Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Benefits of Green Tea.
Previous studies have shown that green tea consumption aids in both weight loss and lowering cholesterol levels. Green tea is full of anti-oxidants and has also been known to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, depression symptoms, wrinkles, the risk of high blood pressure. Green tea also benefits diabetics because it slows the rise of blood sugar after eating. A new study reveals that it may also benefit memory and spatial awareness. (Note: Green tea decaffeinated with CO2 retains as much as 95% of the original anti-oxidant levels. If the ethyl acetate process was used, only about 30% of the anti-oxidants will be retained.)
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, September 2012

Health Alert: $750 Billion Lost A Year!
America's health care system is inefficient, suffers from data overload, and is both complex and costly. Each year, $750 billion (roughly $.35 per dollar spent) is wasted nationwide on inflated administration costs, fraud, and pointless services. These problems can also result in needless patient suffering and deaths.
Institute of Medicine. September 2012

Diet: Anorexia.
Patients with anorexia have trouble accurately judging their own body size, but not the bodies of others. In a test, when asked if they could pass through a doorway, anorexic patients felt they could not pass through the door even when it was easily wide enough. However, anorexic patients were more accurate at judging others' ability to pass through the doorway than their own. The study also found a correlation between the perception of the patients' own ability to pass through the aperture and their body size prior to becoming anorexic, suggesting that the patients may still think of themselves as their previous size.
PLOS ONE, August 2012

Exercise: The Elderly.
The benefits of exercise are positive for all seniors, including those who are considered frail. The advantages appeared after just three months and included increased cognitive and physical abilities, as well as increased quality of life.
Journals of Gerontology, August 2012

Chiropractic: Lack of Motion.
A joint that is not mechanically stimulated will atrophy, leading to degeneration. However, even passive motion (ex: someone else bending your leg for you) is beneficial to cartilage regeneration.
Arthritis Care and Research, 2006

Wellness/Prevention: Coconut Oil and Tooth Decay.
Digested coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The study found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibits the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (an acid-producing bacterium that is a major cause of tooth decay).
Society for General Microbiology, September 2012

Better Ways to Treat Headaches & Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common conditions known to man. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches, either occasionally or on a more chronic basis. Headaches are divided into primary headaches (which account for 95% of headaches) and those headaches that signal another physical condition.

Headaches can be dull, sharp, throbbing or extremely painful, as in migraine or cluster headaches. Nausea can be another symptom, along with increased sensitivity to light and sound. Several factors can trigger headache onset, the most common triggers include stress, tension, allergies, too much alcohol, colds and flu viruses, insomnia, and even food.

While medication is often the first treatment choice for headache and migraine sufferers, there are also drug-free options such as acupuncture
and therapeutic massage that have proven to be highly effective while eliminating the risk of dangerous side effects. The Consensus Statement on Acupuncture by the National Institutes of Health, released in 1997, stated that acupuncture was useful as an additional treatment or an acceptable alternative in a comprehensive pain management program for conditions including headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, and others. And one recent study showed the effects to be long-lasting, with acupuncture treatment reducing chronic pain in the neck and shoulder areas and associated headache for months.

For centuries, massage therapy has been used to alleviate stress and promote general wellness. It has also proven to be a remarkably effective means for combating chronic pain and improving range of motion, and can even be used to fight off headaches and depression. Non-invasive and extremely safe, massage therapy can be utilized on its own or as a supplement to physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and a host of other therapies.

Originally published in Think Teachers Magazine

Reprinted with permission from Think Teachers Magazine.

Achieving Relief from Stress and Pain Without Drugs or Surgery

All teachers know their history. When it comes to pain and wellness, here’s a lesson worth remembering: acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. The practice is based on belief in keeping the body’s vital energy flow, or qi (pronounced chee) in balance. Qi flows through the body along 14 ‘pathways’ or meridians. When energy becomes stuck or blocked, pain and illness can occur.

Many teachers suffer from painful sciatica, carpal tunnel and neck or low back pain due to repetitive motions and, often, stress. Acupuncture has been shown to help a patient mange pain for these disorders, as well as many others, such as migraines and joint pain. The process of inserting very fine needles along specific points in the body can release natural pain-relieving chemicals, promote circulation and balance the nervous system.

Acupuncture has become an increasingly popular option for patients who suffer from chronic pain. In fact, the FDA estimates that Americans undergo between 9 and 12 million acupuncture treatments per year – a number that is bound to continue growing, thanks to its safety and effectiveness. The procedure itself involves the use of ultra-thin needles, made from silver and steel alloy. After a patient has been diagnosed and acupuncture has been deemed appropriate, a licensed acupuncturist will map out the points on the patient’s body where the therapeutic needles can be used to effectively restore the body’s natural energy flow. Patients generally feel only a brief sensation when the needles are inserted, and are often surprised at how painless the treatment actually is. In fact, many patients find acupuncture to be soothing and relaxing.

Reprinted with permission from Think Teachers Magazine.

Questions About Sciatica Answered

What is Sciatica?
Back injury doctors will tell you that sciatica is a condition in which pain originating from the low back or buttock area travels down one or both legs. The pain of sciatica has been described as achy, sharp, tingling, or has sometimes been likened to electric shocks. Pain can be mild, moderate or severe, infrequent or constant, depending on the degree of nerve involvement.

What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is usually caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, a large nerve originating at the base of the spine. This compression can be caused by subluxations (misalignment) of the lower spine; herniated or bulging discs; pregnancy and childbirth (when pelvic bones shift and the tissues surrounding them are softer and more movable); tumors or diabetes.

Sciatica is often a result of Piriformis Syndrome. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower spine and is involved in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve is located directly beneath the piriformis muscle, so any injury or disorder affecting this muscle can result in pinching of the sciatic nerve.

How Does a Back Pain Specialist Treat Sciatica?
Initially the doctor will need to accurately diagnose the cause of a patient’s sciatica. This involves taking the patient’s medical history, conducting a thorough physical and neurological examination and employing various diagnostic tests, including X-ray, MRI, CT scans and, if needed nerve testing including electromyography. In most cases, sciatica can be treated non-surgically and non-invasively.

Therapy will be customized based on the most effective way for the patient’s body to begin to heal itself, and may include physical therapy, ice/cold therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), and spinal manipulation. Advanced therapies such as spinal decompression and deep tissue medical laser therapy can also create dramatic results.

Reprinted with permission from Think Teachers Magazine.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Don't Choke!
For many skilled athletes, the movements they execute in an athletic event have been practiced so much, they occur with little conscious thought. However, when athletes don't perform well under pressure, they may focus too much on their movements which causes their performance to decrease even more. Right handed athletes who squeezed a ball in their left hand before an athletic event were more able to perform under pressure. It's thought that clenching with the left hand helps activate the right side of the brain that is associated with automated behaviors, such as those used by athletes to dribble, kick, shoot, swing, etc.
American Psychological Association, September 2012

Health Alert: Improper Rinsing?
The improper use of neti pots, as well as other devices for rinsing out the sinuses, has been linked to a higher risk of infection. The FDA warns that if they are not used properly, the user runs a risk of developing serious infections, even potentially fatal ones. The devices are safe and useful overall, as long as they are properly used and cleaned.
FDA, September 2012

Diet: Why Some Fats May Be Bad.
Some fats (like animal fats) are linked to ailments like heart disease and diabetes while others (like those from fish, plants, and nuts) have health benefits. Why the difference? The results of one study suggest that some fats encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive system. Our bodies recognize those fats and launch an immune response. The result is low-level inflammation that, over the long term, causes chronic disease.
Quarterly Review of Biology, September 2012

Exercise: Get Fit Dad!
According to a team of experts at the University of Melbourne's Department of Zoology, a father's obesity negatively impacts sperm, which results in smaller fetuses, poor pregnancy success, and decreased placental development.
Society for Reproductive Biology, August 2012

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain?
One possibility is ligaments or tendons being slightly torn or under physical stress or tension. These tissues can easily become damaged due to injury or long periods (weeks, months, or years) of overwork.
Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Lifestyle.
According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is the leading cause of mortality in the world, responsible for 7 million deaths a year (15% of all deaths). Healthy behaviors regarding alcohol, physical activity, vegetable intake, and body weight reduce the risk of hypertension by two thirds. Having two healthy lifestyle factors reduced the risk of hypertension by 50% in men and 30% in women.
National Institute for Health and Welfare, September 2012

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Cannabis and IQ?
A recent study indicates that daily cannabis use by teenagers (< 18 years old) results in neuropsychological decline, which persists even after they stop smoking. The group also had IQ scores that were 8 points lower than their counterparts who never smoked or started.
Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, September 2012

Health Alert: Bad Medicine?
Approximately one in five prescriptions to elderly people are inappropriate. Some of the medications with the highest rates of inappropriate use were the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the antidepressant amitriptyline, and the pain reliever propoxyphene.br />PLOS ONE, September 2012

Diet: Chocolate?
Chocolate may be beneficial for reducing stroke risk in men. Flavonoids found in chocolate may decrease blood concentrations of bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds known to have beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects, appear to protect against cardiovascular disease through antioxidant, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. Men who ate the largest amounts of chocolate (63 grams - a third cup of chocolate chips - per week) had a 17% lower risk of stroke than men who never, or very rarely, ate chocolate. Also, for each additional 50 grams of chocolate consumed per week (a quarter cup of chocolate chips), there is a fall in stroke risk of about 14%. Many researchers maintain it is dark chocolate that is good for the heart, but about 90% of the chocolate intake in this study was milk chocolate.
Karolinska Institute, August 2012

Exercise: Lack of Exercise As A Medical Condition?
According to physiologist Michael Joyner, M.D., "physical inactivity is the root cause of many of the common problems that we have." These problems include obesity, diabetes, joint damage, and high blood pressure. If lack of exercise (deconditioning) was treated as a medical condition, then perhaps more patients and doctors would see exercise as a treatment that should be considered first for many medical complaints.
Mayo Clinic, August 2012

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain?
One possibility is joint pain due to inflammation of tissues between and around the joints. As a person ages, or with trauma (old or new), their joints lose flexibility. As muscles and ligaments tighten and shorten, inflammatory chemicals can become trapped. Over time, the joint complex can degenerate and osteoarthritis may develop.
Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

Wellness/Prevention: TV Time?
31% of US children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Reducing TV viewing may be an effective strategy to preventing excess weight gain among adolescents. In this study, there was a clear association with reduction in TV hours and decreased weight gain over one year.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, September/October 2012

Low Back Pain and Sleep

Low back pain (LBP) can arise from a lot of causes, most commonly from bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, and twisting. However, there are other possible causes, including sleep. This not only includes sleeping in a crooked or faulty position, such as falling asleep on a couch, in a chair or while riding in a car, but also from the lack of sleep. So the question is, how much sleep is needed to feel restored and how much sleep is needed to avoid low back pain?

It’s been shown that the lack of sleep, or chronic sleep loss, can lead to serious diseases including (but not limited to): heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Sleepiness can also result in a disaster; as was the case in the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, the oil spill from the Exxon Valdez, as well as the 1986 nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. With sleep deprivation, our reaction time is slowed down, and hence, driving safety is a major issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue causes more than 100,000 crashes per year with 1500 annual crash-related deaths in the US alone. This problem is greatest in people under 25 years old. Job related injuries are also reportedly more frequently, especially repeat injuries in workers complaining of daytime sleepiness which resulted in more sick days. It’s also well published that sleep plays a crucial role in thinking and learning. Lack of sleep impairs concentration, attention, alertness, reasoning, and general cognitive function. In essence, it makes it more difficult to learn efficiently. Also, getting into a deep sleep cycle plays a critical role in “consolidating memories” in the brain, so if you don’t get to a deep sleep stage (about 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep), it’s more difficult to remember what you’ve learned. An interesting study (U. of Pennsylvania) reported that people who slept less than 5 hours/night for 7 nights felt stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted. As shown in another study of 10,000 people, over time, insomnia (the lack of sleep) increases the chances by 5-fold for developing clinical depression. Other clinical studies have published many other negative effects of sleep deprivation, of which some include aging of the skin, forgetfulness, weight gain, and more.

Regarding low back pain, what comes first? Does LBP cause sleep interference or does sleep deprivation cause the LBP (or both)? It’s been shown that sleep loss can lower your pain threshold and pain tolerance, making any existing pain feel worse, so it works both ways. Specific to LBP, in a 28-year, 902 metal industry worker study, sleep disturbances (insomnia and/or nightmares) predicted a 2.1-fold increase in back pain hospitalizations with one and a 2.4-fold increase with both sleep disturbance causes (insomnia and nightmares). Other studies have shown patients with chronic LBP had less restful sleep and more “alpha EEG” sleep compared to controls. Similar sleep pattern differences using EEG (electroencephalogram – measures brain waves) have been shown when comparing chronic LBP patients with vs. without depression compared to controls (non-LBP, non-depressed subjects).

So the BOTTOM LINE, talk to us about how chiropractic helps reduce LBP, stress and facilitates sleep. There are also nutritional benefits from Melatonin, valarian root, and others that we can discuss. Now, go to bed and get a good night’s sleep!

We realize you have a choice in who you choose to provide your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Common Whiplash Myths

Whiplash is most commonly associated with the rapid, uncontrolled movement of the head as it whips back and forth during a motor vehicle collision. Though different types of injuries are associated with rear vs. front vs. side collisions, the net result is similar: the neck hurts! This month, we will look at several “myths” or untruths associated with the cause of whiplash or WAD, whiplash associated disorders.

MYTH #1: MEN ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO INJURY BECAUSE OF THEIR GREATER NECK MUSCLE MASS: FACT: This is exactly the opposite! Women are more vulnerable because they have LESS muscle mass, and hence, less tissue stopping the neck from going through a greater range of motion during the “crack the whip” process. Woman with long, slender necks are especially more vulnerable. They also take longer to recover and are more likely to suffer permanent residual problems long after their case settles.

MYTH #2: YOU CAN’T HAVE A CONCUSSION UNLESS YOU HIT YOUR HEAD: This seems logical as most concussions occur from direct head trauma. However, during the whiplash process the brain, which is suspended by ligament-like structures inside the skull, bathed in a liquid, can literally smash into the inside wall of the skull resulting in concussion just from the whipping action, without hitting anything. Permanent residuals such as memory problems, articulating thoughts, staying on task, and more can result. This is often called “post-concussive syndrome” or “mild traumatic brain injury.”

MYTH #3: NEGATIVE X-RAYS MEANS NO INJURY: Often, in the ER after a motor vehicle collision, x-rays are taken and read by the radiologist as “…essentially normal.” This can be confused as meaning, “…then there was no injury.” X-rays only show the bones in the neck and head region, not the muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. MRI (magnetic resonant imaging) shows more of these “soft tissues,” not just bone. But, due to the high costs of MRI, x-rays are performed first, and only later, if symptoms warrant it, is an MRI ordered. Soft tissue injury to the ligaments (the tissues that strongly hold bone to bone) can be assessed when we take flexion/extension (or bending forwards & backwards) x-rays, but many times these are not ordered in the ER.

MYTH #4: REST AND TIME ALONE WILL HEAL WHIPLASH: Though time for healing plays a role in recovery following all injuries, many patients find this approach fails and their pain persists. In fact, studies suggest that mobilization and manipulation performed as soon as possible after a whiplash injury yields significantly better outcomes than wearing a cervical collar and not moving the neck. Whiplash injuries, when not properly treated, often results in permanent loss of motion, pain, headache, and more. The days of rest and time only should be replaced by the sports medicine model of hot/cold packs, modalities such as interferential, pulsed magnetic stimulation, light or laser therapy, manipulation, massage, traction and guided exercise. Not, “…wait and watch.”

Tune in next month for addition myths about whiplash as there are MANY! Rest assured that prompt chiropractic care is the best approach for treatment of the whiplash injured patient.

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Condition of the Month: Colds & Flu

When it comes to Colds and Flu this year the best offense is a great defense. Every year around this time millions of Americans suffer from colds and flu and they don't know what to do. Well it turns out the latest and greatest medications never work.

Even the Flu Vaccine is highly questionable. The top Flu Researcher at the FDA reported: "There is nothing based upon either epidemiology or controlled experiments, to show that the influenza vaccine yields a benefit toward the recipient." Further, many respected researchers around the world have claimed that the Flu Vaccine GREATLY increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Dementia. So what they are saying is not only does it not work, but you risk far greater diseases if you take the shot.

So lets put logic to work here. During this time of year there are many different stressors that are at work: seasons are changing, schedules are changing, schools and sports are back in session - in other words there is a boat load of stress.

Typically, when we have more time demands we tend to neglect what we need -resulting in a "double negative" of more stress and less care. Stresses come in different forms, but they all have one thing in common - they RUN DOWN the nervous system and it's the NERVOUS SYSTEM that controls the immune system. So what do you need to know???

Don't neglect yourself. As a matter of fact, instead of getting less care during this time of the year, we suggest you get EXTRA CARE. Come in for EXTRA adjustments to boost your nervous system, EXTRA massage therapy to boost your lymphatic and immune system, and EXTRA Acupuncture to balance all the systems in your body!! Just a word of advice from the office that cares about more then just your spine!!

FREE ACUPUNCTURE OR MASSAGE!! As our way of helping you through the stress of the season Dr. Butler is offering every patient a free 30 minute massage or Acupuncture session. This is limited to the first 50 patients who call to reserve their appointment and is on a first come, first served basis. That's a value of about $5000 and is a GIFT just for our patients!!

HAVE YOU SCHEDULED YOUR APPOINTMENT YET?

Is It My Neck or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Neck pain can arise from many different sources, and the patient’s clinical presentation can be quite similar making it a challenge to diagnose. One of those related, and sometimes co-existing conditions, is called thoracic outlet syndrome, or TOS. Let’s first discuss the anatomy of the neck and the thoracic outlet so we all have a good “picture” in mind of what we’re talking about.

TOS can arise from either blood vessel compression, nerve compression or both, making the ease of diagnosis difficult. Adding to the challenge, the “pinch” of the structure can occur at more than one place! The nerves and blood vessels can get pinched at the exiting holes in the spine (“neuroforamen”), by tight “scalene” muscles, under the collar bone (clavicle) and/or by a tight pectoralis minor muscle near the arm pit. Hence, the symptoms usually include pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm and hand (usually affecting the 4th & 5th fingers). It’s our job to run different tests to figure out where the primary pinch or pinches are located so we can treat the right area.

The causes of TOS can be many, with one of the obvious being a fractured collar bone or clavicle. Another is from having an extra rib. As there is not a lot of room for an extra structure, this can be a point of compression for some (but doesn’t create TOS in everyone). An overly tight scalene muscle, scar tissue, an extra large muscle and so on can also result in pinching of the nerves and/or blood vessels.

Purses, backpacks, carrying golf clubs, a mailbag and the like can also cause a pinch. A seat belt injury in a car accident is yet another cause, either from the direct trauma, or later when scar tissue forms in the area.

Our posture alone (without trauma), such as a slouchy, slumped posture where the shoulders roll forwards can cause TOS and, large breasts and obesity also add to the list of risk factors. Women are affected 3x more than men. Certain jobs where reaching overhead or outwards such as waitresses, carpenters, electricians, increase TOS risk.

You can depend on us to identify, locate and treat the areas that need attending as chiropractic includes many effective TOS treatment methods. The surgical outcomes are less than impressive so do EVERYTHING else first (a good surgeon will tell you that).

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Fibromyalgia "101"

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder that includes widespread musculoskeletal pain along with fatigue, sleep disturbance, memory changes, mood changes and more. Studies show that FM amplifies or increases painful sensations by changing the way the brain processes pain signals. FM is NOT a psychological disorder that only people with a troubled past or present acquire. Nor is it due to being inactive or lazy. If ANY doctor suggests that, PLEASE find a different doctor who understands the pathogenesis of FM. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge!

FM symptoms can begin after a physical trauma, surgery, an infection and/or after a significant stress experience. It can also just gradually appear over time without an obvious triggering event. Women are more vulnerable to acquire FM than men. Many FM patients have other conditions that may be associated with FM including (but not limited to) headache, TMJ, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, thyroid/hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, and more.

Though the cause of FM may not be clearly identified, studies suggest there are a variety of factors that work together resulting in FM. Some of these include genetics, infections and physical and/or emotional trauma. Because FM tends to run in families, there may be certain genes or genetic mutations (changes that occur to genes) that make one more susceptible to developing FM. Infections appear to be a trigger for developing or aggravating FM. Post-traumatic stress disorder and less obvious physical or psychological trauma has been linked to the development of FM. The amplified or heightened pain response has been termed, “central sensitization,” meaning, increased sensitivity to normal pain stimulation in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Because of this heightened nervous system response, what normally isn’t processed as pain in the non-FM person, does reach and exceed the pain threshold in the FM patient (sort of like when amputation of a limb occurs and the brain still “thinks” there is a limb and “phantom pain” is felt). Studies show that repeated pain signals result in an abnormal increase in certain brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters). As a result, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a “memory” of the pain and become “sensitized” or they overreact to the pain signal input and pain is felt at an increased intensity. Certain risk factors come into play with developing FM, some of which include: your sex (female), family history (increased risk if other family members have FM), and rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Tests to establish the diagnosis of FM are few. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established 2 criteria for diagnosing FM. The first is widespread pain lasting at least 3 months, and the second is the presence of at least 11 out of 18 positive tender points. Since then, less emphasis has been placed on the exact number of tender points, while ruling out other possible underlying conditions that might be causing the pain is now utilized. There is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of FM, but blood tests including a complete blood count, an ESR, and thyroid function tests are commonly done to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Treatment is best approached by a “team effort” combining the skills from multiple disciplines including a primary care doctor who “believes in FM” and is willing to work with chiropractors, and others. Exercising, pacing yourself, accepting your limitations, yoga, psychological counseling, nutritional counseling, and having strong family/friend support are all important in the management of FM.

If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Bright Lights?
A new study shows that light therapy is beneficial to everyone, not just individuals who suffer from seasonal depression. When bright light therapy is administered through the ear canal directly to the photosensitive brain tissue, it improved cognitive performance and mood in all subjects. Students who received a daily, 12 minute bright light treatment through the ear canal for 3 weeks improved their reaction time by 25-30%. When channeled directly to the brain, bright light significantly increases activity in the neural networks, especially in regions of the brain linked to visual perception.
Scandinavian Physiological Society, September 2012

Health Alert: Tattoo Infections?
Some tattoo inks are tainted with nontuberculous Mycobacteria. This bacteria can cause lung disease, eye problems, and organ and joint infections. Tattoo inks and pigments may also be contaminated with fungi and mold. Tattoo artists should make sure that only sterile water is used to dilute the inks.
US Food and Drug Administration, September 2012

Diet: Stroke and Diet.
A poor diet may increase your risk of stroke in a few significant ways. Eating too much fat and cholesterol can lead to arteries that are narrowed by plaque, eating too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure, and eating too many calories can lead to obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help lower your stroke risk.
American Heart Association

Exercise: Less Is More?
Good news, 30 minutes of exercise each day is better than one hour. On average, men who exercised 30 minutes a day lost ~8 lbs in three months, while those who exercised for a whole hour only lost ~6 lbs. One explanation is that half an hour of exercise is so doable that study participants had the desire and energy for more physical activity after their daily exercise session. Those who exercised for 60 minutes per day probably ate more, thus their weight loss was slightly less than anticipated.
American Journal of Physiology, September 2012

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain?
One possibility for pain is disk involvement. Pain may occur when a disk becomes inflamed, herniated (bulging), or ruptured. The mechanism can be due to an acute injury like a car accident or fall, or repetitive micro-trauma (long term wear and tear). In both cases, muscle spasms can occur, potentially causing severe pain.
Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

Wellness/Prevention: Decrease Stroke Risk?
Chronic conditions that are risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Behaviors that are risk factors for stroke: smoking, getting too little exercise, and heavy use of alcohol.
American Heart Association

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Prevention Tactics

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common problem that is often associated with work related activities. Our focus this month is on how to prevent CTS. Of course, if you already have CTS, read this Health Update to learn preventative measures that also work while you receive treatment for CTS.

The concept is to think about prevention as a matter of economics; as you lose time from work because of CTS, if affects your bottom line, and I’m sure you have bills to pay and mouths to feed (…or, at least one)! So please take the advice offered here seriously, as we are genuine about our concern for your well-being and not losing work time is a huge component of all of our “well-being!”

If you’ve experienced sore wrists, hands, sudden sharp jabs of pain up the forearm, noted numbness and/or burning in your fingers (especially the index through 4th/ring finger), wake up at night needing to shake and flick your fingers to “wake them up,” have weakness in your grip strength, are slowing down at work (whether it’s typing/computer work, assembly line work, cooking, waitressing, and so on), you NEED to do the following NOW! The goal here is prevent work loss and surgery (as up to 6 weeks lost work time will be required if surgery is needed).

1. Anti-inflammatory measures: This starts with a healthy diet. STOP eating foods that inflame such as omega 6 rich foods (“GOOGLE” omega 6 and print out the list of food). Emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and AVOID grains because of glutens, which many of us have a sensitivity against. Vitamins such as a multiple, magnesium, fish oil (omega 3’s), Vitamin D3, and CoQ10 are GREAT! Freeze water in a small cup and rub it on the wrist/carpal tunnel until it gets numb (takes 3-5 minutes) and do that 2-3 times a day. Consider natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger, turmeric, cercumen, bioflavinoides and others.
2. Stretch: Bear-claw, fist, “High-5” (opened hand with the fingers fanned out) reps, wrist extensions on the wall/table stretches (elbows straight).
3. Rest: Cock-up splint, take mini-breaks, and get sound/restoring sleep. IT REALLY HELPS!
4. Ergonomic modifications: Position your computer keyboard, mouse and monitor so that you are looking straight ahead at a slight downward angle and your elbows are at a 90° or slightly less of an angle when typing. Set an alarm on your computer to go off every 15 minutes as a reminder to “shake and flick” your hands, wiggle your fingers, do your stretches, and/or squeeze a soft ball. Write with a fat pen vs. a skinny one – this helps a lot!
5. Weight management: Obesity is a common risk factor for developing CTS.
6. Manage other health issues: Diabetes, thyroid disease, inflammatory arthritis, neck/shoulder or elbow problems can all contribute to or, even cause CTS.

Think of the above measures as minimums and obtain professional care to help you. You have choices between the traditional medical model of cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery vs. chiropractic: manipulation and mobilization of the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck as needed, splinting at night, anti-inflammatory diet and nutrients, ergonomic modification and exercise training, which ALL will help to treat as well as prevent future CTS problems, EVEN IF you’ve had surgery already!

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Violent Images?
People who watched more than four hours of TV a day relating to the 9/11 attacks and Iraq War coverage were more likely to report both acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms over time. According to study author Roxane Cohen Silver, PhD, "[It's] important for people to be aware that there is no psychological benefit to repeated exposure to graphic images of horror."
Psychological Science, September 2012

Health Alert: Bad Belly Fat!
People with a high waist-to-hip ratio (those with big bellies, but a normal body mass index score) are 2.75x more likely to die from a cardiovascular event.
Mayo Clinic, September 2012

Diet: Junk, TV, and Income.
Preschoolers from low-income neighborhoods and kids who spend more than two hours a day in front of a TV or video-game console have at least one thing in common: a thirst for sugary soda and juice. 54.5% of 4-5 year olds from poorer neighborhoods drank at least one soda per week, compared to 40.8% of kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Preschoolers from low-income areas also drank less milk and consumed more fruit juice, which, like soda, is linked to rising sugar intake. Researchers found similar drinking habits among preschoolers who spent more than two hours of "screen time" per day watching TV or playing video games. Kids from poorer neighborhoods sat in front of screens more often, and drank larger volumes of sweetened beverages. Just 30% of children ate recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, and only 23.5% consumed the recommended amount of servings of grain products.
University of Alberta, August 2012

Exercise: Exercise and Cancer Recovery?
Studies have shown the powerful effect exercise can have on cancer care and recovery. For patients who have gone through breast or colon cancer treatment, regular exercise has been found to reduce recurrence by up to 50%.
Mayo Clinic, September 2012

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain?
One possibility is nerve pain. When a nerve becomes "pinched," compressed, or inflamed due to an impinging or degenerated disk, the nerves that innervate the spine can become injured. This mechanism can lead to a radiculopathy, where pain radiates down your arm or leg.
Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

Wellness/Prevention: Drink Water!
Water is your body's principle chemical component and makes up 60% of your body weight. Water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose, and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, and even mild dehydration (as low as 1-2% loss of normal water volume) can drain your energy and make you tired.
Institute of Medicine