Dr Beecher’s November 2011 Monthly Chiropractic Newsletter

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“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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