Your questions answered for the week of May 14th

What items are good to eat to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels are greatly influenced by diet, but they are also affected by your genetic makeup. Foods high in cholesterol and or saturated fat increase cholesterol levels. A vegetarian diet, regular exercise, the nutrients niacin and vitamin C may lower cholesterol according to research. Sometimes it may be necessary to take medication. It is also important to eat a diet that is high in fiber.

Examples of good food choices would be; apples, oats, almonds, bananas, carrots, cold water fish, beans, garlic, cinnamon, olive oil, salmon, strawberries, walnuts, barley and brown rice. Add fresh juices, especially carrot, celery and beet. Limit nutrient intake of saturated fats such as lard, margarine, butter and animal protein.

I am only 25 years old and already suffering from thinning hair. Is there a diet or supplement that can prevent this from happening?

Factors that are involved in hair loss include heredity, hormones and aging. In addition to heredity factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, stress, poor diet, ring worm and other fungal infections, chemicals such as hair dyes, vitamin deficiencies and pregnancy.

Considerations: Essential fatty acids (flax seed oil, primrose oil or salmon oil), Ultra Hair from Nature’s Plus (contains nutrients necessary to stimulate hair growth), B-Complex (important for the health and growth of hair), Vitamin C (3,000-10,000 mg daily-aids in improving scalp circulation), Vitamin E (200 IU daily-improves health and growth of hair), Zinc (50-100mg daily-stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function), Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in starch to provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth, and Biotin (good sources are brown rice, green peas, brewer’s yeast, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds and walnuts). It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day. If you are losing large amounts of hair, see a physician.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW FITNESS AND NUTRITION PROGRAM

Here at Goebel Chiropractic we are always striving for ways to offer our patients and potential patients the highest quality of care. We would like to introduce Kelly, our newest team member, who will be heading up our fitness and nutrition department. Kelly is a graduate of  Saint Francis University in the field of Health and Exercise Science. Whether it is Corrective Exercise, Fitness Nutrition, or group exercise instruction, Kelly understands taking control of your health can be overwhelming. Her coaching makes it easy to understand and achieve your goals!  If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Kelly, please call our office!

Each week Kelly will be answering fitness and nutrition questions. If you have any questions that you would like answered please call our office!

What is the best cure for a hangover?
Eggs-especially the yolk are full of antioxidants to help cleanse the liver.
Aspirin-reduces inflammation caused by drinking.
Coffee-is a stimulant which counteracts alcohol which is a depressant.
Sports drinks or coconut water-are high is electrolytes which will help replenish what your kidneys excreted during drinking. (which is dehydration!)

Do apples really keep the doctor away?
An apple a day may be the ultimate longevity MVP, loaded with fiber, antioxidants, folate,  vitamin E to fight Alzheimer's,and a flavanoid called quercetin that protects the brain against the oxidative stress of daily life.  Apples contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium, and as a good source of dietary fiber, they aid the body in digestion.  Researchers have also linked apples with improved lung capacity, reduced risk of heart disease and considerable antioxidant power.

What can I do nutritionally to raise my testosterone levels with diet or supplements?
-Some scientists believe that eating soy products such as soy milk, soybeans, and tofu may lower the level of testosterone in your body.  It raises estrogen rates which can throw off your body's balance or hormones.
-Zinc-80 mg daily.  Do not exceed this amount.  Helps boost testosterone levels.  Use zinc gluconate lozenges or optizinc for best absorption.
-Vitamin C with bioflavonoids-500 mg three times daily helps boost testosterone levels.
-Sarsaparilla (herb)-contains a testosterone-like substance for men.
-Eating healthy fats such as almonds, eggs and avocados.  Pumpkins seeds are rich in unsaturated fats and provide lots of nutrients that may help enhance your testosterone levels.

Is swimming the best way to lose weight?
Swimming is a great exercise because it works all the muscles in the body using resistance.  It can help you get stronger and healthier.  Plus swimming is an activity you can do at any age.  Any exercise and movement is a plus but one of the best ways to lose weight is to eating a healthy diet.  Start by adding a variety of lots of  colorful fruits and  vegetables.  Remember to eat the colors of the rainbow!

What is the best way to strengthen knees with lower back problems?
Knee strengthening exercises will challenge your thigh, hip and leg muscles to improve your strength and balance.  Building the support for your knee joint in this way will also improve your resistance to injury.  Some examples are straight leg raises,  bridging, knee extensions, heel raises and butt kicks.  Schedule a Corrective Exercise appointment with Kelly so you can learn the proper form.

I was told running is a great workout but that it is also damaging to the knees.  Is this true? And if so, what would you suggest as a workout?
There are many different factors that can determine knee issues from running.  Some of the factors are a person's weight, shoe selection, how someones lands on their feet, history of being fit and active or past injuries.  Come in for a free foot scan to see if you qualify for foot levelers.  Running is a cardiovascular workout which includes any moderate (or greater) effort physical activity with constant or frequent movement.  This could be a walk with the dog, swimming laps, playing tennis, dancing or a hike.  To intensify any physical activity, you could pick up the pace in bursts or intervals several times during your workout which will increase your exercise benefits. It is a matter or preference and what inspires you to move that is important!

Scoliosis and Chiropractic Care

The average reduction of thoraco-lumbar scoliosis was 17.2° and was maintained for 24 months.

Function improved 70% and pain was reduced by 60%.

BY Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP

According to the Mayo Clinic (2009), " Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe cases of scoliosis" (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194). They go on to say that signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include, uneven shoulders, "Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include: uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, uneven waist, [and] one hip higher than the other" (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/ DS00194/ DSECTION=symptoms).

"If a scoliosis curve gets worse, the spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs on one side of the body to stick out farther than on the other side. Severe scoliosis can cause back pain and difficulty breathing. Go to your doctor if you notice signs or symptoms of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without the parent or child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain" (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ scoliosis/DS00194/ DSECTION=symptoms).

According to Lou et al. in 2010, three-dimensional lateral curvatures of the spine affect 2-3% of the adolescent population. According to ACT Youth who utilizes the 2000 US Census Bureau statistics, the number of adolescents in the United States is 41,747, 962. Averaging 2.5% of all adolescents having scoliosis equates to 1,043, 699 children facing issues as result of scoliosis. Lou et al. (2010) continue, "Brace (orthotic) treatment is recommended for growing children with curves of 25–45° Cobb angle. Surgery is the final treatment option for curves greater than 45° and its goals are to obtain safe correction, to produce a solid spinal fusion of the curve region, and to bring the spine and body into a more balanced position (p. 292). However, they conclude, " Although brace treatment for scoliosis has been used for more than fifty years, its effectiveness is still debatable... Most studies used the amount of curve progression (as measured by the Cobb angle) to determine the effectiveness of brace treatment. Some defined success as 5° or less curve progression" (Lou et al., 2010, p. 292).

While allopathic medicine is still entrenched in the debatable practice of bracing and eventually surgery with the eventual progression of scoliosis, there are proven solutions. Morningstar concluded in 2011 that as a result of chiropractic spinal adjusting and chiropractic spinal manipulation, a thoracolumbar curvature (scoliosis) averaged a 17.2° reduction that was maintained for 24 months, the length of the study. Across all spinal groups, an average of 10° reduction was realized that persisted for 24 months, again the length of the study. Morningstar also concluded that pain scales reduced by 60% at 24 months and function improved by 70% while respiratory capacity increased 7%. Although this was a limited study with 28 patients, it is the first scientific conclusion that documents and reflects the results of what chiropractors have been realizing in their offices for over a 100 years.

The real issue is that if adolescents have their curvatures reduced by 10°-17.2°, then bracing and surgery are not an option because they will not be indicated. As bracing has been deemed "highly questionable" in the literature and now the literature reflects chiropractic as a highly effective modality, the standard of care across professions should be chiropractic care for scoliosis as first line treatment and should be standardized in every discipline.

REFERENCES

1. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194

2. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194/DSECTION=symptoms

3. Lou, E., Hill, D., Hedden, D., Mahood, J., Moreau, M., Raso, J., (2010). An objective measurement of brace usage for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Medical Engineering and Physics, 33(3), 290-294.

4. Retrieved from http://www.actforyouth.net/health_sexuality/demographics/

5. Morningstar, M. (2011). Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: A 24-month retrospective analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(3), 179-184.

MORE THAN A QUICK FIX!!!!!!

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
                                                                       - Thomas Edison

  

 The future is now! Doctors of Chiropractic do just what Thomas Edison predicted!!!

 Health is an ongoing process; one that evolves as we age. If you look around at our society, you can see a rampant crisis of health problems. People are looking for answers, and in many cases, are not getting them. It is my opinion that the main cause of these issues is that for many years prevention of disease and illness was scoffed at by society. If someone felt good, no problem, nothing to worry about. We are now realizing that health maintenance is the key to good health. Rather than wait for the health crisis, let's attempt to prevent the crisis from occurring to begin with.

   Chiropractic health care focuses primarily on the examination and treatment of the spine and pelvis to determine if some part of the body's structure is malfunctioning. And, if so, what can be done to correct the structure to return the body to the best possible physiologically state?

   Think back how many times you have received treatment for an illness, and after feeling a bit better, you stopped treatment. That was usually a simple case of being fooled by our childhood training that if there were no symptoms, we were well. In reality, the short-term treatment only helped to temporarily alleviate the symptom, part of the condition, but never really addressed the cause of the problem. It is this fact that makes chiropractic care so beneficial.

YOU NEED A MASSAGE!!!!!!!

No, Really!! Many people think of massage as just a way to pamper yourself and not an important component of maintaining your maximum health.

Chiropractic care is considered a holistic approach to medicine. Holistic means we're treating each person as a WHOLE, rather than just individual symptoms. In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage and chiropractic offer a drug free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. While chiropractic and massage therapy offer considerable benefits individually, they are better together!

 Though most chiropractors address the muscles during treatment with physiotherapy and manual therapy techniques, massage is often the ideal adjunct to the chiropractor's treatment. Massage therapy is based upon the same premise of the body having the ability to self-heal and regulate. If the muscles of the body become imbalanced, for example. it can lead to a variety of problems. If muscles are shortened and tightened on one side of the body, the muscles on the opposite side may become overstretched, which can cause pain, weakened circulation, and other problems. But worse, this tightness may also pull the bones the muscles are attached to, sabotaging the work of the chiropractor to realign the body. A massage therapist can soften and stretch the muscle groups, relieving stress on the opposing muscle groups and strengthening weaker muscles, which complements the work of the chiropractor. In practice, we have found that a massage in conjunction with a chiropractic adjustment not only prepares the body better, but helps maintain the adjusts better.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS ARE THERE TO MASSAGE THERAPY WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

• Enjoy faster recovery since multiple components of the pain/problem are being addressed. The recovery is usually more complete
• Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body's natural defense system
• Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
• Reduces spasms and cramping
• Increases joint flexibility
• Reduces muscle adhesion
• Releases endorphins, amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller
• Improves range of motion
• Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases need for medication
• Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion
• Assist with shorter and easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays

 Massage extends the benefits of chiropractic care. Chiropractic Care extends the benefits of massage. The choice seems pretty simple. And now you know why you can feel guilt -free about getting that much-needed massage.

FRESH FIBER FIRST

Want to drastically change your energy levels, mood, and overall health??? Here is a short and sweet tip!!!

FRESH FIBER FIRST

FRESH- organic or local foods that are well washed

FIBER- the fruits and vegetables that you are going to strive to eat

FIRST- when you eat your fresh fiber

If you can make a commitment to eat some form of fresh raw and uncooked veggies and fruit at the beginning of each meal in your day. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) you will notice a significant change by the weeks end! This is a very easy strategy for making a positive lifestyle change that can be implemented on a long term basis. The best part about Fresh Fiber First is you are not taking anything away! Keep eating what you are eating after you get your fresh fiber first!

When you start eating natural foods on a daily basis your body begins to crave it. If you had a choice on what foods your body craves wouldn't you rather it be natural foods?

Here are a few strategies that may help you in this transition period.

• Make a mental commitment. Commit in your mind to try Fresh Fiber First for one whole week.
• Don't get down on yourself or give up if you don't meet your goal. Instead celebrate and congratulate yourself every time you eat better! 
• Pre-Plan. It can be tough to get fresh or organic foods when you are on the run. Pre-planning and packing your own lunch or knowing what is for dinner will help.

Try this simple plan of eating Fresh Fiber First. Your energy levels will shoot up. You will have less highs and lows throughout the day because of the continual energy you are feeding yourself. People stuck at a certain weight have shed another 5-10 lbs by using this strategy. Try it for a week and see the difference!!!!!

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

One thing that we all have in common is that we all have spines! We all have nerves! All of our bodies can benefit from chiropractic care. From newborns to long lived ones! A body at rest will remain at rest, a body in motion will remain in motion. Chiropractic care can help anyone of any age!

Kids have spines, just like adults.  Kids also have stresses to their spines, just like adults.  Mechanical stresses such as poor posture, heavy book bags, learning to walk, and even the birth process can affect the growing and developing spine.  Chemical stresses such as junk food, medications and pollution also affect the body. These stresses on the spine can cause subluxations (nerve interference) which can negatively affect overall health.  With gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, nerve flow is restored, as well as a greater level of health.  There are numerous studies that show the benefits of chiropractic for children who suffer from ear infections, allergies, asthma, ADHD, and bed wetting – just to mention a few.

As we age our muscles weaken, our joints become less  flexible, and our tissues overall become less hydrated.  Decades of wear and tear on our joints lead to  arthritis.  Our  digestive tract also becomes weaker and more  susceptible  to  damage and bleeding. Since these are also  common  side-effects of anti-  inflammatory medications it is  important to limit their use. Although the  aging process is  inevitable, we can do a lot to slow down  the process with proper natural  prevention.

Chiropractic care and healthy lifestyle habits are  the best protection. Once arthritis and degeneration have set it they  are not reversible. Chiropractic may help in pain  relief, pain management, maintaining   function,  and in preventing further  degeneration. Treatment is gentler  according to  condition and patient tolerance.

 

Routine chiropractic care has a number of benefits which are especially important for maturing adults:

• spinal and extremity pain relief
• decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
• increased mobility and range of motion
• increased balance and coordination
• increased sense of well being
• increased energy
• enhanced tissue healing
• decreased tissue inflammation
• increased joint health
• decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain
• minimized spinal stress and subsequent degeneration
• minimized risk of fall injuries 

Please click the following link for additional information!

For more information on adult chiropractic care
http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/babyboomers/chirocare.html

For more information on children's chiropractic care
http://chirotips.com/children_chirorpactic.htm