Dr Beecher’s December 2011 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“Truth has beauty, power and necessity.” ~ Sylvia Ashton-Warner
The answer to this question may surprise you…
Did Alternative Medicine Kill Steve Jobs – Or Did It Extend His Life?
Discover what some experts say about the computer giant’s decision to put off surgery and seek natural methods…
Plus all this:
- “Text Neck” is on the rise – what is it and how can you avoid it?
- Do you suffer with MIGRAINES? What research says about treatment and what you should know.
- 4 tips to lose weight… without dieting.
- What It Really Takes To Be The Best: Paralyzed Racecar Driver Looks To Be #1…
Houston – You probably know his name. But, even if you don’t, it’s pretty much a guarantee that he has affected your life… probably every single day.
His name is Steve Jobs. The company he started out of a garage is called Apple. They make iPhones, iPods, iTunes, iMacs, MacBooks, etc.
Whether you liked Steve Jobs or not, there are some things you just cannot deny…
First, Steve Jobs is the quintessential storybook American dream.
At birth, his parents gave him up for adoption to a middle-class California family, with the stipulation that he attend college.
After one year at Reed College, Jobs dropped out and traveled to India to seek enlightenment.
After his return to the United States, Jobs and his friend, Steve Wozniak, started Apple Computer.
In the first year, they assembled computer boards in a garage and brought them to local computer enthusiast groups to try to sell them.
A little later, they developed the Apple II. It was a roaring success and the company went public four years later. In December of 1980, Steve Jobs’ net worth passed the $200 million mark. He was only 25 years old.
After that, there were several up and downs. Jobs was actually fired from Apple and then brought back to save it a decade later. And, he did. Nowadays, depending on the stock market, Apple is either the most valuable company in the world, or a close #2.
So What Does All This Have To Do
With Alternative Medicine Killing Steve Jobs
Or Extending His Life?
Plenty. But, the first thing to understand is that Steve Jobs was no fool. He was not some guy with minimal intelligence who read some stuff about cancer treatments on the internet and decided to risk his life, doing them. And, he was not the type to get fooled by slick marketers peddling a cure.
On the contrary, Jobs was a genius and a visionary. From what seems to be the case, he looked at the research… the pros versus the cons… and allegedly decided to put off surgery for pancreatic cancer for 9 months in favor of other, more natural approaches.
According to MyHealthNewsDaily.com:
“After Steve Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2003, he allegedly delayed surgery to remove the tumor — the recommended treatment — for nine months.
“During that interim period, he attempted to treat his cancer with alternative medicine, including a special diet, according to news reports.
“Could such a delay in treatment have worsened Jobs’ prognosis, and ultimately hastened his death?”
According to Dr. Maged Rizk, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, “I don’t think waiting nine months for surgery was a bad decision.”
“I believe that he must have really refocused his health practices [through changes in diet and exercise],” said Dr. Ashwin Mehta, an Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center. “To do as well as he did, he must have done a lot of things right. Therapies such as mediation, acupuncture and exercise may be used in conjunction with standard cancer treatments in order to improve health and reduce the side effects, which can include fatigue, chronic pain and problems with sleep.”
“I would never say to one of my patients, ‘you don’t need to continue with your radiation treatment or your chemotherapy, all you need to do is meditate and adopt healthy sleep habits, and start an exercise routine, and then you can cure yourself,’” Mehta said. “The reality is that’s not the case.”
But, used the right way, integrative medicine may provide a meaningful impact on the health of a patient with cancer.
“The bottom line is that the mind is such a powerful thing that it’s unreasonable not to use it as an ally in the course of standardized medical treatment,” Mehta said.
Here’s something very important to note about this story: The average life expectancy for someone with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor is about two years, according to PCAN. (It remains unclear whether Jobs’ cancer was metastatic when he was diagnosed.) Jobs lived for 8 years after his diagnosis.
“Text Neck”
What Is It And How To Avoid It
The older you get, the more you realize there are pros and cons to everything. Even all the amazing new technology we have these days is no exception.
For example, there is a new condition called “text neck” and it is said to be on the rise due to the amount of time people spend hunched over their cell phones, tablets and computer screens.
Experts say cases of this repetitive strain injury are on the rise as smart phones and tablet computers (such as the iPad) become increasingly popular.
In severe cases, the muscles can eventually adapt to fit the flexed position, making it painful to straighten the neck out properly.
This can be serious because long-term effects of such postural changes are believed to cause neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain and even arthritis, later in life.
“Imagine sitting on your ankle sideways for 10 minutes. It would feel stiff and sore when you returned it to its natural position. That is exactly what people are doing with their necks. If people continue to put their necks in these positions, the body will gradually adapt to the stresses,” added one Chiropractor who sees text neck patients regularly. One of the best ways to avoid “text neck” is to simply move. Don’t stay in any one position too long.
Tuck your chin and bend your neck to the back and to the front, then side-to-side and circles, as long as this does not cause any pain.
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)
What It Really Takes To Be The Best…
Paralyzed Racecar Driver Looks To Be #1
Excuses. We all have them. Some of us have (or make up) a lot more than others. We use them when we fail – or when we don’t do as well as we wanted to. For many, there are always too many obstacles in the way to succeed at anything worthwhile. You were born too ugly, fat, short, bald or poor to achieve your dreams. There is nothing you can do and it is not your fault. It’s easy to think that way, especially when so many accept it as their reality. We become our dominant thoughts… so it doesn’t take long before our lives are locked into a pessimistic reality.
…Until you hear about people like Michael Johnson and see him gliding his wheelchair into to the pit lane and his coach helping him climb into his racecar. But, Michael was never “normal.” By the time Michael was 12 years old, he had already won several Motocross National Championships. Then, he suffered a terrible crash during a race. He broke his back, all of his ribs on the right side, one of his legs and numerous other bones.
The accident left Michael paralyzed from the chest down. Surely, if being born short…or poor…or not attractive is enough to make some people quit, then being paralyzed from the chest down is way too much for anyone to overcome… but, not Michael Johnson.
“The day I got hurt I told my dad ‘I don’t want to stop racing, don’t make me stop.’” Michael said. “When I was recovering in the hospital, we were researching things I could do to race and we finally found go-karts and I started from there.”
So, what does Michael’s mother Kathi (who was there to witness her son’s horrific crash) think about all of this? “Don’t ever tell him he can’t do something because he’ll prove you wrong” she said, “and he already has. Nobody said that he would be able to do this and he’s already proved everybody wrong… He never got depressed… Never ‘poor me poor me’… he’s always had a wonderful attitude about this whole thing and that’s what inspires everybody.”
Do you think there is a correlation between his mother’s great attitude and her son’s success and ability to continue and succeed, even when facing brutal odds?
Michael had experimental stem cell surgery in Portugal in 2007 and goes to intense physical therapy three hours a day, three days a week. He’s been upgraded to an L1-L2 paraplegic, which means he’s regained feeling in his chest and abdomen.
While he’s still paralyzed from the hips down, he believes he will one day walk again. “I consider myself lucky” Michael said. “It could have been a lot worse than what I am right now and it’s coming back.”
He doesn’t mind being considered a role model and he hopes to inspire others. He’s on his way to achieving his goal of driving and competing in the Indianapolis 500. He’s testing his new car on the famed track at the end of October and he will turn pro in 2012. While most drivers use their legs to operate the gas, clutch and break pedals and help stabilize them in the car, Michael’s special car has controls on his steering wheel. This takes tremendous upper body strength and coordination and Michael is more than up to the task. Michael’s coaches say he is the smartest and most consistent driver they have ever seen and that he WILL race in the 500. It’s amazing how much you can achieve when you really believe and put your mind to it – and make the decision that NOTHING is going to stop you.
So, what’s holding you back?
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?…
Citrus fruits contain a vast array of phytonutrients that are just now being respected for their extraordinary health value. Fruits and vegetables have been renowned for years for providing essential nutrients like Vitamin C. There is a group of bioactive flavonoids that enhance the effects of Vitamin C and provide a powerful defense against oxidative stress. Bioactive flavonoids, Vitamin P, are found in living fruits and vegetables. The various bioflavonoids found in citrus include hesperidin, quercetin, diosmin, naringin and rutin, among others. These phytonutrients are vital for the proper absorption of Vitamin C. Many Vitamin C supplements consist of synthetically derived ascorbic acid. This is virtually ineffective. Without the natural citrus bioflavonoids, ascorbic acid is easily oxidized. This is why whole food nutrition is so much better than synthetically derived supplements.
Studies show citrus bioflavonoids effect capillary permeability and blood flow due to the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of these phytonutrients. This is especially important for oxygenating tissues and maintaining normal blood pressure. They reduce swelling, venous backup, and edema… and also improve respiration in the lungs.
The best sources of citrus bioflavonoids are lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines. They are in their most potent form when they are picked off the tree in their full ripeness. The longer they are off of the tree, the more nutrient value they lose. Once peeled, citrus fruit begin to oxidize and within days can lose a significant portion of their anti-oxidant value.
Enhance Your Citrus BioFlavonoid Consumption: Do not throw away squeezed lemon… eat the pulp and membrane first. If the peel is organic, you can shred it into a lemon zest and apply it to meat, salads, etc. Avoid orange & grapefruit juices, due to the high sugar and instead eat the whole fruit which contains fibers and significantly more bioflavonoids.
Tip Of The Month – Do You Suffer With Migraines?
What Research Says About Chiropractic Versus Popular Drug Treatments…
Although most headaches are not life threatening, they can negatively affect your quality of life. In severe cases, a headache is debilitating. Headaches have a wide range of causes, including infection, hangovers from alcohol consumption, fasting, and even serious conditions, such as brain tumors and strokes.
The most common headaches include tension and migraine, which are associated with nervous system disorders. More than 90% of the U.S. population will experience some type of headache. 28 million Americans, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men, experience migraine headaches. In a migraine headache, the artery on the outside of the skull under the skin of the temple (temporal artery) enlarges. As this process occurs, nerves that surrounds the artery stretch and release chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. The larger the artery gets, the greater the pain.
Most people know Chiropractic care can be beneficial for tension/cervicogenic headaches. But, can Chiropractic care help migraines too? Here’s what research dating all the way back to 1998 says… The study, published in the Journal Of Manipulative And Physiological Therapeutics, compared amitriptyline (a medication), spinal manipulation, and the combination of both therapies. There was a 4 week baseline period, followed by 8 weeks of treatment and then 4 weeks of follow-up on a total of 218 patients diagnosed with migraine headaches.
RESULTS: “Clinically important improvement was observed in both primary and secondary outcomes in all three study groups over time. The reduction in headache index scores during treatment compared with baseline was 49% for amitriptyline, 40% for spinal manipulation, and 41% for the combined group. During the post-treatment follow-up period, the reduction from baseline was 24% for amitriptyline, 42% for spinal manipulation, and 25% for the combined group.”
CONCLUSION: “There was no advantage to combining amitriptyline and spinal manipulation for the treatment of migraine headaches. Spinal manipulation seemed to be as effective as a well-established and efficacious treatment (amitriptyline). And on the basis of a benign side effects profile, it should be considered a treatment option for patients with frequent migraine headaches.”
Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal
and maintain the pain free body you deserve.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please let us know by calling 281-286-1300.
Dr Beecher’s December 5 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, December 5th, 2011
Mental Attitude: Commuting To Work Is Bad For Your Health! Spending hours each day behind the wheel or crammed in a public train or bus, commuting to and from work is bad for your health. Those who commuted reported more everyday stress, exhaustion, missed work days and generally poorer health. Those with longer commutes reported even worse health. Duke University, Oct 2011
Health Alert: Under Construction! Nearly all construction workers will experience one or more work- related injuries or illnesses over a lifetime, plus a greater risk of premature death. Over a 45-year career, a construction worker has a 75% chance of a disabling injury, and a one in 200 chance of being fatally injured on the job. An individual who begins construction work at the age of 20 has a 15% chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an 11% chance of developing dust-related parenchymal chest X-ray changes. Center for Construction Research and Training, Oct 2011
Diet: Strawberries & Stomach Ulcers. Scientists discovered strawberry consumption might help reduce and or slow the formation of stomach ulcers caused by alcohol consumption, viral infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen. Plos One, Oct 2011
Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps speed recovery from chemotherapy treatments, increases the ability to supply blood to the skin for cooling and increases the thickness of the cartilage in your joints. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: Wound Healing & Mechanical Stress. Exerting mechanical forces on an injury site immediately after healing begins significantly inhibits vascular growth into the bone defect region. However, after healing is underway, introducing mechanical forces on the injury site can lead to a more robust vascular network. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Oct 2011
Wellness/Prevention: Cranberry Juice vs. Cranberry Extracts. Cranberries have been recognized for their health benefits for years, especially in preventing urinary tract infections. However, it was found that drinking actual cranberry juice is much more effective in preventing a Urinary Tract Infection than simply consuming cranberry extracts. Food Science and Biotechnology, Oct 2011
Quote: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
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.
What Jobs Cause a Bad Back?
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Back problems are commonplace in society. It is important to ask if there might be certain risk factors for back injury that should be avoided if possible. While we cannot pick our genetic make-up or even our current occupation (for most of us), how we interact with our daily tasks can be the difference between disabling pain and minor aches.
Some of the most strenuous jobs are those tied to the construction industry. Concrete-reinforcement workers and carpenters have more back pain than what is typically seen in office workers. But office workers can be a greater risk for carpal tunnel symptoms. Each of these jobs has unique characteristics that make certain locations of the spine more affected than others.
Lifting heavy weights (e.g. concrete, lumber), especially in awkward positions makes the discs in the low back vulnerable to the load, which can exceed the strength of the ligaments. This is called a sprain and in severe cases the disc can bulge or herniate. If the worker can use good ergonomics (e.g. symmetrical lifting), then the disc can more safely resist the load. It is also known that the spine is stiffer in the morning, and develops higher pressures in the disc when a worker lifts at this time of day. Taking this into account, one can do more light lifting in the early morning. In almost every case one should never lift anything, even a light object, by doing a twisting motion. This action is where the spine can easily be damaged. Getting a buddy to help with a lift is a solution that many do not try.
Sitting for prolonged periods can also be damaging to the spine. First there is the inactivity, which causes muscles to become weak. The spine is designed for movement, especially walking. An apple a day is good but a walk a day is better. Sitting also causes increased pressure in the disks of the low back. If you add vibration (e.g. truck drivers), the sitting seems to be much worse. An anti-vibration seat, frequent walk breaks, along with a chair that provides proper support, are the main counter measures.
Each job has its own unique ergonomic characteristics and should be assessed accordingly. Proper spinal posture while working is a key to overall good health and is the best prevention for back injury.
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 November 28 Weekly Chiropractic Newsetter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 28th, 2011
Mental Attitude: That’s Life. Our life experiences (the ups, downs and everything in between) shape us, stay with us and influence our emotional set point as adults. By studying identical twins and monitoring them as their life paths diverged, researchers discovered life experiences are important influences on our levels of anxiety and depression. With diet, we say, “you are what you eat.” This study shows “you are what you have experienced.” Virginia Commonwealth University, Oct 2011
Health Alert: Drunk Drivers! During the past year in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control estimates there were 112 million incidents of adults getting behind the wheel of their car while under the influence of alcohol. That’s 300,000 a day! These people put everyone on the road at risk. 11,000 people are killed every year in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. CDC, Oct 2011
Diet: Thin Children? Children with thinner parents are 3 times more likely to be thin than children whose parents are overweight. When both parents were in the thinner half of the healthy-weight range, the chance of the child being thin was 16.2%, compared with 7.8% when both parents were in the upper half of the healthy weight range, 5.3% with two overweight parents, and only 2.5% for children with two obese parents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Sept 2011
Exercise: Vigorous Exercise. Men who perform vigorous exercise 3 times a week have a 22% lower risk of heart attack. Researchers believe the vigorous exercise results in higher HDL-C (“good” cholesterol) levels, known to lower the risk of heart disease.
American College of Sports Medicine, Oct 2011
Chiropractic: Total Regeneration. According to Deepak Chopra, M.D., “98% of the atoms in your body were not there a year ago.” With that concept in mind, taking care of your body is essential as it is a constant state of regeneration. Through proper diet, regular exercise, getting enough rest, maintaining low stress levels and proper chiropractic care, you can give your body the best opportunity to be healthy and stay healthy.
Wellness/Prevention: Kids, Stay Thin! If your children are overweight or obese, their risk of having high blood pressure is almost three times higher than children at normal weight.
Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, Oct 2011
Quote: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” ~ Bill Gates
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 November 21 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 21st, 2011
Mental Attitude: When You’re Hot, You’re Hot! When an athlete is doing well, commentators may describe him as being “hot” or “on fire.” Scientists have generally thought such streaks were, primarily, in the eye of the beholder… until now. After an analysis of five years of NBA free throws (over 300,000), researchers believe they have observed the so-called “hot hand” phenomenon: that a streak of positive outcomes is likely to continue. This phenomenon had largely been considered a product of human perception since its coining in 1985 but it appears commentators and fans were right after all.
PLoS ONE, Sept 2011
Health Alert: Risk Of Undetected Strokes! 95% of people aged 65 and older have brain small vessel disease. 25% of healthy seniors (average age 70) have evidence of small, silent strokes. Microbleeds, another type of small vessel disease, are associated with high blood pressure and with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike major stroke events, these types of small vessel disease gradually build up and increase the risk of clinical stroke events, depression, falls and Alzheimer’s dementia. Canadian PURE MIND, Aug 2011
Diet: Get Your Vitamin D! More than three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D and the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancer. The five most common primary diagnoses were breast, prostate, lung, thyroid and colorectal cancer. 77% of patients had vitamin D concentrations either deficient or sub-optimal. American Society for Radiation Oncology, Oct 2011
Exercise: Good Reasons. Exercise helps the body resist upper respiratory tract infections, increases your anaerobic threshold (allowing you to work or exercise longer at a higher level, before a significant amount of lactic acid builds up), helps to preserve lean body tissue, and improves ability to recover from physical exertion. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996
Chiropractic: Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care Safe? The rate of mild adverse events (irritability or soreness lasting less than 24 hours, resolving without the need for additional care) among chiropractic pediatric patients receiving Pediatric Manipulative Therapy (PMT) is .53% -1%. The incidence rate for PMT delivered by Medical Physicians is 6%, and 9% from Osteopaths. Clinical Chiropractic, Sept 2011
Wellness/Prevention: Men Stay Lean! Men develop type 2 diabetes at a lower body mass index than do women (33.69 vs. 31.83). Scottish Diabetes Research Network, Sept 2011
Quote: “I’m very pleased to be here. At my age I’m very pleased to be anywhere.” ~ George Burns
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 November 14 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Weekly Newsletter, please click here!
WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 14th, 2011
Mental Attitude: More Vacations? Researches claim vacations help us recharge our batteries and perform at a higher level once we return to work. However, because the after-effects are short-lived, we should take trips more frequently in order to keep our levels of health and well-being high.
The Psychologist, Aug 2011
Health Alert: Over Spending? Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found $6.7 billion was spent in one year for unnecessary tests or prescribing unnecessary medications, with 86% of that cost attributed to the prescription of brand-name statins to treat high cholesterol.
Archives of Internal Medicine, Oct 2011
Diet: Iron Man? The right amount of iron is needed for proper cell function, but too much may lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Men typically have more iron in their bodies than women, which may be why men develop these age-related neurodegenerative diseases at a younger age. (Younger women’s iron levels are thought to be lower because of menstruation.) To reduce iron levels: decrease over-the-counter supplements that contain iron, unless doctor recommended; eat less red meat; donate blood; and take natural iron-chelating substances that bind to and remove iron (such as curcumin or green tea). Neurobiology of Aging, Oct 2011
Exercise: Music To The Ears. Researchers found listening to music (in this case Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”) while exercising improved participants’ mental agility. The study’s author, Charles Emery, believes all types of music can produce a similar effect, not just classical. ABC News, April 2011
Chiropractic: Brain Activity And Chronic Low Back Pain. A new imaging technique, arterial spin labeling, shows the areas of the brain that are activated when low back pain worsens in chronic pain patients. This is a first step towards objectively describing chronic pain, normally a subjective experience. When a patient has worsening of their usual pain, there are changes in the activity of the brain in the areas that process pain and mood. Anesthesiology, August 2011
Wellness/Prevention: Breastfed Babies. Babies fed only breast milk up to the age of six months have a lower risk of developing asthma-related symptoms in early childhood. Compared to children who were breastfed for 6 months or more, children who had never received breast milk had an increased risk of wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm in their first 4 years.
European Respiratory Journal, July 2011
Quote: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali
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 November 2011 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter
To download Dr. Beecher’s Monthly Newsletter, please click here!
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.” ~ Washington Irving
Do you know these benefits of relaxation?
How Stress
Is Ruining
Your Life!
Learn To Relax To Lose Weight,
Feel Better & Look Years Younger
Plus All This:
- Red wine burns belly fat and helps diabetes?
- Simple steps to prevent and decrease high blood pressure.
- Meditation and pain relief.
A Valuable Lesson From A “Simple-Mama”: Why being a great role model for your children is the most important thing in the world…
Houston – Did you know there are relaxation techniques that can do wonders to relieve your stress? With times being so tough, who doesn’t need a good way to calm down and feel better?
A lot of people just ignore stress. But, stress is much bigger problem than most people think — it’s actually a killer.
Why Is Stress Such A Killer?
Stress changes body chemistry and these changes, over time, can lead to all kinds of chronic (and deadly) diseases.
Stress weakens your body’s natural immune system and makes you susceptible to the common cold, the flu and many other germs.
According to Care2…“In the US, stress-related problems cost the economy up to $300 billion dollars per year, with $7,500 dollars per person lost per year to stress, whether through absenteeism or decreased productivity. According to the American Psychological Association and The American Institute of Stress, over 19 million Americans are affected by stress; 77 percent suffer from physical symptoms, and 73 percent from emotional and psychological symptoms. And by one account… it is on the rise.”
Obviously, stress is not something that should just be “shrugged off.”
Can Red Wine Burn Belly Fat
And Help Diabetes?
It has long been thought that drinking red wine, in moderation, is “heart healthy.”
Now, researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered the powerful antioxidant Resveratrol, found in red wine, may also prevent diabetes by reducing abdominal fat accumulation (i.e., the dreaded “spare tire” or “apple on a stick” body shape).
According to an article in the Toronto Sun… “Although this is an early-phase research discovery, if it holds true in humans, there might be a way to prevent at-risk humans from developing obesity later in life,” said U of A researcher Jason Dyck, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology.
The study, conducted on lab rats, shows that all offspring fed a high-fat diet will gain weight.
However, offspring that have trouble growing in the womb, gain weight specifically in the abdominal-area, making them more susceptible to obesity and diabetes later in life.
Results show that when offspring with inner-uterus growth problems were given the antioxidant Resveratrol — commonly found in red wine – Type 2 diabetes was completely prevented because the natural compound targets abdominal fat.
According to Dr. Carolyn Torrillo, from provenrelaxationtechniques.com: “I know that when I drink a glass of red wine, it certainly affects my mood… I feel a gradual reduction in my overall emotional stress level and I especially feel my shoulder muscles (where I tend to “carry” most of my stress) loosen, and experience an overall relaxation of my whole body.
“Since learning that Resveratrol has also been found in berries, nuts and grapes, I have made a habit of drinking one-half glass (4 oz.) of red wine (around 100 calories) along with a 1/2 oz. of peanuts (83 calories) as a ‘heart and mind healthy’ treat.”
But, it goes beyond just drinking some red wine. Many experts agree that stress is a major cause, or accelerating factor in just about every illness and disease.
That’s why the best approach to weight loss and staying healthy is to not only eat right and exercise – it includes implementing proven relaxation techniques.
The right relaxation techniques, when done properly and consistently, can help you lose weight, stay healthy, give you more energy, look younger, perform better at work and in sports… and… give you a better life.
Don’t look for “one magic cure” to lose weight or stay healthy. The answer lies in doing several small things CONSISTANTLY for long periods of time.
Do that and if you take a look at your life – say 6 months from now – you will be shocked to see the thin, healthy and happy person staring back at you in the mirror.
But, it all starts with a decision and that decision is to start doing one small correct thing… right now.
Without that decision and action, 6 months from now, you will look in the mirror and see the exact same person living the exact same life.
Exercising Like This
May Be Causing Your Back Pain
Exercising is good for back pain… right? Well, it’s not as simple as that.
There are good and bad ways to exercise and when you have back pain, it can get much more complicated.
“Wear and tear on your discs is cumulative – it all adds up,” says Arya Nick Shamie, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and an Associate Professor of Spine Surgery at the University of California Los Angeles.
Irregular exercise is a big contributor to back pain, and the weekend warriors, those who are sedentary during the week and push hard on the weekends, are the face of this contributor to pain. “If you take on something tough after being relatively sedentary, you can seriously hurt yourself,” explains Dr. Shamie.
It’s not just the risk of injury while you’re doing the activity you have to worry about. “If you are doing high-impact sports without cross-training first to strengthen your core, your spine won’t have strong enough muscles to support the impact,” says Robert S. Bray, M.D., a neurological spine surgeon.
He recommends dedicating as little as 15 minutes three times a week to basic core exercises and stretching to help prepare your core for more intense workouts later in the week.
One of the best things you can do for exercise advice is to consult with a doctor who understands back pain, back injuries and how to treat them.
Chiropractors are specialists in treating back pain and can help develop an exercise program that is right for you.
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)
A Valuable Lesson From A “Simple-Mama”
Why Being A Great Role Model For Your Children Is The Most Important Thing In The World…
Times have changed. We live in a fast-paced society that often neglects and glances over the most important things in life. We all know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet and doing WHATEVER it takes to pay the bills and get by. It’s easy to get off track, to forget why we are all here. We may even do things we would not want our children to do. You know, “do as I say, not as I do.”
In the past, you used to be able to sum it up by saying, “don’t do anything you wouldn’t want published on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow.” But, in a day and age when people are rewarded and get rich for being “bad” that you can’t really say that anymore. Well, for some, times haven’t changed. Family values, ethics and morals that were important in the last century are still practiced today.
Honesty. Loyalty. Hard work.
“Simple-Mama” is one of those people. Her real name is “Jenny” but she goes by “Simple-Mama” on an internet forum where she helps strangers set up websites… FOR FREE. Yes, for free.
She is a mother of two boys and also has a daily blog where she posts links to free giveaways for mothers and children.
Jenny wrote a great article on her website entitled, “Are You A Role Model For Your Children?”
Here it is… “As a parent, I believe being a positive role model for my children is the most important thing I can do. The things I do and say now affect the type of adult they will one day become. And I struggle with this on a daily basis. My youngest child, who is three, frustrates me to no end. Because of this, I have little patience nowadays (which bothers me a lot). He is the exact opposite of his older brother. He is a busy-body who always has to be doing something and requires attention every second of the day. My oldest son (when he was younger, and even today) would be happy to sit and build a castle out of blocks for hours – and he would do it on his own. I have had to use two entirely different parenting styles with them. But one thing remains with both: I must be a role model.
Do As I Say… And As I Do
“I teach by example. I show my children that it is important to say you’re sorry. It’s okay to lose.
“And most importantly, you should never lie about anything, no matter how small it seems.
“All of these values were instilled in me by my parents and I believe in those values wholeheartedly. They have shaped me into the type of person I am today.
“One thing I discovered on my own though is health and nutrition. I have taught my children about living a healthy lifestyle and the importance of drinking milk and water rather than soda. Hopefully, by being a positive role model, I can pass on these values to my children. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all strict business over here. In fact, it’s almost the opposite. We are a family of jokers who all like to goof off and have fun.
Have Yourself A Little Fun Too
“Like going to the National Milk Mustache got milk? campaign on Facebook and create your very own milk mustache picture. How fun is that?! You can also watch the video about Moms and send an e-postcard to a loved one, maybe even to your Mom. Show her that she was, and still is, an important role model to you.”
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?…
The type of light bulbs we use and where our lights are positioned can have a profound effect on our sleep. Our bodies are highly sensitive to the lighting around us. In nature, lighting changes with the days, the seasons and the moon cycles. For humans in the past, these cycles signified what times were best for hunting, fishing, planting and harvesting, and of course, for waking and sleeping. These days, electronic lighting allows us to accomplish more than ever before at any time we like. With electronics like televisions, computers and smart phones, we have more we can do in our spare time than ever before. But, these also keep us awake.
It’s no coincidence that chronic sleep deprivation and sleeping disorders are also more common than ever. These sleep problems impact our quality of life in a big way. When we don’t get enough sleep, our mental function, our moods, our productivity and our long-term health greatly suffer. Fortunately, we can help get our sleep back on track by applying a few key lighting tips that make a big difference: 1) Low lights after sunset. This is crucial to help your body recover a natural circadian rhythm. After the sun goes down, avoid the use of overhead lights and instead use lamps at table height. This simulates the firelight our ancestors would have been exposed to after dark, whereas overhead lights simulate sunlight and prevent your body from realizing it’s time to rest. 2) Use low-watt bulbs. No need for bright, 100-watt bulbs in the evenings. For the last one to two hours before bed, use bulbs with a lower light output. 3) No blue before bed. Blue lighting simulates daylight. In the evenings, use bulbs that give off more yellow light. Lamp shades in gold or red tones can help simulate natural evening light and help you get to sleep. 4) Cut back on electronics before bed. Research shows that using electronics like televisions, computers or cell phones before bed contributes to sleep problems. Limit their use in the hour or two before bedtime. (If you need to use the computer at night, there is free software you can download to help your computer’s light simulate the natural light cycles of your region.) 5) Block window light. Street lamps or flood lights can shine through windows and are sometimes as bright as daylight! Get some curtains that block out light if you have trouble with light shining through your windows at night. 6) Bright lights in the morning. Did you know the light you see in the morning can affect your sleep at night? Expose yourself to the bright morning light as soon as you wake up if possible. If you can’t get outdoors, try a sun lamp for 15 to 30 minutes in the morning. Many report that sun lamps are very effective for restoring natural sleep cycles.
Tips Of The Month
Meditation For Pain Relief
Not too long ago, meditation was WAY out of the mainstream. But, things have changed. For example, according to the Times Of India, in April, 2011, a study by the researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center indicated that a person can attain at least 40 percent decrease in pain intensity and 57 percent in pain unpleasantness merely by practicing [meditation] techniques regularly. This reduction in pain was actually found to be better than morphine and other pain-relieving drugs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased brain wave activity (responsible for pain reduction) in study participants after meditation. Scientists could see WHAT was happening – but they did not understand HOW, until now…According to recent research published at the Brain Research Bulletin, investigators from Harvard, MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a possible answer. They suggested the explanation probably lies in alpha wave manipulation in the brain. Researchers said, by practicing the techniques of mindfulness meditation for a period of eight-weeks or above, you can control the activity of these brain waves. Looking into meditation may not only be a possible way to relieve pain, it can also relieve stress. And, relieving stress can, in turn, relieve pain. It’s amazing how everything works hand-in-hand. Which bring us to…
Bring Down Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, one of the biggest factors for not developing high blood pressure is living a healthy lifestyle. This includes… 1) Maintaining a healthy weight 2) Practice moderation if you drink alcohol 3) Quitting smoking 4) Regulating the excessive intake of salt and sodium 5) Frequent regulation of your health by visiting healthcare professionals at periodic intervals.
The American Heart Association also recommends: aerobic training, weight training, yoga and meditation, and deep-breathing exercises. Here’s what they specifically said about yoga and meditation: “In order to prevent this condition, yoga postures and meditation techniques should also be incorporated in your daily routine. The prime effect of these fitness programs is that they help combat stress and saturate the mind with tranquility.” Once again… managing stress plays an important role in maintaining health. Clearly, the more ways you can incorporate stress management and reduction in your life, the better.
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.
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Dr Beecher’s November 7 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter
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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE
Week of Monday, November 7th, 2011
Mental Attitude: Remember Zinc. For over 50 years, scientists have known zinc plays a vital role in the brain but were not quite sure what that role is. Now, researchers from the Duke University Medical Center and MIT have discovered that zinc regulates the communication between neurons in the hippocampus, where learning and memory processes occur. Neuron, Aug 2011
Health Alert: Health Costs Rising! According to experts, healthcare spending will grow 6% each year through 2020. Researchers estimate that doctor visits, clinical services and prescription drugs will be the largest growth areas. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Diet: Where to Eat? As childhood obesity rises and the American diet shifts towards increasing consumption of foods eaten or prepared outside of the home, concerns about the nutritional quality and the total consumption of such foods are also increasing. Comparing measurements from 2006 to 1977, children now eat more calories every day (+179 kcal/day). This is associated with a major increase in calories eaten away from home (+255 kcal/day). The percentage of calories eaten away from home is now 33.9%. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Aug 2011
Exercise: Strong Arm Diabetes. Building muscle can lower your insulin resistance risk, thus lowering your chance of developing Type-2 Diabetes. Scientists have known for a while that low muscle mass raises the risk of insulin resistance; however, no study had attempted to figure out whether increased muscle, regardless of obesity levels, might improve blood glucose control.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, July 2011
Chiropractic: Hall of Fame Help. During his playing career, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Joe Montana said, “I’ve been seeing a Chiropractor and he’s really been helping me a lot. Chiropractic’s a big part of my game.”
Wellness/Prevention: Blueberries And Cancer. Eating as little as a cup of blueberries every day may help prevent cell damage linked to cancer.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sept 2011
Quote: “Nature, time and patience are three great physicians.” ~ H.G. Bohn
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.
What is a Degenerated Disc?
Houston Area Chiropractor Comments: A report from your doctor that you have a “degenerated disc” can sound scary until you realize that lots of people have degenerated discs and it does not mean surgery. It is important to understand how the disc works in the low back, how it is injured, and how it can be safely treated, to get the best results with your condition.
So what is a disc? A disc is nothing more than cartilage similar to the cartilage in your knee. Cartilage covers bones and connects them allowing a joint to be formed. Cartilage and ligaments are what make motion possible but they also restrain movements that are too large. In the case of the spine, there are 24 individual bones called vertebrae. The disc is a cartilage that connects each of these vertebrae.
The disc can be injured just like a knee or an ankle can be sprained. The injury will stretch the ligaments and cartilage and cause them to tear. Whenever the body is injured, inflammation follows which serves to begin the healing process. Damaged tissue is consumed and scars are laid down.
In the case of the disc, the degeneration is usually at the back portion of the disc, because that is the location of the original injury. The disc also contains a more watery center called the nucleus. When injury to the disc occurs, the joint does not move properly. Lack of movement can be just as detrimental as too much movement. With this lack of motion there is less movement of water, in and out of the nucleus. The nucleus then dehydrates and the disc begins to collapse under the weight of gravity.
You were likely shown an x-ray of the degenerated disc and told that the space between the vertebrae is smaller because the disc material is degenerating. An MRI or CT scan can also show the degenerated disc. However, it does not mean that you need surgery.
The body is meant to handle degeneration of the disc and many people do quite well despite what an MRI or x-ray may show. Other patients have a bulging of the disc along with the loss of height. This bulging, called a herniation, can press on the nerve and cause back or leg pain (sciatica).
If the pressure within the disc can be lowered, then it is possible to create a vacuum that draws the bulging disc away from the nerve. Decompression treatment uses this effect as a treatment for back pain and leg pain caused by a degenerated disc.
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!
Headaches in Children
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Ouch! Did you know that 96% of children experienced some acute pain in the previous month? Headache, at 78%, is the most common type of pain reported. You may not have known that your child was experiencing pain. Sometimes children will show behavioral changes rather than complain of head pain. One study tested parents’ knowledge of headache vs. the children’s recollection. The children reported headache about 57.6% of the time for the previous month. Mothers, and especially fathers, tended to underestimate whether their child had suffered a headache.
It is alarming that so many children each month have headaches and 6% of schoolchildren have chronic pain. Over the past 30 years childhood migraine and “frequent headache” have substantially increased. No one really knows for sure what lifestyle changes are producing these painful trends.
Children with frequent and severe headaches are more likely to have difficulties with home life, friendships, classroom learning, and leisure activities. The child’s quality of life and life of those around them is substantially affected by headaches.
You’re probably not sure if taking pain pills at such an early age is the right thing to do. You have to be concerned because it is consumption of pills over many years that leads to problems. They’re not to be taken casually like vitamins, and serious internal bleeding or kidney problems can result from long-term use.
One study looked at headaches in childhood over a 20-year time span. They found that medication use steadily increased, and 70% were still consuming medications daily, 20 years after being originally diagnosed. Most patients had tension-type and migraine, and rated the headaches as moderate to severe. 45% of those surveyed also said that non-drug approaches were the most effective for them. There are non-drug and non-surgical approaches that have been proven effective. It is important to consider these options especially they generally don’t carry with them as many side effects.
Spinal problems in children can begin with neck trauma during delivery. Also many infants fall from a high place during the first year of their life. This can occur as the diaper is changed. These and other tumbles and traumas may cause the spinal joints to sprain, irritating the nerve. The chiropractor’s approach is to look at the child’s spinal structure to determine if there is a spinal cause for the headache. Adjustments are delivered to specifically address the areas in the spine that have sprained or subluxated to allow them to function more normally.
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!
