Dr Beecher’s August 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death.” ~ Harold Wilson
Exercise and Nutrition Experts
May Have Been Wrong For DECADES…
Research Shows Much of What You Have Been Told About Eating and Staying Fit May Be DEAD WRONG
…and Actually Harmful
to Your Health!
Also this month:
- Sunscreen warning from the FDA: Why you should NOT use SPRAY-ON sunscreen on children (and maybe not yourself, either).
- Study finds eating protein reduces stroke risk: What kind and how much protein should you eat?
- Is more exercise better? Research debunks this common myth and shows how exercising too much may be harming you.
- Why are researchers now saying butter is good for you? The results of new study might surprise you.
- Will the National Football League soon have its first player without arms? Isaac Lufkin’s amazing story and dream to be the first…
Houston – The cover story of the June 12th issue of Time magazine, entitled Ending the War on Fat, begins with: “For decades, it has been the most vilified nutrient in the American diet. But new science reveals fat isn’t what’s hurting our health.”
There is one word that sums up those two sentences: WOW! If you are on Facebook, then you probably saw many of your friends liking or sharing this story. For most people, that cover photo of the stick of butter and those two sentences were about all information they got from the article. But there is much more to this story than those 23 words and a catchy image concerning what you should or should not eat, including fat.
There are advocates for nearly every conceivable diet out there, but two that are very popular (and feuding) right now, in very general terms, are: (1) the low fat “non-meat” group and (2) the meat and fat eaters.
Each have experts, researchers, doctors, marketers, etc. working to “prove” and popularize why their way of eating is healthier and superior to all your other options.
When you consider that the nutrition and diet industry is worth BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, you better believe that a lot of what you read, even from experts, researchers, and doctors, is based on profit.
That’s why weeding out fact from fiction in the diet and nutrition arena is more difficult than keeping a tight grip on a piglet smothered in grease.
There is not enough space in this newsletter to cover everything in detail, but there are some basics you should understand. If you do, it should help you live a healthier (and slimmer) life.
To make sure this all makes sense to you, here is a great example from the fitness world…
Research studies have recently been published indicating that too much exercise is bad for you. In other words, the old belief that “doing some exercise is good, so more is better” does not seem to be true.
In fact, some of this new research shows that too much exercise may increase the risk of death from heart attack or stroke in patients with existing heart problems.
This study was published in the journal Heart and tracked 1,000 people who were previously diagnosed with stable coronary heart disease.
According to CBS News: “The researchers found those who were most sedentary were around twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those who were regularly physically active. They were around four times as likely to die of cardiovascular events and all other causes.
“But more surprisingly, those who did the most strenuous daily exercise were also more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than people who engaged in more moderate activity.”
It looks like Confucius was correct all those years ago when he said, “To go too far is as bad as to fall short.” Doing too little exercise is no good. Doing too much exercise isn’t good either. The trick is finding the correct amount for YOU. You are an individual who may be similar to others, but you are not the same.
Eating right is no different. The first thing to understand is there is no simple answer and there is no magic bullet or cookie cutter approach that works for everyone.
You are an individual and your body will react to foods differently than the way other people’s bodies will react to the same foods.
But, there are basic principles you can use to help find which foods work best for you.
The first, and probably most important, is understanding that processed foods are generally bad for you.
America launched the war on fat back in the 1970s and started producing and eating massive amounts of processed foods with “low-fat” and “non-fat” promises on the packaging.
Not only were people eating these processed foods, but they were eating a lot of them — probably because foods that were labeled as “fat-free” were thought to be safe. In fact, the daily caloric intake for the average person went up from 2,109 calories a day in 1970 to 2,586 calories a day in 2010.
During this time, vegetable consumption did not go up. In fact, the amount of calories Americans consumed from vegetables dropped 3% during that time. When you consider that vegetables do not have a lot of calories (a handful of broccoli contains about 30 calories), 3% is a lot.
Without getting into the great fat debate, there is no doubt, eating a lot of vegetables is good for you and eating too many calories is not.
In other words, you can cut out all the fat you want, but if you eat a lot of processed food and no vegetables, you will not be as healthy as you could be.
So, one simple thing anyone can do is to cut out processed foods and eat a lot of vegetables. Just doing those two things can have a drastic effect on your health and life.
Should you be eating a lot of fat? That is another topic without a simple answer. There are different kinds of fats from different sources. If you are interested, check out diets like the Mediterranean diet and read up on the pros and cons of the various types of fats from trans fats to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and make a decision for yourself (or consult with your doctor).
But don’t think you can eat a pound of butter for breakfast every day because you saw the Time Magazine cover and read the headline on a social media site. 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)
Will He Be the First Player
in the NFL Without Arms?
Have you ever gotten a letter of praise from the President of the United States of America? If you are like most people, the answer is, “no.” But Isaac Lufkin has, and that should tell you he is doing something extraordinary…
Why is Lufkin so special that President Barack Obama would write him? Well, it’s not that Lufkin is special, it’s that he is AMAZING!
Here is why: Lufkin was born 14 years ago without arms. He never wanted any pity, and he never complained. Instead, he took all that mental energy and used it to propel himself forward in a positive direction towards lofty goals.
Lufkin has always wanted to do everything himself with ZERO help from others. Just imagine getting dressed — putting on your pants, shirt, socks, and shoes — without arms! Lufkin does that with ease. Now, imagine playing high school football with the goal of playing in the NFL!
Lufkin is currently 14 years old and is the kicker for his high school team in Providence, Rhode Island. His specialty is the onside kick and he and his team have had great success implementing it.
But, Lufkin wants more. He wants to be a defensive lineman. He loves big hits, and he actually thinks he has an advantage over his opponents with arms.
When questioned how this is possible, Lufkin quickly explains how they cannot grab him and they cannot grab his jersey. What most people see as a handicap, he sees as his advantage.
That really is the secret to success and happiness for anyone in life. We are all born with our own personal individual talents and gifts and those talents and gifts are very unique. The key is to discover what your unique talents and gifts are and recognize them as advantages, not disadvantages. Then, develop them to the best of your ability.
Just as important, accept that because of them, you are different from others. Being different is good. Being unique means you are special and you have something of value that sets you apart. The last thing you want to be is exactly like everyone else.
Lufkin has embraced who he is and how and why he is unique, and he is working hard to develop that extraordinary talent and ability all the way to the NFL.
But the important thing is not whether he makes it to the NFL or not. The important thing is, at 14 years old, he understands how to succeed and how to be happy. He will have a happy and successful life no matter what happens with his football career.
So, what did President Obama write to Lufkin? He wrote, “Your success on and off the football field serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when we work hard and stay focused on reaching our goals. You have set a powerful example not only for your teammates, but for all Americans, and I hope you continue to aim high and strive for excellence in everything you do.”
There is no doubt, Isaac Lufkin will be excellent at whatever he chooses to do.
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?…
Adults Sleep 20% Less Today Compared With Adults in the 1960s!
If you don’t sleep well, you’re not going to be as healthy as you can be, no matter how good your diet is or how much you exercise. The average person gets 20% less sleep than men and women did in the 1960s. That’s equivalent to one whole night of sleep loss each week!
Maintaining a natural rhythm of exposure to daylight and the darkness at night — called the circadian rhythm — is an essential component of sleeping well. Light is important because it helps sync all the biological clocks in the body. To maintain these clocks, you want to get bright outdoor light exposure for 30-60 minutes a day, ideally at solar noon. Even just going outside for half an hour at lunch time can provide you with the majority of light you need to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
In the evening, avoid the blue light wavelength. This can be done by using blue-blocking light bulbs, dimming your lights, and if using a computer, installing blue light-blocking software.
Then, at night, sleep in maximum darkness. Use blackout shades or a sleep mask to help cut down light exposure while you rest.
Tip Of The Month
WARNING: FDA says Not to Use Spray-On Sunscreen on Children…
The Food and Drug Administation (FDA) recently announced that it is investigating the possible harmful effects of breathing in spray-on sunscreen. Because they believe there is a potential risk, the FDA is advising parents not to use this type of suncreeen on children and for adults who insist on using the product, not to breathe in the spray during application. Since the most common time to breathe in the spray is when it’s applied to the face, it’s recommended to spray the sunscreen into your hand first and then apply it to the face.
Eat protein to decrease your stroke risk…
According to The Telegraph, scientists followed 254,489 people for an average of 14 years and concluded that “Eating a high protein diet significantly lowers the risk of stroke and could prevent 10,000 deaths in Britain every year… Consuming as little as one chicken breast or a salmon fillet – the equivalent of 20g – [a day] reduces the risk of stroke by 20 percent.”
The article quotes the study’s author, Dr. Xinfeng Liu, as saying, “If everyone’s protein intake were at this level, that would translate to more than 1.4 million fewer deaths from stroke each year worldwide, plus a decreased level of disability from stroke.”
Dr. Liu adds that people should avoid red meat, as other studies have associated with increased stroke risk. In other words, stroke may be reduced by replacing red meat with other protein sources, such as fish or chicken. It’s also worth noting that the reduced risk of stroke was stronger for animal proteins than vegetable proteins.
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. If you have any questions, please call us at 281-286-1300 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Dr Beecher’s July 28 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 28th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Brain Abnormalities in Youths Who Commit Homicide. A new study suggests that adolescents who have committed one or more homicides have significantly different brain structures than those who have not. The results were gathered using MRI findings on 20 brains of youths who committed at least one homicide and 135 youth offenders (criminals) who had not committed a homicide. Among homicide offenders, the MRI scans revealed a significant reduction in gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with impulse control and emotional processing. NeuroImage: Clinical, May 2014
Health Alert: 1 in 8 American Kids Mistreated. More than 12% of kids in the United States experience beatings, neglect, or sexual or emotional abuse. Although lower than 25 years ago, the number of affected children is higher than researchers anticipated. The authors of the study note that the risk of childhood maltreatment is approximately four times higher during their first year of life and to reduce the risk of mistreatment, they recommend that friends and family pay special attention to the needs of parents of very young children. JAMA Pediatrics, May 2014
Diet: Does Variety in Diet Hamper Microbial Diversity in the Gut? Contrary to expectations, fish with more diverse diets have a less diverse population of gut microbes. If this holds true for humans, it could mean that the variety of foods individuals eat can impact their gut microbe diversity. Ecology Letters, May 2014
Exercise: Vibration Exercise Helps Fibromyalgia Patients. Researchers at the University of Indiana have found that whole-body vibration exercise may reduce pain symptoms as well as improve the quality of life of individuals with fibromyalgia. Regular exercise is one of the best known therapies for fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, many fibromyalgia patients are reluctant to exercise due to fear of pain increasing with physical activity. Whole-body vibration exercise involves standing, sitting, or lying on a machine with a vibrating platform that causes muscles to contract and relax as the machine vibrates. Indiana University, May 2014
Chiropractic: Positive Expectations Improve Outcomes. Regardless of symptom severity, low back pain patients with more positive expectations appear to achieve better outcomes than patients who are neutral or negative about what to expect from chiropractic treatment. European Spine Journal, June 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Blood Test May Identify Patients at Risk of Cardiovascular Death. A study has identified a gene expression profile associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular death. Combined with other indicators such as biochemical markers and family history, a simple blood test may identify patients who could benefit from early treatment and counseling to reduce their heart attack risk. Senior author Dr. Gregory Gibson explains, “We envision that with our gene expression-based marker, plus some biochemical markers, genotype information and family history, we could produce a tiered evaluation of people’s risks of adverse coronary events.” Genome Medicine, May 2014
Quote: “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.” ~ John Green
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 21 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 21st, 2014
Mental Attitude: Learning A Second Language Slows Cognitive Decline. New research suggests that speaking more than one language may slow down age-related cognitive decline, even if the second language is learned during adulthood. Research leader Dr. Thomas Bak writes, “These findings are of considerable practical relevance. Millions of people around the world acquire their second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the aging brain.” Annals of Neurology, June 2014
Health Alert: Smoking & Passive Smoking Cause Hearing Loss. Smokers are 15.1% more likely to develop hearing loss compared with non-smokers and passive smokers (those regularly exposed to second-hand smoke). Moreover, passive smokers were found to be 28% more likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers. Lead researcher Dr. Piers Dawes adds, “We are not sure if toxins in tobacco smoke affect hearing directly, or whether smoking-related cardiovascular disease causes microvascular changes that impact on hearing, or both.”
Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, May 2014
Diet: Green Tea Component Disrupts Cancer Cell Metabolism. Researchers have discovered how an active component of green tea called epigallocatechen gallate (EGCG) disrupts the metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells. They found that ECGC suppresses the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A, a critical enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. This finding adds to numerous previous studies that have suggested green tea and its extracts may provide suitable treatment
for cancer. Metabolomics, April 2014
Exercise: Quality of Exercise More Important Than Quantity. Scientists say that to lose weight and maintain optimal health and fitness, the quality of your exercise routine matters more than quantity. This new study suggests greater benefits can be attained from a multi-dimensional exercise program that includes resistance exercise, interval sprint exercise, stretching, and endurance exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, May 2014
Chiropractic: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Case Study. A patient with shoulder impingement syndrome underwent chiropractic treatment that included soft tissue therapy, phonophoresis, manipulation, and shoulder exercises. At the end of treatment, the patient was symptom-free with a return to normal of shoulder range of motion and daily activities, including sports-related activities. This case report shows the potential benefit of chiropractic care in resolving symptoms associated with shoulder impingement syndrome. Journal of Physiological Therapeutics, November 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Hospital Drops Obstetric Malpractice Claims By 50%! With a rise in malpractice lawsuits pushing many doctors out of practice and deterring young doctors from pursuing obstetrics, a Connecticut hospital
initiated a series of changes to help curb malpractice claims. By standardizing care, learning and practicing new teamwork
protocols, and enhancing oversight of clinical work, the hospital reduced claims by 50% and cut payments for liability
claims from $50 million to $3 million. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2014
Quote: “Keep your best wishes close to your heart and watch what happens.” ~ Tony DeLiso
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 14 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 14th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Cynics at Higher Risk for Dementia. Cynical, distrustful people may be at a higher risk of dementia, according to a new Finnish study. Researchers found that people with high levels of cynical distrust were three times more likely to develop dementia compared to people with low levels of cynicism. One possible explanation could be that individuals who are more wary of others may also be less socially active, which can increase their dementia risk. Neurology, May 2014
Health Alert: Over 1 in 10 Elderly Injured by Outpatient Care. According to new research, nearly 11% of Medicare patients are victims of medical injuries during outpatient care. The primary causes include receiving the wrong medication, an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication, or complications resulting from treatment. Injury Prevention, May 2014
Diet: Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Childhood Obesity. A new report finds that children who closely follow a diet rich in fish, nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables are 15% less likely to be overweight or obese in comparison with their peers who do not. European Congress on Obesity, May 2014
Exercise: Bicycling Leads to Good Feelings. Compared with all modes of transportation, people who ride their bicycles are the happiest, followed by automobile passengers and drivers. Transportation, May 2014
Chiropractic: Heavy Physical Work and Low Back Pain. Among Brazil’s urban cleaning workers (drivers, trash collectors, maintenance workers, etc.), musculoskeletal pain — and low back pain in particular — is a major public health issue. Researchers interviewed 657 workers and found that 37% have experienced back pain lasting more than one week during the previous year, and of that group, 62.8% experienced back pain within the last seven days. Workers who described bending over and twisting as part of their job functions were much more likely to experience pain in one or more anatomical regions, as were workers who frequently worked overtime. Of note, workers who performed more dynamic and fewer repetitive movements on the job were less likely to experience back pain. Brazilian Journal of Epidemiology, March 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Elevated Blood Pressure Number Determines Risks. New research points to the type of heart risk individuals face based on which number of their blood pressure reading is high. Researchers found that an elevated systolic blood pressure (top number) was associated with an increased risk of bleeding strokes and stable angina while those with a higher diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) were more likely to be diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Lead investigator Dr. Eleni Rapsomaniki writes, “Our estimates provide vital new information that can be used to improve patient counseling and decision-making for people with hypertension, which are currently based mainly on the risks of heart attack and stroke, and will help to focus guidelines and doctors to the cardiovascular conditions that might
be more common, and in which screening and treatments are more likely to have an effect.” The Lancet, May 2014
Quote: “When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl
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 2014 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor.” ~ Robert Frost
Important Message for Arthritis Pain Sufferers:
Study Finds Natural Spice Might Relieve Pain
as Well as Ibuprofen!
Also this month:
- How the “Black Death” Helped the Human Race: Many are surprised at the results of a new study. Here’s why you shouldn’t be and how this little know fact about the “Black Death” can make you healthier… NOW.
- Nagging Kills? New study finds nagging by a spouse can shorten their partner’s lifespan!
- Man With Only $1 In His Pocket Does The UNTHINKABLE! What this person did and his incredible story can change your life!
Houston – Do you suffer from arthritis in one or both knees? If you do and would like to know how to get some relief, then this information will be very important to you.
Here is Why…
Researchers have found curcumin, a component of the spice tumeric, may work as well as or better than anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Tumeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and is best know as one of the ingredients used to make curry and also as the ingredient that gives store-bought mustard its bright yellow color.
For centuries, tumeric has been used by both Chinese and Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory treatment, and lately it’s been hailed as a “super food” with many possible health benefits. Some people even claim tumeric can be used to treat medical conditions like Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and even several types of cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, “Turmeric is a common food flavoring and coloring in Asian cooking. Animal and laboratory studies have found that curcumin, an antioxidant that is an active ingredient in turmeric, demonstrated some anti-cancer effects in the lab. But human research is needed to determine curcumin’s role in cancer prevention and treatment in people. Several types of cancer cells are inhibited by curcumin in the laboratory, and curcumin slows the growth and spread of some cancers in some animal studies. Clinical trials are underway to find out if it can help humans as well.
“Curcumin is being studied to find out whether it helps other diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and stomach ulcers. It is also being studied to see whether it can help lower “bad cholesterol” and improve outcome in kidney transplants. A few early studies have been done in humans, but much more human research is still needed to find out if curcumin can be effective in these uses.”
Good News for
Knee Arthritis Sufferers!
A study published in the March 2014 edition of Clinical Interventions in Aging compared Curcuma domestica (C. domestica) extracts to ibuprofen to treat knee osteoarthritis. Over 350 knee osteoarthritis patients with high pain scores were given either 1,200 mg/day of ibuprofen or 1,500 mg/day of C. domestica extract.
The study concluded: “C. domestica extracts are as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The side effect profile was similar but with fewer gastrointestinal AE reports in the C. domestica extracts group.”
Two things are very important here…
First, according to this study, C. domestica extract relieves knee osteoarthritis pain. Even more importantly, the study concluded that the adverse effects were similar to ibuprofen except for fewer gastrointestinal problems.
But, adverse events were only noted if they occurred during the study and drugs like ibuprofen can have even worse side effects. In fact, ABC News reported the results of a large Danish study that found, “People taking ibuprofen — sold under the brand names Advil, Motrin, Nuprin — had [a] 29 percent increased risk of stroke.”
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen is in this group) have carried a warning for increased risk of cardiovascular problems since 2005. C. domestica extract use has not been found to increase an individual’s risk for heart attack or stroke. Some researchers and doctors speculate that freshly juiced tumeric may outperform tumeric extract but of course, more research needs to be done.
New Study Finds Nagging by a Spouse
Can Shorten Their Partner’s Lifespan!
Sometimes reality sounds more unbelievable than fiction, and this is one of those times. According to a new study, nagging by a spouse can actually kill you. That’s right, researchers have finally given anti-naggers some good amunnition to end the badgering. According to CBS News, “Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen said having a nagging partner can significantly shorten one’s life, and could result in three extra deaths per 100 people per year.” The study also said people nagged by their spouses are more likely to develop heart disease and cancer and men are at greater risk than women, if only slightly. Researchers always like to say, “more research needs to be done” but it appears that nagging someone, even if your intentions are good, may be doing more harm than good.
How the “Black Death” Can
Make You Healthier
It might seem strange to think that something like the “Black Death” (also called bubonic plague) can make you healthier, especially since it was one of the most devastating epidemics in human history.
In fact, the bubonic plague is estimated to have killed nearly one hundred million people between 1347 and 1351. For a better understanding of the devastation, the plague wiped out approximately 30% of all Europeans and almost 50% of Londoners in just four years.
But, a new study sheds a different light on the Black Death, and it is not all bad.
The study published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that, “people who survived the medieval mass killing plague known as the Black Death lived significantly longer and were healthier than people who lived before the epidemic struck in 1347.”
The article indicates that, “the disease targeted elderly adults and individuals who had been previously exposed to physiological stressors.”
A key point here is that the disease did not just target “older” people. In fact…
- The 14th-century Black Death was not an indiscriminate killer, but instead targeted frail people of all ages.
- Survivors of the plague experienced improvements in health and longevity with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years, as compared with pre-Black Death populations.
- Improvements in survival post-Black Death didn’t necessarily equate to good health over a lifespan, but revealed a hardiness to endure disease, including repeated bouts of plague.
- The Black Death, either directly or indirectly, shaped mortality patterns for generations after the epidemic ended.
This is All Very Interesting Information… but…
Why is Any of This Important to YOU Now?
Good question. This study, like just about all studies, is not “the answer.” It shows interesting correlations and raises even more interesting questions.
One such question is, since the Black Death only seemed to kill people with weakened immune systems (the frail), wouldn’t it be wise to do everything possible to strengthen your immune system to its full genetic potential by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and keeping your nervous system functioning optimally as possible?
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)
Man With Only $1 In His Pocket
Does The UNTHINKABLE!
What this person did and his incredible story can change your life!
Do you watch the news? If you do, it’s very easy have a pretty bleak picture of society because most of the stories you see and hear focus on the negative side of humanity.
Why? Well, one explanation is that news shows are only interested in one thing: ratings. Evidently, reporting about the ugly side of life in a tabloid-ish, sensationalized way gets a lot more ratings than stories about good people doing good things.
But, what if people are not as bad as is reported on the majority of the new programs? What if most people live peacefully together and actually go out of their way to help on another? What if most people are actually trustworthy and if given the opportunity, would do the right thing?
Here is a perfect example that you may not have heard about on the news…
Joe Cornell is 52 years old and in rehabilitation for drug addiction. One day at work, while watering trees across the street from the rehabilitation center, Joe heard a car honk. He looked up and saw that a car had pulled up next to an armored truck and was honking to get the truck driver’s attention.
Joe thought the driver of the car was trying to tell the driver of the truck that he had dropped something. So after they both pulled away, Joe walked down the street to see what was going in.
Joe immediately saw a large orange bag that he said was similar to the type Santa Claus would carry if it were red. That orange bag was filled with money. A lot of money. $125,000 to be exact!
$125,000 is a lot of money to just about anyone but it was probably even more to Joe who only had $1 in his pocket for lunch that day. This discovery could have gone a long way to helping Joe recover all the things addiction had taken from him.
While some people would have fantasized about how they were going to spend the money, Joe focused on doing the right thing. He said there was a brief moment when the devil was on his shoulder telling him to keep it but there was also an angel on his other shoulder asking him what his grandchildren would think decades later and what a poor example he would be if he kept money that was not his. Joe said no matter how he tried to rationalize it, keeping that money would be stealing.
So, Joe decided to turn the money in. All of it. It was not an easy decision for a man with only $1 in his pocket. But the real question is: WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?
Seriously, if you found $125,000 and no one knew, would you turn it in like Joe did or would you keep it?
Before you answer, Joe is not alone. Not too long ago three college kids bought a couch at a thrift store for $20. When they got home, they found a plastic bag with $40,000 in it. They also found a deposit slip with the name of the 91-year-old woman who had previously owned the couch. The college kids found the elderly woman and returned the money.
You see, maybe there are a lot of good people out there doing wonderful things EVERY DAY you just don’t here about on the news. J
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?…
An Apple a Day…
Studies are constantly proving that food can be a powerful medicine. Such is definitely the case where apples are concerned. Recently, research has shown that the presence of fresh apples in your diet can improve your memory. Apples are becoming increasingly associated with brain health, as studies have proven that the antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples can reduce the brain-cell inflammation and oxidation that occurs naturally due to the presence of free radicals.
Scientists have also observed that levels of acetylcholine – a specific neurotransmitter that greatly influences brain signals responsible for movement and sensory perception – increase with the regular consumption of as few as two apples a day. Not only that, but regular apple consumption appears to hinder the accumulations of toxins in the brain, particularly one type of toxin called beta-amyloid, which is thought to be one of the main culprits that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
It is no surprise that the popular saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This saying is actually an adaptation to an older proverb – “to eat an apple before bed will make the doctor beg for his bread.”
While apples are now being shown to potentially halt and reverse Alzheimer’s disease, enhance cognitive functions, prevent memory loss, and help in other brain-related matters, there are still a multitude of studies being conducted to prove that apples are the perfect food for diabetics, patients with heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and even constipation. While the old proverb says one apple a day is enough, studies suggest increasing that dosage to two apples is a good idea for optimal health benefits.
Tip Of The Month
Want to be More Creative? Do This…
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition claims to have made a remarkable discovery. As reported by Business Insider, “Participants who went for a walk saw an 81% increase in tests measuring divergent thinking, a thought process associated with creativity in which you generate a lot of ideas.”
Walking has been practiced by top thinkers to generate ideas and solve problems for centuries, perhaps even millennia. The list of “walkers” is like a who’s who in the intellectual and business world. Aristotle, Friedrich Nietzsche, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg were/are all walkers, and there are plenty more. Walking tends to stimulate your creative senses in many ways. One way is that walking simply “activates” or “awakens” your body and brain. Sitting around tends to deaden your senses. In other words, sitting slows you down and almost makes you numb to new thoughts and ideas. Walking (even if it’s just around a little room) gets the blood flowing and gets both your body and brain in thinking-mode, ready to produce and/or receive fantastic new ideas. The walk also gives you a new perspective. Perspective is extremely important to creative thinking and problem solving.
Walks do one more very important thing: They keep your spine moving and help reduce back pain. Sitting for long periods of time not only kills creativity, it slowly destroys your back. Bad posture and the forces of gravity cause joint “creep” that can cause serious problems over time. If you want to be even less creative, try thinking while you suffer from chronic back pain. Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for both your mental and physical health.
And it’s not good enough to simply exercise at night after you sit all day at a desk. It is best to take frequent breaks and go for a walk, even if it is just in a little circle next to a tiny cubicle. Doing this little activity several times a day can pay huge dividends and help you avoid many health problems over the next 10, 20, or 30 years.
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 July 7 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, July 7th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Stress Reduces Male Fertility. Past studies have linked stress to a number of health problems including heart disease, asthma, obesity, and depression. A new study suggests that stress can also reduce male fertility. Researchers found that men who experienced two or more stressful life events over the previous year had lower sperm quality compared with men who did not experience any stressful life events. They also found that regardless of stress, jobless men had lower semen quality than those who were employed. Fertility and Sterility, May 2014
Health Alert: Worldwide Obesity Rates Significantly Increased Over the Last 33 Years. During the past three decades, there has been a significant increase in worldwide obesity rates with no significant decline noted in any country. Investigators found that over the previous 33 years, worldwide overweight and obesity rates for adults have increased
27.5%, while rates among children and adolescents increased by 47.1%. Lancet, May 2014
Diet: Do You Eat White Bread? According to new research, when white bread is a staple of an individual’s diet, they are 40% more likely to become overweight or obese compared with those who eat whole grain bread. The researchers conclude, “Consumption of white bread [of] two portions per day or more showed a significant direct association with the risk of becoming overweight or obese.” European Congress on Obesity, May 2014
Exercise: Helps Reduce Amphetamine Use. In some regions of the United States, nearly 20-25% of substance abuse admissions are for amphetamine abuse. A study involving mice showed a relationship between increased physical activity and decreased consumption of available amphetamines. If this corresponds to human subjects, exercise may become a useful tool to help individuals recover from amphetamine drug abuse. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, April 2014
Chiropractic: More Pain-Free Days! A randomized trial involving 400 chronic low back pain patients found patients who received a course of twelve spinal manipulation treatments experienced 22.9 more pain-free days and 19.8 more disability-free days over the next year compared with patients who received no treatment. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, June 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Bad Sunburns While Young Tied to Higher Skin Cancer Risk. A new report suggests that women who get five or more sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 have an 80% increased risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Besides melanoma, these groups of women also have a 68% greater risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Abrar Qureshi, professor and chair of the department of dermatology at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, explains, “Parents may need to be advised to pay more attention to protection from early-life sun exposure for their kids in order to reduce the likelihood of developing melanoma as they grow up. Older individuals should also be cautious with their sun exposure, because cumulative sun exposure increases skin cancer risk as well.” American Association for Cancer Research, May 2014
Quote: “The function of man is to live, not to exist.” ~ Jack London
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 30 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 30th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Bullied Teens Carry Weapons to School. Bullied teens are 31 times more likely to bring weapons, such as guns and knives, to school compared with teens who have not been bullied, according to a new study. Lead investigator Dr. Lana Schapiro warns, “With estimates of more than 200,000 victims of bullying carrying a weapon to high school, more effective prevention efforts and intervention strategies need to be identified.” American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2014
Health Alert: Many Parents Not Following Recommended Sleep Practices for Babies. Half of infants in some regions of the United States (US) aren’t being placed on their back during sleep despite the fact it would reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, SIDS is responsible for more deaths among infants aged one month to one year old than any other cause, killing more than 2,000 babies in 2010 alone. Study author Dr. Sunah Hwang writes, “Although the precise cause of SIDS is still unknown, we do know that safe sleep practices, such as sleeping on the back, reduces the risk of infant death in the first year of life.” American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2014
Diet: Vitamin E May Prevent Brain Damage from Stroke. Tocotreinol, a little-known type of vitamin E, may prevent or reduce brain damage during stroke. Researchers claim that tocotreinol increases the diameter of existing arteries in response to oxygen demand. It is this process that may prevent brain damage by offering a “collateral” blood supply. Study leader Dr. Cameron Rink adds, “We know that people who have good collaterals have better recovery from strokes. We think that tocotrienol helps improve the function of collaterals, which would offer someone better protection from an initial or secondary stroke.” Dr. Rink further adds that one day vitamin E may be used as a common treatment for stroke prevention. Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, May 2014
Exercise: Yoga During Pregnancy Good for Health. Stress during pregnancy can have negative effects on both mother and child, but a new study suggests that yoga could reduce the risk of developing anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed questionnaires and performed stress hormone assessments on yoga participants and found that a single session of yoga reduced self-reported anxiety by 33% and stress hormone levels by 14%. They suggest yoga could help mothers and their children become healthier while reducing healthcare costs. Depression and Anxiety, April 2014
Chiropractic: Back Pain and Neck Pain are a Major Cause of Missed Work. An evaluation of data concerning over 8,000 Spanish workers reveals a correlation between chronic neck and back pain, and missing one or more days of work for health- related issues. Individuals who reported having frequent neck and back pain were 44% more likely to be absent from work for more than 30 days out of the year. Spine, May 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Millions of Deaths Could be Prevented by Risk Factor Reduction. A new report suggests that reducing six modifiable risk factors to specific target levels could prevent 37 million premature deaths over the next 15 years. Target levels for reducing risk factors include a 30-50% reduction of tobacco use, 10% reduction of alcohol consumption, 30% reduction in salt intake, 25% reduction in high blood pressure, and halting the rise of the obesity and diabetes prevalence. If all the targets are met, there would be a reduction in risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disease, cancers, and diabetes by 22% in men and 19% in women. The Lancet, May 2014
Quote: “A man may fall many times but he won’t be a failure until he says someone pushed him.” ~ Elmer G. Letterman
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 23 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 23rd, 2014
Mental Attitude: ADHD Kids Often Suffer from Family Issues. A new report reveals that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to come from a family background of poverty, divorce, community violence, and substance abuse. Study author Dr. Nicole Brown adds, “Knowledge about the prevalence and types of adverse experiences among children diagnosed with ADHD may guide efforts to address trauma in this population and improve ADHD screening, diagnostic accuracy and management.” American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2013
Health Alert: Global Nutrition Threatened by Rising CO2 Levels. If rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations reach expected levels by 2050, researchers warn that global crops may have reduced nutritional levels of iron and zinc. If these nutrients are reduced, it may represent a significant health threat to the entire world population. Lead author Samuel Myers explains, “Humanity is conducting a global experiment by rapidly altering the environmental conditions on the only habitable planet we know. As this experiment unfolds, there will undoubtedly be many surprises. Finding out that rising CO2 threatens human nutrition is one such surprise.” Nature, May 2014
Diet: A Gluten-Free Diet During Pregnancy May Protect Offspring Against Type 1 Diabetes. An animal study in Denmark has found that expectant rodents experienced a change in intestinal bacteria when fed a gluten-free diet. This change in intestinal bacteria appears to offer a protective effect against development of type 1 diabetes for both mother and offspring. Researchers are optimistic that these finding can be applied to humans. Diabetes, April 2014
Exercise: Not Enough Disabled People Exercise. Approximately one-half of the 21 million Americans with a disability do not exercise, which unfortunately jeopardizes their health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ileana Arias, principal deputy director at the CDC, adds, “We are very concerned about this, because working-age adults with disabilities who get no aerobic physical activity are 50 percent more likely to have cancer, diabetes, stroke, or heart disease than those who get the recommended amount of physical activity.” Physical disabilities can be a significant barrier to exercise, but experts explain that depending on the disability, exercise options can include aquatic exercise, chair yoga, Tai Chi, wall push- ups, balance exercises, and gym ball exercises. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2014
Chiropractic: Heavy School Bags Contribute to Musculoskeletal Pain in Children. A study of 532 Ugandan youths reveals that 35.4% of their musculoskeletal pain is associated with the weight of their schoolbags. Researchers recommend having lockers available to avoid long-term back pain issues among students. BMC Research Notes, April 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Breast Feeding Encourages Gut Bacteria in Children. A study that tracked over 300 children during their first three years of life found that breastfeeding for longer periods encouraged beneficial bacteria to flourish in their digestive tracts. Senior author Tine Rask Licht concludes, “We have become increasingly aware of how crucially important a healthy gut microbial population is for a well-functioning immune system. Babies are born without bacteria in the gut, and so it is interesting to identify the influence dietary factors have on gut microbiota development in children’s first three years of life.” Applied Environmental Microbiology, May 2014
Quote: “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” ~ Stephen King
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 16 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 16th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Does Yawning Cool Down the Brain? Australian researchers suggest that yawning might cool an overheated brain. Investigators found that contagious yawning was most prominent in the summer compared to the winter and most likely to occur when the temperature was about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (about 20 degrees Celsius). They suggest that cooling the brain boosts performance, so contagious yawning may be an evolutionary trait meant to improve alertness in groups of people. Physiology & Behavior, May 2014
Health Alert: “Bad” Cholesterol Involved in Cancer Spread. Researchers in Spain and Australia have identified “bad” cholesterol as a culprit in cancer metastasis. According to this new study, low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol helps cancer cells un-stick from one another so they can more easily spread to other parts of the body. However, the presence of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol appears to help counter this activity. Cell Reports, May 2014
Diet: Vitamin A and the Fight Against Breast Cancer. Laboratory tests indicate that retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, may someday act as a weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Researchers exposed pre-cancerous breast cells to retinoic acid and observed the cells transform back into normal, healthy cells. However, cells that had already become cancerous were unchanged suggesting there may be a narrow window of opportunity for retinoic acid to be helpful in stopping the progression of breast cancer. Further research is needed to see if this approach is viable in animal — and eventually human — models. International Journal of Oncology, March 2014
Exercise: Exercise Crucial for Women’s Heart Health. Lack of physical activity appears to be the strongest indicator of a woman’s risk for heart disease, even more so than smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist and medical director of the Women’s Heart Program at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, concludes, “If you want to do one thing to prevent heart disease, you should exercise. We need people to become more active again, and the way you can do that is to make it part of your life, like brushing your teeth.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2014
Chiropractic: Parents Seek Alternative Care for Kids. Recent research suggests that about 60% of parents who have children with chronic neurological conditions have sought chiropractic, massage, and other complementary therapy treatments to help their children live a normal, pain-free life. PLOS ONE, April 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Focus on High BMI to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk, Not Waist Circumference. While a large waist circumference, regardless of body mass index (BMI), is associated with a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, this does not seem to be the case for post-menopausal breast cancer. Using long-term data on nearly 29,000 women, researchers found no greater risk for breast cancer among post-menopausal women with a large waist circumference once BMI was taken into account. According to Dr. Mia Gadet, “The message is that if you have a high BMI, regardless if you are pear or apple shaped, you are at higher risk of breast cancer. Most prior studies on this issue looked at BMI or at waist circumference, but had not looked at them together. This study brings some clarity to the association between obesity and risk of breast cancer.” Cancer Causes & Control, June 2014
Quote: “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” ~ Victor Kiam
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 9 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 9th, 2014
Mental Attitude: Premature Menopause Can Lead to Mental Decline. According to a new study, premature menopause can increase a woman’s risk of mental decline in her later years. Menopause usually begins after age 50; however, premature menopause begins at or around age 40. In the study, the premature group was more likely to do poorly on verbal and visual memory tests and they also had a 35% higher risk of decline in psychomotor speed compared to women who began menopause after age 50. Further research is needed to address treatment options to reduce risks of mental decline in women who enter menopause at younger ages. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, May 2014
Health Alert: E-Cigarette Vapor Potentially Harmful. A new report suggests that e-cigarette vapor produces tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, potentially causing or accelerating respiratory diseases. Investigators are unsure whether these chemicals are harmful if you inhale them, as safety research is only known regarding ingestion of these chemicals. The authors believe researchers need to come together and set standards for researching e-cigarettes, given that there are so many different liquids and devices available to the public. HealthDay, May 2014
Diet: Fruits & Vegetables Lower Stroke Risk. Research from the American Heart Association indicates that eating fruits and vegetables can reduce a person’s risk of stroke. Investigators found stroke risk decreased 32% for every 200 grams of fruit a person consumed each day. Furthermore, stroke risk decreased 11% for every 200 grams of vegetables consumed each day. Stroke, May 2014
Exercise: 40 Not Too Old to Start Exercising. Men who start exercising after age forty are likely to experience the same long- term heart benefits as those who have exercised since early adulthood. Study author David Matelot adds, “It’s never too late to change your way of life and get more physically active. This will always be beneficial for the heart and well-being. And there’s no need for a high level of training for many hours a week. Using the stairs rather than the elevator, or gardening regularly, can also be beneficial.” European Society of Cardiology, May 2014
Chiropractic: Chronic Low Back Pain Associated with Depression and Fatigue. A survey of over 500 chronic low back pain patients who have been on work disability for between two and ten months shows that 69.7% report experiencing substantial fatigue as well. Those reporting fatigue are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms and are also more likely to still be in pain 3, 6, and 12 months after completing their initial survey. Pain Medicine, April 2014
Wellness/Prevention: Free Radicals Not So Bad? Free radicals can stimulate apoptosis, also referred to as programmed cell death. This may be a way to avoid a cell becoming cancerous or to destroy viruses that have taken over a cell. In some cases, investigators observed that free radical apoptosis reinforces cell defenses, meaning a potential increase in lifespan. According to senior author Dr. Siegfried Hekimi, “People believe that free radicals are damaging and cause aging, but the so-called ‘free radical theory of aging’ is incorrect. We have turned this theory on its head by proving that free radical production increases during aging because free radicals actually combat – not cause – aging. In fact, in our model organism we can elevate free radical generation and thus induce a substantially longer life.” Cell, May 2014
Quote: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Elmer G. Letterman
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 .
