4 Healthy Practices That Aren’t Very Healthy

 4 Unhealthy Daily Behaviors

1) Diet Soda 

 

So you’re thirsty, but you’re not much of a water drinker. Man, a Coke would be really good right now wouldn’t it? It would really hit the spot. But Coke has all of that sugar right? And that’s going to send your diet right down the toilet. But what about a Diet Coke? That will be better right?

Oops… 

 

Turns out that artificial sweeteners can actually have negative affects in terms of weight loss. The taste of the sweetener actually make our bodies think we’re getting a dose of sugar, when we are in fact not, and this will in turn put our hunger and weight regulation out of sync. In a recent study rats that were fed artificial sweeteners actually gained weight rather than lost it. In another 7 year study, researchers showed that diet soda may even have a link to obesity, though they are unsure why.

I suggest steering clear of the Diet Coke next time you’re thirsty. How about some Vitamin Water?

2) Vitamin Water

What? Come on! It’s called Vitamin Water? How could it possibly be bad for you? It’s packaged in those nice neat clear bottles and it comes in clear colors so they can’t be filled with that much sugar? It has to be better than a Soda?

Oops…

Well okay, Vitamin Water does have less sugar than you average can of soda, but it’s still got about 32 grams of sugar in each bottle. To put that in perspective, that’s more than your average candy bar.

“Hey, wait a minute”, you’re saying. “I’m looking at the nutrition facts of a vitamin water right now and it says there are only 13 grams of sugar! Liar!” Look at the service size chief, 2.5 servings per container. Are you trying to tell me you were only going to drink about half of that bottle and save the rest for dinner? I didn’t think so.

3) Fast Food Salads

Okay, so you’re about to go to lunch, and you’ve only got about half an hour before your boss would take your head off for taking a long lunch, so fast food is really the only option, right? It’s okay, you’ll get one of the salads, then you’ll still be on your diet.

Oops…

You’d actually be better off eating the cheesburger. The Asian sesame salad from Wendy’s actually has more calories, carbs, sugar and sodium than a double cheeseburger. I mean, you were probably aware that if you were walking into a Wendy’s ordering a salad you weren’t getting the most healthy salad in the world, but I’m sure you at least thought you’d be getting something better than their cheeseburger. Sorry, but if you’re on a diet you’re probably better off steering clear of fast food all together, delicious as it may be.

4) Low-Carb Diets

Okay, you’re thinking, I’ll just really stick to my guns and get on a serious diet that actually works. What about that atkins diet? I’ll cut out all of my carbs and I’ll lose a couple pounds and I will be good to go, right?

Oops…

See, the problem with low-carb diets is that essentially what you’re doing is tricking your body into thinking it’s starving so that it burns off your excess fat and muscle for the glucose it needs. That leads to a number of negative affects. The first of which being most of the weight you lose is going to be water weight and therefore will be gained back just as quickly once you’re off the diet. The other problem is that this process, called ketosis, can cause your kidney’s to overwork, give you headaches, and even cause heart palpitations.

Sorry to break it to you, but there is just no short cut for living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to grow old someday you’re just going to have to get out and stay active. If you’re already older and want to improve your quality of life I recommend the  medical alarms for seniors with mobile options that allow you to get out of the house and remain protected with their personal emergency alarms.

 

Natural Ways To Treat Infection

Did You Know?

Among the many natural ways to treat infection, tea tree oil is one of the very best. Tea tree oil is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has a wide variety of uses with strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The aborigines in Australia used tea tree leaves to heal skin infections, wounds, and burns by crushing the leaves and holding them in place with a mud pack. Tea tree oil effectively treats a variety of conditions. If you choose to try tea tree oil, it is good practice to do a patch test on your skin first, as undiluted tea tree oil can irritate the skin. If the skin is sensitive, then it is necessary to dilute it. A good tea tree oil solution can be made by mixing 5 parts of tea tree oil with 95 parts of water. 

Please note: tea tree oil should never be taken internally, even in small amounts.

Here are just some of the many ways to effectively use tea tree oil:

• Acne - Tea tree oil kills the skin dwelling bacteria that cause acne. Dilute the tea tree oil as directed above and apply to lesions. Another way to apply it is by diluting it with aloe vera gel. To begin with, mix one or two drops to one ounce of the gel.
• Athlete's Foot - Every morning and evening, saturate a cotton ball with tea tree oil (you may need to dilute it) and apply to the affected and surrounding areas. Also, you may want to apply a tea tree oil enriched moisturizer. Tea tree oil is also very effective when treating nail fungal infections.
• Insect Bites - Apply full strength to the bite area. Tea tree oil is also an effective insect repellent.
• Wound Healing - Moderately apply tea tree oil (at a strength of 70% to 100%) on the wound at least twice daily.

Lastly, putting a few drops of tea tree oil in bathwater has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect. It will also soothe sore muscles and eliminate persistent body odor.

 

Health Update : Headaches

Headache – What Can YOU Do?

Headaches are one of the most common complaints for which patients seek chiropractic care.  Chiropractic is especially helpful in the treatment of headaches because the three nerves that exit the top of the spine (upper neck) are often the cause of or directly related to headaches. These three nerves travel into the head and have to pass through a very thick group of muscles in the upper part of the neck near where these muscles attach to the base of the skull.  This is why when you have headaches and rub the back of the neck, the muscles may feel tight and or tender.  In fact, if enough pressure is applied over one of these three nerves, pain will radiate into the head following the course of the nerve, sometimes all the way into the eyes.  When chiropractic treatment is applied in the upper neck region, a reduction of the headache and neck pain occurs because the muscle tension is decreased and joint motion is restored.

The International Headache Society (IHS) has classified headaches into two main categories, primary and secondary.  Primary headaches occur for no known reason and there are four groups of these: 1) migraine, 2) tension-type, 3) cluster, and 4) “other” primary headaches. Secondary headaches are those with a specific cause such as sinus/allergy headaches, those associated with eye strain, a known medical condition or those due to cold or flu.  Both migraine and cluster headaches are “vascular” (related to the blood vessels expanding inside the head) resulting in a unique set of symptoms that includes nausea, vomiting, pounding/throbbing and can be quite debilitating. 

The most common type is the tension-type of headache.  A thorough history is necessary because there is no specific diagnostic test (lab or blood test) for tension-type headaches.  Hence, the concept is to make sure the headache is not related to some other condition that is diagnosable by a blood or lab test and if present, having that condition properly managed.  So, assuming all the tests come back “normal” and all other causes have been eliminated or “ruled out,” the most common type of tension-type headache is “episodic” or, occurs off and on, lasting minutes to days.  The pain is usually described as, “…my whole head hurts.”  There is typically tightness or tension (NOT throbbing) described in the neck muscles and the intensity ranges from mild to moderate, not usually severe, where laying down is needed.  Physical activity does not usually make it worse and there is no sickness to the stomach (nausea/vomiting), and no intense reaction to bright lights or noise (like there is with migraine & cluster types of headaches).  There are sub-types of tension headaches that can occur simultaneous with migraines headaches, but the classic “aura” (a before the headache warning associated with migraine headaches) is usually not present.

Chiropractic treatment typically includes manipulation and mobilization of the neck, muscle release techniques, physical therapy modalities like electric stimulation, ultrasound, and others, exercise, stress and diet/nutritional management.

 

Nutrition: Will Reduced Calorie Diets help the Obesity Issue in the U.S?

by. Leah Rampolla

Reduced calorie diets reap the obvious benefits of a healthy weight and overall good health.  An article on nutrition.gov reports on a recent study conducted by the ARS (Agricultural Research Service). This study has found that low and very low calorie diets significantly enhance the immunity responses of the body as well.  ARS studied the effects of caloric restrictions on the function of T cells (a major type of white blood cell) and other immune system factors. The study found that T cell responses were significantly increased with low calorie diets. This study has provided the initial indication that short term calorie restriction ( a 6 month time frame)  improves T cell functioning thus boosting immunity.

The CDC had coined the term “obesogenic” to describe American society.  This term is characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non healthful foods, and physical inactivity. Current statistics would certainly support this term and its meaning. The CDC reports that 1/3 of U.S. adults are obese which equates to 72 million people. 16% of U.S children are obese. This is of concern as obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and abnormal glucose tolerance. A study of 5-17 year olds has found that 70% of obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39% have at least two risk factors. From 1979-81 to 1997-99 annual hospital costs related to obesity among children and adolescents increased from $35 million to $127 million.

Obesity rates have increased among all U.S. societal groups regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic region. It should be noted however, that obesity rates tend to be higher in Southern states. While obesity is an obvious detriment to individual health, it also strains the already embattled U.S health care system. A 2000 CDC study reported that obesity rated health care totaled $117 billion. This figure is undoubtedly higher as obesity rates continue to climb. In addition to astronomical health care costs, overall productivity has decreased due to obesity related health issues. Medical expenditures for obese workers depending on the severity of obesity and sex are between 29%-117% greater than expenditures for normal weight workers.

Despite these alarming statistics some discernable progress has been made. A CDC survey found that from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 there were no significant obesity prevalence increases observed in children, adolescents, women, and men.  Obesity rates also appear to be leveling in children in high obesity rate states such as Arkansas.  This progress may be attributed to CDC’s efforts to promote obesity awareness as a national public health problem.  From 2000-2007 media coverage on obesity in prints and newswires increased from 8,000 to more than 28,000 articles.

Awareness and knowledge are certainly critical first steps in the national effort to address this health problem. However, more people are of an unhealthy weight than not which is indicative of much more effort and progress needed. Obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in this country and a sustained educational effort is needed to address this problem.

Nutrition: Diseases Caused by Obesity

by. Leah Rampolla


According to obesityinamerica.org more than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight.  CDC data indicates that 2/3 of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater which is classified as overweight and unhealthy. Overweight and obese people have an increased instance of heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Excessive body fat is also linked to higher levels of triglycerides and LDLs and lower levels of HDL cholesterol which fosters the development of heart disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. Blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing only ten pounds can lower blood pressure.  Losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension.

1 in 5 overweight people are affected by metabolic syndrome or syndrome X26. Metabolic syndrome can cause diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is one of the fastest growing obesity related health concerns in the U.S.  This syndrome is characterized by obesity, hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and high blood sugar. The CDC states that metabolic syndrome affects nearly one quarter- 22% or 47 million members of the U.S. population.

Another medical condition perpetuated by obesity is dyslipidemia. This condition occurs when LDL and triglyceride levels are high and HDL is low. Doctors attribute this shift in lipid levels to weight gain. To counter this condition weight loss is recommended. Losing twenty pounds can reduce LDL by 15%, reduce triglyceride levels by 30%, increase HDL by 8%, and reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.


There is also a potential link between thyroid conditions and obesity. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and there is currently an assumed link between obesity and thyroid glands but further study is needed to confirm this relationship.

Numerous data illustrates the numerous and potential fatal medical conditions and diseases that are caused by overweight and obesity. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are imperative for not only a good quality of life but a long and healthy life as well.

Nutrition: Demographic Obesity

By. Leah Rampolla



It is interesting to note that specific racial and ethnic groups show significant disparities in obesity prevalence as. One common observable trend is that increased obesity rates occur in demographics that are generally below the poverty level. Those who live below or at poverty level generally lack access to wholesome and nutritious foods. Fast food and convenience foods, which are often times much cheaper than healthier foods, are consumed in larger quantities in low income areas due to affordability. Another large factor in the consumption of high fat, low nutrition foods is the lack of education regarding a healthy diet. In addition to a lack of availability, lack of education regarding the food groups and the components of a healthy diet, and how to proper read and understand food labels all perpetuate this disparity.


Without access to proper nutrition education, parents are unable to school their children about proper eating habits and foods. According to a CDC article entitled: “Obesity Prevalence Among Low Income Preschool Children 1998-2008” 1 in 7 low income preschool aged children is obese.  In low income two to four year olds the prevalence of obesity increased from 12.4% in 1998 to 14.5% in 2003. This increase is of concern considering it occurred in a span of a mere five years.

In 2008, the demographics with the highest levels of obesity prevalence were American Indians or Alaskan Natives at 21.2% and Hispanics at 18.5%.  In American society, Native Americans and Native Alaskans are generally classified as members of the poorest socioeconomic tier.  In addition to high poverty levels, inadequate education and drug and alcohol abuse are rampant among this demographic. The statistics from the CDC survey indicate that Indian Tribal Organizations reported the highest percentage; over 20% of preschoolers are obese. Again, poverty levels and lack of educational resources generally foster higher obesity rates.


While the percentages of certain demographics may be higher than others, it is indisputable that obesity is a country wide epidemic that spans all demographics. In 2008 only two states in America, Colorado and Hawaii, reported an obesity rate of less than 10% in preschool aged children. Information about healthy foods and proper nutrition must be made readily available for all demographics regardless of socioeconomic standing. In addition to the education, resources must be made available for those that fall in the low income bracket. Public school systems could be a means in which low income children could receive education about healthy foods in addition to providing access to nutritious foods through school breakfast and lunch programs. Federal funding should be allocated to lower income schools to provide children with the education and means to integrate healthy foods into their diet.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Laughter and Humor: Natural Ways to Reduce Stress. There is truth to the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing reduces stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. It also benefits your immune system by increasing the number and activity of Natural Killer T-cells. These cells act as the first line of defense against viral attacks and damaged cells.  Monique Gilbert, B.Sc.

Health Alert: Sleep On This! Sepracor, makers of Lunesta (the top selling sleep prescription sleep medicine), spent $298 million in advertising in 2006 alone! IMS Health, 2007

 Diet: Feed Your Brain These 3 Brain-Friendly Nutrients:

1) Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to brain development and function. Sources of omega-3s include seafood (especially cold-water fish) and supplements.
2) Choline improves memory and protects against senility in old age. Sources of choline include egg yolks, skim milk, soybeans and lentils.
3) Folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects and improve your ability to think clearly and remember, decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's. Sources include spinach, asparagus, avocado, cereals fortified with B9, and most daily multivitamin supplements. Nutrition Journal, 2005

Exercise: Shoulder and Upper Back Stretching Exercises at Your Desk. Extend one arm out straight in front of you. With the other hand, grab the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull it across your chest, stretching your shoulder and upper back muscles. Hold for 15-30 seconds and release. Repeat on the other side.  Angela Smith, MD

Chiropractic: 4 Ways To Decrease Risk Of Back Pain. 

1) Get adjusted by your chiropractor. Your muscles, bones and ligaments are stressed continuously by normal daily activities (driving, sitting at the computer, lifting your kids, etc.). These stresses add up over time and can lead to muscle tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and pain.

2) Proper ergonomics. Properly set up your computer work station. When lifting, use your legs and trunk. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.

3) Exercise regularly. Exercise helps the stretching and strengthening of your back muscles.

4) Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension. Watch what you eat as excess weight can contribute to back pain.

Wellness/Prevention: Anti-Smoking Legislation Working! Hospitals report a significant decline in cardiovascular and respiratory admissions in areas where smoking is banned in restaurants.

Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 2010

Quote: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." ~ John F. Kennedy

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Learning And Video Games. Boys 6-9, took intelligence tests and reading and writing assessments. The boys' parents and teachers filled out questionnaires relating to their behavior at home and at school. Half the families received a video-game system immediately and the other half were promised a video-game system four months later, at the end of the study. Boys who received the system immediately spent more time playing video games and less time engaged in after-school academic activities. They also had significantly lower reading and writing scores four months later and had greater teacher-reported learning problems. When children have problems with language at a young age, they tend to have a tougher time acquiring advanced reading and writing skills later on.  Psychological Science, April 2010

Health Alert: Adolescent Drinking Adds To Risk Of Breast Disease, Breast Cancer! Girls 9-15, who drink alcohol increase their risk of benign breast disease (benign breast disease increases the risk for developing breast cancer). Girls who drink 6-7 days a week are 5.5 times more likely to have benign breast disease. Girls who drink 3-5 days per week have 3 times the risk. On average, girls diagnosed with benign breast disease drink more often, drink more on each occasion and have an average daily consumption 2 times that of those who did not have benign breast disease. They also had more episodes of binge drinking.
Pediatrics, May 2010


Diet: Go Nuts for Cardiovascular Health. Nuts help lower cholesterol. Nuts are high in monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol while leaving HDL ("good") cholesterol intact. Studies show people who eat about an ounce of nuts a day have lower risk of heart disease. Nuts are high in fat and calories, so only eat a handful, and make sure they're not covered in sugar or chocolate.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2006

Exercise: Jog Lightly? If a person weighing 150 lbs jogs 3 miles, the cumulative impact on each foot is greater than 150 tons. This impact can be detrimental to your entire body and not just your feet. Remember to run on soft surfaces and avoid concrete sidewalks.


Chiropractic/Physical Therapy: Low Back Pain And Your Muscles. Patients with low back pain recruit muscles in different patterns and cause altered loads on the lumbar spine. The joints are out of sync to protect the spinal tissues from motion that may cause pain. These patterns will persist as long as the tissue attempts to avoid pain. Spine Journal, 2007

Wellness/Prevention: Childhood Body Size Affects Future Breast Cancer Risk. Girls who are leaner at age seven are at higher risk of cancer later in life. A larger body type at age seven is associated with a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.  BioMed Central Limited, April, 2010

Quote: "A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his thought to derive benefit from his illnesses." ~ Hippocrates

The truth about the swine flu vaccine

By Scott Beck, DC

With the 2009-2010 flu season in full force, many Americans are searching for protection for them and their families. This year is particularly scary since we are faced with the first pandemic (global outbreak) in over 40 years because of the H1N1 influenza virus. As growing controversy over the safety and effectiveness of the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines spread, the question “what am I to do” often arises. To make an informative decision on your families health care options, we must first take a look at the facts.

Each day the media reports additional cases of H1N1 infections and rising death tolls attributed to the pandemic disease. In July of 2009, the World Health Organization issued a press release stating that it will no longer release the global table of H1N1 infections because it is “extremely difficult, if not impossible” to determine swine flu cases in laboratory testing. The Centers for Disease Control issued a similar statement on October 2, 2009. “Influenza diagnosis will not distinguish between infection with seasonal influenza vs. infection with A-H1N1.” However, we are told by our doctors and the media that it is imperative to have the flu and “swine” flu vaccine this season.

Here are a few facts on that:

The nasal spray vaccine by MedImmune has demonstrated evidence in clinical trials of shedding the live virus for 3-21 days post-vaccination. This means that vaccinating large populations, especially school children, with the live nasal-spray vaccine may actually cause a rise in the number of those infected! Also, pregnant woman have been identified as a targeted risk group for H1N1 and seasonal influenza, therefore, they are urged to get the vaccines. However, Influenza vaccines are Category C pharmaceuticals, which means that no animal or human studies have been conducted for safety. Influenza vaccines have not been tested on pregnant women.

As a concerned and informed parent, you are now wondering what you can do to protect your family with a safe and natural approach. The simple answer: CHIROPRACTIC. One of the most important studies on chiropractic and the immune system was performed by Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University.

Dr. Pero measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care as compared to those in the general population and those with cancer and other serious diseases. His initial three-year study was of 107 individuals who had been under chiropractic care for five years or more. The chiropractic patients were found to have a 200% greater immune competence than those people who had not received chiropractic care, and they had 400% greater immune competence than those people with cancer and other serious diseases. The immune system superiority of those under chiropractic care did not appear to diminish with age. Dr. Pero stated “When applied in a clinical framework, I have never seen a group other than this chiropractic group to experience a 200% increase over the normal patients. This is why it is so dramatically important. We have never seen such a positive improvement in a group.”

The immune system is affected by the nervous system through the connections with the endocrine and the autonomic nervous system. And chiropractic care improves the function of the nervous system through improving the movement of the spinal bones that encase and protect the spinal cord. Stressful conditions lead to altered measures of immune function, and altered susceptibility to a variety of diseases. Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle and effective way to enhance your immune system this flu season.

Research on Colon Cancer

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH

March 4, 2010 -- A blood test may soon be able to predict which colon cancers are likely to spread to other parts of the body, according to a new study.

Researchers found two proteins in the blood that may serve as potential biomarkers of colon cancers that are more aggressive and likely to spread.

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with more than 50,000 deaths reported each year. Surgery is the main treatment for the disease, but almost half of those treated for colon cancer experience a recurrence of the disease within five years due to cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body.

Researchers say determining which colon cancers will spread is difficult because there are no reliable chemical markers in the body for predicting its spread, known in medical terms as metastasis.

In the study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, Chinese researchers compared proteins produced by the original colon cancer tumor cells to those of metastasized cells from a single person with colon cancer.

The results highlighted two proteins that occurred at much higher levels in the metastatic cells than in the original colon cancer cells.

Although further research is needed to confirm these findings, researchers say the proteins may bring them a step closer to understanding the disease.

"The identified candidate proteins," write researchers Hua Xue of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, and colleagues, "will facilitate our understanding toward the molecular mechanism of [colorectal cancer] metastasis as well as providing useful biomarkers for cancer prevention, detection and intervention in the future."

Acupuncture as a Pain Management Technique

By Leah Rampolla

Because acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of needles into the skin, many believe this to be a strange and ineffective pain management technique. In actuality, acupuncture can be utilized as an extremely effective pain relief treatment for a variety of ailments. While acupuncture does involve the insertion of needles into the skin at multiple sites on the body, the needles are very small and doweled. Many patients receiving treatment are surprised to learn that the needle has already been inserted into their skin and did not feel any pain during the insertion.

In China, practitioners use acupuncture as a pain management technique for a variety of ailments and Western medicine has begun to embrace this alternative kind of pain management as valid and effective. While there is not a significant amount of concrete data to substantiate these claims, the “clinical impressions” of the acupuncturist as well as testimonials of the patients treated suggest that acupuncture is indeed an effective and valid form of pain management.

Acupuncture can be used to alleviate pain caused by ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, sprains, headaches; particularly migraine headaches, strokes, neuralgias, nervous disorders, diseases of the digestive system, diseases of the respiratory system, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, obstetrics, and can also assist in addiction treatment. Acupuncture is commonplace in the East and is increasing in popularity in the West. Many patients seek acupuncture as an alternative form of pain management that is natural and side effect free.


Not all diseases respond to acupuncture treatment, but many patients who receive the treatment claim that the pain relief can be felt almost immediately and is long lasting. For more information or a free Acupuncture first visit, feel free to call (732)226-2153 or visit www.advancedwellnessacupuncture.com

Alternative Pain Management Methods

By Leah Rampolla

Those who participate in full contact sports such as roller derby often suffer from sprained and strained muscles, internal and external bruising, abrasions, and the occasional fractured bone. The obvious pain management solution for these types of sports related injuries is traditional Western medicine and methods. A trip to the doctor for a prescription for pain relief in pill form or a trip to the drug store for some encapsulated over the counter pain relief is the general pain remedy for most Westerners.


Alternative pain management methods such as acupuncture are becoming more recognized in the West and the acceptance is becoming more wide spread.

Acupuncture, the Chinese practice of the insertion of needles into specific areas of the body to facilitate pain relief, is becoming recognized and accepted as an effective pain management technique. The Chinese believe that acupuncture is an effective means of pain management for a numbers of diseases and maladies and is practiced widely in the East. Western medicine is becoming more accepting of acupuncture as a pain management technique. Many acupuncture patients claim almost immediate pain relief and no side effects from acupuncture treatments.

Many Westerners are beginning to embrace alternative pain management methods instead of or in conjunction with tradition pain management methods more than ever before. Yoga, crystal healing, and herbal remedies are all increasing in popularity and gaining validity as effective pain management techniques. Alternative pain management techniques such as yoga offer the patient additional benefits such as increased strength and cardiovascular fitness, improved breathing techniques, and calmness of mind. Many little known alternative pain management techniques are often just as or more effective than traditional pain relief methods and are worth exploring.

If your living with pain in New Jersey and want more information feel free to call (732)226-2153.

Searching for Doctor Pain

When I was in the 8th grade, I threw my back out in between bells and have had chronic back pain since.  As a dancer, this did not help my profession.  Now, at 31, I still wake up with the aches.  If I sleep in a weird position, on a different bed (hotel mattresses are the worst), or have my neck elevated even slightly too high or too low, my poor back throbs.  I have tried yoga, Pilates, stretching, massages, flipping my mattress, getting new mattresses, sleeping on alternate sides of the bed, hot showers, you name it.  Not wanting to take a Bayer everyday like an oldster, I began researching other alternatives.  Advancing technology has taken on a whole new spectrum of therapies for chronic back pain.  Surgery may be an option, but now there are many outpatient procedures that provide back pain relief.     Here are important things I have found out in my quest for pain relief - Find a great doctor.

The internet is a wonderful tool in researching doctors in your area and beyond that have the specific qualifications you are looking for.  Do your homework.  When searching for a doctor, make sure he/she is well versed in spine pain management, pain relief, and chronic back pain issues.  Also, treat your first visit with them as a test.  You want your doctor to take your symptoms seriously and show genuine concern.  Your doctor should focus on you, not themselves, and make secure eye contact.  It is also imperative that your new doctor be knowledgeable of advanced therapies and alternative medicines.  Keep in mind that doctors see a lot of patients.  You must place emphasis on your most important issues and symptoms.  Some doctors have a habit of honing in on key words you mention and making quick diagnoses.  It's important that your doctor listen to your specific problems and develop a few different resolutions.  By following these simple practices, you will be able to find a great doctor who can lead you to the road to recovery.

Inspirational Story Of The Month

From Darkness Comes The Most Beautiful Light- How Patrick Henry Hughes Will Change Your Life

     A young man sits at a piano and plays. The music filling the air is so beautiful, anyone hearing it knows the young man is a true master. Then, his voice starts in:

     "Clair de Lune... it means the light of the moon. 
     In the darkness of his eyes and the sweetness of his hands, when Patrick Hughes plays it is the music of possibility, and the sound of promise."
     The camera pans in a little closer and you suddenly realize something very special about Patrick that makes the music even sweeter.

What is it?
     Patrick was born without eyes and a painful joint condition that does not allow him to straighten out his limbs.  Patrick was crippled from birth.  Waking is impossible.  But, Patrick's possibilities are unlimited. When his father, Patrick John Hughes, was interviewed, he said he and his wife were devastated when their son was born.  "Why us?  We worked hard and played by all the rules.  We just didn't understand." Yet, the Heartbreak ended instantly. Before Patrick was even a year old, his parents sat him down at the piano.  That's when the magic started. When his mom or dad would hit a note, Patrick would find the exact same note on his first or second try.  If you don't think that is a gift, blindfold yourself and give it a try. By the time he was two, he was playing requests like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and You Are My Sunshine. Patrick's dad immediately "got it" and knew what the future held.  He said, "Okay, we're not going to play baseball, we're going to play music together. Let's see how far we can run with this."

     As Patrick grew, his musical ability went through the roof.  He performed in Middle School and High School and became pretty well-known for his unbelievable gift. Which is why, when he enrolled in Louisville University, the Associate Director of Bands at Louisville, Dr. Greg Gyne, asked Patrick to join the marching band. Patrick's response?  "Yeah right!"  How could a blind man in a wheelchair march in the marching band? - enters wonder dad. Patrick's father found a way.  He joined the marching band with him!  No, he does not play an instrument.  He goes to every class with Patrick, then every band practice.  And while Patrick plays the trumpet, his father wheels him around with the rest of the marching band. His father works the graveyard shift at UPS so he can spend the day with his son. When asked about his father's work day, Patrick said, "Poor thing- He goes to work at about 11 p.m. Monday - Thursday night, gets in about 6 a.m., goes to bed about 6, and sleeps until around 11."

     Patrick's dad's response?  "He's my hero.  I've told him before.  What he goes through has taught me that I don't really have any complaints.  I guess a father couldn't ask for anything more than the relationship I have with Patrick." Patrick:  "God made me blind and unable to walk- big deal.  He gave me the musical gifts.  I have the great opportunity to meet new people." If you would like to hear more about this story and see Patrick and his father in action.  Trust me, it's the best thing you can do with 10 minutes of your day.

 

A Very Good Reason You Should Read This Right Now

Health care is a huge topic these days, and it should be.  Your health is the most important thing you possess.  If you lose your health, nothing else matters. But, most people think staying healthy is much more complicated than it really is, at least for most people. For most, staying healthy is NOT about new drug discoveries and wonder cures.  Instead, staying healthy is about consistently doing the simple things that keep you functioning properly- for years and years. And the recurring theme in this blog is just that.  You must do these simple things - for the rest of your life.

As you will see in this blog, research has just shown doing something very simple can extend your life.  But you must continue to do it. It's just like brushing your teeth- if you stop, bad things happen. The key to living a happy, healthy and long life is the commitment to doing the simple things that will kepp you healthy. So what are you waiting for?  It will only take you about 10 minutes to read, but may have a big impact of your life.

For more extensive research about health issue that may affect you, subscribe to advancedwellnessmarlboro.blogspot.com, where Dr. Joseph Cilea provides expert health and nutrition analysis. Or if you live in the central New Jersey area and you have questions regarding your health or that of a loved one call- 732-719-8148.

Beyond Calcium: What Your Bones Really Need

 By, Dr. Michael F. Roizen
 Co-Author of 4 #1 NY Times Bestsellers including: YOU Staying Young. 

The Owner's Manual For Extending Your Warranty (Free Press) and
  YOU: BEING Beautiful. The Owner's Manual to Outer and Inner Beauty

    Are you careful about getting enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones young and strong? "Enough," by the way, means 1,500 mg of calcium and 1,000 IU of D (1,200 IU if you're a woman over 65) every day. Do you get that much? Fab-YOU-lous. Just don't stop there. There are at least five other nutrients you need for a sturdy skeleton. Yes, we mean YOU! Currently, a whopping 10 million Americans and 2 million Canadians have osteoporosis, the debilitating "brittle bone" disease. The higher percentage of Canadians probably reflects the lesser power of the sun to convert inactive vitamin D to active as you travel north -- and that form of the vitamin is essential for the incorporation of calcium into bone. And guys, you're not in the clear: Men make up 20% of all osteoporosis cases. Don't want to be part of these statistics? Here's what to eat enough of:

     Protein-Your bones may seem a bit dull, but they're actually super-busy, constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves. One key nutrient your body needs to rebuild them is protein -- in fact, 22% of bone is made of it.  Your daily dose: One-half gram of protein for every pound you weigh. But don't go to extremes. A protein-heavy diet makes your blood more acidic. To neutralize that acid, your body steals calcium from your bones and dumps it into your bloodstream, but your bones end up paying the price. Get it from: Low-fat dairy products (they're full of calcium, too), skinless white meat poultry, fish, tofu, and beans.

     Potassium -Found mainly in fruits and vegetables, potassium also neutralizes acid. No wonder studies have found that people who eat lots of potassium-rich foods have stronger skeletons. Your daily dose: 4,700 mg from food (potassium supplements can be dangerous for your heart so don't take one without speaking with your doc first). Get it from: Bananas, oranges, baked potatoes, plums, raisins, and tomatoes.

     Vitamin K -Bone-building proteins with sci-fi-sounding names like matrix Gla protein, osteocalcin, and protein S all need vitamin K to do their job. Run low on K, and your risk of a fractured hip jumps by 30%. Your daily dose:  90 mcg for women, 120 mcg for men. Get it from: Leafy greens including broccoli, spinach, kale, and even parsley.

     Vitamin B12 -In 2008, a major study found that people who were low on B12 lost more bone than people with robust levels of this B vitamin. Found only in fish and animal foods, B12 helps keep bones in tiptop shape by controlling the amount of homocysteine in your blood. That's a good thing, since homocysteine has been linked to hip fractures . . . and heart disease, too. Your daily dose: 2.4 mcg Get it from: Fish, shellfish, lean beef, and low-fat dairy. If you're over 50, consider a supplement; B12 absorption decreases with age.

     Magnesium-Women with osteoporosis are often seriously short on magnesium, which makes up 1% of the minerals in bone. That may sound piddlin' but if you don't have enough magnesium, bone crystals enlarge, making your bones more brittle and prone to fractures. Your daily dose: 400 mg. Fringe benefit of taking a supplement: Magnesium also helps prevent constipation, which calcium supplements can cause. Get it from: Whole-grain cereals, brown rice, almonds, peanuts, and spinach.

     Loading up on healthy foods is key for a strong skeleton, but you may need to limit some others that can actually cause you to lose bone: Caffeine, Sodium, Cola (in addition to caffeine, compounds in cola extract or phosphoric acid may be responsible) Vitamin A supplements exceeding 2,500 mg (don't worry about vitamin A from foods; you can't get too much of it) Excess alcohol (while moderate amounts of alcohol have been linked to healthy bones, too much can weaken them). One more piece of skeleton-saving advice: In addition to eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, don't forget a side of regular weight-bearing exercise. It will help you look, be, and feel younger.

        Mehmet and I released YOU: Being Beautiful:  The Owner's Manual to Outer and Inner Beauty.  Beauty doesn't as much reflect our vanity as much as it does our humanity and our health. So stay tuned for more tips on Staying Young, and on being more beautiful.

      About the author: Michael F. Roizen, M.D., is a professor of anesthesiology and internal medicine, Chief Wellness Officer, and chair of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.  Dr. Roizen can be heard on over 30 radio stations Saturdays from 5 to 7 pm.   For a listing just email a request to YouDocs@gmail.com 

     NOTE: You should NOT take this as medical advice.  This article is of the opinion of its author. Before you do anything, please consult with your doctor.