What is Carpal Tunnel?
Houston Area Chiropractor Comments: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve (median), which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed between the displaced bones of the wrist (called subluxation). Nerve signals originate in the brain and follow tracts down the spinal cord through openings between the neck bones (vertebrae). The nerves then travel down the arm and into the hand. At the wrist a semicircular tunnel allows the nerves to travel through the highly mobile wrist area. The tunnel is a narrow and rigid passageway of ligaments and bones at the wrist and contains the median nerve and tendons. The tunnel deforms when there is sprain or damage to the ligaments allowing the bones to move away from their normal positions.
There are also other causes for compression, such as inflammation. Sometimes the nerve is more susceptible to compression at the wrist if it is also pinched or irritated at the neck level. When the nerve is compressed or irritated at both the wrist and neck area it is called a double crush injury or syndrome.
Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be pinched. This is why sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen will decrease the pain in some patients. But they really are a no-end kind of treatment that never gets at the cause of why there is inflammation in the first place. They also have significant side effects, especially in older patients where they can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding (ulcers).
The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers except the little finger as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. Pain, tingling and numbness in the hand can be caused by neck problems such as a herniated disk, sprains or subluxations, and arthritis.
When carpal tunnel syndrome strikes the result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist. Sometimes the pain runs from the wrist and back up the forearm. Many patients will also say that they have other bothersome symptoms such as back and neck pain or stiffness.
Many patients believe that surgery will help their condition or have had it recommended to them. It is important to make sure that a comprehensive diagnosis is obtained prior to contemplating surgery. Surgery is a very drastic and last resort type of option so one should try conservative treatments first. If the problem is an irritated or compressed nerve in the neck, no amount of wrist surgery will help that type of problem.
A comprehensive and thorough examination is needed to determine the cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com. or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Dr Beecher’s February 2012 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“In general, mankind, since improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires.” ~ Ben Franklin
Can This Vitamin Cut Your Risk Of The Flu By 42%?
The best part is – you do not even have to take
this vitamin to get the benefits! Find out how…
Read on the discover:
- NTSB recommends full ban on cell phone use while driving.
- The danger lurking in raw cookie dough!!!
- 65 Pound Pit Bull Becomes Guardian Angel: The amazing story how a lost pit bull stopped a robbery and saved a mother and her 2-year-old child being held at knifepoint. Move over Benji and Lassie, there is a new Sheriff in town!!!
Houston – There is no doubt about it, getting the common cold is no fun. But, coming down with the flu can be a real nightmare! No one wants to miss work or school and have to deal with a fever, chills, headaches, body aches and just plain misery for a week or so (or even longer if you do not take care of yourself).
Here’s something very important most people do not understand: It is must easier to PREVENT the flu (or any sickness or disease) than it is to treat it.
You’ve heard the quote:
“An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.”
But, for most people, it’s nothing more than lip service. It’s just human nature. When you are sick and you feel terrible, you say you are never going to let “this” happen again. You are going to eat right, exercise, etc. But, as soon as you feel like you’re back to your old self, you start acting like your “old self.” Don’t feel bad… just about everyone does it that way… except for the people who almost never get sick. J
Let’s face it, ALWAYS eating right, getting proper rest, reducing stress and so on in today’s society is nearly impossible. That’s why you should always make the effort to do your best and to find small, but powerful, things that can help you in a big way.
For a while, some medical experts have ranted and raved about Vitamin D and its positive effects on health… and more and more research is being published that makes it look like they’re right.
For example, Dr. Joseph Mercola writes, “According to the findings from a 2010 study that didn’t get any widespread attention, vitamin D is a highly effective way to avoid influenza.
“In fact, children taking low doses of Vitamin D3 were shown to be 42 percent less likely to come down with the flu.
“The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study included 430 children aged 6-15, who were followed between December 2008 and March 2009.
“Half were given 1,200 IU’s of vitamin D3 daily, while the other half received a placebo.
“Influenza strains were determined through lab testing of nose and throat swabs.
“Eighteen of the children taking vitamin D contracted influenza Type A, compared to 31 children in the placebo group.
“Type B influenza rates were unaffected by vitamin D use, however, the illness resulting from Type B influenza strains is typically milder than Type A.
“Considering the fact that influenza was reduced by 42 percent at a dose of just 1,200 IU’s a day, it’s possible that even better results might be obtained with higher dosages—depending on just how deficient you are to begin with, of course, because it’s not really the dosage that matters; it’s the amount of vitamin D in your blood.”
One huge thing to understand here is that the study isn’t just referring to “Vitamin D,” it’s referring to Vitamin D(3). So, if you are going to take a Vitamin D supplement, it should be for Vitamin D(3)… and it is always recommended you consult with a qualified physician who is an expert on nutrition and up on current research. A lot has recently changed about what researches and scientist know about nutrition, not to mention what was taught in school 10 or 20 years ago!
But, here’s something else that is important and often very misunderstood: The best possible source of Vitamin D does not come in the form of a dietary supplement. The best source is the SUN.
Wait, isn’t sun exposure bad? Doesn’t it cause skin cancer?
The first thing to understand is that “sun exposure” is not bad. Too much sun exposure is bad. Water is not bad for you but drinking too much water can kill you. Simply because drinking too much is bad for you does not mean you should not drink any.
The same is true for the sun. Everyone is different but everyone needs the proper amount of sun to maximize their health potential. You should get regular amounts of sunlight but NEVER enough to burn you.
Since skin types vary, as does the sun’s strength in different geographic locations, there is no “formula” to follow. Once again, seeking advice from a physician well educated on this subject is a must. Getting no sun is not good, but you don’t want to get too much, either.
National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) Recommends Banning
All Use Of Cell Phones While Driving
“This (distracted driving) is becoming the new DUI. It’s becoming epidemic,” said NTSB member Robert Sumwalt.
An estimated 3,092 roadway fatalities last year involved distracted drivers but experts think the true number is probably higher because many distracted drivers either do not admit it or are killed in the crash.
35 states ban text messaging while driving, 30 ban cell-phone use by novice drivers and 10 ban all use of hand-held cell phones.
The safety board recommends development of phones smart enough to know when you are driving to discourage use.
Their new proposed ban would go above and beyond what states are currently doing in an effort to regulate cell phone usage.
According to CNN, “The recommendation is the most far-reaching yet by the National Transportation Safety Board, which in the past 10 years has increasingly sought to limit the use of portable electronic devices — recommending bans for novice drivers, school bus drivers and commercial truckers. “Tuesday’s recommendation, if adopted by states, would outlaw non-emergency phone calls and texting by operators of every vehicle on the road.
“It would apply to hands-free as well as hand-held devices, but devices installed in the vehicle by the manufacturer would be allowed.”
Although safety is extremely important, one panelist discussing the issue wondered when the ban on playing with the car radio or children acting up in the back seat was going to come.
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 Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
65 Pound Pit Bull Becomes Guardian Angel:
Stops Robbery And Saves Mother And
2-Year Old Child Being Held At Knife Point!!!
It had been a good day. “Angela” and her 2-year old son were leaving a playground in Port Charlotte, Florida. That’s when a man cut her off in the parking lot. He was holding a knife and told her not to make any sudden movements. Angela didn’t know what to do. She was physically at the mercy of her attacker and paralyzed with fear about what might happen to her little son.
That’s when it happened… A guardian angel, in the form of a 65 pound pit bull, emerged from nowhere. The super-hero dog charged the attacker and chased him off.
“I don’t think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman,” Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse. “I don’t know what this man’s intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life.”
The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it so quickly jumped to defend.
“You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid,” Jones said. “He was like her guardian angel.”
As soon as the attacker ran off, Angela quickly put her son in their car. The next thing she knew, the 65 pound pit bull was sitting in the back seat with her son, Jordan. The dog looked like he was smiling.
Police believe the dog is probably not a stray, but rather, a lost pet because he is so well behaved. So, the hero of the day was brought to a shelter with the hope his owner would find him. But, Angela said if no one claims him after 5 days, she will adopt him. She has already named him “Angel.”
“It’s funny, that someone’s irresponsibility could have saved someone’s life,” Jones said of Angel’s possible owners.
“I don’t know what his (the thief’s) intentions were — I don’t know why he did it, but I’m glad that — we call him Angel — I’m glad that Angel showed up because I don’t know what would have happened,” she added.
Pit bulls are banned in England, Denver, Colorado and Miami-Dade County in Florida. If Angela had gotten attacked in a different part of Florida, Angel would have been “illegal” and most likely put to sleep.
ONE MORE SUPER HERO STORY – THIS ONE IS HUMAN!!!
When Lori Stearnes bought her grandchildren’s Christmas gifts on Kmart’s layaway plan, she had no idea she was about to discover the true meaning of the holidays. You see, after she received her paycheck and went to pay her bill, she found out an anonymous donor had already done it for her.
“It just gives you a warm feeling,” said Stearnes, 53, of Omaha. “With all the things going on the world, just to have someone do that is so, I don’t know, it’s hard to put into words.”
At Kmart stores across the country, Santa got a little help this past holiday season… Anonymous donors paid off strangers’ layaway accounts and bought the Christmas gifts other families couldn’t afford, especially toys and children’s clothes set aside by impoverished parents. Stearnes took her paycheck and paid someone else’s bill, just as others did all over the country.
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?…
Did you know that stress can lead to depression, weight gain and obesity, major health problems and over the long term, can even shorten your life? Well, now researchers at Tufts University think they might have the answer for stress relief in the form of a pill. The researchers say they have discovered exactly how stress hormones affect receptors in your brain and they have actually been able to block them.
According to the author of the study, Jamie Maguire, PhD., “By blocking the synthesis of the neurosteroids, they stopped the elevation of corticosterone, and prevented anxiety in mice. We have identified a novel mechanism regulating the body’s response to stress by determining that neurosteroids are required to mount the physiological response to stress. Moreover, we were able to completely block the physiological response to stress, as well as prevent stress-induced anxiety.
“Now, the team is focusing on modulating the neuroreceptors to treat some of the diseases that accompany stress — be they depression, anxiety, or epilepsy.”
Words of Wisdom: We all know stress is bad. We all know that all drugs have side effects. There are plenty of stress reduction techniques that do not require a drug, they just take a little effort. (But, it is wonderful that science recognizes the importance of stress reduction.)
Tip Of The Month
STOP!!!!! DANGER!!! Don’t Eat That Raw Cookie Dough!!!
We all do it. Just before you put the cookies in the oven, you take a little sample. Most mothers tell their children to keep their hands out of the cookie dough because it will give them a tummy ache. Well, as it turns out, it can give them something much worse. Scientists now warn that raw cookie dough can carry food-borne pathogens like E. Coli.
The Journal Clinical Infectious Disease recently published a study that reported an outbreak of E. Coli in 30 states with 77 illnesses. Of these 77 people, nearly 35 were so sick they had to be hospitalized and 30 died. According to Industry Leaders Magazine: The lead author of the study, Dr. Karen Neil, a medical epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “What our report shows is that you shouldn’t eat cookie dough raw, no matter where it comes from. It’s supposed to be baked.”
A recent study urges food manufacturers to get realistic with their products’ end purpose and consider presenting cookie dough that is not just ready-to-bake, but ready-to-eat.
Many think the E. Coli came from the eggs in the cookie dough. But, as it turns out, it wasn’t the eggs or sugar but the raw flour that contained the E. Coli. That means, even if you are making your cookies from scratch, it is still possible to be exposed to E. Coli by eating raw cookie dough. Even though the chances are small that you’ll come into contact with E.Coli, you should still avoid eating raw dough. E. Coli does not just cause a simple stomachache, it is serious and people die.
In this case, it just makes sense to eliminate that risk, no matter how small it may be.
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 contacting us at BeecherChiropractic.com.
Dr Beecher’s February 6 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, February 6th, 2012
Mental Attitude: Sleeping Problems? People who are poor sleepers exert a ton of energy trying to force sleep. Sleep is something that has to naturally unfold, so the more you engage in behaviors to try to sleep, the less likely you’re going to fall asleep. Behavior Therapy, Dec 2011
Health Alert: Acid Reflux Up! Reports of acid reflux experienced at least once a week have increased by 47% in the last decade. The prevalence of any acid reflux symptoms rose 30%, while the more severe symptoms rose by 24%. There is concern that these findings will lead to an increase in cancer of the esophagus, a once rare but now more common malignancy that is very difficult to treat. Acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux, is where the stomach contents (food and acidic digestive juices) escape upward into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms. Being overweight is a risk factor for acid reflux. Gut, Dec 2011
Diet: Depression And Vitamin D. Because depression affects one in 10 adults in the US and low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to depression, researchers suggest that screening for vitamin D levels in depressed patients and perhaps screening for depression in people with low vitamin D levels might be useful. Vitamin D levels are now commonly tested during routine physical exams, and they are accepted as risk factors for a number of other medical problems such as autoimmune diseases; heart and vascular disease; infectious diseases; osteoporosis; obesity; diabetes; certain cancers; and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, and general cognitive decline. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Jan 2012
Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps to alleviate depression and increases your ability to adapt to cold environments. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: What Did He Say? “The quality of healing is directly proportional to the functional capability of the central nervous system to send and receive nerve messages.” ~ Janson Edwards, MD. PhD
Wellness/Prevention: Don’t Smoke, Be Happy! Smokers have concerns that their quality of life may deteriorate if they stop smoking. However, a study found, in the long term, smokers who successfully quit experience no such deterioration due to quitting. If anything, they see some noticeable improvements. Specifically, compared with those who continued to smoke, quitters scored higher on measures of overall quality of life, health-related quality of life and positive emotions, both one year and three years on. They also felt they had fewer stressors by the third year. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Jan 2012
Quote: “Without Chiropractic I never would have won.” ~ Lance Armstrong
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 www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.
Dr Beecher’s January 30 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, January 30th, 2012
Mental Attitude: Do Video Games Enhance Cognitive Abilities? In a recent study, it was demonstrated that there is little solid evidence that games enhance cognition at all. On the other hand, it may be the people who have these enhanced abilities are more likely to play video games.
Frontiers in Psychology, Dec 2011
Health Alert: Diabetes Worldwide! There are 366 million diabetics worldwide and 4.6 million die each year from the disease. In the US, 8.3% or 25.8 million children and adults have diabetes, with 79 million having prediabetes. Diabetes Atlas, Nov 2011 & American Diabetes Association, 2011
Diet: Remember Cholesterol. High cholesterol levels may be associated with a greater incidence of brain plaques, a marker for Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, Sept 2011
Exercise: Wide Waists Trim Lifespan. Since the mid-1970s, when Harvard published “The Nurses Study,” we’ve been told women with waists over 40 inches raised their risk of early death by 40% vs. women who maintained waists in the 26-27 inch measure. Pounds add up. Studies show that obesity is starting earlier than ever. 18% of children ages 12-18 are reported as being obese and 66% of baby boomers (81 million born between 1946-1964) are either obese or overweight.
New England Journal of Medicine, Sept 2011
Chiropractic: Chiropractic and the NFL. All 32 teams in the National Football League offer their players and personnel chiropractic physician services for both managing and preventing injuries. Professional Football Chiropractic Society
Wellness/Prevention: Too Much Booze, You Lose. Men are more likely to binge drink than women. Research shows that drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases cancer risks, though moderate amounts of alcohol can show cardiovascular benefits that outweigh such risks. Men can play it safe by having no more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011
Quote: “A revolution is coming – a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough – but a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character, we cannot alter its inevitability.”
~ President John F. Kennedy
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 www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.
Why Does My Neck Hurt So Much But My Car Only Got a Dent?
Clear Lake Area Chiropractor Comments: Whiplash pain can be much different from other types of injuries. When a car accident is severe, the pain will come on right away. If the injury produces a mild or moderate sprain, sometimes it takes a few days for the pain and inflammation to reach its maximum. Sometimes it is stiffness that is the prominent symptom and the patient notices this in the first few weeks after the accident. The delay in pain is often seen in low speed collisions where typically there is very less damage to the vehicles.
There are a lot of factors that determine the extent of injury following a low speed whiplash. One of these is the neck posture prior to impact. Was the head turned? This can occur if the patient was looking at the rear view mirror during the collision. Low speed collisions can occur in parking lots. If the patient was turned to see if a space was clear, this can make a simple trauma result in a significant injury.
Besides the position of the patient prior to the collision, the speed and amount of vehicle damage are sometimes good criteria for the severity of the trauma. However, it may not be in many cases because of crumple zones. Cars are built with crumple zones. These areas are crushed during the collision and absorb the energy of impact. In some low speed collisions, there is less crumple and more of the force is transmitted to the occupants. This is but one reason why vehicle damage won’t always equate with the spinal damage.
Another factor in whiplash is whether the head-rest was properly positioned. A proper head-rest should be close to the back of the head and its high point slightly above the top of the head. The reason for the high position is that in a rear-end collision, the patient who is being hit will rise slightly with impact. If the head- rest is too low, then the neck will bend around it like a fulcrum causing even more injury. The same thing happens if the seat is reclined too far and the head whips backwards before hitting the head-rest.
Because symptoms can come on slowly and minor vehicle damage is not a good indicator of injury, a thorough examination is required. It is important to be checked by a chiropractor or other competent health care provider after any motor vehicle collision.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Dr Beecher’s January 23 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, January 23rd, 2012
Mental Attitude: A Good Laugh. When we laugh heartily among friends, we exhale repeatedly without drawing breath. This physical effort leaves us exhausted and triggers the release of protective endorphins, one of the complex neuropeptide chemicals of the brain that regulate pain and promote feelings of wellbeing. Watching 15 minutes of comedy in the company of others can increase your pain threshold by an average of 10%. Laughter is 30 times more likely to happen when we are with others than when we are alone. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Dec 2011
Health Alert: Antibiotic Resistance. Overexposure to antibiotics has long been a concern in the medical community, most specifically the development of antibiotic resistant infections as a result of repeated use. Ophthalmologic antibiotics have been found to promote antimicrobial resistance too, prompting a call from Vanderbilt Eye Institute physicians to be more judicial in the administration of certain classes of
antibiotics. Archives of Ophthalmology, Dec 2011
Diet: Protect Your Bones. A calorie-restricted diet higher in protein (mostly from dairy foods) and lower in carbohydrates, coupled with daily exercise, demonstrated a major positive impact on bone health. Bone health improvements were particularly evident due to the diet’s high density of bone-supporting nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D and dairy-based protein.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dec 2011
Exercise: It’s Harder To Run As You Age. Runners who find it more difficult to run as they age can make the experience easier on themselves by adding strength training and flexibility exercises to their fitness routine. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Dec 2011
Chiropractic: Bad Posture. Asymmetries in posture and motion can cause tethering, the adverse prolonged stretching of the central nervous system. This can result in spinal cord ischemia (lack of blood flow) and consequently motor, sensory, and autonomic neurological dysfunction. Tethering of the spinal cord has been linked to demylenating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Koch, 2002
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 50s. Cancer is more likely to show up in men over 50 years old. That’s why the majority of cancer screening exams begin at age 50. Finding and treating cancer as early as possible is one of the best ways to beat this disease. In the case of prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men), treating the disease at an early stage means men may be less likely to experience long-term side effects, like impotence. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011
Quote: “Money cannot buy health.” ~ Dorothy Parker
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 www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.
Dr Beecher’s January 16 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, January 16th, 2012
Mental Attitude: Watch This! A study compared mother-child communication while watching TV to reading books and the impact of each on child development. Watching TV led to less interaction between parent and child, with a detrimental impact on literacy and language skills. The team found that when reading a book with their children, parents used a more active communication style, bringing the child into contact with words they may not hear in every day speech, thereby improving their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Human Communication Research, Dec 2011
Health Alert: Hard To Swallow. 70,000 emergency visits each year are due to unintentional overdoses by children under the age of 18. Alarmed by this statistic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set up the PROTECT Initiative, a collaboration of public health agencies, private sector companies, professional organizations, consumer/patient advocates and academic experts to stop unintended
medication overdose in children. The study found that of the cases of accidental poisoning in young children in the United States, exposure to prescription medications accounts for 55% of emergency visits,
76% of admissions and 71% of significant harm. Journal of Pediatrics, Dec 2011
Diet: Have A Beer? Beer containing 5% alcohol and consumed at the rate of one pint a day compares to wine regarding positive effects on cardiovascular health. The study emphasizes that there is no place for binge drinking or any other form of heavy consumption. European Journal of Epidemiology, Dec 2011
Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise increases your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max-perhaps the best measure of your physical working capacity of your lungs).
Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: Pain and Posture. Patients demonstrating postural instability (body swaying while standing upright) are more likely to suffer from chronic neck or back pain.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, May 2011
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 40s. As we age, our metabolism decreases, especially as we reach age 40! Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help keep off unwanted pounds that may raise the risk of cancer. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011
Quote: “Come to think of it attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance.” ~ 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 www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.
Dr Beecher’s January 2012 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor” ~ Robert Frost
Stress and anxiety can be extremely harmful to your health…
Got Lingering Holiday Stress?
Learn simple ways to let it go, feel better and maybe even look younger!!!
Also in this newsletter:
- Why George Clooney considered suicide (and why you should never give up hope).
- European Union bans claim that water can prevent dehydration…WHAT?
- Research: Meditation improves immune system and reduces blood pressure.
- Overweight people eat fewer meals than non-overweight people.
Fighting For His Dream: After 26 long years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Dewey Bozella makes his professional boxing debut at age 52. You don’t want to miss this incredible story.
Houston – The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. Traveling, family visits, shopping, money concerns, etc. can all cause anxiety that is extremely unhealthy.
Increased anxiety and stress can weaken your immune system, allowing you to get sick with illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Who wants to be sick over the holidays, or any time, for that matter?
The accumulation of holiday stress and anxiety can last for months after the season is over.
High levels of stress can also cause a wide variety of aches and pains. Some experts believe that stress and anxiety is one of the major causes of back pain. There are even treatments for back pain based around stress and anxiety reduction.
Because high levels of stress and anxiety cause your body to produce very damaging chemicals, many harmful health conditions are possible (even if solid scientific evidence has not discovered the definitive link… YET).
Signs And Symptoms You Are Stressed Out
If you are having difficulty sleeping, feel tired (even when you first wake up and no matter how much you sleep) or are easily aggravated, then there is a good chance stress and anxiety are the culprits. You may even gain weight from stress and anxiety.
One of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety is through breathing. Controlled breathing is the simplest and most practiced relaxation technique for anxiety. It involves deep and slow breathing that helps the diaphragm expand and contract steadily, which in turn helps you control your breathing process. Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, and breathe out hardily. Focus on expanding and contracting the stomach rather than the chest. Repeating this empowers one to control the oxygen intake in the body, divert the stress reaction, and regulate the parasympathetic nerves.
Meditation Becoming Mainstream
Meditation is another great way to relieve stress and anxiety. New research suggests that mindfulness meditation can have benefits for health and performance, including improved immune function, reduced blood pressure and enhanced cognitive function.
The study, published in the latest issue of the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, draws on existing scientific literature to attempt to explain the positive effects.
The author of the study, Britta Hazel of Justus Liebig University and Harvard Medical School, pointed out that mindful meditation is not a vague cure-all.
According to the November 22, 2011 issue of The Telegraph: Effective mindfulness meditation requires training and practice and it has distinct measurable effects on our subjective experiences, our behavior, and our brain function.
Dr. Hazel said: “We hope that further research on this topic will enable a much broader spectrum of individuals to utilize mindfulness meditation as a versatile tool to facilitate change both in psychotherapy and in everyday life.”
Here’s Something For You If You
Put On A Few Pounds Over The Holiday Season…
According to Reuters, new research shows that normal weight adults ate more often than overweight people. This includes people who lost weight and kept it off.
From Reuters: Researchers following about 250 people for a year found that overweight individuals ate fewer snacks in addition to meals than people in the normal body weight range, but the overweight still took in more calories and they were less active over the course of the day.
“Most of the research has shown that people who eat more frequently have a lower weight,” said lead researcher Jessica Bachman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. “But no one knows why.”
Bachman also said, “It appears that being extremely physically active and eating more often helps them keep the weight off… Most commonly, they were walking at least 60 minutes a day 7 days a week.”
It is theorized frequent snacking keeps people from going into an extreme hunger mode. In other words, when you eat frequently, it keeps you from getting too hungry. When you don’t snack – you tend to eat a lot more when you eventually eat.
No matter what the “why it works” is – eating multiple small meals throughout the day seems to work much better than a few big meals.
George Clooney Considered Suicide?
That’s right. According to news reports. George said he contemplated suicide when he was struggling to cope with back pain while filming the movie Syriana in 2005.
He was doing his own stunts and ended up in the hospital. He told Rolling Stone magazine, “I was at a point where I thought, I can’t exist like this. I can’t actually live.
“I was lying in a hospital bed with an IV (intravenous drip) in my arm, unable to move, having these headaches where it feels like you’re having a stroke, and, for a short three-week period, I started to think, I may have to do something drastic about this.
“You start to think in terms of, you don’t want to leave a mess, so go in the garage, go in the car, and start the engine. It seems like the nicest way to do it.”
There is no doubt – back pain can be crippling. But, like most things, there is almost always a light at the end of the tunnel. Seeking proper treatment for back pain and thinking positively is the answer.
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 Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
He Never Lost Sight Of His Dream…
Even After 26 Years In Prison For A Crime He Didn’t Commit
The year was 1977. 92 year old Emma Crapser came home from playing bingo and was brutally murdered in her apartment located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
That same year, Dewey Bozella was 18 years old, and a suspect with a troubled past.
When he was 9 years old, Dewey saw his father batter his pregnant mother. His mother died from the beating, and his father ran away and never came back. Dewey and his nine siblings grew up in a series of foster homes.
One of his older brothers had a knife stabbed through his heart and out his back. Another brother would be shot dead. A third would die of AIDS. As a teen, Dewey had a reputation for fighting, getting high and committing petty crimes. He’ll be the first to admit he was no saint.
There was no physical evidence linking Dewey to Emma Crapser’s murder but Dewey was arrested. The case against him was dropped for lack of evidence. Dewey used this as a wake-up call. He enrolled in community college and started working with the mentally challenged.
Six years later, in 1983, Dewey was arrested again in relation to Emma Crapser’s death. This time he was charged with the murder. Prosecutors took the word of two inmates who said Dewey did it so they could cut a deal. One of their brothers also lied to help out his family member. During the trial, Dewey was advised by his attorney not to take the stand. His attorney said the prosecution had no case and he didn’t want Dewey’s past brought up in an attempt to sway the jury.
But, on the word of convicted felons who had cut a deal with the prosecution, the jury came back with a guilty verdict. Dewey went to Sing Sing a bitter man. He started boxing while in prison and became the light heavyweight champion of the prison.
In 1990, the brother of the inmate came forward and admitted he lied. Dewey was retried. The District Attorney came to Dewey’s attorney and offered a deal. He said if Dewey would take the stand and admit he did it, he could walk out a free man. Out of pride and the truth, Dewey stood by his principles and would not lie and say he did it.
The jury sentenced him to 20 years to life.
While in prison, Dewey continued to box and also earned a bachelor’s degree from Mercy College. Then, he earned a master’s degree from New York Theological Seminary. He got married too.
Then, the legal firm of Wilmer Hale took his case pro bono. The lawyers tracked down the arresting officer, who had since retired. After 22 years on the job, the officer took home only one file: the case of Dewey Rader Bozella. Something just didn’t smell right about it.
The lawyers quickly found that evidence had been withheld during the trials. They put in nearly a million dollars worth of work and found evidence that proved Dewey had nothing to do with the murder and that another suspect had confessed to the crime.
In 2009, 26 years after first being sent to Sing Sing, the chains were taken off Dewey and he was set free. He was 50 years old. Two years later, at age 52, Dewey became the oldest man to compete in an officially sanctioned professional boxing match.
Dewey won that fight against his 30-year-old opponent. When his hand was raised, so was his soul. Dewey had accomplished a dream and did so against the worst possible odds.
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 feel great and look younger! Don’t be a stranger. You really can afford Chiropractic care! Don’t wait until you can no longer move!
Did You Know?…Water Doesn’t Prevent Dehydration?
Common sense tells you water prevents dehydration… right?
Well, not according to the European Union (EU). As reported in the Telegraph, “EU officials concluded that, following a three-year investigation, there was no evidence to prove the previously undisputed fact. Producers of bottled water are now forbidden by law from making the claim and will face a two-year jail sentence if they defy the verdict, which comes into force in the UK next month.”
WOW! Two years in jail for saying water can prevent dehydration!!! Critics are up in arms, saying the law defies both science and common sense.
Conservative MEP Roger Helmer said: “This is stupidity writ large… The euro is burning, the EU is falling apart and yet here they are: highly-paid, highly-pensioned officials worrying about the obvious qualities of water and trying to deny us the right to say what is patently true… If ever there were an episode which demonstrates the folly of the great European project, then this is it.”
The Telegraph reported, “NHS health guidelines state clearly that drinking water helps avoid dehydration, and that Britons should drink at least 1.2 liters per day. The Department for Health disputed the wisdom of the new law. A spokesman said: ‘Of course water hydrates. While we support the EU in preventing false claims about products, we need to exercise common sense as far as possible.’” This issue probably needs no further comment. J
Tip Of The Month – An Apple A Day?
Studies are constantly proving that what you eat can be as powerful and more potent than a prescribed drug. Recently, it was proven that the presence of fresh apples in your diet could improve your memory and sustain brain health. Apples are becoming increasingly associated with brain health after more recent studies have proven the effect of antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples on reducing brain-cell inflammation and oxidation that naturally occurs due to the presence of free radicals.
The consumption of as much as two apples a day heightens levels of acetylcholine, a specific neurotransmitter that greatly influences brain signals responsible for movement and sensory perception.
Not only that, but regular consumption as such was discovered to diminish accumulations of toxins in the brain, particularly one type of toxin called beta-amyloid, which is thought to be one of the main culprits that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
While apples are now being proven to aid, halt, and reverse Alzheimer’s disease, enhance cognitive functions, prevent memory loss and help in other brain-related matters, there are still a multitude of studies being vigorously conducted to prove that apples are the perfect food for diabetics, patients with heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and constipation.
While the old proverb said one apple a day was enough, studies suggest increasing that dosage to two apples is a good idea for optimum health benefits.
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 or BeecherChiropractic.com.
Dr Beecher’s January 9th Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, January 9th, 2012
Mental Attitude: I Can’t Remember. Older individuals’ complaints about memory lapses (such as trouble remembering recent events) may indicate they are experiencing cognitive problems that are greater than typical age-related changes. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is expected to rise in the United States as adults 65 and older are projected to double in number over the next two decades. Clinicians are now incorporating cognitive screening tests as part of annual wellness visits for older people. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Nov 2011
Health Alert: Low-Dose Aspirin. The risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding needs to be considered when determining the potential preventive benefits associated with low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The risk is increased with the use of cardiovascular disease-preventing therapies. Low-dose aspirin is defined as 75 to 325 mg. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dec 2011
Diet: Soda Consumption. The average American drinks 44.7 gallons of soda a year. That much soda weighs about 375 pounds! AdAge, Dec 2011
Exercise: Benefits For Breast Cancer Survivors. For breast cancer survivors, the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks, including those who develop lymphedema, a chronic swelling that commonly occurs after breast cancer treatment. Balance the pros and cons of the activity one chooses, but keep in mind that even remaining sedentary has risks and being active is beneficial in many ways, including possibly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Journal of Cancer Survivorship, December 2011
Chiropractic: Nerve Interference. The pressure caused by just the weight of just one United States quarter on a spinal nerve can decrease nerve transmission by as much as 60%.
Chang Ha Suh, PhD
Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Prevention In Your 30s. One begins to lose muscle mass after age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss, build bone density and help the body burn calories faster to keep you at a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help decrease the risk of cancer.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nov 2011
Quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ~ Jackie Robinson
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 www.BeecherChiropractic.Com.
Are Doctors of Chiropractic “Real” Doctors?
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: I’m sure you’ve heard something like this before: “Don’t go to a Chiropractor. They will crack your bones and hurt you.” Or, “You definitely shouldn’t go if you have a herniated disk.” Or, “Never let them ‘crack’ your neck!”
Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Take a look at the educational requirements of a Chiropractor according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA):
Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
Doctors of chiropractic — who are licensed to practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in many nations around the world — undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences, similar to that of medical doctors. In some areas, such as anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition and public health, they receive more intensive education than their MD counterparts.
Like other primary health care doctors, chiropractic students spend a significant portion of their curriculum studying clinical subjects related to evaluating and caring for patients. Typically, as part of their professional training, they must complete a minimum of a one-year clinical-based program dealing with actual patient care. In total, the curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency which is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This has been the case for more than 25 years.
This extensive education prepares doctors of chiropractic to diagnose health care problems, treat the problems when they are within their scope of practice and refer patients to other health care practitioners when appropriate.
Chiropractors are very well educated and Chiropractic is a very safe and effective treatment for back pain, neck pain and many other conditions. Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
