Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Dangers of Cholesterol Medication

CBSnews.com

When Jim Matthews needed to slash his cholesterol and heart attack risk, he joined the millions taking the world's top-selling drug, Lipitor. After five weeks, he was struck by cognitive chaos and confusion. All of a sudden, he found himself asking: "Did I go get the mail or did I just think I was going to go get the mail? Did I give my dog her thyroid pill, or did I just think I gave the dog the thyroid pill?"

He couldn't function for hours.

Everywhere you turn Cholesterol is talked about as a major cause of heart disease, but is it really? What does cholesterol do in our bodies?

An article posted on Dr. Mercola's website, Cholesterol is NOT the Cause of Heart Disease, gives a great description of some of the functions that cholesterol plays in our physiology.

Here's a few paragraphs from the article:

"Think of what happens if you were to cut your hand. Within a fraction of a second, chemicals are released by the damaged tissue to initiate the process known as inflammation. Inflammation will allow that little cut to heal, and indeed to keep you from dying. The cut blood vessels constrict to keep you from bleeding too much. Blood becomes "thicker" so that it can clot. Cells and chemicals from the immune system are alerted to come to the area to keep intruders such as viruses and bacteria from invading the cut. Other cells are told to multiply to repair the damage so that you can heal. When the repair is completed, you have lived to be careless another day, though you may have a small scar to show for your troubles. "

"We now know that similar events take place within the lining of our arteries. When damage occurs to the lining of our arteries (or even elsewhere) chemicals are released to initiate the process of inflammation. Arteries constrict, blood becomes more prone to clot, white blood cells are called to the area to gobble up damaged debris, and cells adjacent to those damaged are told to multiply. Ultimately, scars form, however inside our arteries we call it plaque. And the constriction of our arteries and the "thickening" of our blood further predisposes us to high blood pressure and heart attacks."

If you would like to read more about the cholesterol debacle visit this page on Dr. Mercola's Web site. It contains more than 30 articles about cholesterol and the usage of medications.

There is also conclusive evidence that proper levels of exercise and nutrition have a much higher success rate of reduce cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. But if you are interested in adding a specific component to your diet, I would suggest reading the article about Red Yeast Rice on NaturalNews.com

High cholesterol is not a result of bad genes, bad germs or bad luck. Our genes require certain nutrients in the right amount to function normally. Those nutrients are diet, exercise, and mental health. Our genes, and therefore our bodies, adapt to the environment they are placed in.

If you choose not to eat properly and value taste more than nutrition, or value relaxation more than keeping fit, then you have decided the environment to place your body into. Your physiology has to adapt, and that adaptation leads to disease, every time. To get my point a little better watch this video... it's a must see!!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Neck Curve and Your Health

Every time you come into the office we are talking about your health, posture and your spine. I wanted to show you some examples of x-rays of what happens to someone when they haven't taken care of the spine.

Unfortunately what has occurred in our society is that an individuals posture is not truly considered in someones overall health assessment. And what I also find that is not commonly considered is that our posture changes over time, which means our spine changes position over time, and therefore symptoms that accompany these changes come about slowly. Just like the Colorado river carving out the grand canyon.

To get a sense of what happens when our spine changes position, or as chiropractors call it - subluxation - think about all the times when you've hit your "funny bone" I'm not 100% sure about you, but it's not a fun experience. It's estimated that the pressure on a nerve equal to that of the weight of a dime resting on a nerve changes how information, a.k.a. your sense of pain, temperature, vibration, organ control, etc. is affected. This affect can go one of two ways, either the sensation is too strong or too weak.

It would be a good idea to review this nerve chart before you look at the x-ray's below to get an idea of what some of the effects of improper nerve function are. I would also recommend taking a look at this other nerve chart, which many of our patients may recognize from a similar version in our office.

Normal Cervical Curve

Let's first get a sense of what a normal cervical curve looks like. In this picture the example is facing to the right, take notice of how each bone appears smooth and square like, has a clearly marked dark space between each vertebrae and has a gentle banana shaped curvature with the rounded portion pointing towards the front.


In this next picture, the individual is facing to the left but direct your attention to the arrows pointing out the increased bone growth and loss of disc height. ( The loss of disc height is the black space between the vertebrae)















What you are seeing is arthritis, also known as degeneration or osteoarthritis.

The bone spurring is a result of a normal process known as Wolff's law and the disc degeneration is well explained in this great article from chirogeek.com

Some of you may be thinking that this persons neck curve does not look bad, in fact it seems to follow a curve like pattern. Well you are correct, the curve is not that far from normal. But that is only one way a subluxation pattern occurs.

Another pattern that causes degeneration is lack of normal movement in a spinal segment. So even though an individual may have good posture, how those individual segments move is equally as important.

Next I'm just going to have you take a look at other types of neck curves that people have. Some of these patients come in with severe pain and other related symptoms, sometimes these patients come in with minimal symptoms.




On the left we have a reversal of normal cervical curve without a lot of degeneration. This person has an opportunity to correct their spine.



On the right this individual has severe degeneration with fusion of the bones, but as you can see the curve is maintained. This person will be able to benefit with some pain relief but will be unable to reverse these severe findings.















Finally, here are a few x-rays of individuals that have chosen the path of medications and surgery to solve there problems.

Unfortunately no one had truly explained to them the facts regarding chiropractic. If someone had, perhaps they could have saved a lot of money, pain, plates and screws.
















Be proactive with your spine and with your health. The difference is more than feeling good. The difference is the quality of life and the future of the ones around you.

Someone planted a seed in your mind about chiropractic care, do the same for someone else. It just may change their life.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Most Astonishing Health Disaster of the 20th Century

This is a video I came across while reading through Dr. Mercola's website. This video was put together in 2007 and has statistics that originate from a few years before. In my opinion, some of the facts reported are probably a bit higher than what is stated in this clip.

The point I would like to make, and I believe Dr. Mercola is trying to make, is that there is a better way to take care of our health and our lives that to depend on medications and quick fixes.

There are a large number of natural and homeopathic methods for treating problems that come along in our lives. And if you are aware that we can help these problems naturally when they happen then we should also be aware that if you can be proactive with your health many of our problems wouldn't even be a concern.

As the old saying goes "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of the cure"




Be proactive with your care in our office.

Be proactive in sharing with your friends the good news of chiropractic.

If you are not deciding what happens to you in life then you have made the decision to let life make decisions for you.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Mother's Act

Back in June of 2006 a Senator from New Jersey introduced a bill entitled The Mother's Act. This bill aims to eradicate the devastating effects of postpartum depression for women and their families.

The intentions of dealing with and attempting to rid our society of this very difficult problem are very honorable in my opinion, but there are many problems with how the bill will allow this challenge to be handled.

The nuts and bolts of this bill will allow physicians and other health care providers to diagnose pregnancy and post-pregnancy issues as a new mental disease and therefore provide mind-altering medications for those mothers.

When one looks closely at the important sections of the legislation, it is clear that this costly and sweeping mental health legislation not only fails the mothers of America, it’s intended to inflate the balance sheets of Big Pharma. If you would like to read the full article describing some of the points for contention follow this link.

Here is a brief section of an article written by Byron Richards, a very well respected wellness practitioner.

"The Mothers Act proposes sweeping and dramatic changes in the delivery of pregnancy care by all health professionals. It demands that health professionals indoctrinate pregnant women into mental health treatment options for mild depression-like symptoms experienced during or following pregnancy, including moderate symptoms they call “baby blues” which they say affects 80% of pregnant women. In other words, this is a massive federate health mandate to get the majority of pregnant and nursing mothers on psych drugs – a new target market for Big Pharma. "

I would highly recommend that you review a few of these following articles for information regarding this issue.
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Natural News.com
Uniteforlife.org

There are many other articles available to read, just perform a google search and see for yourself.

Understanding this problem of postpartum depression is very valuable, but in my opinion, it would be more valuable to understand what these mothers are missing from there nutritional, exercise, mental and chiropractic needs.

When you supply the body with what it requires, health happens!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Man Who Survived Without Chemo

You no doubt have heard about Daniel Hauser and his week of being a fugitive from the law because he refuses his court-mandated chemotherapy. In this ABC NEWS article the full account of the situation is reviewed and according to this report Daniel's first round of the chemo had dramatically negative results and the boy decided to run away.

This whole situation has me asking, what happened to a parents and child's freedom of choice? There is overwhelming evidence that the body has an intelligent and purposeful way of healing itself, the body just needs the right materials.

In this post I wanted to show you a survival story of a man that Survived Hodgkin's Lymphoma after he was diagnosed at age 16. ABC NEWS also reports how Billy Best would help fight for Daniels health freedoms if offered the opportunity.

If you feel that being allowed to choose you the way you take care of your body you may want to review and sign this Health Freedom Petition.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Oink Oink... The Swine Flu

Here is a blog article I came across written by a very well respected owner of a chiropractic education company, Bill Esteb. I wanted to highlight one section from his blog that I thought was very intriguing. The article reports a few statistics from the Flu epidemic of 1918: The Spanish Flu.


"Do you know what has happening in the world exactly 91 years ago today?" ... "The Spanish Flu."

It killed 25 million people around the world. The death rate among patients who consulted doctors for medical treatment often exceeded 6.5%. This contrasts significantly with the .06% to 1.2% death rate recorded among patients consulting chiropractors. Why the big difference?" you ask.

While suspected at the time, and more obvious today, there is a connection between the nervous system and the immune system. When diminished by vertebral subluxation, the nervous system can have a dampening effect on the workings of the immune system. In fact, most of us can recall getting a cold or some other illness immediately following periods of stress, sleep deprivation or the "let down" after taking an important test or completing a big project. Turns out, the best defense is a good offense. One more reason why regular chiropractic checkups, even when you're feeling great, make sense."


If you'd like to read the full post click here.

If we can provide what is required for the body, chiropractic, nutrition, exercise, and mental health, then the body will be able to sustain health and prevent disease.

If you'd like to learn more first hand check out our office calendar.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Drug Company Funding is a Top Factor in Study Publication

An article published by Natural News reported that studies that are funded by the pharmaceutical industry are significantly more likely to be published in prestigious journals and to later be cited in the scientific literature than studies without such funding, according to a number of sources. These sources include US News and World Report, The British Medical Journal, The Oxford Journal and others. You can read these articles by clicking on the links.

So what does this mean?

Major media outlets tend to report positive outcomes for different pharmaceutical medications which tout the falsified benefits, but don't report negative outcomes, long term harmful effects and do not disclose natural and preventative solutions.

Next time you are marketed to believe that the solution to your symptoms is the latest drug breakthrough, think twice. Instead, ask yourself if you're getting enough exercise, eating enough locally grown organic foods, managing your stress levels appropriately and receiving consistent chiropractic adjustments?

The truth is when you supply your body with what it needs, the four aforementioned strategies, your health will take care of itself.

To learn more about how this topic check out The Wellness Practice and attend one of our workshops at our office.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Chiropractic Saves Lives

If you've been around our office over the past few weeks you've seen a number of patient testimonials. There are many fantastic stories and experiences being described, here you can see the winners from our recent Patient Story Challenge event.

I thought it would be great to hear some other stories. Here are three accounts that show a wide range of issues that chiropractic can help. So take a moment and see for yourself the body's ability to heal.

Montel Williams and his battle with M.S.


Jerry Rice's Personal Success Story


Chiropractic Mirical Story

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Toothpaste, Water and Fluoride

Have you ever heard " Don't swallow your toothpaste"?

How about "Fluoride at the dentist office and in your tap water is good for you"?

Do yourself a favor, take a look at your tube of toothpaste. Find out what the active ingredient is and then continue to read the rest of the label.

It probably says something along the lines of " If swallowed contact the local poison control center."

One of the next questions I had and many other health professionals ask is: Why does toothpaste carry a warning but fluoridated water does not?

The truth is fluoride is NOT an essential nutrient. The fluoride added to your drinking water and in toothpaste is in fact a chemical toxin!

Now do yourself a second favor, watch this 5 minute video on Mercola.com and make the decision for yourself.

If you would like more information take a look at this website or just perform a google search.

Fluoride Action Network: http://www.fluoridealert.org/

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Vitamin D: The Amazing Vitamin

Over the past few years I've been reading countless articles about the benefits of getting vitamin D and the diseases associated with deficiencies.

There have been a number of misconceptions regarding sunlight, vitamin D, cancer, and a many other health concerns that researchers have been studying. What is even more exciting is the health benefits that are happening but currently aren't being studied. For a great overview about the amazing vitamin D read this USA Today article.

Here are a few highlights:

"vitamin D increasingly seems important for preventing and even treating many types of cancer. In the last three months alone, four separate studies found it helped protect against lymphoma and cancers of the prostate, lung and, ironically, the skin. The strongest evidence is for colon cancer."

"I would challenge anyone to find an area or nutrient or any factor that has such consistent anti-cancer benefits as vitamin D," Giovannucci told the cancer scientists. "The data are really quite remarkable."

"American Cancer Society's chief epidemiologist, Dr. Michael said "There is now intriguing evidence that vitamin D may have a role in the prevention as well as treatment of certain cancers"

"Supplements contain the nutrient, but most use an old form — D-2 — that is far less potent than the more desirable D-3. Multivitamins typically contain only small amounts of D-2 and include vitamin A, which offsets many of D's benefits."

Make sure you read the full article, there are a ton of great facts. Read it here!

For other sites that have great vitamin D information go to:

NaturalNews.com
Mercola.com
Vitamin D Council.org

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Untold Story of Psychotropic Drugging

We've all seen the commercials

Do you struggle with sadness, maybe you're scared, do you suffer from a loss of interest, always thinking something terrible is going to happen, have you been diagnosed with depression, aches and pains... then you need to... ask your doctor... talk to your doctor...ask your doctor or health care professional today.

Aren't these normal human emotions? How did we manage for thousands of years without these drugs?

What about the side effects... or perhaps more appropriately.. the effects of the medications?

Again, we've all seen the commercials. You could probably recite a majority of the complications associated with taking these medications.

If you're a concerned friend, a loving family member, or just appalled at how we treat sickness and disease you will need to watch this free movie made available by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights. I had to watch the whole thing after I viewed the 6 minute opening.

After reviewing this information you may be thinking, what can someone do? I would start by reading this paper, What is the Alternative to Psychotropic Drugs.

You will also want to normalize the nervous system, the master system of your entire body, by receiving chiropractic adjustments. This chiropractic resource web site, Chiro.org, has a large amount of information.

The point I'm trying to make is that there are many options available to try before turning to medications. Trying to help someone by altering brain chemistry or covering the symptoms of a problem will only lead to bigger and potentially life ending problems.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Doctor Fakes Test Results in Over 20 Studies

Some of the most popular drugs utilized for pain management of arthritis and post-operastive sugery has been a class of drugs known as COX -2 inhibitors, ie Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra. They are a powerful anti-inflammatory medications and are a stronger version of over the counter pain medications such as Asprin, Alieve, Advil.

Recently I came across an urgent medical news article which I do not believe has made it to the national news media sources yet.

In an announcement made by NaturalNews.com highlighted an article posted on Scientific American titled, A Medical Madoff: Anesthesiologist Faked Data in 21 Studies

Here is an selection from one of the articles

Faking clinical trial data for Vioxx and Celebrex

A researcher at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts, Dr. Scott Reuben, was found to have faked the data used in 21 "scientific" papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals from 1996 - 2008.

The Associated Press is reporting today that journals have begun retracting papers authored by Dr. Reuben. The journal Anesthesia & Analgesia has retracted 10 studies authored by Dr. Reuben, and the journal Anesthesiology has also started retracting studies.

But the damage has already been done: Dr. Reuben's work was reportedly relied on very heavily by pull-pushing doctors and medication advocates, who cited his studies to "prove" these drugs are safe and effective. In reality, though, it was all just made up!

What options Does This Leave You With?

Here are a few steps to get going:

1. Inform yourself -Read through the blogs and articles I post and sign up to become a follower. You will be able to stay up to date with some of the latest health information.

2. Stay consistant with you adjsutment schedule. Chiropractic adjustments with help your body stay healthy.

3. Attend free work shops at one of our two offices. There is always an in-depth review of specific health topics and a chance to ask questions.

Friday, March 13, 2009

A Day In The Life Of Your Spine

A friend sent this to me, so I can't take credit.

This is a video clip from a seminar put on by Dr. CJ Mertz, he has a little fun with the description of 'A Day In The Life Of A Spine'. Still, his description has to make you think about the importance of your spine and your daily activities.

Watch it here on youtube


Also, take a look at the second video, it's from a Canadian morning news interview he performed. Dr. Mertz does a great job at explaining chiropractic and the nervous system.

Watch it here on youtube

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Vital Functions of Probiotics

You may not know what probiotics are, but if you know what an antibiotic is then you're half way there.

Have you ever heard that antibiotics kill bacteria in your body? Well probiotics promote the good bacteria in your body.

Your body contains billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. The term "probiotics" refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body.

Here's a great article to get started: Catching Up With The Hype Over Probiotics found on naturalnews's probiotic section.

Scientists are learning more each day about the role of microbes in keeping people healthy and the multitude of health benefits associated with consuming the right type and levels of probiotic microbes.

Research highlighted on usprobiotics.org has suggested that probiotic bacteria can: Help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses, Assist lactose intolerant people with lactose digestion, and enhance immune function.

Some preliminary studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role in reducing the development of allergies in children, decreasing Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, helping patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, decreasing dental-caries-causing microbes in the mouth, and keeping healthy people healthy.

Take a closer look at some of the most well researched probiotic bacteria and those found most commonly in probiotic supplements.

To hear more about probiotics and other life saving topics check out the office calendar to attend one of our half hours to health and be sure to keep checking back here for more great information.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

It's Never To Late To Start Exercising

This past week the British Medical Journal released a study reporting on exercise and decreases in all cause mortality. Even if you haven't previously exercised, starting and continuing an exercise routine will lower all causes of death.

The Study reported:
Men who increased their physical activity level from a low or medium level to a high level cut their all cause mortality level by 50%. After 10 years of follow-up their increased physical activity was associated with reduced mortality to the level equal with men who engage in high physical activity throughout their life.

The study warned the reader on one point. That increased exercise in the first half of the the 10 year follow-up did not yield any decrease in mortality. I'm interpret this to mean is it took awhile for the body to clean out all those cobweb's.

I found this study to be very informative, and now I can show someone that it's never to late to get started.

So even if you've fallen off the healthy goals horse , it's never to late to get back on.


"I am not discouraged; because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward"

- Thomas Edison