Dr Beecher’s October 22 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Mental Attitude: Don’t Choke! For many skilled athletes, the movements they execute in an athletic event have been practiced so much, they occur with little conscious thought. However, when athletes don’t perform well under pressure, they may focus too much on their movements which causes their performance to decrease even more.

Right handed athletes who squeezed a ball in their left hand before an athletic event were more able to perform under pressure. It’s thought that clenching with the left hand helps activate the right side of the brain that is associated with

automated behaviors, such as those used by athletes to dribble, kick, shoot, swing, etc.

American Psychological Association, September 2012

 

Health Alert: Improper Rinsing? The improper use of neti pots, as well as other devices for rinsing out the

sinuses, has been linked to a higher risk of infection. The FDA warns that if they are not used properly, the user runs a risk of developing serious infections, even potentially fatal ones. The devices are safe and useful overall, as long as they are properly used and cleaned. FDA, September 2012

 

Diet: Why Some Fats May Be Bad. Some fats (like animal fats) are linked to ailments like heart disease and diabetes while others (like those from fish, plants, and nuts) have health benefits. Why the difference? The results of one study suggest that some fats encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive system. Our bodies recognize those fats and launch an immune response. The result is low-level inflammation that, over the long term, causes chronic disease. Quarterly Review of Biology, September 2012

 

Exercise: Get Fit Dad! According to a team of experts at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Zoology, a father’s obesity negatively impacts sperm, which results in smaller fetuses, poor pregnancy success, and decreased placental development. Society for Reproductive Biology, August 2012

 

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain? One possibility is ligaments or tendons being slightly torn or under physical stress or tension. These tissues can easily become damaged due to injury or long periods (weeks, months, or years) of overwork. Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

 

Wellness/Prevention: Healthy Lifestyle. According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is the leading cause of mortality in the world, responsible for 7 million deaths a year (15% of all deaths). Healthy behaviors regarding alcohol, physical activity, vegetable intake, and body weight reduce the risk of hypertension by two thirds. Having two healthy lifestyle factors reduced the risk of hypertension by 50% in men and 30% in women.

National Institute for Health and Welfare, September 2012

 

Quote: “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.” ~ Ben Franklin

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

 

Dr Beecher’s October 15 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, October 15th, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Cannabis and IQ? A recent study indicates that daily cannabis use by teenagers (< 18 years old) results in neuropsychological decline, which persists even after they stop smoking. The group also had IQ scores that were 8 points lower than their counterparts who never smoked or started.

Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, September 2012

 

Health Alert: Bad Medicine? Approximately one in five prescriptions to elderly people are inappropriate. Some of the medications with the highest rates of inappropriate use were the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the antidepressant amitriptyline, and the pain reliever propoxyphene. PLOS ONE, September 2012

 

Diet: Chocolate? Chocolate may be beneficial for reducing stroke risk in men. Flavonoids found in chocolate may decrease blood concentrations of bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds known to have beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects, appear to protect against cardiovascular disease through antioxidant, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. Men who ate the largest amounts of chocolate (63 grams – a third cup of chocolate chips – per week) had a 17% lower risk of stroke than men who never, or very rarely, ate chocolate. Also, for each additional 50 grams of chocolate consumed per week (a quarter cup of chocolate chips), there is a fall in stroke risk of about 14%. Many researchers maintain it is dark chocolate that is good for the heart, but about 90% of the chocolate intake in this study was milk chocolate.

Karolinska Institute, August 2012

 

Exercise: Lack of Exercise As A Medical Condition? According to physiologist Michael Joyner, M.D., “physical inactivity is the root cause of many of the common problems that we have.” These problems include obesity, diabetes, joint damage, and high blood pressure. If lack of exercise (deconditioning) was treated as a medical condition, then perhaps more patients and doctors would see exercise as a treatment that should be considered first for many medical complaints. Mayo Clinic, August 2012

 

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain? One possibility is joint pain due to inflammation of tissues between and around the joints. As a person ages, or with trauma (old or new), their joints lose flexibility. As muscles and ligaments tighten and shorten, inflammatory chemicals can become trapped. Over time, the joint complex can degenerate and osteoarthritis may develop. Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

 

Wellness/Prevention: TV Time? 31% of US children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Reducing TV viewing may be an effective strategy to preventing excess weight gain among adolescents. In this study, there was a clear association with reduction in TV hours and decreased weight gain over one year.

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, September/October 2012

 

Quote: “Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools.” ~ Albert Einstein

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

 

Dr Beecher’s October 8 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, October 8th, 2012

Mental Attitude: Bright Lights? A new study shows that light therapy is beneficial to everyone, not just individuals who suffer from seasonal depression. When bright light therapy is administered through the ear canal directly to the photosensitive brain tissue, it improved cognitive performance and mood in all subjects. Students who received a daily, 12 minute bright light treatment through the ear canal for 3 weeks improved their reaction time by

25-30%. When channeled directly to the brain, bright light significantly increases activity in the neural networks, especially in regions of the brain linked to visual perception. Scandinavian Physiological Society, September 2012

 

Health Alert: Tattoo Infections? Some tattoo inks are tainted with nontuberculous Mycobacteria. This bacteria can cause lung disease, eye problems, and organ and joint infections. Tattoo inks and pigments may also be

contaminated with fungi and mold. Tattoo artists should make sure that only sterile water is used to dilute the inks.

US Food and Drug Administration, September 2012

 

Diet: Stroke and Diet. A poor diet may increase your risk of stroke in a few significant ways. Eating too much fat and cholesterol can lead to arteries that are narrowed by plaque, eating too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure, and eating too many calories can lead to obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help lower your stroke risk. American Heart Association

 

Exercise: Less Is More? Good news, 30 minutes of exercise each day is better than one hour. On average, men who exercised 30 minutes a day lost ~8 lbs in three months, while those who exercised for a whole hour only lost ~6 lbs. One explanation is that half an hour of exercise is so doable that study participants had the desire and energy for more physical activity after their daily exercise session. Those who exercised for 60 minutes per day probably ate more, thus their weight loss was slightly less than anticipated. American Journal of Physiology, September 2012

 

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain? One possibility for pain is disk involvement. Pain may occur when a disk becomes inflamed, herniated (bulging), or ruptured. The mechanism can be due to an acute injury like a car accident or fall, or repetitive micro-trauma (long term wear and tear). In both cases, muscle spasms can occur, potentially causing severe pain. Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

 

Wellness/Prevention: Decrease Stroke Risk? Chronic conditions that are risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Behaviors that are risk factors for stroke: smoking, getting too little exercise, and heavy use of alcohol. American Heart Association

 

Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Dr Beecher’s October 1 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, October 1st, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Violent Images? People who watched more than four hours of TV a day relating to the 9/11 attacks and Iraq War coverage were more likely to report both acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms over time. According to study author Roxane Cohen Silver, PhD, “[It’s] important for people to be aware that there is no psychological benefit to repeated exposure to graphic images of horror.” Psychological Science, September 2012

 

Health Alert: Bad Belly Fat! People with a high waist-to-hip ratio (those with big bellies, but a normal body mass index score) are 2.75x more likely to die from a cardiovascular event. Mayo Clinic, September 2012

 

Diet: Junk, TV, and Income. Preschoolers from low-income neighborhoods and kids who spend more than two hours a day in front of a TV or video-game console have at least one thing in common: a thirst for sugary soda and juice. 54.5% of 4-5 year olds from poorer neighborhoods drank at least one soda per week, compared to 40.8% of kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Preschoolers from low-income areas also drank less milk and consumed more fruit juice, which, like soda, is linked to rising sugar intake. Researchers found similar drinking habits among preschoolers who spent more than two hours of “screen time” per day watching TV or playing video games. Kids from poorer neighborhoods sat in front of screens more often, and drank larger volumes of sweetened beverages. Just 30% of children ate recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, and only 23.5% consumed the recommended amount of servings of grain products. University of Alberta, August 2012

 

Exercise: Exercise and Cancer Recovery? Studies have shown the powerful effect exercise can have on cancer care and recovery. For patients who have gone through breast or colon cancer treatment, regular exercise has been found to reduce recurrence by up to 50%. Mayo Clinic, September 2012

 

Chiropractic: What Causes Pain? One possibility is nerve pain. When a nerve becomes “pinched,” compressed, or inflamed due to an impinging or degenerated disk, the nerves that innervate the spine can become injured. This mechanism can lead to a radiculopathy, where pain radiates down your arm or leg.

Physical Exam Spine and Extremities, Hoppenfeld

 

Wellness/Prevention: Drink Water! Water is your body’s principle chemical component and makes up 60% of your body weight. Water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose, and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, and even mild dehydration (as low as 1-2% loss of normal water volume) can drain your energy and make you tired.

Institute of Medicine

 

Quote: “Great ideas originate in the muscles.” ~ Thomas A. Edison

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Dr Beecher’s September 24 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, September 24th, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Learning and Stress. Stressed and non-stressed persons use different brain regions and different strategies when learning. Non-stressed individuals applied a deliberate learning strategy, while stressed subjects relied more on their gut feelings. Journal of Neuroscience, August 2012

 

Health Alert: Calcium and Vitamin D? It has been a long standing protocol for men at risk of bone loss from hormonal treatment for prostate cancer to take Calcium and vitamin D supplements. New research shows this type of supplementation does not prevent bone loss and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and aggressive prostate cancer. The Oncologist, July 2012

 

Diet: Deep Fried? Fairs and boardwalks serve up plenty of deep-fried diet disasters. From fried cheesecake (around 500 calories), to fried macaroni and cheese (roughly 610 calories), and gigantic turkey legs (about 1,136 calories and 54 grams of fat), most eat-while-you-walk foods are a huge calorie overload, not to mention the grease!

American Heart Association

 

Exercise: Lower Your Diabetes Risk. The World Health Organization estimates that 346 million people have diabetes, and deaths related to it are expected to double between 2005 and 2030, with more than 80% of them occurring in low and middle income countries. Men who weight train 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week may be able to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes by up to 34%. Also, men may be able to lower their risk further (by 59%) if they combine weight training with aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or running. The effects are probably due to increased muscle mass and improved insulin sensitivity. Archives of Internal Medicine, August 2012

 

Chiropractic: Neck Posture and Whiplash. Abnormal, pre-injury curves of the neck increase the risk of whiplash injury to the facet capsules, and predispose the patient to accelerated post traumatic long-term, degenerative changes of the

spine. Journal of Biomechanics, June 2005

 

Wellness/Prevention: 6 Tips For Injury Prevention In Young Athletes. 1) Take at least 1 day off a week to give your body time to recover. 2) Take breaks to reduce risk of injury and prevent heat illness. 3) Use correct gear that is right for the sport and fits properly, and don’t assume because you are wearing protective gear you can perform more dangerous

and risky things. 4) Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise to avoid heat illness. Coaches should reduce or stop practices when heat or humidity is high. 5) Use proper technique at all times. 6) Coaches should play it safe and enforce strict rules against head-first sliding, spearing, and body checking, and stop the activity if there is any pain. American Academy of Pediatrics

 

Quote: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ~ Thomas A. Edison

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Dr Beecher’s September 17 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, September 17th, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Positive Emotion. Older adults display more positive emotions and are quicker to regulate out of negative emotional states than younger adults. Older adults may be better at regulating emotion because they tend to direct their eyes away from negative material or toward positive material.

Current Directions in Psychological Science, August 2012

 

Health Alert: Alzheimer’s Research. The global market for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics could soar to $8 billion once therapies are approved that actually change the course of the disease. The current therapeutic market is valued at $3-

4 billion and is shared among drugs that temporarily delay disease progression or address the symptoms but do not alter the underlying disease. Despite all the research on amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, there is still a debate on whether these biological phenomena are causative or symptomatic of Alzheimer’s. Once scientists can clearly and unequivocally define key factors related to the actual biology of the disease itself, therapeutic advances could take place much more quickly. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, August 2012

 

Diet: Summer Time Blues! Barbequed hot dogs and sausages are common summer time treats, but are they the right choice for your diet? It’s not just the high levels of fat or calories that are cause for concern, most hot dogs, bratwurst, and other sausages are also very high in sodium. The average hot dog contains 280 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 1,250 mg of sodium. American Heart Association

 

Exercise: Micronutrients and Physical Fitness. Adolescents’ blood levels of micronutrients are correlated with how well they perform in physical fitness tests. For cardio-respiratory fitness, concentrations of hemoglobin, retinol, and vitamin C in males and beta-carotene and vitamin D in females was positively associated with VO2 max (peak oxygen uptake). Journal of Applied Physiology, Aug 2012

 

Chiropractic: Lack of Motion. Back in 1933, a study showed lack of proper joint motion can cause Degenerative Joint

Disease (osteoarthritis). An immobilized joint will develop cartilage changes similar to those of osteoarthritis.

Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, 1933

 

Wellness/Prevention: Nutrition and IQ. Children fed healthy diets at a young age may have a higher IQ when tested at eight years old. A study looked at the link between the eating habits of children at six months, 15 months and two years, and their IQ at eight years of age. Children breastfed at six months and who had a healthy diet regularly including foods such as legumes, cheese, fruit and vegetables at 15 and 24 months, had an IQ up to two points higher by age eight. Those children who had a diet regularly involving biscuits, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks and chips in the first two years of life had IQs up to two points lower by age eight. University of Adelaide, Aug 2012

 

Quote: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Dr Beecher’s September 10 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, September 10th, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Think You Are Fat? Researchers found that normal weight teens who perceive themselves as fat are more likely to grow up to be fat. 59% of girls who felt fat as a teen became overweight in adulthood while 31% of girls who did not consider themselves fat during adolescence were found to be overweight. Normal weight girls were more likely than boys to rate themselves as overweight (22% of girls vs. 9% of the boys). One reason for weight gain in later years may be due to psychosocial stress, which can be associated with gaining weight. Under this scenario, the psychosocial stress related to having (or not having) an ideal body type, along with the perception of oneself as overweight, can result in weight gain. Another explanation may be that young people who see themselves as fat often change their eating habits by skipping meals, which can lead to obesity. Also, a diet you can’t maintain over time will be counterproductive, as the body tries to maintain the weight you had before you started to diet.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, July 2012

 

Health Alert: Depression Is A World-Wide Problem. It’s widely believe that depression is a phenomenon of Western culture, but researchers who analyzed studies involving over 480,000 people across 91 countries have found the opposite is true. They estimate the rate of depression in Middle Eastern and some Asian countries (~9%) is twice that found in countries like the United States and Australia (~4%). World Health Organization, 2010

 

Diet: Bad BBQ News! Barbecue can sabotage your waistline. A 20 ounce T-bone steak can weigh in at 1,540 calories, with 124 grams of fat. A cheeseburger has 750 calories and 45 grams of fat. Pork or beef ribs come from the fattiest part of the animal. Healthier options include pork tenderloin, skinless chicken breast, and lean ground beef.

American Heart Association

 

Exercise: Good Reasons. Regular exercise maintains or improves joint flexibility, improves your glucose tolerance and reduces workdays missed due to illness. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

 

Chiropractic: Motion and Nutrition. Cartilage is avascular, meaning it does not receive nutrition via blood vessels. Like a sponge, it takes in fluid and releases the fluid when compression is applied. This alternating compression and re- expansion allows it to receive its supply of nutrients and remove metabolic waste. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 1984

 

Wellness/Prevention: Lose To Gain? People who are overweight or obese could gain ten years worth of health benefits by simply losing 20 pounds. Modest weight loss (average 14 lbs) reduced the risk of individuals developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%. Weight loss of just 10% of a person’s body weight has been shown to have long-term impact on sleep apnea, hypertension, quality of life, and to slow the decline in mobility that occurs as people age.

American Psychological Association, July 2012

 

Quote: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Dr Beecher’s September 2012 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter

To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!

“We may go to the moon, but that’s not very far.

The greatest distance we have to cover still lies within us.” – Charles de Gaulle

 

Hugs Not Drugs?

 New Research Reveals

The Healing Power Of Touch

Also in this issue:

  • Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work and Which Ones Are Rip-Offs!
  • When Should You See A Doctor For Headaches?

Blade Runner:  Oscar Pistorius makes Olympic history as the first double amputee to compete. Find out why some say he shouldn’t be there…

 

Houston – Maybe the popular rock n’ roll band U2 had it right back in 1991, in their hit song Mysterious Ways with the lyric, “To touch is to heal.”

However, they weren’t the first to make the claim. The healing power of touch has been written about since close to the dawn of civilization. To many, there was no scientific evidence to back it up and so it had no place in the healing arts.

Here’s an interesting example that shows one BIG flaw with that kind of thinking…

Let’s say you have a bucket filled to the top with water.  What happens if you stick your fist in the bucket?

The water in the bucket will overflow, right?

This is because your fist displaces water in the bucket, causing the water level to rise (and ultimately spill over the top).

If the bucket was not already full, then the water would rise in proportion to the volume of the fist and the change could easily be measured.

Now, think about this…

What happens when you put your fist in the ocean? Your fist displaces the exact same amount of water it did in the bucket.

But wait, did the ocean rise?

The answer: Yes.  The water level in the ocean rose.  It rose in such a small amount that we do not have measuring devices sensitive enough to measure it.  So, even though we cannot readily measure and prove it rose, we know it happened.

Hmmm.  Very interesting.

The truth of the matter is: There are many things that happen that we simply cannot measure.

That’s one of the reasons science is so fascinating.  New ways of measuring and testing are constantly developed to uncover the many mysteries of the universe.

Just because science has not yet “proven” something does not mean it is not true or does not exist.  One great example of this is the probable discovery of what is being called, “the God particle.”

According to ABC News:

After decades of careful experiment, physicists say they have found the ‘strongest indication to date’ to prove the existence of the Higgs boson — a subatomic particle so important to the understanding of space, time and matter that the physicist Leon Lederman nicknamed it ‘the God particle.

The announcement today, based on experiments at the Department of Energy’s Fermilab near Chicago and other institutions, is not the final word, but it’s very close. And it comes just before a major meeting this week in Australia, where more findings will be announced from the giant underground particle accelerator at CERN, the great physics lab in the Alps on the French-Swiss border.

“This is one of the cornerstones of how we understand the universe,” said Rob Roser, a Fermilab physicist, “and if it’s not there, we have to go back and check our assumptions about how the universe exists.”

Until very recently, researchers did not have the technology to discover this particle.  So, did it not exist before 2012?

What about the healing power of touch?  An article published in Scientific American (July 11, 2011) reads, A team led by Professor Ron Frostig of the University of California, Irvine, induced strokes in rats by blocking an artery to the brain. The researchers then stimulated their whiskers, intending to measure the rats’ brain activity to learn how the stroke damage affected sensory functions. Instead they found that if they vibrated a single whisker within two hours of the stroke, neurons that ordinarily would have died continued to function normally, and the rats ended up with no paralysis or sensory deficits. The exact mechanism of the protective effect is not clear, but it seems to involve a rerouting of blood through undamaged veins in the brain.”

The article later revealed that the pattern of tickling the rats’ whiskers did not matter, but more tickling helped.

Here’s what WebMd says about “Touch Therapy”:“Emerging research suggests that touch therapy works: In one landmark study, 16 happily married women were subjected to the threat of a mild electric shock; touching their husbands’ hands brought immediate relief from the resulting anxiety. Even a stranger’s touch was somewhat calming. “We know that anxiety decreases immune function and makes you get sick more often,” says study author Jim Coan, Ph.D., a Neuroscientist at the University of Virginia. “If touch can help you be less anxious, you’re more likely to stay well.”

Here’s one more just for good measure…  Science Daily reported on June 26, 2012, A new study by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center shows that patients reported significant improvement in side effects of cancer treatment following just one Jin Shin Jyutsu session. Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient form of touch therapy similar to acupuncture in philosophy.”

Of course, every article or study ends with “more research needs to be done.”  That’s a good thing.  The more proof, the better.

However, absence of proof is not the proof of absence.  Chiropractors (and others in the medical and healing arts) have known for a long time there is something wonderful about touch.  Patients get better, with or without scientific studies published in peer review journals.

Thankfully, now science is shedding light on what Chiropractors have known for over 100 years.  There is no doubt more research will open more healing doors and help more people stay healthy and pain free.

When To See A Doctor For Headaches

According to the National Institute of Health, not all headaches require a physician’s attention. However, headaches can signal a more serious disorder that requires prompt medical care. Call or see a physician immediately if you or someone you’re with experiences any of these symptoms:

  • A sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck.
  • A severe headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting that is not related to another illness.
  • “First” or “worst” headache, often accompanied by confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness.
  • Headache that worsens over days or weeks or has changed in pattern or behavior.
  • Recurring headaches in children.
  • A headache following a head injury.
  • A headache and a loss of sensation or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke.
  • A headache associated with convulsions.
  • A headache associated with shortness of breath.
  • Two or more headaches a week.
  • A persistent headache in someone who has been previously headache-free, particularly in someone over age 50.
  • New headaches in someone with a history of cancer or HIV/AIDS.

 

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.

Inspirational Story Of The Month

(Names And Details Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)

 

Blade Runner

Oscar Pistorius Makes Olympic History As

The First Double Amputee To Compete.

Find Out Why Some Say He Shouldn’t Be There…

 

The term “handicapped” became politically incorrect quite a few years ago.  Now, with the help of modern technology (and a ton of hard work), the label “handicapped” is certainly a misnomer for Oscar Pistorius.

The South African sprinter is known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man on no legs.” After having both his legs amputated when he was 11 months old, it was a long, hard road to become the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics.

Pistorius, who has a double amputation, is the world record holder for sport class T44 in the 100, 200 and 400 meter events and runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs.

Pistorius participated in his first international competition against “able-bodied” athletes in 2007, but things didn’t work out as planned…

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) changed its rules and banned the use of “any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device.”

Some scientists say that his prosthesis is not a handicap but instead, an unfair advantage.

One such scientist is respected sports doctor Ross Tucker.  According to Dr. Tucker, “In science, you start with theory, then you come up with hypotheses, and then test them. This was done for Pistorius, and every finding suggests advantage, with no exceptions.”

There are three theories for the advantage, the reduced weight of the limbs, their spring effect and the absence of fatigue. According to research, the above factors result in some startling performance-enhancing advantages.

His carbon-fiber prostheses are so much lighter that Pistorius is able to re-position his legs 11 percent faster than the next fastest runner ever measured. This is crucial, because the speed of human sprinters is determined by how fast they can move their legs. This also means his muscles have to work less to exert force on the ground and to re-position his legs. This saves energy, a crucial element of any event longer than 200m.

Finally, the energy returns from the springy carbon-fiber is 92 percent compared to a 59 percent return for muscles. Simply put, the carbon fiber does a better job of providing energy than muscles and tendons do.

Others beg to differ.  Testing done with Pistorius by Prof Peter Weyand suggests that he does not gain an advantage from his carbon-fiber prosthesis.

On January 14, 2008, the IAAF ruled Pistorius ineligible for their competitions, including the 2008 Summer Olympics.  The decision was reversed in May of 2008.  Pistorius did not qualify for the South African team in 2008 but he did for the 2012 London games.

He will compete in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay races.  No matter what side of “science” you are on, this is an incredible story.  Oscar Pistorius is a true Olympic hero.  He is a hero to everyone, with or without a “handicap.”  After seeing what Pistorius has done, all your excuses for not eating right, exercising and living the life you really want are pretty much null and void, don’t you think?

            We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better!  We are here to help you stay feeling better and looking younger!  Don’t be a stranger.  You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!

 


Did You Know?…

 

Every day, we are confronted with a myriad of food choices. I am sure you know oily fries, cheesy pizzas, and greasy burgers are definitely not at the top range of nutritious foods. On the other hand, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables bring heaps of life preserving, health-giving nutrients to our bodies.

The origin of the word “vegetable” comes from the Latin “vegetare”, meaning “to enliven or animate”.  It is certainly appropriate, as there is growing evidence that the nutrients contained in vegetables can help prevent, and even treat, many diseases. Scientific tests have shown encouraging results for treatment and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Vegetables provide the broadest range of nutrients, including carotenes, fiber and phytochemicals of all food types. Besides, they are also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and even protein (soy). Vegetables have minimal fat and even when they do, it is usually in the form of essential fatty acids.

Fruits, in general, are an excellent source of many important antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals, i.e. Vitamin C, carotenes, polyphenols, and flavanoids. Fruits also contain natural fiber, which helps clear toxins from our bodies. However, fruits do contain a fair amount of fruit sugars (i.e. fructose). For the same weight, fructose is also 1.5 times sweeter than sucrose (white sugar). Our bodies handle fructose differently from sucrose. For our bodies to use fructose (fruit sugar), it has to be changed to glucose by the liver. As a result, blood sugar (glucose) levels do not rise as rapidly after fructose consumption compared to other simple sugars. Conversely, consuming sucrose (white sugar) results in an immediate rise in blood sugar levels. Most diabetics cannot tolerate sucrose, but most can handle moderate amounts of fruit (and fructose) while their bodies can still control the blood sugar levels. In fact, fruits have a lower glycemic index than white bread and other refined carbohydrates.

 

Tip Of The Month

Natural Mosquito Repellents That Work and Which Ones Are Rip-Offs!

 

Most think it is not good or healthy to judge.  It creates negative energy and is a waste of time.  But in this case, it is necessary because mosquitoes STINK!  Sure, they have their place in the ecosystem, and it’s not like we want them all to die.  But, it would be nice if they didn’t swarm us, bite us, and cause us to itch from head to toe!  If you are one of the unlucky people mosquitoes love, but don’t want to use harmful chemicals to keep them away, here is something all natural you can use that actually works…

According to Science Daily, Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.”

Researchers put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a two-foot glass tube, half of which was treated with nepetalactone.  After 10 minutes, only an average of 20 percent, about 4 mosquitoes, remained on the side of the tube treated with a high dose (1.0 percent) of the oil. In the low-dose test (0.1 percent) with nepetalactone, an average of 25 percent, 5 mosquitoes, stayed on the treated side. The same tests with DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide) resulted in approximately 40 percent to 45 percent of mosquitoes remaining on the treated side.  At the time of the article, no animal or human tests were scheduled for nepetalactone; therefore, it could not be stated that it is safe for people.  You may want to be on the lookout for research about this in the near future.

In the mean time, here is a list of natural products that repel mosquitoes: Citronella Oil, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Castor Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Geranium Oil and possibly oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic.              Here’s one important point:  Just because something is “natural” does not mean it is safe.  This is a BIG misunderstanding a lot of people have.  For example, rattlesnake venom is all natural, as is poison ivy.  Be very careful what you rub on your skin or ingest regardless of it being “all-natural” or synthetic.

 

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal

and maintain the pain free body you deserve.

 

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice.  Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know.

Dr Beecher’s September 3 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!

WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, September 3rd, 2012

 

Mental Attitude: Sleep and Stroke Risk! Adults (in the normal weight range) who sleep less than 6 hours per night have a much greater risk of stroke symptoms during middle age and old age than their peers who sleep more than 6 hours per night. University of Alabama, Aug 2012

 

Health Alert: Insecticides and IQs! A study found a difference between how boys and girls respond to prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos. At age seven, boys had greater difficulty with working memory (a key component of IQ) than girls with similar exposures. MRI scans show that even low to moderate levels of exposure during pregnancy may lead to long-term, potentially irreversible changes in the brain. The chemical is used in agriculture, wood treatments, golf courses, parks, and road medians. Low-level exposure can also occur by eating fruits and vegetables that have been sprayed with chlorpyrifos. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, Aug 2012

 

Diet: What Do They Eat? Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman talks about the importance of nutrition and her post-workout staple: chocolate milk. Chocolate milk is a common athlete favorite because of its carb/protein ratio and vitamins for muscle recovery. Beach volleyball player Kerry Walsh eats almond butter and honey sandwiches before she competes. The sugar from honey is immediately energizing while the protein and fats in almond butter help sustain that energy boost. Polo player Ryan Bailey says his power breakfast is gluten-and-dairy-free buckwheat banana pancakes with fruit. Associated Press, August 2012

 

Exercise: ‘Exergames’? Active video games (AVGS, also known as “exergames”) are not the perfect solution to the nation’s sedentary ways since most AVGs provide only “light-to-moderate” intensity physical activity. It’s recommended that the average adult get 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day. Michigan State University, August 2012

 

Chiropractic: What Is A Stinger? You may have heard of an athlete in a contact sport (football, rugby, ice hockey, wrestling) receiving a “stinger.” This injury occurs when the head and neck are forced to the side and the nerves that branch off the spinal cord in the neck become compressed. This can cause a stinging or shooting pain down one arm, followed by numbness or weakness. These injuries often go unreported because symptoms can quickly resolve, but if left untreated, repeated trauma can result in persistent pain or arm weakness. WebMD, 1999

 

Wellness/Prevention: Yoga and Depression During Pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience hormonal mood swings during pregnancy, and 20% experience a major depression. Expectant mothers who participated in 90-minute yoga sessions over a 10-week period experienced a considerable reduction in depressive symptoms, and also reported having a stronger attachment to their babies in the womb. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, August 2012

 

Quote: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” ~ Ben Franklin

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.

 

Chronic Headaches and the Pill Industry

Clear Lake Chiropractor comments: The advertisements are everywhere, at the supermarket, gas station, billboards, or TV, compelling us to ingest another pill for an ill. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the pain pill industry. We are told that simple pain relievers really do the trick to make that nasty headache go away. But have you ever thought about how you the consumer are being manipulated? These over-the-counter drugs are a booming industry and make huge profits for the companies that push them.

Have you wondered why you don’t see an advertisement suggesting that you should see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, to determine the cause of your headache? Instead, we self-diagnose and self-medicate all while finding no long-term solution for a chronic and long-term problem.

The first question a consumer needs to ask is, “why do I have a headache? Do I need headache treatment?”

Why is my body signaling pain? Humans and other animals have evolved with a nervous system that warns us of problems by making us experience pain. The pain is like a fire alarm. What would life be like if the fire department responded to a house fire by cutting the fire alarm? We’d still be in a raging inferno. But when pain is temporarily silenced with medicine, the cause of the pain continues. No one could seriously think that headaches are caused by a lack of ibuprofen in the diet? That would be outrageous! But these pain pills are consumed by so many of us, they have almost become part of the national diet. And of course the dirty little secret is that many of us double and triple the dosages recommended on the bottle.

The warnings on the bottle don’t seem to help much either. Stomach bleeding, liver and kidney problems are all serious unintended consequences of taking these pills over a long duration. The side effects are even more dangerous if we drink alcohol regularly.

So what’s a person to do? First, get examined by a doctor of chiropractic to determine if there an underlying spinal cause for your headache. The doctor can also rule out rare things that can be causing the headache, such as high blood pressure or a brain tumor (very rare causes). Next, it’s important to realize that pain is a signal and should be embraced rather than ignored or suppressed.

Through natural chiropractic care your headaches can go away without pain pills. Clinical research in the form of randomized clinical trials, have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic care in patients with headaches. The safety profile of chiropractic is far superior to pain medications, including the over-the counter variety.

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Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com. or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!