Dr Beecher’s January 2015 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter

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“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness;

it is generally the by-product of other activities.” ~ Aldous Huxley                                                                                

Your Attitude About Life Can Play a Major Role in How Long You’ll Live…

 Also this month:

• Natural Supplement Reduces Smoking? Study shows this supplement reduced both nicotine cravings and the number of cigarettes participants smoked.
• Is Your Dog Suffering from Arthritis? This might help, without any harmful side effects.
• Is There a Scientific Reason Why Republicans and Democrats Disagree? A Duke University study reveals shocking information about who is at fault and why…
• “Nick The Stitch” – The incredible nine-year-old boy facing a deadly medical condition and the celebrity who gave him hope…

Houston – Do you want to live longer?  How about be healthier or have less pain and more energy?  Stupid questions, right? Pretty much everyone wants to live longer and better, and most people are hoping that future scientific and technological breakthroughs will make it possible.

And why not?  Science and technology are amazing.  There is no doubt that advancements in these fields have made life much both easier and better.

However, there are many aspects of health and happiness that science and technology can NOT help.  A perfect example can be found in the results of a new study done by researchers from the Princeton University, Stony Brook University, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Recently published in The Lancet, the study followed 9,050 participants and measured how their sense of wellbeing affected their longevity.

Questionnaires measured the participants’ sense of self-control, feeling that what they do is worthwhile, and their sense of purpose in life.

RESULTS:  According to Science Daily: “Over the next eight and a half years, 9% of people in the highest wellbeing category had died, compared with 29% in the lowest category.  Once all the other factors had been taken into account, people with the highest wellbeing were 30% less likely to die over the study period, living on average two years longer than those in the lowest wellbeing group.”

One researcher stated, “We have previously found that happiness is associated with a lower risk of death…  These analyses show that the meaningfulness and sense of purpose that older people have in their lives are also related to survival.  We cannot be sure that higher wellbeing necessarily causes lower risk of death, since the relationship may not be causal.  But the findings raise the intriguing possibility that increasing wellbeing could help to improve physical health.  There are several biological mechanisms that may link wellbeing to improved health, for example through hormonal changes or reduced blood pressure.  Further research is now needed to see if such changes might contribute to the links between wellbeing and life expectancy in older people.”

When it comes to your mind (brain), there are quite a few studies showing how mental conditions can affect your health. If the mind can have a major impact on health, then chances are it can also impact your lifespan.

One would not be going out on a limb to say (holding all other factors constant) the person who thinks positively and has a great mental outlook will most likely be healthier and live longer than someone who always has a negative outlook.

It’s also not a stretch to say stress kills.  It exhausts you and prematurely ages you.  It can lead to many illnesses.  Clearly, stress is a product of our thought processes.  Stress and its negative effects are completely controlled by YOU and your reactions to any and all situations.

Learning how to react to situations to limit stress can not only improve how you look and feel, but can also benefit your overall health.

This is in stark contrast to looking for solutions from advancements in science and technology.

Once again, breakthroughs in science and technology are wonderful and save lives, but it is NOT the answer to having a negative mental attitude that poisons your body and causes sickness and disease in the first place.

While we are on the subject of the mind…

Is There a Scientific Reason Why

Republicans and Democrats Disagree?

Everyone knows Republicans and Democrats disagree about many things.  But here is something interesting…

Have you ever been involved in, or even seen, a political debate where one side changed its mind?

I bet you have not.  It’s amazing that after all these years, no one has ever “won” a political debate to the point where one side will agree and change their mind.  There is actually a psychological explanation for this.  But first, let’s look at the result of a study that might surprise you.

A new study from Duke University finds that people will evaluate scientific evidence based on whether they view its policy implications as politically desirable.  If they don’t, then they tend to deny the problem even exists.

In other words, people do NOT base their opinions on FACT.  Instead, they accept or reject facts based on what they already believe and what they perceive the consequences of those facts to be.  It’s like a child saying cavities do not exist because he or she does not want to brush their teeth.

The study used the examples of climate change and gun control to show BOTH Republicans and Democrats fall prey to the same psychology.

According to the study, conservatives deny the scientific evidence of climate change because the solution to the problem is seen as government intervention, like the institution of a carbon tax.

On the other hand, the study found that liberals downplay home break-in statistics when the solution may be to loosen gun control laws.

In both cases, “facts” were either accepted or denied based on what the political action or solution would be.

This newsletter is not expressing an opinion on climate change or gun control.  It is simply reporting results of a study.

Is Your Dog Suffering from Arthritis?

This Might Help…

There is no cure for arthritis, but a small study from the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine suggests there might be hope.  The study involved 32 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis by both x-ray and orthopedic exam.              Two formulas were tested to treat the arthritis but neither is commercially available at this time.  The first consisted of curcumin, devil’s claw, black current, Indian frankincense (Salai), willow bark, pineapple bromelaine, and chamomile.  The second included the same ingredients, plus dietary supplements such as omega-3, chondroitin sulfate, and glutamine, and was formulated in the hope that it would promote the regeneration of articulations.  A third group of dogs received a placebo.

According to researchers, “After the eight week course, on average, the strength of the dogs receiving treatment had improved to the equivalent of a kilo of extra strength per paw, which is moreover.  None of these dogs saw their health decline, unlike 35.8% of the dogs who were given the placebo.” 

The dogs also saw improvement in physical activity.  While more research must be done, the results look promising for Pupper, Took, Churchill, Fido, Buddy, Brando, Stella, or whatever your dog’s name is. J

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)

“Nick the Stitch”

The Incredible Nine-Year-Old Boy Facing a Deadly Medical Condition and the Celebrity Who Gave Him Hope…

When he was just days old, Nick Santillo had his first open heart surgery.  Nick’s parents stood by helplessly as little Nick went through heart surgeries two more times before his first birthday.  By eight years old, Nick had been through eight surgeries.

Nick is now nine and has been in and out of the hospital his entire life.

Nick suffers from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a complex and rare birth defect.  In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped.

If a baby is born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart can’t effectively pump blood to the body, so the right side of the heart must pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

Nick’s father is quick to say that by far, Nick is the strongest member of the family.  He is always positive and just wants to know when he is going home.  His parents are the ones who do the crying.

Until one amazing day…

Like most little boys, Nick has a celebrity idol — someone larger than life who he looks up to and would do anything to meet.  When Nick was eight years old, he was given the surprise of his life.

Live on the Today Show, Nick got to meet his celebrity idol: WWE Wrestling Superstar John Cena.  John flew into town just to meet Nick and invite him to be his guest of honor at and upcoming event.  John even gave Nick a WWE nickname: Nick the Stitch.

But the story gets even better…

After that night, John didn’t forget about Nick the Stitch.  John stayed in contact with Nick, demonstrating that his amazing act of caring is actually part of his real character, not just his wrestling persona.

In an incredible plot twist a year later, Nick went to see a WWE show with John Cena and John did not know Nick was coming.  It was Nick’s turn to do the surprising!

John was in the ring and he looked into the crowd.  He saw a “Nick the Stitch” sign and instantly knew who it was.  John immediately ran into the crowd to see his friend.

John sprinted up the steps and gave Nick a big hug and asked him how he was doing.  Of course, Nick said he was doing well.

But shortly after that night, Nick suffered a lung infection and a blockage to his gallbladder.  Nick’s parents said he was in excruciating pain.  He spent four agonizing days in the hospital, but never let go of his John Cena rally towel imprinted with the message, “Never Give Up.”

Nick never gave up and recovered once again.  Since that time, Nick has gone to Disney World and gotten his orange belt in Karate.

It is clear that John Cena’s visit and friendship gave Nick more inner strength than words can describe.  That inner strength may have already been the difference between life and death for Nick, something that will stick with Nick for the rest of his life.

It’s amazing how such a small gesture from the right person at the right time can dramatically change a person’s life. But, you never know if you are that person and if now is the time.

That’s why you should take every opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.  If you are that right person at the right time just once, it will be more than worth it.

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?…

There’s a Link Between Physical and Mental Fatigue!

A workout can be a great way to unwind after a stressful day, but stewing over an unpleasant work encounter may make your exercise session less effective.

If your brain is tired, the rest of your body may be tired as well, because the two go hand-in-hand since both physical and mental fatigue affect the same region of your brain.  If that part of your brain is telling you “my brain is fried” at the end of the day, then it’s likely your muscles will be tired even before you head for the gym.

Exercising after an occasional horrible day is unavoidable, but if you are chronically stressed, then you could be seriously derailing your fitness goals.  It has been found that mental burnout significantly affects physical performance. If you are overwhelmed, perhaps your next workout should consist of several rounds of high-intensity stress management rather than crunches or curls!

Tip Of The Month

Is There a Natural Supplement That Can Help You Stop Smoking?   

The health dangers of smoking are no secret, but many people struggle with quitting.  Most smokers get hooked while they’re still young and have a serious addiction by the time they try to stop as adults.  Well, what if there was an easy way to quit, one that lets you walk away from the habit instantly and forever?  Sadly, there is no such “magic” cure for nicotine addiction.  But new research says there might be some help in the form of a natural supplement.

In a recent study, taking omega-3 supplements reduced both the number of cigarettes smoked per day and cravings for nicotine among study participants.  According to Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz Shenklar, who conducted the study and is the head of the addictions program at the University of Haifa’s School of Criminology Department and of the Psychopharmacology Laboratory at Bar-lian, “The substances and medications used currently to help people reduce and quit smoking are not very effective and cause adverse effects that are not easy to cope with.  The findings of this study indicated that omega-3, an inexpensive and easily available dietary supplement with almost no side effects, reduces smoking significantly.” 

The participants were divided into two groups:  One group received omega-3 capsules and the second group received a placebo.  The participants were asked to take five capsules a day for thirty days. In total, they reported taking more than ninety-four percent of the capsules.  At no stage in the study were the participants asked to stop smoking.  Researchers noted that showing such significant change in people who were not interested in quitting supports the assumption that omega-3 can help those who really want to quit smoking.

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.