Dr Beecher’s June 2013 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Never let the demands of tomorrow interfere with the pleasures and excitement of today.”
~ Meredith Wilson
Have you fallen prey to this “newlywed trap”
that can SHORTEN YOUR LIFESPAN?
Study Finds Marriage
A Health Risk?
The Two Things You Can Do To
Be Happily Married Without The Risk
Also this month:
- Harvard School of Public Health: What may be able to lower overall mortality risk by 27% and mortality risk from heart disease by 35% in older adults?
- Study: Walking just as good as running for lowering risk of heart-related conditions.
- Does weight lifting lower blood sugar? New study shocker!
- Did Birth Paralysis Help Make Him One Of The Biggest Movie Stars EVER? Discover how this star turned a “handicap” into his calling card, and went from bum to World Champion!
Houston – Most people dream about meeting someone, falling in love, getting married, and living happily ever after, but what if getting married was actually a health risk?
According to a new study published in the scientific journal Health Psychology, the common belief that being happily married is always beneficial to health may not be true.
Why? The answer appears to be…
WEIGHT GAIN!
In a nutshell, young people who are satisfied with their marriage tend to gain weight soon after saying, “I do.” Being overweight is a huge risk factor for many health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
According to Dr. Andrea Meltzer, lead author of the study, “On average, spouses who were more satisfied with their marriage were less likely to consider leaving their marriage, and they gained more weight over time… In contrast, couples who were less satisfied in their relationship tended to gain less weight over time.”
In other words, people who are satisfied with their mate are more likely to gain weight because they are not looking to attract someone else.
Here Is The Real Kicker!
If this study is accurate, it tells us that people view weight loss and maintaining a lower weight as a cosmetic issue and not a health issue.
In other words, many people find it important to lose weight to look good, but do not find it as important to lose weight to be healthy.
Their motivation to be attractive is more important than their desire to be healthy.
It has often been said that if “working out” did not change people’s physical appearance (and help make them more attractive), then almost no one would go to the gym, and gyms would go out of business. This research appears to reinforce that belief.
So, what are the two things you can do to be happily married WITHOUT the health risks of weight gain?
Eat Right & Exercise!
There is no magic bullet for weight loss and maintaining a healthy AND ATTRACTIVE weight. It takes effort and commitment. It is a lifestyle, not a periodic fad.
Make the decision to do whatever it takes to eat healthy and exercise, and then start RIGHT NOW… at this very moment. If you are eating or drinking something bad while you read this, then do not take another bite or sip.
“Right now” is the answer. In most cases, procrastination leads to failure. There is no better time than right now. In fact, right now is the best time. Period.
If you don’t know what to eat or how to exercise, there are plenty of experts available to help you. Chiropractors are extensively trained in exercise, physiology, and nutrition. You are literally one phone call away from having all the answers you need to start a brand new healthy life!
While we are on the subject of exercise…
New Research Shows That You May
Not Have To Do As Much As You
Thought To Be Healthy…
Here is why, as published by the American Heart Association: “Walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running can, according to surprising findings reported in the American Heart Association journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.”
The study found that both more running and more walking equated to more health benefits. According to the American Heart Association:
- Running significantly reduced risk for first-time hypertension by 4.2 percent and walking reduced risk by 7.2 percent.
- Running reduced first-time high cholesterol by 4.3 percent and walking by 7 percent.
- Running reduced first-time diabetes by 12.1 percent compared to 12.3 percent for walking.
- Running reduced coronary heart disease by 4.5 percent compared to 9.3 percent for walking.
According to Paul T. Williams, Ph.D., the study’s lead author, “People are always looking for an excuse not to exercise, but now they have a straightforward choice to run or to walk and invest in their future health.”
So, when in doubt, GO FOR A WALK. You don’t have to do an extravagant exercise program. The key is to do something, do it consistently, and (here it comes again) DO IT NOW!
What About Weight Lifting?
Whether you are into weight lifting or not, here is some very interesting information.
Humans, have both red and white meat, or in other words, both red and white muscle tissue.
People who do endurance training (marathons and triathlons) tend to have more red muscle tissue, and people who do resistance training (like weight lifting) tend to have more white.
This makes sense because when you lift a heavy weight, the chemicals in the white muscle tissue are used for quick bursts of energy and strength.
When you are doing long, steady exercise, chemicals in the red muscle tissue are used for slower, sustained energy.
There is a lot more to the bio-chemistry than that, but you get the picture.
Observations of diabetic patients report a whitening of their muscle tissue. For a long time, the accepted belief was that this whitening of skeletal muscle from diabetes was harmful.
However, new research has shown just the opposite. According to Life Science Institute, “In fact, the white muscle that increases with resistance training, age and diabetes helps keep blood sugar in check, the researchers showed.”
Of course, more research needs to be done. This is why it is so important to keep an open mind and go to doctors who stay on the cutting-edge of information and new research.
And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions at 281-286-1300. 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)
Did Birth Paralysis Help Make Him
One Of The Biggest Movie Stars EVER?
Discover how this star turned a “handicap” into his
calling card and went from bum to World Champion!
This is one of the most inspiring rags-to-riches stories EVER. It is someone you know of, but you probably do not know his story about how he went from down-and-out to one of the most popular (and richest) celebrities in history. We are not going to reveal who he is just yet. See if you can guess…
Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Most are simply born healthy and “normal.” Others start life behind the eight ball.
This celebrity had a difficult labor, and due to complications at birth, was left with paralysis of the left side of his face, including his lip, chin, and part of his tongue. This caused part of his face to droop just a little, and it slurred his speech. This is a big clue. Can you guess who he is yet?
His parents had a rocky relationship, and for the first several years of his life, he was forced to live in several foster homes. He later lived with his parents again, but had many “issues.”
For example, his slightly drooping face and slurred speech made him an easy target for cruel children. He was involved in a lot of fights that led to suspensions from school. He also had very poor grades. By all appearances, he was the kind of person who would never amount to anything in life.
Anyway, fast-forward to his grown-up years…
Our future star’s adult life started out just as bad as his childhood. At one point, he was so broke he got evicted from his apartment and lived on the streets for three weeks.
Desperate times called for desperate measures. Thinking he had no other options, he went on a casting call for a soft-core pornography movie and was chosen for the film. He made $200 for his first “acting” role. This was probably 40 years ago, so $200 had more spending power than it has now, but obviously it was not the career or life he wanted. He said he was at the end of his rope and it was either do this “movie” or rob someone.
He struggled, but always worked hard and pushed forward. He actually started attending college, but did not graduate. Instead, he moved to New York to become an actor. He went to casting call after casting call. No takers. After all, who would want an actor with slight paralysis of his face and slurred speech?
So he decided to try writing a movie. Once again, he failed. Over and over, he failed. Once again, he was so broke he could not eat. Out of desperation, he sold his dog for $50 to a man outside a liquor store. This devastated him. But within one week, everything changed…
He watched a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and a guy named Chuck Wepner. After watching that fight, he wrote an entire movie script in just three days. He pitched the script to a movie studio and they wanted it, but they didn’t want him as the lead role. He stuck to his guns and took much less money and they made him the lead.
He immediately went back to the liquor store to get his dog back. The person he bought it from charged him $3,000! But he didn’t care.
The movie went on to be a blockbuster and won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. It was turned into a series that has grossed over $1.25 billion.
If you haven’t guessed already, the actor is Sylvester Stallone and the movie is Rocky. The moral of the story is to believe in yourself and never give up. They say necessity is the mother of invention. Well, Sly wrote a darn good movie when he couldn’t eat and wanted his dog back. J
Did You Know?…
Go Bananas!
Bananas are the world’s 2nd most popular fruit. In western countries, they account for almost 3% of a grocer’s total sales and they are also the #1 thing grocery shoppers complain about — usually when they are overripe or even freckled. Actually, spotted bananas are sweeter, with a sugar content of more than 20% (compared with 3% in a green banana).
The banana plant is not a tree. It is actually the world’s largest herb. Because of their impressive potassium content, bananas are highly recommended by doctors for patients whose potassium levels are low. One large banana, about 9 inches in length, packs 602 mg of potassium with only 140 calories. That same large banana even has 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. It’s no wonder the banana is considered an important food to boost the health of malnourished children!
Those reducing sodium in their diets can’t go wrong with a banana with its mere 2 mgs of sodium. For the carbohydrate counters, there are 36 grams of carbs in a large banana. So, why isn’t the banana the world’s most popular fruit? That title belongs to what the French used to call “the apple of love” and the Germans “the apple of paradise” – the mighty tomato.
Tip Of The Month
Harvard School of Public Health:
What may be able to lower overall mortality risk by 27%,
and mortality risk from heart disease by 35% in older adults?
Want to live longer? I bet you do. We all do. Well, at least most people do! Some people are continually searching for ONE BIG THING they can do to add years to their life and feel better. But the truth of the matter is, health and longevity come down to two factors: genes and environment. You are born with your genes, and as of right now, there is very little you can do about that. Scientists are constantly studying ways to manipulate our genes. Some think this will eventually cure all disease and make life wonderful, while others believe this is a mistake and humans should not meddle with Mother Nature but that’s a whole other subject.
But the other factor, environment, is somewhat under our control. We can largely control what foods we eat, exercise we do, rest we get, and how we handle stress. Of course, there is always the debate over where our food comes from and if the source is contaminated. In general, eating a diet that stays away from processed food is better than one that doesn’t. Chances are, a spinach salad is healthier for you than a burger, and there are certain types of food you want to make sure you eat.
For example, here’s what was published on the Harvard School Of Public Health website: “Older adults who have higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids – found almost exclusively in fatty fish and seafood – may be able to lower their overall mortality risk by as much as 27% and their mortality risk from heart disease by about 35%, according to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Washington. Researchers found that older adults who had the highest blood levels of the fatty acids found in fish lived, on average, 2.2 years longer than those with lower levels.”
This study was published online April 1, 2013 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The Harvard publication also stated, “Previous studies have found that fish, which is rich in protein and heart-healthy fatty acids, reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.” In this study, participants with the highest levels of all three types of fatty acids (DHA, EPA and DPA) had a 27% lower risk of total mortality due to all causes.
How much fish should you eat to possibly get the benefits seen in this study? According to Harvard: “When the researchers looked at how dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids related to blood levels, the steepest rise in blood levels occurred when going from very low intake to about 400 mg per day; blood levels rose much more gradually thereafter… The findings suggest that the biggest bang-for-your-buck is going from no intake to modest intake, or about two servings of fatty fish per week.” This study did not talk about fish oil supplements and their possible use. It is possible that fish oil supplements can help, especially if it is difficult for you to get the recommended servings of actual fish every week.
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know.
Dr Beecher’s June 10 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 10th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Depression and Dementia. Those with late-life depression are 1.85 times more likely to develop all-cause dementia, 1.65 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and 2.52 times more likely to develop vascular dementia. The phrase “all-cause dementia” refers to all dementia syndromes, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is associated with memory problems and apathy in early stages, and impaired judgment, confusion, disorientation, behavior changes, and difficulty speaking in later stages. Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia, and is associated with impaired judgment or ability to plan and complete tasks, as
opposed to memory loss that is common in early stages of Alzheimer’s. British Journal of Psychiatry, May 2013
Health Alert: What Concussion? Many United States high school football players think it’s okay to play with a concussion even though they know they are at risk of serious injury. Over 90% of players polled recognized a risk of serious injury if they returned to play too quickly, but only 54% would always or sometimes report their concussion symptoms to their coach. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2013
Diet: Fight Inflammation! Chronic inflammation is a condition that can be triggered by obesity and can ultimately lead to both cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Some foods that are known to combat unhealthy inflammation are citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes, wild salmon, and whole foods high in fiber.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, March 2013
Exercise: ‘Walkable’ Neighborhoods. Preschool children are less likely to be obese if they live in a neighborhood that is safe and within walking distance of parks and retail services.
Pediatric Academic Society, May 2013
Chiropractic: I Like Those Odds! Patients who went to a chiropractor first had were less likely to undergo surgery than those who went to a surgeon first. 42.7% of workers with back injuries who first saw a surgeon had surgery, in contrast to only 1.5% of those who initially saw a chiropractor. Spine, December 2012
Wellness/Prevention: Brain Power Boost. Regularly consuming the healthy fats found in fish, extra virgin olive oil, and nuts may assist in maintaining cognitive functions in older individuals.
British Medical Journal, May 2013
Quote: “Without the benefits of Chiropractic, I don’t think I would be able to remain as fit and active today.”
~ Joe Morgan, Professional Baseball Hall of Fame Member
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 3 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Mental Attitude: Suicide Rates Rise! Suicide rates among middle-aged (35-65) Americans have risen 28% in the past 10 years with the largest increase among people in their 50s at nearly 50%. Suicide deaths have become more common than deaths from car crashes. In 2010, there were 33,687 deaths from car crashes and 38,364 suicides in the United States. Suicide prevention strategies include improving social support and community connectedness, increasing access to mental health and preventive services, and decreasing the stigma and barriers linked to asking for help. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 2013
Health Alert: Heart and Brain Function. People with the greatest risk for heart disease performed 50% worse on cognitive tests when compared to people with the lowest risk profile. Diabetes, bad cholesterol, and smoking were all negatively linked to poor cognitive scores. Stroke, May 2013
Diet: Just One Meal. A single fatty meal can cause the heart to beat harder and increase blood pressure. Researchers analyzed the effects of eating a high-fat fast food meal (42 grams of fat) and eating a meal with no more than 1.3 grams of fat. When subjected to a series of standard stress tests, those who ate the high-fat meal saw their blood pressure go up 1.25 to 1.5 times higher than those who ate the low-fat meal. Journal of Nutrition, April 2007
Exercise: Only 1 in 5 Adults… Only 20% of American adults perform the recommended amount of exercise as outlined in federal guidelines. Adults should get at least two and a half hours each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like walking), or one hour and 15 minutes each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like jogging), or a mixture of both. Adults should also engage in muscle strengthening activities, including sit-ups, push- ups, or exercise using resistance bands or weights. All major muscle groups should be involved in these activities and should be done at least two days every week. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2013
Chiropractic: Asthma? A review of published literature shows that patients with asthma who incorporate chiropractic care into their current asthma treatment plan may experience a decrease in the severity of their symptoms. Logan College of Chiropractic, December 2012
Wellness/Prevention: Celery and Cancer Cells Mortality. One way cancer cells thrive is by simply not dying as other cells are pre-programmed to do. Apigenin, a compound found in plant based foods like parsley and celery, has been observed in a laboratory setting to re-educate breast cancer cells to die as scheduled.
Ohio State University, May 2013
Quote: “I never did anything by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .
Dr Beecher’s May 27 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
Week of Monday, May 27th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Happily Married? A recent study concludes that young and happily married newlyweds are more
likely to gain weight than their young and unhappily married counterparts. For each unit increase in satisfaction, on
average, males and females both gained one tenth of a BMI unit every 6 months – or about one pound a year.
According to Dr. Andrea Meltzer, lead author of the study, “These findings challenge the idea that quality
relationships always benefit health, suggesting instead that spouses in satisfying relationships relax their efforts to
maintain their weight because they are no longer motivated to attract a mate. Interventions to prevent weight gain in
early marriage may therefore benefit from encouraging spouses to think about their weight in terms of health rather
than appearance.” Health Psychology, April 2013
Health Alert: Less Salt, More Potassium. Reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure, which ultimately reduces
the risk of heart disease and stroke. Results show that four or more weeks of modest salt reduction leads to notable
decreases in blood pressure. Increased potassium intake was associated with a 24% reduced probability of stroke in
adults and may also have an advantageous impact on blood pressure in kids. British Medical Journal, April 2013
Diet: So How Much Salt and Potassium Should You Consume? The World Health Organization recommends
adults should reduce salt intake to 5g per day and consume at least 3510mg of potassium per day.
World Health Organization, January 2013
Exercise: More Reasons. Exercise helps to retard bone loss as you age, thereby reducing your risk of developing
osteoporosis. Exercise also helps improves pain tolerance and mood if you already suffer from osteoarthritis.
Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: Satisfied Low Back Pain Patients. Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors
showed greater improvement and satisfaction after one month of care than patients treated by family physicians.
Satisfaction scores were higher for chiropractic patients. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56% vs. 13%)
reported that their low-back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported
their low-back pain was worse or much worse. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000
Wellness/Prevention: Sleep Well. Increasing the number of hours adolescents sleep each night may reduce the
prevalence of adolescent obesity. A recent study shows that fewer hours of sleep is associated with greater increases
in adolescent body mass index (BMI) for participants between 14 and 18 years old. Increasing sleep from 8 to 10
hours per day at age 18 could result in a 4% reduction in the number of adolescents with a BMI above 25. This
would translate to 500,000 fewer overweight adolescents. Pediatrics, April 2013
Quote: “Chiropractic is a wonderful means of natural healing.” ~ Bob Hope
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Dr Beecher’s May 20 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, May 20th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Dementia Cost! Caring for people with dementia costs $157 billion a year in the United States
(US) — higher than the costs of treating heart disease ($102 billion) and cancer ($77 billion). 75-84% of dementia
costs are for nursing home care and care at home. 14.7% of people in the US aged 71+ years are affected by
dementia. New England Journal of Medicine, April 2013
Health Alert: Heart Drug and Cancer Risk! Amiodarone, a drug used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats),
may increase cancer risk. People taking a high dose of amiodarone had close to twice the risk of developing cancer
when compared with those taking a low dose of the drug. Cancer, April 2013
Diet: Diet and Exercise. While many experts advise to start eating a more healthy diet before starting an exercise
program, recent research points to doing both at the same time for optimal results. Participants were separated into
four groups: 1) Start exercise program first. 2) Start diet first. 3) Start both diet and exercise at same time. 4) Do
neither. Participants who started eating healthier at the same time they started an exercise routine were more likely to
exercise 150+ minutes a week, eat 5-9 servings of fruits/vegetables daily, and keep calories from saturated fats to
<10% of their daily caloric intake. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, April 2013
Exercise: Computer Exercises For Alzheimer’s Patients. A new technology using computer brain exercises may
help Alzheimer’s patients. The NeuroAD system has patients solve computer exercises ranging from identifying
colors, shapes, and letters to solving memory games. Simultaneously, the very same regions of the patient’s brain
responsible for memory and learning receive electromagnetic stimulation, which reactivates brain cell activity.
Harvard University, April 2013
Chiropractic: Effectiveness Of Chiropractic. 183 patients with neck pain were randomly allocated to manual
therapy (spinal mobilization), physiotherapy (mainly exercise), or general practitioner care (counseling, education,
and drugs) in a 52-week study. Manual therapy resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy and general
practitioner care. Total costs of the manual therapy were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general
practitioner care. British Medical Journal, 2003
Wellness/Prevention: Safer Teen Drivers. A new report on teen driver safety in the United States (US) shows
encouraging trends. There has been a 47% decline in teen driver-related fatalities over the past six years. In the past
three years, the number of teen passengers killed in crashes who were not wearing seatbelts decreased 23%, the
number of teens driven by a peer who had been drinking declined 14%, and 30% fewer teen passengers were killed
in crashes involving a teen driver. Despite this progress, auto accidents remain the leading cause of death for US
teens. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, April 2013
Quote: “Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.” ~ Publilius Syrus
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Dr Beecher’s May 13 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
Week of Monday, May 13th, 2013
Mental Attitude: A Later Life Crisis? 32% of males and 33% of females ages 60-69 have experienced a so-called
“later life crisis”. The most common stimuli for these episodes were bereavement, sickness, injury to themselves or
to others, and caring for a sick or disabled loved one. The stressful life event can make the individual aware of their
own frailty and death. Some people react with resilience and set new goals, while others focus more on the present,
trying to enjoy life more than they did before. British Psychological Society, April 2013
Health Alert: Hip/Knee Replacement? Joint damage from osteoarthritis is responsible for 80% of hip replacements
and 90% of knee surgeries. Only 50% of individuals with arthritis who had a hip or knee replacement reported a
significant improvement in pain and mobility after surgery. 25% of patients who get a single joint replacement will
have another within two years. Arthritis & Rheumatism, April 2013
Diet: Unleaded Please! Levels of lead in rice imported into the United States (US) ranged from 6-12 mg/kg. For
adults, the daily exposure levels from eating imported rice are 20-40 times higher than the Food and Drug
Administration’s accepted levels. For infants and children, the daily exposure levels are 30-60 times higher. Lead is a
neurotoxin that can damage the brain, and in young children whose brains are still growing, it can seriously diminish
their capacity to learn and develop. It can disrupt children’s behavior, such as make them more aggressive,
impulsive, and hyperactive. Lead increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular diseases in adults.
American Chemical Society, April 2013
Exercise: Walking vs. Running. Brisk walking can reduce a person’s risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high
cholesterol just as much as running can. The risk for first-time hypertension was notably reduced 4.2% by running
and 7.2% by walking. The risk for first-time high cholesterol was reduced 4.3% by running and 7% by walking. The
risk for first-time diabetes was lowered 12.1% by running and 12.3% by walking. The risk for coronary heart disease
was lowered 4.5% by running and 9.3% by walking. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, April 2013
Chiropractic: Lowering Blood Pressure. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck were shown to lower high
blood pressure. Researchers found a 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure, and 8 mm Hg greater drop in
diastolic blood pressure following a cervical adjustment. This effect was greater than would result from two blood
pressure medications given in combination, and it was adverse-event free.
Journal of Human Hypertension, March 2007
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D. A hormone produced in the skin with exposure to sunlight, Vitamin D is also
found in fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks. Muscle function and recovery from fatigue has been shown to improve
with Vitamin D supplementation, which is thought to enhance the activity of the mitochondria – the power plants of
the cell. Newcastle University, April 2013
Quote: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ~ Hippocrates
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Dr Beecher’s May 6 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
Week of Monday, May 6th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Teenaged Smoking, Depression, and Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a costly health problem. Although it is primarily evident in postmenopausal women, its roots can be traced to periods of growth, including adolescence. A recent study showed that smoking and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls had a negative impact on adolescent bone growth and may lead to future low bone mass or osteoporosis and higher fracture rates in postmenopausal years. Journal of Adolescent Health, April 2013
Health Alert: World’s Population To Stop Growing? A research team predicts that the Earth’s population will stabilize by 2050. The world population in 2100 will be within a range of 15.8 billion people (according to the highest estimates with a high fertility variant) and 6.2 billion (according to the lowest estimates with a low fertility variant). The lowest estimate is actually lower than the current world population of 7 billion. In fact, the world-wide fertility rate has already fallen by more than 40% since 1950. United Nations, February 2013
Diet: Heart Disease and Red Meat. Carnitine, a compound abundant in red meat and added as a supplement to popular energy drinks, has been found to promote atherosclerosis (hardening or clogging of arteries).
Nature Medicine, April 2013
Exercise: Walking and Smoking. Teens who increased the amount of time they exercised by at least 20 minutes
(equivalent to a short walk) were more likely than their peers to resist lighting up a cigarette.
Journal of Adolescent Health, April 2013
Chiropractic: Neck Pain Relief! 75% of Americans deal with neck pain at some point in their lives. In a study comparing spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and prescription medication as treatment options, researches concluded that SMT was more effective both in the short and long-term. At the end of 12 weeks, 57% of participants in the SMT group reported at least a 75% reduction in pain, while only 33% of the medication group had similar results. One year later, patients in the chiropractic group were still experiencing benefits, as 53% still saw at least a
75% reduction in pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, January 2012
Wellness/Prevention: Kidney Disease and Being Overweight. Being overweight in young adulthood may significantly increase individuals’ risks of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) by the time they become seniors. Those who were overweight in their late 20s and early 30s were twice as likely to have CKD at age 60-64 years compared with those who first became overweight at age 60-64 years or never became overweight. Larger waist-to-hip ratios (“apple-shaped” bodies) at ages 43 and 53 years were also linked with CKD at age 60-64 years. Researchers estimate that 36% of CKD cases at age 60-64 in the United States population could be avoided if nobody became overweight until at least that age. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, April 2013
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Quote: “A fit, healthy body—that is the best fashion statement.” ~ Jess C. Scott
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Dr Beecher’s May 2013 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” ~ Anais Nin
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
publishes alarming pain medication facts:
“Deaths from prescription painkillers* have reached
epidemic levels in the past decade.
The number of overdose deaths
is now greater than deaths from
heroin and cocaine combined.”
*“Prescription painkillers” refers to opioid or narcotic pain relievers, including drugs such as Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone), Opana (oxymorphone), and methadone.
Also this month:
- More Sugar Blues – new study finds evidence that sugar, and not other diet and lifestyle factors, may be the primary cause of Type 2 Diabetes.
- Believe In Karma? Find out how this homeless man “paid it forward” and cashed in BIG TIME!
Houston – Times have really changed, and with all the great sources of information available today, most people understand that drugs and medications have both pros and cons.
The pro is something that may help you, such as managing pain. The con can be any number of side effects…
Including DEATH
All drugs and medications have side effects. Some may be so small they are difficult to measure, but they still exist.
This does NOT mean all drugs and medications are bad. Not even close. But these TWO BIG QUESTIONS should be asked before YOU take ANY drug or medication:
(1) Does the potential positive outweigh the potential negative? In other words, is the possible benefit greater than the possible side effects or risks?
(2) Is there a different way to get the same or similar results with potentially fewer side effects or less risks?
Let’s take back pain for example… Chances are, you have or will have back pain. Statistics show that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their life.
What do people do when they have back pain? Most take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs in an attempt to relieve the pain.
NSAIDs are widely accepted for treating pain and are sold over-the-counter. According to WebMD, “[NSAIDs] are among the most common pain relief medicines in the world. Every day more than 30 million Americans use them to soothe headaches, sprains, arthritis symptoms, and other daily discomforts.” Common NSAIDs sold over-the-counter include:
- Aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer, and Excedrin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin)
- Ketoprofen (Actron and Orudis)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
But what most people DO NOT know is: Each year, the side effects of long-term NSAID use cause nearly 103,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths. In fact, more people die each year from NSAIDs-related complications than from AIDS and cervical cancer in the United States.
As you can see, questions #1 & #2 are very important if you have back pain and are thinking about taking NSAIDs. You must ask yourself, “Is the potential pain relief I might get worth the risk? Is there another choice that gets similar or better results without the risk?”
According to WebMd: “Among people seeking back pain relief alternatives, most choose Chiropractic treatment. About 22 million Americans visit Chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other complaints include pain in the neck, arms and legs, and headaches.”
WebMd also mentioned the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic care: “Spinal manipulation and Chiropractic care is generally considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.
“Research has also shown Chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used both by Chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue massage.”
It’s amazing how not too long ago Medical Doctors (MDs) shunned Chiropractors as quacks. Now modern MDs understand what Chiropractic care can do and work hand-in-hand with Chiropractic Physicians.
Here is something else you should know about before choosing a back pain treatment, or any treatment for pain…
According to findings published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die every year from prescription painkillers than from heroin or cocaine combined. Enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American adult around-the-clock for a month.
According to the CDC’s findings: “Overdose deaths from prescription painkillers have skyrocketed during the past decade. Prescription painkiller overdoses are a public health epidemic.
- Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in the S. in 2008. This is more than 3 times the 4,000 people killed by these drugs in 1999.
- In 2010, about 12 million Americans (age 12 or older) reported non-medical use of prescription painkillers in the past year.
- Nearly half a million emergency room visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers.
- Non-medical use of prescription painkillers costs health insurers up to $72.5 billion annually in direct health care costs.”
One of the biggest problems with these prescription painkillers is they are EXTREMELY addicting. Quite frequently, prescribed painkillers end up in the hands of people who misuse or abuse them. Many become “hooked” and lose everything- including their lives.
The painkillers we are referring to are opioid or narcotic pain relievers, including drugs such as Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone), Opana (oxymorphone), and methadone.
Great caution should be used before deciding to take such powerful and addictive medications, and other options (without the same risk level) should be looked into as well.
Many states have reported problems with “pill mills.” These are medical clinics that dispense large amounts of these painkillers when they are not medically necessary.
Some addicted patients even go to multiple doctors to get several prescriptions filled. This is called “Doctor Shopping.”
When you look at this epidemic and deadly situation, ask yourself the two questions we talked about in this article. Is there another way that is both effective and safer?
This is why 22 million Americans visit Chiropractors every year, and Chiropractic has become an accepted treatment method for back and neck pain by the medical community.
And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.
Inspirational Story Of The Month
(Names And Details May Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
How This Homeless Man “Paid It Forward” and Cashed In BIG TIME!
Society seems to prefer rewarding people who do “bad” things. Reality shows are filled with “stars” who don’t exactly follow the golden rule. In fact, most people have a very hard time believing something like karma can exist. Well, if you don’t believe in karma, you might after reading this incredible story. At the very least, you will know there are still some wonderful people left in the world.
Here’s the story: Billy Ray Harris was 55 and homeless. He had a regular spot on the street where he put out a cup for donations.
Sarah Darling walked by Harris and wanted to help. She reached in her change purse and put a handful of change into his cup. It wasn’t much, but every bit helps…
Later that day, Harris got on his bike to leave and dumped the change into his hand, but there was not only change. There was something else. Something shiny. A ring.
Harris didn’t think much of it. It was probably some cheap costume jewelry. Knock-offs and fakes were all over the streets, but he wasn’t sure, so he took it to be appraised.
That’s when things changed, and changed fast. The appraiser took a look at the ring and immediately offered him $4,000.00 cash. Harris was broke and tempted, but his grandfather didn’t raise a crook.
So he kept the ring and went back to his regular spot on the street and waited. It wasn’t long before Sarah appeared and Harris presented her with the ring.
Sarah said it was a tremendous loss when she thought the ring was gone. She told Harris she was eternally grateful to him. She didn’t think in a million years she would ever see that ring again.
But that’s just the beginning of the story. What happened next is nothing short of incredible…
The story of Harris giving the ring back went viral, and he became an internet sensation. Supporters started donating money to help Harris find a house to live in. In no time, $175,000.00 had been raised!
It has been said that whatever you give comes back ten-fold. Well, Harris turned down $4,000 to do the right thing and it turned into $175,000.
But it gets even better… Harris was able to get back in touch with his family that he hadn’t seen in 16 years. His younger sister saw the story about him and was able to find out where he was. After they spoke on the phone for over 90 minutes, Harris’ sister told him he could live with her. He always had a place with her.
Since then, Harris has been in touch with his three other siblings and the nieces and nephews he didn’t know he had.
Harris is now working for a Jazz band and living with a member of the band while he acquires the proper identification to open a bank account.
Here is a final “twist” to the story… Sarah Darling’s husband, Bill, is the person who launched the donation page for Harris, and they have become friends. Bill often has dinner with Harris and is helping him with his identification paperwork and getting his life straightened out.
Harris is planning a family reunion in Texas in July.
So does karma exist? That’s for you to decide. But one thing is clear. There are still wonderful people left in the world.
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?…
You Can Enrich Your Life With Music, For A Second Or Third Time…
Mid-lifers often feel the need for “something new” in their lives. At age 55+, some buy a sports car, some move to another city, and some marry a person a few decades younger than them. But, putting music back into your life could be a more satisfying and less costly pursuit.
It doesn’t matter whether you had piano lessons at age nine or learned to play the guitar at age 20, revisiting music can bring remarkable benefits to you. If you’re like many others who tried it, going back to music now can be just the thing to make your sagging spirits joyful again.
You’ll need a teacher. You can find one at a music school, a community center, or a music store. You can try web-based programs, but an actual teacher may be a better fit for you. He or she will help you develop modern skills and pleasantly correct your mistakes.
Don’t attack the music. Slow down, not as in old age, but to ease the pace and help you focus. It’s good practice for your mind and a way to savor the sounds of the music. The scheduled and unscheduled practice time is not only good for your brain, as it reduces memory loss, but it’s good for keeping your fingers nimble and for reducing stress.
Don’t forget that the main reason to stay close to music, at any age, is to have fun!
Tip Of The Month
THIS is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.
A new study sheds light on one of the best things you can do to improve your health, and possibly avoid some of the leading causes of death in the United States (and the rest of the developed world). Global diabetes has more than doubled in the last 30 years. 25.8 million children and adults in the United States – 8.3% of the population – have diabetes. 7 million people have diabetes and do not know it because they are undiagnosed. 79 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE PRE-DIABETES!
In 2007, diabetes was listed as the underlying cause on 71,382 death certificates, and was listed as a contributing factor on an additional 160,022 death certificates. This means that diabetes contributed to a total of 231,404 deaths.
According to a report from the American Diabetes Association, the U.S. cost of diabetes grew to $245 billion in 2012. Now, a new study published in PLOS ONE reveals strong evidence that sugar (not other diet and lifestyle factors) is the primary cause of Type 2 diabetes. The study’s researchers from the University of California at San Francisco studied data on sugar intake and diabetes from 175 countries. The researchers found, “that every 150 kcal/person/day increase in sugar availability (about one can of soda/day) was associated with increased diabetes prevalence by 1.1%.”
The researchers went on to state: “The impact of sugar on diabetes was independent of sedentary behavior and alcohol use, and the effect was modified but not confounded by obesity or being overweight. Duration and degree of sugar exposure correlated significantly with diabetes prevalence in a dose-dependent manner, while declines in sugar exposure correlated with significant subsequent declines in Diabetes rates independently of other socioeconomic, dietary and obesity prevalence changes.”
In other words, if the results of this study are accurate, sugar is directly related to developing Type 2 diabetes and cutting back on sugar is directly responsible for improving Type 2 diabetes. Limiting the amount of sugar you eat might drastically change your health and your life.
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.
Dr Beecher’s April 29 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, April 29th, 2013
Mental Attitude: Negativity Online. Simply reading angry rants online can cause a negative mood shift within five minutes of doing so, even if you find them entertaining, interesting, or funny.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, March 2013
Health Alert: Superbug Hits United States Hospitals! Untreatable, antibiotic-resistant infections from a rare but life-threatening super bug are on the rise in United States hospitals. Early in 2012, close to 200 hospitals and long-term care facilities treated at least one person infected with bacteria from the Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) family, and 50% of patients who contract bloodstream CRE infections will die. These bacteria can spread among patients and on the hands of health care workers. This kind of transmission can produce new deadly infections for hospital patients, and potentially for normally healthy people as well. To
date, nearly all CRE infections occur in people receiving medical care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or nursing homes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2013
Diet: Olive Oil and Satiety. Consuming olive oil as part of your normal diet may help increase satiety (the feeling of fullness) following a meal. Technical University of Munich, March 2013
Exercise: More Reasons. Exercise helps reduce and prevent the immediate symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability) and decrease the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: Bone Demineralization. With lack of proper motion (joint immobilization), vertebral bone density will decrease if the vertebrae do not bear normal weight (think of osteoporosis). On the other hand, bone density will increase when coupled with lack of proper motion and the vertebrae bearing too much weight
(think of degeneration and bone spurs). Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1992
Wellness/Prevention: Prevent Tobacco Deaths. By the end of this century, tobacco smoking is projected to
kill one billion people! To reduce the prevalence of smoking to less than 5% worldwide by 2048, world officials are attempting to implement plain packaging, high taxation, smoke-free public places, and educational non- smoking and stop smoking campaigns. Governance of Tobacco in the 21st Century, March 2013
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 April 22 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of: Monday, April 22nd, 2013
Mental Attitude: Cognitive Function and Exercise. Regular exercise as a child can result in improved cognitive function at age 50. Exercise represents a key component of lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Even low levels of exercise can have a positive effect on cognitive function. Psychological Medicine, March 2013
Health Alert: Insomnia and Heart Failure! Compared to people with no insomnia symptoms, people who suffer from insomnia appear to have a three-fold increased risk of developing heart failure.
European Heart Journal, March 2013
Diet: Lack of Sleep and Your Diet. People who are sleep deprived are more likely to choose both larger portion sizes and more calorie dense meals and snacks than they would after a normal night’s sleep. Psychoneuroendocrinology, February 2013
Exercise: Stroke Survivors and Walks. Taking regular brisk walks outdoors can help people recovering from a stroke to improve their physical fitness, enjoy a better quality of life, and increase their mobility. The walking group in this study reported a 16.7% improvement in health-related quality of life, and walked 17.6% further in a six-minute physical endurance test. They also had a 1.5% lower resting heart rate at the end of the study than they did at the beginning, while the non-walking groups resting heart rate went up 6.7%. The American Heart Association recommends stroke survivors do aerobic exercise for 20-60 minutes, 3-7 days a week, depending
on fitness level. Stroke, March 2013
Chiropractic: Bad Deposits! Fibrin deposits (from lack of proper motion) form and build-up in and around joints and the surrounding soft tissue, resulting in chronic inflammatory conditions. This can cause chronic pain and associated dysfunction of the joint complex. Spine, 1987
Wellness/Prevention: Maternal Diet. An important predictor of the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants is what their mothers ate during pregnancy. The most serious cases of RSV correlate with mothers who ate a diet high in carbohydrates during gestation.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, March 2013
Quote: “Those who say it’s not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” ~ Tricia Cunningham
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 .
