to begin promoting the program by September or October.”
If this sounds like something you would like to participate in, try calling local churches to find drop off points or to find locations for these programs, these shoeboxes are being collected NOW.
Angel trees Holiday Angel Tree Program: “The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing or toys for children of needy families. A sponsoring company or corporation places a Christmas tree in a secure, high-pedestrian traffic area or lobby. The tree is decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child who will receive the gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags. Each year, sponsors ranging from neighborhood associations to private companies volunteer to place Angel Trees in high-traffic areas within their community, organization or office.”
You can find these trees in the big box stores, the mall and even local high street stores and locations. Pull a ticket, buy the gift, drop it with the cashier as you pay, and voila you have made a child very happy this holiday season.
In many locations, The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help distribute the gifts along with food for holiday meals to the participating families. Often times, employees and family members of the sponsoring organization help distribute their group’s gifts throughout their community. Community volunteer and service groups; church groups and retired senior volunteer programs often aid The Salvation Army during the holidays and throughout the year, but more volunteers are always needed.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has this at their website:
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable natural resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
ACTIVITIES: The principal Toys for Tots activities which take place each year are the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located and in communities without a Reserve Unit that has a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other purely voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toy and monetary donations.
Local churches, rotary clubs, or businesses also have programs for collecting toys and groceries around the holidays and the local food banks are always at critical need this time of the year. Food banks will also accept groceries all year round. Pajama programs, coat drives, the list is endless. If you want to get involved, start calling around, many local churches will take your donations even if you are not a member or don’t plan on becoming one. But consider this, people are in need all year round, think about having fun, making new friends and best of all, making a difference all year not just for the holidays.
Make an adjustment: Make a difference ~ Make someone else happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303 674 1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Chiropractic myths explained.
9 November 2008Chiropractor myths, ideas, and sensationalism.
Oh I don’t use chiropractors, I heard that it can break your neck, twist your spine, cripple you, rip your tendons, hurt your nerves, ruin your coffee, and make your tuna casserole spoil, as well as other little tidbits of urban myths that send people running into surgery rather than to the chiropractor. A chiropractor who can often make a difference to symptoms you are experiencing and all without cutting into any part of you. How cool is that?
How do these rumors get started anyway? The Internet can be a place of great information and disinformation. Everyone needs to check the sources and if possible check multiple sources before going with an opinion. Just because it’s written and it’s out there it doesn’t make it true.
Myth #1: A chiropractor worked on my niece, nephew, great aunts uncle’s cousin’s mother and they damaged her for life while adjusting her.
Now having an adjustment can possibly make a person uncomfortable for a minute, but often its more a fear of the unknown than anything concrete. It is certainly not painful or dangerous to get an adjustment. Occasionally a ‘pop’ will be experienced by some people, especially when the cervical area is adjusted. However, adjusting this area can help resolve headaches, cranial or cervical stress, or an aching neck or shoulders, in addition to a host of other problems. The myth perpetuates because it seems like it might be possible and when you first have an adjustment the process is a little unnerving, it’s a new sensation to have someone adjusting the spine and neck area. The facts are: According to a 1993 Ontario Ministry of health commissioned study, (in addition to other research and studies that can be read at the same site) The Manga Report, from the University of Ottawa, reviewed all the international evidence on the management and low cost of back pain care. Pran Manga, Ph.D. concluded that significant cost savings would occur if the management of low back pain were transferred from physicians to chiropractors. He determined that chiropractic is safer than medical management of low back pain. “Many medical therapies are of questionable validity or are dearly inadequate. Chiropractic care is greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.” Dr. Manga concluded that “chiropractic should be fully insured (and) fully integrated into the Ontario health care system.”
#2 Myth: The education for Chiropractors is not comparable with Medical doctors.
Chiropractors require 2-4 years of premed undergraduate study, (depending on college attend and the state they wish to practice in) prior to entering chiropractic college. Chiropractic college is approximately 4-5 years of academic study, including training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, differential diagnosis, chiropractic adjustive techniques, biomechanics and other health-related studies. Each student also completes several hundred clinical hours of ‘real’ patient management in a clinical setting under professional supervision. Many colleges also require clinical externship programs placed through chiropractic offices. Near or soon after graduation, the new doctor of chiropractic needs to complete rigorous National and State Board examinations, prior to obtaining a license to practice chiropractic. Once licensed, most states require that chiropractors receive annual continuing education to ensure that the highest level of competency is maintained.
For MD’s it takes four years to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The course of study is divided into two roughly equal parts. Preclinical study generally comprises the first two years and consists of classroom and laboratory instruction in core subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and neurosciences. Once the student successfully completes preclinical training, he or she moves on to the clinical portion. This usually occupies the final two years of medical school and takes place almost exclusively on the wards of a teaching hospital or, occasionally, with community physicians. DO/MD’s are required to have 4 plus years of undergrad education prior to medical school and thousands of patient contact hours during their clinical placements.
#3 Myth: It hurts!
Chiropractic adjustments should never cause pain and actually many patients report feeling relief almost as soon as the treatment is completed. Occasionally if the area you are having adjusted has inflammation or is already sore, the adjustment may initially exasperate that, but with ice and rest it should resolve very quickly. In the case of herniated disks and DRX-9000 treatments, the recuperation and healing will take slightly longer to feel, however your doctor will advise you of the number of treatments it should take before you start getting relief.
#4 Myth: I am too old or too young for chiropractic care.
As spine trauma can occur at any age, and actually for infants their first experience with this trauma can be during the birth process. Modified adjustments can be used on very young infants, old age pensioners, and everyone in between. There are many studies to show that chiropractic care can prove beneficial in alleviating arthritis pain or in helping children resolve ear infections, bed wetting and allergy problems.
#5 Myth: Chiropractors always x-ray you.
Not so, most chiropractors will utilize x-rays only when necessary as they are very aware that over use of x-rays can also be detrimental to our health. For most alignment problems a chiropractor can actually feel or see in your gait where you most need your adjustments, much like a masseuse who can feel the knots in your muscle tissue.
#6 Myth: I don’t want to get naked for the exam.
Actually your chiropractor does not want that either. During an examination the chiropractor is able to make the adjustments while you are fully clothed. We do recommend you wear sweats or loose fitting clothing to your appointment for your comfort.
#7 Myth: Chiropractors only treat bad backs, but I don’t have one, can a chiropractor really help me?
Chiropractors believe that your body can heal itself. All body functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and the nerves in your body. When a problem is caused by irritation or pressure on a nerve, chiropractors are potentially the best group of doctors who can relieve this pressure for you.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan with your questions at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic chemicals, such as methylmercury can cause harm at levels previously considered safe.
5 November 2008Recent developments in methylmecury toxicity. Please click on the links to read the articles and study reviews in full at the websites specified.
ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2008) — Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic chemicals, such as methylmercury can cause harm at levels previously considered safe. A new analysis of the epidemiological evidence in the International Journal of Environment and Health, suggests that we should take a precautionary approach to this and similar compounds to protect unborn children from irreversible brain damage.
Philippe Grandjean of the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, and the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, explains that the causes of suboptimal and abnormal mental development are mostly unknown. However, severe exposure to pollutants during the development of the growing fetus can cause problems that become apparent as brain functions develop – and ultimately decline – in later life. Critically, much smaller doses of chemicals, such as the neurotoxic compound methylmercury, can harm the developing brain to a much greater extent than the adult brain.
Methylmercury is a chemical compound formed in the environment from released mercury. Unfortunately, the methylmercury can be transported quickly around the body and may enter the brain. Serious problems will ensue if important developmental processes are blocked as there will be only one chance for the brain to develop.
The researchers point out that until recently research into the effects of pollutants on the brain has been clouded by the lack of information on actual exposure. Moreover, finding a direct link between specific problems with the brain and exposure relies on statistical, or epidemiological, analysis rather than case-by-case understanding. The researchers say that neurodevelopmental disorders of possible environmental origin affect between 5% and 10% of babies born worldwide, leading to dyslexia, mental retardation, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, and autism.
The toxicity of methylmercury is well known, but the researchers believe that the medical world has underestimated the risk of brain damage associated with exposure to this compound as well as numerous others. Professor Grandjean emphasizes that little research has been carried out into the effects of other neurotoxic chemicals.
“Until there is enough evidence to rule out effects of certain chemicals on the developing nervous system, a cautious approach would involve strict regulation of suspected developmental neurotoxicants and prudent counseling of expectant mothers regarding exposures to untested substances,” the researchers conclude.
Inderscience Publishers (2008, October 30). Methylmercury Warning. ScienceDaily.
David Kirby posted this at the Huffington Post website in regards to these studies. “One study author, Philippe Grandjean, of the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, and the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, explained how methylmercury is moved rapidly around to many parts of the body, including the brain. After mercury reaches the brain, “Serious problems will ensue if important developmental processes are blocked, as there will be only one chance for the brain to develop,” the website said.
For almost four years, I have been reporting on the possible connection between mercury (in the environment, and in vaccines) and autism — often despite deep opposition and even ridicule from some quarters.
My research has focused largely on ethylmercury — the other organic form of the metal, which is used in the vaccine preservative thimerosal. There is some evidence to link it to many neurodevelopmental disorders.
Meanwhile, at least three peer-reviewed studies (including one funded by the CDC and published in an NIH journal) have shown an association between inorganic mercury (i.e., from coal) and an increased risk for autism. And recent Federal data show that the percentage of Americans with detectable levels of inorganic mercury in their blood increased eightfold between 2000 and 2004.
And now, we see a published study on a possible association between autism and methylmercury.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan Evergreen Chiropractic 303.674.1500
Halloween is spooky, Chiropractic – not so much!
31 October 2008
It may be Halloween but don’t be spooked by your chiropractor.
Your chiropractor recommends a regular schedule of appointments, not because they need the client base, but because they would rather see you for a 15 minute appointment twice a month than have to schedule you multiple crisis appointments once you actually do some damage.
The spine is like the chassis for the car, or the motherboard for the computer, its the mainstay of all body systems. All your spinal nerves, including the sciatic and gluteal nerves, lead both up your spine to your neck and beyond to your cranial nerves and all the way down to your feet, into your big toes. These nerves control how well you move, think, feel, and function. Without good spine strength and straightness those nerves get pinched, pulled, and inflamed resulting in you getting a bad back, a sore neck, headaches, hay fever, vertigo, or even the flu. A compromised immune system due to poor alignment is just one breakdown your body can experience. Chiropractors know the importance of spinal adjustments and preventative maintenance care.
If you had any doubts about the benefits of maintaining health over surgical repair Spine Health has some very detailed articles about what to expect if you need surgery on your spine. One of the most common back surgeries is fusion, but the thought of restricting movement permanently through surgery to get rid of back pain just does not sound like the ideal situation to most people.
The North American Spine Society lists multiple reasons for surgery related to other spine damage. Much of which is also preventable and treatable through chiropractic care. Including conditions such as whiplash and herniated discs, which we know can be successfully treated and maintained by the DRX-9000.
Wellness programs created by insurance companies now offer coverage for chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage; the health insurance companies see the long term benefits of preventative maintenance. There is a reason for that; preventative maintenance not only saves you a lot of pain, but more importantly for them, it saves them money.
Chiropractors have never claimed to treat everything that ails you. For a tonsillectomy seek a surgeon, for a broken leg go to the emergency room, and for things like impetigo or other viral or bacterial infection seek out an experienced MD. However, you have things you can do to either not get sick in the first place or to lessen the severity of an illness such as a tinnitus attack or insomnia. One of those choices can be chiropractic care, and when used in addition to healthy lifestyle choices, it can help maintain your goals.
Chiropractic is not a new science; it’s proven the test of longevity many times over the past several hundred years. It is wise to have faith in MD’s but health care does not have to come in the form of one genre. Having an open mind to different care options can save you time, money and so much pain. Often it is possible to avoid surgery by using a chiropractor. Surgery should always be undertaken with an understanding of the risks and complications that an operation may carry. Many things can and do go wrong with surgery, and people can underestimate the risks, surgery is not a guarantee of wellness, just one more option to consider when making an informed health care choice.
Spine Health explains, Spinal manipulation (like that used by chiropractors in chiropractic medicine) is not a new or recent concept. Records show that manipulation of the spine can be traced back to the time of Hippocrates (1, 2).
Since the inception of chiropractic medicine in 1895, chiropractors have held as a primary tenet that biomechanical and structural derangement of the spine can affect the nervous system. Because the nervous system is so intimately related to the spine from an anatomical standpoint, identifying and restoring spinal structural integrity through chiropractic treatments can improve the health of the individual by reducing pressure on sensitive neurological tissue.
It is important to note that doctors of chiropractic do not utilize drugs or surgery in their practice. However, there are times when a chiropractor will recommend that the patient consult another practitioner if these or other methods of treatment are indicated. [Spine health]
Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic in Evergreen would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your ongoing health or maintenance care and concerns.
Choose to be proactive not reactive with your health care.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be happy
Greenwashing – Beware the consumer.
28 October 2008GREENWASHING
I have often wondered about ‘environmentally friendly’ SUV’s, or the mountain of cleaning and houseware products that have recently shown up on the grocery store shelves. All of a sudden it seems that you can buy any of these items and more in either an “environmentally friendly” version, or a regular version. Both are often made by the same company and you can find them right next to each other on the supermarket shelf.
Did they build a new factory I wonder, is it a totally different process, totally different chemicals? Did they just tweak a few ingredients and design new packaging or is it a totally new product made genuinely with conscious materials?
So yes, I am a little concerned about these ‘green’ products that are showing up so fast and furiously on our grocery store shelves. The question isn’t even limited to what is in the product or how the products are made, but we also have to wonder things like: how is it transported? How is it packaged, how is it manufactured? So many things to think about if we are going to be truly earth conscious; if toxic energy and chemicals are spewed into the atmosphere while these products are manufactured its good to know. It may be declared a non-toxic product on the shelf but if it wasn’t manufactured responsibly we might think twice. In purchasing these products it seems to be important to understand the how/why/what/where, so that we can not only think about the potential health impact of using the product but also the negative impact from the production and transportation of the product on our environment.
I have just become familier with the term Greenwashing: Wikipedia lists this as, Greenwash[ing] is a term used to describe the perception of consumers that they are being misled by a company regarding the environmental practices of the company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations which attempt to appear that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.
Greenwashing was coined by suburban NY environmentalist Jay Westerveld in 1986, in an essay regarding the hotel industry’s practice of placing green placards in each room, promoting reuse of guest-towels, ostensibly to “save the environment”. Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward waste recycling was being implemented by these institutions, due in part to the lack of cost-cutting affected by such practice. Westerveld opined that the actual objective of this “green campaign” on the part of many hoteliers was, in fact, profit increase.
Westerveld hence monikered this and other outwardly environmentally-conscientious acts with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing. [wikipedia]
Companies profiting from ‘suggesting’ their products are green? No, say it isn’t so!
At The Greenwashing Index you will find an online interactive forum where you can discuss your concerns about green claims, look for you favorite products or check out advertisements and declarations companies have made about their product lines.
If you are concerned about a product that you have bought or are considering purchasing an environmentally safe product, you can go to the Scientific Certification Systems to help you find environmentally conscious products.
A couple of good companies we know about, 7th Generation, and Planet Inc.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy ~ Be conscious!
Call Dr Paul or Dr Susan for your next chiropractic appointment. Evergreen Colorado 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com