Dr Beecher’s December 2 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, December 2nd, 2013
Mental Attitude: Kids and Moms. A mother’s friendships with other adults can impact their adolescent children’s relationships with their own friends, particularly the negative aspects of these relationships such as conflict and antagonism. Adolescents may mimic the negative characteristics of their mothers’ relationships in their own peer-to-peer friendships. Mothers who display
high levels of conflict with friends may signal to their children that such behavior is acceptable.
University of Missouri, November 2013
Health Alert: Bacteria in Your Gut? Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue and causes pain, affects 1.3 million Americans. Researchers have linked a species of intestinal bacteria known as Prevotella copri to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Of those tested, 75% of stool samples from patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis carried Prevotella copri compared with 21.4% of samples from healthy individuals. NYU Langone Medical Center, November 2013
Diet: Pickled Turnips? Scientists have discovered that the bacteria Lactobacillus brevis may prevent the flu. Lactobacillus brevis comes from Suguki, a pickled turnip popular in Japan. When a particular strain of Lactobacillus brevis was eaten by mice, it showed protective effects against influenza infection. Suguki enthusiasts have often cited its protective powers, but it is not known yet whether the same effects will be seen in humans. Human clinical trials using a probiotic drink containing
Lactobacillus brevis bacteria are underway and scientists are hopeful that, given a suitable quantity of bacteria, foods containing
Lactobacillus brevis may turn out to be the next superfood. Letters in Applied Microbiology, November 2013
Exercise: Exercise Helps Arthritis. Seniors who participated in classes that promoted the self-management of arthritis through exercise reported decreased pain, improved mobility, reduced stiffness, more energy, and an improved quality of life. According to Dr. Linda Russell, a rheumatologist and chair of the Public and Patient Education Advisory Committee at Hospital for
Special Surgery, “Getting seniors to be active in any way will generally improve their quality of life and help them function better in their everyday activities. People believe that if you have arthritis you shouldn’t exercise, but appropriate exercises
actually help decrease pain.” American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, November 2013
Chiropractic: Pain Relief! Patients with chronic spinal pain (either neck, mid-back, or low back) were randomized to receive NSAIDs (pain relief medication), acupuncture, or spinal adjustments. Care was provided for four weeks, followed by assessment of improvement. After 30 days, spinal manipulation was the only intervention that achieved statistically significant improvements in pain and disability. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, July 1999
Wellness/Prevention: Physical Fitness Helps the Heart Too! Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death among both men and women in the United States. After following 9,800 coronary heart disease patients for an average of 11 years, researchers found that the patients with higher levels of physical fitness were less likely to suffer a cardiac event and were 75% more likely to still be alive a decade after diagnosis. Senior study author Dr. Michael Blaha writes, “We hope that as a result of this study, more physicians will consider prescribing physical activity as a front-line therapy to improve survival and quality of life for their patients who are able to safely exercise.” John Hopkins Medicine, November 2013
Quote: “I find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s December 2013 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle
A Quick, Easy, and
Fun Way to Boost
Your Immune System
Plus, what you can do (and NOT do) after
a long, stressful day to relax and be healthier!
Also this month:
- Are Professional Athletes Making Your Children Fat and Sick? Top professional athletes give “mixed messages” parents should be aware of.
- New Research: What mothers do that increases the rate of bipolar disorder in their children.
- The Real Life Batman You Should Know About! The amazing story that proves Superheroes do exist and how you can become one…
Houston – Few would disagree that raising children is more difficult today than ever before. Many people believe the world has become much more complex and children are exposed to many things much earlier in life than their parents would like them to be, if at all.
It’s not uncommon for young kids to surf the net unsupervised and see things not meant for young eyes. When not online, children often watch hours and hours of adult-oriented programs on countless TV channels.
Even when children are not exposed to adult content, marketers have the ability to reach them in many different ways with increasing frequency.
One example is the use of superstar athletes to sell them products. When athletes are used to sell sneakers and apparel, the only danger is to your bank account. But, other products hawked by the top pros are not so harmless…
A study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale, and published in the November issue of Pediatrics, shows that a majority of food and beverage brands endorsed by professional athletes are for unhealthy products like sports beverages, soft drinks, and fast food.
Researchers selected the top 100 professional athletes based on their endorsement value according to a 2010 report in Business Week.
According to Yale News: “Of the 512 brands associated with these athletes, food and beverage brands were the second largest category of endorsements behind sporting goods. We found that LeBron James (NBA), Peyton Manning (NFL), and Serena Williams (tennis) had more food and beverage endorsements than any of the other athletes examined. Most of the athletes who endorsed food and beverages were from the NBA, followed by the NFL, and MLB.”
The top three athlete food endorsements came from: #1 sports drinks, #2 soft drinks, and #3 fast foods. One thing is shocking: Of the 46 beverages endorsed, 93% received ALL of their calories from added sugar.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Marie Bragg, writes, “The promotion of energy-dense, nutrient-poor products by some of the world’s most physically fit and well-known athletes is an ironic combination that sends mixed messages about diet and health.”
The researchers also opined that professional athletes should be aware of the “health value” of the products they are endorsing and use their star status to sell healthier products.
Here is one issue that was not raised in the study: Are these athletes telling the truth? Do they actually eat this junk food and drink this sugar? Is it really something that helped them become some of the world’s greatest athletes?
Clearly, this is a difficult issue for parents trying to raise healthy children. Do you tell your children that their sports idol is probably not telling the truth and only saying he or she eats those products just to make money?
Even if they actually do eat or drink what they endorse, it is nearly impossible for adolescents to understand that sometimes people succeed in spite of something they do, not because of it.
Did LeBron James really become one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived by eating fast food burgers, donuts, and drinking sugar-filled soda? Who knows? But we do know this, according to Forbes, he gets paid $42 million a year in endorsements, and a chunk of that is from companies selling fast food, donuts, and sodas.
But the real question is: If he actually does eat and drink this junk, how good would he be if he didn’t?
An even better question is: As a parent, what’s the best way to counteract all that star power and expert marketing?
There is no perfect answer, but two things will help: (1) leading by example, and (2) communication.
The only person you can really control is yourself. Choosing to eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, and be an honest, ethical person is not only one of the best things for you, but it is one of the best things you can ever do for your children.
If you are stressed out about all this, or life in general, here is a great way to reduce stress NATURALLY…
Research has clearly shown that stress is a serious health problem. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes.
In other words, it makes you age faster, look older, and shortens your life. The best possible scenario would be to eliminate all stress from your life, but everyone knows that is impossible.
That’s why is it so important to learn to deal with and manage stress in a healthy way.
One of the biggest problems with stress is how it affects sleep. Getting the proper QUANTITY and QUALITY of sleep is one of the most important aspects of staying healthy.
Sleep is when your body and mind repair and rejuvenate. Many studies have shown how devastating not getting enough quality sleep can be on the mind and body.
Here’s where it gets good: Most people think they simply do not have enough time to get enough sleep. But, in most cases, it is the quality of sleep that is hurting them, not the total hours.
Those who have the ability to relax and enter deep sleep need much less sleep than those who are stressed and hardly ever reach deep sleep. This is one reason so many people practice meditation. Experts at meditation say they can induce a state of relaxation that achieves in minutes what most people cannot after hours of restless sleep.
Now a recent study from Loyola University says there is another great way to relax and reduce stress. According to the study, taking a walk is a great way to relieve stress and taking a walk in the woods or in nature is much better for reducing stress and improving health.
According to Dr. Aaron Michelfelder, Professor of Family Medicine at Loyola University, “When we get to nature, our health improves, our stress hormones rise all day long in our bloodstream and taking even a few moments while walking to reconnect with our inner thoughts and to check in with our body will lower those damaging stress hormones. Walking with our family or friends is also a great way to lower our blood pressure and make us happier.”
Walking in nature increases your white blood cells, lowers your pulse rate, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. But wait, there’s more! Recent research from Japanese scientists shows that walking in the woods may help fight cancer because plants emit phytoncides, chemicals that helps protect plants from rotting insects. Phytoncides help your body’s immune response to cancer when they are inhaled.
One last relaxation tip is to stay away from electronic screens (like a computer) at night because they “activate” the brain and can make it difficult to sleep.
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)
The Real Life Batman
You Should Know About!
The amazing story that proves Superheroes exist – and how you can become one…
One of the best things about being a kid is believing that superheroes really do roam the earth. But as we grow older, we quickly learn they do not exist. There are no altruistic do-gooders with super powers dashing around in tights and capes saving the world from the brink of disaster.
Well, what if I told you superheroes DO exist? I’m talking about REAL superheroes with REAL superpowers. I can prove it to you, and I guarantee you will never look at the world the same way again. I also guarantee you will be a happier person from this day forward.
Here’s the story (and proof)…
In 2012, police in Silver Springs, Maryland pulled over a car because of an issue with its license plates. The car was a black Lamborghini and the license plate was simply the bat symbol. Who do you think was driving? You got that right… BATMAN… in full Batman outfit, including mask, utility belt, and cape.
A picture of the incident quickly ended up on social media sites and was so popular that the late night shows joked about it.
As it turns out in this case, Batman’s real name is not Bruce Wayne. It’s Lenny B. Robinson, and he had the real license plates on the back of his “Batmobile.” So, he was set free to do what this Batman does: Bring hope and happiness to sick children.
You see, Robinson, 48, is a self-made millionaire. He recently sold a commercial cleaning business he built from the time he was a teenager. He now spends about $25,000 a year on Batman toys that he brings to children fighting cancer.
Robinson brings them toys and memorabilia, backpacks, shirts, etc., and signs every book he gives them with a simple “Batman.”
Batman visits hospitals at least twice a month and gives talks at schools about bullying. There is no doubt that he brings a lot of joy to a lot of suffering children.
But there are other “rich” people who do good things and give to charity. Why is Robinson different from all the other “rich guys who write a check to charity?”
Robinson actually spends a lot of his personal time doing everything himself. He is NOT just writing a check, and the time he gives is much more valuable than the value of the toys he hands out.
But the most important reason is Robinson’s intention. Robinson has been doing this since 2001, and no one knew he was doing it until he got pulled over in 2012. For 11 years, he did it without any expectation of recognition other than the reward of giving.
This is clearly different from other people who donate to charity and alert the press. They do it for the great publicity it will attract to them and their business.
Joel Goldsmith, author of many books on spirituality wrote, “the only measuring stick of our [charity] is how much we give in secrecy without drawing the attention of others to our benevolence.”
With this definition, we can all be superheroes. All you really have to do is start helping others for the right reasons.
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?…
Lack of Sleep Can Cause Weight Gain
One of the more profound ways lack of sleep promotes weight gain is by influencing the hormones that control both hunger and satiety. For instance, chronic sleep deprivation raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol tells the body it needs more energy to meet the demands of stress, which causes an increase of hunger and cravings.
Lack of sleep also increases grehlin, a hormone that promotes hunger and fat storage. Sleep deprivation also decreases leptin, the satiety hormone that tells you when you’ve had enough to eat. So in a double whammy, lack of sleep both increases hunger and inhibits the ability to feel full. The result is a natural inclination to eat more and more frequently.
Unfortunately, weight gain due to sleep deprivation doesn’t only happen slowly over time. Just a few nights of sleep deprivation can pack on pounds. Sleep deprivation makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that ushers glucose into cells so they can produce energy. In effect, it makes a person more insulin resistant, which is a stepping-stone to obesity and diabetes.
Tip Of The Month
Reduce Obesity with the 5 Meal Pattern
New research from Finland has added even more evidence to what a lot of doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts have known for a long time. According to a population-based study of more than 4,000 people, eating five meals a day helps fight obesity, even in those with a genetic predisposition for obesity. The meals were breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. The information use in the study was collected starting in utero and continued until the age of 16.
According to Science Daily: “A regular five-meal pattern was associated with a reduced risk of being overweight and obese in both sexes and with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity in boys. Moreover, the regular five-meal pattern attenuated the BMI-increasing effect of the common genetic variants. Conversely, skipping breakfast was associated with greater BMI and waist circumference.”
Also, the weight and health of a child’s parents matters a lot. If either the mother or father is obese before pregnancy, it was a clear risk factor for the child to be obese during adolescence. If both parents had a BMI of 25 or more throughout the 16 years of the study, the risk of obesity of the child was much greater.
BMI is Body Mass Index and is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. “Normal” BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, underweight is <18.5, overweight is 25 to 29.9, and obese is >30. There has been quite a bit of controversy over the use of BMI because it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have muscular builds and it may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
What Mothers do that Increases the Rate of Bipolar Disorder in Their Children…
Smoking during pregnancy is known to contribute to significant problems in utero and following birth, including low birth weight and attention difficulties. Now, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds, “After adjusting for potential confounders, offspring exposed to in utero maternal smoking exhibited a twofold greater risk for bipolar disorder… Prenatal tobacco exposure may be one suspected cause of bipolar disorder.” Like almost all studies, the researchers report that more research needs to be done to rule out other factors. But, no one needs more research to know that smoking is bad for you and your children both before and after they are born.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know by calling 281-286-1300 or email [email protected].
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle
A Quick, Easy, and
Fun Way to Boost
Your Immune System
Plus, what you can do (and NOT do) after
a long, stressful day to relax and be healthier!
Also this month:
- Are Professional Athletes Making Your Children Fat and Sick? Top professional athletes give “mixed messages” parents should be aware of.
- New Research: What mothers do that increases the rate of bipolar disorder in their children.
- The Real Life Batman You Should Know About! The amazing story that proves Superheroes do exist and how you can become one…
| H |
ouston – Few would disagree that raising children is more difficult today than ever before. Many people believe the world has become much more complex and children are exposed to many things much earlier in life than their parents would like them to be, if at all.
It’s not uncommon for young kids to surf the net unsupervised and see things not meant for young eyes. When not online, children often watch hours and hours of adult-oriented programs on countless TV channels.
Even when children are not exposed to adult content, marketers have the ability to reach them in many different ways with increasing frequency.
One example is the use of superstar athletes to sell them products. When athletes are used to sell sneakers and apparel, the only danger is to your bank account. But, other products hawked by the top pros are not so harmless…
A study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale, and published in the November issue of Pediatrics, shows that a majority of food and beverage brands endorsed by professional athletes are for unhealthy products like sports beverages, soft drinks, and fast food.
Researchers selected the top 100 professional athletes based on their endorsement value according to a 2010 report in Business Week.
According to Yale News: “Of the 512 brands associated with these athletes, food and beverage brands were the second largest category of endorsements behind sporting goods. We found that LeBron James (NBA), Peyton Manning (NFL), and Serena Williams (tennis) had more food and beverage endorsements than any of the other athletes examined. Most of the athletes who endorsed food and beverages were from the NBA, followed by the NFL, and MLB.”
The top three athlete food endorsements came from: #1 sports drinks, #2 soft drinks, and #3 fast foods. One thing is shocking: Of the 46 beverages endorsed, 93% received ALL of their calories from added sugar.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Marie Bragg, writes, “The promotion of energy-dense, nutrient-poor products by some of the world’s most physically fit and well-known athletes is an ironic combination that sends mixed messages about diet and health.”
The researchers also opined that professional athletes should be aware of the “health value” of the products they are endorsing and use their star status to sell healthier products.
Here is one issue that was not raised in the study: Are these athletes telling the truth? Do they actually eat this junk food and drink this sugar? Is it really something that helped them become some of the world’s greatest athletes?
Clearly, this is a difficult issue for parents trying to raise healthy children. Do you tell your children that their sports idol is probably not telling the truth and only saying he or she eats those products just to make money?
Even if they actually do eat or drink what they endorse, it is nearly impossible for adolescents to understand that sometimes people succeed in spite of something they do, not because of it.
Did LeBron James really become one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived by eating fast food burgers, donuts, and drinking sugar-filled soda? Who knows? But we do know this, according to Forbes, he gets paid $42 million a year in endorsements, and a chunk of that is from companies selling fast food, donuts, and sodas.
But the real question is: If he actually does eat and drink this junk, how good would he be if he didn’t?
An even better question is: As a parent, what’s the best way to counteract all that star power and expert marketing?
There is no perfect answer, but two things will help: (1) leading by example, and (2) communication.
The only person you can really control is yourself. Choosing to eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, and be an honest, ethical person is not only one of the best things for you, but it is one of the best things you can ever do for your children.
If you are stressed out about all this, or life in general, here is a great way to reduce stress NATURALLY…
Research has clearly shown that stress is a serious health problem. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes.
In other words, it makes you age faster, look older, and shortens your life. The best possible scenario would be to eliminate all stress from your life, but everyone knows that is impossible.
That’s why is it so important to learn to deal with and manage stress in a healthy way.
One of the biggest problems with stress is how it affects sleep. Getting the proper QUANTITY and QUALITY of sleep is one of the most important aspects of staying healthy.
Sleep is when your body and mind repair and rejuvenate. Many studies have shown how devastating not getting enough quality sleep can be on the mind and body.
Here’s where it gets good: Most people think they simply do not have enough time to get enough sleep. But, in most cases, it is the quality of sleep that is hurting them, not the total hours.
Those who have the ability to relax and enter deep sleep need much less sleep than those who are stressed and hardly ever reach deep sleep. This is one reason so many people practice meditation. Experts at meditation say they can induce a state of relaxation that achieves in minutes what most people cannot after hours of restless sleep.
Now a recent study from Loyola University says there is another great way to relax and reduce stress. According to the study, taking a walk is a great way to relieve stress and taking a walk in the woods or in nature is much better for reducing stress and improving health.
According to Dr. Aaron Michelfelder, Professor of Family Medicine at Loyola University, “When we get to nature, our health improves, our stress hormones rise all day long in our bloodstream and taking even a few moments while walking to reconnect with our inner thoughts and to check in with our body will lower those damaging stress hormones. Walking with our family or friends is also a great way to lower our blood pressure and make us happier.”
Walking in nature increases your white blood cells, lowers your pulse rate, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. But wait, there’s more! Recent research from Japanese scientists shows that walking in the woods may help fight cancer because plants emit phytoncides, chemicals that helps protect plants from rotting insects. Phytoncides help your body’s immune response to cancer when they are inhaled.
One last relaxation tip is to stay away from electronic screens (like a computer) at night because they “activate” the brain and can make it difficult to sleep.
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)
The Real Life Batman
You Should Know About!
The amazing story that proves Superheroes exist – and how you can become one…
One of the best things about being a kid is believing that superheroes really do roam the earth. But as we grow older, we quickly learn they do not exist. There are no altruistic do-gooders with super powers dashing around in tights and capes saving the world from the brink of disaster.
Well, what if I told you superheroes DO exist? I’m talking about REAL superheroes with REAL superpowers. I can prove it to you, and I guarantee you will never look at the world the same way again. I also guarantee you will be a happier person from this day forward.
Here’s the story (and proof)…
In 2012, police in Silver Springs, Maryland pulled over a car because of an issue with its license plates. The car was a black Lamborghini and the license plate was simply the bat symbol. Who do you think was driving? You got that right… BATMAN… in full Batman outfit, including mask, utility belt, and cape.
A picture of the incident quickly ended up on social media sites and was so popular that the late night shows joked about it.
As it turns out in this case, Batman’s real name is not Bruce Wayne. It’s Lenny B. Robinson, and he had the real license plates on the back of his “Batmobile.” So, he was set free to do what this Batman does: Bring hope and happiness to sick children.
You see, Robinson, 48, is a self-made millionaire. He recently sold a commercial cleaning business he built from the time he was a teenager. He now spends about $25,000 a year on Batman toys that he brings to children fighting cancer.
Robinson brings them toys and memorabilia, backpacks, shirts, etc., and signs every book he gives them with a simple “Batman.”
Batman visits hospitals at least twice a month and gives talks at schools about bullying. There is no doubt that he brings a lot of joy to a lot of suffering children.
But there are other “rich” people who do good things and give to charity. Why is Robinson different from all the other “rich guys who write a check to charity?”
Robinson actually spends a lot of his personal time doing everything himself. He is NOT just writing a check, and the time he gives is much more valuable than the value of the toys he hands out.
But the most important reason is Robinson’s intention. Robinson has been doing this since 2001, and no one knew he was doing it until he got pulled over in 2012. For 11 years, he did it without any expectation of recognition other than the reward of giving.
This is clearly different from other people who donate to charity and alert the press. They do it for the great publicity it will attract to them and their business.
Joel Goldsmith, author of many books on spirituality wrote, “the only measuring stick of our [charity] is how much we give in secrecy without drawing the attention of others to our benevolence.”
With this definition, we can all be superheroes. All you really have to do is start helping others for the right reasons.
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?…
Lack of Sleep Can Cause Weight Gain
One of the more profound ways lack of sleep promotes weight gain is by influencing the hormones that control both hunger and satiety. For instance, chronic sleep deprivation raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol tells the body it needs more energy to meet the demands of stress, which causes an increase of hunger and cravings.
Lack of sleep also increases grehlin, a hormone that promotes hunger and fat storage. Sleep deprivation also decreases leptin, the satiety hormone that tells you when you’ve had enough to eat. So in a double whammy, lack of sleep both increases hunger and inhibits the ability to feel full. The result is a natural inclination to eat more and more frequently.
Unfortunately, weight gain due to sleep deprivation doesn’t only happen slowly over time. Just a few nights of sleep deprivation can pack on pounds. Sleep deprivation makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that ushers glucose into cells so they can produce energy. In effect, it makes a person more insulin resistant, which is a stepping-stone to obesity and diabetes.
Tip Of The Month
Reduce Obesity with the 5 Meal Pattern
New research from Finland has added even more evidence to what a lot of doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts have known for a long time. According to a population-based study of more than 4,000 people, eating five meals a day helps fight obesity, even in those with a genetic predisposition for obesity. The meals were breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. The information use in the study was collected starting in utero and continued until the age of 16.
According to Science Daily: “A regular five-meal pattern was associated with a reduced risk of being overweight and obese in both sexes and with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity in boys. Moreover, the regular five-meal pattern attenuated the BMI-increasing effect of the common genetic variants. Conversely, skipping breakfast was associated with greater BMI and waist circumference.”
Also, the weight and health of a child’s parents matters a lot. If either the mother or father is obese before pregnancy, it was a clear risk factor for the child to be obese during adolescence. If both parents had a BMI of 25 or more throughout the 16 years of the study, the risk of obesity of the child was much greater.
BMI is Body Mass Index and is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. “Normal” BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, underweight is <18.5, overweight is 25 to 29.9, and obese is >30. There has been quite a bit of controversy over the use of BMI because it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have muscular builds and it may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
What Mothers do that Increases the Rate of Bipolar Disorder in Their Children…
Smoking during pregnancy is known to contribute to significant problems in utero and following birth, including low birth weight and attention difficulties. Now, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds, “After adjusting for potential confounders, offspring exposed to in utero maternal smoking exhibited a twofold greater risk for bipolar disorder… Prenatal tobacco exposure may be one suspected cause of bipolar disorder.” Like almost all studies, the researchers report that more research needs to be done to rule out other factors. But, no one needs more research to know that smoking is bad for you and your children both before and after they are born.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know by calling 281-286-1300 or email [email protected].
Low Back Pain: Surgery vs. Chiropractic?
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common cause of disability in the United States (US) and a very common reason for lost days at work with an estimated 149 million days of work lost per year. The total cost associated with this is astronomical at between $100-200 billion/yr, of which 2/3rds are due to decreased wages and productivity. More than 80% of the population will have an episode of LBP at some point in their lifetime. The good news is that 95% recover within two to three months of onset. However, some never recover which leads to chronic LBP (LBP > 3 months), and 20-44% will have a recurrence of LBP within one year with lifetime recurrences of up to 85%! What this means is that most of us have, have had, or will have LBP, and we’ll get it again! So the question is, what are we going to do about it?
Surgery has traditionally been considered a “last resort” with less invasive approaches recommended first. Chiropractic adjustments and management strategies have traditionally faired very well when compared to other non-surgical methods like physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. But, is there evidence that by receiving chiropractic treatment, low back surgery can be avoided? Let’s take a look!
A recent study was designed to determine whether or not we could predict those who would require low back surgery within three years of a job-related back injury. This is a very important study as back injuries are the most common occupational injury in the US, and few studies have investigated what, if any, early predictors of future spine surgery after work-related injury exist. The study reviewed cases of 1,885 Washington state workers, of which 174 or 9.2% had low back surgery within three years. The initial predictors of surgery included high disability scores on questionnaires, greater injury severity, and seeing a surgeon as the first provider after the injury. Reduced odds of having surgery included: 1) <35 years old; 2) Females; 3) Hispanics; and 4) those who FIRST saw a chiropractor. Approximately 43% of workers who first saw a surgeon had surgery compared to ONLY 1.5% of those who first saw a chiropractor! WOW!!! This study supports the FACT that IF a low back injured worker first sees a chiropractor vs. a surgeon, the likelihood of needing surgery in the three years after the injury would be DRAMATICALLY reduced! In fact, the strongest predictor of whether an injured worker would undergo surgery was found to be related to who they saw first after the injury: a surgeon or a chiropractor.
If this isn’t enough evidence, another recent study (University of British Columbia) looked at the safety of spine surgery and reported that (taken from a group of 942 LBP surgical patients): 1) 87% had at least one documented complication; 2) 39% of the 87% had to stay longer in the hospital as a result; 3) 10.5% had a complication during the surgery; 4) 73.5% had a post-surgical complication (which included: 8% delirium, 7% pneumonia, 5% nerve pain, 4.5% had difficulty swallowing, 3% nerve deterioration, 13.5% wound complication); 5) 14 people died as a surgical complication. Another study showed lower annual healthcare costs for those receiving chiropractic vs. those who did not. The “take-home” message is clear: TRY CHIROPRACTIC FIRST!!!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be honored to render our services. . 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 e-mail them to [email protected] .
Dr Beecher’s November 25 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 25th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Einstein’s Brain. The left and right hemispheres of Albert Einstein’s brain were unusually well connected to one another, which may have contributed to his brilliance. This study is the first to detail Einstein’s corpus callosum, the brain’s largest bundle of fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates interhemispheric communication. Brain, October 2013
Health Alert: Death in Boom Times? Historically, when economies expand, death rates increase for both middle-aged and older people; however, when economies head for recession, the death rates among these groups decrease. For every
1% point increase in GDP, death rates appear to rise by 0.36% among older people, and by 0.38% among the middle- aged. Two popular explanations include: 1) During recessions, unemployed people reduce alcohol consumption, resulting in fewer road accidents. 2) Job stress and air pollution are known to increase when economies grow.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, October 2013
Diet: More Reasons to Eat Broccoli and Cauliflower! Sulforaphane (found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and collards) may help reduce the risk of respiratory inflammation that leads to chronic diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a study setting, researchers found that those who consumed 200 grams of broccoli had nearly three times as many antioxidant enzymes in their upper airway cells compared to baseline measurements. These protective antioxidant enzymes help fight against common environmental pollutants. Clinical Immunology, March 2009
Exercise: Better Math, English, and Science Grades! Research on British school children has found a link between academic performance and daily exercise. English, math, and science scores went up as the number of minutes per day of exercise increased with the greatest gains in female science scores. With boys and girls only exercising 18-29 minutes per day on average, how much could grades improve if physical education hours were increased instead of cut back to save money? British Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2013
Chiropractic: Lack of Motion and the Heart and Lungs. The negative effects of immobilization (lack of proper motion) begin as soon as four hours after injury! The direct effects of deconditioning on the cardiopulmonary system (heart & lungs) include an increase of the maximal heart rate and a decrease in your maximal oxygen consumption potential. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1992
Wellness/Prevention: Kids Need Regular Bedtimes. A study of 10,000 children in the United Kingdom found that children with inconsistent bedtimes are more likely to suffer from behavioral and emotional problems than their peers who go to sleep at the same time every night. The good news is that the effects are reversible once children settle into a regular bedtime. Pediatrics, October 2013
Quote: “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut
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 November 18 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 18th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Sports Stars and Junk Food? The majority of foods that star athletes promote are nutrient-poor, which may encourage young people to adopt bad eating habits. The top 100 athletes endorsed 512 brands, with sporting goods and apparel representing the largest category at 28.3%, followed by food and drinks at 23.8%. Most of the food and beverage endorsements were for sports drinks, soft drinks, and fast food. 93% of the endorsed beverages received 100%
of their calories from added sugars. 79% of the food products were energy-dense and nutrient-poor.
Pediatrics, October 2013
Health Alert: Global Warming and Toxic Metal? Scientists have observed that the appetites of some species of fish can increase in warmer water. Rising ocean surface temperatures caused by climate change could result in some fish accumulating greater concentrations of mercury in their bodies, posing a health risk to people who eat seafood.
PLoS ONE, October 2013
Diet: Walnuts vs. Olive Oil. Adding walnuts (a healthy plant source of omega-3 fatty acids) to a high-fat meal appears to benefit the arteries of people with high cholesterol. Researchers compared how arteries were affected by five teaspoons of olive oil versus eight walnuts when added to a fatty meal. While both walnuts and olive oil decreased inflammation, walnuts increased the elasticity and flexibility of the arteries (flow-mediated dilation, or FMD) in high cholesterol
patients by 24%. In comparison, high-cholesterol patients who consumed olive oil showed a 36% decrease in FMD.
American Journal of Cardiology, 2006
Exercise: Cancer and Esophageal Cancer. Observational research indicates that those who regularly exercise have 19%
reduced risk of esophageal cancer. According to Dr. Siddharth Singh, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, “Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease. On average only 1 in 6 people survive to 5 years, and that’s with chemotherapy and radiation as well as surgery. It’s an intensive treatment. So we would be best served if we can prevent this cancer,
especially in patients with high risk for developing [esophageal cancer].”
American College of Gastroenterology, October 2013
Chiropractic: Osteoarthritis of the Hip. 118 patients with diagnosed unilateral hip osteoarthritis received either patient education (PE) with or without manual therapy (MT, performed by a chiropractor), or a minimum control intervention (MCI) consisting of an at-home stretching program. The study found that the combination of patient education and
manual therapy to be the most effective of the three treatment options. Interestingly, MCI outperformed PE alone (no MT)
suggesting that the primary benefit in the PE & MT group was the manual therapy delivered via chiropractic care.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage, October 2013
Wellness/Prevention: 5 Meals a Day? A regular five meal pattern – breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks a day – was associated with a reduced risk of being overweight or obese. Skipping breakfast was associated with a greater BMI and waist circumference. PLoS One, October 2013
Quote: “What’s meant to be will always find a way.” ~ Trisha Yearwood
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 November 11 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 11th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Group Sessions? A study of 509 British youths found the incidence of mental health issues was reduced over the following 24 months after just two 90-minute group therapy sessions. Researchers noted a 21-26% reduction in severe depression, anxiety, and conduct problem symptoms. A similar program is now being implemented in
32 Canadian high schools. National Association of School Psychologists, October 2013
Health Alert: Antibiotics Prescriptions! New research finds high rates of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for sore throats and bronchitis across the United States (US). This is despite the fact that for decades the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations have pushed to reduce the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. Antibiotics are a class of drugs used to treat, and in some cases prevent, infections caused by bacteria. They don’t work against viruses, and in fact, taking antibiotics for viral infections can do more harm than good. While only 10% of adults with a sore throat have strep (the only common cause of sore throat that warrants antibiotics), the national prescribing rate of antibiotics for American adults with a sore throat remains at 60%. For acute bronchitis, the rate for antibiotic prescriptions should be near 0%, yet the national average is 73%. JAMA, October 2013
Diet: Calcium Confusion. With new research claiming that calcium supplements can cause adverse effects like indigestion, constipation, and even cardiovascular issues, researchers stress the importance of including calcium-rich foods in the diet. Because calcium helps maintain healthy bones, this information is particularly important for post- menopausal women over 50 years old and men over 70 years old.
University of California at San Francisco, October 2013
Exercise: Good Cholesterol and Exercise Work Together. Just having normal levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, also known as “good cholesterol”) may not be enough if you don’t regularly exercise. Not only is the combination more beneficial to the heart but exercise appears to help HDL perform other duties in the body such as reducing inflammation and acting as an antioxidant. American Physiological Society, October 2013
Chiropractic: Lack of Motion and the Nervous System. The negative effects of immobilization (lack of proper motion) begin as soon as four hours after injury! The direct effects of deconditioning on the nervous system include decreased proprioception (ultimately affecting balance and joint coordination) and a decrease in central neuromotor control of movement and posture. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1992
Wellness/Prevention: Citrus for the Kidneys! Regular consumption of naringenin, a component found in grapefruit and other citrus fruits, may successfully block the development of kidney cysts.
British Journal of Pharmacology, October 2013
Quote: “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” ~ Paulo Coelho
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 November 4 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 4th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Improve Brain Health with Exercise? Previous studies have shown endurance exercise can improve cognitive function, especially in older adults; however, the underlying mechanism was unknown. New research shows that muscular exertion results in the release of a protein called FNDC5 into the blood stream. In turn, FNDC5 stimulates the brain to produce a protein called BDNF that promotes the development of new nerves and synapses, and prolongs the survival of existing brain cells. Researchers artificially added FNDC5 into the bloodstream of mice and observed increases of BDNF in the animals’ brains a week later. This finding may lead to new treatments to help maintain healthy brains in patients who aren’t able to exercise due to injury or disability. Cell Metabolism, October 2013
Health Alert: Gloves and Gowns Don’t Work? Wearing gloves and gowns in intensive care units does not reduce the overall rates of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). These are two of the most common complications arising from hospital care, affecting an estimated 5% of inpatients. The cost of antibiotic-resistance in the United States is estimated at $4 billion per year.
Journal of the American Medical Association, October 2013
Diet: Beans! People who eat beans have healthier diets overall, lower body weight, and a reduced risk for obesity. A study found bean-consumers between the ages of 12-19 weighed 7 lbs (~3 kg) less and had nearly an inch (~2.5 cm) smaller waist circumference than their non-bean consuming peers. Those who ate beans frequently had a 22% reduced risk of being obese. The Experimental Biology Conference, 2006
Exercise: More Reasons. Exercise increases the diffusion capacity of the lungs, which enhances the exchange of oxygen from your lungs to your blood. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: The Benefits of Adjustments. Besides pain relief, what are the benefits of getting adjusted?
- Adjustments restore joint motion, both symmetry and range of motion. 2. Adjustments normalize the biomechanics and load distribution of the spine, bone, joints, and disks. 3. Adjustments pump out metabolic waste products and edematous fluid from soft tissue cells. 4. Adjustments improve nutrition to disks and articular cartilage. 5. Adjustments relax tight muscles. 6. Adjustments accelerate healing as movement increases the metabolic rate, and increases collagen and protein production. Malik Slosberg, D.C.
Wellness/Prevention: Mushrooms & Cancer Risk? Eating fresh mushrooms (greater than or equal to 10 grams per day) and dried mushrooms (greater than or equal to four grams per day) may decrease your cancer risk by 64% and 47%, respectively. The most commonly consumed mushroom in this study was the white button mushroom (one small white button mushroom weighs 10 grams). An additional protective effect was seen when mushrooms and green tea were both consumed on a daily basis. International Journal of Cancer, 2009
Quote: “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” ~ Plato
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 November 2013 Monthly Chiropractic Newletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism
or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Can Eating This Stop Arthritis
and Cancer?
Also this month:
- Smoke Yourself Stupid? Marijuana Use Starting in Youth Linked Lower IQ in Adulthood – Research reveals smoking pot is not as harmless as many believe.
- Does Coconut Oil Help Fight Tooth Decay? Results of a new study find it could help prevent cavities.
- One Simple Thing You Can Do that Will Save You Money and Make You Eat Healthier. –Hint… It has to do with something you keep in your wallet.
- The Goal that Changed a 7-Year-Old Child’s Life. The Miraculous Story of the Captain of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team… a Little Boy with Leukemia… and a Day He’ll Never Forget.
Houston – Would you eat something that is all-natural, has no side-effects, stops painful osteoarthritis, and could even help fight cancer? Of course you would.
In just a moment you will learn all about new research that will probably have you eating this inexpensive and abundant food every day of the week.
But first, let’s do the opposite. Would you stop doing something if you knew it lowered your IQ?
Well, that’s what research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) says smoking marijuana does when the habit is started during adolescence.
According to the study, “Heavy use of marijuana has been previously linked to neuropsychological impairment, particularly when use begins early in life.” The researchers found that “those individuals who use cannabis regularly, particularly those who began use in adolescence, experienced declines in everyday cognitive function that were noticeable to close contacts, who were surveyed by the researchers. Persistent marijuana users also lost several IQ points on average between age 13 years and age 38 years.”
The study’s lead author, Madeline Meier, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral associate at Duke University, warns, “Marijuana is not harmless, particularly for adolescents.”
A study on mice, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that smoking marijuana may even increase your risk of developing serious psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia).
According to the study’s senior author, Asaf Keller, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, “Over the past 20 years, there has been a major controversy about the long-term effects of marijuana, with some evidence that use in adolescence could be damaging… Previous research has shown that children who started using marijuana before the age of 16 are at greater risk of permanent cognitive deficits, and have a significantly higher incidence of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. There likely is a genetic susceptibility, and then you add marijuana during adolescence and it becomes the trigger.”
Another scientist involved with the study, Sylvina Mullins Raver, a Ph.D. candidate in the Program in Neuroscience in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, adds, “Adolescence is the critical period during which marijuana use can be damaging… We wanted to identify the biological underpinnings and determine whether there is a real, permanent health risk to marijuana use.
“In the adult mice exposed to marijuana ingredients in adolescence, we found that cortical oscillations were grossly altered, and they exhibited impaired cognitive abilities… We also found impaired cognitive behavioral performance in those mice. The striking finding is that, even though the mice were exposed to very low drug doses and only for a brief period during adolescence, their brain abnormalities persisted into adulthood.”
The study was repeated on adult mice and the results were normal, leading researchers to believe marijuana exposure only had a detrimental impact on cognition in the adolescent brain.
One fault of this particular study is that it was done on mice, not humans. But, the research team believes the results have implications for adolescent humans as well.
One last thing on this topic… Research presented on May 5, 2013 at the Pediatric Academy Societies annual meeting in Washington, D.C. strongly suggests that cigarette smoking is a gateway to marijuana use.
The study showed that tobacco users were more likely to have used marijuana than those who did not use tobacco.
Not only that, Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, an investigator at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, adds, “Contrary to what we would expect, we also found that students who smoked both tobacco and marijuana were more likely to smoke more tobacco than those who smoked only tobacco.”
Can Eating This Stop
Arthritis and Cancer?
First, let’s be clear. There are no wonder cures for either arthritis or cancer, at least not in the world of medicine and science. But, sometimes, new research comes to light that certainly makes it look like we’re getting there…
For example, recent research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism found that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage and brussel sprouts), could help fight osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Kale, cauliflower, and Bok Choy are also sources of sulforaphane. The compound is released when the vegetables are chewed.
What’s more, the study showed that sulforaphane blocks cartilage destroying enzymes by stopping a molecule that causes inflammation before it can act.
Sulforaphane appears to help more than just arthritis. In another study, scientists at Oregon State University discovered “yet another reason why the sulforaphane compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables is so good for you – it provides not just one, but two ways to prevent cancer through the complex mechanism of epigenetics.”
Epigenetics refers to our genetic code and how diet, toxins, and other environmental factors change the way our genes are activated or expressed. In other words, you may have a genetic predisposition for cancer, but the cancer will activate or remain dormant depending on what you eat or are exposed to.
Of course, further research is needed on sulforaphane but it probably isn’t a bad idea to add more broccoli to your diet. 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)
The Goal that Changed
a 7-Year-Old Child’s Life!
The Miraculous Story of the Captain of the United States Men’s National
Soccer Team… a Little Boy with Leukemia… and a Day He’ll Never Forget.
Some people are born with special gifts. These gifts force other people to pay attention to them, to watch them, and even idolize them. Many of the people born with these gifts only use their talents to make their own lives better. They make themselves rich and famous without regard for what they can do for others. In other words, they are selfish.
Then, there are the select few who realize that the greatness they were lucky enough to be born with can do a whole heck of a lot more than make one person (them) happy. It can change the lives of countless others. It can even relieve suffering, if only for just a short time. These select few spend a good part of their lives making a huge difference in the world.
Landon Donovan is one of these people. Landon was born March 4, 1982 in Ontario, California. He joined his first competitive soccer league at age five, and even though he was playing against older players, he scored seven goals in his first game! Within 10 years, Landon was playing at the National level on the Under-17 USA Team. Soon after that, he became the youngest player on the Under-23 USA National Team. Since then, Landon has represented the USA in the Olympics and World Cup and is currently Captain of the National Team. Yes, he has the “soccer gift.”
But Landon is much more than one of the best American soccer players ever. He is a true role model who spends a lot of his time helping others.
Recently, Landon appeared on ESPN’s “My Wish” series. The star of that episode was a 7-year-old soccer fan from Colorado named Brendan Galanaugh.
Brendan suffers from leukemia. When he is not going through difficult medical treatments like chemotherapy, he plays soccer with his father or cheers for his idol, Landon Donovan. Through it all, Brendan has been remarkable. When another child said he felt sorry for him because he was sick, Brendan replied that he was not sick, he just had cancer.
One of the things that kept Brendan going was the World Cup soccer tournament. His father said they did not miss a single game, and Brendan would even wake up at 5:00 a.m. to watch his hero play.
Not too long after the World Cup, Brendan’s parents brought him to the sports store to get a new pair of soccer shoes. When he opened the box, he found a DVD of Landon Donovan inviting him to come meet him and spend the day with him.
Brendan and his family were taken (by limousine) to the headquarters of the LA Galaxy, the professional team Donovan plays for. In the locker room, Brendan received a personalized team jersey and got to meet his idol.
Brendan attended practice and actually played one-on-one with Landon. Then, he got an all-access pass to the Galaxy’s upcoming game. In that game, Landon scored twice and gave his game jersey to Brendan who was cheering for him on the sidelines.
At the time of this writing, Brendan is now in remission and continues to cheer for Landon every time he plays. Imagine how wonderful the world would be if more people were like these two.
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?…
14 Things You May Not Know About Yourself…
- Unless food is mixed with saliva, you can’t taste it.
- The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
- Eight percent of people have an extra rib.
- The smallest bones in the human body are found in your ear.
- One day of blinking equates to having your eyes closed for 30 minutes.
- The average human brain contains around 78% water.
- Your brain uses between 20 – 25% of the oxygen you breathe.
- A quarter of your bones are in your feet.
- Your tongue is the fastest healing part of your body.
- A one-minute kiss burns 26 calories.
- You burn more calories sleeping than watching TV.
- Skin is the human body’s largest organ.
- Enamel is the hardest substance in your body.
- The hyoid bone in your throat is the only bone in your body not attached to any other.
Tip Of The Month
Want Fewer Cavities? Try Coconut Oil.
Do you want fewer cavities? If you do, you are not alone. In industrialized countries, 60% – 90% of children battle tooth decay. New research has shown that coconut oil, at relatively low concentrations, attacks the bacteria that causes tooth decay and can be used to help fight cavities.
According to BBC NEWS Health, “[The] research team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland tested the impact of coconut oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil in their natural states, and when treated with enzymes in a process similar to digestion. The oils were then tested against Streptococcus bacteria, which are common inhabitants of the mouth. Only the enzyme-modified coconut oil showed an ability to inhibit the growth of most strains of the bacteria. It also attacked Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium which is a major cause of tooth decay.”
Coconut oil can also help fight off yeast, fungus, and candida. It can also positively affect hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control. Not only that, it can reduce cholesterol and boost thyroid function, helping increase metabolism, energy, and endurance. One study has shown that consuming about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day for 12 weeks resulted in women having less abdominal fat.
One Simple Thing You Can Do That Will Save You Money and Make You Eat Healthier.
Want to eat healthier and possibly lose weight? Want to save money in the process? The Journal of Consumer Research might have the answer you are looking for. According to their research, “Some food items that are commonly considered unhealthy also tend to elicit impulsive responses. The pain of paying in cash can curb impulsive urges to purchase such unhealthy food products. Credit card payments, in contrast, are relatively painless and weaken impulse control. Consequently, consumers are more likely to buy unhealthy food products when they pay by credit card than when they pay in cash.”
The research went on to report that there are many factors that cause the consumption of unhealthy food, including faulty beliefs and lack of knowledge. But impulsivity seems to be one of the most, if not the most, influential factor. Having a credit card present and making it a habit to pay with a credit card can seriously add to the impulse to purchase “bad” food. Simply making a shopping list and figuring out the amount of cash you will need and bringing that amount in cash will not only save you money but it will stop most of the impulse buying that contributes to poor overall health.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know at 281-286-1300.
Dr Beecher’s October 28 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, October 21st, 2013
Mental Attitude: Video Games are Good! Scientists have developed a video game-based training strategy called NeuroRacer that could “repair” cognitive decline in older individuals. The 3D video game challenges cognitive control by providing a series of distractions on the screen that the players must try to avoid while driving. After playing the game, the study participants showed a dramatic increase in their multi-tasking abilities. These improved abilities continued to last for six months without any “booster” training on the game. EEG scans showed increased measurements in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, the area responsible for problem solving and complex thought. Nature, September 2013
Health Alert: Young Adults and Stroke. Hospital discharges in the United States for strokes among young adults (15-44 years old) increased at least 23% from 1996 to 2008. Lifestyle risk factors for stroke include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Neurology, September 2013
Diet: Vitamin D Deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteomalacia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and risk of fracture. Emerging evidence also points to increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight, cod liver oil, salmon, mushrooms, mackerel, tuna fish, milk, orange juice, and supplements. British Journal of Nutrition, September 2013
Exercise: Obesity and Post Heart Attack Mortality. A study of French heart attack survivors found that obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) is associated with the largest risk of absolute mortality five years later (+65%).
European Society of Cardiology, August 2013
Chiropractic: Every Inch! For every inch your head is forward, your upper back and neck muscles have to hold an extra 10 lbs (~4.5 kg), as they have to work harder to keep the head (chin) from dropping to your chest. This also forces the sub-occipital muscles (they raise the chin) to remain in constant contraction, putting pressure on the three sub-occipital nerves. This nerve compression may cause headaches at the base of the skull or mimic sinus (frontal) headaches. Kapandji, Physiology of the Joints, Volume III
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep and Your Brain. Sleep increases the reproduction of the cells (oligodendrocytes) that form myelin. Myelin is the insulating material found on nerve cell projections in the brain and spinal cord that’s responsible for allowing electrical impulses to move from cell to cell, similar to the insulation around electrical wires. University of Wisconsin, September 2013
Quote: “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” ~ Aristotle
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s October 21 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, October 21st, 2013
Mental Attitude: Video Games are Good! Scientists have developed a video game-based training strategy called NeuroRacer that could “repair” cognitive decline in older individuals. The 3D video game challenges cognitive control by providing a series of distractions on the screen that the players must try to avoid while driving. After playing the game, the study participants showed a dramatic increase in their multi-tasking abilities. These improved abilities continued to last for six months without any “booster” training on the game. EEG scans showed increased measurements in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, the area responsible for problem solving and complex thought. Nature, September 2013
Health Alert: Young Adults and Stroke. Hospital discharges in the United States for strokes among young adults (15-44 years old) increased at least 23% from 1996 to 2008. Lifestyle risk factors for stroke include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Neurology, September 2013
Diet: Vitamin D Deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteomalacia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and risk of fracture. Emerging evidence also points to increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight, cod liver oil, salmon, mushrooms, mackerel, tuna fish, milk, orange juice, and supplements. British Journal of Nutrition, September 2013
Exercise: Obesity and Post Heart Attack Mortality. A study of French heart attack survivors found that obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) is associated with the largest risk of absolute mortality five years later (+65%).
European Society of Cardiology, August 2013
Chiropractic: Every Inch! For every inch your head is forward, your upper back and neck muscles have to hold an extra 10 lbs (~4.5 kg), as they have to work harder to keep the head (chin) from dropping to your chest. This also forces the sub-occipital muscles (they raise the chin) to remain in constant contraction, putting pressure on the three sub-occipital nerves. This nerve compression may cause headaches at the base of the skull or mimic sinus (frontal) headaches. Kapandji, Physiology of the Joints, Volume III
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep and Your Brain. Sleep increases the reproduction of the cells (oligodendrocytes) that form myelin. Myelin is the insulating material found on nerve cell projections in the brain and spinal cord that’s responsible for allowing electrical impulses to move from cell to cell, similar to the insulation around electrical wires. University of Wisconsin, September 2013
Quote: “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” ~ Aristotle
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 .
