Dr Beecher’s August 3 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
Low Back Problems and Their Cause
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Clear Lake Chiropractor comments: Low back pain for many of us is somewhat of a middle age problem. Lots of sufferers begin to seek chiropractic care in their 30’s and 40’s and wonder how it all happened. Perhaps it was a sneeze, a long drive, or gardening in the yard that set the pain off. But you were always able to do these things before without so much as a chirp from your low back. And now things are different. Even job stress can add to back pain.
So how come your back seems so weak, when it was so strong before? What changed? Not much in fact. The reality is that back problems begin during our youth. With advances in MRI technology we can study changes in the disks of the back to see when these injuries first occur. Spinal degeneration begins to occur at age 10, provided some trauma has occurred, such as from competitive sports or simply goofing off as a child. Rarely is significant pain involved and the child seems to shake off the injury with little future consequence. But having back pain is not the same as a having a back problem, such as a sprain of the disk. When the pain subsides, it does not always mean that symmetrical motion of the joint is restored and the vertebrae are now back in their normal position…but the pain may be much less.
Our bodies have a tremendous capacity to heal on their own without any type of doctor helping out. Mother Nature and innate intelligence is the best doctor. But sometimes recovery and return to full and optimum health is incomplete.
Over time the effects of gravity and daily stresses, cause the joint to become more injured until something as simple as making the bed causes excruciating pain. But was it really the bed making? Probably not because this is something you’ve done every day of your life. A thorough examination by a doctor of chiropractic prior to the onset of pain could have perhaps discovered one of these “silent” injuries. But most people wait until the pain happens before seeking help.
It’s important to be checked after a trauma, even in young children. Properly diagnosing the extent of injury is the first step to getting you the care you may need. The pain often goes away quickly and we often think the problem has also completely healed.
Getting regular check ups to make sure the motions of your spine are fluid and symmetrical is one potential way to avoid bigger problems down the road. Your doctor of chiropractic can also advise you on preventive strategies to minimize the risk of injury, such as proper lifting techniques.
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!
Dr Beecher’s July 27 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 27th, 2015
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Mental Attitude: Does Smoking Affect Voting Behavior? Individuals who smoke cigarettes appear to be less likely to vote than nonsmokers. The authors of a new study surveyed 11,626 people and found that 17% of those polled were smokers, and daily smokers were 60% less likely to vote than nonsmokers. Lead author Dr. Karen Albright writes, “On one hand, the result is intuitive. We know from previous research that smokers are an increasingly marginalized population, involved in fewer organizations and activities and with less interpersonal trust than nonsmokers. But what our research suggests is that this marginalization may also extend beyond the interpersonal level to attitudes toward political systems and institutions.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research, May 2015
Health Alert: Dementia May Increase Health Risks Among Hospitalized COPD Patients. Taiwanese researchers examined data on one million individuals collected between 2000 and 2010 and found that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia have an elevated risk for acute respiratory dysfunction, severe sepsis, and hospital mortality. More specifically, they found that patients with both conditions were 1.38 times more at risk for severe sepsis, 1.39 times more at risk for acute respiratory dysfunction, and 1.69 times more at risk of dying during their hospital stay. Medicine, June 2015
Diet: High-Fiber Diet May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk. Eating a fiber-rich diet may lower one’s risk for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The authors of a new study found that those whose diets contain more than 26 grams of fiber each day are 18% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who consume less than 19 grams of fiber per day. When researchers focused on types of fiber, they discovered that people who consume higher amounts of cereal and vegetable fiber are 16-19% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with fiber-poor diets. Interestingly, the researchers found that fruit fiber consumption was not associated with reduced diabetes risk. Study author Dr. Dagfinn Aune concludes, “Taken together, our results indicate that individuals with diets rich in fiber, in particular cereal fiber, may be at lower risk of type 2 diabetes.” Diabetologia, May 2015
Exercise: Avoid Overuse Injuries. Performing the same exercises day after day can lead to an overuse injury. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to avoid such injuries: engage in a variety of exercises, don’t do too many exercises in one day, warm up before and cool down after a workout, wear appropriate shoes, and use good form and technique. Mayo Clinic, June 2015
Chiropractic: Resolution of Daily Cervicogenic Headaches. A 13-year-old patient with a complaint of daily headaches presented for a trial of chiropractic care. His doctor of chiropractic utilized spinal manipulation to treat cervical and thoracic spinal joint fixations, which a thorough examination had revealed to be the possible underlying cause of the adolescent’s chief complaint. The patient reported his headaches resolved during the course of treatment, which consisted of eight visits over two months. This case documents the potential benefits of chiropractic care in the management of headaches in adolescents. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, April 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Limited Evidence for Mammograms for Women in Their 40s. The International Agency for Research on Cancer says that there is limited evidence to support preventative breast cancer screening for women in their 40s. However, they add that for women aged 50 to 75, the research shows that routine mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The revised guidelines recommend routine screening start at age 50 and be done every two years. The expert panel advises that women in their 40s should discuss the pros and cons of mammography screening with their doctor and then make an informed decision. New England Journal of Medicine, June 2015
Quote: “Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.” ~ Napoléon Bonaparte
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 July 20 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 20th, 2015
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Mental Attitude: Bullied Teens at Risk for Depression Later in Life. Teens who are bullied appear to be at a higher risk for depression when they reach early adulthood when compared with their peers who were not bullied during adolescence. The study involved 4,000 teens and found that teenagers who were frequently bullied at age 13 were twice as likely to be depressed at age 18. Of the 4,000 teens involved in the study, 700 reported being bullied more than once a week. BMJ, June 2015
Health Alert: Poorly Controlled Diabetes Results in Longer Hospital Stays. Two new studies presented at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association state that diabetics who fail to control their blood sugar levels tend to have longer and more costly hospital stays. According to researchers, hospital stays for diabetics with poor blood sugar control can last an average of three days longer at a total cost nearly $2,500 greater than diabetics who do a better job at managing their blood sugar levels. Scripps Health, June 2015
Diet: BPA in Canned Foods Less Common. A new report claims that up to 30% of canned foods contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their linings. According to previously published research, BPA exposure may be associated with abnormal fetal development, obesity, and reproductive health issues, among other health problems. The good news is that fewer food manufacturers are using BPA to line the inside of their cans when compared with the available historical data. Renee Sharp, a Director of Research at the Environmental Working Group adds, “Definitely the trend is moving away from BPA, but there is a long way to go.” Environmental Working Group, June 2015
Exercise: Certain Physical Activities Associated with Better Sleep. Participating in activities such as walking, aerobics, calisthenics, running, weight training, yoga, and Pilates may improve your sleeping habits. Researcher leader Dr. Michael Grandner adds, “Although previous research has shown that lack of exercise is associated with poor sleep, the results of this study were surprising. Not only does this study show that those who get exercise simply by walking are more likely to have better sleep habits, but these effects are even stronger for more purposeful activities, such as running and yoga, and even gardening and golf.” Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 2015
Chiropractic: Back Pain Associated with Knee Pain. According to researchers at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, patients with knee complaints are significantly more likely to also have a history of lower back pain. Though the researchers were unable to conclude whether or not the relationship between back pain and knee pain is causative in either direction or if both may be secondary to another issue, they do recommend that doctors consider a patient’s back pain history when assessing and managing knee pain complaints. The Journal of the Pakistani Medical Association, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Bug Bites & Bee Stings. While most insect bites aren’t serious, experts advise going to the emergency room if you or your child develop the following ailments after a bite or sting: difficulty breathing, a feeling that your throat is closing, swelling lips, swelling tongue or face, chest pain, racing heartbeat, dizziness, headache, or vomiting. Also, beware of a red rash that looks like a bullseye target or a fever with a spreading red or black spotty rash. Dr. Margaret Parsons, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California writes, “Although most bug bites and stings do not turn into a severe or even fatal illness like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms.” American Academy of Dermatology, May 2015
Quote: “True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one’s companion.” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley
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 July 13 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 13th, 2015
To download a copy of this newsletter, click here. If you would like to know more about Beecher Chiropractic and the best chiropractic clinic in Houston please give us a call!
Mental Attitude: Repeat Head Injuries Affect Brain Structure. A young adult who has previously experienced two or more mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) may have structural changes in his or her brain that could signal a greater risk for dementia later in life. Compared to healthy controls without a history of head injuries, MRI scans of young adults who suffered two or more mTBIs indicate reduced cortical thickness in the areas of the brain associated with visual memories, language comprehension, emotion association, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, interpersonal experience, contemplating distance, recognition of known faces, and accessing word meaning while reading. Previous research has associated cortical thinning with increased dementia risk. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, May 2015
Health Alert: Smartphones May Interfere with Pacemakers. Though the risk is small, experts in association with the European Society of Cardiology advise patients with pacemakers and other cardiac devices to avoid storing their smartphones in pockets directly over their chest and to hold their phones over their right ear when making a call. European Society of Cardiology, June 2015
Diet: Western Diet May Be Deadly for Prostate Cancer Patients. A diet high in red meats, processed meats, refined grains, and high-fat dairy products (often referred to as the Western diet) may increase the risk of early death for people with prostate cancer. During a 14-year study, researchers found that those who ate a predominantly Western diet were 67% more likely to die from any cause than those who ate a more heart-healthy diet. Senior author Dr. Jorge Chavarro adds, “There is currently very little evidence to counsel men living with prostate cancer on how they can modify their lifestyle to improve survival. Our results suggest that a heart- healthy diet may benefit these men by specifically reducing their chances of dying of prostate cancer.” Cancer Prevention Research, June 2015
Exercise: Music Strategy Encourages Patients to Exercise More. Cardiac rehabilitation patients who listened to a music device equipped with tempo-pace synchronization exercised over 100 minutes more per week than fellow patients who did not have the benefit of such technology. Tempo-pace synchronization helps cue individuals to take their next step and thus helps regulate, maintain, and reinforce the prescribed exercise speed or pace. Senior scientist Dr. David Alter writes, “If this average increase of exercise was sustained for an average 65-year-old male patient, it would correlate with a projected life-expectancy increase of two and a half years.” Sports Medicine, May 2015
Chiropractic: Manual Therapies Help TMD Patients. An analysis of eight published studies concludes that manual therapies are an effective treatment for patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). In particular, the report notes the efficacy of myofascial release and massage on the masticatory muscles as well as spinal manipulative therapy and mobilization applied to the upper cervical spine. Such treatments are commonly performed by doctors of chiropractic. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, June 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Tough Alcohol Laws Reduce Teen Drinking. Teen drinking rates drop when state alcohol laws get tougher. Researchers developed a scoring system to assess strong alcohol-related policies and found that for every ten additional percentage points earned for strong alcohol-related state laws, teens in that state had an 8% lower risk of drinking and 7% lower risk of binge drinking. Co-author Dr. Timothy Naimi adds, “A large proportion of the adverse effects of alcohol do not occur only to the person consuming alcohol but to other people in society. Part of the duty of society is to regulate dangerous products, not just adverse effects for kids but also for adults who don’t drink alcohol.” Pediatrics, July 2015
Quote: “I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.” ~ Stephen Chbosky
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 July 6 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 6th, 2015
To download a copy of this newsletter, click here. If you would like to know more about the best chiropractor in Houston, please give us a call.
Mental Attitude: Protect Your Brain with Tai Chi. With a growing senior population, age-related cognitive decline has become a major public health issue. A review of nine studies that included 632 participants found that regularly performing Tai Chi appears to have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline. According to researchers, Tai Chi practitioners fared better than members of a control group on a variety of outcome assessments that measured memory, rate of learning, short-term verbal recall, spatial processing, visual attention, task switching, and reaction time. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, July 2015
Health Alert: Can Noisy Neighborhoods Cause Weight Gain? Swedish scientists say their research indicates that noise from traffic, trains, and planes may play some role in the obesity epidemic. In their study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, they note that an individual’s risk for a larger waist size increases 25% if they are exposed to either traffic, train, or plane noise on a routine basis, and their risk increases to 50% if they are regularly exposed to all three sources! It is believed that traffic noise may increase the levels of cortisol in the body, the stress hormone that has been observed to stimulate the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. Lead researcher Dr. Charlotta Eriksson adds, “Traffic noise should be recognized as an important environmental health hazard that needs to be taken into consideration in urban planning.” Occupational & Environmental Medicine, May 2015
Diet: Drinking Water Helps Kids Think. Could the simple act of drinking water give your child the edge he or she needs to perform better at school than their peers? According to a study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, the answer may be yes. The study involved 63 third graders who performed a variety of tests designed to measure their executive function skills over a three- day period. The researchers kept track of each child’s food and beverage intake and found that those who consumed the most water were best able to stay on task when presented with difficulties and distractions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, June 2015
Exercise: Swim! Swimming is a great exercise that burns calories, is easy on the joints, helps manage weight, and builds both muscular strength and endurance. It also improves cardiovascular fitness, cools you off, refreshes you on hot summer days, and is an activity you can perform safely into old age. MedicineNet, May 2015
Chiropractic: Possible Benefits for Those with Fibromyalgia. A new study reveals the benefit of chiropractic treatment in the management of fibromyalgia. During a three-month study, 120 women with severe fibromyalgia received treatment that included education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and an exercise component. One half of the group also received chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine during this time. Outcome assessments showed the group who also received chiropractic care experienced greater overall improvement when compared with the group who did not receive spinal manipulative therapy. The researchers conclude that adding chiropractic care to current treatment plans for fibromyalgia patients may improve their overall results. Rheumatology International, July 2015
Wellness/Prevention: A Healthy Lifestyle Can Prevent Over a Third of Female Colon Cancers. After analyzing decades of health and lifestyle data concerning over 200,000 female nurses, researchers claim that living a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 37% of colon cancer cases among women. Lifestyle factors that may have a protective effect against the development of the disease include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, no/moderate alcohol consumption, not smoking, taking a daily multivitamin, and consuming over 700 mg of calcium per day. Cancer Causes & Control, June 2015
Quote: “A closed mind is a dying mind.” ~ Edna Ferber
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 July 2015 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download a copy of this newsletter, click here.
“Anything you could ever want or be, you already have and are.” ~ David Russell
Who Else Wants to Live to Be 100 Years Old?
Starting in 1913, researchers followed
the health of 855 people. What did the ten
who made it to 100 years old have in
common and what does it mean for you?
Also this month:
- Quitting smoking, even after 60, may have bigger heart benefits than you think! New research shows those who quit smoking, even past the age of 60, have a considerably lower risk for cardiovascular disease after only a few years.
- Do you crave late night snacks? Study shows it might be your brain’s fault.
- Teen becomes hero on his way to jail! How a 17-year-old kid saved the life of his arresting police officer…
For many people, this is true. Whether this is true or not for you is unimportant, but here is something that is important…ouston – There is an old saying that goes something like this: Youth is wasted on the young.
No matter how old you are now or how long you are going to live, life is short and it goes by in the blink of an eye.
Whatever age you are right now, don’t you want to live as many healthy years into the future as you can?
Sadly, many people think there is nothing they can do to make themselves healthier and live longer. It is common to believe…
“It’s All In Your Genes.”
Sure. Genes do play some role regarding the circumstances of your life. For example, not everyone is going to be 7 feet tall (>2m) and play basketball for an NBA team. Not everyone is going to be exceptionally healthy and live to be 100 years old even if they eat junk food and smoke like a chimney. But there is something you can control and that’s living up to your genetic potential.
Listen, it makes no difference to you if someone else’s genetic potential is better or worse than yours. The only thing that matters is YOUR genetic potential and how you maximize it.
Here is something else you should know: Most people think that because they did unhealthy things when they were younger — like eat a lot of junk food or smoke — that it is too late for them now. The damage is done, so to speak.
While in some instances this may be true, in many cases, the body has an amazing ability to recover and become healthy even after decades of abuse. We’ll talk about this more in a moment, but first, let’s see if living to age 100 is all in the genes…
Over the past 50 years, the University Gothenburg has hosted one of the world’s first prospective study on aging. The participants included 855 Gothenburg men born who were all born in 1913.
The first surveys were conducted in 1963 and continued on until the final survey was conducted with the ten surviving participants in 2013.
A total of 27% (232) of the original group lived to the age of 80 and 13% (111) live to 90. All in all, 1.1% of the subjects made it to their 100th birthday.
According to the study, 42% of deaths after the age of 80 were due to cardiovascular disease, 20% to infectious diseases, 8% to stroke, 8% to cancer, 6% to pneumonia, and 16% to other causes.
A total of 23% of the over-80 group were diagnosed with some type of dementia.
The study showed that it helped the longevity of the participants if they paid high rent or owned a house by age 50, had a high aerobic capacity on a biking test at age 54, and had a mother who lived a long time.
According to lead researcher Dr. Lars Wilhelmsen, while their mother’s longevity appears to indicate that genetic factors played a strong role in helping these men live longer lives, other factors that are indicative of a healthy lifestyle may be more important for living a long time.
For example, among the longest lived men in the study, none were smokers and all of them were slim and had good posture.
The fact they were non-smokers isn’t surprising but…
What About Being Slim
and Having Good Posture?
Sure, the health benefits of being slim are also pretty obvious. Numerous studies have focused on weight control and calorie-restricted diets and their benefits.
But what does good posture have to do with it?
Chiropractors have known the benefits of having good posture for well over 100 years. Even in the early 1900s, doctors of chiropractic believed that spinal structure is directly related to overall health – not just back pain.
Now, the results of this study do not say… or prove… chiropractic care can make you live longer, but it does raise some very interesting questions.
If good posture is an important factor for good health and living longer, and chiropractic helps you achieve good posture, does chiropractic care improve overall health and help you live longer?
For now, you will have to make your own decision about that. Hopefully more studies will be performed to give us more definitive answers about all of this.
Now for Some Great News
About Quitting Smoking…
The chances of a smoker dying form cardiovascular disease are double that of someone who has never smoked. However, if a smoker kicks their habit, their risk for a heart attack or stroke will decrease over time and while it may never be as low as a never-smoker’s risk, it can get close if given enough years. Even those who quit smoking after age 60 will still experience a drop in cardiovascular risk over time.
In a recent study, researchers attempted to calculate the number of years by which smoking accelerates death from heart disease. They found that the age of smokers who die from cardiovascular disease is, on average, five and a half years younger than people who have never smoked in their lives. By contrast, the age of former smokers drops to just over two years younger than life-long non-smokers.
Lead researcher Dr. Hermann Brenner writes, “Therefore, it is never too late to stop smoking. Even people in the highest age group still gain considerable health benefits from it… Many heart attacks and strokes, with all of their serious consequences, could be prevented this way.”
Clearly, your body has incredible recovery and recuperative powers. It’s amazing how many people have lived long, healthy lives after years of poor diet, smoking, and even drug abuse. There is an old saying that goes something like this: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.
The same applies for your health. Start today.
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 May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
Teen Becomes Hero on His Way to Jail!
How a 17-year-old saved the life of his arresting police officer…
We hear it every day. The news is filled with it and so are Facebook posts. The tension seems to grow by the minute. I’m sure you know what I am referring to just by reading this first paragraph. If not, you must be living in a cave. Either way, you are going to love what you are about to read.
It’s NOT about who is right and who is wrong. It’s not about one side versus another. In fact, it’s not about all that controversy at all.
If you are looking for that, this is not for you. You can get your fill of that by turning on any of the cable “news” shows out there.
This is for you if you want proof of the brighter side of things. Proof that people actually do care about each other. Proof that just because someone does one — or even a few bad things — they may not be a bad person and can still make wonderful choices and do amazing things. Here’s the story…
Jamal Rutledge was off to a bad start in life. By 17, he already had several run-ins with the law. According to a Sun Sentinel article published earlier this year, “Rutledge was being booked for violation of probation on charges including burglary and violation of juvenile imposed conditions…”
Seems like a pretty bad kid, doesn’t he? Well, the story gets better…
While Officer Franklin Foulks was filling out some mandatory paperwork in relation to Jamal’s arrest, he grabbed his chest in pain, fell off his chair, and collapsed to the floor. Jamal, who was sitting just a few feet away, did not hesitate to react. He immediately got up and started kicking the security fence and screaming for other officers to come help.
In no time, help arrived and began administering CPR and defibrillation to Foulks’ heart. There is no doubt that Jamal’s immediate action saved the life of Officer Foulks.
This may seem ironic at first, but the irony is overshadowed by the much bigger picture. That bigger picture is the fact that Jamal is not an evil person, he is just a misguided kid. While he made some bad decisions in his life thus far, he still has the ability to care about other people – even people he might dislike under a certain set of circumstances – and save lives.
It’s amazing how important “certain circumstances” are. It is not uncommon for two people who think they hate each other in one environment to find out they like or even love each other when placed in totally different surroundings. Most of the time it is because the false narrative of “us vs. them” falls apart once people deal with each other on a personal level. We see how our “enemies” are actually just like us and not enemies at all.
The “common enemy” is the battle cry of those who profit from promoting division… not unity. War not peace. Struggle not success.
Author and speaker, Wayne Dyer has often said, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
I have a feeling Jamal and Foulk understand what Wayne Dyer is talking about. I bet they have both changed the way they look at things, and because of that, their entire lives have changed…
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?…
Do You Suffer from Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common problem, affecting as many as 26 percent of adults. Sleep apnea is a term used to describe a condition in which a person is unable to breathe properly during sleep, which can have serious health consequences. Some experts believe the rise in sleep apnea diagnoses over the recent decades is related to the dramatic rise in obesity over the same time frame.
Snoring is a related problem caused by a restriction in your airway stemming from either your throat or nasal passageway. It’s the vibrations caused by air as it struggles to get through your soft palate, uvula, tongue, tonsils, and/or muscles in the back of your throat that create the snoring sound.
Not only do these breathing disruptions interfere with sleep, leaving you unusually tired the next day, but they can also reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood, which can impair the function of internal organs and/or exacerbate other health conditions you may already have. Previous research has also linked sleep disturbance to cognitive decline and dementia so if you’re having trouble sleeping, take action now to find help. Not only will you feel better now but your golden years may be a bit more golden… J
Tip Of The Month
Do You Crave Late Night Snacks?
You should be in bed but instead you are wandering around the kitchen searching for something to eat. How many times are you going to open the refrigerator door hoping something new and delicious is going to appear that was not there 30 seconds ago? If this description fits you, then you are not alone. Countless people are the victims of late night cravings.
In a newly published study, exercise science professors and a neuroscientist at Brigham Young University used MRIs to measure how people’s brains respond to high and low-calorie food images at different times of the day. The results showed that images of food, especially high-calorie food, can generate spikes in brain activity, but those neural responses are lower in the evening.
Lead study author Dr. Travis Masterson notes, “You might over-consume at night because food is not as rewarding, at least visually at that time of day… It may not be as satisfying to eat at night so you eat more to try to get satisfied.”
In other words, when you eat at night, your brain is just not as satisfied as when you eat at other times during the day. Just knowing your brain is “tricking” you and that you do not actually need more food may help you avoid late night binges, weight gain, and the associated health risks.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information 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 health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr Beecher’s June 29 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 29th, 2015
To download a copy of this newsletter, click here.
Mental Attitude: High Blood Sugar Could Be a Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease. Scientists suspect that high blood sugar could drive the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain that may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In an animal study, researchers found that doubling blood glucose levels resulted in a 20% increase of beta-amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of test subjects. Lead researcher Dr. Shannon Macauley writes, “Our results suggest that diabetes, or other conditions that make it hard to control blood sugar levels, can have harmful effects on brain function and exacerbate neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.” The Journal of Clinical Investigation, May 2015
Health Alert: Cellphone Noise Can Startle a Fetus. A small study indicates that sounds emitted by cellphones carried by pregnant women can disrupt the sleep and wake cycles of their unborn fetuses. What isn’t clear from the study is whether or not being repeatedly startled by the beeping and vibration of cellphones has any effect on fetal health or pregnancy outcomes. Study co-author Dr. Boris Petrikovsky comments, “So we now recommend that women not carry cell phones… in close proximity to their baby… They should put it in their chest pocket or bag. The further away it is from the baby, the less chance the baby will be affected.” American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2015
Diet: Healthy Eating Slows the Aging of Brain. If you want to preserve your memory and thinking skills as your grow older, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish. A study that included nearly 28,000 older adults from 40 countries found that those who scored in the top 20% on a “healthy eating” scale were less likely to develop declines in memory, attention, and other mental skills over the next five years. The research team believes that the anti-inflammatory nutrients in foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish may help preserve brain health. Neurology, May 2015
Exercise: Ways to Lower Organized Sport Injury Risks. While playing organized sports is a great way for kids to get exercise and learn sportsmanship, taking precautions to reduce or avoid injury is important. The Children’s National Medical Center advises parents to have children receive a physical exam before starting organized sport, have water on hand during practice and games, encourage kids to drink water frequently, promote stretching before and after games, ask coaches to be certified in CPR and first aid, and make sure that coaches are familiar with the signs of concussion and how to prevent injuries. Children’s National Medical Center, May 2015
Chiropractic: Adverse Life Events Can Increase Musculoskeletal Pain Risk! A six-year study that followed 2,039 individuals found that adverse life events were associated with a 14% greater risk for developing chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain per incident. Adverse life events can include divorce, serious illness, the death of a loved one, disability, job loss, and a serious financial loss. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, April 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Moms Need to Make Time for Themselves. Mothers work hard to take care of their family, but experts agree that moms also need to take care of themselves. The American Council on Exercise recommends the following to keep moms and their families healthy: drink plenty of water, eat a healthy and balanced diet, find time to exercise daily, schedule both alone time and date nights, make time to visit friends, get outside, laugh, get a massage to boost mood, and use a journal to record the things, people, and experiences you’re thankful for in life. American Council on Exercise, May 2015
Quote: “Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Best Houston Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s June 22 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 22nd, 2015
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Mental Attitude: Poor Social Relationships May Increase Dementia Risk. A lack of social interaction during adulthood may be associated with a greater risk for a dementia diagnosis later in life. A meta-analysis of data from 19 long-term studies notes that low social participation, less frequent social interaction, and a sense of loneliness are all linked to between a 1.41 and 1.58 greater risk for dementia. The authors of the study add that these risks are similar to other established risk factors for dementia such as low education attainment, physical inactivity, and late-life depression. Ageing Research Reviews, May 2015
Health Alert: Some Plastic Teething Toys May Be Unsafe. Laboratory tests conducted on a small sample of ten plastic infant teethers found that two of the toys contained endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). Previous research has shown that EDCs can affect fertility, increase the risk of endometriosis among females, impair organ and neural development, and even cause some cancers. The researchers note that such chemicals offer little benefit to the quality of the product and should be discontinued from use given the potential danger to the children who put them in their mouths.
Journal of Applied Toxicology, May 2015
Diet: When You Eat May Impact Your Health. A new report suggests that watching when you eat, without necessarily changing what or how much, may result in significant health benefits. The findings suggest that eating within an 8-to-12 hour period each day changes metabolism at the genetic level, resulting in lower blood sugar levels. The researchers call the phenomenon time-restricted eating, and they believe it could be powerful enough to lower the risk for some cancers, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, April 2015
Exercise: Strengthening Hips Could Ease Calf Pain Caused By Peripheral Artery Disease. People who suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD) may be able to ease their calf pain if they exercise to strengthen their hips. PAD causes arteries in the legs and other parts of the body to narrow, which restricts blood flow. This often leads to changes in skin color, development of sores, pain, and difficulty walking. Researchers found the people with PAD used their calf muscle more when walking because their hip muscles were weak; therefore, they conclude that strengthening the hip muscles could lead to less stress on the calf muscles. American Heart Association, May 2015
Chiropractic: Improved Posture Helps Patients Avoid Back Pain Recurrence. Patients with chronic low back pain who received therapies designed to improve their posture were more likely to report clinically significant improvements in both pain and function one year after the conclusion of treatment than patients whose posture was not addressed during the course of their care. Scientific World Journal, April 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D May Help Obese Patients Lose Weight. Italian researchers studied 400 overweight and obese individuals with vitamin D deficiency and found that a low-calorie diet combined with vitamin D supplementation led to greater reductions in waistlines than a low-calorie diet alone. Lead researcher Dr. Luisella Vigna adds, “The present data indicate that in obese and overweight people with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation aids weight loss and enhances the beneficial effects of a reduced-calorie diet.” The researchers suggest that overweight and obese individuals should have their vitamin D levels tested. European Congress on Obesity, May 2015
Quote: “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” ~ Socrates
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 June 15 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 15th, 2015
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Mental Attitude: Do You Think Your Child Is the Right Weight for His or Her Age? Most parents of overweight children misperceive their children as being “the right weight” for their age. According to a study involving nearly 7,000 overweight boys and girls, nearly 96% of mothers thought their overweight sons were the right weight for their age and almost 90% of mothers considered their overweight daughters to be the appropriate weight for their age group. The authors believe that ineffective communication between the medical community and parents accounts for a significant part of the ongoing problems with weight misperception in society. Senior author Dr. Jian Zhang adds, “We need effective strategies to encourage clinician discussions with parents about appropriate [the] weight for their child. This will be critical for childhood weight management and obesity prevention.” NYU Langone Medical Center, May 2015
Health Alert: Global Oncology Costs Increasing. While early diagnosis and more effective cancer therapies have increased the survival rates of many cancers, costs related to cancer treatment have also risen. A new report reveals that average cancer treatment costs-per-month in the United States have increased 39% over the past ten years, and global spending on cancer medicines surpassed $100 billion dollars in 2014, nearly $25 billion dollars higher than was observed as recently as 2009! IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, May 2015
Diet: Secrets to Choosing Healthier Foods. An analysis of 112 studies found that people choose healthier foods when restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, and/or their spouse make foods like fruits and vegetables more visible, convenient, and attractive. Psychology and Marketing, April 2015
Exercise: New Treadmills May Be Better at Duplicating Outdoor Running. Researchers have developed a new treadmill that automatically changes speed to match the pace of the runner. The machine uses sonar to tell where the runner is on the treadmill and then speeds up if the runner is moving towards the front of the running belt or slows down if the runner is moving toward the back of the running belt. Dr. Steven T. Devor, an associate professor of kinesiology at Ohio State University writes, “If you’re running outside and you want to speed up or slow down, there is no button to push. It is the same with this new automated treadmill.” Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, April 2015
Chiropractic: Heavy Smartphone Use Can Lead to Hand and Wrist Problems! If you are a heavy smartphone user and experience wrist pain, you may want to reduce your reliance on handheld devices. Researchers examined the wrists and hand complaints of 102 adults and found that those who spent the most time interacting with their devices had enlarged median nerves in their dominant hand, reduced pinch strength, and reduced hand function when compared with low/non-smartphone users. Muscle & Nerve, April 2015
Wellness/Prevention: Heart Attacks Could Be Diagnosed with a Thermometer-Like Device. Scientists have developed a simple, thermometer-like device that may help healthcare providers diagnose heart attacks with minimal materials and cost. The technology works by detecting a protein called troponin, which rises when blood is cut off from the heart and the muscle is damaged. Current methods to detect this protein are expensive and often not practical for point-of-care in low and middle- income countries where up to 75% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths occur. Analytical Chemistry, April 2015
Quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
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 June 8 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 8th, 2015
To download a copy of this newsletter, click here.
Mental Attitude: Exercising Your Memory. To help individuals keep their minds sharp at any age, experts from the Harvard Medical School recommend learning a new skill or language, taking up a new hobby, reading books, and solving puzzles. Harvard Medical School, May 2015
Health Alert: Don’t Wear Heels at Home! According to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, half of high heel-related injuries occur at home. This suggests that a simple strategy for women to reduce their risk of injury is to simply wear more appropriate footwear around the house. University of Alabama at Birmingham, May 2015
Diet: Can a South African Diet Reduce Colon Cancer Risk Among Americans? Based on the dramatic effects observed when American and South African volunteers swapped diets for just two weeks, researchers suggest that a diet high in fiber and low in fat could possibly reduce an individual’s risk for developing colon cancer. After fourteen days on the high-fiber, low-fat South African diet, the American group had significantly less inflammation in the colon along with a reduction in biomarkers associated with colon cancer risk. Meanwhile, tests on the African group showed the opposite, indicating a dramatic increase in cancer risk after just two weeks on the high-protein, low-fiber American diet. According to the study’s authors, one could achieve similar results by increasing their fiber intake to 50 grams per day.
Nature Communications, April 2015
Exercise: Cardio May Help Slow Down Aging in the Brain. The findings of a new study suggest that cardiorespiratory exercise could be prescribed to lessen age-related declines in brain structure. Researchers found that cardiorespiratory fitness was positively linked to the structural integrity of white matter in the brains of the older adults. They write, “We hope this study provides additional motivation for older adults to increase their levels of physical activity, which positively impacts health, mood, cognition and the brain.” Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, April 2015
Houston Chiropractic: How Physical Inactivity Affects the Spine. MRI scans conducted on 72 older adults found that physical inactivity can be detrimental to the spine. Researchers observed the intervertebral disks of those with low physical activity levels appeared to be shorter than the disks of those who were more physically active. Previous research suggests a reduction in disk height is associated with a greater risk for back pain. The researchers also found the lumbar stabilizing muscles of inactive participants were more likely to have fatty deposits, suggesting compromised function.
Arthritis Research & Therapy, May 2015
Wellness/Prevention: How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet. Wearing a helmet when cycling is vital for both young and old riders to prevent head injuries, but it is important that a helmet fits properly. The Cleveland Clinic suggests the following: the helmet’s padding should fit snuggly, it should sit level and not move in any direction, look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker when buying a helmet, and a pre-owned helmet should only be worn if it has no cracks or breaks and was made after 1999. The Cleveland Clinic, May 2015
Quote: “I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best.”
~ Jim Henson
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 .
