Dr Beecher’s March 4 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, March 4th, 2013

Mental Attitude: Young Adults Are Stressed-Out! A recent study shows adults ages 18-33 years old are more likely to report higher stress levels than those outside of their age range. Furthermore, 53% said they received little or no support for stress management from their health care provider.

American Psychological Assoc, February 2013

 

Health Alert: Mini Stroke? Each year 500,000 Americans experience mini strokes called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Symptoms usually go away within an hour, but 10-15% of people who experience TIAs will experience full-blown strokes within 3 months, and 40% of these strokes will occur within the first 24 hours! A TIA is caused by a temporary blockage, typically a blood clot, in a blood vessel in the brain. Symptoms are similar to a stroke and include numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, vision changes, trouble speaking, difficulty with balance or walking, and sudden severe headache.

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, February 2013

 

Diet: Low-Calorie Meals and Restaurant Finances. Restaurants that introduced more low-calorie options had a 5.5% increase in sales compared to a 5.5% decline among the restaurants that didn’t offer such options. In

fact, they had a 10.9% growth in customer traffic versus a 14.7% decline in the other restaurants.

Hudson Institute, February 2013

 

Exercise: More Reasons. Regular exercise reduces the likelihood of developing low-back problems, as well as improving balance and coordination. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

 

Chiropractic: Colic and Chiropractic. A review of six randomized trials involving 325 infants suggests infants who received gentle, low-velocity manipulation treatments had a reduction in crying an average of one hour and twelve minutes a day, and had no adverse effects. Cochrane Review, December 2012

 

Wellness/Prevention: Tea and Wine. Natural chemicals found in green tea and red wine may disrupt a key step of the Alzheimer’s disease pathway. In early-stage experiments, researchers identified the process which allows harmful clumps of protein to latch on to brain cells, causing them to die. They were able to interrupt this pathway using the purified extracts of EGCG from green tea and resveratrol from red wine.

Journal of Biological Chemistry, February 2013

 

Quote: “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.” ~ Mark Twain

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

DR BEECHER’S JANUARY 7 WEEKLY CHIROPRACTIC NEWSLETTER

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WEEKLY HEALTH NEWS UPDATE

Week of Monday, January 7th, 2013

Mental Attitude: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Antidepressants. Only a third of patients respond fully to antidepressant medications and there is no consensus on what to try next.  In a study of 469 patients from the United Kingdom who did not fully respond to initial treatment, 235 patients again received the usual care (antidepressants) and 234 again received the usual care plus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of treatment that focuses on examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to find patterns in thinking that cause negative thoughts leading to negative feelings and self-destructive behaviors. 46% of participants who

received CBT as an adjunct to usual care saw improvements after 6 months compared to only 22% among those who solely used antidepressants. Those in the CBT group experienced less anxiety, were more likely to go into remission, and experienced fewer and milder symptoms than those in the other group. The Lancet, December 2012

 

Health Alert: Childhood Obesity Rates Falling! During the first decade of the 21st century, childhood obesity rates among children in lower income families in the United States have decreased (14.94% in 2010 vs. 15.21% in

2003). The Journal of the American Medical Association, December 2012

 

Diet: Red Wine and Cancer. Resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine, is thought to help prevent cancer. Lab models designed to identify any benefits from consuming the amount of resveratrol in 2 daily glasses of wine found a reduction in the rate of bowel tumors by around 50%. University of Leicester, December 2012

 

Exercise: Good Vibrations. Within 7 months of starting a poor diet, normal mice became obese, with significant damage to their immune and skeletal systems. Daily 15-minute treatments of low-intensity vibration, barely perceptible to human touch, helped restore the immune and skeletal systems of the mice towards those of mice fed a regular diet. If this effect translates to humans, it could have benefits for obese people suffering from immune problems related to their obesity. The FASEB Journal, December 2012

 

Chiropractic: Quit Smoking! Smokers suffering from spinal disorders and related back pain reported greater discomfort than those who stopped smoking during an 8 month treatment period. Patients who had never smoked

and prior smokers reported significantly less back pain than current smokers and those who had quit smoking during their care. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, December 2012

 

Wellness/Prevention: Sleep and Pain?  In a recent study, participants who slept 1.8 hours more per night had increased daytime alertness and less pain sensitivity than those who slept their normal amount.

Sleep, December 2012

 

Quote: “What is called genius is the abundance of life and health.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

 

This Weekly Health News Update is compliments of Dr. Ward Beecher and Beecher Chiropractic Clinic. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 281-286-1300 or BeecherChiropractic.com .

 

Dr Beecher’s May 14 Weekly Chiropractic Newsletter

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Week of Monday, May 14th, 2012

Mental Attitude: Less Distress If Active! Researchers found that older adults who experienced any level of psychological distress were more likely to experience physical functional limitations than those who did not. Psychological distress scores indicated that 8.4% of all older adult participants experienced some level of psychological distress and older adults who experienced even a moderate level of psychological distress were the most likely group to experience a functional limitation — almost seven times more likely than those who did not report any psychological distress! Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April 2012

 

Health Alert: Super Markets and Waist Size. People who shop at discount supermarkets or in supermarkets in areas with poorly educated consumers have higher than normal body mass indices (BMI) and waist circumferences. According to the study’s author, Basile Chaix, “A public health strategy to reduce excess weight may be to intervene on specific supermarkets to change food purchasing behavior, as supermarkets are where dietary preferences are materialized into definite purchased foods.” PLoS One, April 2012

 

Diet: Red Wine & Fruit For Fat. Piceatannol is a compound found in red wine, grapes, blueberries and passion fruit. It’s able to block cellular processes that allow fat cells to develop, opening a door to a potential method to control obesity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, April 2012

 

Exercise: Regular Walking Regimen. Cancer patients can literally take a step-by-step approach to combat fatigue following surgical treatment. This fatigue doesn’t go away with sleep, affects daily activities (doing your personal hygiene in the morning, getting up and getting dressed, going from the bedroom to breakfast, etc.) and can also lead to anxiety and depression. Patients who underwent an operation as part of their cancer treatment and then started a regular walking regimen experienced less fatigue than cancer survivors who did not do the walking program. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, April 2012

 

Chiropractic: Keep Your Blood Flowing. Patients with atherosclerosis are associated with increased disk degeneration and subjective low back pain. Atherosclerosis slows blood flow to the disk complex, which, in turn, leads to degeneration. Spine, 1997

 

Wellness/Prevention: Cancer Is A Preventable Disease! Only 5-10% of cancer cases are due to genetic defects. The other 90-95% of cancer cases are due to environmental and lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, infectious agents, environmental pollution and radiation.

Pharmaceutical Research, September 2008

 

Quote: “When somebody challenges you, fight back. Be brutal, be tough.” ~ Donald Trump

 

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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