Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Holidays are here, try moderating your cheat meals.

The Holidays have arrived and the cookies and sweets have arrived as well.  It's very difficult for me to resist all the goodies that are around or gifted to me by family, friends and patients.  I have been known to have a STRONG sweet tooth myself.  The important thing to remember is that it's OK to cheat once in a while, just make sure it's done in moderation.  My Mother has been know to make the most amazing sugar cookies I've ever tasted and she makes them in abundant supply.  Anytime I'm at my parents house, I have to talk my self out of finishing the whole plate.  Then I remember the famous words of my old man, "all things in moderation."  He is a very wise man.  To eliminate all of life's pleasures is unhealthy, but moderate amounts within healthy ranges are fine.  I love the 80/20 rule.  Make sure 80% of what you eat is as perfect as possible and the rest can be what you want.  So, in closing, enjoy the Holidays with your family.  Leave the guilt behind and have some cookies, egg nog and Holiday Treats.  It's a short time of year and won't kill your health.  Happy Holidays everyone and here's a heads up.  Starting in January, we will be launching a huge Nutritional Purification Campaign in our office complete with weekly lectures and information.  We will follow that with a month of Fitness promotion to round out your New Years Resolutions.  Always remember, Life is better when you're Well Adjusted!

Sincerely,
Dr. Caldwell

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Health Myth #4

Green mucous indicates a sinus infection:

No.  It does not indicate a sinus infection.  It only indicates that there is something compromising the immune system by either a bacteria or virus.  Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances (allergens) or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes (bacteria that live without oxygen), are involved in chronic sinusitis.  Fungi are also an increasing cause of chronic sinusitis, especially in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia, and diabetes.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Health Myth #3

Chiropractors do not have as much education as Medical Doctors

Answer:  Not True, see comparison of course work below

Subject Hours Comparison Between DC's and MD's

layoutYou may be surprised to learn that chiropractic doctors receive more class and study time in many important subjects compared with their medical counterparts.

Subjects
Class Hours
Chiropractic Students

Class Hours
Medical Students
Anatomy
540

510
Chemistry
165

325
Diagnosis
630

325
Microbiology
120

115
Neurology
320

110
Obstetrics
60

150
Orthopedics
210

155
Pathology
360

400
Physiology
240

325
Psychiatry
60

145
Radiology
360

150
HOURS
3,065

2,710

Additionally Required Studies

Spinal Manipulation
Nutrition
Physiotherapy
Advanced Radiology
Pharmacology
Immunology
General Surgery
Total Hours
4,485

4,250

See also this link:  http://yourchiropractorsandiego.com/index.php?p=246466#a6

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Health Myth # 2

Does cold weather make you sick?

Answer:  NO

In studies of cold transmission, people who are chilled are no more likely to get sick than those who were not. It may be that cold weather keeps people indoors, where germs are more likely to catch up with you.  Most contagious germs survive and thrive in colder weather, so there are more around to get you sick.  That is why you get a fever when you're sick, because your body is trying to eat up internally to kill of the bacteria and viruses in your body that are making you ill.  Cold temperature can compromise your nervous system making it work overtime.  Your blood vessels and skin will constrict and your hairs will stand on end in an effort to keep you warmer.  That is also why you shiver.  When the core body temperature drops, the shivering reflex is triggered to maintain homeostasis. Muscle groups around the vital organs begin to shake in small movements in an attempt to create warmth by expending energy. Shivering can also be a response to a fever, as a person may feel cold, though their core temperature is already elevated.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Health Myth #1

Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

Answer:  No, it most certainly does not.  Cracking or popping your knuckles does nothing more than release different gases from your synovial joints.  When the pressurized liquid in the synovial joint capsule between the bones of your fingers is popped it depressurizes and turns to a gaseous state, making the popping sound.  It is very similar to when you pop open a carbonated beverage.  The worst that can happen from cracking your knuckles is ligament laxity.  The reason it doesn't influence arthritic degeneration is that the bones themselves are not grinding in to each other which would be necessary for arthritic change.  I do not recommend popping your knuckles ten times a day, but once a day will actually prevent arthritic changes.  Stay tuned for more answers to health myths.