2009 Newsletters

• Computer Neck

  November 2009
  
  

  +

  With today's technologically demanding jobs (or hobbies) we find ourselves spending more and more time behind our computers, hunched closer than ever to our monitors in order to compensate for ever-decreasing vision.
  
  An hour or two behind our keyboards quickly turns into the whole day, with little or no breaks in between to alleviate the strain on our neck, eyes, and back. Before we know it, we find ourselves sitting in the same position, day after day, for months and even years, until one day our body reacts.
  
  In most cases, any symptoms we feel are already warning signs of things gone wrong - and if left untreated, will cause even more problems soon thereafter. Symptoms such as occasional headaches and tightness in the neck will give way to more serious and chronic problems like allergies, frequent sinusitis, tingling and numbness in the extremities, increasing number of migraine headaches, and even a weak immune system.
  
  A bad posture doesn't happen overnight, and if you look in the mirror every day, week, or month, chances are you will hardly notice the difference in your body, and will therefore refuse any preventative care until you are in serious pain or discomfort. Remember that even the smallest strain on your neck, head, vertebrae, arms, and back will take time to fully trigger any symptoms, which means that by the time you start feeling discomfort it may already be too late to prevent it. Not to mention, a bad posture is one of the most unattractive attributes of a young person's body!
  
  Steps you need to take to reverse or prevent a Computer Neck:
  
  1. Make an appointment with a Chiropractic Physician! The only way to regain your posture and fend off any pain or discomfort in the future, is to first get a full check-up and digital x-rays by a chiropractic physician who is highly trained in diagnosing the root cause of your problem, and fixing it through a proven and effective rehabilitation program. Unfortunately most chiropractors today are only focused on immediate symptom relief, and do not take any steps to see where the issue stemmed from, or offer a permanent solution.
  
  2. Evaluate your work space and take Ergonomic steps! There are hundreds of diagrams and articles online that will illustrate a correct sitting, working, and sleeping position. From moving your monitor to the correct height and distance, to adjusting your chair, keyboard, and arm rests, it is essential to have an ergonomic workspace.
  
  3. Lifestyle Changes are a must! No rehabilitation or ergonomic program is ever going to be effective unless you make a serious lifestyle change. Examples include regular exercise, paying attention to your posture, eating right, and stretching your muscles and ligaments so that they don't shrink. Regular massage therapy is also very helpful in keeping you sitting at your best.
  
  

• Why Your Doctor WON'T Get the Flu Shot?

  October 2009
  
  

  +

  Fall is just another perfect mild temperature season in Southern California, yet talks of annual flu vaccination begin here in September and continue into December, January, and beyond.
  
  Close to 100 million people in the United States will seek flu vaccination this winter. First and foremost I think we can all agree that the flu is an inconvenience but usually not life threatening. Here are some more reasons why you shouldn't get the flu shot this winter.
  
  The flu vaccines, as well as all other vaccines contain Thimersol which is made up of mercury. Let’s get this straight, mercury is among the most toxic heavy metals and is known to poison the central nervous system, liver, gastrointestinal tract and other systems in the body.
  
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum allowable daily exposure to mercury is 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight. 97% of all flu shots contain 25 micrograms of this poison! Which means you need to weigh at least 550 lbs for this vaccine to be safe.
  
  Side effects of mercury toxicity are vast and include depression, memory loss, attention deficit disorder, anger, oral cavity disorders, digestive disorder, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, thyroid and other glandular imbalances, and low immune system just to name a few.
  
  How can you strengthen your immunity naturally, and fend off the flu?
  
  1. Eat your way to a strong immune system but first get rid of refined and processed food. Anything that wouldn't rot on the counter within a few weeks isn't meant for human consumption. The increased sugar added to refined and processed foods has been shown to weaken the immune system and make one more susceptible to becoming ill. This means eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are known to be antiviral, antibacterial, and/or antifungal. Foods like garlic, berries, red grapes, and broccoli are all excellent examples. Fresh is the key here because many of benefits are lost when taken in any different form.
  
  2. A fit immune system will not let you down. Getting enough exercise and sleep, along with getting rid of stress are all interconnected. Its best to imagine a triangle with exercise, sleep, and stress making up the points. Deficiencies or excesses in any one of these areas will compromise the triangle. It's all about balance. The right amount of exercise and rest will reduce stress, just as reduced stress will allow better rest and improved exercise.
  
  3. A well-adjusted spine does wonders. Multiple studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments improve immune system function. You may have no symptoms, yet your body may be acquiring misalignments of the spine that are interfering with the communication between your nervous system and your immune system. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help you to maintain a healthy immune system and help you stay away from flu or flu shots.
  
  

• Four Ways Back to Health

  September 2009
  
  

  +

  Most of us have experienced moderate to severe neck, mid-back or lower back pain, in fact back pain ranks second only to common cold as the most frequent cause of sick leave in the United States.
  
  Contrary to popular belief spines do not just give out, rather it takes months and years for a condition to develop if left untreated. In most cases, any back problems can be prevented with lifestyle changes and habits. What you may not know is how the health of your spine is directly related to your overall health and aging process.
  
  Your spine has many muscles, tendons and ligaments that serve as connections to areas throughout your body. Your spine also houses your nervous system which in turn controls all of your vital organs. Every cell in your body is dependent on the energy that it gets from the brain which travels through your spine. So keeping your spine in top condition is the best things you can do for both your back and your overall health.
  
  1. Lose the Extra Pounds
  Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. However, did you know that being overweight is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. The spine is designed to carry the body's weight and distribute the loads encountered during rest and activity. When excess weight is carried, the spine is forced to assimilate the burden, which will lead to structural compromise and damage.
  
  2. Get Fit & Strong
  While keeping your weight down is important, it is also crucial to strengthen the core muscles and the ligaments around your spine. Lack of exercise and bodily conditioning leads to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs.Your increased strength and fitness will keep your joints well lubricated and prevent your body from tightening up, and minimize the chances of debilitating injuries.
  
  3. Sit Straight
  Your posture has a direct correlation to your overall health. Examine how you are sitting right now; are your shoulders hunched over? Is your head tilted to one side? Do you have a forward head posture? Do you notice that when you are stressed you tend to slouch more? Poor posture can cause insomnia, general fatigue, headaches, neck pain, tightness in the shoulder blades, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, as well as a wide range of other issues. By becoming more conscious of your posture and by strengthening your core you can prevent back problems from developing altogether.
  
  4. Schedule a Checkup
  As it was mentioned earlier your spine is essential to the overall health of your vital organs because it holds your nervous system. It is highly recommended that anyone who would like to get on the path to a healthy back, to first schedule a complete spine checkup by a specialist to determine if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed first.
  
  

• Is Your Health Deteriorating While You're Asleep?

  August 2009
  
  

  +

  We tend to apply ergonomics when it comes to our daytime activities such as sitting behind a desk, driving, or working; but utilizing the correct sleep posture is just as important as your waking posture especially since we spend an average of 5-8 hours in that position every night.
  
  Our sleep posture often doesn't get the attention it deserves, yet it is extremely important to pay more attention to our bodies when they're not in motion. Whether you have felt every bone complaining or whether you are curious to see if you could be getting better sleep, make sure you know the correct sleeping posture.
  
  The key to understanding correct sleeping posture is to know about where your body curves are. The two major ones that need to be supported throughout sleep are your neck and lower back.
  
  What is the Best Position for Sleeping?
  
  The best lying or sleeping position may vary depending on your symptoms or structure of your spine. No matter what position you lie in, the pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position.
  
  1. Try to sleep in a position which helps you maintain the curves in your neck and back. Sleeping on your back is the most ergonomically correct sleeping position, as long as you are using the right type of pillow. If you sleep on your back, you've won half the battle. Make sure to use a thinner but supportive pillow. If you use a thick pillow or multiple pillows, they can stretch and strain your neck muscles. Your head needs to be in a neutral position for the 8 hours that you sleep, and multiple pillows under your head only bring your head forward and can cause a variety of problems.
  
  2. If you are a side sleeper and are having a hard time switching to sleeping on your back, all you have to do is use a few pillows to modify your sleeping posture for better and restful sleep, less aches, and more energy during the day. Use a thicker pillow for your head; since you sleep on your side, you want to create the most neutral position for your head with a thicker pillow to support your neck and head. Also add another pillow in between your knees to create symmetry and a better posture. This will help take any pressure off your lower back and hip.
  
  3. If you sleep on your stomach, do everything in your power not to. This is the worse sleeping posture and there's not much to modify here. Keep in mind, it may take months to train your body to change and or modify your sleeping posture, but it is doable.
  
  4. Finally, when standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees and swing your legs on the side of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.
  
  

• Is Spinal Surgery Right for You?

  June/July 2009
  
  

  +

  Your nervous system is the most important asset to your health. Your health is a direct reflection of how your nerves flow energy throughout your entire musculoskeletal and visceral organ systems (heart, lungs, intestines, etc). Your nervous system is the only system in your body that is completely encapsulated and protected by bone. Your spine/back bone houses the nervous system with 26 vertebrae shielding them from any damage. Thus it is extremely important to make sure your spine is extremely stable.
  
  A disc herniation, a bulging disc, compressed disc, or ruptured disc are all terms that describe irritation of the nerves. This is due to the rupture of a less elastic disc which creates a bulge out from between vertebrae.
  
  Electric Shock Pain
  Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly described as electric shock pains.
  
  Tingling and Numbness
  Patients often experience tingling, numbness, or pins and needles sensation in the innervated areas (usually in the upper or lower extremities).
  
  Muscle Weakness
  When the nerves exit the spine, each will innervate a specific group of muscles, and is responsible for their strength, sensation, and general function.
  
  Bowel or Bladder Problems
  The exiting nerves from the spine will also innervate and control your organ systems such as bladder, lower digestive organs, and reproductive organs. In more severe cases of a disc herniation, patients will experience constipation, irregular bladder function, infertility or sexual dysfunction.
  
  Four non-invasive therapy methods before you consider surgery:
  
  1. Spinal Decompression Therapy
  This non-sergical technique is your best bet if you are suffering from a herniated disc.
  
  2. Chiropractic Manipulations & Manual Therapy
  Chiropractic management of a herniated disc has shown to be effective when combined with other methods.
  
  3. Yoga and Specific Exercise Programs
  In some patients, the pain response may limit their flexibility. Prescribed stretching exercises that are monitored by a health care professional can help alleviate pain.
  
  4. Natural Anti-inflammatories
  Typical prescribed drugs for an acute disc may include muscle relaxants, narcotics, steroid, and anti-depressants. If you are choosing the natural way, you should try Omega 3/Fish oil to reduce inflammation.
  
  5. Prolotherapy
  The most invasive procedure before surgery is prolotherapy. If you are choosing this, you have exhausted all your other non-invasive methods. This treatment consists of the injection of a proliferant solution into the area of pain.
  
  

• Hidden Danger in Plastic Bottles

  May 2009
  
  

  +

  Summer is arriving fast and we all know the importance of staying cool and hydrated. Whether it's water, juice, or a wide range of other beverages, chances are there they are stored and consumed out of plastic bottles - after all they are the most cost effective means of production, and easy to transport. But did you know there is a hidden danger lurking in these bottles and containers we drink out of?
  
  Plastic bottles are made from synthetic chemicals known as plasticizers. These substances make the bottles flexible and strong and come in two forms: Polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC) and polycarbonate plastics. PVC contains phthalates - which if you are a health conscious individual or have read recent studies, know that it is a big danger to your wellness. Polycarbonate plastics contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), a potent hormone distributer, and carcinogen. Both of these forms are hormone disturbing chemicals leach from the plastic bottles into the water or juice that they contain.
  
  There are plenty of research articles that show both phthalates and BPA to be an enormous danger to an individual's health. These chemicals are linked to infertility, premature puberty, reduced sperm count, breast and prostate cancer, allergies, irregular menstrual cycle, and a wide range of other diseases and disorders that have not yet been pinpointed.
  
  These harmful chemicals leach into the bottles' contents through time, and normal wear and tear. Studies show that exposure to heat and cleaning agents will increase the amount of toxins leaching into the liquid.
  
  America is a consumer-oriented country, and there are countless products that use plastic bottles such as sports drinks, water, teas, sodas, and milk. Some bottles are soft and flexible, while others are hard and sturdy. But the level of how harmful these different bottles are varies - and you can check to see just how harmful they are by looking at the number imprinted on the bottom of each bottle.
  
  If the bottom of your bottle has the numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7, the components of these bottles is comprised mostly of phthalates and is linked with hormone disturbance, disease, and cancer.
  
  The remaining plastics 2, 4, and 5 although safer, may still leach chemicals into the liquids it is holding - but there are no studies that link these to any health conditions just yet. In terms of recycling 1, and 2 are the most commonly recycled plastics by most cities. So when my patients ask me which plastic bottle they should use, the answer is either glass or stainless steel - because they are the safest.
  
  Keeping hydrated is extremely important year round - especially in Southern California. It keeps our systems functioning properly and is important in sustaining good health. So fuel your body with plenty of pure, filtered water and ensure the container holding it is safe. Here are some other tips:
  
  1. If you have to drink out of a plastic bottle, make sure the composition of the plastic is 2, 4, or 5.
  
  2. Do not drink liquids out of a plastic bottle that has been sitting in the back seat of your car for a few days, or is stored in your porch under direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can expedite the chemical reactions and allow more of the chemicals to seep into the water.
  
  3. Buy or use a home water filtration system and fill empty glass bottles. Glass has none of the chemicals that can cause disease, and the water will taste better.
  
  4. Recycle any and all plastic containers so that they don't find their way into the environment. Research has shown that chemicals from plastic bottles actually contaminate soil and ground water, leading to the same health risks.
  
  By taking these simple steps, you too can ensure a healthy life for you and your loved ones and reduce the risk of chronic and sometimes-life threatening diseases.
  
  

• Overcome Your Sinusitis Today!

  April 2009
  
  

  +

  Did you know forty million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year? You may have experienced acute sinusitis in which the nasal cavities of the nasal passages become inflamed, mucus starts building up, leading to drainage problems - often causing infection. Symptoms often include painful pressure behind the cheekbones, headaches, nasal congestion and fatigue. For some people however, this is not a temporary problem. If you have chronic sinusitis, you spend the majority of each year experiencing symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, mucus secretion, bad breath, stuffy nose, post nasal drip, fatigue, and lightheadedness. So how can you make sure your sinuses stay clean and avoid infection?
  
  1. Get Steamy
  Take a hot shower or better yet try a steam treatment to help rid you of the inflamed mucus. The steam you breathe can be enhanced with sinus-clearing essential oils. Try adding Eucalyptus, lavender, oregano or peppermint to a large bowl of steaming-hot water. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe deeply for 10 minutes. If you are short on time, apply a warm wash cloth over your eyes and cheekbones for relief. 
  
  2. Get Fit
  Aerobic exercises at least three times a week can help drain sinuses naturally, which then reduces inflammation and risk of an infection. Physical activity helps cleanse you of toxins and relieve accumulated stress. Contact my personal trainer Dawn Sumerford for a consultation.
  
  3. Flush the Sinuses
  Use a neti pot (see photo above) to flush your nose and sinus cavities with a saline solution on a daily basis. Make sure you use a saline solution that does not contain preservatives otherwise it can impair your nasal function. To make your own preservative-free saline solution, add one table spoon of non-iodized salt to one pint of room temperature distilled water and rinse your sinuses with the neti pot twice a day.
  
  4. Watch Your Diet
  Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and staying away from sugar, dairy products, wheat, alcohol, and foods that can increase mucus inflammation is key in staying healthy. Take your natural anti-inflammatory supplements (e.g. fish oil). Try adding garlic, onions, horseradish, hot pepper and ginger to your dishes for a nose-opening experience! And don t forget to drink plenty of hot herbal tea.
  
  5. Killer Immune System
  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you exercise, eat right and your nervous system is functioning properly, you shouldn t be suffering from any aches, pains, or feel fatigue. Your brain controls everything and it communicates with all of your organs through the nervous system/spine. If you have an abnormal neck curve, you have a low resistance immune system, which in majority of cases does not show any symptoms. So get your immune system checked before it s too late. 
  
  Is Your Sinusitis Life-Threatening?
  In addition to being painful, a chronic sinusitis can be dangerous and in rare cases causes blindness or even death. You may have tried antibiotics for your sinus infection; unfortunately antibiotics also kill the helpful bacteria in your gastro-intestinal system and can cause a variety of other problems if taken frequently. Before your sinusitis becomes more than just a head and face pain, prevent it by getting your immune system healthy, and take preventative measures. 
  
  

• Secrets to Beating Allergies for Good!

  March 2009
  
  

  +

  Are allergies diminishing the quality of your life and depleting you of precious energy? Do you experience lack of energy, fatigue, sneezing, headaches, shortness of breath, watery eyes, itchy skin (or rashes), or bouts with diarrhea or bloating? Do you avoid certain foods, outdoor activities, favorite pets, or places because you fear that your symptoms may come back or worsen? Do you notice that these symptoms get worst as you age? If you or anyone you know suffers from allergies, then this article will help!
  
  Allergies are "abnormal" responses by your immune system to certain foods and environmental substances that are typically harmless. Your brain and nervous system trigger your body s defense system to fight these harmless substances, and as a result you feel tired, weak, and inflamed. So why does this happen? The answer could be as simple as a lack of proper communication between your immune system and your brain, which can be caused by interferences in your nervous system.
  
  Here are four ways to beat your allergies for good:
  
  1. Correct Your 'Allergy Posture' Your brain communicates with every cell in your body through your nervous system. The information gets sent down into your neck and then the rest of your body. If you have a misalignment in your neck that is blocking life and energy into the rest of your body, the communication is stopped. With regular chiropractic care, we will open these blockages and allow your nervous and immune system to function at their optimum level.
  
  2. Eat Allergy-Fighting Foods Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation, and thus alleviate your symptoms tremendously. These good fats can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits like lemon and oranges also contain natural anti-histamines. Be careful, because some fish oil supplements contain mercury which could poison your body. Call us today and we will recommend which fish oil supplements are the safest.
  
  3. Aqua Therapy This natural allergy remedy simply involves drinking lots of water to help flush out mucus. Hot liquids can help rid your of congestion. Mint and Green tea work well and contain lots of anti-oxidants that will keep you young as a  side-effect . Stay away from black tea, coffee, milk, soda, alcohol and anything with caffeine, preservatives and additives.
  
  4. Beneficial Bugs Probiotics are the natural and beneficial bacteria in your gut that contribute to your overall health. Disturbed flora can deplete your gut of normal flow of good bacteria. Probiotics can replenish your source of good bacteria in your digestive tract, and stimulate your immune system in order to prevent you from developing allergies and treating them.
  
  

• The Silent Killer

  February 2009
  
  

  +

  Valentine's days, thanksgivings, birthdays, anniversaries... they come along only once a year. What if you don't live to see another one of these cherished occasions with your family and loved ones ever again? According to the American Heart Association, one out of every three of us in the United States is suffering from what they label as 'the silent killer' or hypertension, without even knowing it.
  
  High blood pressure pushes against the walls of arteries and veins and can cause strokes, heart attacks, aortic aneurysms and even death without any warning whatsoever. Unfortunately most Americans don't even have any symptoms before it is already too late.
  
  It is important to understand that hypertension medications will NOT change, modify, or address the underlying cause of high blood pressure. They synthetically lower your blood pressure by either dilating your blood vessels, slowing down your heart, or thinning out your blood. You may be able to lower your blood pressure on paper, but this 'silent killer' has not been treated - not to mention the adverse side effects of all the chemicals you will be taking.
  
  3 Secrets to Beating the 'Silent Killer' Naturally and Effectively
  
  New research is now showing some natural remedies are just as effective as their medical counterpart, without any further damage to your health.
  
  1. Chiropractic Care: Many of us consider chiropractic care a vital path to excellent health, but did you know that it has also been shown to significantly improve high blood pressure? New and exciting research performed by medical doctors last year shows that chiropractic care can be as effective as high blood pressure medications - with no side effects!
  
  Correct positioning of your neck vertebra is vital in optimal functioning of your neck and entire body. A misaligned neck however, puts pressure on your nerves and contributes to accelerated aging, migraine headaches, body aches, fatigue and last but not least - hypertension.
  
  2. Evaluate your Nutrition: As you may already know, a low salt diet can improve your blood pressure, but research has shown that garlic, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and olive leaf extracts are miracle foods that can effectively combat this deadly condition. As far as minerals and supplements, calcium, magnesium, potassium, as well as fish oil and CoQ10 should also be added to your supplement list. There are multiple other herbal and nutritional supplements that can regulate your blood pressure and put you on the road to a long and healthy life.
  
  3. Watch Your Weight: Its been shown that a 10% weight loss can normalize your blood pressure. A regular and effective exercise program specifically to regulate your weight, insulin levels, and high blood pressure is the way to go. The only side effect to this one is a fit and healthy body! Continue to make memories and live a healthy life for years to come. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be around for a long time and enjoy life.
  
  

info@wellnesschoicecenter.com

Call 949-387-1333 for more information.