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

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/

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Health Revolution Petition

I recieve a newsletter from a natural health news site and the lastest letter discussed a details of a petition for our health freedoms as consumers of health/wellness related products and services.

I believe this is extremely important, not only for ourselves, but for our future children, society and planet

This petition goes into further details but here are the basics:

- Rewards people that engage in true preventative measures
- Describes an alternative health insurance that keeps us, the public, in control of how we use our dollars for our health
- Putting an end to government and industry persecution of alternative and complementary care practitioners
- Allow free speech of health related products
- Affirms your rights to choose to avoid or utilize vaccinations
- Investigate corruption of the pharmaceutical and government relationships
- Protect our food supply
- Restore honest science
- End the era of big pharma domination over health care
- Protect children and educate parents from the products that compromise their health
- Invest in disease prevention
- Protect our environment from the drug and chemical companies

What is a Subluxation?

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine.

This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes a negative signal which interferes with the signals traveling over those nerves.

How does this affect you?

Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their normal abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly.

Take a look at this nerve chart to see which nerves go to what areas of your body.

Processed People

I came across this movie trailer. I thought you may find it interesting.

Changing Your Lifestyle Can Change Your Genes

I've been hearing alot about genetics lately. I'm sure you have as well, it's all over the news.

I hear a lot of people talk about sickness and disease due to the genes that they've inherited. Do you think that we are having more cancer, more diabetes, more heart disease, more brain disfunction, more of everything because our genes are bad?

If you ask any geneticist, we have about the same genes that we started with over 500 generations ago.

Then how come so many people talk about genetics causing their health problems?

I believe most people have been caught up in the blame game, instead of comparing our ancestors lifestyle to our current lifestyle, some peoeple believe that we are just unlucky.

Well in this Newsweek article posted by Dr. Dean Ornish , he describes a study recently completed about how improveing eating habits, stress managemnet techniques, exercise routines, and other non-invasive methods can change an individuals genetic expression.

In other words how you eat, move and think improves your genetics and health!!

Could you possibly agree that since the inventions of computers, mirowaves, television, big mac's, processed foods, chemical industry, etc that our bodies have an increased burden and therefore our genes have to respond differently due to our environment.

This environment consists of a lack of exercise, lack of good nutrients, lack of appropraite mental health and an over abundace of polluntants, chemicals, sugars, and medications.

We need to discover two things to achieve health and wellness.

1. Finding out what our body requires: Purity and sufficeincy
2. Riding of what pollutes our body: Deficencies and toxicities

The process of finding out what is toxic, pure, deficient or sufficent can be a challenge. But aren't you worth it!!

Visit our calendar page to find out how you can begin your quest to greater health!

Scientific Truths Regarding Health and Sickness

I get a lot of questions asking; How do I get healthy? What supplement can I take? What food do I eat? What exercise program should I follow?

There are many great questions, but most of them are coming from a symptom based viewpoint. We must consider our health from an Above Down Inside Out perspective.

What do I mean by this?

All health comes from within, but we have to be able to supply the proper ingredients and be free of subluxation and pollutants for our bodies to express health. Your nervous system and organs are ready to handle anything that comes its way, all we have to do is make sure the right ingredients are available to defend against the attack.

The following is a summary from Dr Chestnut's research: what I hope to accomplish is that you gain an ability to look at your life, your health, and your decisions differently.

10 Fundemental Scientific Truths Regarding Health and Sickness

1. All living things, including humans, are composed of individual living cells working harmoniously together in a self-healing and self-regulating ecosystem to maintain homeostasis, health, and life.
   
   
2. Our cells are innately, or genetically, equipped from birth with all the necessary intelligence to function properly. Our cells are programmed for homeostasis and health and they never dysfunction without a physical, emotional, chemical, or spiritual stressor.
   
   
3. Our cells are genetically programmed with the recipe for health; it is our choices and our living environment that determine whether or not the proper ingredients are supplied.
   
   
4. Health, by definition, is a state of constant homeostatic cell function.
   
   
5. Sickness, by definition, is a lack of consistent homeostatic cell function or a state of forced adaptive cell function.
   
   
6. The function of our cells determines our states of health and sickness.
   
   
7. The causes of all non-homeostatic cell function are stressors.
   
   
8. All health stressors can be divided into one of two categories:
   

   a. Deficiencies in the required ingredients for homeostatic cell function.

   
   

   b. Toxicities that drive cell function away from homeostasis.

   
   
9. Because cells are born with all the required innate genetic intelligence for homeostasis and health, cells always function perfectly in relation to any given environment.
   

   a. Symptoms do not represent an error in the intelligence of cells. Symptoms represent important signals from cells telling you that there is something wrong, deficiency or toxicity, and that they are under stress.

   
   

   b. Illness represents you body’s best ability to adapt to a chronic unhealthy environment, to chronic deficiency or toxicity, and/or to chronic stressors.

   
   
10. In order to function in balance and produce health, cells must have all the requirements met and be free of toxicity. In other words, it is impossible to be 100% healthy by supplying cells with only some of the requirements or by eliminating only some toxins

You probably will have questions, if you don't, please read it again. If you do, I'll see you at a workshop and I can show you how to get started.

Our Food, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Mercury

In an articles posted on MSN.com, Naturalnews.com, and many other news sites, report that two recent studies determined many popular food items contain mercury.

By the way Mercury is a highly toxic chemical that causes severe neurological disorders. It can also result in the loss of hair, teeth and nails as well as muscle weakness, loss of kidney function, emotional mood swings and memory impairment.

Reading these articles just gave me another reason to avoid these types of foods. They reported that the mercury is found in High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which if you haven’t heard is a significant health hazard to begin with.

For info on HFCS Check out
Weston A. Price foundation – Murky World of HFCS
CBS News – Dangers of Sweetener Products
Mercola.com – Debate About High Fructose Corn Syrup

High Fructose corn syrup has replaced sugar as the sweetener in many beverages and foods such as breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other consumers can take in 80 percent more HFCS than average person.

These studies report that in some of the processing plants used to make HFCS, a procedure creates something called caustic soda, this procedure exposes raw materials to pools of electrified mercury in large vats, which contaminates the HFCS.

In the first study, published in current issue of Environmental Health, researchers found detectable levels of mercury in nine of 20 samples of commercial HFCS.

And in the second study, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), a non-profit watchdog group, found that nearly one in three of 55 brand-name foods contained mercury. The chemical was found most commonly in HFCS-containing dairy products, dressings and condiments.

What can you do?
Simply put, avoid any product that contains HFCS. But if you do purchase something that contains HFCS, be sure that this sweetner in not one of the first 5 ingreidients noted on the label.

My Opinion:
Your body is not meant to ingest foods that have been processed, chemically altered, genetically modified, or whatever else they are calling it.

Our genes have not changes in thousands of years, ask any geneticist.

Yet we are experiencing rapid inclines in cancer, diabetes, obesity, stroke, cardiovascular disease, stress, attention deficit disorders, pain disorders, and many other creatively named diseases.

We have to think simply.

Drink plenty of water, eat foods that come from the earth, move and stretch your body every day, turn off the TV once and awhile, build stronger and more meaningful relationships with your loved ones, and keep your spine and your nerves healthy by receiving a regular chiropractic adjustment.

If you would like to know more on how to achieve this type of lifestyle, call our office for an appointment, 610-361-9531, or attend one of our workshops.

Meditation: An Important Addition For Health

What is meditation
How may it effect your health
A simple meditation exercise

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, reports that the term meditation refers to a group of techniques, most of which started in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions. These techniques have been used by many different cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. Today, many people use meditation outside of its traditional religious or cultural settings, for health and wellness purposes.

In meditation, a person learns to focus their attention and suspend the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. This practice is believed to result in a state of greater physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance. Practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts in the mind.

Meditation used as a mental health intervention, generally termed mind-body medicine (one of the four pillars of health) focuses on:
- The interactions among the brain, the rest of the body, the mind, and behavior
- The ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly
affect health

People use meditation for various health problems, such as:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Depression
- Mood
- Self-esteem problems
- Stress
- Insomnia

Meditation may also be beneficial for physical or emotional symptoms associated with chronic illnesses and their treatment, such as:
- Cardiovascular (heart) disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer

There are many different forms, techniques, and styles of meditation and finding one that works well for you is very important. Try a google search for how to meditate or breathing for health. You may want to try this simple meditation technique to start, I found it very easy to get started and it is relevant for advanced users and beginner's.