Health Tip Of The Month

Simple Ways To Get Better Results From Any Weight Loss Program

Everyone wants to know the answer to this question: What’s the best way to lose weight? The problem with that age - old question is – there is no ONE correct answer because everyone’s body make-up, chemistry and genes are different. In other words, we all react differently to different types of food. We also react differently to different types of exercise. That’s why losing weight and keeping it off can be so difficult. It has also opened up the door for marketers to sell all kinds of junk that promises to get you skinny… just about overnight.

Here’s the real truth about weight loss – and it’s something many people simply do not want to hear… To successfully lose weight, you must meticulously figure out what types of foods and exercise work with your body chemistry and type. Then, you must make a plan incorporating those foods and exercises... then… YOU MUST STICK TO THAT PLAN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There is no “quick fix” pill or wonder diets or miracle piece of workout equipment that will work.

That’s A Hard Pill For Most To Swallow

But, there is a way to get better results for ANY eating or exercise program you do.  

Here is how:  Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research instructed obese adults who participated in the study to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a weight loss journal. While some were asked to maintain their weight loss journals six days a week, others updated it only once a week. The author of the study said those who maintained their journal regularly lost more weight compared to those who updated it only once a week. It is believed several reasons attributed to the success of the “journal” group. 

Two very important reasons are:  Accountability and the ability to really analyze what you are eating and doing physically. People are often surprised when they see in writing what they are doing. Perception is often very different from reality. So, if you want to increase the effect of any weight loss program you are on, try keeping a journal. But first, accept the fact that losing weight and staying in shape takes effort and time, and the results are a better looking and healthier you. Nothing is more important.

Simple Formula For Kids’ Academic Success

Poor academic achievement has caused school systems to add more classroom time, in many cases, at the expense of physical education.

However, new research shows this may be hurting students’ performances.

A physical activity program that incorporated academic skills was instituted at a public school in Charleston, South Carolina. Students in grades 1-6 were scheduled for daily physical education. State standardized reading test scores were collected for both the academic year of program initiation and the following year.

The results showed statistically significant higher test scores for those students in the group with the physical activity program versus those without it at other schools in the same district.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Treatment Recommendations

Health Update : Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome or, CTS, is one of the most common causes of pain, loss of work, and work related disability in the United States. It affects approximately 50 per 1000 persons in the general population and the average lifetime cost of CTS (including medical bills and lost work time) is estimated to be about $30,000 per each injured worker.

In 2003, there were more than 3.8 million visits made to health care providers for CTS. The diagnosis of CTS is based on the patient’s complaints, the examination findings, and special testing such as electro-diagnostic tests (like Electromyography or EMG). The success or failure of treating CTS rests on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Often, patients with CTS will present after surgery complaining of the same symptoms they had prior to surgery, such as numbness and pain in the index, 3rd and 4th fingers, weak grip, sleep interruptions and so on, only to find that the median nerve is pinched higher up than the wrist, such as in the neck or elbow.

Treatment failure, as well as an increased likelihood of developing CTS, may also result from the presence of other “risk factors.” These include (but are not limited to) advancing age (>50 years old), females > males, and the presence of diabetes and/or obesity, which often coincide. Other risk factors include pregnancy (due to hormonal shifts and fluid retention), certain occupations (highly repetitive), strong family history of CTS, specific medical conditions like hypothyroidism, autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, certain types of arthritis, kidney disease, trauma, anatomic predisposition of the wrist and hand (shape and size), infectious diseases, and substance abuse.

The difficult thing in treating CTS is when multiple factors exist – like a female over 50 with a highly repetitive job and who is also obese. Obviously, the “best” treatment here would include weight management, and possibly work station modifications, in addition to the in-office treatment approaches. Patient compliance or, following the doctor’s recommendations is VERY important such as wearing the wrist splint at night, doing the carpal tunnel stretch exercises, weight management / dietary recommendations, and so on. Therefore, successful treatment for CTS relies on a balance between the patient and provider communicating about ALL the treatment options – surgical and non-surgical so the patient can make an informed decision. Since each patient is unique, the treatment approach must be tailored to that individual and may require, as previously stated, a number of treatment strategies aimed at patient specific issues.

Chiropractic is in a unique position for managing the CTS patient. This is because we look at the whole person, not just the wrist and, we offer the LEAST INVASIVE approach. Many times, there are issues in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm in addition to the wrist/hand that MUST BE carefully assessed in order to obtain a successful, satisfying result for the patient. We also consider the many “risk factors” described above and can assess or coordinate services with other health care providers so the many conditions described previously can be properly evaluated. So, the question remains, what do chiropractors do when treating a patient with CTS? Treatment often includes “the usual” such as wrist splinting during sleep, work modifications, and anti-inflammatory approaches (ice cupping, herbal, etc.).

Unique to chiropractic are manipulation or adjustments (often to the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand), muscle tendon release techniques (possibly using tools to break up adhesions, scar tissue, and the like), exercise training for the involved areas including the hand/wrist, as well as dietary strategies for weight management, metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) and so on.

 

Medical Alert | Technology For Peace Of Mind

Medical Alert: A Touching True Story

Thanks to advances in wireless technology and state-of-the-art interactive (2-way) home medical emergency monitoring, tens of thousands of older Americans have put their trust in medical alarm companies and now enjoy a renewed independence that just wasn't possible for previous generations. And no matter where they live or how often they can visit, loved ones find certainty knowing that help, if ever needed, is just the push of a button away.
In recent years, an unwavering commitment to our seniors, for example, Good Housekeeping recommending medical alert systems, particularly Connect America, as a proactive means of decreasing fatal and nonfatal injuries for persons aged 65 years and over. This commitment and dedication to the care of older Americans sprouted multiple personal emergency companies that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating at A+, the agency's highest honor. Iconic companies like Orchard Brands®, CVS® and SkyMall® have chosen us to be their exclusive provider of  Medical Alert Systems because of their stellar customer service.

                                          

Restaurant Online Ordering System - The New Modern Addition for Local Restaurants

The Restaurant Online Ordering System is a Modern Addition to Restaurant Businesses but people are rapidly catching on. Consumers are now excited about their favorite restaurants adding the convenience of an Online Ordering Menu. Restaurant Online Ordering is a versatile benefit because it offers useful, time efficient features for customers and restaurant owners. This new innovative technology is growing rapidly with consumers for many reasons.

This particular Restaurant Online Ordering System encompasses many benefits such as Convenience, Ordering & Price Accuracy, Eliminates Hold Times, No Waiting on the Phone, No Pressure to call or feeling rushed when placing an order, and the system software dramatically improves the customer's overall experience. The Online Ordering System also gives consumers the ability to browse the Online Menu leisurely, increasing the probability of consumer adding to order. Approximately 70% of Americans have experienced online ordering for restaurants and say they will order online again. Any  local restaurant will attract new customers, who search online for a specific restaurant or category of food in their area, for example, pizza delivery or Chinese food delivery. Fortunately, with this system software your restaurant Menu is available online and customers can order with the click of a button or image.

After implementing the Restaurant Online Ordering System Software, exposure is needed with different marketing strategies. Restaurant Online Solutions offers a voice over feature that customers, who call to order, can listen to while they are on hold. The professionally recorded message can include information about the new online ordering capabilities, special promotions, exact location, or events.  Restaurant customers or patrons are the first to promote positive experiences about new technologies or capabilities by "word of mouth"  through Facebook, Twitter, Open Table, Yelp, Google +1, Instant Message, or via email to friends and family. The Voice Over Feature is Optional & Not Required just Strongly Recommended and we offer this feature for only $150.00 with your Free Restaurant Online Ordering Application. This is a cost effective solution to making people aware of your new Online Ordering System.

Nowadays, when people want to gather information about anything it's just a click away when searching the web. Being online is the new trend due to the vast number of resources that it provides, people are turning to the internet for fast and easy access to any information. These days consumers expect everything instantaneously and for the information to be available at their fingertips. Even marketing ideas and strategies are evolving, such as, Google Places, Facebook, and Twitter. Considering the growing market for advertising on the internet, which reaches thousands of potential consumers, many that may not have been reached with other conventional marketing methods. Having the ability to display menus, special promotions, and ordering online offers much more variety and convenience to consumers and gives the restaurant owner a competitive edge over his or her competitors.

There are numerous reasons why Online Ordering Systems are extremely beneficial. Online systems can streamline the ordering process and promote the website. Online ordering cuts down on the time spent maintaining food inventory and will save time on man-power which can be used to perform more productive day to day operations of the restaurant, therefore maximizing staffs' time on relevant tasks while they're on the clock.

 

Demo Video: Restaurant Online Ordering Software

 

 

Did You Know?... Tea Does the Body Good

Tea Does the Body Good... Pass It On

Tea is a great food for health!

1. Tea, without sugar or honey, only has two calories per cup.
2. Steeping tea for three to five minutes produces the most antioxidants.
3. Milk in your tea doesn’t reduce tea's health benefits.
4. The maximum amount of antioxidants contained in tea comes from brewing loose leaves or from tea bags. (Tea in powders or bottles has little or no helpful antioxidants)
5. Tea in products applied to the skin has little or no health enhancing properties.

Teas, especially white and green teas, can help with the following: Stimulate mental clarity, reduce the risk of certain cancers, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, help prevent viral infections, help prevent bad breath, and help prevent tooth decay. Also, because the water used in tea is boiled, this makes tea safer to drink than tap water.

Health Source Acupuncture Provides Pain Relief in New Jersey

When we say to you, “…you have a cervical disk problem,” do you know what that means? I didn’t think so. As doctors, we talk about these things so often, we sometimes just assume you know what we’re talking about. So first, sorry about that!  Now, let’s clear up the question, what is a cervical disk problem?

The term “cervical” means neck, just like the terms “thoracic” means mid-back and “lumbar” means low back. The term “disk” refers to the shock absorbing fibro-elastic cartilage that rests between each vertebra of the spine. Think of the disk as being similar to a jelly donut. The center of the disk is liquid-like (the nucleus), kind of like petroleum jelly, and the outer part (the annulus) is tough and strong and circles the nucleus center like the rings of an freshly cut oak tree stump. What makes the annulus/outer layer so strong is the type of tissue it’s made up of and, maybe most important, the opposing criss-cross pattern of each layer or ring of the annulus. Studies have shown that when the disk is pierced with a knife and then compressed, this criss-cross pattern of the annulus layers self-seals the cut, resulting in no leakage of the liquid center.

So, the question is, how can a disk rupture, herniate or “slip” if it’s so tough, strong, and self-sealing?

The answer: as the disk ages or when it’s injured, tears or “fissures” in the disk fibers occur creating rents or channels for the liquid part to work its way out towards the edge and eventually break through the outer most layer – hence, the term “herniated disk.” It’s similar to stepping on that jelly donut until the jelly leaks out to the point where you can see it.

Here’s the strange part. Research tells us that about 50% of people have bulging disks (not quite herniated through) and 20% of us have herniated disks (that have popped through) but have NO PAIN AT ALL! That makes it tough since an MRI or CT scan may show a herniated or bulging disk but how do we know that’s the disk that’s clinically important – the one that’s creating the pain?  That’s why we treat patients and not their image (MRI, CT scan or x-ray).

Even though a disk may be bulging or herniated, we may not necessarily treat that particular disk if it’s not expressing itself clinically by creating a shooting pain down a specific area in a arm, usually below the elbow often into either the thumb or pinky side of the hand, with associated abnormal tests for strength and/or sensation. That’s why we check your reflexes, your strength, and sensation for each nerve. We’re checking to see if that herniated disk is “pinching” the nerve and if it is, we utilize manipulation, traction, PT modalities, and issue home traction units to try to “un-pinch” that nerve to avoid surgery.

Learn How to Use the Restaurant Online Ordering System Free Software

Learn how to streamline all online food orders with this free restaurant online ordering software by Restaurant Online Solutions. The FREE Restaurant Online Ordering System is easy to integrate into any restaurants' system for carryout, dine-in or food delivery services.

The National Restaurant Association Survey showed that nearly 40% of people say they would like to receive emails from restaurants keeping them updated with special promotions and new items. The restaurant online ordering system can store a customer’s email address after an order is taken online. Keep local patrons updated about daily specials, coupons, and special events or promotions with enticing offers via email or SMS. 

Having the capabilities to take online orders will clearly divide the competition. Being able to find a restaurant with a smart phone, laptop, or desktop is convenient, but what if a person can also submit an order with a simple click of a button or an image of what they want from an online menu? Find out the answer, and take the Restaurant Online Ordering System for free. No catch. No strings.

Sneak Peek : Free Restaurant Online Ordering Software

Parenting Children with ADHD, Autism & Learning Disabilities

How many times have you watched a person park in a handicapped spot and watched them get out of the car and walk away with no apparent difficulty? And didn’t you wonder why on earth they needed to park in a spot that might be needed for someone in a wheelchair? Well, many people have heart and respiratory and other conditions that limit their ability to walk distances. We just can’t see the problem.

The same situation exists in children with any type of learning disability. The problem is not obvious. It is very real however, and can interfere with performance at school. That sometimes makes it hard to accept and understand. One of the biggest issues is that of executive functioning.

Executive Function

Essentially it is a set of mental processes which help children connect past experience with present action. These brain functions allow us to make plans, keep track of time, finish work, ask for help, wait our turn, engage in meaningful discussions and research information as needed. Without these capabilities, children are likely to be unable to interact appropriately in school and complete required schoolwork. Child development skills such as executive functioning can emerge over time and in varying degrees with some children.

Children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder typically present with executive functioning issues. Until recently, it was assumed that inattention was the key problem in children with ADHD. It is now believed that ADHD is actually an executive function disorder. While it is true that all children will struggle with these skills at some point or another, children with ADHD and ASD have chronic problems with executive functioning.

In order to help a child improve their executive functioning skills, it is important to understand the specific components and why they are necessary for good school performance. These components have overlapping characteristics because of multifunctional components. When all the skills are present, they work together to produce a desired outcome.

Here is a basic list of executive skills and their definitions:

Impulse Control – the ability to stop and think before acting
Flexibility – the ability to alter or revise strategies when circumstances change
Working Memory – the ability to retain information and use it to complete a task
Planning & Setting Priorities – the ability to determine what goal to focus on and what steps it will take to attain
Self-monitoring – the ability to assess your performance
Emotional Control – the ability to control feelings by focusing on goal
Task Initiation – the ability to start a task when necessary and not procrastinate
Organization – the ability to create and maintain methods of tracking materials and information

This group of skills works collectively to help your child interact appropriately, process information, and learn.  When one or more is deficient, learning problems arise. If you read descriptions of children with ADHD and other learning disorders, they are often cited as lazy, forgetful, disorganized, unable to complete assignments, prone to outbursts and prone to impulsivity. They may not start homework or complete it, may be disruptive in class or may be combative with peers. They can be sensitive to criticism, unyielding and defensive. All these traits are associated with poor executive functioning.

Now that you have an idea of how this problem manifests itself in your child, you can try some strategies to help your child improve. It all boils down to management. Good management yields productivity in the business world. The same is true when applied to your child. Understanding and patience is also necessary. It is easy to get exasperated when you don’t understand why your child doesn’t “get it”.

 

1. One of the best things you can do is break tasks into manageable steps. It is easy for a child to give up when they believe the goal is beyond their ability to achieve. Make each step an easy success by keeping short and attainable.
2. Use visual and audio aids to reinforce the task. If a child has difficulty with tasks such as getting dressed, post a visual schedule of dressing steps. Written instruction should accompany all oral instruction.
3. Give your child breaks between activities and ample time to adjust to a new activity prior to starting.
4. Keep a consistent schedule as much as possible. Maintain the same bedtime. Schedule homework to be done at a specific time and keep to it. You can split homework assignments so there is a substantial break in between if they have trouble staying on task.
5. Keep activity charts and post them where they can be easily viewed.
6. Reduce all distractions. Give one thing at a time and keep all other tasks out of line of vision.
7. Label everything your child needs for their schoolwork and for home workspace. Have a specific spot for each item.
8. Review homework assignments and maintain a checklist. Have your child check each assignment as it is completed.
9. Keep open communication with your child’s teacher and get regular feedback.

 

Keep in mind, many brilliant people have experienced these problems, such as, Albert Einstein, and that executive skill problems is not an indication of level of intelligence.

Did You Know?... Brain Health

Health Alert: Healthy Brain, Healthy Life

Powerful memory requires a healthy brain and the right nutrition. The brain uses tremendous amounts of energy and is the most metabolically active organ in the body-- it never completely rests. As a result, it has one of the highest rates of free radical production. These free radicals begin to destroy the structure of the brain, its connections and the cells. 

Unless you replace those damaged parts with nutrients, brain function starts to fall off more and more over time. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids are replaced extremely rapidly. If you are deficient in this nutrient, your brain begins to change its structure very quickly and soon (only 2 weeks) loses its ability to properly function because one of its vital components is missing. Americans consume an average of 129 pounds of sugar a year; 57% of it comes from processed foods.

For example, teenagers drink an equivalent of 54 teaspoons of sugar a day just from soda. Sugar consumption dramatically increases free radical generation in the brain. It produces cross-linking of the proteins in all cells which dramatically increases the damaging effect of these free radicals, making every cell in your body age much, much faster -- particularly brain cells. In some extreme cases, it can even result in permanent brain damage. 

Lack of Vitamin B-1 in the diet causes memory failure and depression. Consumption of a lot of carbohydrates depletes Vitamin B-1. Vitamins C, D, E, K, A, B and carotenoids are all associated with brain function. Animal fat impairs the ability to learn and remember, but healthy fats, such as Omega-3, improve depression, memory retention and thinking. 

This is because the brain uses an enormous amount of fatty acids for its membranes. Aspartame, MSG, pesticides, and herbicides in food; aluminum in deodorants; fluoride in the water; and mercury in vaccines may play a major role in brain toxicity and brain function decline. Excessive toxicity destroys brain cells.

Why Is Lower Back Pain So Common?

Low Back Pain: Why Is It So Common?

This question has plagued all of us, including researchers for a long time. Could it be because we’re all inherently lazy and don’t exercise enough? Or maybe it’s because we have a job that’s too demanding on our back? To properly address this question, here are some interesting facts:

• The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) is common, as 70-85% of ALL PEOPLE have back pain that requires treatment of some sort at some time in life.
• On a yearly basis, the annual prevalence of back pain averages 30% and once you have back pain, the likelihood of recurrence is high.
• Back pain is the most common cause of activity limitation in people less than 45 years of age.
• Back pain is the 2nd most frequent reason for physician visits, the 5th ranking reason for hospital admissions, and is the 3rd most common cause for surgical procedures.
• About 2% of the US workforce receives compensation for back injuries annually.
• Similar statistics exist for other countries, including the UK and Sweden.

So, what are the common links as to why back pain is so common? One reason has to do with the biomechanics of the biped – that is, the two legged animal. When compared to the 4-legged species, the vertically loaded spine carries more weight in the low back, shows disk and joint deterioration and/or arthritis much sooner, and we overload the back more frequently because, well, we can! We have 2 free arms to lift and carry items that often weigh way too much for our back to be able to safely handle. We also lift and carry using poor technique. Another reason is anatomical as the blood supply to our disks is poor at best, and becomes virtually non-existent after age 30. That makes healing of disk tears or cracks nearly impossible. Risk factors for increased back injury include heavy manual lifting requirements, poor or low control of the work environment, and prior incidence of low back pain.

Other risk factors include psychosocial issues such as fear of injury, beliefs that pain means one should not work, beliefs that treatment or time will not help resolve a back episode, the inability to control the condition, high anxiety and/or depression levels, and more. Because there are so many reasons back problems exist, since the early 1990’s, it has been strongly encouraged that we as health care providers utilize a “biopsychosocial model” of managing those suffering with low back pain, which requires not only treatment but proper patient education putting to rest unnecessary fears about back pain.

 

Health Update : Weight Loss Tip Of The Month

Simple Ways To Get Better Result From Any Weight Loss Program

Everyone wants to know the answer to this question: What’s the best way to lose weight? The problem with that age-old question is – there is no ONE correct answer because everyone’s body make-up, chemistry and genes are different.  In other words, we all react differently to different types of food. We also react differently to different types of exercise. That’s why losing weight and keeping it off can be so difficult.  It has also opened up the door for marketers to sell all kinds of junk that promises to get you skinny… just about overnight.

Here’s the real truth about weight loss – and it’s something many people simply do not want to hear…

To successfully lose weight, you must meticulously figure out what types of foods and exercise work with your body chemistry and type. Then, you must make a plan incorporating those foods and exercises... then… YOU MUST STICK TO THAT PLAN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There is no “quick fix” pill or wonder diets or miracle piece of workout equipment that will work.

That’s A Hard Pill For Most To Swallow

But, there is a way to get better results for ANY eating or exercise program you do. Here is how: Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research instructed obese adults who participated in the study to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a weight loss journal. While some were asked to maintain their weight loss journals six days a week, others updated it only once a week. The author of the study said those who maintained their journal regularly lost more weight compared to those who updated it only once a week. It is believed several reasons attributed to the success of the “journal” group.

Two very important reasons are: accountability and the ability to really analyze what you are eating and doing physically. People are often surprised when they see in writing what they are doing. Perception is often very different from reality. So, if you want to increase the effect of any weight loss program you are on, try keeping a journal. But first, accept the fact that losing weight and staying in shape takes effort and time, and the results are a better looking and healthier you. Nothing is more important.

Local Search for Small Businesses

Local Online Search & SMB

Local search has become one of the most affordable and important ways for small businesses to be found by their customers. In a recent ComScore study, they found that 42% of local searchers wanted to find a business within 6-15 miles of their home or place of work. Searchers are looking for more relevance than ever before. With statistics like this, it’s more imperative you are giving those local users every opportunity to find your business.

The reality is that there are many factors that can contribute to a successful local, online presence. In today’s market, it takes being available at different times and in varied formats to reach the right audience. One of the main ways prospects can find you is through a local business listing. With prime placement right at the top of the search results page, these listings give a previously unheard of visibility to small and local businesses.

 

So what can you do reach that coveted prime placement?

Submit your listing

Seems pretty simple, right? Well, it’s a crucial step. Just submitting and verifying your listing can sometimes be enough in less competitive markets. Google takes the verified information as the most trusted, so make sure your listing is claimed.

 

Have only one, optimized listing for your business

When you submit your information to Google, you could have the option to choose existing business information, if it exists for your company. You don’t want to have competing listings out there, so always claim the existing information and optimize it- so there is only one active listing. I have seen claiming another listing significantly help a business rank better.

 

Choose correct categories for your business

Google provides different industry options for you to choose from. These are one of the main factors that determine which searches your listing could show for. Make sure these accurately describe your products and services.

Put your industry and target area in the title of your listing

This information helps Google, but it also improves your visibility for those keywords.  Be sure to use a local phone number in your listing- Using a local number lets both the user and the search engine know that you are in fact located where you say you are.

Create a description that’s informative

This descriptive area provides you the chance to give the most information about your company. Use your keywords and provide the details that would be valuable for your customer base.

Reviews are important. Positive reviews are a huge factor on whether or not someone will choose you business over another. Not only that, but the presence of reviews (both negative and positive) can increase the ranking of your listing. In some industries, I have seen listings perform better by simply having more reviews than their competitors.

 

Here is the Golden Grail List of Directories to maximize your business ranking locally:

Google.com/places
Local.Yahoo.com    
Bing Local    
Yelp.com

YellowPages.com

MerchantCircle.com     

Business.Intuit.com    

Citysearch.com    

Superpages.com    

Local.com

InsiderPages.com     

DexKnows.com    

YellowBook.com    

HotFrog.com    

YellowBot.com

MagicYellow.com     

USCity.net    

MojoPages.com    

YellowUSA.com    

Manta.com 

Keep your listing up to date

Updating the information tells the search engines that it’s relevant. It can be as simple as updating a coupon, or other details. Make sure your listing is 100% complete. Don’t underestimate the value of having a completed listing. Google is all about the user experience, and a complete listing shows that your business is providing the most information.

Submit your info to other directories as well. Google actually pulls your business info from other sites, so it would behoove you to have accurate, standard information about your business from as many sources as possible.

This is just the beginning for your online visibility. The first steps to getting great rankings for your local listing. While there is no guarantee that following these steps will increase your rankings, an optimized listing almost always outperforms an un-optimized one. So, take the time, and see what you can accomplish. Do you have any other tips for local listings?

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.

 

The Evolution of Gummy Candy

Gummy Candy

In the beginning, there were two species of candy.  These were the Twizzlerius gummus and the Cocolai roundus.  Both of these species lived harmoniously in the Garden of Eaten for many, many years.  One day a great wind blew the Cocolai roundus off the garden.  In their new habitat, the only thing for them to eat was shrinking leaves.  In time, the Cocolai roundus became much smaller.  So small, in fact, that eventually they disappeared.

 

I would have to consider myself a connoisseur of candy especially those with Latin based names. Having the cavities to prove it, I think there were a lot of different variations within the same species of candy that I’ve consumed.  The majority of the candy shared the same characteristics and looked to be “evolved” from each previous species.  I find it much easier to classify things in this way because of these shared traits.  If you were to sub classify the candy species you could go on forever.

 The Twizzlerius were devastated by the loss of the Cocolai roundus and became torn in two.  Thus began the Great War of Twizzlerius.  After the war, only half of the population remained.  These survivors left the garden and traveled to the ocean.  Once at the ocean, some of the Twizzlerius gummus went to live in the water and some went to live in the caves.  In time, the ocean Twizzlerius became adapted to being in the water all day and turned into Gelatinus fishious.  The cave dwelling Twizzlerius developed a hard outer shell and became smoother to travel through the rough habitat.  They became Jellybellius obolai.  

 

 

 

 

The Gelatinus fishious suddenly split into two populations when one group decided they wanted to see the world and the other wanted to stay in one part of the water.  The first group traveled all over the ocean and in order to outrun their predators became skinnier and faster.  They became known as Wormius squiggilus.  The Wormius traveled the whole world over and opened underwater tiki huts.  However, when they all migrated to a new area in Brazil, they were wiped out by gigantic eels.  The second group thrived for a very long time but then a great flood washed them into a small lake.  The only way for them to get food was to develop legs and leap in and out of water.  Over time, they became a species called Gelatinus frogus.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Jellybellius obolai were squished by a cave collapse and the survivors were much flatter.  They moved out of caves and into condos.  The condos had frigid air conditioning so over time the Jellybellius developed a rough sugar coating to withhold body heat.  This species of Jellybellius became the Sucra wedgy. The Sucra’s liked to travel to the lake in the summer.  They liked it so much that they all decided to move there.  Eventually, the Gelatinous frogus and the Sucra wedgy’s began mating and out came the Gummus bearus.